Angels with Newfound Hope
Act 2 Chapter 8: Tensions
The walk over to the bar was nothing more than an awkward silence for the trio. Maverick and Bryce exchanged words every now and again whilst Alex stayed behind, watching his dragon slip further and further from his grasp. And to think that all of this was caused by the Administrator. When he got a chance to talk to her again, he'd make sure she regretted ever meeting him.
"Finally. Home sweet second home." Bryce joked, creating an opportunity.
"Ain't that the truth." Alex agreed simply. A pair of eyes belonging to the chief fell on him before disappearing into the bar. That one gesture immediately made him want to just go back home and-
"Alex, are you coming?" Maverick grounded him back to reality in just one sentence. Looking up, he noticed the dragon holding the door. His blood eyes thankfully held more empathy than his boss.
"I... I don't even know anymore." The human slid down into a sitting position. His arms locked around his knees as his head buried itself again. "Every time we speak now, the distance between us only grows. I don't even think I can do this..." He trailed off, back starting to arch in heaving sobs.
"Stay with me. I need you to keep a level head. You won't accomplish anything by letting yourself stay like this. Trust me, I know." The silver dragon comforted him the only way he knew how. Not like it helped all that much, but it at least got the quivering ball before him to lift his head.
"How do you-"
"You guys coming in? Or will I be drinking alone tonight?" Bryce said with mild impatience. Unlike last time, Alex didn't try and follow up. He knew he was going to be disassociated with until there was hard evidence of his innocence.
"Very funny. I was trying to get our guest out of this slump, unlike someone I know." Maverick roasted harshly.
"You wound me, Mav. He's currently-"
"He's currently severely depressed, in case you forgot. You want to know what I saw earlier at the station? Me. Or rather, the hopeless excuse I'd become after that." The officer trailed off, his gaze falling to the pavement. "You know how I felt that day you came by. What I wanted to do." This had the brunette more than curious. But he got a feeling he shouldn't ask unless he wanted another death warrant.
"I only know something happened. That's all I need." Bryce fired back, garnering a numb glower from his coworker.
"And here I thought you were better..." Maverick brushed past into the bar. A single glistening droplet fell from his disappearing form...
"What's gotten into him? He usually isn't this hostile toward me." The chief thought aloud, plopping down by the front entrance. Alex found it funny how his dragon didn't want to associate with him. And yet there he was, sitting next to him.
He just wasn't sure if he should even speak. A hostile air was created between the two the last time they did.
"Well thanks for the talk. I should go get those drinks before they get warm." Bryce got back up and started for the door. He'd already given up trying to talk to this man, considering he wasn't even doing anything.
Alex drew his weapon once more, considering his options. He could go into that bar and endure a rough night with someone who really doesn't like him. Or he could use it as the tool it always was. Getting up caught his dragon's attention, not that he cared. Something had to be done.
"Hey, where do you think you're going?" Bryce called out to the human as he marched across the lot.
"To fix something!" Alex bellowed right back. His unabated wrath burned like hellfire, and it would not be quenched until Reza paid for his actions.
"Oh absolutely not! Not with that thing!" The chief bolted after. It was only two seconds before he caught up, slamming the man to the ground and knocking his weapon away. The impact most certainly busted a few blood vessels in his head.
"Ack! Was that fucking necessary?!" The ambassador shot off some of his rage, noting fresh ringing in his ears. One touch to his temple resulted in a small bloody patch on his palm.
"Probably not, but it seems you needed some sense knocked into you." The stocky dragon fired back more coolly.
"Well you damn sure knocked. Now I'm bleeding. Thanks a lot, chief." The man slipped out from under him, turning for the entrance with a red stream lazily trailing down his jaw.
"Wait a second. I didn't hit that hard... right? Alex?" Bryce was left behind as his company brushed past into the building. His heart sank the moment he noticed a bloody spot on the pavement.
The bar's air conditioning held a biting chill, instead of the comfort Alex once took solace in. A few dragons, the postman from earlier included, turned to stare as he swiftly stormed into the bathroom. Not that he even cared. He had a wound to nurse, and a lot of stuff to sort through...
"Okay, would you kindly tell me what that shouting was all about? I could hear you two from here." Maverick addressed the vanishing act performed by his former company with little concern. He idly checked his scales for dirt, admiring the golden color they adopted under warm light.
"He tried to do something stupid. I just stopped him." Bryce complained, finally joining his friend in the booth. He honestly didn't think he hit anywhere near as hard as he thought until just then..
"And what was that?" Was all the officer said.
"I don't know! When I asked, he only said he was going to 'fix something'." Bryce explained.
"Listen. It's best you take it easy on the guy. I've seen his mental state, and it's not good. Any more stress, and he might end up like me." The golden male chastised his friend for his poor handling of their missing company.
"I think he already-" The stocky dragon trailed off, his sentence cut off halfway through by a moist-haired Alex. The human silently sat at the very end of their occupied booth. One look at him revealed a disheveled mess. His eyes were reddened from an obvious flare-up of emotion, his shirt was dirty on one side, and he sported a fresh scrape right on his left temple.
"Are you alright?" Maverick started with an olive branch. Needless to say, it wasn't met very warmly...
"I need a drink." Maverick shot a glare at his boss, who surprisingly shrunk away.
"Evening, you three. What can I get you?" The waiter arrived not a moment too soon. That tension was so thick that it could be cut with a knife.
"Just our usual. Maybe a porter for our friend here." The dull copper officer requested with a gentle air about him.
"Ambassador Alex? I wholly expected to see Sebastian or Naomi here, not you." Zhong let a tiny chuckle escape him, not reading the mood until it was too late.
"Am I not allowed?" Alex groused to a more awkward chuckle from the barkeep.
"Ah, no! You are. I just wasn't expecting you is all." Zhong just barely saved himself with that. The brunette's mood was far from good enough to deal with all but minimal contact.
"I just want some whiskey, straight up." The black-clad male requested numbly, directing his softened gaze downward.
"Y- yes sir." The olive reptile rushed over to grab everyone's drinks. An near unbreakable silence struck again as the three waited for their refreshments. That still didn't stop Maverick from trying.
"Hey, how's your head?" His lost words didn't go unnoticed amongst the group. Guilt played at Bryce's muzzle in the deafening pause. Yet the human remained silent, unmoving. Awkwardness replaced tension in the dead air all the way up until Zhong brought their drinks.
"There you guys are. I hope everything's okay now." He addressed the tension that still remained after everything so far.
"We're not even sure. I appreciate this nonetheless. I think we just need to loosen up." Bryce responded, having given up on apologizing. Pretty much nothing could help the mood between them.
"I hope so. Just keep an eye on... him." The trio stared on as Alex gulped down his entire drink without so much as batting an eye. Setting down the glass, he finally acknowledged what was going on.
"What?" Was all he said. His mood seemed to have improved slightly from the mild buzz: a reminder of times past where he'd drink away his sorrows for Zoe.
"You just pounded down an entire glass of whiskey. I'm not sure whether to be impressed or scared for you." The chief uttered in shock. It wouldn't have been the first time for Alex either. He specifically remembered Onyx's chief getting onto him for such a thing.
"I don't even know." The ambassador stated bluntly, sliding his glass over to their waiter. "Keep them coming. I just want to forget this whole day."
"Alex, you really shouldn't be drinking like that. That amount of alcohol would destroy someone like you. I should know: I've seen Sebastian on a bad night." Maverick chastised the man across from him. His observations would be met with moderate hostility.
"And I think you should keep your nose out of my personal shit." The brunette spoke through his teeth in a guttural growl. A menacing stare pierced into the dragon's very soul as his companion cooled back off. And as if nothing happened, his gaze went right back to the table.
"Alex..." Bryce began, assuming a more commanding posture. "That's enough. Maverick was just trying to help. If you need to take anything out on anyone, I'm right here. At least I deserve it." His sturdy glare was met with one slightly softer. That phrase triggered so many memories in the smallest male. Lowering his head to the table, he buried his face in an arm. He didn't want his dragon seeing him in such a state no matter the situation.
"Alex? "The copper officer pressed. His actions today caused so much harm to a possible friendship, and all he wanted to do now was reconcile.
"Just leave me alone..." The brunette didn't even realize what he said until it was too late. The paw that crept his way retreated, leaving him completely alone.
"Alright then. I will until you want to talk. Just... promise me you won't take your stuff out on anyone but me. I hurt you, so I deserve it." The officer soothed in his own way. It made it difficult to be anything except hurt.
"No." Alex brought his head up to see a fresh glass of pungent amber alcohol next to Bryce's own half-empty glass. It seemed that he shut Zhong up for the worse, and that earned him more misery and another drink.
"What do you-"
"Forget about it." Was all the human said in response.
"No, I won't. What did I suddenly do to make up for my stuff?" The stocky male demanded, starting to lose his patience again.
"I'm taking that to my grave." He spoke in a low grumble that rivaled even the Chief himself.
"Then how about we challenge that? A simple drinking contest with some stakes? You seem able to hold your booze." Said chief noted his company's state of sobriety. A moment of silence followed before his company even acknowledged him.
"And the conditions?" Alex immediately knew where this was going. There was only one way it could go with his dragon.
"First to faint loses. You give me the full story if I win." Bryce challenged, a serious glare painting his gorgeous features.
"In that case, I'll raise you an extra. I spill everything and never bother you again if you win. But if I'm the victor-" The ambassador paused for dramatic effect. "You quit asking until I'm ready to tell." He offered with a hand out for a shake. The dragon took a moment to mull everything over before gripping said hand firmly.
"I hope you know what you got yourself into. I never go down easy." He taunted with little effect on his opponent.
"Worry about yourself, Chief. Maverick, get this on video." A fresh blaze of determination sparked within Alex as the stakes were laid down alongside his phone. Bryce caught up with his first drink whilst his friend figured out the device's camera. The smaller male picked a fresh glass up and began chugging its replacement of beer. Each gulp fueled the flames and spurred him on. And with one last swig, he planted the vessel back with a hefty 'Clunk'.
"Is that all?" Bryce lowered his muzzle into the dark amber liquid. Bit by bit, it disappeared with each noisy gulp. He even made the same show of staring his rival dead in the eyes as he drank. And with the same efficiency, every ounce of beer was gone within seconds.
"Still as good as ever. Nothing beats an ice cold beer after a long day." He patted his stomach for emphasis.
"Speak for yourself." Was all Alex replied with. The inner chill of his porter was exactly as comfortable as when he drank with Chris: not much at all.
"So, you feel the buzz kicking in yet?" The copper officer opened an eye to get a glance. The blush he noticed certainly instilled him with more confidence. Too bad he didn't get a chance to tease his drinking buddy.
"Hardly. At least one of us is a heavyweight." The brunette idly tipped his glass to one side.
"Yeah right. I can see it in your face. Or are you telling me that blush isn't from the alcohol?" The larger male fired off in hopes that he'd get something out of this man.
"I don't know. How about you ask yourself that?" Alex fired right back. And his projectile hit its mark. His dragon's holding back laughter turned him as red as a tomato. He let out a short exhale when he calmed down enough.
"You got me there. So could you tell me one thing about the person you lost?" Bryce shrugged it off with a prying, if seemingly innocent question...
"They're a person." The human stonewalled his dragon with pure malicious compliance. He wasn't getting his story that easy.
"That's not an answer!" The stocky officer playfully whined to a cheeky Alex. Another shot struck the bullseye.
"You didn't ask precisely what you wanted to know. Now if you'll excuse me..." Alex gestured to their empty glasses. Finishing it with a confident glower, he slid his over to Maverick.
"Uh... what do you want me to do with this?" He brought the large mug to his eyes with a deadpan stare.
"Keep it on your side as a tally counter; shows what round we're on." The brunette explained as simply as possible. The dragon just began tipping it out of boredom. And in the meantime; Bryce called for more drinks. Zhong gave a lighthearted chuckle as he came up.
"Started a little drinking contest, have we?" He asked. A playful smile tickled the edges of his lips. He already knew the answer, but humored them just for the fun of it.
"And with some actual stakes this time." The chief leaned back in his booth. His reply actually surprised the bartender for once. Those hazel yellow eyes carried the disappointment of a subverted expectation. One so rooted, it broke a rule he'd established regarding his friend.
"I didn't take you for the gambling type, Bryce. What's the occasion?" And yet, Zhong acted like it was nothing.
"It's just something with Alex." The two glanced over to the ambassador currently listening in.
"You didn't bet sex with that grump, did you?" The olive dragon let out a warm laugh Alex associated with his great uncle.
"Hah. You know I don't swing that way." Was all Bryce retaliated with. And with a laugh of his own, he let the barkeep get back to his customers. The influencer was about to come bother them again until Maverick threw him a look. It felt a little sad to see him slink back to his seat. All he wanted was to joke around with Bryce.
"Alright. You went first last time, now let a real man show you a thing or two." Bryce snarked, taking his bowl in a single hand. He took the bitter fluid into his maw like it was nothing. The lighting over his dragon reignited the fire deep within the ambassador. Those scales glowed a beautiful vibrant copper thanks to the gentle golden rays. Shadows created from them accented his muscles even further, inviting a furious blush. Not even the clanking of glass on wood could break him out of his stupor this time.
"Piece of cake. Your go, kiddo." He slid the bowl to the edge as Alex tossed his glass down. The barkeep must've switched out their previous orders for a baltic porter, since it was a translucent black this time around. That still wasn't about to make him lose. The fate of his relationship with the chief was at stake here. Nothing would get in his way of preserving it.
"There... You're right. That was... easy." The smallest male managed out. His faux confidence was beginning to recede, and wouldn't be coming back anytime soon.
"Struggling already, eh?" The stocky reptile threw his blow, one easily recovered from by his company. The drill was already known, now for the execution.
"I saw you out of breath too. Perhaps I could help you with your lung capacity later." Alex laid on some subtle flirtation that didn't go unnoticed. If anything, Bryce fired right back with worse.
"Why not hop under the table and help me with my endurance instead?" Bryce's face contorted into one of a man not even trying anymore. His coworker, however, was not amused.
"Bryce, tone it down. Not everyone wants to hear that." The silver-gold officer fired off. His irritation was accompanied with a growl in his voice.
"Oh come on, Maverick. We're only having a bit of fun. Why don't you live a little and join us?" The larger reptile brushed it off with a nudge to the shoulder.
"Because I'm judging this shit parade." Maverick took an idle sip, noting his drink was getting warm. That would have to be rectified with another visit from Zhong. Everyone knows warm beer is the absolute worst.
"Oh whatever. Let him be that way. This is our game, after all. Hey waiter! Let's get another round over here." Alex brought the attention back on him in one fell swoop. Zhong once again had their drinks with them within seconds. Though something was different about this round.
"There we are." The barkeep said with a hint of a snicker. A small glass of clear liquid had replaced the porter he'd just received.
"What's this...?" The human uttered with a sip.
"Something to quench your thirst." Zhong said simply, a mocking smile playing on his lips.
"Very funny. Now can I get my... actual drink?" Alex deadpanned. His struggling was getting more apparent by the minute. Just a couple more rounds and he should be done. That was what happened last time... right?
"Not until you drink every last bit, young man." Zhong teased as if the brunette were a child. He was given a look before the glass was practically inhaled. It was planted back on the table with a loud 'Clack'.
"Now can you please get that beer? I have a contest to finish." The ambassador's intense gaze fixed itself back on Bryce. He shuffled about uncomfortably in his seat until the bartender left, and those stormy orbs fell back to the empty glass.
Things fell silent once again as everyone tended to themselves. Bryce idly played with his claws. Maverick kept his eyes on the camera, still recording the whole match. And Alex? He was lost in his own head once again. He came to worry about what would happen if he lost this match. He'd fallen so hard into this slump just from the incident alone. What would even happen if he had to never bother the chief again?
"There. Good luck, kid. You're going to need it." Zhong popped everyone's bubbles as he set the third round to begin. The lack of confidence was duly noted with a lifting of their glasses.
"So was it your turn, or mine?" Bryce questioned. Alex's mind had become enough of a blur to have completely lost track. Thankfully for him, a knight in silver armor was there to save this.
"It's his." Maverick replied simply. The human nodded and lifted the mug to his lips. He couldn't let his failing willpower show even for a second. Else, he'd run the risk of ruining everything. That looming threat rebuilt his constitution enough to down the two remaining gulps with mild success.
"And now... it's yours." The smallest male panted. He honestly surprised himself with chugging that whole glass. Even Bryce sat in shock for a moment, assessing just what he got himself into. Placing his lips to the beverage, he began gently slurping. Bit after bit made its way down his throat with a bitter chill. At least he felt he was holding up better than this human.
"You don't... look so hot there... kiddo. Are you... good?" The fiery reptile slurred. It never occurred to Alex just how nauseous he felt until it was mentioned. A terrible, sickening ache racked his organs, nearly forcing him to empty the contents onto the table in front of him.
"Yeah. I'll be... fine." He tried desperately to gulp the feeling down with shocking success.
"I hope so. So here's a... question. What's your type?" Bryce pried in his drunken stupor. That bit of information certainly had him curious. The human remained silent for a long while. Enough so, that Zhong came by with fresh refills.
"You." The brunette gave the chief his full drunken attention.
"What?" The reptile's interest was piqued. Did he say that because he was drunk, or did he mean it?
"I... want-"
"Focus, you two. There's just one more round and I think you'll be done, knowing Bryce." Maverick thankfully broke it up before that idiotic human could make an even bigger fool of himself. The last thing they needed at that moment was to start another fight.
"Fine. Who's turn is it even?" Bryce managed through his stupor. The silver officer didn't allow their company to even think once again.
"It's yours." He muttered. The chief practically dropped his muzzle into the bowl, spilling a bit of his poor beer out. His conviction was cracking as he struggled with each mouthful. Yet, his competition still didn't dare take the low road.
"Your move... kid. Try and beat- that." The massive reptile hiccupped. Alex's demeanor brightened a smidgen when that happened.
"Okay, that was cute. You- you got that, right?" He questioned the recording officer. His only answer was to hold up the phone. And with that, the brunette's face nearly collided with his fourth glass.
All caution was thrown to the wind as he destroyed the final drink. He could feel it coursing through his system. That biting cold in his stomach spread throughout his body. A clank of glass signified the end of round four. It was getting difficult to even remain awake once again...
And yet, the human remained steadfast. His eyes locked with Bryce's in a staring match. Both were just waiting for the other to pass out. And moments later, both would have their wish granted...