Angels with Newfound Hope
Chapter 8: Drinks
Alex found himself right back in the police department. It was difficult killing time ever since he began thinking about how to go about his plan. He had to have come up with around a hundred different ways he'd ask. They started off bold, but fell into more recessed territory the more fear of rejection set in.
Now he stood in front of the door to Bryce's office. The only object separating him from his goal loomed over the human like a wooden monolith. He could feel the anxiety set in again. His heart raced, it became hard to breathe, the door felt like it was ever growing in size. The brunette really hadn't felt like that in such a long time. All those fears were long past, yet still fresh and suffocating. He had to find a place to sit before he fainted...
It took a while for the human to calm down enough to breathe properly. All he could do during that time was stare at that accursed door. A couple of officers walking by caught him glowering at the wooden devil. Both of the poor reptiles ended up staring at him with weirded out looks as they walked past.
Alex sighed heavily. He wasn't going to get anywhere by just staring a damned door down. He was going to have to get up and knock sometime. And that would come when his legs no longer felt like jelly...
An anthropomorphic reptile in full uniform knocked on the chief's door as the human was getting up. This was answered with a muffled 'Come in', to which they slipped in quietly. Both of them came back out a moment later with some papers in hand. He guessed the sight of him caught them off guard.
"Alex? What're you doing here? I thought you wanted to be left alone." Bryce questioned the brunette. He was about to speak when the other officer nudged him.
"Hold that thought a second. I've just got one last bit to do before my shift ends. Feel free to hang around in the meantime." The larger reptile then left with the mystery officer, leaving Alex to his thoughts once more. He couldn't get that moment out of his head. If he hadn't acted like a douchebag to Maverick, maybe he'd be on better terms with the chief now.
What was five minutes felt like an eternity as different choices and outcomes plagued the brunette's mind. Several different scenarios ran through his head by the time Bryce returned. He hadn't even noticed the chief's heavy footsteps until he was right in front of him. The human raised his head to Bryce, who had an amused look painting his muzzle.
"Comfy?" He jokingly asked, to which Alex nodded half-heartedly himself. It wasn't that he didn't appreciate his humor, just that he was still down from earlier. Bryce took notice and changed the topic.
"So did you want to tell me something? You looked like you had something to say before I left." He commented. The human perked up slightly at that and opened his mouth to speak.
"Yeah, actually. There was something I remembered about Reza while I was 'sulking'. I thought I'd come over and tell you in person." Alex explained. The officer's expression turned grim the moment Reza was mentioned.
"What was it? Anything about him at all can really help the case." The larger of the two questioned. The brunette took a moment to think about what he knew already before starting.
"I don't know if it'll help too much, but I do know a thing or two about his personality. His mannerisms in high school and college to be specific. Could that do anything for you?" The human explained. He secretly hoped Bryce's answer would at least be somewhat positive. At least then he'd be able to initiate phase 2.
"It actually can. All kinds of things, mannerisms and habits included, will be useful in getting a better idea of him." The reptile was admittedly relieved when a tiny smile began to grow on Alex's face. He didn't exactly like seeing the ambassador as glum as he was.
"You know, I'm just about done here for the day. You want to discuss this over a beer or something?" He offered. The human still kept stoic on the outside, but inside: he was leaping for the heavens. He could very well have his opportunity if he didn't mess this up.
"A beer, as in just one?" Alex chuckled. "I don't know about you Bryce, but I'll take three. Just thinking about a nice cold one gets my mouth watering." He wrapped an arm around the larger reptile's shoulders as he spoke, causing him to let out a bemused chuckle.
"Oh we shall see my friend. We shall see." The newly formed duo began their way to the nearest bar. Neither would say it aloud, but both were elated the lighthearted mood was restored.
Alex and Bryce chatted idly on the way over. The former was in the middle of a hilarious story about a customer he saw when it came into view.
"And the guy says 'Actually ma'am, I thought since you can't tell the fucking difference between a customer and an employee, you must not be able to read. So I figure this book can help.' That bitch was stunned!" Bryce roared with laughter as the human relished the noise. The story itself had been about an entitled woman who demanded another customer find something for her. He was about to continue when the reptile spoke up.
"Holy shit. I love watching stuff like that go down! It's always funny when they get shut down. Shame we're already here, though." The larger gestured to the signage. He let his company get the door for him to strut right on through, following suit shortly after.
The modern interior threw The brunette off from his first impression. He figured it'd be a bit older feeling, more akin to the exterior. Both of them took in the refreshingly cool air for a bit.
"Looks like we're just in time for happy hour." Bryce commented casually.
"I take it you come here often?" At least Alex didn't say that line like every drunk dumbass he'd witnessed. The chief just rolled his eyes with a soft chuckle. He took that as a small victory.
"Maybe. Grab me some drinks and find out." The larger reptile added. The pair sat across from each other at a table as the bartender came up. He was a warm green pseudo-anthro, clad only in a bowtie and some dapper looking cuffs.
"Hey you two. What can I get you?" He kept his greeting quick and cordial as was required. The human got the feeling those two may know each other outside of their work.
"Just the usual." The reptile requested. The bartender jotted it down and turned to the human.
"One generic beer coming right up. Anything for you, Alex?" He almost lost his cool with the look the aforementioned man gave him. Alex himself caught up from the shock of his name being public and regained his bearings.
"How the hell did my name go public so fast? Also, I'm not sure." The bartender looked to Bryce, who nodded. He disappeared behind the counter to grab the chief's drink and whatever surprise he had planned.
"Guess we get to chat about my sudden publicity." He joked, grinning sinisterly at the large reptile before him.
"It's been public for awhile now." Bryce deadpanned. The human only nodded with the same look.
"Yeah, I don't think you realize how screwed you really are right now." Alex threatened playfully. The reptile caught on with it and challenged him with fervor.
"My place or yours?" He asked, nearly losing it when the brunette managed to choke on his own saliva. He may have underestimated the reptile.
"You motherfucking troll." The smaller male grumbled after he finished suffocating, defeated. His company just sat there with an overzealous smirk. He took a mental note to try and wipe it off as soon as possible. The bartender was swiftly back at their table with their drinks. Bryce's was served in a bowl as wide as it was tall, whilst Alex's surprise was an array of glasses. Each was filled with a different kind of beverage ranging in lightness.
And the chief didn't hesitate to take a sizable gulp of his beverage whilst the human inspected each glass. Did the man in front of him know about this?
"Well what are you waiting for? Go ahead and try them." The reptile urged. Alex took the lightest glass and inspected it. A lightly fizzing golden IPA distorted Bryce's face before it was downed. Most certainly not as good as he wanted it to be.
"Not the best I've had. So what's this all about?" The brunette questioned. It seemed valid, considering the nods those two shared beforehand.
"I'm just letting you get a feel for the drinks here." Was all the larger said before motioning towards the glasses again. Alex shrugged and took the second lightest. It looked akin to an amber ale, but only experience would tell.
"Hm. That seems more my speed." The human complimented after downing the glass. He was motioned yet again to the rest. The third was red in hue: probably an Irish red beer, Chris' choice for 'light' drinking.
"Nice flavor. I think I remember Chris getting this from time to time." He mused, donning a gentle smile. It was always nice drinking with that guy.
"I usually prefer that if they run out of my choice. Speaking of..." Bryce motioned to the glasses again. The fourth seemed to be a Baltic style porter: the reptile's own choice. Alex remembered just how high the alcohol content is, so he'd have to be careful if he got it.
"That's... actually pretty good. I'm getting sort of chocolate hints from the smell alone." The brunette admired. That guy had good taste in beer. The last glass was an imperial stout, judging from the color and aroma. His eyes shot open as soon as it hit his taste buds. That damned stuff was crazy bitter!
"Eugh... That's going to take some getting used to." He set the glass down, pushing the amber ale forward. Better he stuck with what he knew for now...
"Still a fine choice you made. Waiter, we have a decision." The larger reptile flagged the barkeep down and requested the drink. The latter was back momentarily with a tulip glass. Seemed he knew his vessels.
"So about Reza. Care to tell me what you know?" He leaned back in his seat as he asked. The human couldn't help but compare him to Chris when they drank together. They both seemed so laid back with a beer in front of them.
"Not at all. The earliest I remember him is fifth grade. That kid was more of a loner than I was. Stayed that way til high school, when he started actually speaking out. He got out of his shell more and more and eventually gained popularity. That made him a bit of a pompous upstart with other students and even faculty. He eventually became respected, yet feared because of his sharp tongue and quick wit. Reza once got out of a fist fight by convincing a bull kid he knew Jiu Jitsu." Alex took a sip to stave off his building cottonmouth before continuing.
"He got into acting after college, believe it or not. It kind of fit him considering how much of a pompous cock he'd become. Stupid kid always acted like everyone was beneath him. Anyway, There was an experimental portal program going on about a year ago in San Gregario. Scientists there were looking for volunteers to test it. They had another one set up far north to travel to. I guess Reza signed up and things went haywire." The human grabbed his drink again and let Bryce ask a few questions. The dragon didn't hesitate to get the gaps left filled in.
"That doesn't completely sound like what I've heard. Reza seemed more into technology than drama, besides creating it with Maverick. Aside from that, it's practically the guy I'm acquainted with. There's also the lack of a story about us." Bryce contemplated whether or not the person Alex was talking about was the same one who arrived here.
"I'll bet that's all part of an act. He'd kind of have to bullshit his way through everything. I don't even know how he made it through the exams for the program. You need to demonstrate crucial survival skills in a worst case scenario. As for the story, the program's pretty private. Only those deeply involved know the inner workings and what's on the other side." Alex took another swig of his beer.
"So what about the letter? There's still a lot left unsaid about that." The chief questioned. The human thought back to yesterday.
"He actually told me it'd be coded earlier that day. I wouldn't have known how to do it without going back to some spy shit he taught me as a kid." The brunette explained. His company sunk into some thoughts again before his muzzle absently dipped into his bowl, taking another gulp.
"So you two didn't plan this beforehand?" The reptile looked to the human, who shook his head. There really wasn't any light of recognition at the mention of any plan.
"God no. I still wonder what he would've told me, had Maverick not interfered." The smaller male grumbled. It was more than clear they both wanted answers from that night.
"We do too, and you can damn well believe it." Bryce took the final sip from the bowl. The human hadn't completely noticed until then, but he had already finished his first bowl. The human took it as a sign of his proficiency.
"Hey waiter? Bring me another!" The chief called out. Alex polished his off and asked when the bartender came around. The larger reptile was about to dip his muzzle in when a thought came to mind.
"You know what? How about we have ourselves a little competition?" He offered. The brunette was admittedly surprised he'd do that first date.
"Hm... I don't know, this beer is pretty- sign me up!" Alex planted his palm on the table for dramatic effect. His company just cracked a smile.
Alright. I'll give you that one. You had me going for a second there." Bryce chuckled. The smaller human was now glad these guys didn't have cars. The last time someone tried bringing one into Onyx, they nearly hit someone. That very reason was exactly why there was a subway. Onyx's roads were too small for cars anyway.
"We're doing porters. The rules are simple. We both get a round, then wait a bit for the effects to hit. First to give loses." The reptile explained. Alex was embarrassingly familiar with this game. The first time he challenged Chris went miserably. How could he have even known that horse was such a damned heavyweight?! At least he was more seasoned now. Enough so that he was confident in keeping up.
"Well what are we waiting for then? Let's burn some brain cells!" The man challenged, garnering an amused look.
"And may whomever burns more win. This is the true game of kings, I tell you!" Without another thought, the chief lowered his muzzle into his bowl. He made a show of looking the human dead in the eyes as gulp after noisy gulp disappeared into his maw. The bowl was finished within seconds, not that the human was impressed.
"That all?" He picked up his glass and brought it to his lips. With each gulp, his middle finger slowly perked up until the alcohol was gone. He pretended not to notice as he set the vessel back down.
"Delicious." Alex sighed. Only then did he 'notice' the bird he was giving his drinking buddy. "Oh. How'd that get out?" He put the finger back down with the smarmiest grin he could muster. Bryce just rolled his eyes.
"Snarky little shit." The reptile commented, to which the brunette's smirk grew even wider.
"All part of my charm." He chirped. Bryce just rolled his eyes with a grin.
"So, you feel the buzz kicking in yet?" The chief asked. Alex's head did feel just a touch numb. That beer was a lot stronger than he initially thought. It was just too bad he didn't get a chance to speak.
"And don't lie to me. I can see it in your face, unless that blush isn't from the alcohol." He added, freezing the brunette solid. That damned reptile was going to kill him with all the embarrassment. He gathered up what little courage he had left and made his response.
"You wish that was a buzz." He scoffed, trying to wave him off.
"Do I really?" Bryce flirted with a wink. That was official. All the blood just left the human's brain, and went... other places.
"So how's life here so far? Compared to your hometown that is." The sudden innocent question failed to snap Alex out of his lewd thought process. Regardless, he still answered as well as he could.
"It's... not that different from Onyx. The biggest difference here is the people. But the thing I like most is that I'm in a drinking contest with someone who could possibly beat my friend. Just the thought alone would probably make him squirm." The human mentioned. Now Bryce had another question that would probably be left unanswered, considering how piss-drunk they'd end up.
"You ought to tell me about him sometime. I bet I'd get a kick out of it." The chief commented. Alex smiled, finally out of his stupor.
"I'd love to. Let's set it up for when we're not going to be completely sloshed." He held out his hand for a shake, which the reptile took. "Waiter?! Another round please. And porters this time." The human called out. The barkeep rushed back to them with two more vessels.
"Having ourselves a little drinking contest, are we?" He asked. Bryce decided to answer that one.
"You know how it is." The officer chuckled. The waiter rolled his eyes a little at the response.
"That I do. Be careful Alex, this one's a pro." He warned, to which the human flashed a cocky grin.
"So am I." He held his smirk even as the barkeep adopted an uncertain look.
"Your funeral then." The anthro shrugged as he walked back to the bar. The duo was about to start in when someone else strutted up to them.
"Did I hear something about a contest?" A near black dragon with green plating running up his face placed his elbow on the table. Alex was almost afraid the force would spill their drinks.
"Maybe." Bryce answered simply as this new dragon chuckled. The brunette would've been curious as to who interrupted their game, if he knew he wouldn't forget everything.
"Classic Bryce. Always up to your old shenanigans." The dragon teased. The stocky reptile caught on quickly and began laughing.
"Now don't spoil the fun, Xith. I don't post your life on social media." He chuckled. The dragon, now Xith, shrugged nonchalantly.
"Not my fault you get so many likes. Oh well, have fun with your human." Xith jabbed jovially before leaving. Bryce rolled his eyes at the influencer's behavior.
"Alright. I went first last time so it's your turn." The chief explained. Alex carefully lifted the chilled glass to his lips. Bit by bit, the cocoa brown liquid flowed down his throat. His vision began to blur the moment he set the glass back down. He couldn't let the reptile see how hard this was hitting him now.
"There... piece of cake. Your... go." The poor brunette struggled. He was worse off than he originally thought, and the guy in front of him... was perfectly fine.
"Did I just see you struggling for a second there?" The larger flashed a cocky grin. He knew exactly what he was onto. Now it was only a matter of time for them. The human had to come up with something quick. Thankfully, something was formulating in his mind. He just had to say it carefully enough to appear sober.
"That's my tactic. It's all about getting your guard down so I'll win with ease." He placed a hand on his chest for emphasis. Bryce was silent for a moment, only holding back a smile. Then he burst out in roaring laughter as his paw struck the table. The human was shocked the sheer force of the blow didn't break it in half.
"Keep it up kid! You'll actually stand a chance if you can make me die of laughter!" The side-split chief exclaimed between fits of laughter. Alex's head was held high for the moment as things went well. "As for my turn, let me demonstrate." The officer dipped his muzzle into the bowl before him. His swigs were notably slower than before. His resolve was indeed fading, just not quite as quickly as Alex expected. Every drop was still gone in seconds before The larger male lifted his head from the vessel once more.
"There. So I know you wanted to tell me about Reza, but was that the only reason you asked me out?" The larger reptile asked. The human would've spit-took had he had any liquids in his mouth. The look on his face must've been real funny if it got a snort out of his company.
"Real funny there. No, it wasn't. I wanted to apologize for being an ass during that bout with Maverick. That wasn't good of me to piss him off and I'm sorry." The brunette explained. The weight on his chest from that lifted just a little once he finished speaking.
"It's alright as long as you learn from it and don't let it happen again. It hurts me to see people I care about fighting." Bryce finally exposed, to which Alex nodded solemnly. He could've seriously screwed himself over during that ordeal. Before the human had too much time to put himself down again, his company called for more drinks. The waiter almost ran over with their beverages and set them down neatly.
"There we are." He said. The duo thanked him politely. "How are you holding up there?" The barkeep turned to the brunette. He honestly felt so much number than before, but wasn't going to admit it to his drinking buddy.
"Just fine. Thanks for asking." The man answered confidently. It was too bad the actual confidence was no longer there.
"If you say so. Good luck." The waiter held a knowing tone as he went off to other customers. Bryce turned back once he was gone.
"So was it your turn or mine?" The chief asked. Alex's mind was more of a blur than last drink, but he still kept track.
"It's yours." He answered. His company nodded and silently placed his lips to the drink. He was noticeably faltering now, even having to pause in the middle for breath. The human was getting more confident he'd win with each slow gulp.
"Now... it's yours." Bryce slurred. Alex couldn't even feel his fingers anymore upon picking his drink back up. Bit after bit made its way down his throat, attacking his insides with its arctic chill. He felt just a touch nauseous after he set the emptied glass down.
"There. What's with that look? You waiting for me to... puke or something?" The smaller male questioned suspiciously. All the chief did was smile.
"Yep. Victory won't be any sweeter... than out-drinking a human." He stated cockily. The brunette scoffed at the remark with his own smirk.
"Keep dreaming then. Oh, so... I've got a question." The man slurred. Bryce motioned for him to go ahead. "How are you so damn hot?" He asked shamelessly. It wasn't like there was any subtlety left to muster anyway. That went far out the window after the most recent round.
"I just am. Got nothing else to say about it." The stocky reptile winked at him again. His flirtatious attitude did nothing to tone down the redness in the human's face. Another round was called for, and quickly answered.
The two stared intensely at each other, almost completely unable to focus. Both of them were hitting their limits. Alex just had to hold out a little longer and he'd secure himself a win.
"Who's turn is it even?" Bryce managed through the stupor. The swaying human took the time to piece the words together before answering.
"I think... it's mine." He muttered. Bryce responded with a simple 'Good' whilst his company plucked his glass once more off the table, spilling a little out. He began to hope the larger reptile would pass out already so that drink would be his last.
Alex had to pause between each swig to avoid choking. With some difficulty, he finished, nearly throwing the glass back on the wooden surface before them.
"Your move... 'Chief'." The smaller male grumbled. He was barely able to notice the lack of confidence in Bryce's demeanor. He guessed he caught him off guard. His cracking conviction instilled fresh confidence in the human. Now all he had to do was finish this.
"You're cute. I like you, I really do, but I sure as heck am not going to let you win." Bryce practically dropped his muzzle into the bowl, spilling a bit more beer out. It was clear he was struggling to swallow each mouthful. He even stopped at one point, panting heavily. Chris' voice rang out in Alex's head when he was considering taking a low blow.
'It's code not to jab at someone if they're struggling. Especially if they haven't done so to you.' The horse once said during their first game. The pished man decided on honoring that to the end. His company finally finished his bowl, liquid dripping from his muzzle.
Alex felt like he was about to pass out. His eyelids grew heavier by the second and Bryce's words blended together. Resting his eyes a bit didn't sound so bad right then...