fourstrings | When the world is too dark

When the world is too dark

[ The Evergreen has a strong no-assholes policy. This is undermined somewhat by the fact that Nick basically runs it now, but it means he can use himself as a gauge. If anyone’s a bigger asshole than he is, they get kicked out.

Steve is the kind of asshole who should have been kicked out way earlier. That’s on Nick. He was over-cautious, cut the guy too much of a break, because running this bar is the only thing that has him making enough cash to keep up with his responsibilities. He’d worried that word would get around that The Evergreen wasn’t a friendly place anymore, and he’d ruin the reputation Al had carefully built up for it over the years, drive customers away. And it’s not just because Al’s basically promised him the place and it’s his future he’s gambling on, but respect for Al. He built Nick sure as he built up this bar, and the very least Nick can do in return is not tank it. And in fairness, Steve had started slow: the kind of coarse jokes that are mean instead of funny, taking sly digs at people. Way too much flirting with women beyond the point it became clear that they didn’t want to be flirted with, at least not by Steve. Nick finally found his balls the night he’d rounded the corner to check there was enough paper in the johns and seen Steve caging a girl in against the wall, face leaning in even though hers was twisted adamantly away. He’d grabbed the man by collar and belt with no regard for the fact that Steve had a good three inches and 20 pounds on him, marched him out the door, and told him not to come back, ever.

Which means that Steve is now going on the Wall of Shame, and he’d been such a dick about it Nick wants to make it a special occasion. There’s a little florist across the street that’s probably gonna close down any day now, judging by the amount of foot traffic they get, so before opening the next day Nick heads over to give them a little last bit of support. There’s a little bell that rings cutely as he pushes the door open, a blast of welcome cool, fragrant air, and… the most beautiful man he’s ever laid eyes on behind the counter. Blond hair in one of those trendy cuts that look goofy on most people that aren’t pop stars but somehow suits him just right, big eyes shaded with long lashes, a sweet little beauty mark.

Nick stops dead just inside the door, confident that if he takes one more step without preparation he’s gonna trip over his own feet. ]

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[ it's the kind of laugh that makes vash want to hear more. just a little thing, but it warms up those eyes -- vash wonders what it would take to make him laugh right from the belly, wonders what it would sound like if he did.

he'd really, really like to hear it. ]

Maybe people just keep it to themselves.

[ because, y'know, most of the world has a filter between their brain and their mouth. vash can't relate. ] How does a priest end up working at a bar, though?

Hm.

[ It's... kind of a long story, and full of the sorts of things that make people go "oh, I'm so sorry!" which always makes Nick feel awkward for not actually being that bothered about it. He hedges his bets a little. ]

It's more like I was always meant to be a bartender, and had a brief stint as a priest. It's just how I was raised. Lots of religion growing up, so when I was encouraged to go to seminary it seemed reasonable. Can't remember exactly when I realized that most people in the church believed in God in a way that I didn't, but once I did it didn't feel right to keep it up.

I still hear plenty of confessions. Now I just give 'em a drink and some advice rather than Hail Marys.

[ vash makes a hmm of his own. ]

That's kinda nice, though. In the end, you wound up right where you're supposed to be!

[ the glove he wears is cut-proof (nai had insisted, after one very unfortunate incident with a box cutter and an ER trip), but unfortunately? he kept having to tug them off whenever he needed to use his cell phone, so vash has completely defeated the point by cutting off two of the fingers.

pays for it, too! like now, when one of the roses he's trying to weave pricks him with a thorn. there's a little hss of pain, a shake of his hand, and then he's popping the finger in his mouth to suck away the little bead of blood.

doesn't stop him from talking with his mouth full. ] And running a bar seems like way more fun than doing priest stuff.

[ ehehe. ] No offense to priests, or anything.

[ There's a brief spike of concern when Vash pricks his finger that furrows Nick's brows, but if Vash doesn't seem bothered by it it'd be werid to make a fuss, right? He decides not to. ]

Never got to throw a guy out and then get sarcastic about it with a wreath when I was in the church, that's for sure.

[ Or meet cute florists in a context that meant it was probably okay to flirt with them a little. Although maybe a little of the caretaker urge lingers - he looks at Vash, sucking on his fingertip, and holds out his hand. ]

Let me see that.

[ he blinks! it's just a little prick, really, nothing to worry about!

... but, instead of saying that? vash is handing his hand over obediently. it's almost kneejerk; something about the guy's voice has the same big-brother no-argument tone that vash has had his whole life to get used to. ]

What d'you think? [ tone grave. very serious! ] Am I gonna make it, or should I ask for last rites?

[ Oh, so he's a wiseass aspiring cowboy florist. The facets just keep on coming! Well, two can play that game. Nick holds that hand in his and looks over it with the best sombre face he can manage (and it really is just a tiny thing, there isn't even any blood after its trip into Vash's mouth), and makes the sign of the cross over it. ]

Lord, heal thy servant, that he may continue his good works.

[ He squints performatively at the finger. ]

Well, they must have forgotten to take my mojo when they took my collar, 'cause I can't see a damn thing.

[ And he hazards a wink, hoping it looks cool and in-jokey - or maybe just a little flirty - rather than sleazy. ]

[ okay, vash wasn't expecting the guy to actually give his finger the twisted christian science treatment. he blinks, eyes wide and mouth open a little in surprise --

but then, that. and vash laughs, rocking back a little where he's sitting. ]

Scratch what I said earlier. The priest thing is obviously your higher calling.

[ it's really unfair when super attractive priests-turned-bartenders rock up into your shop and start winking at you and calling you a tease. but vash!! can totally play it cool!!

besides, the wreath is almost done. just needs more green to balance out the color, so he's rummaging for that -- broad, shiny leaves woven in to form a base, smaller clusters of greenery helping break up all the pink and white. ]

[ Oh, wow. Vash laughs, and it lights up his whole face. Maybe the real miracle here is that he turns back to the wreath to add the finishing touches, so Nick is spared the indignity of being witnessed gaping at him. He lets his gaze linger a second now that it's safe before he redirects his attention to the wreath. ]

I'm starting to think this is too pretty for what I plan to do with it. You're good at what you do, huh? You'll have to give me a couple cards to pin up with it.

[ and... what the hell. They're neigbours! Well, work neighbours, at least; just the clothes Vash is wearing tell him it's pretty unlikely they live in the same area. Still, it works. Community feeling between local businesses, it's not an offer that could only be seen as sleazy. ]

You should come by the bar after you get off. You can see it in action, and I can fix you a drink.

Yeah?

[ he beams, lighting up at the praise. ] Glad you like it!

[ aaaand, finishing touch! which means he can pass it over to wolfwood, propping his elbows on his knees and his chin in his hands. ] White lilies symbolize a return to innocence after death, since hopefully your bar is better off without that guy around. Poppies are meant to represent a restful sleep once you pass, so hopefully he stays gone. And pink roses mean you're grateful to the deceased, since now you've got one less pain in your ass.

[ and! listen, vash knows the guy is just being nice, since they're neighbors and all! he's just asking him to drop by during work, not actually asking vash out for drinks. but, urgh, it still makes his heart do a weird little stuttering thing inside his chest.

which is mostly to blame for the next stupid thing that comes out of his mouth: ] Promise me your best drink on the house, and you can have that one as a freebie.

[ Nick gapes for a second -

and then cracks up. ]

Damn, Blondie, that's brutal. It's perfect. You're on.

[ But there's no way even their most top-shelf offering is equal in value to an arrangement this good, so Vash is definitely going to find himself fed and kept in free drinks. Nick's just... not going to tell him that just yet, because he seems like the type to demur.

It's almost sad that he doesn't have a reason to hang around anymore. And he should go get everything ready for when they open, especially now he has a new display to put up. He stands slowly, trying not to exude reluctance as he does, and reaches across the counter to help himself to a couple of business cards. No way he's putting this up without giving due credit. ]

I gotta go ruin your beautiful work by putting a picture of a real asshole in it, now. I'll see you tonight, yeah?

[ there it is. a real, deep laugh, and it's even better than vash was expecting. he just sits there glowing in it, puppy-dog pleased that he's pulled this off with his own handiwork.

ah, but wait! he rolls back up to his feet with a little hup! of effort, reaching out to snag the hand that wolfwood is using to hold a few business cards. grabbing a pen with the other, uncapping it with his teeth. ] 'ang on. Lemme --

[ bending over it for a second, scribbling! and once he pulls away, there's his name, cell phone number, and a little doodle of a spiky-haired guy doing double finger guns and a wink. and, no!!! he isn't blushing, not at all! the only reason his face is a little flushed is because it's, uh, suddenly kinda warm in the shop! ] There.

[ letting go of wolfwood's hand again. ] Just in case you ever need to make another order. Or figure out the best flower for insulting your enemies!

[ Don't business cards usually already have a phone number on th-

oh. Ohhh. He flips the card back and forth, comparing. The numbers are different. So Vash just gave Nick his personal number?

... maybe he should run home real quick, change into a better outfit for work tonight. Still, he smiles, raises the card Vash embellished as if in salute, and tucks it into the poket of his jacket. ]

An artist too, huh? I'm hanging on to this one.

See you around, Quickdraw Vash.

[ He exits the shop with the wreath in hand and a saunter in his step, and yes, he is absolutely back in the Evergreen by the time he realizes the appropriate thing to do would have been to give his details in return. So he fills what he thinks seems a not-too-eager amount of time with fixing the wreath to the wall with Steve's picture inside it and a printed off little banner that says Gone and Soon Forgotten underneath it, with an additional and much classier-looking note that says Arrangement by Vash at Seeds with the all but one of the cards pinned to it. Then there's regular opening stuff as the staff start to arrive, and then - and only then - does he give in to the urge to use the number bestowed upon him, firing off a text. ]

Hey, got any allergies? You vegetarian or anything?

[ Okay, two texts. ]

This is Nick

[ wooow. a guy so cool he even makes vash sound cooler! is it too late to try getting everyone in his life to call him quickdraw vash? he's gotta figure out, like... a nickname psy op.

but! if he was bored before, he's jittery now. tonight already works out -- nai texted him before lunch to say he'd be tied up with something and wouldn't be home until late. and he does make a valiant effort at telling legato not to bring the car, that he can make his own way home, but the guy starts sniping at him about taking pride in his job, following nai's orders to the letter. whatever!!! let him sit in the street like a dumbass, vash doesn't care!!!

it'd be kinda nice if he could duck home and change, though. now that he's looking, he's noticed a little blotch on his jeans where he's managed to spill plant food mix and discolor the denim, and his sweater has soil smudged on it. (he tries to brush it out, and only succeeds in smearing it.)

but! phone buzzing! ]

hi nick!!!!!!!!! 😎
nope ur in the clear
im not picky 🍴
and its sterotyping to assume the guy who runs a plant shop is vegetarian lol

[ Jesus fucking Christ, he even texts cutely. Nick smiles at his phone until Lena - the cook - asks what's got him so moony-eyed and pretends she's going to try and snatch it off him, resulting in a familiar and affectionate back-and-forth in which he tells her she's fired and she reminds him they'll never know which of the dips is poisoned without her. ]

Are you kidding? Those plants are your babies. I half expected you to tell me you eat meat only.

u know me so well
vash the carnivore 🍖 thats what they call me
a legend in every butcher shop in the city

[ and it's... close enough to closing that it's not weird if he goes ahead and does it, right? it's not like he's hurrying across the street to see mr. bartender priest again sooner or anything! vash just believes in, uh, the principles of a healthy work-life balance. ]

[ That's a joke, right? It's probably a joke. But maybe it's not? He yells to ask Lena if they have any fancy steak and she just comes out of the kitchen to give him a very flat look before heading back in without a word. So that's a no on fancy steak and he's got to think of a clever response, so he's standing behind the bar regretting making the whole place non-smoking just to be ~inclusive~ when he catches someone coming through the door out of the corner of his eye.

He looks up.

Tall, legs for days, the sunlight from the street lighting up a mess of blond hair like a halo. ]

Hey, Vash. You made it.

[ There is a wolf whistle from the kitchen. Nick turns so he can flip the kitchen off behind his back. ]

[ vash doesn't actually spend a lot of time hanging out in bars. he'd hit the scene a few times in college, mostly when friends would drag him out, but it hadn't really been a thing. he's not much of a drinker, and nai always worries if he stays out too late.

so, uh. maybe it's a completely normal tradition to whistle at patrons?

still! it makes him flush a little, shifting from foot to foot, before he makes his way over to the bar and slides into a seat across from wolfwood. it's not too busy yet, but the place has already got some decent traffic -- maybe business would pick up at his place if he could figure out a way to sell booze and flowers. ]

It was a close call. [ leaning forward to prop his elbows on the bar. ] That trip across the street? Dangerous.

[ Nick clamps down hard on the urge to say he can't see how when the sight of Vash must stop traffic. There's the kind of goofy Vash seems to like, and then there's clown-ass boomer humor. He mirrors Vash instead, leaning his elbows on the bar across from him. ]

Sounds harrowing. Let me fix you something to soothe your nerves. What'll it be?

[ Nearby, a woman pauses to look at the little rest-in-pieces display on the wall, and shouts FUCKING YESSSS! before turning to plant a kiss on the cheek of the woman beside her and sealing the deal with a high-five of such ferocity that the clap of it rings over the music and chatter. Nick grins. ]

As you can see, your work's a hit. Tonight you eat and drink for free. Whatever you want.

Depends! What do you recco --

[ but his attention is caught by the sound of that little celebration, twisting around in his seat just so he can see. jeez, this guy was popular, huh? vash is going to have to google meaner flowers for the anniversary.

but! he's smiling as he turns back to him, even though he tries to wave off the offer. ] Whoa, whoa, you're giving me too much credit. I'm not the one who threw the guy out, I just gave you some flowers for the occasion. Just one free drink is fine!

No deal. I got curious after I left, googled some florists nearby. Cheapest I could find for a funeral arrangement was eighty-five dollars and it looked like dogshit compared to yours. I'm not gonna hassle you to drink more booze than you're comfortable with, but you're at least letting us feed you.

[ God, he's cute when he smiles. Nick can't help smiling back. ]

A-Ahaha, it seriously wasn't that big of a deal! [ hands up, palms spread, signaling his defeat! ] But... it's your bar, your rules, right?

I'll have whatever you say is good. [ propping his cheek in his hand, turning the full force of that smile on him. ] I trust you.

[ Fuck! Critical hit! Nick likes taking care of people, and this guy gives in with remarkable ease and a gorgeous smile. Also, if he's honest, he's always had a bit of a thing for those baby-of-the-family vibes, and Vash is marinating in them. He sighs, catches himself, and straightens. ]

You trust me, huh? Mind if I freestyle this one?

Sure! [ it should be a little terrifying when a bartender you've only known for a few hours wants to freestyle you a drink. unfortunately, nai totally sucked up all of the common sense and survival instincts, so vash is just leaning forward, curious. ] Show me what you've got, Mr. Bartender Priest.

[ Alright! Elderflower's a given, for the floral connection. Vodka to give it a little oomph, but not too much. Honey simple, because everything about Vash screams sweet but with a little more complexity than a straight sugar simple. Some grapefruit to add interest and cut the aggressive sweetness of the liqueur and the honey. He cracks ice into a shaker with a few deft hits from a barspoon and can't resist putting a little finesse on it as he pours in the ingredients, flipping and spinning bottles. The Evergreen is usually a no-flair establishment, but Vash did ask Nick to show him what he's got. He shakes until he can feel the shaker frosting up, pours it into an ice-filled highball, tops it with club soda and twists some grapefruit peel into an elegant little curl for a garnish. And then he slides it to Vash without even a moment to second-guess himself and hope that "sweet boy likes sweet drinks" isn't as much of a misguided stereotype as "florist is a vegetarian". ]

A special, one-of-a-kind drink for a one-of-a-kind guy.

[ whoooaaa! it actually seems crazy that this guy had been so enthusiastic about vash being able to throw some flowers together for him when he's the one who can do... this! it's almost like watching someone do a magic trick, or like a gunslinger spinning their pistol around their finger just to remind you how cool they are.

and vash is leaning forward, eyes wide and bright with interest, into it.

getting the drink is almost the most disappointing part, because it means the show's over. but now vash is flattening himself to the bartop to look at it, curious as a cat. ] Whoa, seriously? You just made this up?

That's so cool.

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