rhys-fiori-blog

[rhys-fiori-blog]

Not Like This || Self Para

TW: Gun, violence, panic attack

Rhys had been quiet all morning, even more quiet that usual. Their suit was plain black with a plain black tie and a plain white button up underneath, the exact thing they would usually never be caught dead in. But this felt right. For Cesare’s funeral, somber and serious felt right. It was odd. They weren’t close to Cesare, they knew that, on some level they were aware of that, they had no special bond to the man, they were no one special to him. But he had held an important spot in Rhys’s life. Hell, he had given Rhys their life. Almost everything they had now was thanks to Cesare. He wasn’t a father figure. That wasn’t the right way to phrase it. But he was the closest Rhys had found since they were eighteen. They were lost in their own quiet detached thoughts, trying to sort out just how upset they had the right to be about the loss of their employer when they were snapped from their thoughts.

A crack, then another, like the world was being pulled apart. Gun shots. Rhys’s subconscious registered it before their mind could comprehend and they instantly dropped to their knees, hands in the air. Their chest tightened and their breath was ragged in their chest. They gasped, the feeling aching their chest. No. Nonono. Their mind started to swim, running away from them, clouding up. They knew this, no, no no, they would not have a panic attack. It had been years—year­s—since they’d had a panic attack. They couldn’t. Their breath shook as more shots rang out, Rhys’s body wincing with each one as though it were hitting them even though none of them seemed too.

Rhys shouldn’t be surprised by this, or at least as not as much as they were. It seemed so strange, almost like another world. But they knew. They knew about the mafia, they knew that not all of Cesare’s dealings were above board. They knew plenty of those they pour drinks for every Friday had blood on their hands—sometimes literally, sometimes as they served them. But coming face to face with the violence, seeing it unfold before them was something different. When their vision started to come back into focus, they looked up, seeing bodies and blood everywhere. A thought raced through Rhys’s head—Zach. Zach it was literally his job to take a bullet for someone else. And if they knew anything about their fiancée, Krishan would stick his neck on the line to help someone too.

In a second, Rhys was on their feet, lunging closer to the crowd, closer to the two people who mattered. The two they needed to be safe. But the second they took off, suddenly there was a gun being shoved in their chest. They didn’t know where it was coming from, but suddenly it was pointed at them. Rhys’s hands shot up in front of their chest, shaking.

“Where do you think you’re going?” the masked man growled.

No. No, they couldn’t die, not like this. They had fought so long to finally have a life worth living, they couldn’t have it taken away now. Everything they’d been through, everything they’d fought through, it couldn’t all end like this, it couldn’t all be for nothing.

“I’m a bartender!” They protested a bit too loudly for anyone who was just a bartender and wasn’t aware of darkness that lay below the Bonventre surface. “I’m just a bartender.” Their hands shook violently and panic filled their eyes as they tried to inch away from the gun. As they did, they felt a small brush against them. Their eyes flicked sideways. Isabella. “I-I’m just a bartender. And she sings at Absinthe. That’s it. That’s it I swear.”

They drifted closer to Isabella, their arms lowering slightly. Their mind was clouded with fear and panic, everything she had done to Zach and the drink she had thrown on their face forgotten in the moment. Remembering instead talking and laughing and mocking Zachary. She doesn’t deserve to die. The gun is suddenly swinging away from them and back toward Isabella. Their head snaps towards her in time to see her gripping her stomach. Rhys’s brows knit. It strikes them as odd, there’s a niggling in the back of their mind, pieces of a puzzle struggling to come together in the fog of horror. Bile rises in their stomach, their mind reeling for a way to save her.

Then suddenly the man is backing away. The gun still swings between them for a moment. Then the man is gone. A hand claps across Rhys’s mouth, gasping at the relief. They had made it through somehow. And so had Isabella. They hated her, they’d sworn the moment they realized she was cheating, they’d sworn her off entirely. But here, in this moment, all of that was forgotten, Rhys wraps their arms around her, breathing heavily as they try to wrap their mind around what just happened.

“You’re okay…you’re okay,” they murmur, not sure whether they were saying it to Isabella or themselves.

[rhys-fiori-blog]

[rhys-fiori-blog]

krishan-seth‌:

The music was loud, swinging through the bar and beyond. A cacophony of trombones and jazz, speaking and laughter. It didn’t surprise him that Rhys didn’t hear him clearly. He leaned in closer, with a large smile and a chuckle of laughter. “I would never insult you. I said I try to keep up with your art and fail more often than I like.” Krishan said, just enjoying their laughter. “Just tell me when,” Krishan reiterated, not willing to share the musical chairs he was trying to put his schedule through yet. It would remain a surprise. Krishan had been friends with so many in his life and kinder to even more. Rhys knew him best, could read him better than even he could sometimes. It was something that comforted Krishan in a way he never could have anticipated. To have someone like Rhys in his life was all he ever could have hoped for. Bringing Rhys’ hand that was resting on his own up to his lips, Krishan kissed the back of their hand gently, once, twice, before returning their hands to the counter. “I know. How can it not be with you by my side?” He leaned back, freeing one hand to take a drink. The familiar taste of sweet alcohol and spice hit his tongue, one of his favorites as it had changed his life, brought Rhys to him.  “I don’t think I could ever get tired of this drink.”

Rhys looked at him, not entirely sure if he was kidding or not about taking time off. Krishan was always at work. And really Rhys didn’t mind most of the time, it wasn’t something that bothered them. It wasn’t as if they didn’t put in more hours than usual for a bartender. They both appreciated what they did and that was a good thing. But it wasn’t quite like Krishan to offer to take time off. So instead they just shrugged casually. “I mean, whenever. Probably not the next couple weeks, I figure this place will be busy for a little while. But after it dies down. I mean...could be nice to take a vacation.” Rhys hesitated just a moment, making brief eye contact with their partner as they clean a few glasses behind the bar. “Maybe get some wedding planning done.” They hadn’t set a date just yet but Rhys was thinking about it more with everything that was happening lately. After Krishan kissed their hand (a true gentleman--Rhys couldn’t believe how luck they’d been), Rhys leaned across the bar and gave him a quick, gentle kiss, their heeled boots making the stretch a little easier than usual. “It’s you and me. We’ll figure things out Krishan. Promise.” They smiled at the mention of the drink. It was one of their favorites to make him. Call them nostalgic, they didn’t mind. “Yeah. One of my favorites. Maybe it could be our specialty cocktail at the wedding.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

zachwelsh‌:

The idea of Rhys going after Isabella with his boots forced a chuckle out of him. The only reason they had made the suggestion at all was of course heartbreaking, but his friend had an uncanny talent for making Zachary smile no matter the circumstance – as well as getting him drunk off his face. He brought the newly poured drink to his lips, gave in to a moment of reflection and then downed its contents all in one go. Wishing he hadn’t brought up the past few months, he pushed the glass forward as they gave their answer. “Another one?” He didn’t want to speak of the past few months, in fact if given the option he most definitely would have chosen to forget them all together. Life as usual; Zachary could agree it was much needed in the circles they ran, he just wished he’d known what his ‘usual’ would be after all that had happened. You’re living in a fucking hotel room, he thought to himself. “So, how far did Krishan let your imagination run wild when it came to his outfit then?” It was a feeble attempt at changing the topic of conversation, though he was hoping Rhys would latch onto the opportunity to once more talk about the night’s theme and the fashion that came with it. 

Rhys would very much have gone after Isabella with their boots. Well at least if they were more prone to fighting. Still, given enough reason to (and her chasing after him after all she’d done was more than enough reason really), they would. It was good to see Zachary smile though. It didn’t happen enough. Especially lately. Not that Rhys blamed him. “Oh and here I thought you were going to try to stay sober on the job. Look at me being a successful bad influence,” Rhys teased. They didn’t mind though and poured their friend another drink before leaning over, their elbows propped up on the bar. “Haven’t you seen him? Ugh, he looks so good. I found this amazing pink paisley sequin jacket that is to die for on him. And I might have recommended a bow tie. He looks adorable,” Rhys gushed. It was hard not to when it came to Krishan. Kris always melted them and it was easy to admit that to Zach. “Our outfits don’t really go together which is a little bit of a bummer, but we’re both cute so that’s what counts.” Rhys paused for just a moment. “And I have to say, I mean obviously she had a leg up because she chose the them, but Vi pretty much hit the nail on the head.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

bella-isa-bella‌:

Isabella’s face was a stony slate wiped of any humor; her green eyes swam with all her guilt, an icy stare took its place as she looked at the person before her. Isabella wanted to scream to the world; he wasn’t there for me, he picked someone else when I was hurting too! Isabella wanted to apologize to fall to her knees and beg for forgiveness. Her tired heart asked her to do it, to make someone understand the hell she was feeling, but she could not. Isabella knew she could not make anyone understand what was in her heart. There wasn’t a soul she could speak to, a single person who would understand, they were all mourning and who the hell was she to demand anyone to understand. The wild notion of begging and falling to her knees fleeted and anger flashed, Isabella would fall to her knees for no man, not in front of anyone at the very least. Her knuckles stretched the flesh distorting in color as she gripped her glass, and with fluid and purposeful motion, Isabella threw her sparkling water into Rhys’s face. “You’d be surprised with how little you actually know. Eres una persona insoportable y estúpida. Lamento que nunca hayas chupado su polla”.

The smallest of dark smirks fell on Rhys’s lips. They had won. They had hit her where it hurt most. Rhys didn’t fight too often, but when they did, they fought dirty, especially if it was to protect someone they cared about. They had always liked Isabella. She had made Zach happy. And really that was all Rhys could ask for. But then she had broken his heart and that wasn’t something Rhys was going to stand by and watch idly. Still the drink splashing in their face caught them off guard. They heard a few of the other party goers murmur in surprise. Slowly, steadily, Rhys reached up and wiped the liquid off their face. They glared at her in angry disbelief. “Puta,” they spat back, whore, one of the few Spanish words they knew. Still they couldn’t help but laugh a bit darkly, shaking their head. “No honey. You’re the one who doesn’t know. You have no idea what you threw away Isabella.” Rhys still remembered that night Zach had a little too much and told them he wanted to marry her. And the next morning, the text coming across saying he was serious. She had no idea what she had ruined and she didn’t deserve to. “You could’ve had something with Zach and you fucked that all up yourself honey.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

Rhys bustled around behind the bar, their wait balanced carefully on the balls of their feet so they could move quickly enough in their heeled boots. It was busy, which was good. Enough people, enough orders, to keep Rhys’s mind from wondering to the dark places of doubt they had been earlier in the week. Rhys had known the drink Leta had chosen for the menu before tonight. Or at least mixed them up a few times before tonight.

Alex, it appeared, had not. Not that they should be surprised. They wondered more often than they could count exactly why Alex was still here as a bartender. They got on alright actually, the two of them just similar enough. It was hard to truly get under Rhys’s skin anyway. But nights like tonight made Rhys wonder if there were any buses driving through the club he could be pushed in front of.

“Isn’t that usually the case?” Rhys replied, no malice to their voice. It was just the facts. They both ought to know it by now really. “We need a tray with eight tequila shots for the VIP section, can you get that together and tell me how many Gatsbys you’re supposed to have out?”

@rhys-fiori

A half sweaty palm pressed hard against his face; features being pressed together as he forced a newly rising headache back into his skull. The sequin jacket he was forced into scratched against itself on the inside of his elbow in a way that added annoyance to his already piling emotions. Quick memorization was not his strong suit. In fact, memory as a whole seemed to be lacking from his skillset. This was a cause from many things but to Rhys, it was likely all indifferent.

They got along just fine on a slow day. Earlier day shifts and stock days the two would casually banter back and forth and occasionally, Rhys would press Alex for information making his answers short and vaguely twitchy. Evenings though things got much quicker, tenser. Alex was by almost no means except title a bartender.

“I’d be more useful to you making shots.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

luccabonventre‌:

“I’d never have either of them on your ass. That sounds like torture.” He couldn’t do that to anyone and especially not to them. He had to be nice to the bartenders, they all controlled how much he got or not. “I’m sure they also have better things to worry ‘bout. Like whoever drew a dick in the bathroom. It wasn’t me, that’s all I’m saying.” It was totally him. It definitely didn’t fit in such a classy place but drunk Lucca had many regrets. “How is it the better one? They’re pretty much the same thing. I just don’t like malted rye, that shit’s disgusting.” He made a stank face as he thought about the whiskey. “Stop using such big words,” Lucca insisted before gladly accepting his drink. “Just put me in coach. I can sub in if you get drunk. I pretty much know every drink ever.”

“See, that’s all I’m asking for. No need to get anyone mad at me right now. Or ever really. The more I can keep them off my ass, the better,” Rhys said easily. For the most part, they didn’t really have too many problems with Vi or Ruby, but keeping it that way meant keeping a harmonious life at work. That seemed oddly important now. Rhys had known Cesare liked them--or at least well enough--but what about the next person to take over? Would their position be at risk? No, they couldn’t let themselves think about that, not tonight. That would be left for the early morning hours home alone after Krishan had left for work. “Right. Not you. I definitely believe that,” but a small smile played on their lips. “Because whisky is all bitter and gross and nasty. I mean really, what is it that men have against clear liquors anyway? They’re so much better. But heaven forbid.” Rhys raised a brow at him. “Yes because you behind the bar wouldn’t get me in even more trouble with Leta than letting you blatantly smoke would.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

theninacollins‌:

Nina always liked Rhys. Outside of being the best bartender, they were also quiet, something the woman always appreciated. But more than that, they had been on the frontline of Absinthe and that was something very valuable to the woman. Being Lucca’s girlfriend opened a lot of doors to her and people were more inclined to threat her well, which Nina never failed to use when it suited her. “You know me too well,” she said with a wink. “A Gatsby it is. And watch me come back for shots soon.” Looking around the room, Nina fainted innocence when she spoke again. “What anight. I’m sure Cesare would be proud of Violette for putting something lile this, don’t you think? Such a shame, what happened, no one deserves that.”

“One Gatsby coming up then,” Rhys said, getting to work on her drink order. This was what Rhys liked, the simple chatter, the conversations that didn’t mean much, the ones where they were in control of things. This was what felt right and natural to them about tending bar. It had always just fit with their personality. A way to be outgoing without having to let anyone in. “No. No one deserves to lose a parent.” That was something they were familiar with, even if it was in a very different way than the Bonventre children. “It doesn’t seem right. But yeah, she did a pretty good job with tonight. Hopefully it helped to have something to focus herself on.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

curingchaoss‌:

If there’s one thing Carolina knew about Cesare, it was the fact that he always knew the perfect person to hire for every specific job – down to the bartender. The Absinthe employees may not have gotten a chance to know her, but she always took the time to study individuals she’d been around quite often. And though her interactions with Rhys have always strictly been in the walls of Absinthe, she could identify a genuine person and good heart from miles away. Not because she needed friends with those qualities, but because people were easier to take from if they had those vulnerabilities. “Ah, I could get alcohol from anywhere,” her devilish smile always seemed to gleam, “but where could I get alcohol from my favorite bartender besides Absinthe?” she questioned taking a swig out of the drink he just made her. Sweet and strong, a drink clearly inspired by Rhys Fiori himself. “Oh c’mon! Just one shot…” she urged, “You can’t have fun behind the bar all night so I’m just trying to bring it to you. But, if you’re feeling lucky, I may know a way I can sneak you outta here and into the ballroom. Don’t you want to show off your outfit?”

“Oh now, if you keep saying things like that, I’ll start to think you’re sweet on me and then I’ll have to break your heart by reminding you that I am very much taken,” they replied back, wiggling their engagement ring at her. That was how Rhys liked to keep their conversations. Light, loose, speaking, saying things, not lying, but never telling the truth and never letting anyone get too deep. The closer to the surface they could keep conversations, the better. People had to know you to really hurt you, you had to let them in. And Rhys didn’t have any intentions of letting anyone in. Much less someone who popped in and out of Absinthe with just enough steady irregularity that made them wonder just what her connections to the bar were. “Yeah but just one shot with you means I have to do just one shot with Zach. And then Leta. And then Lucca. And TJ is going to insist on at least two. I’ve got a job to do back here and you really don’t want me to leave it all on poor Alex, do you?” Rhys grinned causally. “I can show off my outfit well enough from here, that’s the perks of impeccable taste.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

lolaxwells‌:

“Why thank you.” Lola fake courtesys, eyebrows furrowing as they stands back to full height. “Do they even courtesy in Gatsby? I swear i fell asleep like five minutes into the film.” Hey, in their defence they work long ass hours, by the time they and Python even even pick the film to watch, Lola’s ready to pass out on the couch.

They, not for the first time, are annoyed by the fact there were no stools to rest up on. With the boots they have on, it would be nice to be off their feet. Even if it was just for a few minutes. The things they do to look hot and kick ass.

“My sweet Rhys, I love all your drinks, but I got like five minutes before anyone notices i’m not working.” Probably more, with how busy the nights been, they’ve been disappearing in and out of crowds. If anyone asks, they were amongst a big group of people, out of sight but totally working of course. “Anything you could make fast would honestly save my fucking ass. I am thirsty.”

“What you doubt my ability to make any drink fast? Well that’s just a dan insult darling,” Rhys shot back with a tease, already fixing her drink. They quickly whipped up a sidecar for Lola, pouring the drink out in front of her. “Hopefully that’s to your liking and just remember don’t go to Alex if you need another drink, the only thing he’ll get you quickly is a warm glass of water.” They smirked slightly.

Rhys eyed Lola’s outfit a bit. “Not a bad look at all. I like it. And more power to you sticking to heels all night. It’s hard out here for a bitch, isn’t it?” They looked around the crowded club. “Nice to see it filled back up again, isn’t it?”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

@zachwelsh

[rhys-fiori-blog]

bella-isa-bella‌:

Isabella’s tongue rolled against the inside of her cheek. Looking him up and down, Isabella shook her head with dutiful diligence. Her curls bounced against her cheeks. “Have you ever read the Great Gatsby?” Isabella didn’t let them answer, her hand up to pause. “It’s about an enigma of a man who threw roaring parties in the hopes that one girl out of them all would come. It was about decadence, indulgence, romance, privilege and-” Isabella paused, looking them up and down with a slow gaze, “tragedy.” Isabella’s cheeks flustered pink, “I’m not throwing myself at people.” She argued, her heart strumming aching in her chest. Her eyes shifted for a moment, searching for him. Shaking her head. “It wasn’t a jab at your outfit, just your reading comprehension.” Isabella swirled her virgin cocktail, “ten for creativity tho.”

“I did go to high school you know, so, yes, I did read The Great Gatsby, just like every other person in the country. You’re not special for knowing out to read. And plenty of girls who weren’t Daisy showed up to his parties. If they were supposedly the best, then who’s to say Amelia wasn’t present at at least one of them? Although,” their eyes got a dark glint to them, “Daisy was a married woman fucking around and cheating on someone she supposedly loved, so I mean, hey, you were ahead of the curve, you got to that before tonight’s party even happened, so give yourself credit for that.” They shot a sickly sweet smile her way that was anything but innocent. “And sweetie, if I say you’re showing too much skin, then odds are, you’re probably showing too much skin.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

zachwelsh‌:

Zachary shrugged, Rhys could hardly blame him for not quite knowing if they had been joking or not. Something still made him cling to the idea that they had been serious, that was just how cheeky his friend was after all, though he quickly shook the thought – again. “Thank you,” he murmured under his breath, his eyes following their glare as they spoke. He had always appreciated his friend’s honesty and believed them to tell him nothing but the truth. Still, when they had first brought mention to Isabella’s change in behaviour he hadn’t believed them. Or rather, he had chosen not to believe them. He was endlessly grateful Rhys had strayed from telling him that they’d told him so, once Zachary had finally come to his senses. “Which one of them,” He said, thinking out loud. It had always seemed to him that Absinthe was little more than a snake pit in disguise. Looking back up at Rhys, he rolled his eyes. “I’m planning on staying away from her,” Raising his glass in a cheer, he then continued. “Here’s to hoping she’s got the same idea.” What remained in his glass soon washed down his throat and a familiar warmth started to spread within him. “Bit strange being back, isn’t it? So little time has passed, yet so much has happened. Bloody hell.”

Rhys always felt their blood boil when they thought of what Isabella had done to Zach. Zach was a good guy, one of the rare truly good ones. Isabella had made him happy and Rhys knew just how serious things were on Zach’s end of things, even if Isabella didn’t. They wouldn’t forgive her for hurting their friend like that. And they would remind Zach every day of what she had done if that was what it took to make him realize that he deserved better than that. “You know exactly which one Zachary,” they said, a hint of frustration in their tone that was usually reserved for Alex. “Well if she doesn’t have the same idea, you can send her my way and I’ll put these boot to good use.” Rhys tilted their eyebrow in a way that let their friend know they weren’t just kidding this time. They grabbed the bottle and poured another drink for the man in front of them, taking time away form the crowd to actually enjoy the night. “I don’t know. Still feels about the same as always really. Maybe a lot has changed but, it’s not that different to me. I’m just glad to be back. Life as usual. We all needed that.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

natmarakovna‌:

Parties like these reminded Nat that she was so far from home, so far from the comforts of being able to be free. The English language and accent were sickening to her it was nothing like her natural tongue. She watched as people ordered their drinks and smiled and laughed. Nat took another sip of her drink and let out another exacerbated breathe “I’ve just been partying too long is all” she said in an assuring tone.  

Sure it was fun and all but more than that it made her miss her homeland. “Yea, I saw him earlier, we chatted a bit.” It was about time she got back out to mingle again but she found comfort in the bar’s atmosphere. Nat finished her drink and smiled at Rhys. “Heard any dirty secrets?” Nat asked with a grin as she laughed. She was serious but she needed to pass it off as though it didn’t matter. She knew he probably knew nothing but if anyone’s heard anything a bartender is where to start. 

“Well come on then, have you been partying at all? If you’re just partied out, then you have to at least have some good stories for the night already, don’t you?” They didn’t quite buy into her excuse. They didn’t know if they cared or if they just wanted to know the truth behind their frustration. It was hard to know sometimes, what was him genuinely wanting to know a person and how much was wanting to know information. The walls they kept up around themselves made sure of that. But Krishan seemed to like her, so that was a something she had going for her.

“That’s good. Could probably use some time talking to someone other than me. And patients.” They have a small shrug, already lining up another drink for her. “Well of course I have. Bartenders are the cheapest therapists, don’t you know? But it’d betray their trust if I just went on tell anyone about anything, wouldn’t it?” Their words were only half teasing, but they also knew there was truth behind them. Their secrets were theirs to know and to hold onto until they decided it was time for them to be used

[rhys-fiori-blog]

krishan-seth‌:

Krishan knew his own weaknesses and strengths. He knew his flaws and virtues. A workaholic by definition, Krishan was always too willing to help other people even if it meant long, long hours.  This left him and Rhys in a position where the two of them had to play musical chairs with their schedules. This last week, even though both of them were facing turmoil from Cesare’s death had reminded him just how nice it was to just be with Rhys. Through grief and anger, sadness and difficulties, they had been there for Krishan and he had been there for Rhys. Soon, Krishan hoped to change some of his shifts around so that he and Rhys could spend more time together. But that was for the future. For now, Krishan grinned adoringly at his beautiful and vibrant partner who was in their element, nose crinkling at that boop. “You know I try, my dear,” Krishan responded with a shrug. He sure drank enough over the years to know a decent portion of Rhys’  repertoire and even spent some free time looking up what new drinks his fiancee could try their hand at. “Next time I get a break longer than a day or two from the ICU, I’ll be yours,” Krishan promised, his words meaning more than just being at home. He was Rhys’, completely. “I’m glad that Absinthe came back with a large splash, especially since it can alleviate your boredom.”  He said, playing with his engagement ring. He was glad that Rhys had Absinthe, but there were always shadows. 

Rhys wasn’t quite like this with anyone else. Friendly enough, outgoing and talkative, but not playful, not goofy. No those parts had been sent packing when they’d had to move out as a teenager. But somehow Krishan had found them and brought them all back to life, if only with him. With Krishan they could just be, just feel just be without having to worry. Krishan was freedom and safety all at the same time. A smile quirked onto their lips, their cheeks blushing when Krishan called them ‘dear.’ It never got old, those little pet names, and they never didn’t make Rhys melt a little inside every time they were used. “I do not try, I succeed. Don’t insult me like that again,” they said with mock offense before a laugh left them. “Come on, we both know that would mean you actually taking time off of work and we know that’s not going to happen,” Rhys teased. It was hard sometimes not seeing Krishan, but it also gave Rhys time to breathe and be on their own, which was needed as much as their time with their fiancee. Rhys pursed their lips when they noticed Krishan fiddling with his ring. He reached out, placing a hand on top of his. “Hey. We’re here, okay? We’re alright. Everything’s going to be fine Kris, just relax.”

[rhys-fiori-blog]

zachwelsh·:

Befriending a bartender was somewhat lost on Zachary, while he absolutely benefited from the many late night conversations he had never been one for cocktails. Few were the occasions he’d given Rhys free reign over his order, most often opting for a pint or simple spirit. “Well,” He didn’t get the chance to continue, before they cut him off. Zachary didn’t need to shoot Rhys a glance for his friend to know he was stepping onto unruly territory, if he knew them right it was the exact reason they’d mentioned Violetta to begin with. Instead he pursed his lips together, as to prevent them from taking on the shape of a mischievous grin. As long as the veiled remarks remained between the two of them, they were harmless. Accepting the glass from the hand of the other, he tilted it ever so slightly towards them as to salute them, before bringing the brim to his lips. A single whiff was enough to trick someone into intoxication, he thought as he took a first sip. Cocking an eyebrow, a puzzled expression spread across his face. Images of Rhys and Krishan, one wearing the boots and the other holding the googles from the hat… He was glad they kept talking, relieved his imagination had not taken him further down the trail he’d stepped a first foot on. “Mate, I do blame this on you,” and Violetta, he should have added. “I’m not happy to be wearing it, will probably end up removing some layers soon. I mean look at me, like a thirteen year old at a Halloween party.”

One of the perks to actually having a fiend was knowing Zach well enough to know how to get under his skin. Did they sometimes needle him for their own enjoyment Yes. But it was all in good fun. They could tell there was something ng happening with Violetta even if they didn’t know what just yet. And they certainly didn't know how to feel about it. But it was fun watching him not really denying it but not admitting it either. Rhys tilted their shot glass in similar fashion before downing the liquor in one go. They didn’t have time to savor it and even if they did, they much more strongly favored the cocktails their friend didn’t seem to care for. The liquid almost shot back out their lips though at the look on Zach’s face at the mention of Krishan. “Oh my god I was joking, relax,” They laughed at him shaking their head. “Come on, you look handsome. Like you walked out of some perfect movie set. Believe me if people at thirteen year olds’ birthday parties looked like you do, I would have had to come out way earlier. You look good Zach. Just as long as you can manage to stay away from a certain snake who’s here,” Rhys said, shooting a glare toward Isabella.

[rhys-fiori-blog]

natmarakovna‌:

Nat watched as Rhys grabbed a chilled glass, she didn’t mind her vodka cold but prefer it room temperature. They tried at least. She knew that sometimes cheaper was better but money wasn’t a concern for her. She smiled at Rhys as he handed her her drink. She watched as the people ordered their frilly drinks but for her, a glass of vodka reminded her of simpler times when her only worry was the air resistance of a bullet she had fired into someone’s head. 

“You’re welcome Rhys, and it’s alright” she exhaled exasperatedly. “It’s quite a party.” Nat adjusted herself in her seat and leaned in onto the bar, picked up her glass and downed the entire glass. “Another please,” she said, looking up at Rhys. She realized that it did look odd a woman of her status downing a glass of vodka but she needed the drink to get through the night. “How’s the night been treating you?” she stated smelling the twinge of vodka drift from her lips.

Rhys quirked their brow up. It certainly didn’t sound like her evening was going alright if she was already upset and drinking straight vodka. Though Nat did seem like one of those kinds of girls. Straight liquor drinkers were a different breed of person and straight vodka drinkers their own division within that. They weren’t the kind that were there to have a good time.

“Certainly doesn’t sounds like a good night to me. Tell me, what are we lacking here tonight. Consider me your open comment card.” Rhys smiled to themselves and poured another glass. “It's been busy. Which is good all things considered. Plus it means good tips. So I can't really complain. Besides Kris is out in the throng somewhere, so that’s always nice. Getting him away from the office for a night.”