A Shot of Anything || zephyr

[Deleted]

for every failing sun

there's a morning after

Okay so maybe his first day at his new job hadn't been that bad but it'd still been pretty shitty in the teen's eyes.

Serving coffee and not being able to drink it was shitty. Standing around all day in his cute yet uncomfortable pricey shoes was shitty. Mopping up strangers' coffee rings was shitty. Wishing every random fucker a 'nice day' with a toothy and false smile was really shitty. Working was, of course, shitty but working for somebody else and taking orders from them like a common dog was beyonnnd shitty. Hell. The overpriced cocktail he nursed in his hand that he'd bought with his miserable tips seemed to taste pretty shitty just like Alex's vocabulary pool tonight. Everything was - surprise, surprise - shitty.

Jeez. All this because he'd made his spoilt and sulky ass work for a single day in his pampered life. By the end of the week he'd either thrown his apron (which he'd at least expected to have been decently cute) at his boss or he'd be insufferable to be around. Well, more insufferable than usual. Ah, the joys of working like a normal person trying to earn their daily bread certainly weren't lost on Alex. He sat slightly stooped over his drink, smelling faintly of coffee beans and nicotine, and pouted down into the glass that now contained more ice than milky coconut and white rum. And whatever else was in it. The boy had kinda just gone with the bartender's suggestion, he hadn't bothered to scan the ingredients or watch the worker as he'd juggled and twirled bottles and shakers with a talented flair.

Sighing, Alex lifted his chocolatey eyes from the disappointing beverage and proceeded to check the bar out for, like, the fifth time since he'd arrived to just see the same customers as before: a man with a notably large girth nattering away down his mobile while he supped his martini, another man with a face that suggested his dog had just died and then two girls babbling away with the occasional high-pitched giggle that pierced the air too sharply for his ears. One of them kept looking his way as well. Alex caught her baby blue eyes heavily ringed with eyeliner and hastily lowered his to the cocktail. Nope. He was not interested at all. The teen downed the last watery mouthful with a gentle grimace and set the glass down with a rattle of ice cubes.

"Oi. 'Tender. Get us a beer over 'ere. Alex ordered rather rudely, patting his hand on the pock-marked, wooden counter to attract the worker's attention. "Need somefin' t'wash my mouth out with 'cause that was vile. Less ice." Looks like the teenager had spent all his manners today at work instead of being able to sympathize with someone in a similar job to him. Pushing his glass away, Alex ran his lanky fingers through his bob of mousy brown hair. "An' just put it on m'tab again."

 

tagged: ze outfit: click

[Deleted]

words;; 937
tags;;Alex outfit;;hello~

God. I just wanted curl up, and go to bed. No ifs, whats or buts. Nothing but my sheets and I. You would of thought volunteering left a good feeling within you... but after today, I think I'll have a nice break of doing my good deeds.

Its been a long day- I felt fatigue weighing down my shoulders, as the darken London's sky came clear to the end of another day and the hum of the lap posts come to life. I always try to be a man of good character, trying to make an example of himself. Or building a good slate for myself, no matter how tiring. I have a headache from the day I had; sure, most guys wouldn't complain, spending the day with bright, peppy first year girls who eyes studied him like some lab coats looking at a interesting specimen... and well giggling after. But then again, still summer though the university's fall semester was fast approaching, being woken up at eight in the morning after going to bed.... ehh, lets say around 4 in the morning? Not fun. Not fun at all. As well as skipping a made-breakfast by mom for some cheap, greasy sandwich from a fastfood joint as a 'meal'; then organizing groups upons of giggling teenage girls and rowdy guys (who were trying impressed teenage girls). Eighteen years- it was barely a year ago, me being at that age but Lord have mercy on my soul, that was hell. My groups never listened and when they did, it was only when a brave soul would asked for my number or give her own. They always said he was one that couldn't say no, and as much as he should of prided himself for collect a couple... I wasn't impressed. Yes... I volunteered just so I have that good-goody image my parents and Nana said I have to aim for but...

A bus rolled up, being the third one to pass and I was assuming was the right one- it wasn't that long ago since I rode one. But seeing that my car was in the shop and my ride being an asshole, leaving early- I decided to just hop on a bus home, like I use to back in my sad, non-driving days.

I really let my mind wandered, settling in a seat not too close to the front but not far into the back; watching as the scenery calmly rode passed, my lids drooped sleepy as the voices of Jackson 5 filled the silence, Micheal Jackson woefully singing about 'the girl'. When I had you to myself...

Must of fell asleep... I felt groggy, my eyes fluttering open as the bus came to a stop in an unfamiliar neighbourhood. It was dark outside, despite the lamp posts trying to light up what they could.

"Kid, gerroff 'ere. End of line, yeah." Well this was troubling.... "But... This isn't near Paddington..."

"I think you got on the wrong bus lad- we're in Kensington parts, ain't no Westminister. Now gerroff." I swallowed audibly, getting up slow as I took a wary glance outside. Just calm yourself.... I can just make a phone call. Maybe Anthony give me a ride, or... call a taxi. Do I have enough money? Giving the busdriver, a pudgy but young-looking man with a grim look about his face and... well, just oozed the I-hate-the-world aura, a polite Thanks and Good night- one that he rudely answer with a scoff, I stepped off into the street corner. The bus crawled away, and I was left alone....

Hopefully I won't get murdered tonight. I pulled out my wallet to check- mmm, how far was I from home? I was sure but I certainly knew I didn't have enough for a cab all the way back. Then again, I could just grab the change when I get there. I quickly put it back, pulling out my phone instead but then...

Remember how I said I was out most of the day- well, during that time, I must of forgotten to recharge my phone, because as I pressed the power button and the screen didn't glow into existence, creeping feelings started to arise. Okay. Plan B. Check out if I can make a call from the bar over there? Though it didn't look that promising- if I were judging by looks, I maybe should go down the streets, looking for a more safer place, one that didn't look like the beginning of some episode of Law and Order. Deep breath in. I straighten my shoulder, trying to steeled my cowardice and cross the street. I would of a bit more confidence if I were with some people, but....

The door gave a small jingle, signalling all the few patrons that someone new strode in; the familiar of alcohol hit me, with the underlying stale smell of cigarette smoke, though I doubt I notice any smokers on my way in. People payed me brief attention, but most turned back to their drinks, wallowing, whatever. I felt some stares, but I best tried to ignore; giving the bar counter a small rap of the knuckles to get the bartender attention. "Uh, hi." An awkward little chuckle escaped my lips and gave a small smile, "....I was wondering- is there anything around here I could use to make a call? Or like, do you have a Iphone charger by any chance? Because that would be great if there was." Please be something.

[Deleted]

for every failing sun

there's a morning after

Just over the smooth background music of a crooning singer from yesteryear on the radio, Alex heard the faint chime of the front entrance door bell as someone - probably just another punter - pushed it open. There was a gentle rustling of fabric as a couple of other customers strained around in their seats to get a glance at the newcomer and then return to their drinks and banter. Alex didn't bother. Probably another tubby nobody avoiding their wife or overly made-up woman trying to kid herself into thinking she was still twenty and hip. His fingers went for the neck of the brown glass bottle and brought it up to his waiting, pink lips as the new guy's footsteps drew closer.

Taking a hearty swig which he swilled about his mouth to chase away the coconut and rum aftertaste, Alex slowly let his eyes wander to the side of him where the lost, young man stood. Hot damn. Not a plump middle-aged man evading the woes of marriage. Touseled and slightly curly hair, the scruffy but hot beginnings of a beard, very handsome face and a pair of icy blue eyes that stood out beautifully from his sun-kissed skin tone. Alex swallowed down his beer and set his bottle on the weathered counter top. Not many young men frequented this place - it was like Alex's hideaway when he was moody and needed a drink - so for a young and attractive to wander so freely into the dimly lit hole was... just woah.

"This guy gets paid peanuts. Or maybe less than that. He don't help no fucker if y'not got cash, man." The teen sighed, stretching his arms casually with a click of his joints as he swivelled his stool around to face the lost stranger. "Yobs got to the public phone box outside last week and it still ain't been repaired. Lazy fucks." The guy might be hot but... it still wasn't enough for Alex to offer up his own mobile. Selfish maybe seeing that the blue-eyed teen must really need a hand if he came into a bar looking for a spot of help. What? He didn't have many minutes left on his phone and... well, that. He didn't have many minutes left. End of story.

"Alex." He stated simply, introducing himself while he thrusted his hand out for the other to take and shake. "You in a spot of trouble or somefin'? Bet s'nuffin' a beer won't solve." Yes, he was being a bit quick on the beat but, c'mon, the guy came in just looking for a phone call, if he didn't keep him here somehow he'd be doomed to miserable night with no better company. Alex plucked his bottle back off the counter and gestured to it with a jerk of his chin and a pucker of his lips; a silent 'want one?'.

 

tagged: ze outfit: click

[Deleted]

words;; idek
tags;;Alex outfit;;hello~

There was a sort of easygoing-ness, a lazy vibe the pub gave; not necessarily something that put off the uneasiness of stepping into a place deemed a bit shady for my tastes. There weren't much people in here, taking a look around- scarcely filled, a crowd that wouldn't cause any reason to fret. Part of the reason why I might of dropped my shoulders and my tighten guard loosened just a smidge. Music fit too, of some singer woeing over some love, who's name was honestly on the tipped of my tongue but.... eh, no point to think hard over something so particular details.

I caught the eye of a woman, rouge red lips stretched into a Cheshire-like grin and bright, blue eyes ringed with dark eyeliner studied me with interest... and hunger. Though, soon as our eyes met, I dropped mines- its just rude to stare was all. But the woman was pretty, just... didn't suite my taste. I could heard her giggles over the quiet hum and music, and reminded me of the bouts of freshmen girls that I dealt with today. Lazy thing I wanted to think about, let me tell you this. Gaze firmly on the bartender, a tired-looking fellow that opened his mouth to answer my question but... someone beat him to it.

Its funny to be looking at people, but its been an age-old habit of mines; meeting someone, first thing I looked for was the eyes. They were the windows to your soul, afterall- and you could always judge a person with them. And his eyes... were like chocolates. In color, with the aid of a little, mischievous twinkle to them but also... seemed something almost bittersweet about them. I couldn't put my finger on it, but it almost seemed familiar. "Is that so...?"

I glanced at the bartender, but my amused quirk of the lips was for this rude guy butting in; the bartender, shot an unappreciating look, giving a small nod. "Sorry, but yeah, he's right." A bit of sass stressed at the end, going back to wiping the glass while I slid into a seat with a small sigh.

"Typical." A laugh that had no hint of finding this situation funny, and that feeling of uneasiness did somersaults in my stomach, as I took another glance around. "Day's just keep on getting better."

I swirled my seat to this new guy, a small smile as I took his hand to shake, before using it to prop my cheek up against it. "Ze." A sigh, and a massage to temple, a bitter sort of smile broke out on my lips, "Kinda obvious, hm? Yeah- phone being a bother and... um, just wanted to call a cab." Leave on a vague note, I'm not bothering to give too much away- while the guy looked and gave an up-beat attitude compare to the rest of this lifeless place, didn't entitled him the fact to know I might.... not know where I am exactly?

Beside it being somewhere in Chelsea and Kensington.

With a small nod, a beer would be lovely right about now. Something to ease up with, after a long, antagonizing day; I wanted nothing more to sink in my bed, after a long warm shower and sleep until 1 pm the next day. "...So, Alex. Are you usually so formal, with handshakes...? Heh." Maybe chatting this guy up... as much as that he was, could help out one way or another. Weasel out a phone call if I must. Either him or...

Another giggle reached my ears.

Or her.