There's an old man sitting next to me Making love to his tonic and gin

[emptynight]

[Thomas is standing behind the gleaming mahogany bar, a Boston shaker at his elbow as he watches the bar with a lazy, indulgent smile. Every so often, the light catches in his eyes with a gleam of silver, but for the moment he's content to just watch. And pour a drink for anyone who happens to pull up to the bar.]

Comments

[sponsorigami]

[Thinks about it for a second]

One soda please.

[emptynight]

[Thomas nods and fills a glass with ice cubes and soda. He adds a straw and a wedge of lemon on the edge.] Long day, princess?

[sponsorigami]

P-princess?

[Ivan drops his head. He takes the glass, wounded pride is not new to him. Someday he hopes he'll be a strong, manly Hero... but now he's just a waiter.]

Thanks, I thought I'd be used to the workload by now.

[emptynight]

[If Thomas notices the wounded pride, he doesn't say so. Or maybe he didn't notice. After all, he called most people ridiculous pet names regardless of gender.]

Comes and goes. Today was busier than normal. Even I noticed.

[sponsorigami]

Is there something going on in the area? Or a promotion?

[He takes a sip of soda. If there is something, Ivan didn't get the memo]