Lesson 63- No throwing toys, you break it you bought it.
I’ve just finished making Torin a drink when I hear someone mutter under their breath.
“Looks like the demon has his little pet human whipped into shape.” I whip my head around searching but I don’t hear WHO said it, and to be honest it was so quiet that if it weren’t for the fact that the room is dead silent, I would never have heard it. My jaw drops and Torin sees my reaction. He goes to get to his feet, turning towards one of the nearby tables. I guess he DID hear who said it. I sigh, not wanting a repeat of last night. I reach over the bar and grab Torin’s arm.
“Just sit down and finish your drink Tori, they’re not worth it.” I order. Torin drops back into his seat and sips at his drink, although I don’t miss that he shoots a glare over his shoulder at a man who goes pale. The guy next to him snorts a laugh.
“Are you sure? I’m not sure HE’s the one giving the orders.” The guy jokes. I burst out laughing and even Torin cracks a smile. I pat his arm.
“Right, TOTALLY. I’m in charge here.” I comment sarcastically and he shrugs, nonchalant. Instantly the chatter in the room starts up again. Maybe because Torin has finally relaxed a little. Either way, the atmosphere has improved significantly, although the gossip has changed. Now instead of talking about how Torin murdered like, five guys, people are busy gossiping about how he got mad and defended his ‘pet human’, how I bossed him around… AND how he probably murdered five guys. As we work, I shoot Laura a small smile. Not as warmly as I might have an hour ago, but enough for her to know that we’re still friends.
I know that I was planning to put a little distance between Torin and I. But after seeing the way people are treating him tonight I can’t help myself. Not only do I not stay away from him, I go out of my way to talk to him, to check on him, even to dote on him a little. I’m almost excessively sweet to him. He has to know that I’m playing it up a little. But every time I touch him, smile at him or joke with him, people in the room relax a little bit more. They slowly stop worrying about him and move on to other topics of conversation. I serve drinks for a little bit then wander back over to Torin. I’m pretty much just hovering around him whenever I have a moment right now, just to make a point.
“So, explain to me again. Why do people even come here if they’re all so scared of you? It makes no sense to me.” I ask. Torin shrugs.
“When supernatural’s fight, the property damage tends to get out of hand. Most of the bars that they frequent get destroyed. A healthy dose of fear is all that keeps this place in one piece, and a bit of Laura’s magic.” He responds with a hint of a smirk on his face. I laugh.
“So basically you’re saying that people come here because they don’t have any better options?” I clarify and he shrugs.
“And because I don’t let the fighting go too far. They might be openly scared of me, but they all are so they don’t mind showing it. But they’re really all scared of one another and that they won’t admit to.” I consider his answer. It makes a weird amount of sense.
The atmosphere of the place finally returns to normal when Eli arrives with all his usual flare. He strides in and comes straight to the bar, he doesn’t even seem bothered that I’m standing by Torin.
“Hey I heard that there was a fight, some guy got blown up and that you’ve tamed the beast.” He says with a huge grin. I burst out laughing.
“Damn, that sounds like a busy night. I’ll have you know there were five guys and I haven’t tamed anyone.” I answer with a smile. Eli raises an eyebrow.
“The guy blew up FIVE guys? Wow, they must have been assholes.” He smirks and I roll my eyes.
“Nah, he just beat them up a little and kicked them out. No exploding, it makes too much of a mess.” I joke. See, this is why I like Eli. He knows that gossip is usually fake. He clearly never believed a word of it. Although oddly he does seem a lot more comfortable around Torin than he was before.
“I haven’t really noticed any single ladies for you tonight. I think after the throw down yesterday, most of the young ladies have decided against coming in tonight. It’s mostly just people with something to prove.” I tell him. Eli shrugs.
“Oh well, at least I can get to the root of the gossip. Although it would be a lot better if there was something to eat. Is Kyle still off work? It’s so frustrating, I’m starving.” He whines. I roll my eyes at him.
“If you’re that hungry, you’re welcome to order a pizza or something. But you had better share.” I warn. Eli pulls out his phone.
“That’s not the worst idea you’ve ever had. One pizza coming up.” He glances over to where Torin is sitting.
“Maybe two.”
The pizza arrives and I snack while I work, occasionally chatting with Torin or Eli who has decided to sit at the same end of the bar. Not directly next to Torin, but a lot closer than anyone else does. I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone even use those particular seats, no matter how busy the place gets. The guy who was being rude earlier comes up to order another drink at some point and I not only add an asshole tax, I just full on charge him double, then I pour Eli a drink.
“Hey, I didn’t order that. You know I don’t pay for my own drinks.” Eli objects and I grin.
“Don’t worry, someone else paid an asshole tax. You’re reaping the benefits of not being a total jerk.” I explain. He still looks doubtful but it might just be because he’s worried I’m going to ruin his streak and make him buy drinks again.
The place gets quiet and people leave as we approach closing time. By the time we usually close the front doors, the only person left in the place is Eli who somehow managed to convince a group of guys to get him drinks. I’m not sure if he flirted with them or made some kind of bet or bargain. Either way, he gets enough free alcohol to be moderately drunk which is sort of impressive.
“Eli, it’s time to get out. You need to leave so I can pack up.” I prompt. Eli pouts.
“I don’t really want to do that. But I suppose it’s POSSIBLE.” He grumbles.
“Good, hurry it up.” I pester. He shuffles his way to the door, clearly procrastinating. For a guy who swears that he only comes to bars to meet women, he really doesn't seem all that bothered that he’s going home alone. Maybe Eli will be a better friend to me than I anticipated, because as far as I can tell, he basically only came here to check on me and get the most up to date gossip. Something I totally relate to.
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