Chapter Text
(Y/N) was wiping down the counter, counting the seconds in their head. Their shift was nearing its end, but they still had a few hours to go. It rained heavily outside; the rain droplets were barely audible, but still noticeable. Bright, flashing, neon lights shined behind them, with typical club music faintly in the distance. They were working at the backstage bar instead of the typical upfront one, which they did not mind. They were getting sick of the club music anyway.
The issue was that it meant slow business, and slow business meant a lack of a paycheck.
They let out a sigh and listened to the patter of the rain, easing their nerves for the time being. The television screens surrounding them played the same two channels: Sports and the news. He’s heard and seen it all, the noise just filtered out just like the rest of the club. They wiped their forehead as their tail swayed from side to side. They glanced around the bar counter, still no one. Another sigh escaped their mouth as they put the rag away.
“This is fine.” They whispered to themself, their ears flicking occasionally. They let out a yawn and rubbed their eyes, “It was a busy day, you should be enjoying this change of pace.”
Their low ponytail still was well maintained. Their (F/C) suit has little to no wrinkles with their dark red bowtie tied and neat. They cleaned their glasses one more time before walking to the mini fridge and opening it. They couldn’t drink on the job, but it is nice to know that there is still stock. The drinks looked untouched, which is understandable. (Y/N) closed the door and stretched, letting out a long yawn in the process.
Suddenly their ears picked up something administ the music and rain. The sound of heavy footsteps, the shuffling of clothes, and the creaking of a seat. They perked their head up.
A customer.
Casually, they made their way across the bar, dusting their suit off in the process. They turned their head to see the person who took a seat at the back bar. It was none other than the news reporter Rayman himself. This did not surprise (Y/N), he’s seen his face around these parts before and even served him one time. They just found it odd that he’s hanging around the back instead of where the action is happening. They would not complain, Rayman was one of the more powerful folks in Eden. They could use this for some pocket change.
After getting closer, something about him seemed off. When they served him last time, he was just looking for a drink and a good time, but (Y/N) was also working the main bar. Right now, Rayman now looked disheveled and clueless. His hair was a mess and his normally neat suit was wrinkled with his bowtie falling off. His face was a light red, giving the indication that he had a few drinks before arriving. (Y/N) established themself in front of the famous face and pulled out a notepad.
“Hello, sir.” They started, “What could I get you for starters?” Their tail flicked behind them.
Rayman sighed, resting his cheek on his hand, “I don’ knowww…” His words slurred. Clearly drunk. “The u’ual… I guessss…”
(Y/N) tilted their head. Usual? They only ordered from him once, and that was ages ago. They thought for a moment and turned to the cabinets behind them. They glanced at the customer, and then at the sink. A part of them wanted to pour him a glass of water, just to help him for his show in the morning. Another part of them did not, however, it wanted to get him more drunk. He is the most powerful face in Eden, he’s bound to have some cash on him. (Y/N) shook off the thought and focused on the drink. The (Species) opened the cabinet and pulled out a book. They mumbled to themself as they looked through a catalog of past or important orders. Rayman’s ‘usual’ should be in here. Occasionally, they would glance at Rayman, who was spacing out.
They frowned, I wonder how many drinks he had before this. They paused, Why am I caring about him so much? He’s just another customer. They shook off the thought and found Rayman’s past drink order. A simple glass of neat whiskey. They shrugged and went to grab a bottle.
“H-hey..!” The drunken man started, “W… What’sss takin’ so long?”
“In a minute, sir.” (Y/N) replied as they grabbed a shot glass. They poured the whiskey and slid the glass over to him. “Here you go.”
Rayman blinked at the glass, “That’s it?” He frowned and pointed to it, “Thissss small.”
“Yeah. Do you want another glass?” (Y/N) tilted their head.
“B… bottle.” Rayman said, holding out his hands to emphasize length. He chuckled and looked back at the glass.
“A whole bottle?” The (Species) looked at the news host, who was nodding, and back at their notepad. “Alright, but it’s going to cost you extra.” They flicked their tail and went to grab his bottle.
Rayman perked up and smiled, “Wait… re’lly? Thanksss man!” He laughed again and chugged the glass in front of him.
The bartender softly smiled, holding the bottle. He likes me. He’s bound to tip at least something. They placed the cooled bottle in front of him. “Here you go, sir.”
“Oh pleaseee. You c’uld just call me… Ray…” He pried the lid off the bottle.
“Ray… man..?”
The host shook his head, “Nah… just Ray…” He laughed again and took a swing of the drink, some of the continents spilling down his chin.
Their tail swayed softly, “Ray, huh.” They glanced around the bar. Still empty. They let out a soft sigh as they pulled out a rag. They grabbed a spray bottle from the cabinet below and started cleaning the table, wiping away the loose whiskey Rayman was spilling.
Rayman finally put the bottle down to take a breath. He rubbed his mouth with the back of his hand. He looked back at (Y/N), who was putting away the cleaning supplies. “So… you have a nameee… st’anger..?” he asked, showing a toothy grin.
“Hmm? Oh… it’s (Y/N).” They put the rag in their back pocket. “I’ve seen you once or twice-”
“Of course you have!” Rayman interrupted the bartender, “I’m like… every’here!” He giggled and rested his head on his hand.
(Y/N) sighed, “I ment at the bar…” They paused, “What is someone like you hanging around at the back of this club? Shouldn’t you be hanging where all the action is?”
Rayman shrugged, “Wasn’t in the mood… bes’des… you’re hereee.” He winked and chuckled. His face was getting redder by the second.
The (Species) rolled their eyes, “Haha.”
“Come on! I mean it!” He ran his fingers through his hair, “You’re really… nice… and stuff…” He laughed once again and took another swing of his drink.
(Y/N) let out a small smile, “I guess.”
Rayman placed the whiskey down and tilted his head at the bartender, “You know who you re’ind me of? T… that one girl…” He paused, spacing out with a little drool, “Uh… what’s her face… Chichi…”
“(S/N)?” They raised an eyebrow.
“Yeah! Her…” He sighed, leaning on the table, “How did cha know..?”
The (Species) sighed, “I get that comment a lot. It’s not true though. I don’t dance.”
“I think you’ll make a great dan’er…” He stared at them, smiling. “You got the… uhh… fuck…” He swore under his breath and zoned out again. “Pizzazz… y’know..?” He did jazz hands.
This made (Y/N) let out a small chuckle. “Yeah, I know.” They looked at the table, “But I like being a bartender. And I won’t be as nice looking as those other girls.” They glanced behind them before back at Rayman.
“I think yer pretty eno’gh…” He smiled, but it looked genuine. (Y/N) stared back at him. They looked at each other for a minute before Rayman sighed. He leaned back and frowned, “I wish I could stay lon’er… Yer a re’lly good person…”
The (Species) tilted their head, “To talk too?”
The host shook his own, “Nah… just… in gen’al…” He finished the bottle and took a deep breath. He looked like he was about to collapse.
“Do you… need a ride? You want me to call you a lift or something?” (Y/N) was as shocked at their words as Rayman was.
“Pffft… nah. I’m… totally fine… darling…” said Rayman seductively before slamming his head on the table and passing out.
This caught (Y/N) off guard. They jumped and stared at the news host, sleeping soundly. The (Species) blinked and looked around. No one was around to come pick him up. They couldn’t do it, they don't even know where he lives. They poked him, “Uhh, Rayman, wake up.” They said softly, shaking his shoulder now, or where it should be.
Rayman let off a small mumble and snored. The bartender sighed and crossed their arms. Taking one last glance around the bar before looking back at him.
Guess they’re working overtime.