Chapter Text
Sevika was no stranger to the wonders of The Last Drop.
Within the past year and a half she spent more time at the bar than she did in her own home.
She had been sneaking in and around the bar since she was 17, only a short period of time before Vander realized what she was doing and let her hang around. Even when she was 18, Vander still never gave her a legitimate drink even though he knew she could handle her liquor. She’d come to the bar reeking of whisky without even a sway in her step enough times for him to realize that. The man always acted like she was so much younger than him and his friends who frequented.
So there she sat, 19 years old leaning against the bar with a glass of juice instead of something more appropriate, like a glass of whiskey or even a shot of some cheap liquor.
She had been focused on the pulp at the bottom of her drink, not quite ready to head back to her shitty apartment that she rented from some dirt bag that gave her a discount, when the sudden sound of speakers turning on caught her attention. Her eyes flickered to Vander, whose focus shifted from the glass he was cleaning to the small clearing that had been blocked off by a curtain not long ago. She had been wondering why the sudden renovation, but never questioned it.
In what felt like the blink of an eye, the short curtains opened up to show what seemed like a small band, each sporting their preferred instrument.
She leaned towards him, tapping the table in front of him to catch his attention. His eyes shot towards her, pausing for a moment to get one last look at the group before paying his attention to Sevika.
“Did you seriously hire a band?” She questioned, raising her voice to be heard over the loud chattering.
“I didn’t hire them, just gave them an opportunity.” He said, sending a smirk her way.
Sevika slid into her seat and swiveled her chair around, resting her right arm on the counter as she sipped on her drink.
The lights dimmed slightly, leaving the room almost completely engulfed in the dark of night. Sevika could faintly see another figure step on stage, this one having a slightly smaller build than the others around her. Loud drumming flooded her ears, being joined by the accompanying guitar and bass.
A feminine voice echoed throughout the bar, causing all the attendees to lock their eyes on the silhouettes on the small stage. A large spotlight shined on the group of four, courtesy of one of Vanders' friends who she can only assume was being paid very well to do.
Sevika locked her eyes on the stage, soon finding herself unable to look away.
The girl on stage was beautiful, and she clearly knew it. With her tanned skin and long, dark, curly hair, the girl practically took Sevikas breath away. She commanded the stage with a force she had never seen before. The girl danced around the small stage, using the restricted area to its fullest capacity. Her hair whipped behind her as she moved around the stage, running off the small platform to snatch bills from strangers who offered in the crowd, shoving them in her bra as she gave them a wink.
Her breath was caught in her throat as she locked eyes with the woman, who sent a smile her way.
It was over as soon as it started, and Sevika couldn’t help but want more.
“Thank you so much for having us! My name is Lucía…” Sevika tuned out when she began to list her band members off, keeping her focus on the girl.
Lucía.
Beautiful.
She had never seen someone look so alive like her, someone with such a genuine smile that radiated across the room. She had never seen someone with so much light in their eyes.
She felt herself snap out of her daze as she watched the girl run over to draw the curtains once more. Sevika quickly swiveled around in her chair, focusing on the table in front of her.
“So, what did you think?” She heard Vander ask. She looked up at him for a moment to spot a teasing smile displayed on his face.
“They were cool.” She said flatly, trying to ignore the heat that rushed to her face.
“Oh yeah? Just cool? You sure you weren’t too focused on someone?” Vander teased, leaning forward to grab the now empty glass from in front of her.
“No, I wasn’t.” She said, digging her nail into the counter to distract herself. She’s not sure why she feels so scared to admit that she simply finds the girl attractive. That’s all it was, an attraction. She saw a pretty girl and guess what, there are plenty more where she came from. No big deal!
Vander simply hummed. No words were spoken between the two for a moment.
“You know where you might be able to find her?” Vander offered.
-
That's how Sevika ended up outside in the cold Zaun night. Vander had told her she liked to smoke back here after their short week of preparation, so it was a good place to search for her. She circled the building, her hands shoved into the depths of her pockets, looking for any sign of the girl.
Then she spotted her, standing near the dumpsters with a cigarette lit between her fingers. She was seemingly deep in thought, mumbling to herself as she let out a puff of smoke. The girl snapped her attention towards Sevika, hastily crushing her cigarette on the floor as she began to mutter apologies.
“Oh I’m sorry, I know I shouldn’t really be back here but I didn’t wanna do it in the front, I’ll just go..” The girl slightly panicked, moving to scamper past Sevika before the taller woman stopped her. There was a light accent in her voice that she couldn’t quite place.
“Hey, it’s fine, I don’t work here.” Sevika assured her. The girl let out a sign of relief.
“So you wouldn’t mind if I..” The girl trailed off, fishing her pack from her pocket.
“No, you’re fine, I doubt that Vander would care.” Seika said, leaning against the building as the familiar smell of smoke filled the air yet again. The girl in front of her held her pack out towards Sevika, who gladly accepted.
A comfortable silence washed over them as they smoked, Sevika occasionally stealing glances at the girl next to her.
“You were really good out there, you know.” Sevika said, turning her head to look at the shorter brunette while letting out a puff of smoke.
She smiled up at her, “Thanks, we’ve been trying to get our names out here for a while, but people don’t really pay us a lot of attention.” She said with a frown
“Well, maybe you could do this again?” Sevika questioned. Not only to give the girl hope, but to give herself the same.
“You mean perform here? You think so?” She asked with a hopeful look in her eyes.
Sevika nodded, “Yeah, I think Vander really liked you guys so...I don’t see why not?”
The girl hummed, crushing the nub of her cigarette out on the concrete. She turned to face Sevika, reaching her hand out.
“Lucía.”
Sevika stared at the hand in front of her, sweat building up on the back of her neck before reaching out to grab it.
“Sevika.”
The girl in front of her smirked.
“Beautiful name.” She said with a smile. Sevika felt herself flush at the complement.
The two separated, Lucía stepping backwards to pick up her bag.
“Maybe I’ll see you around, Sevika.” She said with a smile.
Sevika watched the girl stroll away, a small swing in her hips that was almost hidden as she shuffled out of the alley.
She was so screwed.