@defensemanryder
there were only a few dive bars in bumfuck, and it was a process to figure out which ones astor was least likely to run into one of his kid's parents. sure, giving piano lessons paid the bills, and it did engage because his very heart and soul are tied to the notes- but god forbid you work with kids and also want a drink every once in awhile. astor didn't do well in stressful situations, and he was slowly learning to be proactive about avoiding them if he could help it.
so here he was, in a damn sports bar of all places. city boy in his fendi button down and fitted slacks, slurping on some shitty draft beer because they actually ran out of whiskey per the disgruntled bartender. he might huff at astor and barely say two words, but he sure was okay to swipe his card. seven months ago, astor would've started a fight with anyone who look at him like that.
maybe dad was right. maybe bumfuck, minnesota had been good for him.
blue eyes rolled nearly into the back of his head as he sipped, shaking off the thought and peeking up at the screen above his head. he'd been all but forced to get into hockey, it was the only thing the people here cared about; but he didn't really mind. it was fucking hardcore. those guys took hits lacrosse players would be uncomfortable with. it was exciting enough to stimulate him into not noticing how the time always seemed to drag.
someone woo'd! from across the bar and it caught his attention, and astor immediately recognized the face that made the sound. he felt a buzz that immediately made him stand, the 2for1 beers he got in his hand as he approached the man, probably the only famous person to crawl out of bumfuck and then decide to keep coming back. he couldn't remember the last time he was actually interested in something in front of him.
"holy shit, aren't you that ryder guy?! i just watched last season's championship game, you were sick out there! it's so cool to see a celebrity just hanging out at the local sports bar." he put the still full beer down in front of him, and did his best to grin, even though his cheeks felt stiff from not doing so in so long.
"i'm astor."











