Survivor's Guilt

Nihao, qing jin. Welcome to the Gun and Blade, best bar on Persephone. I'd be the proprietor. Name's Roman. Yeah, just Roman. I ain't got no family name, 'cause I ain't got no family. Now stop runnin' your mouth and order a gorram drink. Gan bei. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- MY BAR, MY RULES 1. Drink my booze, not yours. 2. Don't like the music? Tough. 3. You can keep your weapons, but they'd best stay holstered. 4. Start a fight, I'll finish it. 5. Don't touch the girls. They ain't doxies, and a smile is not an invite. Breaking any of the above will get you banned. No refunds, no appeal. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- ((Firefly OC, Jason Momoa FC, formerly romanthesurvivor--lol I lost my login. I'd love to keep him in the Firefly-verse, but I can do a modern-day/normal AU if necessary. SEMI-ACTIVE. Read the About page for more :D))

[lostmysoultotheblack]

serenitysalbatross entered the bar

[lostmysoultotheblack]

Roman canted his head,choosing silence. Odd question. He didn’t look lost, he supposed. He was standing in his bar, his home. He was the opposite of lost. But something in this girl’s eyes made him feel all sorts of exposed. “Water. Right.” It was as good an excuse as any to look away from those eyes. Still, he had to turn back to slide the water to her.

[serenitysalbatross]

She was aware she was unsettling him. As he slid the water to her, her eyes followed the glass, rather than him. A sip was taken, before she ventured, “I’m River.” Still watching the water ripple in the glass. 

[lostmysoultotheblack]

"Roman," he replied, automatically. 

[voooningzem-deactivated20130528]

[leafsoared]

+ lostmysoultotheblack

[lostmysoultotheblack]

“I stay in business, well enough,” Roman replied with a shrug. He smirked a little, knowing exactly what the other was getting at. “I’m keen to stay outta trouble from all sides.”

[leafsoared]

Wash gave a nod, grin still in place. “I know the feeling,” he said under his breath. Reaching for his drink, he tipped the contents down the back of his throat. Wash sighed and set it back down on the bar. “I got time for another. What d’ya recommend? I’m guessin’ you know your stuff if you can stay open like this…”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

"Got any opposition to harder stuff?" Roman asked, pulling a dark scotch from under the bar.

[lostmysoultotheblack]

+theoriginalbloodcountess

[lostmysoultotheblack]

She was clearly there for some purpose. Roman usually kept his nose out of other folk’s business, but that was assuming they didn’t make trouble. The second she did, she’d find herself on the curb, along with anyone who was with her. 

[theoriginalbloodcountess]

She watched for any sign of someone’s inebriated state. Any would be a great target to romance to her side, steal their coins, and perhaps their ships. What man would deny themselves an evening with a woman without ever wondering what price they would pay. “How many dock here and want to relax themselves?”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

He was beginning to doubt she was actually there to meet someone after all. After refilling a regular's drink, he almost asked who exactly her contact was when she spoke again. "A night?" He shrugged. "Ships are comin in all the time. Got a full house on a regular basis, so look around." He gestured to the packed room. Numbers had never really been a concern with him.

[lostmysoultotheblack]

firebird68 entered the bar

[lostmysoultotheblack]

“Nah I break into other folk’s places of business and drink their booze. Half naked. Surprised you haven’t heard of me.” He chuckled, lowly, circling the bar. One hand ran along the smooth edge, clearly a habit and something of fondness to it. Then a sleepy yawn grumbled up his throat and he winced, reaching for a battered canister. “Coffee? Less o’course you prefer somethin stronger.”

[firebird68]

Now there was a story she wouldn’t have minded overhearing in some bar. She would’ve ordered a round in his honour. “First time I been on world in a few months. Could be all sortsa new characters running around.” She’d join him for a drink regardless, but she wouldn’t approve of him stealing anything if he was. Ronnie followed and dropped herself into a seat, drumming her fingers on the bar. “Don’t see why it can’t be both. No inreputable captain would take on a mechanic that don’t smell a little bit like whiskey.”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

No reason you couldn’t have all you wanted. He couldn’t argue with that thinking. Roman smirked a little as he set the burners going to boil the water and scooped grounds into the machine. Snapping the lid back on the can, he set it up on the shelf without looking, habitual motions. Waiting for the coffee to percolate, he scooped up a bottle of rotgut and set it on the counter.

"You a mechanic, then?"

[firebird68]

"I’m a lot of things," she admitted with a smile, "Including that." Today she would probably be a mechanic, maybe a smuggler too, depending. Right now was sort of a grey area, since she wasn’t on the job yet, and she was pretty sure this guy wouldn’t tattle if she let something slip. People talked in bars and you couldn’t trust half of it to be true, no matter what time it was.

[lostmysoultotheblack]

"Versatile lady. You'll have all manner of captains beggin for your services." Someone that pretty who could ply her hand at multiple trades would never be wanting for cash. Roman rubbed one large hand over his face to further help him wake up. The coffee buzzed and he straightened. "Usually get a crowd of 'em in around sundown, if you want to take your pick."

[lostmysoultotheblack]

firebird68 entered the bar

[lostmysoultotheblack]

“Nah I break into other folk’s places of business and drink their booze. Half naked. Surprised you haven’t heard of me.” He chuckled, lowly, circling the bar. One hand ran along the smooth edge, clearly a habit and something of fondness to it. Then a sleepy yawn grumbled up his throat and he winced, reaching for a battered canister. “Coffee? Less o’course you prefer somethin stronger.”

[firebird68]

Now there was a story she wouldn’t have minded overhearing in some bar. She would’ve ordered a round in his honour. “First time I been on world in a few months. Could be all sortsa new characters running around.” She’d join him for a drink regardless, but she wouldn’t approve of him stealing anything if he was. Ronnie followed and dropped herself into a seat, drumming her fingers on the bar. “Don’t see why it can’t be both. No inreputable captain would take on a mechanic that don’t smell a little bit like whiskey.”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

No reason you couldn't have all you wanted. He couldn't argue with that thinking. Roman smirked a little as he set the burners going to boil the water and scooped grounds into the machine. Snapping the lid back on the can, he set it up on the shelf without looking, habitual motions. Waiting for the coffee to percolate, he scooped up a bottle of rotgut and set it on the counter.

"You a mechanic, then?"

[leafsoared]

+ lostmysoultotheblack

[lostmysoultotheblack]

Roman glanced around once as well, proudly. “Good long while now.” He shrugged, moving down to refill another’s glass while still replying. “Don’t really advertise none. Folk who need to find it, find it.”

[leafsoared]

Wash chuckled. “Seems like a handy arrangement! It’s a nice place, too.” Helluva lot better than some of the… less reputable establishments he and the rest of the crew seemed to find themselves in. More frequently that Wash would like… “Doesn’t hurt your business any? Not advertising? Or is there a less poetic reason for layin’ low?” Wash said, mischievous smile on his lips.

[lostmysoultotheblack]

“I stay in business, well enough," Roman replied with a shrug. He smirked a little, knowing exactly what the other was getting at. "I'm keen to stay outta trouble from all sides."

[thenorthiscalling-deactivated20]

[lostmysoultotheblack]

+theoriginalbloodcountess

[lostmysoultotheblack]

“Bu ke qi,” he muttered in response. He moved off down the bar, leaving the two shots alongside her other three. If she didn’t drink them, he would. Pissed him off even more that she even risked wasting his booze. As he helped other patrons, he kept his eye on the central planet lady. Just as he kept an eye on everything going on in the room.

[theoriginalbloodcountess]

The alcohol would be given to her acquaintance if he would ever reveal himself. More and more, she wondered if he was taken by enemies. If he was found on the way to this meeting or if they were pressing him to set a trap for her once she took leave of this bar. If she departed, there was risk, if she lingered, there was risk. A hand reached for one of the drinks, pressing it to her lips and sipping. Such foulness, but if it would ebb the rising desperation all the more better to toss it back into her mouth.

[lostmysoultotheblack]

She was clearly there for some purpose. Roman usually kept his nose out of other folk's business, but that was assuming they didn't make trouble. The second she did, she'd find herself on the curb, along with anyone who was with her. 

[lostmysoultotheblack]

firebird68 entered the bar

[lostmysoultotheblack]

Roman laughed and finished descending the stairs. She didn’t seem offended enough for him to bother going back up for a shirt. He ran a hand through ragged long hair before pointing at the bar. “I was just about to get myself a coffee. You’re welcome to join me.”

[firebird68]

“That would be mighty kind’a you.” Staying awake another couple hours wouldn’t hurt. And how could she stay no to such pleasant company? She wandered a few steps further in, taking a better look around. “I take it this fine establishment is yours?”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

“Nah I break into other folk’s places of business and drink their booze. Half naked. Surprised you haven't heard of me.” He chuckled, lowly, circling the bar. One hand ran along the smooth edge, clearly a habit and something of fondness to it. Then a sleepy yawn grumbled up his throat and he winced, reaching for a battered canister. "Coffee? Less o'course you prefer somethin stronger."

[janeconnor-deactivated20141229]

[secretivejunebug-deactivated201]

Persepolis|| Firefly AU

[lostmysoultotheblack]

Roman looked over when the girl spoke. For being sunsick, she was fairly articulate. Still, he felt a little guilty getting caught conspiring—as it were—with Dan. So he straightened up again, giving a quick nod in her direction. But she wasn’t looking at him anymore. He heard Claire and Dan’s argument, but he was a man of few words on a good day. He had nothing to add, so he didn’t. 

Instead, he watched June, as she called herself. She seemed a shy thing or he might’ve tried for conversation. And then he caught the name Badger and he focused back in on the conversation again, head snapping round. 

He set a glass down and tossed the towel back as well. “You want my say, I say don’t chuck her off on that wan nao.” He glanced back at June for a moment, for a quick beat of thought. Then he looked back at the two, nodding at Claire. “She can stay here until she gets her feet back.” Remembering the last time he’d discussed her without her say so, he looked down the bar at the quiet young woman. “If that’s shiny with you.”

[secretivejunebug-deactivated201]

The blonde girl didn’t like them arguing over her like a dog they had to sell. She could understand them very well. Dan didn’t seem to give a lick-spit of her own well being while Claire on the other hand wanted to give her the best options. It made June wonder what she saw in the man she chose to marry. He seemed like the scum bags she had to deal with back on her own home planet. Home. That’s right, she wasn’t on Earth but another planet completely. Her angel had dropped her on accident and there was no one home to take care of Gizmo. That’s the only thing she seemed to worry about. Forget Dan trying to dump her off on some pimp and Claire’s fretting about. She even seemed to ignore the bar-keep’s avid attention on her. That dog was her best friend. How long, and for that matter, just how far into the future was she? Suddenly the tone of the conversation change when all of their attention was directed at her. June looked up, amber gaze passing between all three of them. Roman, the bar keeper, was offering for her to stay here… But where, exactly? “Shiny,” she echoed in a hollow voice,”Yeah. It’s shiny with me. Thank you.” “Bless you, Roman. You’re a good man,” Claire thanked gratiously. She set her empty teacup down, and tugged on Dan’s sleeve who seemed less than keen on the deciscion made.He grunted again and gave Roman the amount due for the drinks, casting a side-long glance at the girl they now got rid of as if it was the last thing he wanted to do. The couple left, Claire kissing June on the cheek and Dan lumbering for the door. The girl’s attention returned to the large man before her when she understood that a debt would be paid off. She was more than willing to work for the bar. But not as a toy. “I’m sorry,” she said immediately,”This is really inconvenient.”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

Roman wasn't fond of Badger. The man preyed on weakness and people in bad situations. And after all the bad Roman had seen out in the black, he knew the only way to survive was to help each other. He was only alive because people along the way had given him a shot. He couldn't deny anyone else that right. So he was only too glad to offer a roof to a lost girl until she found her way. He nodded when she agreed, unable to help the smallest of smiles from crossing his face. She was an odd one. Seemed unfamiliar with the way things were around here. It was lucky she'd wound up in his bar. It was possibly the safest place for her.

Attention back on Claire and Dan, Roman's smile stayed, but turned a little bit rueful. He wasn't so sure about 'good.' He wasn't 'bad' at least, and that was enough, most days. Taking the couple's empty cups, he called out a gruff farewell, wishing them luck and a safe trip back home.

And then it was back to the silence of the early-afternoon crowd and a stranger seated at his bar. "You're better off here than elsewhere" was his simple reply as he rinsed out the teacup and the glass, setting them aside to be washed later. "And I don't mind. People sometimes stay a night or two if they got nowhere else to go. Not exactly fancy, but there's space enough."

[lostmysoultotheblack]

ooc: Hopping to another account before my inevitable crash X)

[lostmysoultotheblack]

firebird68 entered the bar

“Jen mei naishing duh fwotzoo—did I leave the door unlocked?” He groaned the words, but he wasn’t that miffed. This was his place, after all. He was allowed to walk around it as clothed as he pleased. And it was late morning. Responsible working folk were supposed to be up and around. Even if they’d had a long night.

[firebird68]

Ronnie had some time to kill before meeting with a potential employer so she wandered a neighborhood she hadn’t memorized. She’d only landed back on Persephone a few hours before, barely stopping to drop her bags at her brother’s shop before moving onto finding another job. Problems couldn’t catch you if you kept moving.

On a whim she stooped outside an unfamiliar bar—never mind that it was broad daylight. She hadn’t slept in… how long? Being in the black threw off her internal clock. Maybe she could get a drink. The interior was a lot nicer than she expected or was used to, and also completely empty. Maybe they weren’t open.

At the sound of a voice, she spun… and stopped. “Ai ya,” she muttered, eyes glued to the giant of a man. It took a few seconds to snap out of it. “Seems like.” She grinned, not at all embarrassed. “I take it you’re not serving yet.”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

Roman laughed and finished descending the stairs. She didn't seem offended enough for him to bother going back up for a shirt. He ran a hand through ragged long hair before pointing at the bar. "I was just about to get myself a coffee. You're welcome to join me."

[lostmysoultotheblack]

serenitysalbatross entered the bar

“Qing jin, we’re open.”

[serenitysalbatross]

“Ni hao.”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

“You lost, xiao jie?”

[serenitysalbatross]

“Are you?”

River drifted farther in, perching on a seat at the bar. Her elbows rested against the counter, and her head was propped up by her fists. “I’m waiting for friends. May I have a water?”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

Roman canted his head,choosing silence. Odd question. He didn't look lost, he supposed. He was standing in his bar, his home. He was the opposite of lost. But something in this girl's eyes made him feel all sorts of exposed. "Water. Right." It was as good an excuse as any to look away from those eyes. Still, he had to turn back to slide the water to her.

[lostmysoultotheblack]

maintainingserenity entered the bar

Roman knew the regulars and this wasn’t one of them. Pretty, though. A sweet sort of face. He wasn’t much one for words, but the only way regulars became regulars was showing a little kindness.

“Howdy. Name’s Roman.”

[maintainingserenity]

Though Kaylee had been told (multiple times) to stick with the team and pick up something or another, there was so much more in the town she wanted to inspect. She told Mal as much before disappearing off from the group. For her boldness, she was rewarded with a swaii little bar (that happened to be a giant bar) she’d never been to before.

Only a few steps in, she was greeted with a man that rivalled Jayne for size. Her smile formed without a thought about it, not sure what to say. “Oh - hi. I’m Kaylee. I haven’t been in this place a’fore, and I’ve been t’Persephone a bunch of times. Seemed a shame.” She glanced around, taking in the very dressy décor. And the guns! So many vintage and hard to find models.

“I’m Kaylee - I said that already, didn’t I. Sorry.” Kaylee laughed. “Nice t’meet you.”

[lostmysoultotheblack]

Roman was used to his size. People often felt the need to point it out, so he was glad when she didn't. He knew how to stand so he didn't tower over people, and he knew how to be threatening when he wanted to be. Right now, he was concentrating on the former. "Well, I'm of the opinion it's the best bar on Persephone, but folk tell me I'm biased." He glanced around with a twinge of pride before looking down at her and nodding. "Shiny to meet you, Miss Kaylee. Can I getcha anythin?"

[lostmysoultotheblack]

+theoriginalbloodcountess

[lostmysoultotheblack]

She talked funny, but Roman reckoned that was just because he didn’t spend much time on central planets. She sure stuck out, though. Her credits seemed good, though, and that was about all that was keeping her ass in the bar. He swiped the money off the counter before setting up five shots in a row and filling them all in one pour.

[theoriginalbloodcountess]

She pressed three towards her side and two towards him. He may not partake of it, but it was suffice as a peace offering for the moment. All to await the contact to arrive soon. Yet, he was tarrying far too long for her tastes and for her liking. If she held the ability to slaughter without the bartender wishing to remove her head with his hands, she would to relieve the tension of waiting. “Thank you,” she stated, her fingernails clicking against the glass.

[lostmysoultotheblack]

"Bu ke qi," he muttered in response. He moved off down the bar, leaving the two shots alongside her other three. If she didn't drink them, he would. Pissed him off even more that she even risked wasting his booze. As he helped other patrons, he kept his eye on the central planet lady. Just as he kept an eye on everything going on in the room.