@vaguewhispcrs / cont.
The moment Rosario arrived, Dio had settled for a casual back and forth, tending to other patrons but mostly focusing on her. The other bartenders didn’t have a big workload on their shoulders either way; at this point of the night the crowd had thinned considerably, and only the long standing regulars were left.
“It usually works. Some days it works better than others,” he acknowledges. He’s poured himself a drink by now, and he takes a sip and sets it down before he adds, “today, it doesn’t seem so effective for you.” He keeps his tone soft, almost worried. It’s not an act, as there’s genuine affection lacing each syllable, and almost palpable in how he looks at her. Besides, he knows she’s quick to lash out when she’s had one glass too many, and he doesn’t want that; his mutation is at play, keeping the mood as non-aggressive as possible. “Have you considered talking about it?”