hear me roar;

tarren pierce - twenty five || lion shifter bartender at the drunken munchkin

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

May I Help You?

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

Gwendolyn caught a serious case of the giggles as soon as she saw Tarren doing her best to stifle her laughter and failing miserable to do so. She had an infectiously loud laugh that couldn’t be stopped anytime soon.

I hope you do report me! Maybe then my boss will send me home early. I’m ok with that. Who needs money right? I’ll just use Monopoly money to get by, I’m sure nobody will notice. She shrugged as her laughter began to die down. Gwendy! She giggled. I like that. And I shall call you Reny! Huzzah! She lifted her hands in the air in a triumphant stance, hoping the woman wouldn’t mind the nickname.

[tarrenpierce]

The fact that Gwen was giggling did not help to cease the steady flurry of laughter erupting from Tarren’s throat. Instead, she mirrored it with her own giggles and even an impromptu snort, which was completely against Tarren’s usual character. Covering her nose and mouth with haste at the unearthly noise, she looked back at Gwen with an innocent shrug of her shoulders, suddenly red and embarrassed at the fact that she actually snorted in front of the blonde. After a moment or two of tense silence, however, Tarren broke out laughing once more.

Shit that was- [ She shook her head, unable to control it. Oh how she hoped the woman wouldn’t mind. ] Y’know what, [ Tarren leaned in, eyes shifting from side to side for a moment or two. ] Why don’t I just steal you? I mean, your boss can’t do a thing if a customer needs your attention and help, right? You’re just being… a fantastic employee, yeah? [ She laughed at the money statement, shaking her head at the thought of Gwen actually going up to her at the bar and offering her Monopoly money for a drink. Her laugher slowly dissipated, but her smile widened indefinitely at the fact that she took to the nickname so well and gave Tarren one too. ] I think it’s perfect. Gwendy and Reny. Or Reny and Gwendy. Has a nice ring to it.

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

May I Help You?

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

She laughs, allowing her smile to grow big. Yeah, I guess we kind of are in the same boat. She holds up the bag of coins and leans in to whisper. I’ll be spending the rest of the day counting the coins instead of having to clean up after the pigs! She did a little dance before looking around to make sure no one was staring.

It’s nice to meet you Tarren, my name is Gwendolyn. I only work here..thank god. She took the woman’s hand and shook it wildly.

[tarrenpierce]

Tarren couldn’t help but echo her laugh, suddenly delighted to find someone who had such a light sense of humor and an adorable smile to match. Shaking her head in order to hide a wide, teeth bared grin as she watched Gwen dance around, she held her hand over her mouth in an effort to stop any more laughter. Instead, it came out muffled, but still wholeheartedly full of pure delight.

You sneaky little minx. [ She smirked, raising a playfully accusing eyebrow. ] How dare you use me to slack off! I should report you, yknow. [ Laughing once more as they shook hands, she licked her lips and nodded lightly. ] Gwendolyn. Gwen. Nice to meet you too, Gwendy. [ Again, she raised an eyebrow hoping the woman wouldn’t mind the nickname. She wasn’t teasing her by any means, but trying to learn her name and matching it to her face. It was a trick she used, for remembering names at the bar came in handy. ]

[finneusabernathy]

Heard about those fires.

[finneusabernathy]

Not particularly. Just like natural causes happen all the time, there are people who plan to do these things on purpose everywhere. You’ll find that you can’t get away from them. I bet they’re even in the upper half of the city.

We can be concerned, but what can we do about it, really?

[tarrenpierce]

Well, I still think they have no damn right to do the things they do, but I guess you're right. I wouldn't be surprised. We can track the little shitheads down and lock them up and possibly rip their heads off. That's what we did outside the city when trespassers came along or some sort of severe punishment was needed. It's a bit barbaric, but it kept everyone safe.

[bryanna-morrin-blog]

It's bloody awful looking today.

[bryanna-morrin-blog]

Dark Heart has interesting things, it’s true. It’s a good place to browse; we get a lot of customers that just come into to take a walk on the…darker side.

Perhaps I will stop by; I do so love a good fizzyberry soda. Tell me, has my brother been behaving himself? 

[tarrenpierce]

Sounds... sexy. I really must try that sometime. Perfect. Looking forward to it, then. Hah! If by behaving himself you mean staring at women from across the bar and slapping my ass every so often. He should know by now that I'm honestly not interested, but other than that, he's been good.

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

May I Help You?

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

Gwendolyn walked towards the aisle that had the paper towels on it, motioning the woman to follow her.

Yeah, mostly kids making huge messes. Parents don’t like to pay too much attention to them or they just hand them random crap that is eventually torn to pieces. And then there’s the nasty pigs, who probably never cleaned a day in their life. They waltz in here smelling like they just got off of the farm.

She takes the bag and looks at it curiously a few moments before shrugging.

Yeah I’m sure it is.

She found it as an excuse to count the bag full of coins for the rest of her shift. Her manager couldn’t complain about her not doing anything now.

[tarrenpierce]

Tarren followed briskly, a few steps behind the other blonde before catching up completely and walking beside her.

Eugh. That makes the metaphorical pigs at the bar sound a bit more pleasant… Then again, they dribble and slur their words like kids so I guess we’re kinda in the same boat, huh? [ She raised an eyebrow playfully, looking up at the woman with a warm smile- especially after she accepted the coins, which Tarren herself really couldn’t be bothered to count. ] I’m Tarren by the way and if you couldn’t already tell, I’m a bartender at the Drunken Munchkin and if you stop by the orphanage I’m around there too. [ She held out her hand, her eyes trailing up to meet the other woman's. ]

[finneusabernathy]

Heard about those fires.

[finneusabernathy]

I don’t think it is. Things like this happen all of the time, unfortunate is all it is. We can’t concern ourselves with them too much, dear.

[tarrenpierce]

Well, I guess with your philosophy, you're right, but what you're talking about has to do with natural fires, yknow? This one doesn't seem like it and who knows what'll happen next if the pyromaniac decides to strike again. I think under those circumstances, we should be pretty damn concerned, dont'cha think?

[translucenxy]

Tarquin could be brave and rather mouthy if the occasion called for it, but not at that moment. He knew how fragile his pet was, and it terrified the boy that he could lose Bazil so easily. Death came too easily for the living— his parents were proof enough of that. And on top of it all his mother had taught him to never hit a woman, and even now he couldn’t go back on that lesson and defend the creature she so carelessly dangled in the air. If it had been him she was threatening he would have kept goading her— but not Bazil. 

The brunette shrieked and literally erupted into tears as soon as Tarren tossed the creature into the air, lurching forward to try to catch him, his entire face crumbling in distress. It was like a water balloon that had suddenly been popped— and people stopped to stare, giving them both dirty looks for the unearthly wail that emitted from him. Tarquin had been so sure that the blonde was going to kill the animal that he didn’t expect what she did next, and even as she pretty much socked him in the stomach with Bazil and her fist, causing the wind to leave his lungs in a great whoosh, the boy’s shaking hands found the rat as he stumbled and sagged against a nearby wall. Gasping for breath, the brunette lifted the animal to eye level and once he saw the creature was okay, slipped him into the oversized pocket of his tattered frock out. “You’re a bitch.” The boy snapped, finding his mouth as he glared hot daggers at Tarren, pointing at her. “Better sleep with your eyes open, might wake up bald and without that mane of hair.” In a final retort, Tarquin stuck his tongue out at her and childishly blew a raspberry before turning to dart off into the crowd to get away from the blonde.

[tarrenpierce]

If anything, Tarren had to admit that the boy was durable. Even after all of the pain and wailing, he still managed to bark back with a petty insult that rolled off the blonde’s shoulder like droplets against glass. Part of her was curious to see if she could still beat him around a bit and have him stand up, nose bloodied and body bruised, but through his clear immaturity, Tarren knew he was still a child- or at least a child at heart. The last thing she wanted to be was someone who injured children for fun-- even if they did deserve a slap or two. Besides, at this point, she knew the boy was done. Despite the fact that he still refused to back down, she had broken him, tears and all, which was enough satisfaction to keep her from bolting after the boy in her true beastly form. Instead, she ran her hands through her hair, laughing at the thought of it suddenly gone the next morning.

“Then you look forward to losing that jugular of yours, all right?” Tarren shouted after him, turning away with a light flick of her wrist so her hair fell over her eyes. With quick glances left and right to disperse the crowed, she walked in the other direction, hoping she’d never have to meet that little rat ever again. 

[notthatsweetcaroline]

So, does anyone have any news about the fires?

[tarrenpierce]

Not at the moment. I've been tryin' to get some information through conversations, but everyone's pretty much clueless. You don't happen to know anything either, do you?

[breathtakingqueens]

[translucenxy]

Tarquin was a bit of a brat, almost everyone that associated with him knew this. And when he felt intimidated he just couldn’t seem to keep his mouth shut, only aggravating the situation more with his cheeky attitude in order to keep his pride in tact. He didn’t know that Tarren wasn’t human, that she had a rather beastly other side to her. And even as her hand clamped down with painful force on his wrist, the brunette struggled to keep his grip on Bazil but ultimately couldn’t unless he wanted to hurt the creature himself. 

He brought a fist up to punch her, but even as she dangling the squirming— squeaking— and terrified— rat over her open mouth, Tarquin couldn’t bear to punch her. “Please! Don’t! I’m sorry!” He cried. Sapphire eyes immediately brimming with tears that sprung up in absolute horror. The boy couldn’t even summon up a snarky remark, his fingerless gloves hands darting out in grabbing fashion to attempt to snatch the animal back. All he could think about was losing the only thing in the world that still loved him.

[tarrenpierce]

Tarren was typically tolerant- especially at the bar or the orphanage, for she had to be. She had to deal with hollering men and women as well as angry children from time to time. Unfortunately for Tarquin, she was off work and therefore she ran purely off instinct. Accordingly when threatened, she bit back and that’s exactly what she did- minus the biting part. She narrowed her eyes and steadied herself for the punch, but what she got definitely wasn’t what she expected. Where she prepared herself for a fist, she found tears and grabbing and helpless pleading, which was definitely enough to cool her previous anger. Just like that, Tarren’s expression melted into a mixture of both amusement and pity at the boy’s reaction.

“If I knew you were gonna cry like a baby I would’ve snatched this little hors d'oeuvre from you a lot earlier.” She laughed, tossing the rat into the air, maw wide open, but just before it hit her teeth, she caught it with her free hand and shoved the fur ball into the brunette’s stomach with the force of a heavy punch-- and with that, she let go of him, stepping back with a light huff. “Learned your lesson, kid?”

[translucenxy]

The boy flinched back from the blonde, a retort dying in his throat at her obvious fury. “I’m not a bloody rat! You stupid girl!” Tarquin finally managed to find his voice and snap back. Stomping his foot while his spine went rigid, the boy’s hand instinctively flew north to scoop Bazil up and cradle the berkshire to his chest in a protective manner. “Yeah? And I’ll cut your hair off in your sleep and sell it to a wig shop!” The brunette retorted, his cheeks flushing red with anger. 

Tarquin still backed away a few paces, his sapphire eyes large in their sockets as he regarded Tarren with half fear half arrogant disbelief. She wouldn’t dare, she was just trying to scare him, right? “And you are a lumbering oaf, I felt as if I ran into a damn tree instead of a girl!” The boy cried as he stared down his nose at the blonde. “And if you want to eat something for lunch so badly why don’t you go find someone your own size to pick on!?” The hand not cradling the rat to his chest balled into a fist as he practically yelled this at the blonde. If Tarren dared to try to snatch the rat to eat him he would punch her— manners and morals be damned.

[tarrenpierce]

At the boy's blatant audacity, Tarren tensed once more. She couldn't believe it. There she was minding her own business and of all people, she had to run into a scrappy little street rat who didn't know when to bite his tongue. Again, her fingers met her palms as she curled them into tight, solid fists, which were now heavy and eager to be thrown against the brunette's cheek. His insults didnt mean much, but it did irritate her and just like the rat he was and was carrying, it crawled under her skin, causing the hairs on the back of her neck to stand on end as she grumbled, "Don't you fucking dare." She bared her teeth once more, all sense of calm, cool and collected gone as her eyes speared the pet rat with her emerald gaze.

"That's it." And just like that, Tarren snapped- a flicker of her beastly counterpart dancing within her eyes as she grabbed his wrist, held it in place, and with her free hand, wretched the rat from within his grasp. "I warned you, rat. You don't know who you're messing with." Smirking maliciously as the boy's pet squirmed and squeaked between her fingers, Tarren held it up above her mouth and rolled out her tongue, cackling for show as she lowered it closer and closer to her sharpened canines that glistened as she turned her head in his direction. She wanted him to have a full view of his best friend’s demise after all.

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

May I Help You?

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

She pushed her mouth to one side in a pout. She hoped that whatever the woman needed all these paper towels for wasn’t too gross.

Oh god, that sounds awful. Who would make such a mess like that? I feel for you. You don’t know how many times I’ve had to clean up a mess. I mean you’d think people would have respect…we’re in a store for god’s sake. She rolled her eyes at the thought of people making such messes. Yeah, you can take however many you’d like.

[tarrenpierce]

She shrugged, her shoulders dropping with the familiarity of the situation. Being a bartender for quite some time now, Tarren was incredibly use to the filth she frequently had to mop up.

Doesn't it? I swear, my paycheck needs to be bigger, but thankfully, I'm not using my money for this buy. [ Pulling out a bag of coins she snatched from the bar register, she glanced in before turning her attention back onto the worker. ] Shitstains who've had too much to drink, but I guess it just comes with the job, y'know? [ She paused, her eyebrows rising curiously. ] People seriously make messes here? Fuck, if I was in your shoes and had nothing else to lose, I would've clawed one of their faces off by now. [ She laughed once more before handing the woman the bag, eyes bright in delight. ] I hope this is enough to cover it. 

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

May I Help You?

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

When the woman approaches her and mentions that she needs a ton of paper towels, Gwen’s eyebrow can’t help to quirk up in interest.

Uhhh, yeah, I mean we have like a 24-pack of paper towels. But why do you need so much? If you don’t mind me asking…

[tarrenpierce]

Tarren couldn’t help but laugh lightly at the sudden change in the other blonde’s expression. Smirking, she runs her fingers through her hair and sighs, suddenly realizing that the ends of her hair were still a bit damp from the mess she needed to clean back at the bar.

I don't mind, babe. It's not everyday you get a customer like me, right? [ Her grin widens. ] Well, I’ve got a bit of a mess to clean up... and by a bit of a mess I mean a river of spilled whiskey, broken bottles and an unpleasant amount of regurgitation. I swear, some people just can't hold their alcohol. [ She winks, her eyes flickering toward the paper towels. ] A 24-pack actually sounds perfect. Could I take about two dozen or so?

[thedreamer-gwendolyn-blog]

May I Help You?

Gwendolyn is hard at work when she notices a customer come into the store. She smiles and nods towards them.

May I help you?

[tarrenpierce]

Pushing the door open, Tarren pads into the store, eyes scanning the room for a moment before meeting Gwen's gaze and with a quirky, delighted smile, she appraoches her. 

Hey, yeah- I was just wondering if guys had a shit ton of paper towels I could buy? Anything absorbent really.

[bryanna-morrin-blog]

It's bloody awful looking today.

[bryanna-morrin-blog]

Oh, yes. I know you. I’m sorry; I’m horrible with names and faces. You work for my brother, Shaine. Some days I wished someone owned it other than him, but he adores it.  I rarely drink, so I’m only there if I need to talk to him.  I hope you’ve only heard good things. 

[tarrenpierce]

It's all right, babe. Being a bartender and all, my whole career is basically based on names and faces. I totally get what you mean, though. Ah, no wonder your name rings a bell. Heh, I can tell and as much as I'd love to own it, I really do appreciate the job. You should stop by more often. I make a mean fizzyberry soda y'know-- no alcohol I promise. Mhmm. People stop by your shop before coming by the bar tons of times and I can't say I've never been in there just to browse either. 

[bryanna-morrin-blog]

It's bloody awful looking today.

[bryanna-morrin-blog]

No idea, but luckily for us if it does rain it may help put out any fires that start up. I’ve seen you around. I’m Bryanna. Most call me Bry. I own Dark Heart. 

[tarrenpierce]

That's true. I'm pretty damn sure my apartment'll be next so I guess I should be thankful. Huh, I've heard of you from people who come by the bar. It's nice to finally meet you. I'm Tarren and I'm a bartender at the Drunken Munchkin. Wish I owned it, but I lack that happy luxury. 

[finneusabernathy]

Heard about those fires.

Terribly unfortunate, don’t you agree?

[tarrenpierce]

Unfortunately is a terrible understatement, but definitely. You seem pretty smug about it, though.