a good fight

zion blake. xx. they/she pronouns accepted

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cora!

“i don’t think i’ve ever been this tired before. i’ve literally been working nonstop all week and my only day off is tomorrow. i feel like i’ve run a thousand marathons, been hit over the head with a brick, swallowed sandpaper and got my feet crushed. remind me again why i’m a server?”

looking up from the bowl of mismatched cereal placed in their lap, zion frowned consolingly, standing up from the couch. “have a seat, you look exhausted!” rising to their feet, zion was a flurry of energy. “that was... really graphic, but let’s breathe. you’re basically off for like 30 hours so i will whip you up something great and pop open a bottle of wine that i technically found and you can sleep or take a bath or take over a small planet with me in a game of Alien?”

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gage!

“why are cops so fuckin’ obnoxious? here i am, minding my own business, doing maybe five or six miles over the speed limit, and this  guy comes flying with his lights and siren on full blast – as if i’m a wanted criminal? this hate is bull shit. he gave me a ticket and spits when he talks. i think his name was melvin.”

“it’s because you have a suspicious face,” zion teased, biting into a piece of toast as he continued to speak. “or, ya know how systematic oppression is such a way that young girls are made to believe that when a boy is mean to them that they actually like them? maybe the ticket was the excuse the cop needed to get your address and phone number. hopefully you’ll get an edible arrangements out of all this hassle. but what were you in a hurry for? whenever i get a ride, i love seeing the sights.”

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islabloomfield.

“Did you know you’re very terrible liar?”

Grimacing, Zion sighed defeatedly and then gave a consenting nod. “You’re right. I’m not really an ice harvester like Cristoff from Frozen, but that was the only ice breaker I could think of and your hair is beautiful. I did, however,  take three online magician courses last year. Now that you know my dirty little secret, the least you could do is pick a card..?” Pulling out a deck of cards from their bag, Zion shuffled the deck and fanned them face down between unpainted fingers.

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riley!

Riley couldn’t help the giggle that came out of her mouth at that, beginning to feel the whiskey loosening her up. “Oh god no, I’m clumsy as hell! I can only imagine the damage I’d do if I tried. I can make pretty drinks though. The tips are pretty good, especially when people start getting really drunk.” She laughed again, sincerely enjoying the fellow red-head’s company. “Ugh, yeah, there’s so many ways to get scammed and catfished. That’s why I don’t believe people until I’ve skyped them face-to-face.”

“Good thing I didn’t order 151, a couple’a shots of that is enough to intoxicate a grown man. Nice to meet you Zion! We gingers gotta stick together,” she replied with a grin. “Just moved to the area from Georgia. The Orlando nightlife is unbeatable, and I needed to get away from the hick republicans always on my back.”

Easing more into their seat and glad to finally have someone to interact with instead of awkwardly refreshing twitter to seem busy, Zion’s full attention was focused on their humble companion. “Oh, I don’t believe that. I’m sure you could do great things with those hands, because bartending basically makes you a chemist - things could turn out great or end awfully but either way it’s super cool. i feel like if i were to ever become magically hand-eye coordinated i would try it. For now though, carrying a tray full of food is more than enough of a challenge, though the stories I get to hear are amazing.” Leaning forward on their fist, Zion listened intently. “You know, if more people were as sensible as you Nev and Max - my mtv parents - would be out of a job.”

“151? Is it bad that I have no idea what that is but it sounds like something that goes in a car. And I couldn’t agree more, a few more of us and we’ll have a nice little squad here at the metro.” Warmth spreading through every limb, Zion couldn’t help the full on giggle that overtook them. “The hick republicans, huh? Well that’s as good of a reason if I ever heard. Georgia sounds amazing though. Isn’t that were they original ‘Southern Belle’ was coined?

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sookie!

“ damn, girl - that’s some pretty savage speak you’ve got there. you said it yourself - it’s your first night here and it’s like 6 pm ; you’ve gotta give the shenanigans a little time to simmer. “ sookie retorted, waving the cellphone in her hand around in exaggeration that correlated with her words as she smiled stiffly towards the other. 

“i was just being honest.” zion frowned. “i mean it’s 6 right? is the city too good for pregaming and everyone just shows up at 11:30 smashed out of their face or what? maybe i just put too much hope on the people here. how long does simmering take exactly?

[stydiaislove]

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riley!

Eyebrows raised incredulously, she couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. “I am? You haven’t even seen me working yet! But thank you. I work at a bar down the street a bit. Some guys try to buy me drinks, but I much prefer cash, ‘specially since I’m not allowed to be drunk on the job,” she replied with a smile. “Craigslist huh? I stay away from there. Seen too much Criminal Minds. Good job finding a place though! I’m Riley, by the way.”

Riley gestured the bartender over and asked for a chilled double of honey Jack. “Did you want anything to drink?”

“You are! I’ve never seen a bartender on or off the job drink. Oh, are you one of those fancy bartenders who can flip things behind them and make those row of drinks that are different colors from the rainbow? because no lie that kind of stuff is amazing and your tips must be awesome.” shrugging away her apprehension, Zion smiled broadly. “it’s really not as bad but sometimes you do have to ask people to send you a picture with the date or time in it somehow. and don’t just trust snapchat because people can just upload a photo and put the time filter over it. But I’ve come across a lot of cool stuff on that site.”

“Oh, I’ll just have whatever she’s having.” Zion ordered quickly, never good under pressure. “It’s great to meet you Riley, I’m Zion, it’s so great to meet someone else who doesn’t just know everyone already. What brings you to the Metro?” 

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isla!

       “Have hope, it’s still early” Isla responded as she sipped at her drink. She was ready to enjoy her first Friday night off in a month. “Usually the bar is packed by 10.”

“I guess you’re right. People still have jobs right? I shouldn’t have expected everyone else to be off and ready to party just because I am.” Shoving a handful of bar pretzels into their mouth, Zion nodded. “You’re probably right, I just got here too early probs. So 10 you say? Have you been here for awhile now?”

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elaine!

“But nuns don’t get to have sex, and I don’t think i could commit to that life. It’s way too much pressure. Yeah, but weren’t you safely in a nice little cage? Plus, those sharks would be trained. Throw you into the ocean with a bunch of blood thirsty ones and you’re doomed. How dare you badmouth cute, innocent dolphins.”

Snorting out a laugh, Zion shook their head, “I’m glad you have your priorities in order. But I definitely couldn’t either so I’m no one to judge. Well.. no they were like small babies but they were still nice and they loved being pet. Okay, okay, but it’s proven that dolphins actually gang up on sharks and beat them up!! That’s not so innocent, plus once a dolphin had lsd in the 70s or something but I read about it - the point is that they do drugs. A dolphin could not pass the DARE program.”

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riley!

Riley grinned back, glad someone had finally broken the silence. “You just moved in too? Pfft, I dunno about everyone else, but I’m a bartender. Being able to turn up is pretty much in the job description.” She downed the rest of her whiskey for emphasis.

Surprised by the gal of the other redhead, Zion looked on in open-mouthed amusement. “You’re literally the best bartender I have ever met in my whole freakin’ life. But yeah, I just got the key and everything. It was really just luck and being the fastest craigslister in the whole state, though. So, as a bartender do you get tips in drinks?”

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elaine!

“I don’t think I could deal with all the click-bait titles, I always get so mad when I think I’m getting one thing and it’s something completely different, it’s infuriating. I don’t know how they can live with themselves. Sharks are terrifying, through! Who would want to think about those while they’re drinking?”

“And you’ve got a conscious? Wow you have to be a nun or a saint or Mother Theresa Jr. or something. I won’t tell if you’re not supposed to be drinking so don’t worry. Sharks aren’t though!! They just have a really bad publicity team! I swam with sharks in Vegas and they are so cute and sweet and they are simple and just swimming around for a laugh. It’s the dolphins you have to worry about, those manipulative slippery bastards. They’re cute but geniuses.”

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mari!

“Poor uncle Rick. He’ll never enjoy a night out again. But, it’s getting laet, so I’m sure this place will pick up soon. Just you wait until the bars, clubs, and restaurants start actually opening. You’ll take it back. It’s just a little early is all.”

“He was a really great guy except he would mix his mashed potatoes and his peas together in one sopping mess so I knew I couldn’t trust a damn thing he said.” Staring down at the batman watch on their wrist, Zion squinted as they sipped their drink. “Is it really not late? When do they open because a lot of places where I’m from close around 1 or something. Is that not the case here?

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elaine!

“Well, what other cute redheads are out there in the world? Paint on a few freckles and you’d make a great Ginny Weasley. Black Widow, maybe? The possibilities are endless. I need to be in the right mood to enjoy wine. Definitely not a drink for a bar.”

“You’re so good at this, you should work for Buzzfeed or something. I can never remember so many pop culture references unless it’s like four hours later and I’m alone and it’s like 2 am and I can’t call people up to let them know that I’ve thought of something. Wine is too bitter to enjoy. The whole ‘wine mom’ movement has just flown right passed me. But I think I’m going to try this Shark Attack, the picture has a little shark in it.”

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riley!

“I was thinking about trying out the pool, but then I remembered this is my only day off this week and I haven’t watched the newest episode of Orphan Black yet. If I have to avoid tumblr all week because of spoilers, I might go insane.”

“I feel you, I usually wait a week for a good hq version to pop up online but Tatiana looks amazing right now!! She’s so talented I can’t even fathom that show sometimes. Oh, but to solve you problem, why not just watch it while floating in the pool?”

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elaine!

“You got the Kim Possible hair and now even the catchphrase? Next thing I know there’ll be a blonde kid chasing after you with a naked mole rat.” She teased lightly. “Basically anything that has an umbrella in it I’ll drink, maybe if I start putting them in my shots they’ll taste better.”

“I can’t believe I never made that connection I am going to sue. If I can get my beard boy to agree Halloween is going to be off the hook. Kim Possible. What other blantantly obvious options have I been missing? I’m glad a genius like you is around. An umbrella? Well that just seals the deal then. I hope it’s better than wine though because I don’t get the hype for that stuff at all.”

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imsg ✖ open

finn: i am birch

finn: what does that eveN MEAN

finn: i think it's gotten pretty decent reviews actually

finn: Rotten Tomatoes gives it a 68% rating based on reviews from 78 critics

zion: pLEASE Groot is better so >__>;;

zion: ... b/c you're spitting fax (facts)

zion: OKAY THE VINE WAS BETTER LET ME FIND IT AND SHOW

zion: not quite 69... hM HM Hm can we turn this into a drinking game? bc then i would totes be down

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elaine!

“Remind me to call you next time I need someone beaten up, yeah?” Elaine swallowed her own drink, pulling a less than attractive face as the alcohol burned her throat. “Alcohol tastes like death to me. That’s why I tend to shamelessly stick to the fruity, girly drinks that taste like a Hawaiian vacation in a glass.”

“You got it! Literally call, snap, beep me if you want to reach me. I’m always down for a good fight for a good cause.” Nodding vehemently, Zion could not have agreed more. “It is liquid death, I’m convinced. A Hawaiian vacation? That sounds amazing I’ll have one of those as long as you don’t mean Hawaiian Punch because that just has too much sugar.”