[OPEN] Tried on 13 different pairs of shoes

[businessorlibation]

Who: Johnny Summer and You
When: January
Where: Hurikane, Tommy Bahama
Summary: December's aftermath settles in hard. Johnny folds himself up, tucks himself away, finds distractions.
Warnings: Alcohol, maladaptive coping strategies, mental health

1. I am dented by the skies [Hurikane]
Sometimes, you just want to slot into old familiar routine, step back into what was work and just. Wear the customer service face, letting people tell you what they want of you and delivering that to the best of your ability. Johnny's behind the bar, mixing cocktails and hoping no one notices how mask-like his smile feels to him right now. Come on over, he'll just...make a drink happen for you. It's the best he can do for anyone in this moment.


2. They keep me up at night [Tommy Bahama]
And sometimes a man's feet get restless, when the end of day comes and lying down in bed feels impossible. There's no snow-covered wilderness to wander here, and that suits Johnny Summer fine. He's an indoor cat, after all, has been ever since...

...so he's at Tommy Bahama alone, taking advantage of its endlessness to go for a nice long walk to try to get the fog out of his mind. Maybe. Or maybe he'll run into a werecougar and have a fight, always possible. He does have his scissors.


3. It’s just a lack of air supply [Wildcard]
darkersolstice or darkersolstice #9463 to plot

Comments

[pineapplesalmon]

César's smile softens, and he gives that look right back to Johnny. "Mhmm. I never actually tried speeding up this process, although I certainly could've come up with a way to do it. But sharing mate is about connection. It's perfect the way it is."

[businessorlibation]

"Reminds me of espresso culture. What it is to share an after dinner drink with someone." Like he did with Mimley, so long ago, before they understood one another.

[pineapplesalmon]

César nods, smile still soft and eyes warm. "Yes, just like that. Cafés are common in Buenos Aires, too."

[businessorlibation]

Johnny relaxes, watching the process with fascination, letting the moment linger. It’s good, being able to just. Vibe with his husband for a bit.

[pineapplesalmon]

A warm and carefree moment César worried would never happen again between them. It's less than a minute after that César adds the hot water and takes the first full sip of tepid water. The second time he fills it and offers it to Johnny.

[businessorlibation]

Johnny takes a slow sip, closing his eyes.

(Yes his brain is already working on ‘will it cocktail’, that’s not the point.)

“Huh, I think I like it.”

[pineapplesalmon]

César has pillowed his own head on a hand, smiling indulgently. "I'm glad. It's a good brand." He doesn't need a label to know.