[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

[firewalled]

Rich raises an eyebrow, trying not to get his hackles up immediately. "Is that a jab towards me or yourself?"

He cautiously grabs the glass, examining it carefully while he waits for an answer, though he does take a sip and smiles at the slight spicy kick. "Because if it was me, I might go to Scoops for that ice cream right now."

[businessorlibation]

Johnny raises an eyebrow.

"Does praise for Klaus have to be a jab toward anyone else? Not everything's passive aggressive and backhanded."

[firewalled]

"It was just the way you worded it, I guess. 'Smart enough to tell everyone what's going on,' like you've got experience with people not telling you shit."

Particularly some brooding teenagers, maybe.

[businessorlibation]

“Hm, it almost sounds like you feel a little bit guilty about that. Want to talk about it?” Rich, you’re projecting worse than the big screen over the adult pool.

[firewalled]

"Why would I feel guilty? You're one of the few people who knows things about me. Why should I have to tell you more?"

He grits his teeth against that sudden anger. Even though he wants to distance himself from Johnny and the others, this wasn't the way to do it.

"There's really nothing to talk about. People died, there was a messed up trial... we all dealt with pretty much the same thing."

[businessorlibation]

Johnny hears the snap in Rich's voice, even as he tries to bite it back. He flinches, looking away and making himself small.

"I'm sorry. Nevermind. Forget I asked. I'm sorry."

[firewalled]

Shit. That was not the way he wanted this to go. It might be better if Johnny just hates him, but... acting like the old Rich just to rip that relationship apart...

It's not fair to Johnny, for him to have to deal with the scars after this mess is over. Rich sighs quietly.

"No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to yell at you. I... just thought you'd have more on your plate to deal with than whatever stupid shit's going on with me."

[businessorlibation]

"Rich, you're one of the things that is on my plate, because I'm your father. I will always make time for you."

But he's really not sure that's what's wanted or warranted here.

[firewalled]

"I... appreciate you wanting to make time for me. But I'm really just going through the same stuff everyone else is after that stupid thing. I mean, I probably have it easier, since I ditched when I got that podium thrown in my face."

Implying that a podium to the face isn't a concern.