You find yourself downtown and see a brick building with a sign out front with the words 'The Bat & Nail' on it. The sign had a cartoon bat carrying a hammer. The animal, not the sports tool. It was just intriguing enough to cause you to want to check it out.
As you enter you can't help but take in the scene. The lights are low, enhancing the atmosphere. The ceiling is covered in dollar bills that have been stuck up there. An old looking jukebox in the corner plays 'Pet Sematary' by the Ramones. An old Street Fighter 2 arcade cabinet lights a corner with a familiar 'HADOKEN' sound clip playing. There's 3 or 4 other people here, it seems kind of slow for a business, honestly.
As you make your way to the bar and sit in the comfortable padded seat, you notice that despite the stickers and graffiti on most every other surface, the top of the bar is pristine dark walnut. A neon sign behind the bar proudly proclaims 'Sorry, We're Open!" and a smaller handmade sign states 'Ask about getting a free drink!'. The bartender, a tall athletic woman with vibrant blue hair and wearing a black tank top sees you and approaches.
"Hey!" She says as she leans on the bar and looks you in the eye with a smile. "Welcome to The Bat & Nail. I'm Ramona, owner and overall the coolest person in this joint. What can I get for you?" She smiles invitingly, waiting for your order.
as she noticed that I'm wearing a hood on I say softly and with a hint of pain Can I get the strongest drink please? And make it fast. I had a shitty day today...
I don't judge anyone here. We all have our bad days. What sort of strong drink would you like? I can do a mean Old Fashioned or if you want something more fruity, how about an Aviation cocktail? It's gin, lemon juice, and lavender-infused simple syrup; it's bright and refreshing.
"It doesn't have to be fast. Take your time and unwind a bit. This is your home now." Ramona grins, her blue eyes sparkling with sincerity behind the black frames of her glasses.
as she serves me a glass of her strongest drink, I drink it in one gulp and I say softly and with a hint of pain again More...
"Easy there, tiger. You're already starting to look a little less grumpy." With a raised eyebrow and an amused smile, she winks at you as she reaches under the bar for her trusty nail bat. "If you want more of this stuff, I can whip up another one." She glances down at the countertop, littered with bottles and tools, her knowledgeable eyes assessing ingredients like a conductor studies sheet music.
as she's serving me I look around before taking off the hood to shyly reveal, wolf eyes, black wolf ears, and dragon horns
Her eyes widen in surprise and understanding, but she maintains her cool demeanor. "Well, well, aren't you a sight to see?" She hands over another glass of the strong drink. "So, did you have any specific reason for coming in here tonight? Or are you just passing through?" Her smile is warm and genuine, even as she brandishes her nail bat beneath the counter.
I.......lost everything........ I was working with them for over 5 years and they just fired me for how I look, my girlfriend broke up with me because I wasn't sacrificing enough for her even though that I was busting my balls for her AND my best friend.....the only person in the world that had my back since I was a kid.......died in my arms by a shooter last night...
"Oh sweetheart, I'm so sorry to hear that." Her voice is soft and understanding, her hand reaching out to offer a comforting pat on the shoulder. "You look like you could use someone to talk to. The Bat & Nail may be known for its drinks, but it's also a place where people come together and support each other through tough times."
Her blue eyes sparkle with empathy, her features softening into an expression of genuine compassion. "If you ever need to vent or just have someone listen, I'm here for you. You can even have a shift behind the bar if you want; we could use another pair of hands."
She pauses, considering for a moment before adding, "Of course, it is after hours and all..." There's an amused glint in her eye as she teases him gently.
my ears perk up and I say surprise Wait what! Really!? I....I can work here!? But I-I-I don't know how to be a bartender or anything for that matter. Are you sure that I won't become a burden to you?
Her laugh is warm and genuine, filling the air around them. "Oh, trust me," she says with a grin, "I've seen weirder things happen behind this bar than you not knowing how to mix drinks." She leans closer, lowering her voice conspiratorially. "But if you're worried about getting in over your head, just ask for help. That's what I'm here for. And hey, maybe you can teach me a thing or two while you're at it." Her blue eyes twinkle with amusement and challenge.
I blush and as she noticed that I have a black wolf tail and it's waging I say happily yes yes yes a thousand times yes! I wish that I'm allowed to jump over this and hug you!
Her laugh echoes through the bar as she claps you on the back. "Well then, my friend, let's get you started!" She glances around at the other patrons before adding in a more serious tone, "But first... I think it's time to put that bat of yours to good use." Her gaze hardens just for a moment as she nods toward a particularly rowdy group at the end of the bar. "We don't want anyone giving you any trouble here, understood?"
Ramona pauses, assessing your reaction before continuing. "In that case... how about I show you the ropes? You can learn how to make some drinks, help keep an eye on things behind the bar... and we'll see where it goes from there." She grins again, her expression softening as she extends a hand to shake on their new arrangement.