Late Happy Hour

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

The roster had them scheduled for a later evening shift this week, and the two likely lads were only too happy to switch around and serve a whole different crowd of punters.

Hurricane glasses clink together as Indy empties the washer and refills the shelves beneath the bar. Then he sets about topping up the ice box. Mike sits on a stool, over-seeing the preparations and lazily slicing a banana into the blender for a new smoothie concoction. Such is the division of labor since Indy had upset Mel last week, and, though the role-reversal may look strange, Indy doesn't begrudge it. In fact he seems more animated than ever, if that's even possible.

"Looks like Bar has suggestions for the theme tonight," he says, pointing out a napkin as it materializes on the counter near Mike. There are notes written in a feminine, curving script, and Mike reads them, shrugs and marks up the specials according to the message:

---

LATE HAPPY HOUR!

Cocktail Specials

~ Barrier Breaker
~ Cry Baby Blues
~ Fragile Baby

---

Indy gives the board a curious look-over once the ex-turtle has chalked enough amusing doodles around the words. "Mike...?" The artist steps back to admire his work, cocking his head. "What... too many swirlies?"

Indy repeats himself, his gaze still fixed on the board. "Mike..."

The younger man looks again, absorbing the information between his sketches. And eventually, after what seems like an eternity, the goofy grin drops away. He turns slowly and for a few moments the two guys just stare at each other. Then, in unison, the incredulous questions come blurting out from each of them:

"Mel's not...? Is she?"
"Indy, you knocked Delia up?"

They both shake their heads vehemently, but there's uncertainty behind their resolute denials:

"No!"
"Nuh uh!"

Shiftily eying each other, they move to opposite ends of the bar and await orders.

"What'll it be folks? Two tenders, no waiting."

[Summary: Full summary in Back Room]

Comments

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[they get a raised eyebrow]

Somehow, I sense a theme...

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

Indy glances at the board again, and then back to Delia with a little frown. "Bar suggested those drinks. Um... and we were a bit confused, but ran with it anyway."

"I guess there's something behind it that we don't know... yet."

He slightly narrows an eye at her and rubs his chin. His heart rate shifts up a gear, but he conceals his anxiousness well.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[she glances at him, narrows her eyes, and then looks at the board]

Indy, if you've gotten me pregnant, I'm going to kill you. Just so you know.

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

A nervous laugh. "It... couldn't be about you... surely? We've been very careful."

"You'd know... right? Right?"

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[Delia's not being very helpful]

Once I was over a month pregnant? Sure. Before then? Wouldn't have a clue, dearest.

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

Indy wants to slump onto the counter, but that would be rude. "And... when you said you'd kill me... you were joking, right?" He tries to bring out a charming smile, but fails.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[she thinks about that]

I might soften it to 'maim in as painful a manner possible'

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

Indy doesn't want to visibly show signs of panic either, because that would be highly disrespectful. At the end of the day, if she is pregnant, he'll be there. But for now, massive internal flailing.

He rubs the back of his neck. "Um, ok... I can live with that, but... is there any way we can find out?"

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[she looks pale, now seriously considering the idea instead of just messing with his head]

[children, which she wants, vs. most likely dying in childbirth, like her mother...]

I...don't...know. Shit.

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

Indy bites his lip and takes her hand. "Maybe Bar was just playing around. Or maybe She's referring to Mike and Mel. Don't... don't be upset Delia."

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[wide-eyed]

I'm...not. See? [she smiles brightly at him]

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

He eyes her, recognizing a forced smile when he sees one. He's spent too much time with Kitty. "Ok. So..."

He seems to be unable to find the words.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[she's normally better then that]

How about we assume that I'm not, and you go ask your boss next time you see him?

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

"Yeah... that sounds like a plan," Indy says with a slightly relieved nod. "Jumping to conclusions is a fool's game, especially where Bar is concerned, I guess."

He regards her solemnly. "You know that if... if it is true... it'll be ok. I won't leave you or anything."

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[she gives him a little smile, patting his check]

No. Then Josie would kill you.

[pause, and she sits down]

Thanks though, Indy.

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

He sighs a little and lets the appreciation go. "Between you and Josie... I don't really have much hope, do I?"

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[another little smile]

No.

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

"Come 'ere..." He leans over the counter and wraps an arm around her shoulders, nestling his head beside hers. "I'm sure it's just a big foul up." A fleeting, but reassuring kiss to her temple, and he leaves his head there, trailing his hand through her hair.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

I am still going to maintain that you're boss's girlfriend is pregnant.

[the lightness is back in her voice]

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

Indy pulls back. "What? Bernard... and Tonks." He shakes his head. "Nahhhh... more likely a big joke meant to make us sweat."

"A very mean joke I might add."

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[she looks faintly surprised that she seemed to have hit something with that statement, but lets it slide.]

Well, some people are sadistic.

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

He pouts his bottom lip out. "Bar's not a person... technically... are you, hun?"

He pats the counter fondly. "She's a very useful piece of sentient hardware. And we love her."

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

[the smile is larger, and then she yawns.]

I...I think you owe me a free drink at some point, Indy, but not now.

[henry-jones-jr.livejournal.com]

"Oh... hell. I'm sorry sweet heart. We kinda got sidetracked."

He leans over again, and kisses her cheek. "Don't let me keep you up. We're pretty busy tonight... and we're only used to afternoons. I think I'm gonna be a while. But, I'll... uh... see you later?"

There's an unspoken upstairs in there, to go with the hopeful nature of the remark.

[eldorne-girl.livejournal.com]

Later, [she agrees, squashing the 'upstairs' bit for now]