[ happy hour ]

[almosthonorable]

Ben Wade is greeted with a handful of surprises when he enters the bar.

One is delicious.

Another is unexpected, to say the least.

And the last, well. He never minds this particular request so much.

"Happy to," he tells the counter, while he withdraws what's sure to be a spectacular cherry tart from the basket at his elbow. "As long as you don't mind me askin' a favor of you."

A napkin appears.

"Now that's just lewd," he says, smirking. "Flattered as I am, I'll have to say no, ma'am. What I need is for you to hold on to a couple things for me -- if you'd be so kind, of course."

Moments later, Ben's signature black hat and his infamous gun are in Bar's care, where they'll remain for the next few weeks, if not months.

He gives the bartop an affectionate half-smile before rounding the counter, rolling up his shirtsleeves as he goes.

Not long afterward, the specials board bears his uniform scrawl.

specials:
milk punch
bourbon
coffee
bourbon coffee
While he waits for customers, he helps himself to that tart -- which is, predictably, delectable -- and a glass of milk punch.

[ ooc: open for business all day and most of the evening, y'all. have at! and we're closed for the night, as of 11:03 p.m. EST — thanks for tagging, everybody! I'll pick up slows asap tomorrow for all who want 'em. ]

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[almosthonorable]

Ben glances toward the coffee pot, and then beyond, to the impressive assortment of teas.

He looks back to Sunshine, only somewhat out of his element.

"How do you feel about tea?"

Ben hears there are health benefits. Or something approaching beneficial.

"Or I can make you a mean cup of cocoa, with extra chocolate, if you prefer."

His 'tending skills have vastly improved since the first time he stepped behind the counter, after all.

[sunbaked_baker]

Her grin says clearly that she can tell he's out of his element, but also that she won't tease him about it.

Not too much, at least.

"Tea would be great," she replies, sweetly.

[almosthonorable]

"I'm here to serve," he says, just as sweetly, eyes glinting with bemusement.

He hems and haws over the teas, eventually selecting a black blend that promises the energy boost of coffee without being coffee.

As he prepares Sunshine's cup, he speaks to her over one shoulder.

"So, now, how's my favorite baker?"

[sunbaked_baker]

"She's all right," replies the baker, smiling slightly at Ben's moment of indecision. "Worn out, but no more than usual."

Small children are actually less of a hassle than dealing with SOF.

"How about you?"

[almosthonorable]

The kettle whistles, and Ben pours hot water in Rae's waiting mug.

He approaches with extra care, not wanting to slosh her steeping tea, and places it on the counter, keeping the steaming cup well clear of the sleeping baby.

"You must be more tired than you know," he says, the bemusement in his voice tempered by genuine fondness. "Because we've already touched on how I'm doin'."

[sunbaked_baker]

See her put her head down on the bar, groaning.

"I'm awake, Ben, I swear."

Caffeeeeeeeeeeeine. When she lifts her head again, she's reaching for the tea.

[almosthonorable]

"Oh, I can see that. Clear as mud."

He turns away to refill a glass of water for another patron down the bar, and when he refocuses his attention on Sunshine, she's reaching for her tea.

"You know," he says, "there are these contraptions upstairs called beds. They have mattresses, and sheets, and blankets, and feather pillows."

[sunbaked_baker]

Rae makes a face, dry. "Alien technology, clearly."

Yes, Ben, she knows she's short on sleep. Rae is well-aware.

"I'll stick with my caffeine, I think. Hopefully it'll make a difference. I need to stay awake in case the kiddo needs something."

And she doesn't want to chance waking the poor kid with her nightmares.

[almosthonorable]

"If it's any consolation, I'd kindly offer to watch over Little Bit while you had yourself a nap, but you don't want me to do that. I dropped the last baby I held."

He's lying, of course.

He's never held a baby.

[sunbaked_baker]

Rae suspects he's fibbing.

It wouldn't be the first time.

Today also won't be the first time Ben holds a baby.

Sorry, Ben. :(

"Forgive me if I don't take you up on the offer," she deadpans with a moderate eye-roll at the outlaw. "But the offer, such as it is, is appreciated."

So is the tea, to judge by how she's holding it, inhaling the steam between sips.

[almosthonorable]

"I do aim to please," he says, shooting her a smirk before he collects a round of empty glasses.

"How long've you been keepin' an eye on the little meatloaf?"

[sunbaked_baker]

"Only about three hours so far, this afternoon," she says. "Kyoko took care of him this morning while I was in the bakery. I have the afternoon shift off, so it's my turn now, until July gets back from Redtree around five this evening."

Ever since Paulie's death, July refuses to be caught away from home after sunset.

[almosthonorable]

His eyes flick to the baby, and he offers up a quick half-smile as he returns his attention to Sunshine.

"He could certainly be keepin' much worse company than the likes of you."

[sunbaked_baker]

Rae smiles slightly, but it doesn't last long as she gazes down at the baby.

"Yeah, and July knows I don't mind taking care of him when she needs me to."

Not that she knows the reason, of course.