late night happy hour

[i_am_your_host]

Emcee can't sleep, and he isn't content to sit still all night, so he volunteers to tend bar. But just before the Bar takes a nap, Emcee requests from her a tablet and a small speaker so he can listen to music during the shift.

Insomniac's Happy Hour Specials
Nightmare
Sleeping Beauty
Bartender's Wet Dream
German Wake-Up Call

With the specials board done up and a music app on the tablet playing Matisyahu's "One Day", Emcee searches for maps on the internet and takes down notes on his notepad while waiting for thirsty customers.

Comments

[herr_bookman]

"Oh, he's the best employer," Autor says, and pulls his cell phone out of his pocket. "He gave me one of these, and a laptop, and all expenses are paid. There's a safe in my room with money in it to shop with, and I have my own credit card, which is another way to carry sround digital money."

[i_am_your_host]

"Why, that's wonderful, Autor, I'm glad," Emcee chuckles. "It seems that you are all set. How are you adjusting to life in his world? I know it's only temporary, but are there things that you had to get used to?"

[herr_bookman]

"It's really rather violent there," Autor says, frowning a little as he adjusts his glasses. "People pull guns on each other all the time, for the smallest offenses. They also wear chicken suits and drive tanks down the road."

[i_am_your_host]

"Oh."

Emcee...doesn't know what to make of that.

"Um. And-- you don't mind? I mean, like I said, it's only a temporary situation..."

[herr_bookman]

"I do mind; it's scary out there," Autor says, frowning again. "But the money is good. Everyone in Wilford's world comes back from death, so life has no meaning. Even Wilford almost overdosed in his room. Also, I met Jim Moriarty. Apparently he lives there, too."

[i_am_your_host]

"Oh, dear," he says, dread in his tone. This is all very disturbing.

"Yes, I-- I do seem to recall that Wilford was able to-- reset? If he ever died. Which, to be fair, is quite convenient for people with such-- lifestyles. But I had no idea that Jim Moriarty was living there as well."

[herr_bookman]

"Yes," Autor says, inclining his head. "Do you know him? He seems cruel."

[i_am_your_host]

"Yes, we've spoken a few times," he says, taking a breath and glancing away. Deep down he can't help but regret the way he allowed Jim to make him feel. "But I've managed to avoid him for a long time, which is just fine. I'm not a fan of people who talk down to me."

[herr_bookman]

"Agreed, and he certainly does that," Autor says, setting his jaw. "I'm glad you haven't run into him in a while. He likes hanging around Wilford's house and ignoring me."

[i_am_your_host]

"It's better if he ignores you. If he takes an interest in you, he'll find a way to exploit you or expect you to be grateful that you've caught his attention. I've known men like him, just not on his level of self-importance."

He sniffs and shrugs. "In any case -- would you like something to drink?"

[herr_bookman]

"I don't doubt it," Autor says, adjusting his glasses again. "And yes, please. Which drink has the least amount of alcohol in it?"

[i_am_your_host]

"The least amount? Hmmm." Emcee consults the cocktails bible and checks the recipes.

"I would say the German Wake-Up Call. It's peach and orange juice with a shot of Jägermeister. Shall I mix one up for you?"

[herr_bookman]

"Please, that'd be great," Autor says, lacing his fingers together in front of him on the bar top. "So, you've been suffering nightmares?"

[i_am_your_host]

Emcee is quiet for a moment as he retrieves some bottles from the refrigerator.

"Sometimes, I suppose," he says with a shrug as he fills a glass with ice. "I tend to drown them out with liquor or sex. But it's been one year since I was shot, so I think the moment literally came back to haunt me."

[herr_bookman]

"Oh, wow, one year exactly?" Autor says, raising his brows. "I can't believe it has been a year already. I'm so sorry. Nightmares are terrible, especially ones that feel real because they're based on real events."

[i_am_your_host]

"I can hardly believe it either," he sighs, filling the glass with equal parts orange and peach juice and mixing the concoction with a stirrer. "It also means that I have spent an entire year living in Milliways. I honestly don't know how I managed it. But one good thing came from the dream I had tonight. For some reason I could-- see everything clearer. So I drew I diagram, using maps and photographs from the future." He nods at the notepad and tablet beside him.

[herr_bookman]

"Time flies. It's been almost two years since I went back to my world," Autor says, adjusting his glasses. He peers at the notebook. "Oh, but that's good, right? I mean, if you know where everyone was, then you can make sense of the chaos, and when you go back, things will be easier."

[i_am_your_host]

"Almost two years for you? I don't know if I myself could withstand it for that long, but at least now you get to experience another world for a time."

He uncaps a bottle of Jägermeister and pours in a shot, before thoroughly stirring the entire mixture.

"And yes-- a plan of attack will be easier to map out," he adds somewhat grimly, but determined. And he sets the cocktail down in front of Autor. "Enjoy, darling."

[herr_bookman]

"Yes, traveling makes the... Well, it's not waiting exactly, but traveling makes whatever it is easier," Autor says, picking up the cocktail and taking a sip. "Oh, this is good, thank you. Do you have a team of people ready to go back with you?"

[i_am_your_host]

"Not exactly a team yet, as there needs to be a coordinated effort, but certainly some volunteers, whom I am grateful for," he says with sincere relief. "I would never be able to go back without them. Most of them have superpowers, and no qualms about-- well, killing Nazis."

[herr_bookman]

"Sounds like you're in good hands. If you need me, I volunteer," Autor says, his eyes hard. "I'm a decent shot."

[i_am_your_host]

Emcee reaches over to pat Autor's arm.

"Thank you, darling, I appreciate your wanting to help. But you are an ex-soldier now. That should be behind you. And I don't want you getting hurt in such a situation ever again."

[herr_bookman]

Autor exhales, not having realized he was holding his breath. He nods, and adjusts his glasses again. "All right. But if you do have need of me, I'll be there," he says, sipping his drink. "You should make a drink for yourself--on my tab."

[i_am_your_host]

"Thank you," he says with a small smile, giving Autor's arm a fond squeeze before pulling back.

"And--hmm, I rather think I will. Thank you again, darling."

He pours himself a straight gin and takes an indulgent sip.

"Oh! Did I tell you that I'm planning a New Year's Eve party? You're invited, of course."

[herr_bookman]

"You didn't, but I'm not surprised," Autor says, also taking a sip of his drink. The alcohol burns pleasantly. "Thanks for inviting me. Don't you always throw a New Year's party?"