[Sunday is not often one to enjoy unpredictable things. Having an invitation to meet with Gallagher at the bar he drinksmiths for is certainly an unpredictable thing. Usually, he would find unpredictable things to be ... quite annoying. All meetings and rendezvous should be properly scheduled and properly organized.
Yet, here he is. Walking towards the cozy dimly lit bar that many other Penacony goers visit. It's comfortably warm here. Like walking into a familiar friend's home. And that's not something Sunday often associates with.
He wanders up to the bar and taps gently on the counter...]
[ Gallagher is well-aware of Sunday's preferences for the expected, so to have him agree to a spontaneous invitation is surprising. Not that he's complaining, because it's not often one can say that they've managed to score an audience with this particular person so easily.
The bar is relatively quiet tonight, not too many patrons wandering in and out. It's better this way because it allows Gallagher to pay close attention to who he's serving currently and who's next. His gaze slide over to Sunday's approaching form even before the man taps on the counter.
He finishes up the drink he'd been working on for another customer, and then Sunday has his full attention. A pleased smile graces his features, his eyes crinkling. ]
There you are, birdie. Which one do you want first? Your cake or a drink on the house?
[The quieter atmosphere is something that Sunday appreciates. While he still feels the need to be on his guard more often than not, the bar being quieter than usual puts a margin of ease in him.
His eyes glance at the taller man and while he doesn't exactly smile there's a small nod of his head before he slips into the bar seat to sit.]
If we're to make the most of my time I think a drink first would be the appropriate thing to do.
[Sunday doesn't drink alcohol often, if at all. It's something that can hinder his senses and his thoughts and that is not something he enjoys. And yet, here he is. Another unpredictable thing.]
[ Gallagher's eyebrows raise a tiny bit. Huh. A surprising choice, really, because even if he's the one who offered it, he didn't expect Sunday to agree to have a drink in the end. Still, this makes him grin, pleased with the response nonetheless.
He reaches for a few bottles from underneath the counter and sets them up. ]
Then, I'll mix something up for ya. [ He also gets to show off, so that's always fun. ] Might wanna tell me now if you want something non-alcoholic or not.
[ Since he knows Sunday isn't the type to drink this stuff on the daily. ]
[ Gallagher is already thinking along the same lines. Since Sunday will be having a strawberry cheesecake later on, he figures something lighter and less intense in terms of flavour profile will work best.
He picks out a few lemon wedges and drops them in a shaker, followed by bourbon, light syrup, some ice, and mint leaves. Shaking all ingredients together until they're nice and cool is what comes next, and when he pours out the drink, it's a nice golden yellow that's almost reminiscent of Sunday's eyes.
[While Gallagher is working Sunday is watching him carefully. His eyes watch each little movement of his fingers, how his arm tightens when he shakes the metal container, how Gallagher's expression might change while he works...
When the glass is slid across to him he examines it for a moment without touching it. Amber yellow, hm?]
It seems you are a master at your craft.
[He takes the little straw in his fingers and swirls it just slightly but he doesn't sip it yet. Maybe like a bird might pick at something before it tries it.]
[ If anything, Sunday might notice he seemed fond while he mixed the drink earlier, but that's not something he'll elaborate on if ever asked. A smile is present on his face when he's praised, always appreciative of compliments like that because mixology is something he's good at.
He will be watching Sunday in return, mostly to see if he'll even like the drink he's made for him. ]
[He swirls the drink with the little straw gently a moment more before he takes the glass in hand. He's still watching Gallagher with slightly narrow eyes as if he's trying to pick through his thoughts. He's not using the harmony or tuning anything whatsoever but...]
Is there any other reason why you're looking to impress me? Besides wanting something from me.
[With the questions and the cake and drinks... It can't surely be all about calming his annoyance about speaking with Robin too closely. Unless it is.
Then he puts his lips on the straw and gives a small sip. Lemony. Sweet. With that gentle burn from the whiskey.
[ Similarly, Gallagher is observing Sunday too, eager to know if he'd end up liking the drink he's made. The signs are very subtle, but he can tell that Sunday at least doesn't hate the drink— maybe even enjoys it, and that's good enough for him.
He rolls his shoulder in some kind of half-shrug. ]
Do I need to have a reason to give you treats? Maybe I just felt like it.
[ Then again, this is Sunday. It shouldn't surprise him that the other man is expecting an ulterior motive. ]
But if it makes it easier, you can think of it as making up for me talking to your sister.
[That was not the sort of answer that he was expecting from the man. As much as he's on guard all the time Sunday often is surprised when someone actually shows genuine interest in being kind to him without some mask over it all. The only other person who's ever been interested in being kind to him, truly, is his sister.
But at the moment... He has little reason to think that Gallagher is being two-faced. At least... He can't sense it.
This means he looks away for a moment, one wing deciding to flap just enough to hide the side of his cheek as he gently and quietly clears his throat.]
I see. Then... Consider yourself forgiven for the time being. [He picks up his drink and and gives it another sip.] The drink is delicious, by the way.
[ Oh? The way one of Sunday's wings tries to hide his face like that is too cute, and that single thought comes to Gallagher with little restraint. Maybe it's strange to think of the other man in that regard, but it's rare to catch such moments. He'll treasure the memory of it, tucked away like a cherished photo. ]
Glad you liked it, but I'd be embarrassed to call myself a drinksmith if it wasn't any good.
[ He's only arrogant when it comes to his mixes, okay. Let him bask in that praise.
He clears away the counter of the shaker and the rest of the bottles, making space for the cake that's coming up next. A small plate with a lid is taken out from the fridge underneath the counter, and it looks modest enough. When he takes away the lid, a small piece of the strawberry cheesecake is revealed. The strawberries are massive, as is characteristic of the ones from Akonyako.
It's nothing fancy, but he's not exactly a dessert person. ]
... If you end up liking this one too, then there's more where it came from.
[Once again Sunday glances back at Gallagher to watch his every movement. In the same way that he did before, to watch exactly how the man moves. He hates to admit it but there's a part of Sunday that is fascinated with the man right now. It's infuriating. Annoyingly charming man as he is. ...
The dessert is placed before him and Sunday glances at it. It's nothing terribly fancy but he can imagine his sister calling the piece of cheesecake "cute" so that is the word he'll use in his head.]
The one piece will be more than enough, thank you. [He's not a glutton!] I'm only here to taste the work you've done. Not to overindulge.
[Sureee, Sunday. Now he's picking up the small fork and taking a neat bite from the corner of the cheesecake to put in his mouth and...]
[ Gallagher finds that he likes Sunday's gaze on him, so if he looks like he's showing off... he absolutely is. But whatever confidence he may have gained from that is quickly sliced in half when Sunday has nothing much to say about the cake. Maybe it's not the right taste?
There are a million things going through his mind right now. ]
It's no good?
[ He supposes he can't get everything right the first time, but still. That's too bad. ]
[Hm. Sunday closes his eyes for a brief moment as if he might be savouring the sweetness. But then he opens his eyes and regards Gallagher with the fork still lightly tapping his bottom lip. He drags out the moment only because he can tell now that Gallagher is waiting for his approval. And he ... Likes that feeling. Gallagher is more than welcome to hang on to his every word.
But he is feeling benevolent today.]
It's good. You've captured the essence of the strawberries quite well.
[It's just sweet and tangy enough. The freshness and plumpness of the strawberries is just right.]
[ Gallagher looks like a dog waiting for table scraps during dinner time, ears pinned down with his tail wagging slightly. He would have waited a long time too even if it ends in disappointment just because he wants to know what Sunday thinks, but thankfully, he doesn't have to wait that much longer.
He perks up, pleased with the man's overall opinion. Praise from someone like Sunday is always sweeter than others. A smile plays on his lips. ]
Yeah? You sure you only want one slice?
[ He's mostly joking, because Sunday doesn't strike him as the type to overindulge, but still. He might as well offer just in case. ]
But I'm glad you like it. It's my first time making anything like this so I wasn't sure how it was gonna taste, and I know you're particular about your sweets.
[ Or so Robin says, but he's lucky he doesn't have to worry about that. ]
[Gallagher looks happy to hear that Sunday likes the cheesecake. That reaction is more than enough to please a nerve or two in Sunday as well. Yes, good boy. A good hound, indeed.]
One is more than enough for me tonight. Although, I might not mind another slice or two another night.
[Which means maybe he will come back. If Gallagher is truly genuine about this whole... setup. At this point, he better be. Gallagher better not be lying about his intentions.]
For doing such an excellent job for your first try I believe that earns you a reward. As we agreed?
[ Gallagher truly is the goodest of dogs!! He perks up when Sunday implies that he'll be back for more, because that means he did a good job for his first crack at making cheesecake. He'll pat himself on the back later.
When he's reminded of the reward, he blinks once, and then he shrugs. ]
Oh yeah. [ Almost forgot about it, honestly. ] I already got my reward, so we can call it even.
[ It's enough for him that Sunday even wants to eat his cake again. He's a simple Hound, at the end of the day. ]
I thought about it at first, but what I got from you just now is more than enough.
[ Plus, the fact that Sunday is still eating the cheesecake is making him happy. As a drinksmith, the customer's satisfaction has always been his top priority, so to go as far as pleasing Sunday too— well, he'll just pat himself on the back now. ]
Unless you want to spoil this old Hound, then I won't say no.
[Well, he does pause for a fraction of a second to stare at Gallagher as if he might suggest that exact thing. What if he did wish to spoil Gallagher if only to see how much of a good boy he can be? Also, the fact that Gallagher seems pleased enough with Sunday being happy with a snack and a delicious drink... It makes him feel something he will think about later.
For now, his lips give the smallest of a smile as he looks away quietly.]
[ Next time. How strange that such a simple phrase can bring him so much joy. Is this his old age coming up to him? (Or just the reminder of how time can't be infinite, even if he wants it to be?)
He smothers that thought with a smile, busying himself with cleaning the counter now while Sunday eats. ]
I'll look forward to it, but for now— enjoy the rest of the cake. And if you want more to drink, I can make it non-alcoholic too.
[He continues to nibble at his cake much like a bird might nibble at something slowly. Each bite is careful and small. He savours the strawberry sweetness. And licks up a bit of sugar from his bottom lip.]
Thank you. The drink you made for me is more than enough for now. Although... It makes me curious. If there a drink that you prefer?
[ And it's one Gallagher isn't entirely sure he has an answer. Preferences are difficult to pinpoint with him, if only because he doesn't know if they're truly his own or someone else's. He tries not to think about it too much. ]
I'm not sure— I've never really thought about it. [ His priority as a drinksmith has always been about what the customer wants (needs) at the time. ] Got any suggestions?
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Yet, here he is. Walking towards the cozy dimly lit bar that many other Penacony goers visit. It's comfortably warm here. Like walking into a familiar friend's home. And that's not something Sunday often associates with.
He wanders up to the bar and taps gently on the counter...]
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The bar is relatively quiet tonight, not too many patrons wandering in and out. It's better this way because it allows Gallagher to pay close attention to who he's serving currently and who's next. His gaze slide over to Sunday's approaching form even before the man taps on the counter.
He finishes up the drink he'd been working on for another customer, and then Sunday has his full attention. A pleased smile graces his features, his eyes crinkling. ]
There you are, birdie. Which one do you want first? Your cake or a drink on the house?
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[The quieter atmosphere is something that Sunday appreciates. While he still feels the need to be on his guard more often than not, the bar being quieter than usual puts a margin of ease in him.
His eyes glance at the taller man and while he doesn't exactly smile there's a small nod of his head before he slips into the bar seat to sit.]
If we're to make the most of my time I think a drink first would be the appropriate thing to do.
[Sunday doesn't drink alcohol often, if at all. It's something that can hinder his senses and his thoughts and that is not something he enjoys. And yet, here he is. Another unpredictable thing.]
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He reaches for a few bottles from underneath the counter and sets them up. ]
Then, I'll mix something up for ya. [ He also gets to show off, so that's always fun. ] Might wanna tell me now if you want something non-alcoholic or not.
[ Since he knows Sunday isn't the type to drink this stuff on the daily. ]
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An alcoholic drink is fine. Nothing terribly strong, if you please.
[There's nothing wrong with having one drink, though.]
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He picks out a few lemon wedges and drops them in a shaker, followed by bourbon, light syrup, some ice, and mint leaves. Shaking all ingredients together until they're nice and cool is what comes next, and when he pours out the drink, it's a nice golden yellow that's almost reminiscent of Sunday's eyes.
He tops it off with a mint sprig and a small straw before sliding it next to Sunday's hand. ]
Whisky Smash. The lemon notes should pair nicely with the sweetness and richness of your cake later on.
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When the glass is slid across to him he examines it for a moment without touching it. Amber yellow, hm?]
It seems you are a master at your craft.
[He takes the little straw in his fingers and swirls it just slightly but he doesn't sip it yet. Maybe like a bird might pick at something before it tries it.]
I would like to ask you something.
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He will be watching Sunday in return, mostly to see if he'll even like the drink he's made for him. ]
Oh? A question just for me? Ask away.
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Is there any other reason why you're looking to impress me? Besides wanting something from me.
[With the questions and the cake and drinks... It can't surely be all about calming his annoyance about speaking with Robin too closely. Unless it is.
Then he puts his lips on the straw and gives a small sip. Lemony. Sweet. With that gentle burn from the whiskey.
...It's good.]
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He rolls his shoulder in some kind of half-shrug. ]
Do I need to have a reason to give you treats? Maybe I just felt like it.
[ Then again, this is Sunday. It shouldn't surprise him that the other man is expecting an ulterior motive. ]
But if it makes it easier, you can think of it as making up for me talking to your sister.
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But at the moment... He has little reason to think that Gallagher is being two-faced. At least... He can't sense it.
This means he looks away for a moment, one wing deciding to flap just enough to hide the side of his cheek as he gently and quietly clears his throat.]
I see. Then... Consider yourself forgiven for the time being. [He picks up his drink and and gives it another sip.] The drink is delicious, by the way.
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Glad you liked it, but I'd be embarrassed to call myself a drinksmith if it wasn't any good.
[ He's only arrogant when it comes to his mixes, okay. Let him bask in that praise.
He clears away the counter of the shaker and the rest of the bottles, making space for the cake that's coming up next. A small plate with a lid is taken out from the fridge underneath the counter, and it looks modest enough. When he takes away the lid, a small piece of the strawberry cheesecake is revealed. The strawberries are massive, as is characteristic of the ones from Akonyako.
It's nothing fancy, but he's not exactly a dessert person. ]
... If you end up liking this one too, then there's more where it came from.
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The dessert is placed before him and Sunday glances at it. It's nothing terribly fancy but he can imagine his sister calling the piece of cheesecake "cute" so that is the word he'll use in his head.]
The one piece will be more than enough, thank you. [He's not a glutton!] I'm only here to taste the work you've done. Not to overindulge.
[Sureee, Sunday. Now he's picking up the small fork and taking a neat bite from the corner of the cheesecake to put in his mouth and...]
...Hm.
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There are a million things going through his mind right now. ]
It's no good?
[ He supposes he can't get everything right the first time, but still. That's too bad. ]
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But he is feeling benevolent today.]
It's good. You've captured the essence of the strawberries quite well.
[It's just sweet and tangy enough. The freshness and plumpness of the strawberries is just right.]
I would have to say... I am impressed.
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He perks up, pleased with the man's overall opinion. Praise from someone like Sunday is always sweeter than others. A smile plays on his lips. ]
Yeah? You sure you only want one slice?
[ He's mostly joking, because Sunday doesn't strike him as the type to overindulge, but still. He might as well offer just in case. ]
But I'm glad you like it. It's my first time making anything like this so I wasn't sure how it was gonna taste, and I know you're particular about your sweets.
[ Or so Robin says, but he's lucky he doesn't have to worry about that. ]
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One is more than enough for me tonight. Although, I might not mind another slice or two another night.
[Which means maybe he will come back. If Gallagher is truly genuine about this whole... setup. At this point, he better be. Gallagher better not be lying about his intentions.]
For doing such an excellent job for your first try I believe that earns you a reward. As we agreed?
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When he's reminded of the reward, he blinks once, and then he shrugs. ]
Oh yeah. [ Almost forgot about it, honestly. ] I already got my reward, so we can call it even.
[ It's enough for him that Sunday even wants to eat his cake again. He's a simple Hound, at the end of the day. ]
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[Sunday asks curiously. Is Gallagher happy with Sunday simply coming here?
He carefully takes another bite of delicious cheesecake, eating neatly like a bird.]
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[ Plus, the fact that Sunday is still eating the cheesecake is making him happy. As a drinksmith, the customer's satisfaction has always been his top priority, so to go as far as pleasing Sunday too— well, he'll just pat himself on the back now. ]
Unless you want to spoil this old Hound, then I won't say no.
[ He's mostly joking. ]
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For now, his lips give the smallest of a smile as he looks away quietly.]
I understand. Perhaps next time, then.
[Since he has decided he would be back.]
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He smothers that thought with a smile, busying himself with cleaning the counter now while Sunday eats. ]
I'll look forward to it, but for now— enjoy the rest of the cake. And if you want more to drink, I can make it non-alcoholic too.
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Thank you. The drink you made for me is more than enough for now. Although... It makes me curious. If there a drink that you prefer?
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[ And it's one Gallagher isn't entirely sure he has an answer. Preferences are difficult to pinpoint with him, if only because he doesn't know if they're truly his own or someone else's. He tries not to think about it too much. ]
I'm not sure— I've never really thought about it. [ His priority as a drinksmith has always been about what the customer wants (needs) at the time. ] Got any suggestions?
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For a man as enigmatic as Gallagher... And for as little as he knows of the man so far?]
I would consider something like a cocktail with several mixes... Something with vodka and rum. And orange juice or cranberry juice?
[Sunday is no expert but he takes his best guess.]
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not my html fail
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sorry for the delays!! <3
you are totally fine 💜
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