ONE STEP CLOSER

“Yea. Fairly well and I go to keep my skills sharp,” Markus replied tucking his hands into his jacket pockets. “I mean it wouldn’t have to be for just one night. Wouldn’t say no to another friend to hang with.”

“I’m sure you’ll do great,” Sam grinned, taking a big swig of their drink. They were ready to get a little wasted, and the key to that was finishing off a Long Island Iced Tea quickly. “Hey now. If you’re gonna be in place of my friends then you gotta know something. There’s no putting oneself down in my presence,” Sam said very seriously. They couldn’t hold the stern look though, and grinned at Ace to let him know they were fouling around. “Isn’t it? But what do you mean? What were you giving him chances for, if you don’t mind my prying?”

“That’s exactly what I was thinking. Though I won’t tell them off for it, I know my friends have lives,” they shrugged, smiling at the bartender as their drinks arrived. “Well, you came to the right spot. I can be great company. Sorry about the breakup though,” Sam said, picking up their drink and raising it toward Ace. “Cheers, then. Here’s hoping your breakup woes go away quickly.”

“Don’t need to worry about that. Getting out of the house doing something other than going to the range or working out is a good time already,” Markus replied with a chuckle.

“Markus and this job was the first time I spent any time on this side of the city,” Markus replied with a smile as he tucked his hands in his pockets. “I’ll take ya word on it being good vibes though,” He smiled fully.

“1 sounds awesome. I’ll plan for that, and if you need to move in any earlier or later, just let me know.” He replied as he looked over the menu. Of course, he already knew what he wanted. It was just a formality at this point and a polite thing to do. He ordered himself a water with a smile. 

“Of course, think of it as a trial for the drink,” Sam said with a smirk. They turned to the bartender to order them both the drink, before returning their gaze to Ace. “Oh you know, bored at home and no one answered my texts right away so I decided to get out of the house. What about you?”

“That’s for certain.” He chuckled along with his friend, thinking about what his older brothers had always told him. “No need to thank me. Just doing what any good friend would do.” Seven led them both to a table and sat down, his stomach growling a little from the aroma of the place. “Yes, of course it can be as soon as tomorrow. I’ll make sure the room is all clear of everything but the furniture.”

Markus did a final lap around the gallery, locking doors as he goes before grabbing his coat and locking the front door to the building.

“Lead the way,” Markus replied with a smile pulling on his leather jacket as he stepped up to the man who asked him to drinks.

The other didn’t take long, but it also wasn’t like Ace was keeping track either. It was very easy to get lost in one’s phone. “Oh yeah, sure,” he smiled and put his phone away, gesturing for the other to follow and pointed where they’d be going. “The local bar is pretty good vibes, you been there?” he asks, “I’m Ace by the way.”

“Man, do I know how that is.” Sev empathized. His father had once told him he was far too trusting for the world. And sometimes, that was still the case. “I hope everything gets better for you soon, though. You deserve to be happy.” He smiled. “You can move in anytime you want.” He led the way inside. “I know you don’t mind Butterbean and are a trustworthy person. You can stay as long as you want.”

Markus had been tasked by the gallery owner to watch and patrol the gallery during tonight’s exhibit and while this was a lot more low key for Markus, He kindly took the job and a good thing he did. About halfway through, some dumb asshole came in drunk trying to start something so Markus did what he did best, and was hired for, and tossed the guy out on the curb and made sure he left.

 The rest of the night was quiet until one of the photographers that was apart of the exhibit came up to him. “He You’re welcome. It was no problem  really just apart of the job,” Markus replied with a friendly smile and soft laugh. “Oh uh,” Markus checked the time on his watch. “Sure. I’m free after this. Just gotta make sure everything is all locked up for the space owner. first.”

Ace knew the guy was doing his job, but he couldn’t help how great the guy did at doing it. Plus, Ace was being a tad bit selfish because he could also use the company, so why not? Ace also could be very social and was always open to meeting new people. “Cool. No problem, I can wait out front,” he reassured him as he nodded and made his way out front. He checked his phone to check if he missed any notifications/messages while he had been busy the last few hours. There was a few things here and there but nothing that was time sensitive so he was free for the night. He wasn’t sure how long they’d be out but they weren’t going far, heck he could see the bar he planned to take him to from where he was standing. 

“Both? Both is good,” they smiled, taking the offered hand. “Pleasure to meet you, Ace. I’m Sam. And your first drink will be on me,” they said before turning to get the bartender’s attention. “I always start off with a Long Island Iced Tea, and they make them perfectly here.”

“Nice to meet you Sam,” Ace shook the other’s hand, “Really? thank you. I appreciate it. I’ll take the same as you then.” Maybe today would turn out better after all, “so what brings you here alone?” he asks curiously. 

“Well, what do you like?” Angel asked, sliding right on over with his lips curving ever so slightly into a flirty smile. “Do you like fruity drinks? A beer guy? Or maybe you’re into stronger alcohol? Everyone’s taste is different.”

“fruity drinks where you can’t really taste the liquor.. ya know, the type that gets you into trouble,” ace replies honestly and chuckled as the other sat closer to him, not minding at all. 

“Well, are you looking to get drunk or enjoy your drink?” Sam asked and smiled at the man. They finished off the rest of the drink in their hand, before pushing it away and turning toward the other. “Cause there are a few drinks where you can do both.”

Originally posted by doucheywolf

“both,” ace answered simply but a hint of a smile, “so the drinks for both works. also, hi, i’m Ace.” He offered his hand to the stranger. 

Seven listened very carefully to what Ace had to say. “Maybe. I know having Butterbean has done a lot for me. Don’t know what I’d be like without him.” He mused, not wanting to think about what his life would be like without his little dog. “I’m sorry to hear that things aren’t going so well for you, and I’m here if you need an ear to listen.” Opening the door, he motioned for his friend to enter the bakery before him. “Well, if you want, I have a spare bedroom that you can stay in.”