* PASSERBYS

“Makes senses to me. I’m usually too busy getting a free fill on popcorn to take home on the way out. I’m usually too stuffed to go for a drink after that,” he admitted. Sometimes he snuck booze in to the movie but then that definitely meant as soon as the flick was over he’d be off doing other things. It made him a little sad thinking about. He hadn’t had any desire especially not after what happened at Lost Boys to go see a movie that wasn’t snuggled up in bed or with his feet up on the couch. “You don’t have to do all that but I appreciate it,” he said with a little chuckle before taking a sip of it. “Anise… that’s like black licorice, right?” Ian asked him. “I like licorice. My boyfriend hates it though,” he laughed his mind thinking about Bo for a moment. He would’ve thought this drink was terrible. “I don’t think I’ll be able to swing by for another. I’m already ready for a nap and I’m what? Two sips in?”

“You see, drinking wise that’s where I find the most differences among people. Some can’t drink on a full stomach while others tend to eat double while intoxicated,“ his voice trailed off at the end as he hypothesized. Social outings that didn’t put food on the table were much harder to come by recently. There was the movie screening, the carnival, and several others that ended with a twist no one seemed to desire. Karim moved his hand side to side, making a so-so motion. “Kind of? Initially the plants are different, but they taste the same and a lot of black licorice companies use anise in their flavoring.” At least Ian seemed to enjoy it. “Next time you come in with him, if he likes the bar, I’ll make sure to make him the complete opposite then.” The bartender’s mind was already racing with different types of drinks to serve the other. “Just make sure someone can keep you standing at work then. I don’t need them thinking I’m a bad influence, no matter how much fun it is.” 

melih smiled at the bartender. “you look great in both shirts, i don’t really get why you’re changing.” he said, a bit of a flirty undertone in his voice. he never passed up an opportunity to flirt with a gorgeous man after all. “i was wondering if you have some kick ass mint tea perhaps? if not, then whatever is your favorite soda.” he spoke and leaned against the counter with a 

bart’s work started before most other people’s shift did. as a maintenance worker, he had to start cleaning the halls before the customers arrived or fix things that couldn’t be fixed during the day because they would be bothersome for the customers. today, it was just cleaning and as he worked, he still felt like he was on automatic pilot - he was still reeling from being out here in the world without the direction of his former leader. he looked up though as someone spoke to him and with a blank face, took the card before forcing a small smile on his face. a spa. he knew that there was one, but he didn’t quite know what it’s purpose was. it wasn’t as if the compound he came from had something like it. “i… thank you.” he said and leaned on his mop. “would that… i mean, what would that entail exactly? a visit at the spa?” he said and hoped that question wasn’t too out of the ordinary.

knowing that there were camera all around, emerson wasn’t going to offer helping the man out in exchange for the information. the last thing he needed was security seeing that. instead he had another bright idea and a wide smile formed on his face. “if you want we can walk and talk! i don’t want you to have to leave later just because little old me.” he tucked his hands behind his back, wrapping his left hand around his right wrist. “there’s a lot of services so i don’t want to waste your time.” he readied himself to walk in any direction. “first there’s a large pool that spans around most of the spa. some areas aren’t deep, just meant for resting. then us workers can give you massages on any part of your body or even full body massages. we just got these green tea and coffee face masks that are to die for. basically, if you think something is relaxing we probably have it. hot stones, different essential oils, the work.”

               it was the new normal for shrike heights residents to be stressed , honestly . with everything going on - and in the mall particularly - it was easy to find yourself laying awake at night , worrying what was going to happen next , wondering if the police would finally catch those responsible , stressing that you or your loved ones would be next . despite his lack of sleep , corey still woke early enough every morning in time for a run before his morning shifts ; perhaps that was why he was looking so rough today , as he began overexerting himself thinking that it would be helping him . he stood still in a state of shock as he was handed the card to the spa , and even though the employee tried his hardest to say it wasn’t because corey looked like he needed it , that’s still exactly how it was taken . “ i know i’m probably looking a bit tense , but can you really blame me ? ” he laughed , somewhat awkwardly . “ i’ll pretend to believe you though , for the sake of my brain that does not have the capacity to find that insulting . ” he reasoned , not being the kind to take it to heart . “ so long as you’re good at your job , of course . ”

“Maybe they’ll be in next week,” Ian remarked though if they were the film buffs he knew it’d be unlikely. No one was really hanging around the mall much unless they had to be, Ian included. Ian chuckled at the comment. “I don’t know, what’s your qualifications for someone to be a buff?” Ian asked him. “I do like horror, yeah and Iron Maiden but I guess those correlate.” He wasn’t familiar with the bottle as he watched him pour him a shot. He didn’t usually just drink alcohol over nice but he did say he was in a hurry. He supposed mixers would just delay him more. Ian gave the liquor a sniff it smelt strong and he could smell a hint of… licorice? Ian wasn’t sure but his first tip assumed his suspicions. It tasted like an All Sorts from hell– he liked it. “You weren’t kidding that’s strong,” he agreed feeling his mouth tingling a little. “What is that stuff?” He asked before nodding. “Already had a long day, but yeah. It’s going to be even longer.” This was the one day a week he worked both his jobs and it was notorious for being a terrible day. The free drink was turning it around a little. 

“Sadly it’s mainly sports fans that come to bars after a big event.“ Even if they came to watch a premiere, most people did that in groups. Karim always ended up finding the buffs eventually. In some towns, it just took a bit longer. “Liking movies, not being squeamish, be able to have long conversations about your knowledge on films alone.” Although he was also big on novels. “Next time I see you come here, I’ll make sure we’re playing Iron Maiden’s debut album. You have good taste so you deserve a good ambiance.” Karim tossed a towel over his shoulders and placed his hands on the counter. Ian found it strong and that meant he did a good job. “It’s Bulgarian. Made from a native tree over there or something.” His knowledge on alcohol stemmed back twenty-two years, so sometimes he forgot where he picked it up. “It’s a part of anise-branch of alcohol.” His brows rose, knitting together, at the mention of it already being a long day. “Sure you aren’t going to need another one of those then? You can always stop by after your last shift for a pick me up. I’ll probably still be here.” The bartender was scheduled on a double, but sometimes this didn’t even feel like work anymore.

“There’s lots of film buffs in town I just don’t think many of them hang out in places like this. They’re usually, you know, watching movies,” Ian joked with a shrug. He wouldn’t consider himself a film buff but he could name a few he was very close. “Also don’t think many people are wanting to think about Cenobites right now,” he added making comment on his shirt before casting his gaze elsewhere as the man stripped only for him to be in another shirt Ian could comment on. He wouldn’t, at least not yet, though he was a big fan of anything with Eddie on it. “Thanks,” Ian said making a mental note to leave an extra large tip. “I don’t know, something I can drink fast? I’m in between shifts right now,” he admitted. If he was going to be stuck in a hot kitchen all night he’d at least want to be buzzed for it. 

“Then they’re missing out on the joys of dissecting a film with a group of like minded individuals. Alas, I’m not anyone to tell someone how to live their lives.“ At the comment his jaw almost dropped, Karim’s gaze went over to the other. “Be still my Hellbound Heart. Do you happen to be one of those hidden buffs?” The bartender sat the rag behind the counter before he overturned one of the glasses. He poured some of their mastika peshtera over ice and then placed it on a coaster in front of the other. “Careful with that one. I’ve had people stumbling out of here, but it does the job quick since you don’t have time.” Should Karim be supporting getting buzzed before a shift? Probably not, but that wasn’t going to stop him. He slid a bowl of peanuts closer to the glass. “Long day ahead of you?”

hey there ! this is my other bby karim. just a big ol’ horror buff with an interest in occult studies. his stats can be found here!

hello hello ! this is my first bby emerson. he’s not what it seems, but he’s just bc he’s obsessed w himself haha. here are his full stats btw!