open to all (0/5) linc and leon's birthday extravaganza, o'shea's, 8th august 2024.
beyond the archway at the back of the pub lay a small courtyard, a space leon reserved for the smokers—better they be tucked away than clustered out front, beers in hand. the courtyard was modest, barely accommodating five or six standing adults, making it a quiet refuge. that’s where leon had taken up residence, mostly to take the edge off. being barred from his usual post behind the bar was something he loathed, but linc had insisted, and leon couldn’t refuse him, not on his birthday.
so there he was, three pints deep, trying to focus on the person before him. the glow from the overhead bulb was dim, casting long shadows that seemed to dance along with the muffled thrum of music seeping through the walls. cigarette in one hand, beer in the other, leon nodded as the conversation flowed past him, his mind wandering to the familiar hum of the bar he couldn’t tend to tonight. the words coming from the figure across from him were a blur, drowned out by the buzz in his head, the bass of the music, and the steady rhythm of his own heartbeat.
he squinted, trying to latch onto the thread of the conversation, but it slipped through his grasp, the alcohol making everything just a bit too fuzzy. finally, he shook his head, a small grin tugging at his lips. “yo, sorry, what was that? i’m getting old, dude. can’t hear shit.”
@bluestarters
It seemed that Leo had found his way to the wrong bar. He'd been given a recommendation by someone earlier in the week and clearly hadn't paid close enough attention to get the right details. But once he was there, and had finished one drink he figured he could stay a while. Not really knowing anyone at what seemed to be a celebration for someone, Leo drifted out to the courtyard to see what was going on out there. The aroma of smoke greeted his nose, but it didn't bother him. He liked the smell, for whatever reason.
"Oh, I just said it's nice out here.. to get a little breathing room," he repeated, hooking his thumb toward the door to the bar. The other guy seemed like he was having a good time. "Who's the party for?"














