s p e e d s t e r

“let me ask you something-” her tone was conversational, though she leaned across the bar a little and dropping her volume as if she were trying not to be overheard. “am i really terrifying, or are you just terrified?” she fell back into her seat with her lips already twisting up, looking away dismissively as she continued, “you can think on that particular paradox while you get me a white russian.”

tommy blinked at the woman, an eyebrow raised as she spoke. “i...have never been so turned on and terrified at the same time. i kinda like it.” tommy admitted, blinking himself out of his stupa to make her the drink. when he was done he slid it over to her, expression curious. “you got a name? or are you gonna be all dark and mysterious?”  

“Careful, I’ll have to stop if I think it might make your ego even bigger.” Kate smirked. She rolled her eyes. “You do know I’m a seasoned P.I., right? Have been for quite some time.” And she had lacked the wealth that earned her her status as princess for almost as long. “I’m also a superhero. Safe to say I have been to seedier place than this bar.” To be fair, she had been to seedier place when she was rich and a teen and rebellious.

“alright, alright, i’ll shut up so you can sing my praises.” he grinned adoringly at his teammate, which is something he generally did anyway but most commonly at the woman. “you need a watson out there? i reckon i could make a sick watson if i set my mind to it.”

❝ power to the people is damn right. ❞ that’s literally her instagram bio, so… ellie’s serious about this. deadly so. ❝ i might take you up on that sometime. i could use someone’s shoulders to shout from atop of because those crowds can get wild. ❞ 

“The deep ocean actually.” Soa admits as he pushes his fingers through his hair for a moment. “Uh, surprise me.”

“uh -- alright then, flounder. what’re you doing in the ocean?” tommy raised a brow, taking a glass and some ice before pouring some fruit cider in. “i’ll start you off easy, first timers drink this kinda thing.”

“Very funny. I just have a lot on my mind lately is all. Teddy and I are good. I’m going to try not being self-depreciating, but it’s ME after all.” Billy shrugs his shoulders before he thinks of something. “You want to grab some dinner?”

“wanna talk about it?” he asked, all humour leaving his tone and worry replacing it. “dinner would be great if you’re paying?”

“Can you recommend me something? I’m new to the whole DRINKING experience.”

“i’m a simple man. i just like an oj with whatever liquor i can find.” he shrugs, taking a sip from his own cola. “you fresh outta the womb or something?”

“I’m honored just by the fact you think I look like someone who orders fancy drinks. I’m switching it up today though.” Hal says as he takes the glass from the bartender. “What did you think I was going to order though? I’m curious.”

“one of them fancy james bond drinks, honestly.” he shrugged. “you got that...lumberjack kinda vibe about you. maybe a whiskey on the rocks or somethin’ manly like that.”

“I don’t blame them because I would run away from me too.” Billy admits as he places the glass down on the counter. “I’m okay as one can be. I haven’t been sleeping good lately, but hey — you’re here. I’m glad you are. How long do you work tonight? We should do something. I don’t know what yet.”

“oh, it’s no fun making fun of you if you’re so self-depreciating.” tommy grumbled, huffing at his twin. “how come you ain’t sleeping good? teddy not doing his job?” the silver-haired male raised a brow. “i can leave whenever, i’m doin’ over time ‘cause i’m bored, the boss said i can go whenever i’m done i just gotta tell someone. what’s up?”

“In that case, I’ll take the cheapest beer you have. That way I should have enough to drink and tip. It’s a win-win.” Kate grinned. “Are you sure that’s the case? You are very pretty. It’s probably great for business.”

tommy wasn’t sure who he expected to be the otherside of the bar, but it certainly wasn’t kate bishop. clearing his throat in hopes of grounding himself, tommy attempted to turn back on the charm. “keep tellin’ me i’m pretty, bishop, it’s music to my ears.” tommy dramatically batted his eyes at her. “what’re you doing ‘round these parts, princess?”

“I’ll be sure to do both. Anything expensive would be fine.” Sylvia had never paid much mind to how much she tipped beyond making sure it was a large amount—more to prove she could than any good will she had. 

tommy dramatically saluted the customer, a small wink added in as he busied himself making whatever fancy cocktail he could think of. “you using daddy’s credit card then, huh?”

Billy was just watching as his twin was talking to the stranger. There’s a glass in his own hand that he takes a sip of. “Scared them right off, Tommy. How’s the night going otherwise?”

tommy gave his twin a pearly smile, slinging a wash cloth over their shoulder as they took a sip of their own water. “i reckon they got the stench of your lameass and decided to run while they could.” he shrugged, tone playful as they leaned against the bar. “night’s...going. didn’t think i’d miss this place and here i am, huh? how are things with you, though?”