Survivin'

In the spirit of being around more for his Master, Ryan was sat just outside Caspar’s office, curled up with a sketchbook. It was nice having a day off every once and a while. And even still, this master wasn’t like his last; he was kept busy so he didn’t feel useless. 

He sat in the window, sketching away at a piece that resembled Ira before pocketing his pencil when he heard his name. Ry stuck his head into his Master’s office with a smile. “You called?” 

Caspar hummed, bringing a hand up to run his fingers through Ryan’s hair “We keep having this conversation, Ry….What will make it change?” He wondered, moving his hand down to hook a finger under his chin “You’re lucky you’re so Goddamn pretty.”

The other nodded, looking at the floor before a smile graced his features again as he looked up at the other. “I’ll set time limits for myself. I won’t spend more than a few hours a day here so I’m not spending my whole day here. I’ll stick to the busy shifts and then come home? You have managers here, I don’t need to pretend to be one.” He offered, “To make sure I’m available for you.” 

Ava: Is that how you want to label my murdering someone?

Ryan: Ava.

Ava: Good. I want you happy and safe, Ry.

Ava: I don't want you to see me right now. I don't want to hurt you too.

[delayed]

“There’s a rebel in you somewhere, Ry, I know it,” she joked, reaching out to swat at his arm. “But maybe stealing is best not to. Gifts are good. Better.” She reached for a bag of candy, opening it and digging in. “That sounds nice. You’re nice. No wonder Caspar bought you.”

“The rebel in me knows better than to come out.” He shrugged, pouring drinks as she spoke and stepping around her. “Caspar bought me because he felt bad for me, Ira. Don’t get that wrong. I’m grateful for him.” 

Ava: Oh, okay. It's 'let' not 'forced'. That's...good. That's good.

Ava: I'm glad you're safe, Ry.

Ava: ...I wouldn't be so sure about that.

Ryan: Caspar's great, honestly. I probably could've gotten stuck with so much worse

“Speak up, you sound even more pathetic than you look. If you’re going to at a fool at least have the spine to back it up,” she snapped, having absolutely no patience for stuttering slaves, stumbling over themselves. In their defence, she was quite overwhelming, but Xena was hardly considering that. “So this is where you work? I guess I can come in for a drink- I’m sure you manager would love to hear all about your service,” she smirked, brushing past the man and entering the establishment. “Well? Let’s see that five star service.” 

Ryan swallowed, following her in and quickly darting behind the safety of the bar. 5 star service, got it. Behind the bar, came a new sense of confidence, offering the vampire a menu with a hum. “Anything you want, on the house.” 

Ava: The club? Why are you working still if you're claimed....

Ava: What?

Ava: Ryan no.

Ava: I...

[delayed]

Ava: It's the other way around. /You/ shouldn't want to see /me/.

Ryan: Master let's me. It gets me out of the house.

Ryan: He owns it, it's safe.

Crimson blood still clung to her lips as they curved into a smirk- this one was pleasing on the eyes at least. Even if he was nothing but a human. “It’s cute that you think that thing is going to keep you safe,” she hummed, stepping in close and running a fingertip along the collar. “Did no one ever teach you that it’s rude to stare?”

His first thought, as her finger ran down the collar around his neck, was how disappointed his Master would be. She was right, he shouldn’t be staring at all, and he could practically hear Caspar scolding him. “M-My most sincere apologies, miss. I just was just trying to f-figure out how not to disturb you.” His heartbeat echoed in his ears as he swallowed. “It won’t happen again. Let me offer you a drink in the club? I-I’ll make you whatever you want.” 

“Oh my god!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide as she took in the drawer of treasures. “Did you steal this?” She reached out for a pack of candy, before hesitating. “Can I take whatever I want?” She looked up at him with a grin when he said that he thought she would make a good dancer. “You really think so? I don’t really have a body like Luz or Izzy but it might be fun.” She glanced down at the water he offered with a frown. “‘m not drunk. I’ve only had two drinks.” Still, she gulped down half of it, feeling thirsty after the snacks.

“Steal? Oh god no, I wouldn’t be dumb enough to try that. Some of the other bartenders bring stuff for me when I pick up their shift.” He grinned, a perk of working with a mainly vampire crew. “You can have whatever until we leave. My shift ends in an hour and then I can walk you home?”

[delayed]

Ava: I miss you too.

Ryan: I work at the pointed fang now, if you're ever comfy going out again

Ryan: I miss you.

“Happy,” she repeated with a dreamy smile. “Good for you, Ry. You deserve to be happy.” She lit up at the suggestion, nodding. “That sounds fun. I asked Cas once if I could be a bartender but he said I’m too hot and have to be a dancer,” she pouted before climbing over the counter ungracefully. “Your stash? You have more snacks?” Her eyes widened. 

With a grateful smile, Ryan nodded. “My stash indeed.” He grinned, pulling a drawer out to expose the candy and crackers he kept for himself. “You do make more money up there as a dancer. I think you’d be great at it.” He admitted, pouring her another glass of water and handing it down. “Please drink a little for me?” 

“Any type will do really, don’t really have a preference, as long as there’s some blood in it. Otherwise it’ll taste like nothing.” It was one thing he had often wondered about, what things tasted like to humans, who seemed to enjoy their food and drinks much more, while they as vampires didn’t even really need it. Just alcoholic drinks were genuinely enjoyed as they did give a kind of spike to things, even if any buzz never lasted long. “No time? How come? Too much work? Feel free not to answer though.”

“Just not really interested in doing a whole much when I get done at work I suppose.” He shrugged, adding a shot of O- to his drink and passing it over the bar. “I don’t mind talking about it though, I just don’t have the supplies I’d like either, so I’m just being picky about it. “