𝒅𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒎 𝒐𝒏

It was a classic wrong place at the wrong time situation. One moment he was in his own world while making his way across the barn, the next he was in the middle of a line dance he had no intention of joining. The whole scene must’ve been comical to any onlookers — Rafael accidentally turning the center of the dance into a jumbled mess while he clumsily moved around in an effort to avoid crashing into any of the lively dancers. The task was, of course, easier said than done. Completely unfamiliar with the dance, it was impossible not to continuously collide into someone — resulting in many embarrassed apologies, his drink spilling all over himself and several others, and the man repeatedly claiming that this was his nightmare.

James had never been one for crowds, which was likely why shortly after his arrival, he’d all but made a beeline for the clink-a-drink before slinking to a secluded corner to watch the activities alone. Dancing didn’t interest him ( not without the right partner ) and the music was mostly foreign ( even if he’d heard it all as it came to Sage Lake ). The only real saving grace of the event for him had always been the food and the booze.

Eyes flickering toward the figure that had settled for standing beside him, James waited several long seconds before speaking. “I heard a rumor people are placing bets on how many people meet their soulmate at this years bash.” He murmured. “I’d wager about five — at least. Any thoughts?”

-

“I'm thinking somewhere closer to ten. I just got caught in the middle of two lovebirds finding their one and only or whatever and the night’s just started.” Rafael's gaze drifted over to the pair, feeling a twinge of envy. He had a hard time figuring out if it was because they’d found their soulmate while he was still waiting around or if it was simply because they looked happy...like genuinely happy with their situation. Rather than dwell on it, he quickly redirected his attention to the other. “Fingers crossed I’m not one of them — I don’t have my whole ‘apparently the universe thinks we belong together so much so that it felt the need to yank us out of whatever lives we were living before this’ speech ready just yet."

Standing behind the clink-a-drink with a towel thrown over her shoulder, the woman stood with her back to the little counter set up. Swaying lightly to the music that drifted about the space, Ophelia was in the midst of reorganizing the bottle ( ensuring she wouldn’t fumble over finding anything later when the festivities picked up ). Not realizing someone was patiently waiting for her attention, the woman nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound of a throat clearing so close. “Oh heavens!” Hand fluttering up to land over her heart, she spun around with a sheepish smile. “You startled me. What can I get you?”

-

Rafael didn’t want to pester one of his co-workers while they were busy, but there was only so much of this event he was willing to sit through without a drink so he eventually made an attempt to get her attention. "Sorry ‘bout that.” He muttered before a defeated sigh slipped out. “There isn’t a magical drink that’s not going to make me too drunk to work a shift later, but makes me just buzzed enough to tolerate that one asshole that’s going to come up to the bar later complaining that they haven’t found their soulmate in the half a year they’ve been here, is there?”

“really, i can say i haven’t really had a night like that in a while. i think after the same night about… fifteen years ago i have just been running on the same hype.” it was the sad but honest truth. by now, clyde should be an old man, and yet he was stuck the same old clyde. “maybe im going to get one dance in… but im not that great anymore so i don’t know.” he looked toward the bar. “i could take down a couple of drinks though. you in?” 

-

Rafael could relate a bit to what the other said. There was a time when he probably would’ve spent most of the night in the middle of the whole celebration, but these days it was a rarity to see him participate in even one dance. In addition to that, what dances he knew were long outdated by now. “If it helps, I don’t think people are really going to judge your dance skills or lack thereof. Everyone’s too busy making eyes at their partners or hanging around the bar.” The latter being the more appealing option to him, at least for now. “Hell yeah, man, I’m not one to turn down drinks. Especially when they’re about the only thing that’s going to make this whole thing more tolerable.”

with the festivities now in full swing, delilah was getting a bit more buzzed than she intended. she has been drowning drink after drink that she had to lean against a post for a second to catch her balance. holding a half-empty glass of wine in her hand, she gazed over the booths and muttered to herself, “ maybe we can have a book fair as well next time. though i’m not sure if anyone would be interested in buying some books in a party like this. ” glancing at the person next to her, she shot them a inquisitive look as she asked for their opinion, “ what do you think? ”

“ is it just me or does this year feel different?” jamie held his drink, actually participating this year. he and new years had a…tentative relationship, one that saw him occasionally refusing to even show his face on the day. he was fine, really, but something about the day just sort of brought back memories of his family that he’d rather not be forced to remember during a public event. shaking his head, he looked toward the person now standing next to him, shooting a polite smile in their direction. “ where are my manners…how’ve you been?”

“i can’t say im not impressed.” the male announced walking through tthe main entrance only to see how well everything was being put together. he’d been to many new years celebrations and each one was the same. he still went to everyone though hoping one might just be better than the last. “lets see if this one will really beat last years.” clyde moved forward until finally looking over at the figure he had been talking to. “what do you go for first? drinks or dancing?”

-

“I gotta be honest, I don’t really remember last year’s. They all start to blur together after the first twenty or so.” The celebration was just another thing in this town that never seemed to change too much with the passage of time, and yet he found himself there every year -- just in case. Clyde’s question thankfully prevented him from dwelling too much on any of that. “Oh, I’m going to need several drinks before I even consider dancing.” He shook his head, “I don’t know about you, but I’m mostly just here for the food and drinks.”

⤹⋆⸙͎۪۫｡˚۰˚ david castañeda, cis man, he/him. yes, i know RAFAEL ÁLVAREZ. the BARTENDER AT BEE BALM PUB has been in sage lake since 1974, and are still waiting for their soulmate, SELENE PAXTON. they’re known around the lake for being INDEPENDENT & STAUNCH & DAUNTLESS, though it’s rumored they’re SARCASTIC & CYNICAL & HOTHEADED. may they find their other half in the ageless autumn.

Hey everyone! I’m Kip and very late to the party, but here is my disaster! Feel free to like this or message me if you’d like to plot!