+ nik.
MAY 8TH. ROOFTOP OF GRAND TETON MALL. @cordiiceps
There are very few places inside the walls that have any semblance of privacy, and Vincent’s escapist fantasies can only last so long, no matter where he drifts off to. But the roof of the mall is always quiet, even if it’s sometimes the chosen hideout for others, too. He hardly ever drinks ( not out of a lack of interest, but because he’d rather avoid Nikolai’s lectures on the dangers ), but today has been deemed a special occasion — so he celebrates accordingly, despite the early hour. With little experience with drunkenness under his belt, Vincent sways and steadies himself on the handrail as he climbs the stairwell to the rooftop. He relishes in the feeling of warm sun on his skin and a summer breeze on his cheeks, happy that for once he’s alone up here. He leans against the railing on the edge, taking another swig of harsh potato vodka from a metal flask, watching people on the streets file into the mall. Still early in the afternoon, the festivities are only just getting started.
Alone for a few minutes, he doesn’t hear the door to the roof swing open again, now lost in watching a group of soldiers messing around in the streets and listening warmly as loud laughter fills the air. When footsteps finally approach, Vincent whips his head around, more than surprised to see his father’s weathered face. “Dad,” he breathes, fingers suddenly fumbling with the flask, trying to screw the lid back on and stow it in his jacket. “Hey. Hi.” A nervous laugh escapes, a bit embarrassed to be caught. “I thought you would be busy with some, um,” Vincent starts, but is interrupted by a clang of metal as his butterfingers drop the flask. “Enforcing. Today.” He bends down, hurrying to collect the thing before it spills what vodka remains.
