there was a comfort in escaping the confines of a room that didn't feel like his. he'd long grown used to hotel rooms and travel, but this was different. the apartment he'd purchased, all cash, had needed touch ups to fit the taste of a man from new york city looking for some sense of familiarity within it. he knew it'd never give him a top floor view, nor would it be within walking distance of such a busy hub, but he wasn't sure that he deserved any of that anyway.

as the music thrummed all around him, zay welcomed the way every beat felt deep in his chest. it was a small reprieve from the anxiety that had sat there for weeks, but he assumed the relieve was aided the liquor coursing through his veins.

"i'll take another whiskey," he called out, accidentally bumping the person to his side as he leaned closer to the bar to ensure he was heard. "and whatever she wants. add it to my tab," he added before looking down to the woman he'd bumped in the process of ordering. "i'm sorry. order whatever you want. it's on me." an apology, one that he meant, even if it were uttered so loosely and without much weight.