no, no, i insist

The music, a trippy synth-pop bop, pulsates between his ears as he shrugs his laptop bag further up his shoulder. People stumble past him, drunkenly catcalling as their eyes blur in and out of focus. He's way too sober for this.

He needed some time to himself. Not because he needed to get away from the puppy who was determined to destory every precious electronic cord he had or a roommate who continuously neglected the pile of beer can accumulating under their coffee table, but because he couldn't even hear himself think anymore. It was like he'd lost his voice as soon as there was something else to care about.

He has to decide between getting drunk or buying a pack of cigarettes, as his paycheck would only go through in the wee hours of the morning, when he hopes that he'll be sound asleep in his bed. Considering that he's imagining himself passing out from a stupor instead of naturally falling asleep, he figures that he's already made the decision.

His heart gives a familiar lurch as he tugs open the door to the bar, even though he's done this hundreds of times before. It would be cliche to say that something felt different this time, but it does.

He pulls his bag up over his shoulder as he siddles down to the nearest bar stool, defeated eyes giving a cursory glance over the patrons for any familiar faces. He spots a few that he recognizes from work and quickly glances away, eyes drawn to the uninteresting sports bouts happening on the numerous televisions.

"What can I getcha?"

Leo glances down and feels a shy smile unconsciously tug at the corner of his mouth, which is returned by the cheeky redhead that had served him a week ago.

"Ahhh, what have you got on draft?"

The man smiles wider, clearly amused. "I guess that depends on what you're looking for."

Leo's tongue rolls into his cheek, pressing the supple flesh out. "I prefer blondes and lighter ales, but I think I'm in the mood ofr a heiferweisen." 

"Sounds like I've got the thing for you." The redhead begins pouring up a beer in a glass he's pulled from the cooler below the bar. 

"I'm sure you do." Leo inwardly cringes. Is that too far? Too bold? Is he being too cheeky?

They share a long look as the beer continues to pour. Neither says anything until the tap gives a sudden pop, spraying the bartender with a frothy foam. 

"Aw, man, I'm sorry. I don't think I even have a backup keg of this. This one's on the house." He passes the half-beer across the bar and, at the promise of free beer, Leo's hand instinctively reaches over and they brush hands for a moment. Both shiver as they pull back and Leo smiles shyly again. "Wanna look over the beer list while I change this keg?" He's already stepping out from behind the bar after he's pushes the worn paper across the sticky bartop. 

Leo smiles and nods, taking a sip. "There's something else I'd rather be looking at."

"...You know, I might need some assistance in the cooler after all."

Leo chugs back the rest of the beer.