Who: Fin and Nate Where: Dragonfly When: Sunday, 12th November, around 8:30pm Status: Complete Warnings: Language
The evening had become quite chilly after the sun had set, the rain had stopped and thankfully the area where Books and Beer was located had escaped the flooding that had occurred elsewhere in town. After closing up Fin wrapped himself up in his thick coat and started down the street, his hands in his pockets as he headed towards Dragonfly. He was there the night before for what originally started as ‘just drinks’ with his neighbor Neilan, but in reality it turned into a date and Fin had done something silly and impulsive - he had kissed the DJ in the middle of the bar.
While he didn’t regret it after that buzz that seemed to come with the bar wore off Fin did feel quite embarrassed that he had done it in front of Nate - Neilan’s boss and Fin’s friend - so he decided to drop in and apologize for acting like a silly teenager. Pushing the door open, the warmth from inside hit him and he quickly took off his coat as he headed towards the bar, eyes scanning around for Nate.
Nate enjoyed Sunday evenings at Dragonfly. The crowd was usually chill, enjoying the last bit of the weekend, but not looking to get trashed, most everyone having to head to work in the morning. And they didn’t stay open so late that he slept half of Monday. The rain this week had kept the crowds light and that was still the case today, even while things seemed to be drying up. Nate was just glad he’d been able to get to and from the bar while the water was high. He knew some people weren’t so lucky.
He spotted Fin when he walked in and gave him a little wave when he looked his way. They hadn’t had a lot of time to catch up lately, but he’d seen him at the bar a few times, most specifically the night before. He knew Fin had been a bit down lately, so just thinking about it made him smile to himself.
Sundays were usually pretty quiet at Books and Beer too, during the tourist season it was busier but winter was so close people tended to go home earlier, evening during the week. The rain and flooding didn’t help matters but Fin was used to this downturn, it usually gave him time to do things that he rarely had time to do otherwise. After Thanksgiving he’d start shutting earlier, he was sure that Dragonfly and the Back Porch both had customers who’d come in until closing time but Fin’s regulars rarely stayed that late.
Fin smiled when he saw Nate and gave him a nod to acknowledge that he had seen the little wave as he made his way towards the bar. Although they had seen one another quickly in passing they hadn’t really talked and Fin hadn’t caught up with Nate in about a month. “Hey Nate. No more weird accidents or run in with cats?” He asked, hoping that whatever had plagued the witch beforehand had well and truly passed.
“No,” Nate said with a small, subdued smile. “I got something to help with that. I’ll fix it for good at the new moon.” Unfortunately, he hadn't been able to do the same for Jack. Despite his best efforts, Jack hadn’t survived Halloween. Nate would never know if it was the curse or just being in the wrong place at the wrong time when someone thought they were a serial killer, but he still wondered if he could have done more. His luck wasn’t good, but he wasn’t a step away from accidentally killing himself either. “What about you? Things going okay?”
Fin nodded, glad that it was fixable and soon Nate would be cured of it for good, he had gotten into the habit of keeping an eye out of an evening when he was putting the trash out or leaving work for any hoards of cats hanging around but thankfully there had been none. “I’m glad.” There was enough death in the town as there was, he was still recovering from what had happened to Sadie just a week before and although things were good at that moment that grief was still just below the surface. He shrugged when Nate asked how he was going. “It’s been a pretty shitty week to be honest, but I’m still here so that’s something, right?” Fin had dropped into Dragonfly some evenings after work just to try and absorb some of those good feeling that the bar was renowned for to boost his mood and it usually worked.
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Nate said with a little frown. “You wanna talk about it? Pull up and have something to drink?” Nate was good at listening. He had to be to be a good bartender. People didn’t often drop that they were having a shitty week and then clam up about it. There was something cathartic about getting it all out there, even if the person listening couldn’t do anything about it. It felt like a purge and people tended to walk away feeling better than they did when they started. Nate doubted Fin was any different.
Fin nodded and took a seat at the bar, he didn’t see his psychologist for another week and he was sure that Nate had heard a lot worse from his other customers. “Ginger ale and lime thanks.” By now Nate and the other bartenders there knew he didn’t drink and didn’t raise an eyebrow at his requests. “Just when things were starting to look better, life throws another ‘fuck you’ right in your face.” He sighed but nodded a thanks as the drink was slid across the bar to him. “A friend was killed last week and yeah, it’s all pretty fucked up but I’m trying to cope with it the best that I can.” Even if that did mean he had the odd crazy day, like the night before. It reminded him that he was alive and that not everything in his life sucked.
It seemed to Nate that Fin could never catch a break, that he seemed to know everyone in town that went missing or died. Then again, the town wasn’t that big, and he didn’t seem to have a connection to Jack or the Lucas girl, so there was that. It could be worse. “That’s always hard,” Nate said. “I lost a friend recently too and… you’ve just got to move on. Keep going. Preserve their memory, but don’t let it bring you down.” Some days it was easier than others. Nate hadn’t been close to Jack at all, barely an acquaintance, but he felt to blame for his death, which made it hard. If he’d done a better job at protecting him, maybe he’d still be alive. But he knew it wasn’t totally his fault. He’d been cursed and that meant some things were beyond his control until they could lift it.
While Fin did know quite a few people in town, he didn't know everyone despite what some people might've thought because not every single person in town frequented his store, plus there always seemed to be people moving into and out of the town. “I'm sorry Nate.” He said, giving condolences about the death of one of Nate's friends though he knew that all the ‘I'm sorry's’ in the world wouldn't do a thing and after a while one got sick of hearing them. “I'm sure they wouldn't want us sitting around moping and digging ourselves further into a hole. I've done too much of that in the past and it's got me absolutely nowhere.” He sipped at his drink, at least he had a distraction from his grief over the past week, Nate probably didn't, besides work and that never really did count.
Nate didn’t want to shrug off Jack’s death, but it was just one of those things he would have to live with. No, they hadn’t been close, but he felt responsible for him due to the curse that they’d shared. He was the witch, not Jack. It didn’t seem fair that normal people got saddled with burdens they couldn’t hope to bear. “It’s okay. It just sucks, you know?” He knew Fin knew. Commiserating over their shared misery wasn’t going to make them feel better though, Fin was right about that. “So what’re you doing to bring yourself out of it?” he asked, hoping that Fin had something. He thought he did, but he wasn’t going to push if Fin wasn’t interested in sharing.
If Fin could hear Nate’s thoughts he’d say the death of his friend was not his fault, that the witch and the curse weren’t to blame, some crazy idiot was and he should stop thinking about it in that way. And yes, he did know how much it really did suck. “Yeah, I do. Doesn’t make it any easier though.” He took another sip and gave Nate another small smile. “I started seeing someone after... my little swim, talking with them has helped and they’ve given me some good tips for dealing with it all. Do you have a hobby? Or a creative outlet - art, writing, music, something like that? I’ve rediscovered music and that’s really helping, nothing like tinkling the ivories to relieve one’s stresses.” Not to mention it attracted the attention of his rather cute neighbor.
“Does that someone work here?” Nate asked with amusement in his eyes. If Fin was moving on, from the death of his friend or, more importantly, Danny, then Nate considered that a blessing. He needed a distraction, someone better to talk to than a bartender, and it sounded like maybe, finally, he’d found that. Even if they just ended up being friends, it would be a good thing. “I like music,” he nodded. “I work out a little. Do meditation. I’ve been looking through some new recipes I got. Old ones, but new to me,” he clarified, speaking of spells rather than food, but he wasn’t going to delve too deep into magic out in the open. “Hanging out with friends is always good though.”
Fin laughed. A real good, deep, belly laugh. “Not that kind of someone Nate. I was talking about a psychologist,” He smirked a bit. “But he seems to be helping too.” It was only a week since he had actually, properly met Neilan as someone beyond a customer who dropped in for books and alcohol but the man was proving to be a welcome distraction nonetheless. He nodded when Nate mentioned some of the things he did in his free time, though Fin knew the old recipes he was looking through old were definitely not the kind that one would want to do in the kitchen, spells were best left to those who knew what they were doing. There was a stage not long after he had taken over where want-to-be wiccans came into the store wanting books and supplies but Fin refused to sell them anything remotely magical and they weren’t happy about it, which was when he got the section of the bookshop that he catered to witches enchanted so that only those with magical blood could actually see the titles, to everyone else they just looked like a bunch of old books there just for display. “Hanging out with friends is definitely good. A lot better than home renovations, though I still think I’ll be moving in by Thanksgiving.”
“Ah, yeah, those can help too,” Nate laughed with him, glad to hear it. A psychologist was even better. Nate wasn’t a close enough friend to recommend Fin see one, but he definitely thought it would help with some of the shit he’d been dealing with. And it sounded like he’d found himself a number of distractions— some good hobbies, a home project, and a new man. Well, maybe. He’d not been super clear there and Nate didn’t want to push, even though he figured something was going on since seeing them the other night. “That’s good. That’s not too far off. What’re you still working on?” he asked. Construction definitely wasn’t his thing, but he knew how fulfilling project work could be.
To start with he didn’t think he needed to see anyone but after a few sessions and getting to know the psychologist he realized that talking to someone and the tips and tricks were actually helping, though some things didn’t work for him or go to plan but he hadn’t expected it to be smooth sailing all the time. Still, things were much better now than they were even a month ago. As for a new man, that was still very much a maybe, the night before had kind of turned into a date and Fin had invited Neilan out for dinner the following evening, he’d see where things went from there. “Painting. There was quite a bit of drywall damage, a friend of mine was supposed to do it but ended up hiring the professionals and they did it in like quarter of the time. I’ve got most of the trim and edges taped, several gallons of paint at the ready and everything else needed to get the job done.” He took another drink. “Once I’ve finished that I’m hoping I can start moving things in.” And wasn’t he glad that he got the heating and power turned on at the house, getting drywall and paint to dry in a Maine November without it would take way too long.
Nate nodded along as he listened, though this really wasn’t something he could contribute a lot to. He had a house, but he’d never done near the amount of work that Fin had done. If he was painting that much, he’d definitely hire professionals. “It’ll be nice to get moved in,” he agreed. “Where’d you end up buying again?” There were a bunch of different neighborhoods in Point Pleasant and knowing where Fin was moving would give him a better feel for the sort of house he was finishing up.
Fin didn't expect a lot of interest from anyone else. He was just happy to finally be a homeowner and not limited to an apartment, space and a yard were good. “Over on Oak.” There was quite a few streets named after trees and plants in town but most seemed to be in the same general area. He took another sip of his drink, looking down at it for a few moments. “I also wanted to apologize for my behavior last night, I kind of got lost in the moment.” Though he knew Nate had seen a lot worse, but he still felt like he had to apologize because Neilan was an employee and Fin had kissed him in the middle of the bar instead of in a quieter corner.
Nate stared at Fin for a moment, confusion in his eyes as he tried to fathom what Fin could have done that would need apologizing for. When most people apologized for their behavior in a bar, it was because they’d had too much to drink, or they’d gotten into a fight, or had done something outrageous. Fin didn’t drink, Nate couldn’t imagine him fighting with anyone, and he was generally one of his more tame patrons. The only thing he could think of was him kissing Neilan, so Nate smiled and shook his head after a moment. “You’ve got nothing to apologize for,” he said. “Now, if you climb up on the bar and start making a scene, then we’ll talk.” Nate had done worse, not in his bar, but still. Fin didn’t need to know that.
The wildest thing Fin has ever done at Dragonfly was at Halloween, where he thought that he was Doctor Frank N Furter from Rocky Horror, and he might've gotten up on a table or two as he pranced around under the influence of something that was definitely not PCP laced candy. He had already apologized for that evening and vowed that from now on he was going to make his own costumes, even if somewhere was selling them really cheap. He chuckled as Nate said they'd talk if Fin got up on the bar and caused a scene. “No bar top dancing, I promise, and you won't need to worry about me coming in dressed in next to nothing either. Halloween has gone for another year, thank goodness! Now we just need to get through Thanksgiving and Christmas, and no, I won't be signing up for any charity event your mother might be holding either.” Fin gave a little smile, the bachelor auction was testament to that - the disagreement with his mother and then Darren and his drunken ‘swim’ that landed him in hospital while the event was actually on - was the last straw, never again would he sign up or allow himself to be signed up for anything.
“Your costume was never a problem,” Nate grinned. It was way less than he would ever wear in public, but on Halloween pretty much anything was acceptable. And Fin had chosen a rather iconic character. Nate didn’t have to be a huge Rocky Horror fan to recognize him. “Luckily, she’s not your mother. If she tries to twist your arm, blow her off. Or tell her you’d rather purchase something. I’m hoping the rest of the auctions are more the gift basket type.” Which was such a weird thing for him to say, since he wasn’t really the gift basket type, but he’d rather some lavish spa package be auctioned off than him. That was the downside to settling in Point Pleasant. His mother still had a hold on him, no matter how much he tried to avoid her.
“It wasn’t the most comfortable costume I’ve ever worn, but I think I looked better than the time I went dressed as Cher from the seventies.” The memory of that Halloween years ago and Danny dressed as Sonny still made Fin smile, they did always have a good time but those days were sadly over and finally Fin was starting to move on. “Easier said than done! Your mother scares the bejeezus out of me and she’s not the type of woman I’d want to get on the wrong side of.” He didn’t want to get on the wrong side of any of the witches in town, they were all powerful and could easily kill him or make his life hell without breaking a sweat. “I’ll happily donate books or stationery to any auction, but never myself,” Fin chuckled a bit, shaking his head. “You know my ‘date’ was to a brewery, that was probably the most awkward ‘date’ I’ve ever being on.” Thankfully the lady that had bought the date didn’t seem to mind it at all and they both had a pretty good time without Fin needing to touch a drop of alcohol.
“Yeah, I could see that,” Nate said with a little laugh. Cross-dressing really wasn’t his thing, but Fin could pull it off, especially on Halloween, which seemed to be a free for all for everyone. “I don’t think there’s anything you could do that would piss her off,” he said of his mother. Yes, Fin was right, he really didn’t want to get on the wrong side of his mother, but she wasn’t the sort to go after someone like Fin for not signing up for whatever charity she was pimping. “But I understand staying away from the dating auctions. That had to have been awkward for you both.” It wasn’t a poor assumption to guess that a guy who owned a bar drank though, so hopefully Fin didn’t blame his date. Most of the guys he knew would’ve loved something like that, himself included. “I’m sure there’ll be something at Christmas, maybe Thanksgiving. Both are big holidays, so there’ll be at least one gala or something.”
Fin wasn’t one for cross-dressing either but Halloween was Halloween and as it was also Danny’s birthday so they always had some fun. This year though without Danny it was weird but Brad had agreed to go along with Fin’s crazy idea for costumes. Finishing his drink he indicated Nate for another, not like it was alcohol that would get him drunk, they’d only make him have to pee sooner rather than later. “The lady who ‘bought’ me was lovely. It was more awkward trying to explain to the brewery who’s beer I have in stock that, yes, I know it’s great, but I just won’t be drinking any of it.” If the date was months ago he would’ve had a beer or two but not anymore. And it didn’t surprise him that there would be some gala over the next six to eight weeks, if he could get the time off he’d get dressed up and enjoy the evening at Overlook Country Club. “I don’t know about here, but those are two of the busiest times outside of summer. I am not looking forward to the Black Friday sale that I’m going to have to do, everyone goes nuts for that extra ten percent off. Though if you’re going to have a party here for the holidays I might just drop in.”
“You don’t think you’ll ever drink again?” Nate asked curiously. He knew why Fin had stopped drinking, but at the same time he didn’t consider him an alcoholic. Not in the sense that others were. If he truly had a problem with alcohol, he probably shouldn’t continue to run a bar. But that wasn’t the kind of advice that Nate was comfortable dishing out to a casual acquaintance. “Black Friday doesn’t really effect me as much. I don’t do any kind of drink special,” he smiled. “I’m not sure if I’ll do anything around Christmas, but I’ll definitely throw a big New Year’s Eve party. You should come if you don’t have anything else going on.” It was way too early for most people to know, so Nate hadn’t started advertising for it yet. He should get on it though. It would be there before he knew it.
“I’ll think about it in a couple of months.” Fin said, a fingertip running around the lip of his glass. He never considered himself an alcoholic and months ago would’ve only had half a dozen beers a week - if that - but that one night made him remember what it was like when he drunk too much, when those barriers were down and he’d do something stupid. He regretted it and everything that happened, but he did have self control and working around alcohol all the time didn’t really both him. “Right now I don’t want to risk it, who knows what alcohol would do with the medication my doctor put me on, so for now I’m sticking with these.” He lifted up his glass and took a sip. “I’m definitely going to be here for New Year Eve, you do know how to throw a good party Nate.”
“Understandable,” Nate said, letting it drop. If drinking was still considered a risk, then Nate still had reason to worry about Fin’s mental health, even while sober. Drinking lowered your inhibitions and made you more willing to take risks, but it didn’t put ideas in your head that weren’t already there. And it seemed implausible that the meds didn’t come with warnings about whether or not he could drink. “Thanks,” he smiled, always appreciating a compliment, especially about the bar. “Hopefully New Year’s Eve will be less chaotic than Halloween.” It felt like the understatement of the century, but it needed to be said. “Hey, I gotta go for a few,” he said as someone stepped up to the other end of the bar. “Talk more later?”
The medication and psychologist was helping Fin’s mental health and things had really improved from where they were just a few weeks ago, he hoped that things would continue to get better and now considering he had another date the next evening that was definitely helping as well. Fin nodded at Nate’s statement about New Year’s Eve being less chaotic than Halloween, anything would be better than that and to be safe he’d be wearing his own clothes and not touch anything that might be tainted with drugs or who-knows-what. “Go. Do your job. I’ll be here.”