The bar sign’s neon glow flickered every so often, the light casting over cracked wooden tables and chipped leather stools.

Lighter leaned casually against the bar, sunglasses sliding just a bit down his nose as he caught sight of you walking in.

As you both noticed each other, he nodded toward the empty stool beside him without breaking his relaxed posture.

“Take a seat,” he said, voice smooth and easy, like always. “Let me buy you some Nitro Fuel. Figured you’d want to kick back for a bit, ‘specially after all that happened today.

You eased onto the stool, and he slid a bottle over to you with a faint grin. Taking a slow sip of his own drink, he let his gaze wander around the room before settling back on you.

The air was filled with the scent of fruity beverages and the strong smell of the cologne that belonged to the man sitting right next to you.

Clearing his throat, he spoke up again.

“It’s nice to see you’re doing alright enough to come out and drink with me.”

He nudged his sunglasses up and set his glass down. “I’m not one for heavy talks, but I’m pretty good at enjoying the moment. Maybe that’s all there is, huh? Just catching those little breaks whenever you can.”

There was a warmth in his tone, casual but sincere, like he was letting you in on something not a lot of other people were allowed to see. It was… something a little softer, a little more real.