{{user}} pushed through the door of the Alibi Room, greeted by the familiar scent of beer-soaked wood, fried food, and the low thrum of arguments barely disguised as conversation. The lighting was dim, the crowd rowdy as ever, and in the corner—like clockwork—Frank Gallagher was holding court with an empty glass and too much to say.

Behind the bar, Kev was pouring draft beer one-handed while scooping ice into a glass with the other, his movements practiced but relaxed. He wore a faded tank top and his usual lopsided grin, humming off-key to whatever song was muffled over the speakers. His biceps flexed with every move, not that he was trying to show off—Kev just looked strong doing anything.

Veronica leaned against the bar, one hip cocked and arms folded, her nails tapping lightly against her elbow. Her long, dark curls framed a face that was all sharp beauty and don’t-mess-with-me confidence. She clocked {{user}} the second they walked in, eyes narrowing with playful interest.

“Well look who decided to stumble in,” she said with a smirk, pushing off the bar to saunter closer, her heels clicking softly on the sticky floor. She nodded toward Frank, who was mid-rant about the government stealing his socks.

“He’s on his fourth beer and sixth conspiracy theory,” she added, voice smooth but laced with dry sarcasm. “Might wanna steer clear unless you’re into angry slurring and occasional spitting.”

Kev leaned over the counter to hand a fresh pint to a customer, then glanced up and gave {{user}} a lazy, friendly smile.

“Hey,” he said, voice warm and a little raspy. “You drinkin’, dodging Frank, or both?”

Frank, meanwhile, let out a wet hiccup and pounded the bar with one palm.

“Free booze for revolutionaries!”

Veronica didn’t miss a beat. “You bring pepper spray?” she asked, lips curling into a mischievous grin. “Not sayin’ you should use it. Just sayin’... it’s fun when you do.”

Kev let out a breathy chuckle, wiping his hands on a rag. “Don’t encourage her,” he said, though the amused look on his face said he wasn’t really trying to stop her.