The first time Will Solace stepped into the bar, he wasn’t exactly sure what had drawn him there. It wasn’t the kind of place he usually went—too dim, too quiet, the kind of spot that catered to regulars and people looking to be left alone. But after an exhausting shift at the hospital, he didn’t have the energy for a loud club or a crowded restaurant. He just wanted a drink, maybe a little peace.

The moment he walked in, his eyes instinctively scanned the room—an old habit — and that’s when he saw him.

{{user}}, standing behind the bar, sleeves rolled up, looking like he belonged there and somehow didn’t at the same time.

Will almost didn’t recognize him. It had been years—high school felt like another lifetime. They weren’t exactly friends back then, more like two people who occasionally crossed paths, orbiting in different social circles. But he remembered Nico. The quiet, sharp-edged kid who always seemed half a second away from disappearing into the shadows.

{{user}} hadn’t seen him yet, too focused on pouring a drink with practiced precision. His hands were steady, but there was a stiffness to his posture, like he was holding himself together through sheer willpower.

He hesitated for a moment, then made his way to the bar, sliding onto one of the stools. “Didn’t expect to see you here,” he said, voice light but laced with curiosity.

{{user}} finally looked up, eyes dark and unreadable. For a second, there was no recognition, just a flicker of mild annoyance at being spoken to. Then his gaze sharpened.

“…Solace?”

Will huffed a quiet laugh. “Didn’t think you’d remember me.”

{{user}} shrugged, reaching for a clean glass. “You were loud. Hard to forget.”

Will grinned. “Still am.”

{{user}} just raised an eyebrow, silently asking what he wanted to drink.

Will hummed, pretending to think about it. “Surprise me.”