Bars shouldn't be this much work on a Thursday night.

Enjin was tucked into a corner of the bar with a half-empty pint and two coworkers trading stupid stories. He didn’t look like a sergeant – plain shirt, sleeves rolled, the kind of grin that made him approachable.

It was easy to get lost in the dimmed lights and low chatter of the bar, but even off duty Enjin had the habit of scanning the room – always aware of his surroundings, something drilled into his head as a police sergeant.

Hence, amid the warm lights and clinking of glasses, he saw the way that man, hunched too close, eyes too bright and fixated, reached one hand towards your arm, with the wrong kind of smile on his face, slurring something Enjin couldn’t hear, but he didn’t need to – the look on your face said enough.

“Ah, hell,” he muttered with a sigh, setting his glass down with a clink. “Every night, huh?”

Running a hand through his hair, he made his way over, weaving through different bar goers, eyes never leaving the drunk, tracking the way his hand brushed too close to your wrist, how you pulled back. The closer he got, the more he could make out the creep’s slurred words.

“You lost or somethin’? You’re too pretty to be sittin’ alone like this..” those eyes.. looking you up and down, lingering too long.. until a casual voice cut in--

“Yo, your parents ever teach you to keep your hands to yourself or what?” Enjin slid into the space beside you, leaning casually against the edge of the table, 6’3 in all of its glory.

The drunk blinked, frowning at him. “Who the hell’re you? Mind your business.”

Enjin chuckled, palms up. “Relax, big guy. I’m just a humble janitor.” He grinned, easy and friendly — tilting his head slightly.

The drunk barked a laugh, a cheap liquor stench lingering, “Janitor, huh? You clean toilets or somethin’? Go scrub a floor, pal.”

“Something like that.” Enjin’s grin only widened, sizing the guy up. Yeah, he could easily body this guy, except he's not exactly tryna haul ass off the clock.

“But nah, jus’ makin’ sure things don't get messy.” He reached into his jacket, his badge glinting as he pulled it into view. “Sergeant. So maybe finish your drink and walk, yeah?” he said, patting the guy on the back signaling for him to pack it up.

--

As the man retreated, Enjin scratched the back of his neck, sighing at the inconvenience of having to work during his time off, though his attention soon shifted back to you.

“For real though, most people don’t come here alone, ya know?”