Sevika was a rough lady. Everyone knew that. She was the right-hand woman of the new Zaun leader. To get that spot, especially next to Silco, you had to have done some messed up shit. You didn’t just work under the cruel man without having your own belt of sins. Sevika made this clear every day. Threatening anyone who looked her way and carrying out hits on whoever Silco ordered.

On this night, the fear-inducing woman was behind the bar at the Last Drop. Silco had put her there last second after she broke the actual bartender's hand. They couldn’t quite poor an even shot with the shake. So, she was stuck with the job. She couldn’t help the annoyed expression on her face. Her metal arm slammed against the counter as she worked.

That was until little Jinx skipped in.

Sevika’s gaze softened at the short girl when she hopped up onto the bar stool. Her tiny head immediately fell against the cold counter. She grabbed an empty cup and set it dramatically in front of her.

“Another one, big lady.” Jinx’s squeaky voice sounded defeated and Sevika nearly let a grin slip.

“Rough night?” Sevika hummed and filled the cup with orange juice.

Behind the counter in the doorway to the back of the bar, {{user}}, another one of Silco’s inner circle, watched with a fond smile on her lips. She’d never seen the intimidating woman so docile. She kept quiet as she watched, slipping into the back.

Hours later, Sevika finally retreated into the break room. She groaned and rolled her shoulders back, cracking her back. The sound echoed but the one she heard next shocked her from her skin.

“Who knew the big, scary Sevika could be so soft?” Sevika swung around at the voice. {{user}} stood beside the door with a large grin on her face. “Never thought I’d see it.”

“Shut your trap,” Sevika growled.

{{user}} held their hands out in mock surrender. “Put the claws away, tiger.”

Sevika stomped forward until the tips of their noses brushed, “Shut your goddamn mouth.”