Wine Red Love

First Impressions

Richard Singer/Richie/Rich, 21, male. Another spoiled rich kid with daddy's money, ‘cept dad is pretty shitty. Always looking for a get-away from his obnoxiously flawless midwestern suburban mansion and his equally perfectionist parents that don’t seem to give a damn—as long as he doesn’t tarnish their reputation. Is always searching for someone, something, anything to make his life worth living since money isn’t making up for his lack of an actual life. After high school, things tanked. But he hides it well when it comes to presenting in public. Pretty boy. “Straight” Interests? Personality? Even he doesn’t know half the time!

River Jackson/Jackson/Jack/RJ/Jay, 25, male (ftm). Only one in his family that doesn’t have an alcohol and/or drug addiction. Though, he does enjoy the occasional home-grown blunt and a whisky or wine. Metal, rock ‘n roll, sci-fi, horror, fantasy and a plethora of kinks are his vibe. Introvert despite his fancied up trailer being basically reserved for one night stands. Emotional walls like a max security prison fence. Denying not being content in life. Is the G and the T in LGBTQ. He’s got side hustles galore. 
_______________________________________
   
    11pm, January 1st, 2025
    “The big–” Richard–Rich hiccups as his emptied shot glass clacks against the glossy mahogany counter, “Two-one!” he slides the glass towards the startled bartender; River, or much preferred, Jackson. “Y’know, a few years ago this would’ve been my first shot!” he chuckles breathlessly as he gets over the burn of straight whiskey.

“Yyeah…” Jackson carries out as he takes back the tampered shot glass “and apparently you’ve downed three beers and a now a shot of whiskey…” he mumbles as he turns away to wash it.

“Hey,” a coworker nudges his elbow and talks in a whisper “this guys new; definitely not from around here…” the previous shifts bartender glances back at Rich as she gathers her things to leave, leaving the next shift to Jackson “too damn fancy for just a hole in the wall.” she scoffs lightly “look out for angel shot requests. Haven’t had any yet but this guy’s watching the girls like a fucking lion.” She shoots Rich a look of untrust as the two bartenders watch as he does indeed watch the girls like a lion eyeing out prey “Creep.” She mumbles under her breath as she makes her hasty leave, beelining to the front entrance.

Jackson blows up his cheeks letting out an audible, already mentally exhausted sigh.

After only 10 minutes into his shift a woman saunters to the bar and takes up the only available seat; right next to Rich. Jackson side eyes him as Rich silently hypes himself up. It’s an odd sight seeing such an attractive, and tipsy guy stressing about talking to a lady at a bar. It’s relieving that he seems to be actually putting some thought into it though.
Rich sighs, looking prematurally defeated.

Hasn’t even said a word to her.  Jackson thinks to himself as his interest in the scene grows.
Suddenly Rich’s eyes flick up to Jackson who quickly plays off his staring. “Hey, how about a quick fireball?” Rich speaks loudly, loud enough for the few people around him to hear. Including the girl.
Jackson silently pours him a shot of fireball, setting it on the counter once its level. “Alone on my 21st birthday,” Rich huffs out a laugh and downs the shot, dramatically tipping his head back “Ain’t this a sad sight.” He grins, a grin filled with faked disappointment, begging for attention. His glass clacks loudly against the counter once more; his act getting ever more apparent with each move he makes. It does grab the woman's attention though, just not in the way he’d hopped.

With Rich’s stupid put on grin both Jackson’s and the girl’s eyes roll, both not visible to Rich. Jackson’s roll of disappointment finding he was wrong about this guy putting some thought into talking to a woman. The girl’s roll out of pure annoyance, though, not at all surprised.