Dead Plate (Rody X Vincent)

Chapter 3

If you haven't noticed, I'll be using some French words in this book so before I start each chapter I'll have a dictionary for the words I'll be using!!

Nous sommes au travail = We are at work
Un ami = A friend (masc)
Bonjour = Hello
Pardon moi = Excuse me
Je veux un verre = I want a drink
Vélo = bicycle

✃- - - - -

Vincent went to step through the doors, but Rody stopped him.

"You still have some blood on your face," he gently wiped at Vincent's nose with his shirt sleeve.

Vincent tsked when he pulled away.

The saloon was pretty lively for a Tuesday night. Folks hung around in large groups, sipping on their drinks. Boisterous laughter and conversations could barely be heard over the deafening music.

Rody's head spun. He glanced at Vincent, who seemed to be perfectly fine. The younger male turned his head to face him, a smirk on his pale face. He grabbed onto Rody's arm and dragged him through the crowd, approaching the bar counter.

They both sat down next to each other. The bartender, a middle aged male with short brown hair and sharp blue eyes. His pale skin was dotted with freckles. He flashed a wide smile at Vincent.

"Well, well, well. Look who it is!" His thick French accent was like whipped cream on a sundae. His name tag said Nicholas in bold lettering. He waved over the other person who was working behind the counter. She came over, a grin forming in her face when she recognized Vincent. Rody took note of her name as well. Marcy. Her curly black hair was tied into a high ponytail and her dark hazel skin was glowing from the flashing lights.

"If it isn't our favourite costumer!" Marcy leaned on the counter. "We've only been open for two weeks and I can already remember your order!" She said in a teasing tone.

"It's pretty late, don't you have work tomorrow?" Nicholas asked, scanning Vincent's face before his eyes landing on Rody. His smile widened. "I see you've brought un ami!"

Marcy turned her attention to Rody. "Oh! I didn't know you were capable of making friends, Vincent!" Nicholas elbowed her. "Nous sommes au travail!" He scolded.

"He's not my friend," Vincent spoke up, almost bored. "He's my employee."

Ouch...

Rody offered a sideways smile. "Bonjour."

"Oh! I remember you mentioning him! It's Rody, right?" Rody nodded, shifting in the chair slightly.

"Vincent said that you work really well! Is that why he's taking you out for a drink?"

Rody flushed in embarrassment. "Uhm, actually..." The two bartenders stared at him expectantly. "I accidentally punched him in the nose."

Marcy let out a loud snort before quickly covering her mouth. Nicholas' lips pursed, the corners were turned upwards slightly. He seemed to be trying not to laugh. He looked over at Vincent, who now had his arms crossed.

"Oh" Nicholas' voice wobbled. "I see..." His face was tinted pink from holding in laughter. He took a deep breath.

"Pardon moi!" A man with salt and pepper hair sat a bit away, snapping his fingers. "Je veux un verre!" His voice was demanding. Marcy let out a sigh before walking over to him.

"Pay him now mind" Nicholas said, seemingly annoyed. "He comes here pretty often as well, heard his third wife left him recently." He shrugged. "Anyways, what can I get you two?"

"Just the usual" Vincent said, nonchalantly.

Nicholas turned to Rody. "Uh.." he began to sweat slightly, staring at Vincent.

Vincent noticed this and sighed. "Just get him a gin and tonic." Nicholas nodded. "Same bill?" "Yes, he's paying."

The two sat in silence, the bass of the music was causing Rody's head to throb.

Finally, Nicholas placed two glasses down on the counter, sliding the shorter one towards Rody. And the taller one towards Vincent.

Rody lifted the glass up to his nose and sniffed it, as if on instinct. It smelt of citrus and cucumber. He hesitantly took a sip. His eyes widened. It tasted zesty. He took a larger sip.

He turned to Vincent, smiling. He watched as Vincent practically downed his drink.

"Woah..." Vincent turned to him. "How is it?" He asked, wiping at his lips.

"It's tasty." Vincent rolled his eyes at Rody's choice of words.

"What did you have?"

"Just Vodka, nothing special." Vincent waved Nicholas back over as Rody finished the rest of his Gin and Tonic.

"Could I get another one?" Vincent asked.

"Can I try one too?" Rody said, raising his hand slightly.

Vincent looked at him, surprised. "Are you sure?" Nicholas asked, brow raised. Rody nodded, smiling.

Vincent just sighed, "he'll have the same I guess." He seemed uncertain.

Nicholas just nodded, his smile returning. "Coming right up."

"Are you sure, Rody?" Vincent spoke up once Nicholas had walked away. "I don't think you'd like it."

Rody just shrugged. "You seemed to like it."

Vincent face palmed, "Rody, I can't taste, remember?" Rody gave him a blank stare. "Oh... right."

Nicholas returned with the drinks. Rody reached out and grabbed his glass, staring down at it, already regretting his decision. He saw Nicholas watching him from a distance. He lifted the glass up to his lips. He could feel Vincent's gaze burning into his skull as he closed his eyes and took a hesitant sip.

His eyes snapped open as the drink slid down his throat, leaving a trail of fire in its path. He began coughing loudly, tears springing to his eyes. He quickly set the drink down onto the counter. He held his chest as his coughing fit caused a burning pain. It was like extreme acid reflex.

He hit his fist against his chest a few times before his coughing dialled down to a few wheezes.

"How can you *Cough* drink that like water!?" Rody forced out, staring at Vincent with his watery eyes. Even his tears felt like fire.

Vincent just shrugged. "I just can."

Nicholas appeared in front of them. "Do you want another Gin and tonic instead?" He offered, a small smile teasing his lips.

"Yes please."

✃- - - - -

A good amount of drinks later and Rody was a giggling mess. He kept cracking dad jokes and was beginning to get on Vincent's nerves.

"Why couldn't the Vélo stand up on its own?"

Vincent let out an annoyed sigh. "Why?"

"Because it was two tired!" He flashed a huge smile. His cheeks were dusted with pink. "Get it? Two tired? Because in Vélo has-"

"I got the joke Rody." Vincent downed another drink, praying he'd get drunk soon enough. This was torture.