You're not Everyone

The lights of the bar known as Moonlight Briar were turned down low, and the music that played was gentle jazz as people milled about between the club, the second floor, and the small cafe section. The place was definitely an anomaly in Hell, but the owner couldn't give two shits because her club was making people happy, and- more importantly- it was making her happy. It had always been her dream to offer a safe spot for those looking to get high or drunk off their asses without having to worry about getting preyed upon, harassed, or assaulted. Her employees all had some kind of morals, but most- if not all- of them couldn't stand to see her get hurt- physically or emotionally- because the sparkle that gleamed in her eyes when she talked about her dreams was something that hardly existed in Hell.

Exterminations always brought more customers; both the day before and the day after. Sometimes, the owner offered a spot in her club not only for her staff, but also for some nearby poor souls who needed a place to hide out. Luckily, Moonlight Briar was pretty much a hole in the wall (literally, to some extent) and it was hard to see from the sky where angels and exorcists typically swirled like a fine wine. The bartender, Peregrine, always worked to exhaustion on those two days. They loved their job, but sometimes they just wanted to yell at people for trying to harass and spike other's drinks on the two days when they really did not want to have to deal with it. However, with the cafe's cashier, Arnau's, watchful eye, Peregrine managed to reign their anger into a thinly veiled smile and glowing red eyes. The aura itself was sometimes enough to deter demons from causing trouble.

It was late now, with the record on the player having been spun multiple times before someone got annoyed enough to switch it. Sinners were blissed out in the booths, and others were dragged to the second floor that Peregrine was so happy was soundproof. Luckily, as the day dragged into the evening hours, the club's customers slowly dwindled down enough to allow the bartender times to sit on the stool behind the bar and just breathe. Their wings were thoroughly ruffled after another Hell's Favorite was ordered. It had gotten a bit more violent than they would have liked, and poor Arnau had earned himself a nice black eye. The cannibal had spat spanish swears at the bartender for getting him involved, but Peregrine was too tired to really care if the other liked them or not. Briar, the owner, had come down at the right time to deescalate the situation and helped guide the victim of a drunkard who had gotten too handsy and demanding to an empty booth in the cafe. It was calmer there, and it took away the responsibility from Peregrine's slumped shoulders.

The noise of consistent but light tapping made Peregrine lift their head to see aquamarine claws rapping against the bar top. It wasn't demanding or fast, just an idle action that made the bartender sigh in relief. The bubble in their chest loosened a little as they got up, then laid eyes on Vox, the media overlord that Peregrine didn't even think had access to the bar.

"If it ain't Vox himself," the bartender teased lightly as they leaned their hip against the bar and looked up at the demon. Vox's eyes were downcast at the dark wood, and one claw was now tracing the divots in the surface.

"What can I do for ya?" Peregrine's voice was a nice, smooth honey-like tone that glided through Vox's head. It was a good contrast to the harsh retorts and yelling that had a headache forming behind the overlord's eyes. Alcohol probably wasn't a good solution, but Vox hardly cared as long as it fixed his shitty life for the night of.

"Whiskey," the overlord finally said, glancing up at the pink-haired demon behind the bar. Peregrine offered a smile before grabbing the bottle from a shelf and pouring a glass full of it; Vox looked like he needed it.

"What's got you here?" This was the first time that Pere had ever seen the other enter the club. They were surprised that he was even allowed in with his reputation and close association with Valentino who was clearly banned with a picture of him on the bulletin board on the wall behind Peregrine. Briar had decided that the pimp was never allowed past that door, and none of the staff liked the guy enough to argue.