•g r a v i t y • ~ jim kirk

The Bar

22 years later

Droplets of rain poured down on me as my shoes clicked down the wet side walk. My feet ached, sending piercing pains up my calves. I clenched my jaw as I proceeded down the dark alley. Music and laughter echoed  along the alleyway, letting me know I was getting close. I continued to trudge down the  walkway until I saw the silhouette of a crowded, run down bar. Definitely a hick bar. I quickly jogged to the entrance as a cadet held the door open.

 I grabbed onto the door while I took of my jacket with my free hand. As I walked in, I scanned the room for any familiar faces.  The bar was filled with cadets wearing burgundy uniforms. For a bar in the middle of no where, it sure was crowded. 

I made my way through the sliding doors to the bar, passing by students of Star Fleet Academy. As I approached the table, the bartender made eye contact with me, smiling wide. "Aria! What can I get for you?"

"Hey Chris, just the usual please." I replied as I checked to see if my hair got wet. Thankfully, it didn't.

"Rough day?" He asked as he retrieved an ice cold beer from the cooler.

"How'd you know?" I gave him a smirk. "people are just exhausting to deal with."

Right before he could respond, a pudgy brown alien yelled his order at him, spitting in the process. "I know right." He grumbled. I let out a small chuckle as he handed me the beer. I quickly thanked him and took a big gulp, letting the liquid slowly go down my throat. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the lingering burning sensation in my chest. I needed this. The whole day, I had been waiting on ungrateful Iowans, asking what type of bread they wanted to start off with, or recommending what type of wine went well with the steak. If I had to stay at that restaurant for one more second, I swear I would've actually took a wine bottle and smashed it on one of the uptight diners' heads. I took another sip of my drink, allowing it to sit in my mouth, savoring it. I swallowed it, as a small smile grew on my face. As I was about to drink a little more, laughter snapped me out of my trance. I turned around seeing a bunch of cadets smiling and fooling around. I rolled my eyes and turned back to Chris.

"Can i also get a shot of the strongest thing you got?" I asked him. He raised his eyebrow, but gave a short nod and got out a shot glass. He poured a clear liquid into it and slid it to me. I caught it and started whirling it in my hand, preparing myself for the strength of the drink. As I brought it up to my mouth, I felt someone breathing on the back of my neck, sending a chill down my spine.

"Hello beautiful, what's your name?" He slurred. 

"Oh god." I muttered and took the shot, crunching my face in the process. It was so strong, it made me tear up. I wiped my eyes and turned to the flirt to my right. I looked him up and down. He was a dirty blonde with piercing blue eyes and a smug smile. I turned back around and took a sip of my beer.

"Move along pretty boy, not interested." I stated as I took another gulp. He stood there for a minute, shocked.

"But--," He tried replying but I shook my head.

"I won't say it again." 

Chris stared at us giggling. I shot him a glare as I finished my drink.

"Fine." He angrily mumbled as he stumbled back to his seat.

"I'm going to the bathroom." I announced to Chris. "Save my seat." He nodded as I stood up from my seat and made my way to the bathroom stalls, leaving my jacket to reserve my spot.