At the Bar

Chapter 1 Cheers

A rare sunny day in Seattle, the clouds have opened to reveal a blue sky. It's 10:30 am, Regina, rolls out of her lonely satin sheets, and steps onto her frigid floor. "Ah! I really need slippers," She sighs, and shuffles out of her bedroom down the hall. 

Her hair is curly, dark, and a bit out of control sometimes. She showers quickly, and throws on a casual outfit. She fits into black jeans, boots, a blue jacket, sleek, sexy and a little playful with some of her jewelry. She's sassy, and has a big attitude, but she runs a business and has a way with people. 

Regina owns the bar in the neighborhood that became really the hot spot within twenty blocks. She named it "Regals" and recruited some people in her life to work the bar. Regina was 30, single, had her fair share of heartbreaks, and kept a subtle sexy edge about her. 

At a sleek black and grey apartment, Killian Jones, 32, dark hair, always styled perfectly, and his soft scruff on his face. He's got an accent that makes all the girls swoon at the bar, and a wink and sparkling blue eyes to go with it. He bartends, using his charm and suave personality to not only get tips but keep the girls drinking. 

As much as he looks and acts like a player, he's had a personal crush on Regina for years. They knew each other through one of her exes, and something just drew them to each other. Could have been the black leather, or the sassy mouths, but they tended to get along well in a business situation. Killian kept his feelings quite buried, especially around Regina, though she knew that he cared. They would throw witty sarcastic comments at each other, but when times were tough, Regina was aware that she could call Killian at 2 am, she hadn't quite associated that with him having deeper feelings for her, that would come. 

Killian loved his black leather, and always had a vest on. Regina would mock that he typically had ten of the same clothing items, and rarely looked like he changed clothes. His hair was always perfectly styled and rarely moved. 

Downtown, in a very small studio apartment, is Graham, 31. Irish, dashing, similar style to Killian and a total dreamboat. Unlike Killian, Graham typically was fine sharing company with women on a regular basis. He was also charming, and was amazing at darts. 

Graham doesn't wake up alone that morning, Ruby, 28, the flirty bisexual waitress from the bar, throws on one of his shirts as she gets up. The pair tend to be each other's friend with benefits when it suits them. Ruby always made flirty, 'hungry' comments to Killian, and always referred to Graham as the wolf in sexy clothing. 

Lacey, the youngest of the group, at 26, was brunette and the beauty of the bar. She was also a pool shark. Her billiard skills got her some attention from the guys, and while she had a somewhat innocent persona, she also had a sensual attitude, and had been recently making eyes at Ruby. Ruby of course obliging with Lacey's curious attitude as she would catch her looking at her short red shorts a bit too long. 

Finally, Elliot, 30, a tall dark dashing individual, with an English accent. He had a grin that would just make the girls weak at the knees. He was magical in that way, and would remember every regular customer's drinks no matter what day or time it was. The group had known Elliot the least amount of time, and Regina could sense he was a bit different from the rest of them, but in a good way. She couldn't quite place it, but he was a great worker. 

The group, together made a great unit. They had happy customers and a great business, to support all of their lives. Killian was typically the first one to get in to the bar. He clicks through the door, and flicks the lights on. Killian was quite obsessive how he kept the back of the bar, he liked the glasses and everything organized a certain way. 

Second one in, was Lacey, "Morning," she shuffles through the door, as Killian is wiping down the bar and glasses, "Morning," Killian nods to her. "Oh, morning," Ruby and Graham come in together, Killian shakes his head, knowing that it was one of their benefit nights. "What is that look?" Ruby teases, "Nothing, hope you didn't forget that red lipstick at his place this time," Killian sasses. "Jealous?" Ruby leans over the bar at him. Killian winks back at her, with a brushed off expression. 

Regina comes in, and the group stares at her, she's the type that has to notice every little thing when she enters the room. "The Queen arrives, is she pleased today?" Killian jokes as she shuffles past him. "That depends on you," She nods at him. "I'm consistent," he smirks at her, "Get a room," Ruby leans over the bar handing things to Killian. Regina rolls her eyes, "We're married at work, we're not like that," Regina said, brushing off her own infatuation with Killian, as she's done for years.  

Regina shuffles off, towards her office, "I'm too good for him anyway," She jokes. Killian nods a bit with a laugh under his breath. "You two are really meant to be," Ruby says. "Why do you always say that? You been saying for years," Killian said. "Because it's true, I can smell it," Ruby grins. "Woof," Killian mocks. 

Elliot comes in, "Hey tall dark and handsome," Ruby flashes a smile at him, "Hello," Elliot greets everyone with the same warm look on his face, he practically glows all the time. "Why are you so cheerful?" Killian asks, "Girl?" Graham hints. "Uhh, no," Elliot shakes his head matter of factly. 

"Ok ok, stop talking about girls, guys, or both," Regina comes out, authoritatively, "Here come the demands," Killian sasses as Regina walks over to switch the neon sign to open, Killian takes a sip of water, and the group positions themselves to start the day. 

The bar had somewhat dim lighting, providing a soft glow. Regina had designed it to look sleek, somewhat formal, but also old fashioned and tavern like. The group fit in with their earth toned form of dress, and the day began, typically quiet, until evening. "You know what they say about a full moon," Ruby said. "What?" Killian asks, "That's when the wolves come out," she said. "I'm already here," Graham laughs. Killian shakes his head with a laugh. 

A/N-- Lacey is Belle, of course, just her more fun version. Elliot is Merlin.