Mixology 101 Prompt

Jovi decided, however regrettable it may be, to spend the day at The Rabbit Hole once more. Even after last time when he was recruited by Hops and her rowdy crowd of patrons, Jovi just couldn’t stay away for long. The bar was pretty cozy, the atmosphere wasn’t like any other old dive around Burrowgatory Jovi had ever been to, and that was saying something.

He only hesitates slightly before he pushes through the door, he was waiting for the noise from the crowd, people laughing, yelling, slurring… but none of that came when he entered the bar. It was actually very laid back for a friday night, which almost shocked the poor blond. He has to take a second look around to finally grasp that there was no massive influx of patrons this evening.

As Jovi stands frozen in the doorway, Hops quickly catches sight of him and gives him that precious smile of hers and a wave. Jovi could no longer escape, even if he wanted to. He slowly shuffled over to the bar counter, his hooves tapping at the stone floor with each step, making cute little click clacks. Finally, after what seems like a nervous forever, he settles into a barstool.

“Hah, I’m not used to relaxing here, maybe I could get used to this.” Jovi looks up at Hops with a teasing smile, his eyes narrowing challengingly. Clearly he’s trying to rile her up like the big brat he is.

“Aww, don’t go talking like that, everyone’ll think you’re my bar slave, or wait, you’d probably just love that wouldn’t you?” She purrs as she pours a fruity looking drink into a cup adorned with glass chirop wings. The smell of peaches catches Jovi’s nose and his mouth waters slightly.

“Pfft… Y-yeah right.” Jovi flushed and looked away, flustered by Hops’ quip back. She doesn’t look like the type, but Hops does have a mouth on her when you really get her going. Jovi’s eyes can’t help but trail after the drink Hops slid across the bar counter, ending up in the hands of the bun who ordered it. His eyes snap back immediately, not wanting to make eye contact with the stranger.

“W-what uh, was that drink you just made? It smelled pretty nice.” Jovi tries to change the subject, which actually succeeds, somehow.

“Oh, it was just a peach hellini– Which reminds me…” Hops trails off thoughtfully, “Have you ever wanted to try bartending?”

“If you’re trying to get me to work here–...” Jovi trails off as Hops quickly speaks again.

“No, no. I wasn’t trying to imply that, though… I can’t say I’d mind. But- back on track. I’ve been thinking about offering bartending lessons, of course, they aren’t free, but… If you want, I can give you a free lesson, as payment for helping out last weekend. What do you say? Wanna give it a try?”

Jovi thinks for a moment, weighing his options. On one hand, he can learn a cool new skill and maybe find something he’s good at, or… he could make a fool of himself in front of everyone in the bar and Hops herself. He almost declines… almost, until he sees the pure look of excitement and thrill crossing Hops’ features.

With a sigh, he nods. “Yeah, okay. I’m down, what am I gonna learn first?” He asks, before Hops pulls him up by the hand even from on the other side of the bar, towards the little door that separates behind the counter from the rest of the bar.

“Well, why not start with my specialty?” She giggles and pulls him behind the counter before eventually releasing him from her grip. “Let's start with a Hopscotch. It’s pretty simple, so you should have no problem with this.” She grabs and holds up a small round glass, intending to hand it to Jovi, but fate has other plans as it slips from her fingers towards the stone floor.

Jovi could see the smile drop from her face as she watches the glass fall, it’s almost like slow motion, but Jovi apparently has some pretty good reflexes, as he stoops and reaches out for the glass just seconds before it would have scattered across the floor behind the counter. When he looks up, Hops has her eyes screwed shut tight, she was expecting a crash, and when it never came, her eyes slowly fluttered open.

“Oh.” She flushes, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment. “You caught it, thank hell.” She gives a soft little laugh and looks down to where the glass would have landed. “Well, that’s one less thing the manager can bill me for. You wouldn’t believe how expensive these glasses are. B-but anyways. Let’s get this show on the road, yeah? This hopscotch isn’t going to make itself.” Hops was starting to calm back down and return to her playful demeanor, perfect for teaching.

Hops instructs Jovi on how to prepare a Hopscotch, and at the end of the night, Jovi is left with a new skill and only slightly stained clothes. Thankfully, the pair of klutzes didn’t end up breaking any glassware.