Work Text:
Protostar
Noun
pro·to·star (ˈprō-tō-ˌstär)
A cloud of gas and dust in space believed to develop into a star
First Signs of Something New
"Ugh.." (Y/n) walks up to the entrance of the Starlight Lounge, a place of respite from the long day of work in the under city. It never seemed to stop, especially with the current Chem tech war going on. Being a rouge hobbyist in machines paid off, but at what cost.
Before them is head of security, the robust and towering mastiff would put fear into most patrons' hearts, especially first timers. Once he sees (Y/n) come up, a part of him perks up, his tail almost wagging behind him, key word almost. Being professional at intimidation and enforcing the rules of this joint is his whole job, so he quickly pushes that excitement down for when Mr. K isn't paying him to knock the lights out of some nare-do-wells. He huffs a bit of acknowledgment to the short and haggard aetherion and then waits for them to show him some ID. Even if he knows the person, doesn't change the fact you can't be too safe here in the under city, in district 87 no less.
"Shit..." They grumble to themself as it seems the very thing they are looking for isn't anywhere to be seen. No ID to be found, not even their wallet. It wasn't even worth the walk to go all the way back home to get it and come back. (Y/n) groans lowly and ignores a scoff behind them, a troubled patron that also wants entry but is waiting for them to get in first. "Come on, buddy, let someone in! Trying to get my freak on!" The man heckles the laika at the door, who gives him one look, and the man shuts up quickly. No bite to that bark, huh?
(Y/n) sighs and looks up at Torbek for a moment. "Sorry to waste time, Torbek. I'll step aside and try to get a second look..." They go before he can muster any words and shuffles off to the side, trying to be out of the way of rude ass hat behind them. Who, by the way, gives them a mean stank face as he passes. Easily flashing his card and was let in, along with some girl he picked up from a corner, surely. Torbek, the mastiff, closes the door back up, and it's just him and (Y/n). The latter is just down a step from where the small landing pad to the door is, struggling to find anything to get them into the lounge. "I can just le-" "No, no." (Y/n) interrupts him and shakes their head, not even listening. The lack of ID and wallet seems to be a breaking point. "God damn it!" They huff and look up to the ceiling an attempt to prevent the tears forming in their eyes to fall.
Torbek never saw (Y/n) like this, usually tired, yes, but exhausted to the point of frustration? Absolutely not. They weren't a super frequent customer of Starlight, but certainly enough times to catch his eye. Especially with how kindly they treated him, with no fear behind their eyes. Though, that latter portion might be more due to the fact that they were indeed lacking in sleep. It was a bit off-putting, but nothing to deter his stern and bouncer persona. He crosses his arms. "Havin a bad day?"
(Y/n) glances at him, then to the stairwell around them, just double-checking to make sure he's talking to them. They wipe their eyes and take a deep breath. "No, maybe. Well, yes. I left my wallet at home, apparently, wanted to unwind with a good show and drinks, but won't get much farther in without any money."
Torbek nods. It's true. When most bums come running to the door wanting some cheap beer or any of that glimmer shit, he just tells them to buzz off before getting physical. This was an exception, though. (Y/n) wasn't a bum. That, and something about them, made Torbek want to protect them, treat them all nice, and make sure they were taken care of. Must be similar to Mr. K. Was strange considering the two never shared many conversations.
Though, on one occasion, Torbek can remember having to escort (Y/n) to a cab in order to get them home. Had a bit too much fun, he supposed. They were extremely clingy and begged him not to leave them, a wish he could not grant. Yet, a part of him wished he would have.
Torbek huffs and opens the door anyway. "It's on me tonight. Tell Frost I got your bill." He didn't seem to be one for patience here. Yet, (Y/n) was not one to immediately accept such help. "What? No, no, I couldn't do that to you. I'd feel bad for making you pay for anything, especially for me."
The giant dog did not budge, "you're letting flies in. Mr. K hates those, just move along and don't worry about it. Buy me one another time." His voice certainly had that lilt of annoyance in it, telling people something more than one time was not something he liked to do, but usually gave them the benefit of the doubt with three strikes and they were out.
(Y/n) looked to the door and back to him. They stepped closer, and hesitation took over as they kept their eyes on the hulking laika. "And you're sure?" Their voice wavered with uncertainty. Torbek nods and motions them in. "Drinks on me. Next time on you."
(Y/n) nods and then continues in, waving to the door man and smiling for once this downtrodden day. "Thank you. Drinks on me next time. You'll just have to actually join me then." They leave without taking note of the bouncer's reaction. Something he hid regardless until he shut the door and went back into scary guard dog mode. A hint of his tail wagging slightly behind him as he waits for the next customer.