Vulnerability < Stone Cold

"So how's the new job?" Kade asked as Ren set his things down. Ren sighed, taking off his jacket and throwing it over the back of the couch.

"I mean, it's fine," he started, making Kade tilt his head. "But the bouncer is god damn terrifying."

"Isn't that the point of a bouncer?" Kade asked bluntly.

"This is different. I feel like if I look at this guy the wrong way he's gonna kill me."

Kade frowned.

"Oh, well...I'm sure he's not all that bad. I bet he's actually really nice, just like a normal dude?" Kade tried to assure his friend.

"His name is Hawk and my coworker told me he once led the mob," Ren shot back, fear flickering across his gaze.

"...oh."

Kade paused, trying to come up with another idea.

"Maybe just talk to him?" Kade finally suggested. "I don't think you really know anyone until you have a conversation with them."

"...that's fair," Ren said quietly. "Alright; I'll try it."

-----

"How was your shift?" Kade asked, looking up from his homework. Ren slammed his things down.

"I don't know why I keep taking advice from you," he sighed. "I talked to Hawk. He's still terrifying."

"Really?"

"Yeah! I did the whole 'let's introduce each other' thing and not only did he give really short answers, but he also said that if I try and be that friendly with everyone that I'm probably gonna get myself killed. He said this line of work requires us to be cold."

"You're a bartender," Kade said, eyebrow raised. "You're not part of the mob."

"I might as well be!" Ren threw up his hands. "Do you think I really shouldn't be that friendly with people?"

"You literally just said you don't want my advice anymore."

"C'mon, dude!"