Rabbit Hole Carnival: Class Trio

Renee sighed deeply. “I”m really sorry, and I don't know where this misunderstanding keeps coming from. But as the sign Daddy just finished putting up says, we’re a tavern not an actual carnival… It does say that on our website, Madam… Madam, you’re the one calling us because you were ‘Wondering why our site is misleading about carnival reservations.’” So, I think I can say with a great deal of confidence that I do know that.” Renee headed upstairs, so Nick could start serving actual patrons.

“I’ll wait a bit then, but you two feel free.” Aubrey said.

“You sure, sis?” Will asked.

“Hardly feels right on our younger sister’s birthday.” Clay said.

“We’ve given a free drink, or two for less.” Nick replied. “An Autumn’s Anchor seemed like it might be to your taste. Considering Renee’s tone your brothers are more than welcome to a second choice as well.”

Aubrey took a look at the menu. “Autumn’s Anchor does look good. But you two are for sure drinking with me, understand?”

“Whatever shall we do, brother?!” Clay held his brother in fake shock. “Can we truly live thyselves committing to a free drink?”

“We shall have to my brother!” Will continued the act. “For can thy truly live with thyself if thy were defile… the birthday?"

“That does remind me.” Aubrey said after she giggled. “And since she called you daddy, I think it’s okay to ask you.”

“Reasonable conclusion.” Nick replied. “I can always refuse to answer, and your brothers will need a minute anyways.”

“Hardly, but nonetheless Renee isn’t gonna be hurt or anything by the scene, right?” Aubrey asked. “Hard not to know at least some of the details these days.

“Yes, she’s gotten that question a lot.” Nick said. “And remains rather insistent that she likes seeing healthy families, I’ve never seen any reason to think otherwise.”

“A Lantern's Oath for me,” Will said. “and Fruit Roulette for Clay.”

“And I don’t know how healthy you could call this mess, but I suppose when you feel like a bar is the best place to go in the middle of the night.” Clay said.

Nick simply walked behind the bar. Bring out the Autumn’s Anchor first, and the brother’s drink shortly after. “Looks far healthier than anything Renee went through before she ran away.”

“Addressing the birthday girl’s concern?” Renee asked as she walked back down. Hopping from the second to last step. “However healthy your full family is or isn’t the only person related to me that I’d go anywhere with took me in as a co-owner.”

“That really doesn’t bug you?” Aubrey asked before taking a big gulp. Knowing full well her brothers weren’t going to start until she did.

“I had two farther-figure in my life.” Renee replied. “One, my actual father who is unfortunately recovering, and has no doubt gone back to ensuring the world around him is miserable as he is. And this one here, who didn’t need to know why I was crying at 2am at his door.” Renee hugged Nick. “Didn’t ask why I wanted to stay, or wanted to know how to mix a drink.”

“Doesn’t care that their brother is calling him in the dead middle of his delivery routes.” Will said. “Becuase it his brother, and he knows better than call with anything less then ‘Sis has got her favorite birthday spot picked out, but it can sometimes get book solid.’”

“Or doesn’t care that he’s gonna be the one keeping said sister distracted from our parents fighting by himself, because his brother’s ‘overtime’ is more important.”

“You told me you got this just in time!” Aubrey said, setting a half full mug down. Clay simply chugged the rest of his Fruit Roulette.

“That’s not a lie though.” Renee said as she collected cash from Will. “He almost hit me in the face swinging that door open. Poor guy seemed like he had just gotten done with some last minute order, but really needed to come here. Barely had the heart to tell him we hadn’t booked that many reservations lately.

Aubrey chugged down the last half of the Autumn’s Anchor. “I want my Shocking Apple. And it’s my birthday, so I’ll—”

Both brothers just hugged their little sister, as Renee brought out the Shocking Apple first. Nick followed with a Citrus Earth for Will, and a double mixed Festival for Clay. “It’s okay not to be the support of the group every so often.” Renee said.

“What?” Aubrey asked. “I only do that in the video games we play together.”

“Mhm.” Renee said. “And I suppose Will, whose free drink was still something he trusted, and fronted his way either only tanks in the video games too. Or maybe you rather that Clay two risk it drinks aren’t reflective of the kind of dps that freely goes full rpg.”

Aubrey kind of giggled as wipe her tears, and took the first new swig. “Okay fine, would be a shame to waste a gift after all this.”

“There’s one thing I never figured out.” Clay said. “Why Shocking Apple?”

“Bro, seriously.” Will asked. “First drink a daughter without a proper home or family ever made. Fits Aubrey to a T.”