1. Bar

John Murphy entered the bar. Heavy smoke allowed him to see just shapes, so he could only guess that Raven had been relentlessly explaining something to Bellamy. Emori was sitting in an old comfortable chair at the other side of the room, waiting for him.  Monty had been playing the piano; sombre music was echoing through the room and making others whisper. A smell of old pipe tobacco mixed with must of wet wallpapers was unwelcoming and discouraged guests from ordering something to drink. However, it was the only safe place around.

Murphy crossed the room to his girlfriend. He took his old leather jacket off and tossed it carelessly over the back of an empty chair. He sat down, cross-legged and looked at Emori. Her dark forelocks were falling to her face, slightly hiding black circles under her eyes. She was drinking hot green tea, the drink he had always hated.

"So?" asked Emori. Her voice was shaking as always when she was nervous about what she was about to hear from him.

He just shrugged.

"John…"

"What do you want me to say?!" he snapped sharply, avoiding looking into her eyes. Talking about the same event over and over was exhausting. He was sick of being lectured by anyone. Everyone thought he did it for himself. But it was a lie; he also did it for her – mainly for her. Out of all people, she should be on his side.

"Did you apologise to Clark?" she asked, breathing deeply. It was her way of staying composed. He had taught her that.

He chuckled.

"So you didn't," she seemed to deduce from his reaction.

He said nothing else, just turned to the barman and wawed his hand to order his favourite beverage – double whiskey.

She stood up glaring at him, pushing the chair sharply toward the table.

"Where are you going?" he asked, making it completely obvious that he didn't care much.

"I've had enough of you, John," she whispered, sounding very disappointed.

She moved to Raven. Bellamy seemed glad to be interrupted, and he gave John an all-knowing grin. He had been in his place not so long ago.

The waitress brought Murphy a drink, and he sipped eagerly. He had enough of her, too.