#mahiragarcia ⇠ interacting with

[henryknight]

——- Her words hit him and finally, henry let out a defeated sigh. he was truly exhausted but it wasn't anyone's fault but his own. there was days he'd take extra hours just to try and do something for athena and not think. plus trying to get his whole acting and music careers going — he was surely closed to catching illness or passing out if he did breathe some. taking a deep relaxed breath before speaking as honestly as possible. ❝  alright — i admit, this is on me. i overwork myself, but i have this kid — my little sister, athena. i wanna give her the best. i'm basically her only parent at this point. it's a lot to try making it as some actor musician, working here — which i love, and caring for her. ❞ he explained, the sound leaving him after just sounded like he was drained. ❝  i um — i'll try and accept more help and not overdo it. i'll work on it. ❞ finally he gave a real smile that night, definitely making a mental note to start changing things after tonight. maybe take tomorrow off to just rest as well. so much for part time. ❝  yeah — i um, i'm a musician, just still getting out there. got some of my music in acting projects - still working on making it more of a career for me still. ❞

She'd been around the block enough times to spot someone running themselves ragged. His words didn't match the exhaustion in his eyes, and she knew that look all too well. Was she working him too hard? She could only hope not. "I appreciate your dedication, Henry," Mahi said softly, her voice barely audible over the thumping music. "But remember, you're more than just an employee here. We're a team, and your health matters." She smiled reassuringly. "The club will still be here if you need to take a breather. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it, okay? We've got your back.—Enough of my nagging. I’m sure you have other things to do with your time. I do believe you're a musician, are you not? Tell me about what you do outside this.” 

[henryknight]

——- Hearing what she said had henry biting some on his lower lip and fidgeting with a bracelet he always had around his wrist. it was hand-made from an old friend back home. ❝  i um — m-maybe, i'm a bit overwhelmed but i got it. i promise. i need the hours. ❞ he spoke a bit panicked, not really sure why he was panicking but it was there. at the end of the day he was trying to provide the best for himself and his little sister. taking a deep breath as he looked at mahi with soft emerald eyes. ❝  i appreciate your concern really, but i'm handling for now. i mean — the days off i have are nice, plus it's a good time after my sister sleeps anyway. it's just — ❞ taking a deep breathe, keeping his voice low, just for her to hear. ❝  raising my little sister on my own is a lot. i want to give her the best. and while my other career doesn't work out — this is something i am good at and enjoy. it's just — not easy. you know ? ❞

Mahi's bullshit detector went off as she listened to Henry's reassurances. She'd been around the block enough to know when someone was hiding something. "I'm glad to hear you're managing well with the schedule, but you know, it's okay to admit if things get overwhelming sometimes. We're all human, after all." She leaned in, lowering her voice. "Henry, I hope you know that if you ever need to adjust your hours or take some time off, you can always come to me. Your well-being is important, not just to the club, but to me personally." She paused, weighing her next words. "Listen, I'm not going to make you talk, but if you ever need an ear, know you'll have someone to confide in."

[henryknight]

——- Henry gave the best smile he could manage. it felt different having someone worry — but when you had a kid to support and a career he was trying to make properly take off more. so maybe he was pushing himself a bit. ❝  i won't — but i promise, i'm alright. ❞ he definitely always gave his best with his work and working at a bar was just muscle memory for him now. ❝  i'm doing generally great with it. ❞ as this was true, henry's only issues were more on a personal level. he never cared for the idea of having someone home with his little sister over himself.

Mahi nodded, relief washing over her as she took in his words. Henry’s work ethic was admirable, but worrywart she was concerned he might be pushing himself too hard. Her eyes softened as she studied his face. "I'm glad you're holding up well, but don't hesitate to take a breather if you need it," she said. "We want you at your best, not burnt out." Grabbing a glass, she poured some water and took a sip. "You know, I've been meaning to ask—how are you keeping up with the schedule here?" She would like to think she was being fair with her employees, but if she didn’t ask, she would never know, right?

[henryknight]

——- When things got too much henry was still learning to ask for help, he was still pushing himself. so seeing the woman come help him out he just accepted and got to work. he knew a lot about making drinks and usually had it down but maybe it all go to him today. when the crowd went down looked towards her with a soft appearance on her face. ❝  yeah and take your time. i can handle what comes. ❞ he said as he was still one to challenge himself and probably work a bit much as he had to provide for his little one. ❝  definitely a busy night. i think i'm holding up pretty well just tonight has definitely been a lot. ❞ he laughed some.

closed starter @henryknight

location: soundwave

After making her rounds at the club that night, she went towards the bar—finding it packed to the brim. Without hesitation, she slipped behind the counter to lend a hand. Snagging a receipt, she nodded to Henry, "You take those two," she said, pointing to the receipts on his end, "and I'll handle this." She got to work, mixing drinks. Thank God for the classes she took. Once the crowd thinned out, she turned to the bartender with an apologetic smile. "Sorry, we're a bit shorthanded tonight. We'll hire more staff soon." She wiped her hands on a nearby towel, then leaned against the counter. "How you holding up? It's been pretty crazy in here tonight, huh?"