Rue
The Ashen Hand.
A notorious gang known for its cruel omnipotence in violent brawls.
The Blood Rose.
An infamous group known for their excruciating carvings engraved onto their victims' wrist of - you guessed it - a rose smothered with blood.
The two most parlous mafias in the entire city of Ionia.
They misused their abilities for destruction and endangered others as a result.
Selfish bastards.
I suppose I should elaborate.
Everyone is born with an aptitude - much like a super power - and only awakened when the user turned 5 years old to prevent injury.
Some are weaker or stronger than others.
Some - very few - are born without a power and even less were born with a dual ability.
Some used them for good or evil; gangs were obviously the evil.
Our authorities, who were cowards, say they "fight" for the city when in reality they bolt with their tail between their legs at the first mention of the Ashen Hand or the Blood Rose.
I suppose there was no good in this society.
My aptitude lacked in power but, in terms of intellect, it excelled to make up for its deficit of omnipotence.
I possessed the ability of tactile telekinesis, except it was much weaker than the average user.
Well I could float things with my mind yes but there were a few complications:
I could only float things I have recently touched meaning a maximum time gap of 5 minutes.
I couldn't float anything heavier than my own weight which was 48kg.
I know I know.
I should eat more for a 5'6 woman but I barely had the money for rent let alone necessities which was why I took this risky job in the first place.
Eternia is one of the major cities that were formed from the huge war centuries ago.
There were four kingdoms:
Astria - the kingdom famed for hot temperatures all year round.
Nerodeon - the kingdom known for vast fields of green and eternal spring.
Hibernia - the kingdom renowned for extreme subzero temperatures annually.
And of course Ionia - the only kingdom with four seasons.
Being the only kingdom with alternating seasons, it drew in lots of people every year - both good and bad - hence how the mafia was formed.
All four kingdoms were once united as one force before the huge war broke out.
The War of Mendacity.
An all out war that used their military like fuel for a vehicle. Especially those with exceptionally violent and powerful aptitudes for combat.
They even found a use for public speaking aptitudes for propaganda and to convince the population to fight for their kingdom.
The casualties of that pointless war were truly countless and devastating.
So many died because of the selfish desires of our government; it's unacceptable.
And all this began because of a false rumour made specifically to cause issues.
Something to do with politics.
Now our once united land is split into those four kingdoms with their own major cities.
No one communicated with other kingdoms outside of their own which definitely didn't aid the intense mistrust and hostility.
Our version of Earth was on the edge of a full scale war that would destroy both our lives and our world.
I was one of many who was born and raised in Eternia, the capital city of Ionia, and the area with the highest crime rate - the mafia.
You're probably wondering why my parents chose to live in such a parlous part of the city.
Well it's simply because of how expensive and luxurious the housing is.
Because having and spending lots of money is totally more important than our lives and safety.
Said a lot about my parents huh?
Torrential rain hammered against the foggy glass pane, pounding like a drum against the frame.
All it ever did was rain in Ionia.
Well only in the winter: all the other seasons were sunshine and rainbows.
You can't have light without darkness I suppose.
A valuable life lesson.
Vociferous, a drunken shout tore me from my general thoughts.
With an exasperated sigh, I exchanged a common glance with my co-worker (Crystal) before I slipped through the overwrought crowd of people.
What a surprise.
Two drunk men were beating the shit out of each other.
Blood splattered spurtingly against the dark oak floorboards with a sickening spatter as fists bruised and battered each other whilst flying back and forth, mixing with the blend of aptitudes that wizzed through the heavily metallic-scented air.
Cleaning blood from the floorboards was no stranger of a task to us waitress.
Didn't change the fact that it was still an annoying one.
Do you have any idea how hard it is to clean up blood?
Another pained shout brought me back to reality and I let out another deep sigh.
Molding my well-practised mask of adorable innocence, I pursed my lovely lips swished my icy cloud-like hair and widened my clear baby-blue eyes, capturing the undivided attention of the two intoxicated men.
"Excuse me, boys. Fighting is strictly forbidden."
I watched as their lustful eyes greedily raked over my curvy body that was accentuated by my tight waitress uniform, making my nose scrunch subtly in repulsion.
Disgusting men.
"Well if it's you telling me, Sweetheart, then I'll get another drink with that sexiness!"
One of the drunk men jeered loudly, causing laughter to bubble from the surrounding crowd.
It was times like these when I wished I had my daggers to slit their guts with-
Swallowing my abhorrence, I led the drunk man back to the bar whilst the other fucked off into the crowd somewhere.
I couldn't care less.
As I led him to the bar, I felt a pair of icy cool eyes digging into my spine forcing me to suppress a shiver of discomfort.
These eyes...
They didn't feel like the eyes of a regular customer.
Well all the customers were part of some sort of mafia but you get the point.
This guy was different.
A mafia boss.
And I had the feeling that I would be seeing a lot more of him lately even thought I didn't know what he looked like.
A shadow.
That's what he was.
Suddenly, a stream of water zipped by my face, causing me to momentarily stop in my stride.
Another careless idiot with their pathetic ability.
Well I wasn't one to judge others about pathetic abilities.
But I certainly didn't want a face full of scalding water.
And I most definitely didn't want what happened next either.
The intoxicated man bumped into me - on purpose I'm pretty sure - and rough calloused hands brushed my hips with a steady grip, subtly grinding into me.
I froze from both shock at his audacity and the overwhelming desire to spill blood.
This man was touching me.
It wouldn't be the first time.
Or the first time I've restrained myself from painting the floorboards crimson with blood.
With a forceful step forward, I roughly pulled myself out of the non-consensual embrace and the awkward situation.
Before I took another life.
Like she was prepared, Crystal opened the trap door slab disguised as the wooden surface for me to escape the close encounter.
Yes I was a waitress.
Yes I was just harassed.
Yes this happened often.
Especially because of where I worked.
The Yabai Club.
Known for all the infamous gang members of both the Ashen Hand and the Blood Rose (and other small gangs too) that came here to celebrate a successful mission which was almost every night.
The brawls happened daily which was unsurprising.
They were enemies after all.
They're like watching my favourite 2 anime characters who were childhood rivals.
Whilst regaining my composure, the guy I had so kindly guided to the bar leaned against the wooden surface and loudly exclaimed to the surrounding crowd, not bothering to be quiet.
"You doing anything later, Beautiful?"
I knew how to deal with these kinds of situations.
I was used to them.
Preferably the solution without spilling any blood in public.
Crystal knew the drill too.
Not that she knew my thoughts.
"Well what can I serve you, Sir? Maybe an angel shot?"
Her sickeningly sweet tone sauntered through the air with the taste of honey and the sting of a bee.
I knew what she was doing; I had witnessed it countless times.
Distraction.
"Angel shot" was our term the staff used when dealing with a customer that refused to comply.
The drill was for Crystal to discretely use her aptitude - powder manipulation - to spike their drink and only minutes later they would fall into a deep sleep.
It was our safety drill if we ever felt deeply uncomfortable or threatened by someone we couldn't deal with ourselves.
It worked like a charm every time.
"An angel shot? The hell is that?"
His gruff irritated voice replied, jagged with confusion.
With the swish of her long forest-green hair that was tied firmly in cute half up half down bunchies and the display of her ice azure eyes, Crystal effortlessly quelled his outburst.
We were used to these kinds of people.
And we knew exactly what they wanted.
They indeed had a death wish that's for sure.
One I would quite happily grant if I wasn't working.
"How about we make it a surprise just for you, sir?"
She flashed a convincingly innocent smile which had him smitten and immediately agreeing without question.
Some men were truly revolting.
And gullible which I was thankful for.
After a secretive glance and teasing wink in my direction, she went out back to make his 'special drink' whilst the drunk man redirected his lustful gaze to me once again.
"Can you please explain to me what an angel shot is?"
His tone dripped with the false kindness of a fox.
"That would ruin the surprise."
My bland calm voice replied in an uninterested tone.
His irritation started to shine through his brutish scarred features.
"I was trying to be polite but your choice. Tell me what the hell an Angel Shot is right now, woman."
This guy was not playing around.
And addressing me by my gender?
I have a name and its quite clearly written on my tag.
These were the kind of men that fuelled my desire to kill.
Not that anyone knew of course.
"For starters, my name is obviously written on my tag so address me by that and I might actually listen to you."
A snarl of frustration ripped from his throat the tense air being sucked in from between his crooked teeth with a low breath.
"Tell. Me. What. An. Angel. Shot. Is -" His rugged coal eyes darted to my name tag. "-Rue."
I couldn't resist jumping the gun: he deserved it for his shitty and disrespectful attitude to me.
"An angel shot is a drink that will satisfy you so well you'll be knocked out cold floating on your own fluffy clouds in your own version of heaven. Aka unconscious and in a dumpster where you belong with that trashy attitude."
My voice was steady and my growing smirk was laced with a strong sense of smug yet sly bitterness which didn't go amiss to him.
Finally, his annoyance tipped over the edge of his dam of patience which obviously wasn't very grand.
No surprise there.
Then again not many men were genuinely patient nowadays.
With a strident screech, his chair scraped against the wooden floor as he rose to tower over me with terrifying influence.
The trap door snapped open and he stormed through with the rage of a teased bull.
Rough hands grabbed my hips again but much more omnipotent than earlier and I was suddenly pinned against the wall.
"Considering you aren't blatantly telling me what an angel shot is then it must be something bad."
However I stayed calm.
Like I said -
I was used to these kinds of situations.
He was far too fat for me to use my ability so I had to rely on physical strength.
Naturally I wasn't the strongest or experienced fighter since I was way too skinny but my punches did pack a punch.
As far as everyone knew.
My fist was slung back and well prepared to beat that smug look off his face. But as soon as it was about to make contact -
I couldn't move.
Damn it he had a paralysis aptitude!
Shit I couldn't move a single muscle!
Panic swelled in my chest threatening to swallow me whole in its raging torrent.
I had never come across someone with this ability before.
Not even in my old line of work.
Apparently it restricted the vocal cords too because I couldn't make a sound either.
This wasn't good...
I had to remain calm before I tore his throat out with my fucking teeth.
His hips pressed sickeningly against mine.
Damn-
His lips stretched into a smirk of immoral triumph.
It-
His pungent breath stung my face and nose, making my eyes water at the berating beer scent.
All-
Desire-full fingers slithered under my cropped waitress shirt.
I wanted to scream.
I wanted to cry.
I wanted to throw up.
I couldn't reveal my true identity.
"I couldn't have you earlier so now I'm taking you-"
"Taking her huh? I think not, Daemon."
Cool icy eyes crashed into my own light aquamarine ones.
It was like looking into the eye of a storm.
It was like glancing into the fated future.
It was like staring into the eyes of a beast.
They were the indescribable eyes from earlier.
"Take your damned hands off her before I forcefully remove them. From your body."
I froze.
Daemon froze.
The entire club froze.
Like a leaf in stormy winds, his body shook with the feeble fear of a mouse facing a predator.
"R-Rune! I-I didn't think I would run into y-you!"
His gruffness earlier had vanished in the face of this man only to be replaced with deep rooted terror.
"She clearly doesn't want your hands all over her so remove them before I do so for you. Don't you at least have one brain cell or am I being too generous for an imbecile like you? It's no wonder the Ashen Hand always best the Blood Rose. Just look at you. You're shamelessly drunk. I could end your life and our rivalry right here and now and you would be too weak to stop me. But where's the fun in that?"
This was Rune?
As in -
The leader of the Ashen Hand.
Someone known for his insane powers.
Someone known to never be underestimated.
Someone known for his ghostly grip over society.
Perfect; this worked out well for my plan.
He was a dual-wielder meaning that he possessed two omnipotent aptitudes whereas most only wielded one and very few had none.
Fear Inducement.
And Enhanced Super Strength.
His first ability was the power to exert a terrifying influence that could paralyse his victims. However there was one major drawback.
If he used it too many times in one day then it would backfire and he would experience an unimaginable anguish that felt like every cell in his body was rupturing and his skin was being pierced by millions of jagged needles.
And his second ability was exactly as it sounded: inhumane force from super strength yet this was insanely enhanced which was where most of his extraordinary power sprouted from.
Of course such a mighty aptitude had a massive drawback.
An agonising paralysis would be forced upon him if he overused this ability and if he still dared to move then this would result in hypertension of the blood which would induce unbelievable pressure on his artery walls. This means that his heart would have to work much more than usual to pump his blood around his body, leading to stiffening and potential damage to vessels and organs.
Hypertension is a serious drawback that could damage the circulatory system, leading to risks like heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
You're probably wondering how I know all this information and I don't blame you.
I'm a mere waitress after all.
As far as you know.
But it's because Rune publicly announced his weaknesses to the entire city like an arrogant idiot.
He was obviously confident in his abilities to make an announcement of that significance to all of Eternia.
However, despite this information, no one has been able to defeat Rune at all.
It was why he was so ineffably feared by everyone.
He was power.
Daemon drunkenly sputtered, unable to produce a reply as Rune's Fear Inducement washed over him like a tidal wave.
Pulchritudinous yet parlous.
"Do you need to be told twice? And here I thought you were smarter than that, Daemon."
With brutish strength, Daemon's hands were ripped off my body and snapped at an odd angle with a sickening crunch.
The normal position for the wrist bone had been completely obliterated by his enhanced super strength so that even after his wrists had healed he would definitely have permanent damage.
An anguished scream tore from his throat before his face was smashed into the wooden floor by the bar creating a small crater; the strong metallic scent stung my sensitive nose nearly making me gag.
Blood.
Blood I was used to.
It gushed from Daemon's nose like a prey who had been caught by a predator.
And Rune was the predator in this case.
Shakily, he rose to his unsteady feet with the crimson liquid pouring rapidly from his mangled face.
Daemon stumbled as he rose, the eyes of the spellbound crowd following his every slurred movement.
Seeing the disgusting face of the man who tried to "take me" filled me with an insatiable rage.
Before I could stop myself, my clenched fist connected with his jaw, snapping his face to the side - teeth blown out like an explosion of pure power.
Except I was nowhere near deserving of such power.
Or was I?
I saw Rune raise his eyebrows - perhaps in shock at my own strength - before Daemon's face met the bloodied floor again.
"Oh I'm sorry but my fist couldn't resist the opportunity to pummel your retarded face for the stunt you just tried to pull."
My angelic voice dripped with venom, making the entire crowd cheer at my brutal retaliation.
This time Rune's lips were stretched into a cocky smirk full of both ego and admiration as Daemon practically sprinted out the club whilst swaying from dizziness.
Wait why was I looking at his lips?
The crowd returned to their respective areas and vociferous conversations.
"You alright, Rue?"
He knew my name.
How did he know my name?
Was I in trouble?
If so then I was a dead woman-
"No need to panic, your name tag kinda gives it away."
His rich and surprisingly warm laugh rang through the noisy air, contrasting his cold gaze that swept over the lively crowd.
"O-oh right..."
With deep embarrassment, I ducked my head to let my fluffy baby-blue locks hide my flushed cheeks.
Suddenly, the ghost of his hand gently tilted my chin to meet his gorgeous pale winter eyes once again.
His smooth voice was a husky whisper and his warm minty breath fanned my face in soft exhales.
Those wonderful eyes traced every curve of my face, taking his sweet time to drink every one of my features in.
"Rue... You intrigue me..."
I... Intrigued him?
Even though he only just officially met me?
How-
Oh I see.
He wanted to play.
I'll play then.
All according to plan.
"And how do I intrigue you if you've only just met me?"
His cocky smirk only widened when he realised I was playing along with his game.
"Now now. That's telling isn't it?"
Rune's soft thumb caressed my cheek with a strange sense of reverence that was unknown for a mafia leader - and of the Ashen Hand no less.
You would expect his hands to have countless callouses from training or peeling skin from lack or care but no.
"I daresay your body is telling more than your lips."
Cheekily, I returned his arrogant smirk before continuing.
"And here I thought the mafia were supposed to be secretive let alone their leaders."
I could visibly see the shock and possibly timidness in his expression at my response.
God I was definitely a dead woman now.
To my surprise, he just cleared his throat, mildly embarrassed, before forming an audacious retort.
"Well then, I'd best let my body do the talking."
God this man.
No.
Stop.
Breathe.
Think.
He was a mafia boss.
You're a civilian.
A waitress and nothing more.
You have a job to do.
Whilst catching his hand to stop it from moving further, Crystal finally returned from out back at the worst timing possible.
"Ugh I'm finally back. Sorry the larga machine wasn't working-"
She obviously got the wrong impression because she came marching over with the drugged drink in hand and was ready to force it down Rune's throat if necessary.
Before she could act on her intentions, I intervened as amusing as the sight would have been.
All it took was one stride sideways to intercept her path and fully blocking her from getting to Rune.
"Relax, Crystal. It's not the same guy from earlier."
Just like that she froze in her tracks, seemingly trusting my judgement then again we had been friends for years.
"It's not? Then who is this hottie that you're hogging all for yourself huh Rue?"
My face immediately flushed crimson and before I could speak Rune did so for me - after laughing at my blush of course.
Arrogant prick.
"Rune, leader of the Ashen Hand. Nice to meet you, Crystal."
"Rune? Damn you're pretty infamous huh? Can't keep your "hand" to yourself can you? Not that I can blame you of course Rue is our diamond in the rough here at Yabai."
"Crystal... Stop... Please you're embarrassing me..."
Flustered, I buried my face in my hands with hopes of escaping the flattery but to no avail.
I was pretty sure I heard them talking about something but I couldn't focus on anything but my shyness.
All an act; part of the plan.
Crystal nudged me playfully in the ribs whilst laughing with Rune at my state.
"She really is an eye-catcher isn't she?"
I froze partially from authentic speechlessness and from my "clueless" facade.
Rune called me an eye-catcher.
Rune as in - the mafia boss.
Just called me an eye-catcher.
A pretty boy with pretty words.
Even worse.
"Although she isn't the only eye-catcher here."
Crystal's genuine flirtiness shone through, making my head whip up from my hands to see her eyeing Rune up and down.
I couldn't blame her.
He really was a vision.
Short feathery locks of a light blonde ombre that parted in curtains to reveal those ineffable spellbinding eyes that had reluctantly grown on me, dark chocolate eyebrows that completed his face perfectly and lovely tanned skin with scars that told many stories, and of course his annoying cocky persona.
I watched as Rune smirked back at her with amusement dancing across his features although it didn't quite reach his transcendent eyes.
"I suppose I am a head-turner. Although there's more of a head-turner in front of me."
Flabbergasted, my eyes crashed into his as they lazily roamed my face with a slow deliberate pace.
He just called me beautiful again...
Well this wasn't part of my plan but I suppose it could work.
Crystal huffed as the attention shifted onto me but before she could try to redirect it back to herself again I spoke.
"Why don't you go pour out that drink, Crystal? Unless you still want to force it down Rune's throat."
She seemed to get my hint and sent a disheartened yet goofy smirk in my direction that clearly said "go get him tiger" before going out back once again.
Exasperated with her attitude, I rolled my eyes before turning back to Rune who's eyes were full of amusement.
It would be better if we were alone: there was more chance of a "connection" forming.
One easy to break when necessary.
"Jealous much, Rue?"
This time I was the one huffing.
Of course the egotistical bastard would say that.
"And what makes you say that, Rune?"
He smirked back at my reciprocated teasing.
"You've got a tell, darling."
"Darling"? Who the hell did he think he was?
But fine I'll play along.
All part of the plan in the end.
"Then do tell of this "tell", darling."
With purposeful emphasis, I drew out the word "darling" which only made him smirk wider, revealing gorgeous teasing dimples that I didn't notice earlier - another irritating distraction.
God how wide could this man smirk?
Slowly, he leaned in closer - eyes locked on mine - until his minty breath stung my nose.
A much more pleasant sting than the stench of beer.
"You scrunch your nose slightly when you're jealous."
He was close.
Too close.
"I-I do not..."
"You scrunch your nose slightly when you're nervous too because you're doing it right now."
God this man-
No.
Stop.
Breathe.
Think.
Not again.
Play along-
Pretend.
You're just a waitress and nothing more.
He doesn't know who you truly are and it needed to stay that way.
"Oh? I didn't know you watched me so closely."
"Watched? Gray... I never stopped."
He never stopped watching me? God how long has this man been observing?
A scary thought.
So I did what I did best.
Deflect.
"'Gray?' That's seriously the best you can come up with?"
His cocky smirk faltered for a moment before it stretched back into place until it sat like royalty on his lips.
"Well I can't just keep calling you Rue can I?"
I rolled my eyes both in amusement and flattery.
He was giving me a nickname.
That must mean something right?
That he deemed me worthy of his attention maybe?
I hope so.
I could get used to him visiting regularly.
"I don't blame you. I want to change my name too."
Rune's smirk faded and his eyebrows furrowed in both confusion and concern.
"Why's that, Gray?"
I sighed desperately wanting to avoid the subject but now I had started this conversation I wouldn't be able to change it as easily.
"Rue is the name meaning to regret, Rune."
His expression suddenly shifted from his playful demeanour to a serious countenance.
"Why did your parents name you Rue then?"
Immediately, my gaze snapped to his face analysing it carefully.
He wasn't mocking me...
He wasn't pitying me...
He wasn't teasing me...
Rune was being genuine.
"How about I make you a drink instead?"
Deflect.
It was what I did best.
"I'll take a drink from you any day, Gray. As long as it isn't spiked."
That cheeky smirk and those damning dimples returned, making me scoff and roll my eyes playfully.
"You'd probably enjoy it even if it was spiked, you sadist."
I wasn't ready for what followed next.
Laughter.
The rich deep sound bubbled from his husky throat, sending a delightful shiver down my spine.
I hoped to hear that sound more often.
"Well if it's you kidnapping me then I'm not complaining."
Rune gave me a toothy grin before speaking again.
"I'll take a small ale, Gray."
Deeply, I frowned in both confusion and amusement.
"A small ale? Most mafia members order something a lot stronger."
With a husky chuckle that had me shivering again, he lazily waved a dismissive hand.
"Gotta stay sober in case of an attack or brawl. I'm not making the same mistake my father did."
His voice hinted at something darker - more primitive - than his usual attitude.
Silence.
I didn't know what to say to that.
Neither did he.
You could have probably cut the tension in the air with a blade.
Until he found his voice.
"Sorry I shouldn't have said that. I-I'll just go..."
Rune started to walk away from the bar.
He was leaving...
And without his ale no less.
Did I want him to leave?
God no.
But I'm nothing more than a waitress.
He's a mafia boss.
I'm a civilian.
He's a criminal.
I should just let him walk away.
No I shouldn't.
Yes.
No.
Yes?
Ugh!
Before I could stop myself, I strided after him and caught him hurriedly by the wrist.
Rune froze.
He slowly turned to face me.
His face was plastered with shock.
"Rue...?"
My sure eyes met his unsure ones.
"Call me Gray. And... My parents called me Rue because I was a mistake."
I didn't think I would ever see him this speechless or flattered.
Heck I didn't think I would see him at all.
"Gray..."
His voice was soft.
So soft...
"I... Don't go... Please... What if that guy comes back?"
Rune's expression melted with the type of kindliness that was unknown to a mafia leader.
"I'm here, Gray... I won't leave until you close up tonight okay?"
I almost smiled.
"How did you know I was working until close tonight?"
He grinned sheepishly.
"I asked Crystal whilst you were lost in your hands from embarrassment."
This time I did smile.
"Then I'd better get you a small ale huh? First one on me."
"I'd love that, Gray."
In comfortable silence, we contently walked back over to the bar where Crystal was taking a guy's order.
She wolf whistled at us when she saw me still with Rune.
I rolled my eyes and flipped her off at which she grinned in response.
"You guys are two peas in a pod huh?"
My playful expression softened as I watched Crystal make that order.
"Yeah. We've been best friends since the day I started working here."
Rune glanced at me.
"And how long have you been working in this hell hole?"
I sighed exhausted from being unable to count the amount of harassment I had experienced.
"Far too long."
Deflect.
With a bounce in my step, I went behind the bar.
"You look like you need alcohol and you seem tired as hell. Finding it hard to keep up with me?"
Rune almost laughed again and it infuriated me that he didn't.
And it only irritated me further that I wished he did.
"I only need alcohol if it means I get to talk to you for longer, darling. And I'll always keep up with you even if I'm slurring my words."
Caught off guard, my face flushed crimson almost instantly.
Muttering a colourful curse under my breath, I started on his drink.
"A pretty boy with pretty words. The worst combo."
Amused, he smirked in response, those silly dimples peeking out at me.
"Aw you think I'm pretty, Gray?"
Realising my words, I rolled my eyes at his attitude.
I had just stroked his ego.
Brilliant.
"Only because men drink actual alcohol, Mr small ale."
With a hand over his heart, he feigned offence at my snarky comment.
"Are you calling me a little boy, Gray?"
Rune couldn't smother his amused smirk.
"That's what it sounds like-"
I paused.
"I need a nickname for you too."
Raising an eyebrow, he gave me a curious look.
"I gotta think of a perfect one, dumbarse. Actually... Dumbarse is rather fitting."
His deep husky laugh escaped from his throat only to make my ears tingle hotly and for my heart to hammer against my ribcage.
That sound...
God.
"Call me whatever you want, Gray. As long as I still get the pleasure of hearing your voice."
I froze from shock at how well he was at phrasing indirect compliments..
Why did he have such a promiscuous way with words?
Why-
Suddenly, cold delicious Ale spilled all over my hand making him laugh at my predicament.
Our playful banter made me forget all about his drink I was pouring.
God save me.
Or whoever is up above.
"You're pretty clumsy, huh Gray?"
With that, he took a napkin from the bar counter and gently took my hand in his.
I gasped out my words unable to form them properly.
"What are you-"
He softly pulled me close so my other arm rested on the bar and his warm breath made my face tingle once again.
"Can't reach you from all the way over there."
I was at a loss for words which he found incredibly amusing.
He found everything about me amusing apparently.
"You're nervous, Gray."
Sputtering, I attempted to form words as he directly called me out.
"I- Am not!"
He smirked again from my predicament further proving my point.
"You're scrunching your nose, Gray."
Rune's voice sounded like a sweet caress against my skin as he softly cleaned the sticky ale off my hand.
"You ought to be more careful. What if that was hot water? It would have scalded you."
Sucking in a sticky breath, I traced his hand with my eyes.
"Why do you care so much? I'm just a waitress after all..."
With a gentle sigh, his calloused hand brushed my chin the rough texture making me shiver.
Rune delicately tilted my face so his nose almost bumped with mine, our lips a mere inch away from each other.
This man...
God he was intoxicating.
Intoxicatingly addictive.
"Rue..."
I gulped hard.
That low tone...
"Call me Gray... Please Rune..."
Those eyes...
So soft yet so dangerous.
"Your parents might have called you that to specifically show regret. But all I see is an incredibly strong and talented woman and nothing less."
"Rune I-"
"I won't let you deprive me of that delightful word. Your name."
His words were so simple yet so meaningful.
You could practically see the cogs turning tumultuously in his mind this close.
Especially his thoughts of my-
"Excuse me Rune but I'll be stealing her now."
