Chapter 1:

My lip hurt. Bad. Not only that, but so did my arm, leg and fo'head.

Apostrophe is a bit much...

But the main pain was located in my lip. Which was busted wide-ass open from the unprecedented guy, who wanted to make it apparent that he was winning our physical argument.

Personally, I don't even remember why we were fighting in the first place? A girl? Maybe I spit on his shoe or something?

Oh wait… No - I cheated him in cards. That's right. I had an ace up my sleeve, and it just sorta… fell out.

Anyway. My mind was blurry, and all I wanted to do was sleep. But this douche kept throwing his beefy fists at me, trying to get me to fight back. Doing that though in a dark alley, at night? There have been times, of where I had to fight or flight. Sometimes I fight,

Other times…

Another blow landed on me, and I realized that I couldn't do anything. It was like looking at a firework show, how colors resounded across my vision, you can't look away. The main reason for my disability though, was probably because I drank too much.

The punch hit my lower jaw, pushing my pathetic frame backwards, and knocking my hat off of my head. The landing wasn't graceful, and it didn't do anything to satisfy Hulk Hogan over here… I was intoxicated and thus, I thought I was done as soon as my tush hit the moist concrete.

But NAY - For some unprecedented reason, I stood yet again.

I was in an alleyway, cliché enough, and being the person I can be, my sorry ass was being pummeled by a guy in a white tank-top.

He was your average 6'4, bald, green-eyed, beady nose, straight chin, big knees - probably smoked cigars(?) and had problems with the way his piss smelled. Looked like Babe Ruth with a Mr. Clean aftershave. Talked like he had bronchitis when he was a kid, and hit puberty right around the time he shot out of the womb. I kinda feel bad for the mother now.

He threw another shot at me, and I had to give my alcoholic mind a reason to vomit. The thought consisted of what he would look like without his beard, and it was god-awful. I ended up hawking a good amount of bile, then and there, saving my beautiful face from extinction due to his big-meaty-claws.

I wiped the excess dribble on my chin and looked up with a goofy-smile, my voice was wavering, and it made his pals groan in cringe,

"C'mon man… Over a pack of cards?"

The guy who was kicking the shit out of me growled, obviously not caring that I was going to be visited by the tooth fairy tonight,

"Dumbass!"

Up-Up and Awwwaaayyyyyy - And then I was seeing stars.

Not the, Dancing Stars, but the kind of stars you'd look up and see on a clear night. Which meant, HA, I was on meh bum... again.

My lip was flaming now, and the back of my head hurt like you wouldn't believe.

I groaned with a chuckle, and tried speaking. But it seemed that the punch he gave me knocked the wind outta of the area that contained breathing parts, and put me in a haze so that my eyesight was discombobulated. It also explained why he appeared in my vision, and proceeded to frisk me, my wallet doing a magic trick into his pocket.

His buddies all gave their thoughts like,

"Duke, come on… You showed him-"

Or, "That's uncalled for man."

I would've agreed, but I was too busy counting two missing molars, and trying not to breathe with my nose. I could taste iron, and it was not in a good way.

Duke or whatever his name was, stood and gazed at his compadre's,

"Shut up, Miles - he cheated! Uncalled for doesn't even begin to what I want to do with him."

Oh so he actually wanted more! I mean, let me bend over and produce my goddamn social security then. You have to go ahead, steal my stuff, and then proceed to kick me while I'm down.

Literally. He kicked me while I was down, and then he walked off. The other four he was with departed after he did, two of whom stayed back to help me up.

I of course was on the verge of unconsciousness, so that meant I wasn't able to answer any of their questions. So they left me propped against a dumpster with my mouth open, and a cup next to me for people to drop change in.

Today, was honestly not one of my days. Bad luck strain after bad luck main. My girlfriend breaks up with me out of the blue, I find out that drinking doesn't solve problems, then this? Sometimes I think that offing myself wouldn't be such a bad idea…

Then again, I have to remember how many people it would hurt.

Let's start over though. Most of the time in a story such as mine, it's imperative that the narrator describes me. Cue the narrator.

My name is Devin, born in… 1947. Fuck that rhymed.

Since last names aren't a formality, I shan't give you one because I am a bastard like that. I got brown eyes, and I'm about the height of your average Joe. Recently graduated college with a degree in Arts… which is good

But I can't seem to find a good job. As of late, I've lost my girlfriend, my apartment, and recently; I just lost my fucking wallet.

There are some good things about me, like how I can now whistle through my teeth! Or was it my nose? Hard to tell right now. Like I mentioned, I graduated from college? Yay? My main job was traveling with this upcoming band called, "Stitches to Riches'. And I uh… Regret, much of it. I wanted to be the guitarist, as it is custom for me to apply for such a position, but for some reason, they wanted me to be their Hauler.

Which is basically the guy who hauls the band's stuff around states as they play. And they, were really good. The band was able to make it to such a renowned status that got them several covers. They weren't the next people you'd hear on the shortband, but they were damn near it.

It was like this for several years after college. I'd haul their crap around, get paid good money, and I'd get in free on some concerts. A simple transaction for the greater good. The concerts brought all sorts of people around, gathering in just one place. I met some interesting people, talked with a famous singer; Elton John, and even got the chance to meet the love of my life.

I'd date it back at least a year ago, of where I met Sarah Wilkinson.

Sarah, was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen - to date. The way she moved, how her body twisted and turned as though it were meant to do that, made me feel as though I was the unluckiest person alive. And at the time of seeing her during the lightshow, I knew that if I didn't ask her out, my life was over.

So that's what I did.

Sarah showed me the world through her eyes, and her heart. And eventually, it proved to be that I was swallowed in it. I loved her to the point of where I did a typical guy thing… Taking her out to a really fancy dinner, and it was there, that I was going to marry this woman.

I had planned for a waiter to bring us a pair of drinks with her ring in one of them. It was set too, where we were eating, so that we had the perfect spot outside. And the day we were on, had a full moon.

Calculated.

The plan was so foolproof, that Sarah had no idea what was about to hit her. And… like expected, It hit her really hard.

We went out, ate our lunch, did a Lady and the Tramp spaghetti eat off. We laughed, shared some jokes - it was like meeting her for the second time. I felt so nostalgic for the entirety of the dinner. So then that moment came around. The waiter appeared with our drinks.

I can tell you that proposing to someone, is no joke. It's like a two way tie between a life full of adventure roads, and a cliff to instant depression. So I did what a savvy motherhumper would do, and wooed her to the point of where I could ask,

"Sarah… Please, make me the happiest man alive -"

Which is how it went. But, and this is where I always find time to throw things around, when I said that, Sarah decided to stop me in the middle of it. She put a hand on my shoulder, with a look in her eyes that spoke a thousand words.

I didn't know it at the time, but she had been seeing somebody else for about three months. During that three months, they fucked, and got together to the point of where there was an awkward tension between leaving me softly, or telling me hard.

And she told me pretty harshly…

I ate alone that night. Thus the next day, she calls and tells me that my stuff is out of her apartment, and that we've been broken apart.

AND SO - Depression cliff led me to a pub nearby called, The Broken Handle. Really messed up joint, I'd advise you not to drink here, shitty drinks anyway. Here, today, I decided to play poker intoxicated.

Ever try to do that? Play a gambling game drunk?

OH-HO-HO, YOU'LL HAVE ONE HELLUVA POKER FACE.

However, you lie your ass off, and it puts you where I am. Unconscious outside, propped against a trashcan. Oh yeah, and to add a more descriptive picture, under a flashing lamplight.

So this is me. The retard, the failure, and the unlucky. A triple whammy that describes my life in eleven syllables. In truths, I wouldn't be telling anyone this if I didn't have anything special to tell. But I do.

-O.o.O.o.O-

To skip ahead, and make a short story longer, I woke up the next morning to someone roughly tapping my face. Thinking it was the guy who had shot JFK, I rose up from my grave, FULLY SMITING THE AIR WITH DUKES OF HAZZARD.

"EN GARDÉ." I said vehemently, trying to retain balance, and failing to do so within a span of several seconds. My uneven and rather dumb self face planted the brick wall surrounding the pub, and slid down to the ground with a now, new and improved, headache.

It was obviously funny to someone, as the sound of laughter reached my ears. I mean, above the roar of the several Fords that passed the building, and outside the alleyway, It was an aesthetically pleasing sound to hear.

I held my head and tried looking without moving it. The sun was bright today, oddly enough, even more so than usual. Normally the day would be tossed aside when a front of clouds came through. Huh… At least I was in the shade.

Well wait, no, that's a shadow. Once I could focus, there, right in front of me, was one seriously mind boggling woman. I mean, I don't want to say that she looked weird or nothing. But, there was something that gave me a good kind of chills.

She was slightly smaller than me, a perfect mixture of god, DAMN - Her hair was a beautiful, fiery blonde, and she was wearing a pink skirt, and a white pair of - HOO BOY, shoes. Gotcha there didn't I?

Her fashion sense was on point, as it brought out the bright turquoise in her eyes.

She was kneeling, and had a hand curled on her mouth,

"Are you alright?"

I scratched my head and tried being smooth, "Yeah, now that I've seen you."

Oh SWEET JEBUS, I'm a fox. Rolling her eyes, the girl who looked to be about my age stood and laughed, extending a hand to try and help me up,

"You scared me there, what with your head looking like a watermelon and the whole area - a warzone."

I touched the part of my head that felt inflamed and groaned when I felt how lumped it was, then looked behind me to witness a grotesque amount of dried blood,

"Good heavens… Sorry." I took her extended appendage, careful not to fall again and was surprised at how easily she lifted me to her.

Her skin was as soft as butter… And from being in such a close proximity, (1 foot away to be exact), she smelled of flowers. A peculiar smell you would never smell…

I ended up getting lost in my thoughts as I stared at her features more. It wasn't perverted (although I did look for something other than her face), as I tried brushing my suit off here and there whilst looking back at her occasionally. She did the same, but combed through her hair to make sure it was in a good condition.

Sarah, my ex, depression, knew that I liked it when she wore her hair in a ponytail, and this girl set that off with a 10/10… I mean, it's the new fad for the 60's, along with a new cellular device that has been made by some newer company out in… Denver?

Bah, anyway. I bent down slowly to pick up my hat, a black fedora, because when I got my ass punched out, I seemed to have dropped it.

Oops.

The girl coughed, gaining my attention as I dusted the head apparel off,

"So why were you on the green box?"

I blinked, "You mean the dumpster?" Still got it. Head's swimming a mile a minute, and I can still remember what a dumpster is called.

She shrugged, "I suppose."

I rubbed the hurting spot on my head and chuckled, "I got in a fight."

The woman nodded, "Yeah, I guess that explains the blood. Did you uh… Did ya win?"

I deadpanned, "No."

She scratched her chin, "Ah, well that's awkward."

But with zest, I placated her with a gesture of hands up, "Oh you would see the other guy though! Was a total knockout."

Pfft, I'm sorry… it's just… I like puns. And thankfully, she did too. Because this girl, laughed along with me. Her laugh reminded me of those sleigh bells you would hear around Christmas time!

But out of all of her noughts what was it that seemed so… Different about her? I mean, for some reason, I'm feeling all giddy, but that might be because I'm about to puke out a bunch of beer and bullshit. What is it that is making me feel as though something is strange about this girl?

Her smile was contagious, and her make-up wasn't so heavy as the random strangers that would flaunt themselves...

Maybe it's because I don't know her name?

"Devin." I said with a grin, trying to feign that I wasn't actually dying on the inside. The girl jumped slightly, which was a bob on her heels, and a light in her eyes that marked her to speak in that sleigh like voice,

"Oh, what a peculiar name."

I laughed, "Mom and Pa weren't trying to go for something amazing there darlin'."

This girl took in stride, blushing as she did that hand on the corner of her mouth action,

"I see. Well in that case, it is custom for me to tell you my name." She smiled,

"Solar."

Woah. It's one of those things that you just never expect. Once she said her name, it was like she glowed for that moment. I mean, I could be wrong, but it's how you present yourself, a first impression, that sticks with someone forever.

"In all my years, I've never heard such a beautiful name." Nobody likes a suck-up, but I'm willing to suck it up to her - innuendo - if it means she'll talk to me longer.

Solar gave me an award winning wink, "Get to know me better then."

Oh my god, she is just way above my level… I've tried, honestly tried, to flaunt my suave, but she just ups me with a seven syllable sentence? It makes me sad to know that I am living right now.

"You are something else. Remind me not to get in an argument with you Solar, as I'm pretty sure I would lose."

Solar tapped her chin, "Hmm… I've been known to give pretty good arguments…"

Ah - So she must be like… A lawyer then. It would explain her outfit. She looks like the kinda person that'd defend a ca- GAHH. FUCKING HEADACHE.

Nausea flashed its lights, throwing my whole being in for a loop that was like going in a tunnel filled with ungodly amounts of pressure. Brain felt like it had been thrown in the deep end of the pool and then sucked into the drain.

I once knew a lawyer, he was a pretty good guy; albeit a smartass.

"You a lawyer?"

Solar turned from fiddling with her hair and smiled, "In a sense. Some see me as a Judge, Jury and Executioner type deal."

I chuckled, "But it's not?"

Solar frowned, but kept a humorous tone, "Nah. It's more of a, I care for you and at the same time, don't."

I laughed, "Sounds like my Dad."

And then, for some reason, she was laughing along with me. Which was a tad bit weird, but otherwise, a nice thing to hear.

It is also weird that I haven't-

"Oh lord- Hold on please." I turned back to the dumpster, feeling that horrid feeling in the bare pit of your stomach seconds before you upchuck. Much better, less gas in my tummy. I put a good load of bile in the damn container before turning back to Solar,

"Sorry… God my head hurts…" I said while putting my hand on my head.

"Are you going to be okay?"

I laughed, the noise sounds hollow, "Honestly? I don't know."

Where was I going to go after Solar left? A sudden question that just poofed itself in my brain mere seconds after realizing that the only house I lived in before I got piss drunk was Sarah's… Which made me drop a few pounds in stomach acid.

The headache that got to me, made deciding where I was going ten times worse. There was my van, that was technically the band's property… And then of course going into a nearby cardboard box, and crying my ass to sleep.

Sighing, I looked at Solar and tried smiling, "Well, Solar, It was a pleasure, and sure as hell a shame, but I have to leave."

My feet wobbly held me up as I walked away. I tucked my hat under an armpit and hummed a tune to myself as I looked both ways. Crossroads, even if they were just two ways, always make me dread both outcomes. If I go right, I will eventually find myself wandering the town.

But if I go left, then I also risk the chance of running into an ex who has all of my personal belongings.

Decisions, Decisions…

"I… I could offer you a place rest, if you don't have one?" Came that beautiful voice down the way.

See, this is another thing I hate about crossroads. There is always, always, another path that you can take. I didn't have to go left, nor did I have to go right. Now, there was a third choice. And I hate to say it, but if you suddenly meet a smoking chick and don't want to follow her, then there is a problem in your testosterone levels.

That was me. Why she even wanted to say it, made me question her efforts and esteem. The throbbing in my head made me groan again, le sigh, and I clutched it as though it were something that I had weighing heavily on me.

Which it was, because it is the spot of where Dick decided to two step me. The damn bump still hurt, even worse now that my stomach was empty and devoid of juices to upheave. I'm surprised I haven't passed out yet. Had a conversation… Met someone new -

Oh there it is. That one big wave of headache that can just overcome you - I just, fell on my tush.

Immediately, Solar came to aid, thank you, you sweet, sweet woman…., and sighed; looking me up and down,

"If I'm not mistaken, you might be dehydrated."

I snickered, "That's an understatement. I've been drinking all night, which constitutes more than a - might."

Solar grumbled, "Okay fine. You are a lot dehydrated."

"Mmmmm, not proper English."

She thumped me on my shoulder in response, and yet again, helped me to my feet. This was not how I planned my morning! I honestly planned on going into the nearest motel, and barfing on their red-carpet!

Now I have a god sent girl, who is being the most helpful person I have ever met. Oh, and now I don't have a choice of whether or not if I am going with Solar.

"You're coming to my place for a bit. No buts."

I giggled, "Don't make me become childish Solar."

She sighed, "Fair enough. I set myself up for that one."

I love this girl.

O.o.O.o.O

She dragged my sorry ass for a while, she did. Took me through little shortcuts, and past crowds of people, who, in turn, stopped to watch as I was carried away by an angel~. Some dudes glared at me from the distance, and when Solar wasn't paying attention, I'd stick my tongue out at them to increase their jealousy.

I about near got into a fight again because of how deniably awesome I was being.

Now before you go and get all mad about how Solar was doing most of the work, first remember, she told me to follow her - or die - and because of how I was having a somewhat okay hangover, I had a chance to play around with the surroundings.

Which included those people whom I was sticking my tongue at. They didn't like the way I was making faces at them, I didn't really care all that much, thus the forethought was to punch me in the throat.

I could like, feel the hate coming off the males in waves.

"Stop sticking your tongue out Devin."

Alright, so I got carried away. Literally. She jostled me in her shoulder carry. I gasped as another group of Jocks stomped away angrily,

"Nosey much?! Good heavens, I was trying to have a polite conversation with the onlookers!"

Solar stepped with me up a couple of brick stones. She had taken the scenic route in the park as a detour because of how hard it was to walk with me in crowds. Although fun, I couldn't stop myself from becoming a human ragdoll as people pushed past us.

With a flip of her fiery blonde hair, I spat out a couple of strands, "Ugh! Is that your way of ignoring me?"

Solar giggled, "This walk is becoming more and more tiresome." She stopped and looked me dead in the eye, "I wonder what would happen if I left you near the fountain?"

I gulped, seeing as how she was indeedly scary when serious, "Ma'am, I would most likely die a horrible death that involves a lot of flailing and drowning."

"Which would come first?"

I blinked and tried not to show that she was quite literally making this argument her win, "Most likely the drowning. Not a very good swimmer."

Solar smiled, weaving past a group who were swarming a hot-dog stand, "Neither am I. Been more of a, lay on the beach and watch."

"Really?" I said surprised, "Out of all the people it could've been, you just watch?"

Solar turned her head, "Does that upset you?"

I shrugged, "No. You just seem like a person who'd be splashing around, having a good time."

"And what about you?" Solar said as we passed under a pair of gates.

"Me?" I asked with a gesture of putting a hand on my chest, "I don't go to beaches."

Solar chuckled, "Yeah, you look like the kind of guy who would drown and flail around a lot."

I nodded, "Which is true! But, ease up on the jokes." I touched my heart, "My pride is still broken from my ass being tossed around last night."

"Which begs me to question of how you got into a fight in the first place!" Solar said with a raised brow.

Wow, she actually looks concerned. So I used a bit of poshness,

"Doth the lady care, and yet at the same time, not - only to gain more ground?"

Solar straightened, "We do appreciate thyself in a way a stranger would care for the poor,"

I flatbrowed, "So now I'm poor."

"No, you are richness impaired."

"And so," I began, unwillingly dragged into the depths of a neighborhood that was unknown to me, "You insult me using your highly intelligent self, which leads to…"

...Possibly the richest place in this town? What the hell? I forgot to mention that once you leave the park, you go into the fanciest neighborhood. After that, you actually will be in the main section of town. But Solar took the trip into this place, and smiled,

"Almost there."

I shouldn't have been surprised honestly! She probably makes more money than I do in weeks. My eyes deceived me as I glanced around, Mansion after Mansion, barred gates and trimmed hedges all faced me. It was like reading one of those really exciting home purchase manuals. Except it was in front of me.

And it still looked like it costed way too much.

There were people playing golf in their own private spot, some were swimming in bikini's and various Speedo's - which is another fad that has coming up lately… Personally I don't see the relevance in showing m' dick to everyone.

Just my two sense.

Some people were trimming their gardens, and even walking their dogs. We passed by a woman and her white poodle who glanced at us with a growl. One look from Solar though and heh… the dog whimpered.

Lil' bi-

"Devin, I want you to do what I say, when I say it." Solar said as she ushered me onto a brick wall.

Blinking, I caught my breath, and leaned on my knees, "Alright. But you do realize I have to ask why, though. Right?"

Solar nodded as she beckoned me to follow her into one of the mansion paths, "Indeed. Hopefully you'll understand that this will involve my fiancé."

I choked on my spit, "F-F-F-F-FIANCE?!" GOOD LORD. I WAS JUST WARMING UP TO HER AND SHE HITS ME WITH A FRIENDING ZONE ALREADY?

I swear man. Women.

"Yes, silly, Rook. He's a bit of an oddball. But I think you'll like him."

I chuckled nervously, as I slowly made my way with her, "Well excuse me if I don't sound enthusiastic, but what will Rook think about another male coming into his vicinity?"

Solar stopped midway from the gate and the door, "...I honestly hadn't thought of that."

"Well I have. It's going to be one of those stupid moments that you'd find on T.V, in where my ass is kicked."

"Be positive." She said.

I did my best to nod, "Okay. He will lightly apply a band-aid to my bruised ass, after he is done kicking it." And with that, I ended up following her anyway into the damn house.

The exterior, was glorious, having perfectly cut grass, a fountain (of all things) and a garage on the side that held a few vehicles of interest. I could go on in details, like how her lawn looked like it would win first prize in a decor contest, but when I stepped inside, my brain had a holy Jesus moment.

Outside decor has a certain tamed nature feel to it, whilst the inside can show off a more monetary value. Immediately when you step in through the big door Scrooge McDuck would gape at, you'll find an awe-inspiring chandelier, laced with what seemed to be glittering diamonds.

A soft light poured from above it, and made little rainbows dance everywhere. There was a second and third floor, judging from the staircase, and the downstairs looked rather warm. A maid awaited us at the foot of the stairs, and bowed when Solar stepped in,

"Good Morning your highness, did you have a good stroll?"

I chuckled, "Oh, so we're Royalty now?"

Solar all but rolled her crisp turquoise eyes, "Stop. Ripple, this is Devin. He is our guest, and is to be treated as such."

"You shall refer to me as Sir Reginald." Honestly couldn't keep a straight face after saying that, it made Solar thump me on the shoulder for a second time.

Ripple, who was a rather pretty maid, awkward to say in the least, nodded - her red hair gently swaying as she did so. Huh… Red hair. That's a step up! I have green hair, which was a result of accidentally taking a dare to dip my head in a paint can.

Turns out, paint is very stainable.

Solar was able to help me over to a couch, of and which I insisted that I could sit down by myself. I had to slowly put myself down, and try to sit up straight. But with how far we walked, and with what I did to other persons unknown, the weight of everything caught up with me, and I ended up slouching on the… couch.

-ing.

Ripple came to my stalwart aid immediately, taking a towel to the forehead, and a cup of some innocuous liquid to my hand. She gestured me to sip at it, and I all but gave her a disapproving glare.

See, I had done all the drinking I could the night before. I saw no delicate reason to be drinking now. And for your information, it was called depression drinking, not to many people do it, because of how it leads to other horrible things, such as suicide!

Which is… Depressing.

"Your future husband is to be here in less than ten minutes, Mistress Solar."

Jeezums… Sounds a little forced. Ripple glanced back at Solar to see her biting her thumb nail in anxiousness. Peh, I was puckering my keister in horror at what could happen here in mere minutes.

Why did I even - oh yeah… I have nowhere to go so this was only option… Right, right.

"Alright, thank you Ripple, you are dismissed. Go have some fun while you still can."

Ripple let out a soft sigh, and bowed. She took her leave after squeezing Solar's hand gently. I watched from the couch with a smile,

"I'm guessing you and Ripple have some history?"

Solar nodded, moving back and forth, "Quite. She and my family go way back Devin. It's amazing she still puts up with what I do."

I chuckled, "Who wouldn't? You seem to be a sensible person."

Solar cringed at the end, visibly, and ushered me quiet with a hand, "Easy on the compliments. Although true, Now isn't the time."

"Is this about your husbo?" I asked after swirling the stuff in my cup.

Solar gave a brief nod, to which I patted the seat next to me, "No use in creating a hole in the floor. Take your shoes off and stay a while. I'll listen, if you wanna tell."

Solar glanced at me, and when I thought she wouldn't take it, the bait that is; she decided the best action, and sat down next to me,

"I guess you're right… Might be my fault though if he gets a little angry."

I raised a brow, which caused the rag on my forehead to go up as well, "Define, 'a little'. Because even 'a little', could be 'a lot'."

"I know…" She said, using the back of her hand to wipe her brow, "He is really a nice guy…"

I questioned with a smirk, "Buuuuuuuuut?"

Solar sighed, "You are seriously the strangest stranger I have ever met."

I bonked her nose lightly, "Topic change, very nice. Plus, I'm the coolest stranger. If it comes down to it, I'll play the deaf card. Won't know what hit him. Besides, it's your fault I'm here."

Solar gasped, "What did you expect me to do? Just leave you to be mugged? Or worse, choke on your own vomit?!"

I placated with both hands raised, "Jesus, concerned much? I was looking like I was a drunkard. Eventually, someone would've kicked me awake, because I was out in an alley."

I patted my pocket for emphasis, "And for the info, I was already mugged before you found me."

Solar harrumphed, which was a cute thing to see, as her cheeks puffed out, and her hair fell onto her face, "I wasn't just going to let you lay there…"

I sighed and decided to sip my drink, "I was propped against a trash can, Solar. There's a difference."

"Oh here we go again with the trashcan."

I chuckled in the cup, "As long as you're around, I'm never letting you live down."

"And how long, pray tell, will that be?" Says Solar, who gives me a conceded brow.

I smiled, "When I am done with this wonderful cup of whatever the hell you just gave me."

Solar let out a laugh and scooted into the couch. It allowed me a moment to collect my thoughts and try to see if I could move without screaming in pain. Still a bit loopy from yesterday's expunge, and it's gonna be a while before I'm back on my feet.

Lucky I'm still awake right now considering I just had my ass beaten. My hat came off after I felt throbbing coming from within, naturally, I tried touching it, and all naturally, a hiss escaped from my throat when I realized no touchy. I should've given it to him. Really should've. But I allowed my stupid self to get drunk for no reason.

"Devin, you do have somewhere to go right? I mean, surely you don't live off of pubs and trash cans."

I laughed, "Yeah. I could, but I don't. Before yesterday, I lived with my girlfriend in the city over there." I said, gesturing with my thumb,

"I could afford it, because I've been rolling with a band for years."

Solar questioned, "Oh? What do you play?"

I smirked, "Ah, I don't do that kinda stuff. I was there as the guy who hauled them from state to state. If anything, I played a steering wheel. Was damn good at it too."

Solar nodded, and allowed the room to get quiet. We were in the living space, which had a few pieces of furniture here and there, a fishtank in the corner, and windows for us to peer outside with. I mean, there was a hedge blocking the view, but hey. Still pretty dank.

"You have a girlfriend?"

I sighed, knowing she would ask, "Had. She and I broke up recently after I figured out that one of the band members was smooching her over while she and I had been dating."

I took a sip of a drink, "Talk about encore…"

"Where is she now?"

I scratched my chin, "Don't actually know. Last I saw her, she was walking out of a place I picked out for her. Little date day. Nice time."

Solar giggled, "You took her somewhere nice?"

I nodded, "Yes indeed. Had this whole little thing planned for her, was gonna give her this ri-"

Oh shit. Wait a minute. No. Nononononononono-

I patted my pockets suddenly, checking front, back and side for that one thing I had kept. When I didn't feel it, my hand went to the rag on my forehead, and I sighed as I brought it over my eyes,

"Fucker took my ring…"

Solar shuffled to look at me, "Ring?"

I nodded, "Proposal ring. It was connected to my wallet… Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand its gone."

Solar bit her lip, "Well when you feel better, and I can tell you - you can go - you may leave. But until then, I will make sure that you live to see tomorrow."

I blinked, Would I ever find someone this nice again? Sarah was great, but thinking back, I found her in a band concert, and she had been ogling the Lead Singer. Sure, it was nice, but I'm pretty confident she saw our relationship as Friend-Friend. And if I get to talking to someone again, I don't think I could take another rejection.

End up resolving my life at the end of a gun barrel if that's the case. Leaves less of a strain on one of our hearts.

Solar looked up at me with her bright eyes, and told me that I wasn't invading her life.

Looked sincere, was sincere, and by god almighty, felt sincere. But she was seeing someone. And normally, when someone sees someone else, said persons can't exactly be talking to much of a group when together.

That's called cheating.

And yet here she was, telling an absolute fucktard that he could kick off his shoes and stay awhile.

The invitation is so inviting…

But what about this mysterious one syllable Rook? Solar has hidden his existence until too late, which tells me that there could be something-something going on…

My senses heightened once I heard the all too familiar click and creak of an open door.

"Solar? I'm Home."

I do believe I have shat myself...