Hi everyone,

Just a short one-shot. I have no idea where this came from. I don't write this kind of stories normally.
Hope you enjoy it.


The man was sitting all alone at the table. He looked around the restaurant, he was the only one sitting alone. It wasn't on purpose he knew that. It hurt nonetheless.

A stranger had been eyeing the man from the shadows. The man was handsome even if he seemed a little said. That in itself spoke for the situation the man found himself in. The stranger stepped up to him. 'I have a question.'

The man looked up surprised at having been talked to. He relaxed slightly, glad he wasn't alone for the moment. 'Shoot.' Was the reply the stranger got.

'You're here alone.' The stranger said. He had to know if the man wanted his company of not.

The man gave a small smile. 'That is not a question.'

The stranger returned the smile. He had a chance. The man's face didn't look that said anymore. He looked thoughtful. 'That is true. Of course.' Of course he knew that, he was curious to the reply.

Silence reigned for a moment before the stranger spoke again. 'Why are sitting here all alone?' He had to figure out a game plan. How to woo the man in handsome man in front of him. The banter was helping. The man seemed more relaxed.

The man stared at the stranger for a moment, considering his answer. 'I was stood up. I had a date, but I think he had something more important to do.' He watched the stranger closely, looking for a expression of… He didn't even know what he was looking for.

'More important than a handsome guy like you? That isn't possible.' The stranger said. He put as much conviction in his voice as he could manage.

The man blushed. He ducked his head trying to hide it. The stranger had to give him credit, the man recovered quickly. 'What do you think his reason for standing me up is then?'

The stranger smiled. He took that as an invitation. He still had a chance. He just needed to play his hand right. He pulled a chair back and sat down at the table. 'I think he was just too busy working and forgot the time. I don't think he meant to stand you up on purpose.'

'Are you making excuses for him.' The man managed to frown while giving a small smile. He didn't want excuses. He just wanted the complete attention of his date.

'Excuses? No, of course not.' The stranger scrambled to make it right. To say what he wanted to be said. 'I just don't believe anyone in their right mind would consciously stand you up.' Smooth. He thought.

The smile he got lightened up the room. 'Are you saying you are in your right mind, Phil?'

Phil looked a bit sheepish. 'Of course not. If I had been, I would never have been so late.' Phil looked at his partner apologetic. 'How long have you been waiting? Why didn't you call Clint?' He hated himself for being late.

Now it was Clint's turn to look a bit sheepish. It was silent again. The archer was contemplating wherever he had to be honest. But he didn't lie to Phil. He never lied to Phil. 'I was hoping you would show up.'

The voice was quiet, but Phil heard anyway. He understood what Clint wasn't saying. He hoped that Clint meant enough for him to feel that something was wrong. That he would figure out he was late for their date on his own. And while Phil had did just that, he still felt bad for being late.

'Clint.' His voice quiet, but demanding attention. He waited until he had the archer's undivided attention. 'I'll always come for you.'


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