I don't know you anymore...

"Where is she?"

The bartender nodded towards the back of the pub, shaking his head sadly. The young man glanced at the clock; four thirty four in the morning. This was the last place he'd have looked, if it hadn't been for a few helpful neighbors. And she was the last person he would have expected to hear of.

Men at this hour were either snoring with their faces squished against the tables, or were muttering snatches of dark and sleazy songs to themselves. And then there was...her. He advanced quietly. He knew better than to startle the girl.

No, not girl.

Woman...

But now was not the time for being subtle. He rapped his knuckles against the wooden table.

She lifted her head with a start and a mumble.

"Whazzup?" Her eyes were bloodshot and tired. He wanted to smack her and hug her, all at once. She smelled like cheap booze and even cheaper perfume. And she still wore her old uniform.

"Hey..." He reached out, hand trembling. "Come. I'll take you home."

"Humm..." Her head thudded to the table. He rolled his eyes and threw a few bills onto the table. Wrenching her hand from the cup, he lifted her, bridal style, and carried her towards the door.

"Money?" The bartender eyed him suspiciously, and even more so at the slim form in his arms.

"On the table..."

And he took her out the door, into the night.

OOO

A/N: Yes, I snatched a tad from Dragon Faere and from Ambrel, but...

Some notes.

One: The first one was a...prologue of sorts. This is where the story actually begins.

Two: It will eventually become my own. The idea swam around, marinating in my head for a while, until a plot formulated.

Three: Thank you to both Dragon Faere and Ambrel for your...assistance. /evil laugh\\