They had decided last minute to stop in. Really, it was an easy decision. Friends and drinks weren't the same without the other in most cases, and this one qualified.
"Sorry for the wait ladies, the usual coming right up!" Their favorite red head exclaimed and happily went to fill two cups. Having been sat for about ten minutes already, some might have already grown impatient. Madam Denton's had filled up fast. Growing more choice and less table vacancy were a good thing for any owner. Lavi quickly returned.
"Were not in a rush. Really, take your time," Elizabeth insisted. Lavi smiled appreciatively.
"That's a relief. I have to go in back and grab what we have in stock and refill what were missing in front here. So happens to be one of your drinks. Won't be but a minute," with a playful wink he was on his way to do so.
Allen passed him, coming out of the kitchen. A quick, discreet kiss on the cheek in passing exchanged, both continued on their mission.
"Allen!" Elizabeth called, not as loudly as she thought. The rooms chatter drowned out her volume. Finding where his name had come from, a look of familiarity spawned. A tray balancing on one hand and another on his upper arm, Allen motioned with his free holding up his fore finger, 'One minute.' A nod in return, acknowledging she understood, Elizabeth turned her attention back to Vivian.
"Haven't you noticed this place getting more busy? It's more lively than it ever was," Vivian took the crowd in. Elizabeth laughed.
"Says the girl who thought nothing of the place until I dragged you here."
"Now, to be fair. I didn't say I didn't like it. More like it simply didn't look like much from the outside," Vivian defended. "I will happily admit defeat however, at the very least about 'it's silver lining." Elizabeth looked smug.
"I'm always right." Vivian struggled for a quick retort in reply.
"Speechless. I knew it. What, Lavi got your tongue?" Vivian cleared her throat, and with a straight face, replied:
"I have no Idea what you mean." Her friends face said what words could. Elizabeth wasn't convinced.
Elizabeth, animatedly, drawing out his name dramatically, said, "I know some part of your cold heart melts for Lavi. That wink of his every time gets your attention in a heart beat."
"Oh, two can play this game." Leaning more into the table top, Vivian matched Elizabeth's grin.
"You so obviously have something for Allen. It's 'part of the mystery,' I believe you said? You like the mysterious type, I've been your friend long enough to know that much at least." A small chuckle, the other girl sighed.
"Who are we kidding, even if I admitted to that being true - which I'm not - someone else has already beaten us to the chase." Vivian already knew. It was a mutual agreement not to say much openly. Certain ideas were still quite controversial for both men and women alike.
"Am I interrupting?" Allen asked. He had freed his arm of trays at the counter before coming over. Elizabeth managed to hide her surprise well enough. In addition her concern of the current conversation being heard.
"No, of course not. Did you finish what you were doing?" He smiled.
"Yeah. I just needed to tend to a few other guests." A gruff cough came across from the girl's table, behind Allen.
"Well my cup seems to be empty still. Maybe if you weren't so busy flirting, you could do your job," a man sarcastically spat. Unfazed and turning, Allen turned to face the guest.
"I apologize about that. I'll have your refill right out." The man grinned as if he had just claimed victory.
The man replied bitterly, "That's better. And while your at it, make these women quiet down for a while. If I wanted to hear a women goggle, I would go home to my own wife. I don't come drinking to spend more time with their annoying antics." Elizabeth stood, her chair scraping the wood floor as she pushed it back in the process.
"Excuse me? 'Annoying antics?' I pity the woman who has to share a bed with a sexist moron as yourself." Elizabeth delivered her retort with the straightest expression, no exceptions, both Vivian and Allen had seen her muster.
"Yeah? What of it?" The man stood in response. He towered over her lithe figure. She didn't back away, though the thought did cross her mimd.
Allen stepped in between as best he could. Concern for the current situation showed evidently not only on his face, but his nervous laugh.
"There's no need for such comments. Let's just sit back down-" Allen was rudely interrupted.
"What can you do?"
'More than you know,' Allen couldn't help but think. Even if he were a little rusty, the idea of using Crown Clown was present in the back of his mind. His innocence would draw too much attention however, and Allen couldn't think of a believable story for a two second long wardrobe change, let alone claws.
"I'll have to ask you to leave sir if you don't calm down." It was simple as that.
"But they can stay I suppose?" The stout man, much taller than Allen as well, scoffed. "I don't see what they see in you besides that your a freak with a scar."
"He's my freak with a scar. And I believe he asked you to leave." The four turned to Lavi who had spoke. His tone was sharp, stern. He had given an order.
"I was getting ready to. The ale here is crap anyhow," slapping some money on the table, the man left, slamming the door and announcing his departure inevitably. The room had quieted, but returned to normal not long after.
"Sorry about that Elizabeth, Vivian. Drinks are on us," Lavi's stern face melted into his smile they knew well. Setting the two mugs on the table, Elizabeth sat back down.
"I shouldn't have said that. I was out of line." Elizabeth admitted, holding the round mug in both hands, securely. She was still startled by the prospect of what could have happened.
"I think all around things were said, but I wouldn't let it bother you," Allen assured. Lavi added,
"I personally thought your answer was quick-witted. At least what I heard." Vivian held her friends arm.
"I couldn't even move. You were considerably braver than me." Vivian squeezed her hand reassuringly.
"Thank you Allen. I wouldn't have been much of a fight if that had gone much further." Allen looked uncomfortable. He had since the man's comment directed at him.
"I wouldn't have let him touch you."
The night went on mostly uneventful. The atmosphere was it's usual feel again, happy and alcohol plenty. Soon the girls left, some of the men growing more rowdy and more drunk. They said good-bye, Elizabeth thanked Allen once more.
(Line Break)
Mary had offered to clean up and close that night. She had heard of the fiasco and deemed an early retirement to bed would be good.
Lavi had opted to take a bath before bed. Allen unbuttoned his vest and white undershirt, hanging them up. Next his slacks and night attire. Ready for bed, Allen passed the wall mirror, catching a glimpse of his reflection.
He never spent time looking at himself. Maybe to tie the ribbon every once in a while, but Lavi had took pleasure in helping with the task and the mirror was quickly forgotten.
"Looks like your ready for bed, I'll just be a second." Lavi had come out of the bathroom still dressed in a towel. Allen broke away from the mirror, heading to the bed while Lavi rummaged through the closet for his clothes. Dropping his cover he made quick work.
The red head crept under the covers, beside Allen. His stare fixated on the ceiling, laying on his back.
"I won't make a big thing of it, but I will say this." Allen looked to his partner, who proceeded to burrow down into the blankets.
"If you can't forget, than ignore it." He sighed, knowing how obvious he had been. Even his fronted smile hadn't fooled Lavi. He was still a bookman at heart.
"I love your scar. That's reason enough right?" Allen was insecure about virtually nothing, and Lavi was part of that.
"Alright. As long as I'm 'you're freak,' it's nothing to sweat." Lavi cringed.
"I didn't mean 'freak.' You know that right?" A small laugh, Allen said,
"I know. Let's get some sleep."
"Sounds good."
