Hannah licked her fingertip and turned the page in her book. A shadow fell over her table. Two chairs were pulled up and occupied. Slowly, Hannah marked her page and looked up, not knowing what to expect.
said the red haired young man. Me name's Fred he grinned and turned to the other boy, hitting him on the arm. Be a gentleman Mouse! Troduce yourself!
said the slimmer boy. He pushed his dirty brown hair out of his eyes. I'm Mouse. The two boys looked at her expectantly.
What can I do for you boys? Hannah asked.
Do for us? Oh, nothin for us lady. We jus' noticed you was a bit lonely here every night. All you do is read all evening. Thought maybe perhaps you'd like to be a bit sociable. Hannah thought quickly. It was an interesting proposition. She recognized them from before. They were the rowdy bunch that played Red Baron every night. Sociable how? she asked. She looked directly into the skinny boy's eyes. Like talk, or was there some sort of game you had in mind?
Oh, just small talk miss, we jus-
interrupted the skinny boy, a game could be fun. His eyes danced with mischief. The other boy grabbed him and whispered fiercely in his ear. Hannah looked away, she'd feel odd knowing what they were saying. The two carried on a discussion in heated whispers until Hannah cleared her throat. They sat up immediately.
she asked pointedly, looking at her nails.
said the brown haired boy, We'd like to propose a wager.

-----------------------------

Gideon wiped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand. Hot in here, innit boy growled Rooks from the table. The sturdy, gruff looking man was viscously plucking feathers out of a chicken.
said Gideon. He started another pot of soup. Then he checked the bread in the stove. You know what they say. He turned and grabbed a ladle out of a bucket by the cupboard.
What do they say lad?
Well, if you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen. The older man looked confused. What? You've never heard that expression before?
Well, of course I have lad, but what has that got t'do with anything? He looked completely astounded. The fact that he was covered in stray feathers didn't help at all.
Well, hmm. You said- Gideon knew an explanation of context would definitely not help the situation. Instead he said Well, I'm still here aren't I? The older man was silent. Then he exploded with a burst of roaring laughter.
Right you are lad, right you are he pounded Gideon on the back. They both turned back to their work. Knew I did the right thing hiring you, even with all that business of things comin' up missin'. Knew it was a good idea.

------------------------------

It was late. The crowd in the pub slowly changed from shifty to shiftier. But Hannah wasn't worried. Growing up in the Court of the Rogue taught her not to worry. Thieves could smell fear better than dogs could. And besides. Hannah was winning her first ever game of cards.
Red Baron! she cried ecstatically. She couldn't help but smile. That is until she looked across the table. The two boys looked pathetic. Beaten by a friend is one thing. But beaten like a girl, and a complete stranger is something completely different.
Tell ya what she said hitting the table.
Not another round Miss, he's already spent his weeks earnings and mine. Can't we leave it at that?
Actually, I was thinking. I've never been much of a gambler, in fact, this is the first card game I've actually won a groan of misery came from Mouse, who was now resting his head on the edge of the table. I think because of the extenuating circumstances, we could maybe just say it was nothing, and I could give you your money back. Mouse's head snapped up.
What's the catch?
The catch? Hannah had been waiting for this.
There's always a catch. Hannah contemplated. Hot tea might be nice, or- I know!' she thought to herself.
She handed the money back over the table you just tell me about your fr- Before she could finish her sentence, a yell came up and a fight started at the bar. Fred and Mouse whipped around, excitement on their faces.
Sorry lass, called Mouse over his shoulder, duty calls. Let's do this again sometime He dove into the fray.
You might want to be getting out of here Fred said nicely. With that, he turned on his heal, just in time to dodge a half full pitcher of ale. Hannah shook her head ruefully, and gathered her things.

----------------------------

Out in the fresh air, Hannah tied her cloak and set off towards home. As she turned the corner a door from the back of the pub opened, and a sliver of light fell upon the street.
I swear, It wasn't me sir. You know it wasn't, I've been in here the whole time!
I know lad, I know.
Please, I promise. It wasn't me.
I said I know lad. I wont fire yeh, not yet anyway. Now out with ya. I want you back here tomorrow ready t'start some real work.
Thanks sir. Thank you so much. Thank you.
Nothin' to it lad. Send your mother my regards.
Oh, I will! The door closed and a tall figure walked towards Hannah, face bent towards the ground. It was now or never.

-----------------------------

Gideon walked slowly home, dodging the late night revelers who had just begun to celebrate the evening. He yawned, his thoughts wandering back to earlier that day. He had gone by the shop, then waited so long it was too late.
he scolded himself aloud. Stupid, stupid, stupid. All you had to do was go in. That's all. You've done harder things. Gah, why am I so stupid? He looked up at the sky. You know, that's a good question. said a voice. Deep and melodic. Do you always talk to yourself on busy streets? asked the girl. I usually talk to myself in private to avoid people drawing presumptuous conclusions. She smiled again. Her smile was so captivating, Gideon almost forgot to answer.
Uh, well, he stammered. Get a hold of yourself!' the voice shouted from inside his head. The girl looked at him expectantly. I can't help it. It just comes out sometimes and, I can't help it. They both chuckled nervously. An awkward silence hovered between them.
So, what's your name? asked the girl. She leaned forward to look Gideon in the eyes.
he asked.
No, the ugly old man behind you she said.
Gideon continued to stare at his feet.
Actually, I was asking you.
he said. He looked into her eyes. They were the color of rich honey. What was his name again? Oh, I don't even know anymore. He sighed dejectedly.
That's awful! You don't remember your name? Maybe I can help you.
Gideon was miserable. He had ruined his chance before he even got a hold of it! He was never going to live this up. Good thing he hadn't told anyone about the note, or that he had gone to find her. His thoughts were interrupted by her voice.
Is it John? Gideon looked at her quizzically. Okay, guess not. she said, biting her lip in thought. Then it hit him. He realized what she was talking about. He started to laugh.
What? What's so funny? The girl started to laugh too. Gideon noted that it was a throaty giggle, not a twitter like most of Mitsy's friends. He laughed harder, and so did she. Finally he stopped.
he said.
For what? the girl asked, out of breath and holding her side.
I just realized what you were trying to guess my name. I told you I didn't remember it and so you were guessing! He started to laugh again, rubbing his forehead with his palm. The girl was starting to look worried. She's gonna leave' the voice said. Gideon sobered up fast.
Maybe I should go- she said.
he urged. I'm Gideon. That's my name. Gideon. And you can't go now because, you didn't tell me yours and that's not fair. There was a slightly pleading tone in his voice. The girl turned slowly and glanced up at Gideon, reaching out her hand.
Good to know you, Gideon she said. My name's Hannah. He took her hand, and gave it a good shake.
It's good to finally meet you Hannah. He smiled. The two stood there smiling at each other until a gust of wind sent a shiver up Hannah's back.
Finally? You've been waiting? She asked. Her lips were chapped, he noticed.
Well, I mean. I came by the address on the paper, but I-
You got it then? The note?
Well, yeah.
Oh good. When you didn't come I thought you never got it, or maybe you didn't really want to meet me or-
Oh no. Of course I did.
You did what?
I wanted to meet you.
Hannah blushed and looked away. They both stared uncomfortably at the ground.
So, um, Gideon stammered. Ask her if she wants to meet you tomorrow' said the voice.
She waited, expectantly. Her eyes were beautiful. Out with it boy, don't lose your chance.'
I-I uh, I She was staring at him. He felt naked, exposed. He caved. I have to get home. He nodded firmly and sidestepped around her, practically sprinting down the dark cobblestone street.
Yeah. Me too she said to the now empty street. Smiling, she dusted off her book and walked on slowly. Just before she turned round the corner she ran and jumped clicking her heels together, letting out a triumphant whoop.