Roni / Rowan 3
December 10th
The bar had gotten crazy after Lucy's little outburst about Robin Hood and the Evil Queen, and she'd been rather put out when Rowan finally bid her a good night, a second kiss to her hand and a promise he'd be back. Sometimes she hates being a barkeep. Not being able to just sit and have a drink with a singular person because she's off pouring drinks, rounding up empty beer glasses, and threatening the two drunks that if they don't stop whistling and catcalling her she has a very handy bat that hasn't hit anything in a long time.
Most of the time she loves it. Hearing all the stories and tales of the neighbourhood. Listening to a couple brave souls getting up and belting out a Christmas carol on the mic. It's not that she doesn't love her bar. She does and no one will be able to take it away from her. Not even fucking Victoria Belfrey who has just decided to make her very unwanted presence. It's mid afternoon and Roni is really in no mood to deal with the snot bag right now.
Stealing the internal bubble of rage at the sound of far too high clicking of heels on the wood floors approaching behind her. She doesn't even turn when she hears a purse land on the bar top abruptly, waits and wrings her hands in the checkered cloth in her hands, counting every breath she takes. Until Victoria lets out a rather indignant annoyed sigh at being kept waiting.
"It's a wonder this place stays open what with the service." Victoria sneers as Roni turns with a high arched eyebrow.
"Service is based on the customer. Some deserve it more than others."
"Oh come now Roni. We both know this place barely makes rent every month. You're losing money."
She's right. But that doesn't mean Roni is going to give her the satisfaction of agreeing. She knows it's been tight these past few months, but that's entirely thanks to this bitch in front of her, buying up all the real estate around and developing it into some ungodly steel building prison. It's her angle. She preys on the weak. Pokes at the weaknesses of money most people around here have.
"I'm not selling." Roni leans back on the counter defiantly, "But I can get you a drink if you're looking to support local business."
Belfrey huffs and levels a glare at Roni. She doesn't like being told no, and this particular woman has been the bane of her bloody existence. And the fact that Lucy is now running around town screeching to the high heavens about the curse, how she figured that out, Victoria is uncertain, well it's grating on her last nerve. Breaking the curse is the last thing she wants to happen and if Lucy keeps asking questions about it, someone is bound to remember something.
"I understand that you want to keep this…" She scrunches her nose in disdain as her eyes move around the bar, "establishment. But you have to realize that eventually it will be you crawling back to me for help."
"I wouldn't hold your breath." Roni smiles darkly back. Or by all means do. She thinks to herself. That would be nice. To have Belfrey drop off the face of the earth so Roni doesn't have to deal with her anymore. One can wish.
Victoria scowls back at Roni as she leans over the bar, pushing the lease agreement papers over the oak top. "I know you think you are some beacon of strength for this community, but it's a farce." She taunts, green eyes gazing over sinisterly as the pen between her fingers tap against the papers, "Everyone does in time. You are no different."
She wants to punch her, won't, because time in jail for aggravated assault isn't exactly very Christmassy of her, but still, a swift crack to the perfectly lined white teeth would probably make her feel better. "If you don't want a drink then I suggest you move on and get out of my bar."
Victoria sighs, and leaves the papers where they are as she taps her fingers dully against the bar, "Suit yourself. You know where to find me when your money runs out." Turning on her heels, Victoria leaves Roni at the bar alone, slamming the door shut moment before Roni lets a glass fly into the opposing wall, shattering it to pieces as she screams in anger.
Fury doesn't even begin to describe what she is feeling right now. The rage bubbles hot and deep within her as she storms about the empty bar, hands in her hair tugging at it's roots till it nearly rips out. She is going to figure out a way to end that devil of a woman. Honestly, she has no soul. How dare she traipse into her bar and demand that she sell everything Roni has worked so hard to build. Over her dead body, that is the only way Victoria is going to get this place. Though even that thought doesn't quell the anger that boils within.
She's pacing. Driving drills with her boots into the floor as she stomps back and forth debating on how to kill the woman and not go to jail at the same time. And she is so caught up in her own villainy that she doesn't hear the door creak open. It's damn near midnight and the bar is technically closing in six minutes.
Spinning annoyed on the spot, ready to send this last customer packing without so much of a second thought, she freezes the second her eyes land on a pair of bright blue ones. Looking rather curiously cautious at her.
"Rowan." She lets a breath go, a rather relieved breath as she sighs out a soft defeated "Hi."
"Hi yourself." He steps forward, okay with the fact that she isn't going to strike him down for interrupting whatever it is she was just frantically stomping about over. "Is everything okay?" He continues towards her, ready to take on whatever storm that brews within her.
"I'm fine." She huffs irritatedly, thumping her boot on the ground, hands on her hips as she stares indignantly out the window.
She's rather cute when she is all flustered. "And by fine you mean, you are about to commit murder fine, or you are unsure whether you like your Christmas lights, fine?"
That at least brings a light hot chuckle out of her. She tips her head, curls bouncing about her face as her shoulders sink in a rather uncharacteristic way. "Would you bail me out of jail?"
Rowan smiles, reaches for her arm without thinking, "Well it would be rather hard with me in the next cell." He laughs, and she follows suit, a soft quiet breathy thing that has his heart stammering about itself. God she has a perfect laugh.
"Partner in crime hey?"
"If that's what you need."
"And what if I need a stiff drink." She glances up at him rather vulnerably, hoping to the high heavens that he isn't going to judge how ridiculously drunk she is about to get. And she's in luck as he grins playfully at her whilst pulling a bottle of whiskey from his coat.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Her eyes flush with hot tears at the genuineness of his smile. She's not going to cry, refuses to in fact but he brought her another gift, is here at midnight when technically the bar is closed because he knows it the only time she is actually free, and she's just honestly had a really shitty last hour to her day. God damn Victoria Belfrey!
"How about we switch places, you rest your feet up and I'll play bartender."
She chuckles wetly, wiping her eyes lest the tears building actually fall. "That would be great". Smiling, she lets Rowan lead her to the bar, his dimpled grin wide set as he spins around to the other side, quietly searching for two whiskey glasses.
He's got nice shoulders. The black knit sweater he's wearing shows all the angles and cuts of his rather appealing torso. And if she sneaks a quick glance down lower when he's bending over, well he's not going to know. It's a pretty cute bum he's got. All tight and fitted perfectly into dark denim jeans.
"See something you like M'lady?" He winks and Roni flushes, clearly caught in her perusal of his body. Rolling her eyes, she bites down on her lip, unanswering his prying flirt as he leans over the bar counter and slides a half full glass towards her.
"Thank you."
"You're quite welcome."
They sip quietly, and it feels nice. More than nice in fact. Just sitting here. She watches the way his fingers play with the bottom of his glass, spinning it gently, letting the ice cubes clink softly along the edges. She leans onto her palm, blows out a heavy breath and closes her eyes. Victoria is right. She is losing money with the bar. The neighbourhood is moving out and her customer base is growing smaller and smaller. Soon she won't be able to make rent and loathed as she would be, relocating her life would have to eventually happen.
Rowan reaches across the bar top, finding her hand and lacing his fingers overtop of it with a gentle squeeze. "Do you want to talk about it?" His eyes find hers, curiously and comforting as he smiles softly.
Roni hums, takes another sip of the honey whiskey, and he has pretty damn good taste. She'll have to order a bottle of this brand. For when she has to sign over the lease. She can drown herself in it's taste rather than her defeat. Roni shrugs, and glances down at their joined hands.
"Pardon if I am prying, but I think you need someone to vent too."
"What makes you think you know me so well?" Her brow arches playfully high.
"Well, I'd venture that you'd have kicked me out if you didn't."
She laughs. Sighs and throws her curls back as she slumps into the back of the chair. Ghosting her eyes around the room, she looks at her bar. At her home. It's her place. She's been here as long as she can remember. Her apartment is above it. Her entire world is wrapped up in this establishment. Having to give it all up, it would be crushing.
"How long have you lived here?"
"I moved about a year ago."
"This neighbourhood used to have so much life to it. People here were a real community."
"Sounds nice."
"It was. I just -" she huffs a breath through her nose, "It kills me to see that woman strip it all away."
"You mean Belfrey?"
"Yeah."
Rowan scoffs, downing his whiskey, "About three months ago she came with a deed to my shop, asking if I would sell."
"Can't say I'm that surprised. She's a greedy soul sucking bitch." Roni gruffs, following his lead and throwing back the rest of her liquor, passing the empty glass back for a refill Rowan is quick to fill. "I just wish there was some way to stop her."
"Don't give in."
Their eyes meet, and Roni feels her heart jump into her throat. He has this calm demeanour of strength about it. A defiance made from purity. "Easier said than done."
"True." He nods, "But, Belfrey is a bully, plain and simple. But there is strength in numbers who stand up against a villain like her."
Roni chuckles, he's clearly been giving too much thought to Lucy's fairy tale stories. "Yeah, she's a real Wicked Witch."
"Too right you are." He taps his glass to hers with a smile. "In all seriously though Roni, Is there anything I can do to help?"
"You've already done more than you know." She grins back, squeezing their still locked together fingers and the blush behind his scruff rises. It's strange. Being this comfortable with a complete stranger. And for some reason, beyond Roni's understanding, she feels at ease with him. There is just something about his eyes that make her heart soften. He seems half accepting of her answer, what with his brow frowning for a moment as he plays with one of the rings on her right hand, a rather silver band, wrapped once around in delicate finger with an arrowhead on one end, a feather on the other, nearly meeting in the middle.
"Why arrow's and feathers?"
She flexes her hand, eyeing up the ring that sits on her right ring finger. "I don't know to be honest." She admits because she doesn't, even if there much of the decor in her bar is of the two symbols. Her sign even has two pointed arrows below her name. They just felt right.
"They suit you."
Her brow cocks, "How so?"
"Well in old folklore, feathers represent hope. And it is rather clear that you are the beacon in this town."
She blushes at that, harder even still when he smiles that smile at her. The dimpled deep one as he bites down on his lower lip, shyly avoiding her eyes as he thumbs the ring. "And arrows are for delicate strength, again a no brainer when one comes to know you."
"You think I'm delicate?"
Rowan hums, licks his lips and levels her with a look that has her knees grateful she is sitting down. "Underneath the strength you put on for everyone else, yes, I think you are rather dainty and delicate."
She giggles, which is completely uncharacteristic of her. Perhaps two whiskey's is a bit much, she hasn't even eaten dinner, though it's nearly 1 am so maybe breakfast is nearly in order. And then it hits her. It's one in the morning and he is here instead of at home, asleep, like normal people.
Scowling at the clock, Roni turns, studied Rowan's face as he tips his head curiously at her sudden change in demeanour. "Why aren't you at home?" It comes out a bit rougher than she wanted, but she's damn puzzled. She doesn't know what she was expecting his answer to be, but it certainly wasn't his soft smirk and his omission of "I knew it was the only time I'd get to spend just with you. No interruptions."
Her stomach lurches, swirls and heats. It's impossible for someone to be this perfect right? He can't be real. Maybe Lucy is right and he is Robin Hood, a man notoriously known for poetic words and charm. He pours himself a third whiskey, passes her a twin, and rounds the bar to sit beside her on the vacant stool.
"But." His thighs brush against her's as he settles, "If you are tired, I can come back at a more appropriate time." Roni bumps her heel into his leg, grinning at how genuine his comment is. She know's he'd leave if she asked. But she doesn't want him to go. Would much rather sit and finish off the entire bottle of whiskey with him instead.
Rowan beams when she shakes her head, openly admiring the curls that bounce about her shoulders. They fall into a comfortable silence for a while. Both content to have their hands laced on the bar top, Rowan's stool scooched closer and closer to Roni with every passing minute until her legs are nearly into his lap.
His hands brush her calves every now and then, stroking over the denim and playfully tugging at the leopard tassel on her heel. Her head spins with the fourth whiskey nearly done, a pleasant buzzing warm deep in her stomach that has her lulling her head to the side, eyeing up the rather gorgeous man sitting opposite her. He's got nice arms, and hands, and chest, and well everything. She likes his stubble. Wonders what it would be like to have it scratch against her neck. The thought has her heating, groaning internally over the fact she hasn't been with well anyone, man or woman in years. And Rowan, he looks like the perfect...fuck.
A snort escapes her at the drunken inner monologue roaming in her mind, the noise has Rowan's brow raising in interest. She can't tell him. She'd be mortified if he knew she was just mentally undressing him and wondering if he would take her on the bar right now, or move to the sofa by the window instead.
"Tell me." He grins, clearly buzzed himself.
"No."
"Roni."
"Rowan." She smirks, and lets her eyes travel to the v of his sweater, a speckle of blonde hair there she'd give anything to scratch her fingers through right now. Hell, she'd pretty much give Rowan anything if he would just take his damn shirt off . She giggles, blushes at the sound and then giggles even harder which only has Rowan gearing up playfully as he tugs the edge of her seat into his, butting the ends up together, forcing her thighs to splay across his. Well they didn't have to spread, but they feel like jelly and she can't find a reason to sit a little more lady like when his gaze darkens and travels her body.
Yep. He'd be a damn good fuck. She has no doubt about it. Would probably be one of those guys that would strip her down, pick her up and take her against a wall. Or...she arches her back, drunkenly trying to figure out if perhaps he'd actually be the kind that would decidedly undress her teasingly slow, have her sit nearly naked in his lap as he bestowed gentle soft affection to her body before taking her with slow rolls of his hips into hers.
Either would be perfectly fine with her, and apparently the wetness that is starting to slicken between her thighs. She hears him groan, his head falling into his palm on the bar top as he stares blatantly at her, desire raging in his eyes as he throws back the last of the whiskey. Trailing her toe up his inseam, she watches how his gaze diverts down, watching her tease him.
"You're an evil woman."
"Well I am the Evil Queen, or didn't you know?"
He grins, leans into her, barely a breath between them, "I have heard of you, Your Majesty." He's so close, if she just leaned a fraction in, their lips would touch. She wants to touch them. Wants to kiss him. He'd be a good kisser too. She knows it.
"And what of you Robin Hood? I hear you're a thief." She flirts heavily back, dragging her nails on his forearm now apparently wrapped around her shoulders, toying with a curl. "Have you come to steal something from me?" Her breath runs hot when he bites back a smile and stares at the way her lips move.
He wants to kiss her. Desperately. But this isn't how he wants it to happen. He wants to be clear of mind when he finally gets to taste her lips. He wants to remember every moan that she makes when he kisses her. The way her body moves underneath his, the smell of her wrapping around him tight.
"Wait."
Damn. She knew it. Her heart sinks and she shrugs back into her stool, a good foot away from him and his body. "I'm sorry..."
"Don't." He grabs her thighs, and tips her chin to him. "You have no idea how bad I want to kiss you right now."
"Okay?"
He sighs, brushes a lock behind her ear, "I don't want you to think this is because we are both drunk. I want to court you, properly."
Another ridiculous giggle erupts from her as she smiles, "You want to court the Evil Queen?"
He answers honestly with a grin, "I want to get to know the woman behind the sign, the one who everyone talks about, the woman that has had my heart in a tumbling mess since I first saw her."
"Are you planning to steal my heart thief?"
"Only if you will willingly give it to me."
A moment passes, a thick delicious moment she wants to freeze forever. This is what it feels. That flicker of happiness igniting in her heart. Something she long let go of ever trying to find again.
She meant only to thank him with words, but her body apparently had a mind of it's own and she will blame the way her arms fly around his neck on her anger from before. She breathes him in, revelling in the soft pine smell of his skin, the stubble that brushes against her cheek when she nuzzles in a touch tighter. And thank the gods he doesn't freeze on the spot and push her advance away, but in fact does the exact opposite and wraps his own hands about her waist, holding her snug to his body.
"I'll take this as a yes I may take you on a date then?" He whispers into her ear warmly, stroking over her back as she sighs into him. Roni leans back, finds his eyes looking down at her, full of hope. And for whatever reason, Lucy's voice runs through her mind. It's just a silly childhood fairytale.
A beaming honesty in the little girl's soul that Rowan was in fact this Robin Hood, the soulmate of the Evil Queen, her soulmate. It may be just a story, but something in Roni flames, as Rowan brushes his nose along her temple, it's safety. She feels safe with him.
"Okay, Thief."
TBC.