Back again and with a longer chapter, this one with more Grendel in it too. If you have any suggestions about what you want to see in the story please let me know I'll be happy to try to make it happen. Bye!

Chapter 3: The Eggman Diner

"You're joking. The Trip Trap?"

"What? What's wrong with it? It's a nice bar, and it's right across the street. I can be home in a flash, and I've done this kind of thing before so it'll be a cake walk."

"It's a stingy bar! You know many how guys will try their luck?"

"Then I'd tell them I have someone. You know I'm not like that... Don't you trust me?"

"I-, I know...and I do."

"Are you sure? From the time we got here you haven't even been home, let's talk about that, shall we? Why are you gone all hours of the day and night? And don't say it's because of your job."

"I told you I've been working the nights and during the day I'm helping my Boss with favors. Is that a crime? This is how I'm paying rent!"

"You still haven't even told me what it is though, and I've been very patient with you when it comes to it. Please stop thinking I'm naive, this is a pattern I've seen before and I'm worried about you."

"Well don't. It's just a small business that helps with distributing loans and collecting them. I swear that's it."

"Is it a bail bonds place or something?"

"No, it's its own business."

"Does it have a name?"

"Yeah it's called what's with the third degree?! Stop asking! Why do you care as long as it's putting bread on the table?! You would be an idiot to question it! Money is money!"

"Not all money is good money, Henry!"

I tapped my foot against the floor to the beat of the music playing through my head phones in an attempt to find muse while rummaging through previous and recent finished work I'd done. Being home wasn't an option at the moment, so I took myself and my plans for the day to The Eggman Diner where it was the only place I could find any peace of mind. That and I heard from Woody it was a good place to stop and get some grub, so, here I was trying to bury my head in my portfolio, flipping through sketches, drawings, and paintings before I took a sip of my coffee and a bite from my plate. I rinsed and repeated until I had to make a phone call to the school I was soon to attend next week. It may have not been located in the Bronx but I had faith I could juggle both school and work with the help of transportation, car or bus.

After I used the phone booth outside the diner I went back to finish up the portfolio, but because of last nights events my head had slowly started to become more clouded as I reminisce on the argument I had with Henry. I replayed the scene over and over again, wondering if there was any other way I could've done differently. When I had told him the news of the job at the Trip Trap, he became oddly upset. He gave me excuse like men gawking at me, hitting on me, simple things he knew I could handle myself. I combated with him that I had spent most of that day searching, but no one had been hiring. I leaped at the first job that gave me the offer, and instead of people happy about me being able to help out with the household he gives me the silent treatment from the time the conversation ended to earlier this morning.

I tried to give him space, I even attempted to talk to him again before I had to start working on the portfolio, but when all he could do was glare at me and show so much distain, I made the decision to leave so I could take a break to figure things out. I needed this job. We needed this job and he was knit picking at what's been handed to us with the help of Lily.

He should have known what kind of rut we were in, the least he could do was not bite the hand that was trying to feed us. We didn't have a penny to our name, no family to help, and the only thing keep us afloat so I could go to school and keep the roof over our head was selling the paintings and the job Holly graciously gave me. I wouldn't deny his job was helping, but it made me wiery of what he was doing now, especially after he vaguely explained it. What did it entail? I didn't trust it, and even more so, sadly, I was starting to lose my confidence in Henry.

I sighed deeply, feeling a slight headache coming on from thinking of all the nonsense, and as I had turned to the last blank page of my portfolio my whole world suddenly went black. I felt the warmth of someone's hands over my eyes, and immediately I thought it was Henry assuming he had found me. I definitely wasn't in the mood after the way he yelled at me, and when he didn't let up I sighed, annoyed, "If this is your way of saying sorry, you can stop. I'm still mad at you, and the way you treated me was unwarranted." I said with a bite.

"Whoa, my bad. I didn't realize I'd pissed you off." I felt the hands drop and in utter surprise I looked to see Lily staring back at me, "Oh-, Lily, I'm so sorry! I thought you were someone else." I pulled out my ear phones and turned off my CD player so I could hear her clearly.

"It's okay no harm done, although, I'd hate to be the said person you're peeved at." Her titter was contagious as I offered her a seat next to me, "How's your morning?"

"Could've been better, how about you?"

"Heh, let's say you're not the only one going through it." She said with almost a hollow smirk.

"You too?"

"Ugh, I don't even want to get into it right now, just bullshit on top of bullshit. In lighter news, I'm suppose to meet a friend here, but lo and behold who do I find but you here with your lovely paintings." She had her eyes glued to my portfolio and pointed to it, "Mind if I..."

"No not at all, help yourself." Meanwhile I snuck a few sips and bites again watching her scan through the pages. I was a little nervous considering it was my handy work, but by the look on her face she seemed to like them, smiling softly when she locked on a picture and tapped her finger on it, "I like the colors to this one. It really makes it pop."

"Thank you. It means a lot, really. I've been so nervous about presenting them next so it's reassuring."

"Of course! You're a natural, better than anything I could ever do. When did you start drawing, it's looks like you've been doing it for quite sometime."

"I have. Does two count?" I joked.

"Finger painting counts sweetie, people have to start somewhere." She laughed, "Plus have you seen Picasso's work? Ugh, what a mess."

"I'll admit Picasso isn't everybody's taste. I don't think my work could ever compare to Picasso's or even Micheal Angelo's though."

"Of course not, you're work is yours. I...I got to admit, I'm a little jealous." I had been staring off at an old painting I did of a little woman sitting in front of a window staring off at the bright, vibrant wonderland I had created, but I stopped when I heard Lily say that smiling at me with confidence, "I mean it. Look at this, you made this with your own hands, a talent most people are wishing they had. So don't sell yourself short kid."

I didn't know what to say, I was completely taken back by her words that all I could do was blush and smile timidly, "Well then, I better take those words to heart."

"Damn right you will. Now, I'm starving, and I need some grub. Hey Vulco!" The man in the back of the kitchen poked his head out from the pick up window and nodded his head, "Can you fire up the usual?"

"You got it! I'm in the weeds today so it may be a minute!" He said over the wave of customers conversing, and in response Lily gave a cheeky smile, "That's fine." She then turned to me and smirked, "I love this place. Cheap food for a full belly. Plus it's the only thing I can afford right now. Either way it's a blessing."

"To have a full stomach, yeah. Best to stay humble in these times." I said softly after finishing off my coffee. She hummed and stared at me cocking her eye brow. I didn't realize it then, but when I placed the cup on the table, I was absentmindedly staring at it, with all of the events still weighing on my mind.

And apparently Lily noticed, "You're somewhere else, I can tell."

"Heh, it's been a long morning. Not exactly what I'd envisioned after-," I stopped myself pressing my lips together and looking away, "Nevermind. Don't worry about it."

"Well now I am. You know, I'm no therapist, but if you need to vent or...talk, I'm here if you need it." I couldn't repress the smile taking my face and released a gentle laugh before I stared at her, debating it. I know I had met her two days ago, and it might've been too soon to be pouring my heart out, but if I had to be honest with myself I needed a shoulder to lean on. I was starting to feel utterly alone after last night, and I was starting to feel a sense of dread running through me.

I sighed softly hunching against my seat and bit my lip, "Henry and I had a fight last night."

"About what?"

I rolled my eyes, not at her, but at the situation, "Over me getting the job at your sister's bar." Her features furrowed into confusion, probably for the same reason I did when the whole thing started, "I thought he was going to be happy about it, but he didn't want me to work there. He said that he didn't want men trying anything. Heh, but even when we met I was already working at one. I worked at another before we got here, so-, why not this one? It's not just because we're living in the Bronx. He's not even telling me where he's working at right now." I saw an odd look come over her but I couldn't say what. It was as if she was attempting to steel her expression to stay neutral, but maybe it was because I was talking, "He's been acting so strange, Lily, and I'm worried about what he's doing."

"Strange how?" She asked.

"When I asked him where he was working, he got angry. He started yelling, and..." I shook my head rewording what he said, "He said some things...Insulting my intelligence about why I would question him as long as money was paying the bills. When I disagreed on the matter he decided to give me the silent treatment."

"Ugh, what an ass."

I slightly frowned, "I'm not trying to make him seem like a bad guy. Henry's been through a lot. We both have, but the unnecessary attitude isn't going to fix our situation." I laced my fingers together and placed my elbows on the table leaning in to be closer to her, "I told him I'm keeping the job, whether he liked it or not. He didn't like that. He's been-, very controlling lately..." I then shifted my gaze to the people in the diner and out to the front windows showing the street. I watched them enter and leave, each person a stranger, and with unknown names. Suddenly, my heart dropped when I realized how my relationship with Henry was going. I just knew it. I was hurt thinking about it, but in reality, how could I be with someone who just wasn't ready to heal? We moved here not even two days ago. He was probably off getting high for all I knew.

I'm such a fool.

"Maybe moving out here was a bad idea." I thought I had said it to myself, but Lily had definitely heard me and tittered when it had become silent between us, "I know the Bronx isn't ideal, but don't let that jerk get to you. Trust me, men like him ain't worth it. Especially if he's resorting to calling you names. Just worry about you and no one else and you'll be right as rain." She then grinned when she saw it had brought a genuine smile to my face, "That's my girl!"

"You're right. I care about Henry, but, we have an income now and maybe once he's cooled off I'll try talking to him again."

"Sounds good."

"Here's you order." I was able to let the situation go after that. I felt much better being able to talk through the problem instead of burying them, and while Lily ate to her hearts content, I began looking at the back page of my portfolio, my eyes stuck on the blank page until I noticed Lily smirking at me, "What?"

"Your face. You concentrate so hard you look like you're about to go cross eyed."

A smile curled onto my face when she said that, "Sorry, I'm debating what to put here. I really want the last page to be something...I don't know. A sketch maybe I have a lot of painting samples and a few sketches, but...nothing that stands out to me, none of these anyway." I gestured at the little pile of copies I made, and then sighed to clear my head, "Sometimes simple is better, and I'm just fresh out of ideas."

"Hm, well maybe when we go out for drinks later we can find your muse."

"I thought you were meeting a friend?"

"I am. We work at the same place and since we've been working around the clock we figured we treat ourselves to an early drink."

"It's like eleven-thirty right now."

"Hey, it's twelve somewhere." I slightly tittered a little and nodded my head, my gaze settling on the portfolio again before my eyes met with hers, "Just so you know, yes, I'm inviting you. So, are you excited about tonight?"

"Y-yeah. Of course! I hope your sister doesn't think I'm pulling her chain. I meant everything I said, I'm very dedicated and motivated when it comes to my job."

"She's a hard ass I'm not going to lie, but she has a way of showing she cares if you do right by her."

"That's relieving to hear. Then I guess I have nothing to worry about?"

"I can't promise anything." My face fell at her sudden response but at the same time she was right. It was all up to me to put in the work.

"Alright fair enough." I took pause to take a sip from my water, "So does Gren and Woody go there often?"

"Are you kidding? They're practically family. Gren's been there since he was able to afford his glamour, and Woody came soon after." There was a glow to her face when she mentioned Woody, something in her eyes brightened, and a smile was softly placed on her lips.

I knew that look all too well, "Are you guys..." I didn't want to assume but, I was curious, and to that Lily tittered and shook her head, "Nah. It's...A little complicated."

"I understand," I saw a hidden sadness start to take hold, and I knew it was time to drop the subject, "Hopefully it can work itself out. Just like Henry and I." That seemed to make her smile. It was one she was trying not to give.

"Well fuck me, look who it is." We both heard a low, gruff voice to the front of us and looked up to find none other than Grendel looking down at us with a smirk gracing his face, "If it ain't the two new besties."

"Hey Gren! I didn't expect to see you here." I said as I turned to Lily curious, "Is he the friend you're waiting for?"

It made Lily laugh out loud for some reason, "No, I don't think Gren would ever want to work at the Pudding and Pie." I heard a loud smack from Gren and looked to see him with his hand over his face.

I still didn't get it, and it made her laugh even more to his misfortune, "What the fuck are you two going on about?"

"Yeah I'm confused, what's the Pudding and Pie?"

While Lily was trying to control her laughter Gren grumbled and shoved his hands in his pockets, "It's a gentlemen's club."

"That's the nice way of putting it," Lily retorted before taking a few bites of her food, scarfing it down as if it were her last meal. It reminded me of my own eating habits having eaten a whole big bowl of mac and cheese in less than 15 minutes one time.

Then I realized what they meant, "It's a strip club?"

"Yep." I wasn't expecting that. When she noticed my silence she looked from her food to me, "I hope that doesn't bother you."

"What? Oh, no, not at all. Why?"

"Some people...don't like strippers." She said simply. By this time I had offered Gren the seat across from us and he took it with a soft grunt, sitting back with a sigh. He sounded beat and tired.

"Not me. As long as you're a good person why does it matter?" She was quiet then, still smiling before she looked at me with an expression I couldn't quite place again, but it quickly faded away when she took the last bite of her plate and scooted it to the edge of the table.

"On a funnier note, I can't get the image of Grendel as a stripper out of my head." I felt the said man glare at me and growl, "Kid, you're scarring me, shut up." Lily and I fell into another fit of laughter, but when I saw his glare deepen I tittered off and patted his leg, "I'm sorry, I couldn't resist."

"I'm not going to lie seeing you in a thong and giving a lap dance is something I'd like to see." Lily teased grinning mischievously at her friend.

"Me too."

"Fuck. off." In retaliation he stole Lily's water to drink it and gulped it down until it was gone.

"Hey!"

"Look, give me a break will you?" He then placed the empty glass on the table sitting back with a tired yawn, "It's been a shitty morning for me. I'm close to losing my fucking job and all I want to do is take a fucidol."

"You got enough for two more? We're all having a crappy day." I said smirking.

"Oh yeah? What's going on with you two?" He asked while waving at Vulco to get his attention. Vulco looked up from his crowded stove and yelled out a number to one of his helpers in the back to which the assistance understood and went further into the back.

"Assholes." Lily put simply getting Gren to grunt, "Got it. Well I say we all take that fudicol, head to the Trip Trap after this and-,"

"Get a drink?" Lily finished his sentence with a dance of her eyebrows getting him to chuckle and wave a finger at her, "Ya read my mind."

"You guys really do think alike, she mentioned it even before you got here." I said giggling.

"Heh, well then I better hurry up and fill my belly. Can't go drinkin' on an empty stomach." He patted his stomach with implication.

"Now that is a smart move. Drink plenty of water too!"

"What're you my mother?" His sarcasm only made me smile but when I noticed a hint of annoyance I felt I had hit a cord.

"Of course not. Food and water keeps you from getting a hang over. It helps me out sometimes. S-sorry." My fingers moved to the corner of my portfolio from the nerves I was beginning to feel, trying to keep myself from looking like a timid little girl.

It wasn't my intention for me to make him feel some sort of way, but before I knew it I heard a small sigh leave him as he rubbed at his neck, "Mm...I'll keep that in mind." I heard him mutter. I looked at him for a moment seeing him hesitate to look at me before finally meeting with my gaze. We stared at each other figuring out the air around us, and just like that we both smiled as if nothing happened.

Then, his green eyes shifted to the book I was absentmindedly flicking at, making me stop and look down as well. At first I thought he wanted me to stop, but he tilted his head quizzically, "Is that your work?"

I felt my cheeks flush, but I smiled and nodded, timidly sliding it over with a finger to let him see it. His gaze shifted to me and to the portfolio as he took it and flipped through the pages. While he studied them I felt my heart pounding against my chest, waiting patiently, taking a quick gander over at Lily to find her giggling on behalf of my amusement. I probably looked like a nervous wreck and she was loving it!

"Now, I'm not no artist, but...I dig it. It ain't half bad." He then stared up at me quiet, smirking softly as he closed the portfolio and slid it back over to me, "You got a real knack for this shit don't you?"

"Thank you." I smiled breathless, almost relieved to know he liked it, "I just grew into it I guess. A good way to express yourself they say."

"Ha ha, I don't know about all that crap, but you definitely got a talent. I can't even draw a stick figure." He said.

"I'm sure you have a talent in something, you just don't know it yet." I replied, only getting him to laugh before waving off the person who brought his food.

"Yeah in vinegar attitudes and cursing like a sailor." Lily mumbled, loud enough for Grendel to hear her.

"Fuck you."

"See?"

Gren shook his head grumbling something incoherent into his hand as he rubbed his face in frustration. His comical reaction when he looked at me and pointing a thumb in her direction made me stifle a giggle, "She's a riot, ain't she?"

"An absolute delight." I retorted never losing the smile on my face to cause him to smirk and chuckle through his smile, "Lily, can we keep her? I'm really startin' to like this chick."

"What am I, a pet?...I appreciate the compliment any way." By the time I had said this Gren had taken another drink of Lily's coffee causing her to scoff as he grinned impishly at her.

"Fucker." Her failed insult made him laugh before he went to taking a few bites of his food.

"Well good," He finally said, "Because I usually don't like nobody. So it's a good sign."

"In so many words he can stand you." Lily added taking a sip from her drink, "Trust me, you want that."

"The feeling's mutual." When I said that the man gazed up at me, a look passing his face as if trying to read into what I meant until I winked, grinning playfully to get him to ease his features and before long we were smiling like idiots at one another. I had to pull away from his gaze though when I felt I had been staring too long. I didn't want him getting the wrong idea. After all, how would I have felt it was Henry? What would he think if he saw me even looking at another man? It sounded silly I know, I was just giving friendly gestures, but the more I thought about it the more I began to feel guilty.

So I decided to change the subject, "So Lily, is that friend still coming?"

"Anytime now. She's a little wiery of new people but I do think you two will really like each other."

"You make it sound as I'm going on a blind date." I laughed, her laughing even louder.

"Yeah if you didn't realize by now I'm playing match maker. Haha! I'd love to see the look on Faith's fave when I tell her I found her a new girlfriend." Our fits of giggles were changing into laughter.

"Don't do that please, Henry would lose his shit if he found out I left him for a woman."

"Well maybe that'll get him to clean up his act then." She said optimistically but all I could do was shrug.

Gren on the other hand seemed to be confused by what we we're talking about, until Lily reiterated, "Her boyfriend's upset because she's working at the bar. Of course, this little minx told him to eat shit and now he's being a bitter ninny about it."

"I didn't tell him to eat shit, Lily." I muttered at the way she worded it. I certainly did not tell him to eat shit.

"Heh, he should be so lucky. Holly don't partake to no mother fuckin' body, but his girl gets the job no problem and he's bitchin'? Sorry cupcake, but your dude's a dick."

"Yes, I'm aware. It's one of the reason why I didn't want to be home today."

"Poor you." I could feel his eyes on me, a small hint of almost pity before he went back to finishing off his plate.

Suddenly, my attention was brought to a young woman walking up right behind Gren, a smirk on her face as she came up to the edge of the table. She was an attractive girl with black hair and green eyes dressed in a strapless teal shirt, black skirt and dark colored stilettos. I then immediately noticed the ribbon wrapped around her neck, recognizing it to be the same as the one Lily was wearing but kept this to myself. I wondered if they'd bought them at the same store but that question went straight out the window when Lily noticed her and gasped smiling, "You made it!"

"Yeah, sorry I'm late, that took longer than expected. Hey Gren." She gave a tired smile and waved at the man who merely waved back quietly. Her gaze then shifted over to me, a more awkward less genuine smile took her face, "Hey, I'm Faith." She introduced herself extending out a hand to me, and I graciously tool it giving her my name in return. I was hoping I could've eased into this new meet with ease, but an odd expression came over her face and for a split second her eyes shifted to Lily. If I had been more engrossed in our introduction I wouldn't have noticed but it was obvious that my name had triggered something. I didn't know what or why, but the greeting had come and gone when Lily suggested to head out, "So what do you say ladies and gents, shall we get the fuck out of here?"

"Yeah I'm done. This place is starting to get a little too loud for my liking anyway." Gren pushed his plate to the side and wiped his mouth with a napkin before lifting himself out of his seat, "Too crowded."

I had to agree when I saw the amount of people coming in. I did a look around to almost every table full after paying our tab we all headed out into the cool Spring air, with no sun to speak of. It was complete overcast today and any warmth was hiding behind behind them this mid-morning. I could smell the undertone of dirt and moisture mixed into the air, giving me the sense that it was going to rain today. This was the perfect time to reach into my pocket and open up my cigarette clip to grab a rollie, sticking it in between my lips before lighting it and taking in the busy scenery while we made our way down Bullfinch, "Anyone want one?" I offered up my tiny box and handed it off to Faith. She was hesitant at first, but then smiled and took the box, "Thanks. I smoked my last one on the way here."

Once she had one to Lily the box came back me and when it did I offered one to Gren as well who gladly took with a smirk, "I know that all too well." I then switched out my pack with a lighter passing it around. Gren however stuck his behind his ear to save for later.

"I haven't seen you around here before, are you new?" I heard her ask curiously.

"She just moved here two days ago." Lily said.

"Where from?" The question left me with a ping of anxiety, yet I answered none the less,"Out of state." I said vaguely, "But I came here for a fresh start. I'm starting classes at the N.Y. School of Arts."

"Oh wow, well good luck to you then."

"But what's your story kid? What fable did you drop out of?" Gren suddenly asked getting me to turn to him.

Fable? Oh, my story.

I took a moment staring back at him, his eyes boring into mine as if the question was wracking his brain, and yet something more was laying behind that gaze, something tempting me to hold his sight...No, I was imagining things, I must have been.

"Well, my fable is one of happy beginnings and a sad sappy ending. Well...Not entirely..." I muttered the last part, taking in a quick drag letting the smoke fill my lungs only to blow it back out into the air. We were crossing the street then, the light with the pedestrian sign letting us know it was our turn to go, but just before I could step out I felt a strong arm wrap around my torso and pull me back onto the sidewalk. A loud horn startled the ever living shit out of me and before I knew it I saw a blue car screech around the corner, "What the fuck!" I heard Lily yell at him while Faith gave the driver the bird.

"Fuck you asshole!" I looked up to see a dangerous feature cross Grendel's face, his arm still secured to my chest before he loosened his grip and look down to me worriedly, "You alright?"

"Y-yeah, thank you. I would've never..." I was still trying to register what had happen when Gren had released me to let me walk on my own, away from the edge of the street after that.

"What the fuck was that guy's problem?!" Lily snapped before putting a hand on my shoulder, "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I didn't get run over so there's that. I'm okay Lily really." She sighed and shook her head in disbelief. I knew it wasn't at me but the reckless driver. Just as everything was about to go back to normal, I felt light little wet droplets touch the top of my head and the tip of my nose, making me look up at the sky to find it sprinkling.

Grendel grunted and grabbed the cigarette from his ear, "Shit, I better smoke this now." I offered my lighter, ready for him, catching him off guard before he leaned in and lit it, "Thanks." I smiled in response and then finished off my own with a few more puffs before putting it out on the bottom of my shoe and throwing it away in the next trash I could find.

By the time we arrived at the Trip Trap the sprinkling had turned into actual rain having us all use whatever we had on us to cover ourselves. Mostly, our jackets as a means to keep us dry, and as we made it to the entrance I took a small hopeful peek across the street to see if Henry had returned. But unfortunately my hopes had fallen on deaf ears, and I could feel a small frown taking my face, and a heavy anchor hook itself into my heart. I really wanted to believe he was working.

Suddenly, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder which traveled to my back with a pat as I looked to find Lily smiling softly and nudging her head towards the bar, "Buck up Buttercup, no frowny faces where we're going." She then wrapped her arm around mine like she did yesterday and led me into the establishment. I knew what she was trying to do, and in silence I thanked her for it. A little distraction was what I really needed. I grateful to have these generous people give it to me.

"Hey Holly, I got a litter behind me." Gren announced.

"I hope they're buyin' something. This place doesn't pay for itself."

"Which means the drinks need drinking." Faith retorted back grinning as we all took seats at the bar.

"Damn right. So, what will it be?"

"Good ole Midas Gold." She said.

"And for rest of you?"

"A beer sounds real good." I admitted.

"Make that three." Lily added after sitting next to me.

"What about you Grendel, what's your poison?" The older sister looked to him as he sat in his spot from yesterday, "The usual." He replied.

"Alright." It was a pretty casual day from there, the girls and I talked about nothing, and everything. At one point we started discussing video games and decided to make a Game Day to zone out the world and take a break from the chaos in our lives. Lily and Faith weren't really fans about it at first, but after a little persuading they seem to like the idea.

"When did you want to do this?" Faith asked pulling out her booklet to write down a time and date.

"How about tomorrow? Three o'clock?"

"Sure. I don't have anything booked. Faith?"

"Same goes for me." She replied after taking a gulp of her beer.

"Speaking of games, how about a game of pool, eh?" Gren interjected taking the last swig of his first beer after taking three shots.

"Huh?"

"Yeah, come on, solids or stripes?" As he sat up from the stool and walked over to the pool table he waved me over lazily to follow him. "Solids please." I did so getting out of my seat and walked over to have him hand me a stick and blue chalk.

"Alright. So, when was the last time you played?"

"It's been awhile, the last bar I worked at didn't have on, just a karaoke machine and four arcade games."

"Sounds shitty. A bar ain't complete without one." Gren then grabbed the triangle mold for the balls and as I began marking the tip of my pool stick I watched as he readied the table. I tried to help by rolling the balm to him but he merely shrugged and said, "I got it." I blinked back but said nothing on to set the blue chalk down on an extra stool near by and then watched as he pulled the triangle away and prepared the white ball towards him, "So little lady, what other games are you into?" He asked me as he leaned in to take aim at his target.

"Many. I personally have a guilty pleasure in video games, since I am a bit of an introvert."

"Really?" He sounded surprise, "I would've never guessed. They any good?"

"Pretty good. Good graphics, with shoot'em ups, RPGs, Fantasy, Horror, they got a good amount of genres if you ever take a gander." When I told him this he seemed a little interested, but also distracted by what I was doing. I was gazing around the table at my colors to find the angle I wanted to go for.

"Maybe. Yeah." I heard him say. It made me think back to earlier and turn to him as I stood up and leaned against the table, "You know, me and the girl's are having a get together to play a few rounds on the console if you want to join us tomorrow." His eyes looked to me as if unsure, and even averted from mine as he looked to his pool stick as if it had his answer, "I don't know, I'll think about it."

"Okay. No worries. But just so you know, you're more than welcome to stop by." I went from leaning to returning back to the white ball in front of me, and extended my arm back to attempt my mark. We both watched as it hit a solid with a snap, "Well thanks for the offer." Yet the ball never made it in. We both then smiled at one another, and from there we continued to enjoy the quiet and docile atmosphere as we played the game with just the sound of the record player harmonizing and the girls talking in the background. Holly, Lily and Faith were all discussing about something or someone I had no idea about, but as I played my round with Gren I found myself unintentionally listening to their conversation, "So Sheriff Wolf's sniffing around again."

"Yeah well, when is he not?" Holly shrugged dismissively and wiped down her counters as she spoke.

"It wouldn't be a problem if he wasn't half assing his job." Gren growled annoyed, and gripped the pool stick in his hand tighter before he shook his head and took his turn, "This mother fucker gets a badge after what he's done and all is forgiven right, because some strings were pulled? I'd be good with that-, like I said, if he was doing his fuckin' job! Instead they got half of us Fables working fucked up jobs in the mundy world."

"Now now, let's not forget about their pickled prick stand in Crane. He's the one making the decisions. How did Fabletown get stuck with such yucks?" Lily's words were full of venom as she gulped down her beer like water. It sounded like there was a lot of disdain for these two people they spoke of.

"The Sheriff is going by what Ichabod tells him. Him and Snow." Faith sounded as if she was attempting to stand up for the Sheriff but seemed hesitant at the same time, "I mean, it's what Crane says, goes."

"Yeah, because he has such a good fuckin' lap dog." Grendel grit his teeth when he retorted but as he sat there stewing on the conflicts of their community, my ears perked at the interesting names they used. It felt like the room had slowed in motion as I aimed for one of the corner pockets, and with a steady hand I shot my mark, "Because Crane's seat of position it feels like things just keep getting shittier and shittier." I assumed Fable was slang for the low and down trotted, the poor or lower middle class, but...The way they talked about this Sheriff and those other people made it sound like they were the only ones running this part of the town. It was all very odd to me and I didn't quite understand the full scale of it, and with nothing to really bring to the table I felt it in my best interest to mind my own business, "And what do you think of all this, huh? I mean I know you just got here, but you've been hearing about this shit, right? It's fuckin' ridiculous."

I hadn't realized that Gren had been talking to me at first, but when I realized the silence I looked up to see his eyes gazing at me for a response. All I could do was shake my head, and shrug my shoulders, "I just can't believe someone would name their kid Ichabod. That's just sad. Did his mother hate him or something?" That earned me a bunch of laughs and chuckles from the others just as Grendel had ended our game with a few last swift shoots of his colors until he hit the black ball into the bottom left pocket, "Crap."

"Ha, score baby! I win. We should up the ante next time. Bet some real money." He put up a hand and rubbed his fingers together with his thumb getting me to fake a scoff playfully and put a hand to my hip, "Why because you think I suck."

"Hey you said it not me." He quipped smirking, and then pointed at the table, "I mean the game does speak for itself."

I started to glare at him, but smirked chuckling before nodding my head, "Fine, you're on." I challenged back. This time he gave me big grin, his eyes steadily holding my gaze as an uncontrollable chill ran up my spine, "How much?" He asked.

"Let's start off small, tens bucks." I threw out the number at random.

"Pft, make it twenty." I knew he would raise the bar a bit, which made me arch a brow mischievously and tapped my chin thoughtfully as I looked to the side, only to smile back at him.

"Fifteen and that's my final offer." He considered it for a moment, I could see it in his eyes before a hum vibrated from his chest, and he extended out a hand, "Deal." I took it with a hearty hand shake and felt Gren take the opportunity to really study me. His eyes darted downwards and back up at me as if I hadn't noticed, but little did he know I'd had plenty of practice reading body language and reading facial expressions. I couldn't lie, it felt...Nice being looked at like that again, but I was quick to drop my hand and put my stick back in its holder.

Suddenly it dawned on me. I hadn't been keeping up with the time. I gasped and shot my head to the clock up on the wall and saw that it was time for me to go, "Man...Sorry guys I got to get home." I went over to the bar and grabbed my bag to head out the door, "Lily, Faith, if I don't see you later tonight, I'll see you tomorrow."

"Sure thing sweety." Lily waved her hand with a dance of her fingers while Faith lifted her beer to me, "It was nice meeting you."

"You too. Holly I'll be back in a few."

"Alright kid, see you tonight." With that I gave one last wave towards Gren who silently waved back before sitting down in his stool and turned towards the bar. When I made my way towards the entrance, I sighed at the sound of the relentless rain coming from outside.

I walked out of the bar and up the steps to the main street crossing over to my apartment. I still didn't see the car and I was starting to internally struggle with the sense of deflation, anxiety, and a broken heart overwhelming me. He must be working still Is what I tried to tell myself. I tried to breathe quietly hoping as I rode the elevator up I could collect myself and my emotions that were slowly starting to manifest. I leaned my head back against the wall of the elevator until I heard a ding and then came out into the hall way where I finally arrived to my destination, "Home sweet home." I unlocked the door and stepped inside, taking off my shoes before I stepped into the living room to drop off my bag on the couch.

With the time that I had before work I took a long needed shower, and in the midst of washing I began to really wonder where he was working, and it left a bad taste in my mouth that he refused to tell me the name. Something was up and I was going to find out what. Even before we settled in I feared he would spiral again, knowing he was still a recovering addict. My head hurt, my heart hurt more and even my body began to ache knowing that this move could really be it.

I should put on some music After my shower I made sure to do just that while I continued to get ready. I walked up to my dresser and pulled out my favorite tank top and a comfortable pair of pants. I put them on with a haste knowing I still needed to do my make up, and began to doing that soon after. Once I was done, I took a moment to fix my hair and then put on my art apron to do a few more touch ups to Lily's painting before I headed out. It was just what I needed before work, a little content and happiness to lighten the mood. Some peace and respite. I had almost fallen far too into my work when my alarm went off and by the time I was done, the only thing I had to do was put on the protective gloss I had made for it. Unfortunately that was going to have to wait. I slipped on my boots and tied them up, and headed out the door, leaving one light on just in case Henry decided to return.

I was excited about tonight, especially after being able to hang out with everyone, it made me feel more comfortable starting I hoped tonight would go smoothly, but I had only ever been there during the day, the night could've been a completely different vibe.

"Evening." Woody was the first person to greet me when I came into view of everyone. Lily and Faith were nowhere to be found, but I could see there were four new patrons at the bar between him and Grendel who had perked at the man's bellowing tone cutting through the music playing on the record player, "Hey Woody, how're you doing?"

"Ugh, where to start...Oh well, it could be worse right?"

I patted his shoulder for comfort and gave a smile of sympathy, "I'm sorry. Don't worry things will get better."

"Now that you're here it has!" I heard someone from the behind me, getting me to turn to them. It was a blonde haired man with blue eyes wearing a white shirt with a star on it and a vest to match his jeans. He had a strong jaw line and a handsome face, but something about his persona felt out of place to me as he approached Woody and me, "Jack Horner Miss." He extended his hand out to me making me hesitate for a moment before I gave a breathless laugh and then shook his hand and presented my name, "It's a pleasure to meet you Jack." He hummed widening his smirk, "Likewise." It made me cringe considering he didn't strike me the type to be suave, but I smiled none the less and I turned to the bar to find Holly missing, "Is Holly in?" I asked him.

He chuckled and pointed to a back door to the right that had a sign on it:

Bathroom for Regulars & Employee's Only

TOUGH SHIT

I don't know how I missed that the first time I walked in here, or the second, but I read it and couldn't help the titter leaving my chest, "She's in there."

"Thank you. Sorry Jack, duty calls!" I sang as I made my way to the door.

"Oh you're the new employee? I heard she was hiring someone, but I didn't think you'd be so cute."

"Oh my goodness, you are a flirt. Be careful now, you might slip on your own tongue there." I teased before knocking on the door to the back, calling out to Holly until she called me in. When I opened the door I found her counting out money from the slot of a register, "Hey, just in time. I'm getting you ready right now. You know, it's weird having to do this for someone else for once. You really are a lucky one."

"I can't thank you and Lily enough for this. It really does mean a lot to me."

"Heh, same goes for me too. Although I am surprised she was nice enough to suggest it. It's unlike her. Usually-,...Well, it doesn't matter. You're here now and Lily was right about me needing the extra pair of hands. Might be nice to kick up my feet a bit. Alright, you're all set. Oh, before I forget we need to establish a few more things." She handed me the slot and then looked me in the eyes, "Now I mentioned Woody and Grendel are the only two I trust with my key, well I meant it. If anyone starts bothering you, or them, you throw them out. If people become ornery get them the fuck out of my bar."

"Right. Anything else?"

She smiled at me then crossing her arms with a chuckle, "Yeah, don't fuck up."

"Got it. Well, wish me luck."

"Good luck." She laughed as the door hit my ass on the way out. Literally.

When I came out to set up the second register I felt a smile creep onto my lips when I noticed a certain someone out of my peripherals. A pool playing cool cat that was following my every move before my gaze went from the replaced money to him, "Evening Gren."

"Hey, how ya doin'?" He asked smirking and sipping from his glass.

"Better! Let me know if you need another drink, okay?"

"Ya got it." He replied smoothly.

All was seeming to go well, until another patron started to gawk at me. He didn't say anything at first, which to me I understood why. I was new, maybe he wasn't okay with me being here. Who knew? But when I came up to him to ask if he would like a drink, he rubbed his sweaty face and smirked a goofy smirk, revealing his yellow crooked teeth as he seemed to undress me with his eyes. I felt disgusted but as a bartender I was good at holding my composure, "Sure. I'd like a sex on the beach if ya got it, Honey Dew." I was trying so hard not to roll my eyes at this pervert, but turned around to the stacks of alcohol, already knowing that she didn't have any kind of juice or peach schnapps for that matter, and turned around to shake my head, "Sorry sir it seems like we're fresh out of those. Do have anything else in mind? What kind of drinks do you like?" I should've rephrased the question better, I really should've. The unpleasant looking man grinned and chuckled licking his lips as he continued to eye me in a way that made me want to made me want to smack him smooth across the floor, but I reframed only to drop my smile, unamused.

"Oh, I like my drinks sweet as a peach baby." He made a vulgar gesture with two of his fingers and stuck his tongue in between them. I felt my face distort into disgust and grab a Midas from the mini fridge and then dropped it in front of him, "Here."

"Aw did I say something wrong? Come on Honey Dew don't be like that." He cackled.

"God Rumple, will you give it a rest? The girl's barely started and you're acting like a completely asshole." Woody said glaring at the older man who merely threw his hand at him dismissively, "Oh quit your belly aching Woodsman. I was just having some fun with the lady." He grinned at me as if I was going to defend him, but I ignored him instead and looked over to Woody, "You want anything?" I asked politely.

"Yeah can I get a beer please?"

"Sure thing." I reached down and grabbed another cold one from the fridge and placed it in front of him with a small napkin, "Thanks."

"You're welcome. What about you sir, what can I get you?" I pointed to another patron who gave me an order for him and a friend of his. I got their order and took the money for the drinks. I was even honored with a tip, and I thanked them before putting it into a jar on the side of the register. Finally after going through a few more customers, I turned my attention to the last patron of the bar, but not the least, "Hey." I approached him as he sat down at his favorite stool and put down a napkin in front of him, as well as a bowl of pretzels, "Hey." Our simple greeting was all we needed before I asked him for his choice of drink, "Shot of whiskey." He said. With a smile I grabbed the shot glass and poured the liquid, leaving it on the counter for him, "Here you go."

"Thanks." He put the shot up as if giving cheers and then took it like water.

The night went on from there with me at the helm. Holly spent most of the time in the back probably to let me get use to everything or even just relaxing, either way I was fine with it, I had no real issues up until Rumple started up his stupid antics again. I had come around the table after cleaning the counters and began sweeping the floors. When I bent down to dust up the debris I heard a long whistle from behind me, "Yes sir this bar is getting better every day." I felt my cheeks flare being angrily flustered, but I blew a piece of hair out of my face to help blank my mind and with a dead pan face, (I was sure some of the others had noticed) I dumped the trash in the garbage before replying with the most polite tone I could muster while also hoping he'd catch my drift, "Well, I'm glad you're enjoying my presence so much, Mr. Rumple," I then turned from the garbage can and smiled sweetly, "But if you're not careful I might have to cut you off." Of course the guy just cackled once more and snorted before coughing up a lung, "Oh she's too cute." I didn't respond after that, I just shrugged my shoulders and went on to cleaning the glasses in the sink.

When it started to go docile again I heard a small growl from behind me, and being slightly curious to who or what it was, I turned around little by little until I saw Gren shaking his head at the old geezer in contempt. I attempted to change the subject then, not wanting to upset any of Holly's regulars like she had asked, "As long as you don't disturb the other customers, you're fine." That seemed to defuse any flames that had been fanned, and lucky enough Jack had invited me to join in on his and Woody in a game of hypotheticals that they would randomly make up. For a while I did find some of them hilarious, while others were down right baffling, "Okay, Okay, I got one!" He put up one hand with a beer in it and the other with a pool stick while he played along side Woody at the pool table by this time in the night, "If you had to walk around with your brain or your heart exposed which one would you pick?"

"You pick the weirdest shit to hypothesize." Woody muttered before hitting the white ball to send it scurrying across the table.

I didn't entirely understand it either and I could tell I was making a face as I answered, "Wouldn't that be an automatic death having your internal organs exposed like that?"

"Not entirely." Gren muttered getting me to shake all over at the thought as he drank what I had previously poured him before this conversation ever took place, "Why would anybody want to do that?"

"I agree, it sounds like a horrible time either way." Woody replied looking to Jack who huffed and placed his beer on the side of the pool table.

"Well the hypothetical isn't suppose to be an easy answer, I made them difficult so you would actually have to think about it." He explained.

"I wouldn't want any of those though." I said trying to control myself from laughing at the silly idea.

"Alright Jack enough with the hypo-whatever, you're starting to give me a fuckin' headache." When Gren began to rub his temple I knew that was my que to step in, "You heard him Jack, let's take a break." I patted the counter as a time-out and went to restocking the new beers into the mini fridge, along with some other things, "Ah you're no fun Gren! Fine, I'll do it, but only if you beat me in a game of Texas Hold'em."

"I don't think we have a deck here." I said looking under the counter just to be sure, but Jack grinned and chuckled as he pulled a pack out from his vest pocket, "It just so happens I own one! Come on, winner has to do what the other wants."

"No." Was all Gren said.

"But-,"

"No. You like to cheat, and run your mouth when you lose, so no, I ain't playing."

"Sheesh, fine have it your way, anal much?" Grendel glared daggers at him until the blonde seem to back off and turned his attention to Woody who I assumed was chuckling at him, "Are we playing or what?" And that's all it took to get Jack to calm down and play without another word.

Unfortunately, that was not the end of the nights events, "Oh Honey Dew, bring your sweet little sugar ass over here will you? So I can get a smell of you." My face fell in disbelief, looking at Gren who almost looked as if he was just as appalled.

I slowly turned to the old man, and watched as his toothy little grin stretched across his face. I leaned in but not close enough to where he could try anything, "Excuse me?"

"You know you secretly like it don't lie. All you women are the same." My mouth dropped as a scoff escaped me, tapping my finger on the wood of the counter while I decided what I wanted to do with him...I definitely want to kick his ass that was for sure, but I reframed from it as I nodded and gave a fake little laugh, "Now I get it. I'm the pretty little new girl, right?" I then turned to Gren and asked in all seriousness, "Does he talk to Holly like this?" He took one look at Rumple and then gazed back at me laughing, "Hell no."

"No, no I didn't think so." I then turned towards Rumple again and glared at him dangerously, "So let me tell you something about myself, sir. Do not presume to think that this face," I pointed at features for good measure, "Gives a shit about how you feel about me. Keep pushing Rumple and I will cut you off and throw you out. If you don't like it, there's the door." I then gestured towards the door before I was about to turn away from him, but surprisingly Rumple attempting to grab me the back of my shirt and pull my back against the counter, "You little-, ah what the fuck!" He assumed he was going to one up on me, but instead I reached behind me to entrap his arm in mine and held my hands together as I pushed him face first into the counter. He attempted to struggle against me but I had my weight securely against him, "You bitch!" He shouted.

"I'm sorry, what happen to Honey Dew?...I told you if you don't like it, there's the door!" Just then I saw a familiar pair of hands grab Rumple by the shoulders grunting a mother fucker as he proceeded to throw him out on to the steps of the bar, "Find another bar to hassel ya creep! Don't fuckin' come back either!" He yelled angrily, his voice so low and gravelly I felt a jolt run through me, and land straight in between my legs. I wasn't sure how to feel about that and I didn't have time to acknowledge it when I looked over to see the mess that we had accidentally caused. I sighed deeply and reluctantly grabbed yet another wet cloth to clean up the spilled alcohol, and like clock work Holly had come out to see the commotion, "What's with all the noise?"

"That fucker Rumpelstiltskin. He's been at it all night, and now he's putting his hands on her!" Woody nodded his head in my direction.

"What? Seriously?!"

"I just threw his ass out, don't worry Hol." Grendel assured her, only to suddenly look over to me to wave a finger, "And you, are fuckin' kick ass." He chuckled before starting to help me with some of the glasses that hadn't broke, but fell to the floor. I didn't know what to say to that but timidly thank him and take the glasses from him.

"Hell yeah, I totally wasn't expecting that. That was kind of hot." Jack added with an astonished laugh only causing me to roll my eyes at him, "I'm glad it was so entertaining for you. Sorry about the mess Holly."

"Don't worry about it. That son of a bitch, he's been a pain in my ass for a while now. I might ban him."

"You should. You still got that picture?" Gren asked sitting in the stool close to the vending machine of cigarettes.

"Yeah. You know what? Fuck it. He thinks he can put hands on my employees, he's got another thing coming. What the fuck has been up with him lately?"

Jack had to clear his throat before he spoke, "He hasn't been himself since he's had to-, well you know."

"No, we don't know, Jack." Grendel said flatly.

"Oh. Well Rum's been in and out of the Lucky Pawn trying to sell off some of his things. But you know how Jersey gets." He mumbled the last part shrugging his shoulders before looking up from the floor, "I overheard him talking about owing money to Georgie."

"Georgie Porgie, the owner of the Pudding and Pie?" Holly asked almost disbelieving.

"That's him," He said, "and Rumple isn't the only one either. A lot of other Fables are having to sell their belongings or get a second job to pay debt. It's not pretty..."

"When they have most of us living out in shittiest parts of New York what do you expect? I'll guarantee you this though, the moment one of the big names goes missing or end up with an untied shoe lace they'll be down here turning over tables." Gren made it sound as if it was already written in stone and honestly, that unsettled me. Authority figures made me uncomfortable being forced to eal with them, for good and upsetting reasons, for almost two years before they finally let me get on with my life.

Just then as I took a small break at one of the stools, I happened to feel someone's eyes on me. At first, assumed it was just me and began to put my face in my hands. And yet as I took a second to settle in the darkness, I separated my fingers to take a peek at him. He was still staring at me laughing behind a smirk. My face grew hot without being able to control it. I tried to look away but the damage had been done. I heard an even louder laugh behind his lips as it rumbled in his chest.

Damn it, what the hell is wrong with me? I answered my own question now that I thought about it. It had been months since I had been intimate with Henry, there hadn't been any romance to speak of and I think it may have left me... Either way I needed to stay focus. I bit my lip, closed my eyes, and just as I was about to take a breath to reset, the main phone line began to ring. I looked over the counter and walked out of my seat to grab it just before the person could hang up, "Thank you for calling the Trip Trap this is-,"

"Wow, I never met a bartender that was so professional."

"Oh shut up, Jack." I heard Holly say before I turned my attention back to the caller, "How may I help you?" I finished with a friendly tone, but the voice on the other line made me blink in surprise, "Henry?"

"Hey, I just wanted to tell you I dropped off the car for you." I heard him sniff back twice and then clear his throat, "You need the car for tomorrow, right?"

"Yeah, but how're you going to-,"

"I'm getting a ride from a co-worker, don't worry about it." I heard him sniffle again, even louder this time catching my attention, "Are you okay?"

"Huh? Yeah, yeah! Listen, I got to go so I'll uh, try to be home soon."

"Sure, just-, be safe-," Before I could even finish my sentence I heard him hang up the line, leaving me speechless. My mouth that was left agape shut into a tight line as I hung up the phone, and when I turned to the others, I hadn't realize Holly and them had been listening in on the whole thing, "Are you okay sweety?" She asked sincerely concerned, but like autopilot I smiled and nodded, "Yeah everything's fine." I wasn't sure what to say, all I knew was that my suspicions had been coming to fruition, and something was going on at home, and yet I didn't have the time to find out what. I just got this job I can't risk losing it now. I thought to myself.

"Are you sure? You look a little upset." Even Jack was starting to notice my change in mood.

"No no, um-, Henry gave me the car that's all. He's going to be taking rides with a co-worker I guess. Lucky me right?" I was obviously diverting from the real issue, but with the others concerned gazes I had to come up with an idea to lighten the atmosphere, even for myself considering I felt as if my heart was shattering in my chest, "So how about that game of Texas Hold'em Jack? Huh? Why don't you show me what you got?"

"Hell yeah let's do this!" His chipper attitude was the kick starter to me smiling again, and when he handed me the deck of cards I gladly began to shuffle them. I then looked to Gren and grinned at him, "You still want to take me up on that bet from today? Now's the time." Those green eyes perked up at the mention, and with a soft smile he nodded his head, "Sure angel, let's play." If I could've thanked him a hundred times over I would have, but I was already afraid of losing face, and continued to deal out the cards.

"How much were we betting again?"

Next- Chapter 4: Help Wanted

I'm about to unwrap the first layer of this bad boy with some dream smut before we start rolling out the red carpet, if you know what I mean. *wink wink* so don't go anywhere! By the way thank you thank you a hundred times thank you for reading!