Hello again! Sorry for the usual lateness but I'm back again! In this chapter FP gets to meet two new Fables. One of them starts to bump heads with Grendel and it causes all kinds of friction between him and the FP. By the way, I changed the ending in this one since it just didn't sit well with me, so I hope you like it.
Chapter 6: Facade pt:II
My back hit the wall when I saw Holly looking at us, irritated, "You better get out there!" She pointed her thumb to the meshing voices coming from behind her, and with a sigh I nodded feeling abashed, "Sorry." I then gave Lily a curt nod of my head without a word. But before I made it out the mouth of the door I heard her say, "I promise we'll talk later." This time her voice was a lot sweeter from prior, and whether it was a farce or otherwise all I could do was nod again, and brushed off my outfit and frazzled hair, "What the fuck are you two doing in here? Just sitting with your thumbs up your asses?" I heard her ask Lily to which she scoffed, "First of all, that's Jack's trait. Secondly, I was just making sure she was okay. Giving her a little advice if you know what I'm sayin'." I nearly glared at her when she said that, but she did the same right back before anyone noticed, "It was insightful!" I replied, trying to pretend like nothing had ever happen. But that was a lot easier said than done.
"Well...Great, I'm glad you're better kid." She then nudged her head towards the awaiting patrons forcing myself to walk in behind the bar looking around at the new comers who had entered while I was setting up my spot, but then something caught my eye. Next to a man with a fedora was a...a toad!
What.
The.
Fuck.
At first I wanted to assume it was a costume, but the longer I gazed the more the guy started to glare...Like-, his face moved! It was real! "Never seen a toad before?" I knew I probably seemed a mess, but with a stutter I shook my head trying to find the words to speak, "S-Sorry, I'm new! um, Could I get you anything?"
"Maybe for ya to stop starin'." His thick accent came out more pronounce with the lace of his irritation, but I did my best to keep the same tone, "Don't mind her, she's a curious dame." I heard Gren said giving a chuckle.
"This bar is full of surprises." I retorted smiling and feeling a hint of relief when he spoke up, "You seem a lot more chipper now too, good." Woody exclaimed over the noise, looking more inebriated than when I had left, but none the less I grinned propping myself up as I put my hands to my hips, chuckling, "I definitely needed a reset. You're in high spirits yourself!"
"Bogie's the best, you should try it." I gave a nervous laugh, yet he didn't seem to mind nor notice as he took another swing from his drink, "Good way of licking the new wounds. Guess I should be so lucky he didn't go Wolf, huh?"
"I guess..." Wolf? He can't be serious. I thought this was a Sheriff. A Sheriff that...can turn into a wolf? This is crazy!
"Ah come on guys give the bloke a break, eh? He may have a bit of a stick of 'is arse...Okay, he's a complete asshole, but he does try when they let'em. You know Crane only allows 'im to do so much."
"You stickin' up for that so called, asshole, Toad?" Gren eyed the green man as he put up his hands defensively, "Ey, I didn't say he was a saint, did I? In my opinion they're all bloody complacent, yeah?" Gren didn't reply, and left it alone after that. Toad turned to me pointing a thumb at Grendel when he wasn't looking and to that I merely shrugged in response, "I have no idea, I've never met the guy."
"Where'd you come from? You just happen to fall right out of the bloody sky?" I nodded enthusiastically watching as his face flat lined and shook his head disapprovingly, "And you're the new bartender, eh?"
"Yep.You got a problem with that?" I asked crossing my arms on the bar as though nothing was wrong. But everything...Everything was wrong. I was talking to a fucking toad! "Oh no, not in the slightest, none at all. But, I've never seen you in these parts before. Did you use to live on the Farm?"
"No. No farm." I said. I hoped he wouldn't ask any more than that but it looked as though he might've had a laundry list of questions, but then as he opened his mouth to speak, we all heard a small voice come out of nowhere, "Dad?" My head perked up and I scanned the room to look near the pool table to see smaller little toad sitting in a stool in the corner with a juice box, "I'm bored."
"I told you we'll leave in a bit, stop askin'!" I was a little taken back by the way he raised his voice at his son. I know kids asked a million questions and sometimes the same exact one every time. So as I cleared up a few empty glasses, I muttered, "Maybe you should take him home. He looks like he's ready for bed."
"Right, because you're so good with kids?"
"I know not to bring a child into a bar at 10'o clock at night, but hey, I'm not the parent." Just then I heard a loud boastful laugh that brought me over to Grendel again who was being hassled by one of the few patrons. An irritated growl left his mouth as he sharply turned away from the man in his seat avoiding him as if he were the plague, "Oh come on Gren, have a heart!"
"Grizzle, if you don't get the fuck out of my space with that shit I'll smash your face into the ground." He was showing his teeth, and tightening his fist to the point he looked like he was going to turn around and punch the guy, but instead he just sat there and reframed from it, or so I assumed from watching the two.
"Ha ha! Same ole Grendel, I've missed your piss attitude, truly. Wouldn't be the Trip Trap if I didn't see you here. Oo, and a new girl to boot?" The guy known as Grizzle extended out his large hand with a firm grip, and shook mine, "Grizzle's the name, I'm an old regular of Holly's. And who do I owe the pleasure?"
"Nice to meet you Griz." I started coolly, giving my name with a bow of my head. He smiled at that and chuckled behind his lips while he sighed through his nose, "Ahh, breath of fresh air! Say, could you do me the biggest favor and make me a drink that matches our fair town?" As I prepared a glass I smiled back ignoring the few looks I'd missed. Even Gren noticed to the point he shook his head looking in the other direction before asking me for another, "Sure. Griz, anything special done to the drink?"
"Whatever you want, ladies choice." For a guy that wore a fedora he seemed rather charming, then again, that was a first impression. Gren did just call him an ogre, but to what extent was that true? I started to pour a mixed drink that was layered and still manly enough for an 'ogre' of his stature. He was a little taller than Gren, but bigger and wider in every sense of the word. He reminded me of a quarter back, or a big teddy bear and as I handed him the drink he gave me a big smile with a loud hardy laugh, "Now that's how you make a Manhattan!"
"Let me know if it's to your liking." I beamed.
"Mm, oh I know it will, much obliged." He let his lips touch the golden brown liquor and smacked his lips when he'd had a taste, "You should try it Gren, the girl knows her stuff!" He elbowed him lightly but that was enough to give a reply.
"Shut up." He muttered looking away from us as if trying to pretend that Grizzle wasn't there. I didn't know the dynamic between the two, but Grizzle liked to push Gren's buttons. That was only adding fuel to the fire from earlier I assumed and it made me feel rather guilty burdening him with my own problems. It wasn't his place to have to help me. I shouldn't have had to pay him. He wasn't my protector, he wasn't a pay for hire, and since this whole Fable thing is stranger than fiction, he probably didn't like having to lower himself to-, this. Grendel, the beast from the Beowulf poem himself ate people like me. I was nothing less than a bite to him. If he even so much as suspected me being a Mundy, it was just as Lily said, I should forget the whole thing. This is a bad idea. But, that might look suspicious. "You gonna keep staring at the pool table or you want to play?" I suddenly heard Gren ask me with a dead pan face, causing me to stutter in my words, "U-, I-, Y-yeah that's...I mean, shit...Sure, maybe in a bit? During break?" That cracked a smirk on his face before it disappeared, the sound of Grizzle burping loud enough for me to feel a vibration from it. He then patted Grendel hard on the back causing him to grunt and growl, "God, Fuck off Griz!"
"My bad! It's just been so long since I've seen you and Holly I get all excited. Ain't that right, Woodsman?" Woody poked his head up from a conversation he was having with Lily, his mouth making an 'o' before he looked up thoughtfully, "You haven't been here since Christmas from what I remember. Then again I can't remember much of anything at the moment." He slurred.
"Now that was a night to remember eh? Holly and Lily were wearing christmas hats, you and Gren were playing pool while Jack...Well, was being Jack. And then Gren threw him to the other side of the room because he was talking too much, only for Jack to land on his feet." He was thinking back to that moment, and it brought a twinkle to his eye, that or he was trying to contain his laughter again. If he's an ogre he's the happiest ogre I've ever seen. Or he could already be drunk.
"Yeah, sure, whatever, just stop touching me!" Gren had smacked his arm away in a lazy manner to which Grizzle just laughed it off again and asked me for another, "So how's everything overall around here, huh? Other than the new face." I was trying to keep my hands busy by putting little things back, and straightening flyers near the pay phone, but as I turned to come back around I found both of the boys looking at me, before he answered, "That's about it, Griz. I don't know what else you wanna hear other than drink your sissy little drink and get." He said looking back to the toothy grinning auburn man.
"Yeesh, what's eating you? Oh wait, you're always like that." I heard the ogre snort and went back to take a sip of a drink with a smile on his lips. Then he turned to me in his stool and leaned back eyeing me curiously. I felt nervous, but I swallowed those nerves quickly, "How's Gren with you? He ever like this?" I looked from him to Gren, who, from the corner of his eye, gave me a sideways glance as if waiting for my answer. When he said that though, I didn't feel afraid like before, inside...I didn't feel anything, but adrenaline. I felt hot, and ready to burst the longer he glared at me, and then his eyes softened. It was for a moment but it was there, and it made me feel a tingle down my spine. I almost lost my breath. Realizing I hadn't answered, I shrugged my shoulders and smiled back chuckling, "Definitely sweeter with me than he is with you."
"Ha ha, really? I'm surprised, he's never nice. Maybe he actually likes you. Shoot I do. If I didn't already have a Misses, Gren would have to fight me for you." He gave a wink to Gren causing him to growl and turn fully towards him, his upper lip arching crooked in an attempt to hide his disgust for the situation, "Nobody fucking asked you! Go sit somewhere fucking else!" He stood up from his seat pointing towards where Woody was, beginning to clench his fist as he stood over an unfazed Griz. To that the ogre just grinned more and chuckled taking his drink in hand, "Oh boy are you in a mood."
"You don't know the half of it. Move!"
"Well I think it's about time for our departure, what do you say, son?" Toad, seeing how drastic the situation was getting called out to his son as he grabbed by his hand and led him out close behind, trying not to look at the commotion as they left. I couldn't help but give Toad the stink eye. I didn't know his situation so who was I to judge, but I had to ask myself why he even brought his kid to a place like this. Then again, it wasn't my bar. I was being paid to serve drinks, replace and fix things, and to try keep out the riff raff, but obviously I was doing a major shitty job of it.
Grizzle turned in his seat and stood up to match Gren. He was just as tall, if not taller. It baffled me why he was tickled pink by Grendel's pissed off reaction, however the longer he stood face to face with him the more Gren began to make a sound I had never heard except during the beginning of an earthquake. It was completely different but I'd heard a familiar kind of tone when Lily had taken off her glamour. A low, threatening growl, but this one was full of venom, "I love it when you're all riled up, makes for a good tussle! What do you say pal?" Grizzle taunted him before taking the drink I'd made him and swallowed it whole, minus the glass which he placed on the table, "Get. The fuck. Out of my face! " He yelled before pushing Grizzle, hard, but not hard enough to budge him. I knew I should've jumped in, but when I remembered who I was dealing with I found myself stumbling over my words, and finding it hard to find the nerve to step in like I usually could, "Y-You guys, p-please don't. Stop it!" That didn't work at all, instead my words fell on deaf ears and I was drowned out by the sounds of everyone else trying to stop Grendel from strangling Griz. The whole bar fell in disarray and I was on the brink of losing my shit already. It all became a blur after that, noise and shoving between the both of them while an looker gas lighted the two. I told him to shut the fuck up. Of course Grendel was already fuming, he wanted to be left alone, and now...
Suddenly, the next thing I saw was that same green illuminating glow seep throughout the room, blinding me, causing me to shield my eyes until it came and went, and there before us stood a massive hunched over white beast of a-, I don't know...I didn't know what to call him. He had to have been over 12 feet tall, muscular in both of his large arms, one side having a large scar rimming around where the joints met. His back was hunched over as balanced himself on enormous webbed talons, with claws that could rip a man to shreds. That wasn't even mentioning his wide mouth and rows of protruding razor sharp teeth could've done the same. He had cruel features, one that would make me piss my pants, if it was me he'd been looking at like that. He gave out loud monstrous snarl that shook me throughout until I stumbled back in horror. It was a normal reaction to me. I even broke a bottle in the process, causing everyone to look at me for a second.
I had to pull my head out of the depths of my natural human fear. I really wanted to scream. I shouldn't be here, seeing this and I could barely fathom it was happening to me, but something stopped me from doing just that. When I saw the pale white eyes of Grendel I saw a pained gaze in his eyes that had me second guessing my reaction. This was the real Gren. No mask. No chaser.
I nearly yelped out when the ground beneath me shook. He turned his attention back to Grizzle who merely gave a long amused whistle looking up at him, "You've gotten bigger!" Gren didn't respond except with a show of his teeth and growl so loud that it hummed through the air. "Holly..." Gren was calling with a tone that was hinting a warning, and out of instinct I came around the table feeling the blood from my entire being drain away from my complexion until I felt utterly ill. I didn't want to be afraid of him, honestly at first glance I felt as if this could go well, but he was in a form that with a temperament like his stories told, I was sure to be a blood stain on the wall with a wave of his hand. I thought about Lily's form remembering how small I felt in comparison then. Imagine now.
I don't remember when I had turned fully towards him, but I had. I slowly raised my trembling hands to try to put up what little barrier I could between them, for all the good that did me. I felt like a total moron, but stupid little me thought maybe, just maybe he'd listen to me. I quickly second guessed that when my eyes slowly scanned every inch of his monstrous being. What the hell was I going to be able to with him in this state?! "Uh-,...Gren..." I gulped back unable to ignore the knot in my throat. He could probably hear my heart beat, like before, see the fear in my eyes, and smell the sweat on my brow, "Please, let me." Was all I could think to say in my state, it was small and meek, no authority what so ever, and that caused him to make a sound that gargled and groaned with an echo. I wasn't sure what that meant, but I turned my head to the side attempting to look at Grizzle out of my peripherals, "I'm asking politely...Could you kindly separate? You don't want to stress Holly out with repairs do you? I mean-, you break it, you buy it. Plus you'll be putting a poor girl out if I have to fix those said repairs." I then looked at Gren, "That goes for you too." They looked at each other for a split second. I know I couldn't see the ogre behind me, but I saw Gren's eyes look to him and then back at me, full of bitterness before he roared out and knocked over a row of bottles sitting on the table. I flinched and shielded my face, hunched down, unsure of where his aim was going. After that he turned back to his human body huffing and giving me such an odd expression that I thought he might destroy the bar regardless. Instead he walked out cursing to himself, Grizzle, and me, "Jeez, what a kill joy." I couldn't help but smack my face and look at the ogre behind me with distraught, "He's fun to poke at." He chuckled obviously more amused by my reaction.
"You're a shit starter is what you are." Lily sounded like she was also tired of the night already.
"I just saved you from a pummeling too so-, yeah! There's that!" I almost exclaimed trying to keep my voice down.
"And from my bar getting destroyed, nice work. She's right though Griz, you need to ease off. One of these days he's going to knock you out, watch."
"Oh come on Holly, you know I was just getting his goat. No pun intended..."
"Shut up, don't do that. When he comes back in, leave him be, got it?"
"Alright, alright, no more fuckery on my end. Ogre's promise!" He put up to fingers as straight as an arrow, but no one seemed to be buying it. Me? I was too busy trying not to drop dead on the floor! I didn't even know what to do after that I looked around in confusion and decided to go back behind the bar until the end of my shift. Once the night had settled down, Lily had left with Woody, reminding her I'd be home around the afternoon. Jack never came back, and Griz decided to drink pints upon pints of pale ales that I had to call him a cab. Holly and I had walked him out and in the midst of putting him in the car he made a comment about feeling loved. I assumed because Holly and I were under each arm. Holly told him to shut up while trying not to laugh and with a tip of his hat he left with a goodbye.
"I need a drink. You in?" I hadn't seen Gren anywhere, and considering I'd never really gotten the time to see Holly by herself I took up the offer, even though I had declined against it earlier. I wiped down the counters to an empty bar, and set out a few new glasses for the both of us. Holly stopped me in mid pour though and had me sit down, "You've done enough for tonight. Why don't you clock out?" I didn't refuse, I did as she said and took a seat in one of the stools after counting out my register. When everything seem so tranquil, I felt that overwhelming relieving sigh leave me, "Thanks Holly." Was all I could get out placing my chin in my hands, leaning on the counter.
"Don't mention it. Today's been an off day for everybody, including me. Not tryin' to bad mouth Lily but she sure as hell isn't helping. Ah well, that's family for you right. There for you one day and then can't cooperate then next. Yet the love is always there. Fuck that's sappy. Forget I said that." She poured the drinks fluently, handing me mine and holding up hers. She waited until I had done the same and then I smiled we lifted to clink the glasses together before drinking them. It was bitter and sour but I drank it down as if it were my last, and left the cup on the table with a nod of my head, "So, you think he'll come back for me, or am I shit out of luck?" I played with the tips of my fingers not bothering to look up at her when she chuckled softly, "If there is one thing I know about Gren is if he needs cash...Or likes something... Eh, things could happen."
"So...He might come back?" I asked shifting my gaze to her then with a doubtful look.
"Sure. But for now we're having a drink. Let him simmer down, he'll be back. He's getting a pretty good deal being able to stay at your place for pay."
"Heh, yeah. I just hope he isn't still upset. They both were kind of ornery, but I didn't want him to leave." I said being honest, even though the actions I had shown were less than reassuring.
"Really? Because I thought you'd shit your pants when you saw him. I didn't miss that. You even broke a bottle."
"That-,..." I didn't know how to respond, she was right on the nose with that one. Although not that the fear had subsided I feel like I wouldn't have had the same reaction as before, "Caught me by surprise is all."
"I'm sure you've seen plenty of glamours before."
"Well-, s-sure, but I guess I wasn't expecting Gren to lose his shit. And when someone like that's mad, what am I going to do? Yell at him? Smack with my tiny fist?" Holly laughed and nodded, apparently it made sense and I'm glad I had made the smart choice, "But with Gren it's not always predictable kid. Just be careful is all I can say. He has a very short fuse for bullshit. Keep it the way you have been and you'll probably be fine."
"That's reassuring." I chuckled softly seeing Holly smiling confidently. We sat there at her bar in content, enjoying the atmosphere for what seemed like a short time after that before she set up another pair of shots for us and turned to me curiously, "You have any other kin? Siblings?" She asked as we lifted the drinks and clinked them again. The taste never differed from before. It was still bitter and even more sour than previously, but I didn't care too much once I felt the tingles start to kick in, "I did." I said nodding with a forced smile, it almost felt bitter before I looked down at the empty glass in my hand, "She passed away though, with my parents."
"Shit, I'm sorry." I must've taken her back by that. I could tell she felt bad for mentioning it, but at this point, I could talk about it without crying...A little, "Don't be. How were you going to know?"
"Still, sorry to hear that. The reason why I asked is I was wondering if you could keep an eye on Lily for me? I mean, if you can see where's she going?"
"Why? What do you think she's doing?"
"I-I don't know...I might just be paranoid, but...word around town is that she's been working for Georgie in...other ways than just stripping, and I'm worried. You're her friend, right? You don't have to confront her, just let me know what's going on with her at least. Could ya do that for me?" I was baffled to say the least. I already had a lot of my plate as it was, but seeing the worry in her eyes made me cave and with a smile I nodded, "Sure. I can do that." Me and my big fucking heart.
When my pay check landed into my hand I nearly wanted to jump into my car and say good-bye to the Bronx all together, but, for one, I had just promised Holly to help her out, although it wouldn't have been the first time I've broken a promise. But, number two, I couldn't due to the paranoia of being followed and thirdly, well, I wanted to make sure Gren was okay. Regardless of before, I felt a lot better after talking to Holly.
I felt awful after earlier, he probably thought I was terrified of him the way I was stuttering and shaking like an idiot. Now that I've had time to relax and keep my mind on something other than this new reality, I felt I needed to apologize for the way I acted, even if he did literally jump out of character.
Or is it in character?
Anyways, once I said good night to Holly, I went out to the street hoping to see him, praying he hadn't left me here by myself. I expected him to be after that, and at first I thought he really did when I didn't see him. My heart sank a bit, but then I heard cursing behind a car, and sitting down at the edge of the side walk trying to light a half broken cigarette attempting to protect his flame from the wind blowing in his direction, was Grendel.
From the sound of it, he wasn't having much luck. Trying not to smile with relief I walked up casually and knelt down beside him until he saw me with two rollies in my hand and a lighter in the other. He glared at me, and when I tried to give him the other one as a peace offering he shook his head away from it and attempted not to look at me before muttering something under his breath and reluctantly took it. I figured he came out here for some quiet, but with the sirens and sounds of other worldly things, I thought against it. He was definitely upset with me. I then lit my cigarette, sitting down fully next to him, only to have him scoot away until I offered the lighter. That's when he looked at me, "You think you're just such a sweet little thing, huh? Tryin' to be nice to every fucking body, hoping I don't hurt no one..." His words were slurred, but he was still coherent, surprisingly.
Caught off guard I blinked back as if it were rhetorical. But apparently he wanted an answer, instead I ended up correcting him, "Anyone." He scoffed at me and began to walk across the street, smoking in the stick like his life depended on it. Of course not before calling me out of my name, "Fucking little...Should just leave ya out here..."
"Excuse me?" I was shocked. Was he talking me like that? Me? What the hell did I do?
"Nothing. Let's go, it's fucking cold out here." I really wanted to say something, but I closed my eyes, took a breath and attempted to walk in peace to my apartment. Unfortunately that wasn't the case. When I'd opened the entrance he took the door handle by force and let himself in causing me to freeze in place with my mouth agape in disbelief. Is he fucking serious right now? Again, I tried so very hard to keep myself in check, knowing that I wasn't dealing with an ordinary. Pissing him off could mean the end of me, even by accident if I wasn't careful.
By the time we got to the elevator Gren had tucked himself far into the corner while every once in a while scoring me. I pretended not to notice for a bit, until it was hard not to look at him, and his expression of wretch. He looked like he wanted to punch me in the face, "What's going on, Gren?" I asked carefully, feeling guilty just because I felt like I screwed up somewhere, "I know you're still upset about earlier, but I-,"
"Shut up." He grumbled before looking away and crossing his arms.
"S-Stop telling me to shut up!" I finally snapped. I couldn't help it, I was tried of him and Henry always shutting me down. I wasn't someone to push around! But when I reacted the way I did my brain went in two different directions. One was attempting to keep up my genuine expression of hurt and anger. I was offended that he even thought my actions meant anything other than I didn't want anyone getting hurt or in trouble. The other part of me had regretted speaking out entirely after the way he began to approach me. He straightened his posture from his spot and walked towards me with the sound of his boots echoing in my ears. He shadowed over me, placed his hands on either side of my head with a light bang, and then came in close to my face. A little too close. I could smell a pleasant cologne coming off of him along with what he had been drinking all night, "Or what?" He said daring me.
I had to admit, him being nearly nose to nose left me trying to grab for a coherent sentence while stilling my heart. It didn't beat with intimidation, no, it fluttered nervously. He shifted between my eyes, and mine over his different colored ones. For a split second I found myself weak in the knees, admiring both colors within depth, "Y-You can glare me at me all you want, the truth is I didn't want you two getting into a fight."
"He fucking started it!" His sudden outburst startled me, and I tthrew my hands up in response while he pointed at a phantom that wasn't there, "So you're taking his fucking side now?!"
"No! And don't put words in my mouth Gren, I was doing my fucking job! You know the one that Holly hired me to do?" He zipped his lip before nodding and smirking in such a condescending way that the urge to slap him may have crossed my mind.
"Right... Because while Henry's taking it up the ass from some uppity Woodland prissy fuck, you're sitting here trying to clean up the mess you created for yourself, all while trying to keep your fucking nose clean and not getting killed in the process! How the fuck did you even do that?!" He must've forgotten already. Damn booze. Although it didn't matter if he was drunk or not; I was shaking with every fiber of my body, enraged. I could've screamed and kicked his shin, but I felt all the fight in me deflate. Instead of lashing out, I, as steadily as possible, retorted back to remind him, "My family died, asshole...I had no one else. No one. Henry was there. Simple as that." And that was enough for his anger to deflate from his face, that his mouth fell open to say something only to close it again and look away from me. His features collapsed into the realization of what he had said, I guess.
It had become awfully awkward and quiet in our small surroundings, but as soon as the elevator pinged, and the doors opened, I walked out. I didn't bother to look back, I was on the brink of tears feeling utterly wrecked and exhausted. I couldn't even tell him what was really going on and that frustrated me even more. I had to lie to him to get him to help me!
Even though Gren was here, behind me, probably admiring the back of my head as we walked to my apartment door in silence, I was truly feeling like I had fucked up the one thing I had here. A fresh start. Now, I had no one to lean on for support, and I felt like a total jerk for even having to put Gren in this. He was right, I did this to myself. I kind of wish I would've gotten drunk now that I thought about it. I didn't like this feeling of emptiness and hopelessness. It always felt like vile sitting in the pit of my stomach and it just refused to release.
I walked faster the closer we got to my apartment door. I just wanted to be home, go to sleep and think of nothing else until tomorrow, but before I could I found myself fumbling with my keys cursing to myself under a shuddered breath as if that would make the door unlock. Once it was, I felt a hand of fire touch my shoulder, forcing me to turn around. It was more of a nudge to get me to look back, and as I placed what I had in my hands on the counter I heard him mumble, "I'm no good with words." I didn't want to face him, even though it was dark, it would mean that I would cave, and I didn't want that. I wanted to be left alone, especially after what he said. For some good hearted reason, I didn't reject him, maybe because I just wanted it to be over already, but I saw a slightly guilted look in his eyes as he stood there rubbing his brow, "It wasn't just Griz botherin' me, you know..." He started grunting uncomfortably before he looked me in the eyes fully, "It was the way he was lookin' and talkin' to ya...and the way you looked at me without my glamour...I hated it." I could barely make out his expressions with the hallway light behind him, but when I heard his tone it was all I needed to know. I felt terrible, ashamed really. And I didn't know what to say other than, "W-We're not...dating..." But I trailed off in mid sentence as he eyed me up and down, "So?" I hadn't expect him to say that.
"You have no shame do you?" I was actually taken back by his response, but I tried hard to shake my head of that and changed the subject, "S-still, that was no reason to go off on me like that. I'm no saint, and I make mistakes, but I'm...I'm trying." He nodded but didn't reply, obviously still feel guilty for his outburst, but I didn't want him to, we were both on edge, and going through so much all at once. So looking down at my feet, I swallowed my pride and took ownership from my wrong doings, "I-I...should at least apologize for my actions, I didn't mean to respond like I did. I'm sorry...It was-,"
Before I could finish he spoke up, rocking with an irritated sway, "Your initial reaction, I get that a lot...I should already expect it as much coming from a dame like you."
"What does that mean?"
He paused, and looked towards my window before turning to me again, "Most pretty girls don't want to deal with me. For good reason." I was utterly speechless. He thought I was...P-pretty? I shook my head blinking in disbelief yet again for the 100th time today, and let a breath out I hadn't realized I was holding, "Gren...I..." I was going to say more but again I found myself tongue tied around him, my heart fluttering and butterflies in my stomach. I could even feel myself blushing a little. Why? Why was I doing this? I shouldn't be. I shouldn't even be thinking like-, that. Just then Grendel took a step forward, and asked me carefully, "I told you already you wouldn't have been able to handle me.
"Th-that's not-," I couldn't help but scoff, "I was just surprised, you can't blame me for that."
"No, I know fear when I see it." I thought back and remembered the sense of fear and dread, and in a moment of weakness I caved. And he saw that, Shit, "You were afraid." He eyed me carefully tilting his head curiously, "Are you afraid of me now? I mean, obviously you should be...I could eat you if I wanted." My mind went blank and for some strange reason, "No...I wouldn't..." I didn't want to be afraid of him. Not like the first fabled humans he'd encounter like before. That wasn't me. In fact, I was...Actually excited, and in wonder.
He didn't even bother to close the door when he abruptly turned into his real self and looked down at me so I had no choice but to look up at him with widen eyes, "No? How about now?! I don't strike fear in you? I've slaughtered armies and eaten millions for fun! That doesn't scare you?!" When he said this I couldn't help but feel that instinctive fear that every mammal had. It was natural to be afraid of something you didn't understand at first, but before I could reply, he raised me in the air and put me up into the ceiling like a rag doll, holding me there as he growled, "You're a horrible fucking liar!"
"Gren, I don't know-, I don't know what you want me to say!" I was serious, my head was too jumbled to think.
"Admit that you're scared! That you would've never looked at me twice without a glamour because I'm big and terrifying! The only reason you were ever nice is because that's how you get your way! Most of you dames are like that!" That cut deep. I didn't realize he thought like that of me. Did he really think I was manipulating him? How? I mean I know I was stuck between a rock and a hard place due to circumstances, but I never once thought I wanted to use him for my own benefit. I could never have the heart to do that. But, I also couldn't tell him what I really thought of him, I couldn't. And yet, it was looking as if I'd have no choice. He was assuming I didn't care about him, and his temper was escalating because of it, and so was his grip around me. I squirmed in discomfort, but he merely laughed, "Tell me I disgust you! Go on! Say it!" His voice shook me to the core, in so many different ways but this one had shaken a deep sense inside of me that all I could do was Fuck it, "No because you don't!" He growled in rebuttal but I wasn't finished, "I was afraid, sure! You're bigger than me...and were angry and you could've squashed me! But I'm not afraid of you now!" I hesitated looking away blushing, my face and ears on fire when I looked into both white glossy eyes and tried to find the words to convince him otherwise. Instead I put my arms around his hand and squeezed, regardless of size, "I like you Gren, I do..." His brows raised and cocked as he eyed me. I couldn't help but bite my lip in this moment, my heart racing for reasons I was very confused about.
"The fuck you going on about?" His voice was gravelly, but so low it rumbled through out my body causing goosebumps up and down my spine, "I'm not disgusted by you. At all. I was surprised, I mean I don't get to see people lose their glamour often...And..." I didn't stutter this time, and I kept going until I could feel his talons loosen on my sides, "I can't deny I get a little excited when I get to see you, in general. I'm not just saying that to get my way." He made a sound that resembled a short laugh before I continued, this time being able to smile a little, though a very tired one, "I've never-,"
"Dealt with monster." He said, but I shook my head with empathy, "That's not what I was going to say." My voice was nearly a whisper by this point, not in the least bit raised now, but wanting him to understand I wanted to get to know him. Of what he would let me know. "I could care less but you know the stigma."
"It's awful." I said, "People condemn what they don't understand. A stupid trait really."
"A smart trait, actually. I'm terrible." He said it as a matter of fact, like it was known by everyone.
"Hey, give yourself a little credit. I mean, you could say the same thing about anybody. Even me. I'm a crappy person with a personality of a goldfish. So if you want, we can be terrible together."
"And what makes you so terrible? So far you've been sickly sweet. I hate sweet. You're so god damn helpful, your fucking crazy good at that painting crap, and-,...I need to shut the fuck up..." When he attempted to look away I could've sworn I saw his neck turn a little red, but it might've just been my imagination, "I'm giving you too much credit." I cocked my head to the side, knowing that even though he was sounding insulting, it was his way of flattery. Regardless of him being a dick, it made it that much harder not to look away and hide a sheepish smile, "You're crap at insulting someone you may, dare I say, slightly like." His gaze was hazy and in them I could see his gears turning.
"Better truth teller." I felt a thud in my chest when he took a small step forward, his tongue poking out to lick the side of his mouth. The thud went straight to my stomach, stirring up something fierce that I couldn't quite describe. So, I distracted us both hoping for the best, "You want a drink?" I asked with my thumb pointing to the fridge. He chuffed coming in closer until he was hunched down and grinning at me, "Sure." I smiled back even though it was hard to tell whether he was relieved. It became apparent he was when he went back to his glamour again, and walked towards the couch in his spot he'd sat in prior. He looked around the room while pulling off his shoes, and when I pulled out the bottle, I turned around to see him without his jacket, cracking his neck with a grunt and rolling his shoulder back with a few more snaps. He was slim but muscular with shoulders that seemed to hunch like his other form did, and toned from where I was standing, the florescent lights from my kitchen shading in small parts of his arms and neck that had me hazy.
I had definitely been looking for too long because without realizing Gren had caught me staring. This time though, he didn't get angry, instead his brows raised up and he smirked before looking away to fiddle with his jacket. We didn't say anything after that, we just let the peaceful silence take over while I made our drinks. That tranquil quietness.
About an hour later, I found out that Grendel liked to mumble old songs of his youth, which was in a different language I didn't understand. I listened to him all the same though. Once he was done he looked over to me and pointed at my ass sprawled out on the other side of the couch playing a video game, and giggling at him, "What's the song about?" I asked just before I cursed at a zombie coming at me.
"It's...Hard to explain. In the old days I would catch men around bon fires singing songs of Victories I gave no shits about. The only one war I wanted to win was the one against me. So I would take their songs and turn them into my own. About me. Maybe I'll teach it to you one day." He boasted.
"If you want but I can't sing for shit. You'd have a better time listening to a cat in heat." I said laughing softly, in return he did the same chuckle as he swinged his head back, "Well, neither can I." He laughed back suddenly drifting from the titters quickly when he put one of his hands against the arm chair, and the other on my leg. When he did our eyes flicked up at one another, stopped and stilled. I don't think we both knew what to do, but I felt the twitch in his fingers, like he was going to pull away, but I stopped him by placing my hand over his. That seemed to surprise us both, yet I smiled all the same, and smiled wider when he left it there, and began to study my face. I bit my lip as I felt the heat nearly rising from it. I hadn't even realized I had stopped playing my game, "So..."
"Yeah?" He said back causing me to give a breathless chuckle before I began to play with the top of his fingers, "I take it all those quiet stares were because you wanted to do this?" I said it with a coy smirk hearing a low play chortle leave him as he turned his gaze to me. He hadn't turned fully, just his eyes peering from the side of his head, "I'll never tell." He replied with just much of a playful grin, and tried to look at the television when he didn't say anymore. I had to admit, after today I was more than ready to let it go. To let everything go. But no, I couldn't. Not only had I just found out about Henry, and broken it off with him, but I'd just met Gren a week ago and he was a Fable. It would make things so complicated, like diving into a pond that was nearly the same. It was a taboo. A part of me was struggling to keep it friendly, to keep it simple and clean. But then, there was that other part, that one starving to be touched, to feel anything. I was torn between right and wrong, even Grendel seemed to be struggling with himself as he stared at me, breathing slowly, heavy, "You got something on your mind?" He said scooting closer, his shoulders almost making himself seem bigger in comparison to me, "Maybe." I said meekly shifting myself to face him more, being even closer now. I could outreach my hand and touch his chest if I wanted to. Instead I took my drink and took a sipped it the last of it down, and looked at Gren to see him eyeing closely, "How long have you been giving me those eyes?" I joked getting him to scoff, "Long enough, obviously. Of course you had something attached to you, so, I kept my distance."
"You make it sound as if I've been here this whole time."
"I believe we established earlier we both don't know nothin' about each other. Maybe that's for the better...Doesn't mean we can't find other ways to get along." The breath caught in my throat. Did he really just say that? "Pardon?" I had to be sure, I didn't want to assume that he was serious, but I guess when he saw the look on my face he thought better of it, which...I don't know why, I was a little disappointed. What was wrong with me? "I'm kidding."
"Right, pft, of course!" I gave a nervous laugh, one that I couldn't hide, and he must've thought I was uncomfortable, because the next thing I knew he was cursing under his breath, "I mean-, can't lie, you're a little interesting."
"Oh, a little is it? If I recall, you had a pretty good time last time you were here just enjoying the scenery." I coughed and muttered, paintings under my breath.
"Last time I felt like that was many, many centuries ago where I guess I wasn't feelin' stuck in one place. A loud place...Nothin' like home." I was starting to think he really was drunk. He was complimenting me slightly. Wasn't this Grendel, the big scary monster that tried to threaten me earlier? Like so many times before, the more I sensed him moving closer, the more I felt myself becoming more restless with awful intent. I shouldn't want this, and yet my own body was betraying me. My heart was racing with such a thrill that I shifted and squeezed my thighs together as I sighed, trying to get my head straight before I lost my senses completely. I just wanted to let everything go, and with Gren here, someone that I could if not lean on just a little, it became almost impossible for me to want to not act on impulse. I could see it on him too, the way he licked his lips and leaned back against his seat to pull away and rubbed his leg back and forth, but, I didn't want him to, so I held his hand with a small squeeze to get him to stop and look at me, "I want to hear about it." I said full of intrigue and wonder. To be honest I was, but again it was another distraction from the truth, "Heh, about that?! Geez, that was...almost a thousand years ago though."
"So? Doesn't mean I don't want to hear about your experiences." He grunted and rubbed the back of his head, so I leaned in and placed my head against his shoulder, feeling him stiffen and relax as I did.
"Heh, I ain't tryin' to bore ya."
"You won't." I looked up at him from my spot, his features closer so I could see every detail of him. His hair, piercings, brows, his eyes, both green and white, his nose, and his lips with the goaty just below them. I had to admit I liked it though, it gave me butterflies seeing how...kissable his lips were. I almost wanted to, but I found my gaze lifting up to meet his, "It's fuckin' silly...But..." He said with an even smooth tone from before, "Fuck it...Music."
"Music?"
"Music was the first thing that ever made me feel somethin' different." I nodded and smiled, "What kind of music?"
"Hard to explain. They played different kinds but the one that always stuck out to me was one they played on a lute, and it was so beautiful that...I let them live..That night at least. I didn't want the music to go away, not just yet, you know?" I nodded smiling softly imagining him just listening in on the music of the village he came to plunder, "It was during a really dark time. Ma was being Ma and-,...Well, anyway-, when I was going to go on another spree I found myself being drawn by the stupid lute instead." He then looked up thoughtfully and then back down at me, smiling a bit out of surprise, "I hadn't thought about that in years."
"I'd never thought big bad Gren would have a soft side." He glared at me for a second before seeing the wide eyed goofy expression I was giving him. I was trying so hard not to laugh but it came out bubbly and loud before I looked back to see him smirking and shaking his head at me, "I'm still debating whether or not I should eat you." I giggled even more until I forced myself to settle down, "It was a good memory for you though. I could tell." He shrugged as he sank into the couch, being shoulder to shoulder with me now when he answered, "That's nothin'." He said almost trying not to think about it now, but I turned to him and squinted, "With the bad comes the good. Like right now, you're not alone. Not any more. It feels good having you here I mean. I haven't hung out with someone like this in months."
"...Got to admit, other than Holly and Lily, you've been the only other dame in my circle. That's pretty much saying something considering it's a circle fucking circle."
"Well, surprise surprise." I lightly chuckled, both of us smiling at one another before I felt the need to look at the clock and felt my heart drop at the time, "Shit, it's late."
"That a problem?"
"I have school tomorrow." I admitted sadly, "Plus you look like you're about to pass out." He did, but that heavy look I knew almost seemed for something else entirely, although it might've just been my imagination.
"Well shit. That's a mood killer ain't it? Fine. Something tells me I'm going to be following you all day tomorrow. One boring fucking day."
"It won't be so bad, I promise. Plus you're still getting money for it. Which reminds me!" I shook my finger in remembrance lightly jogging to my bag to pull out fifty dollars and handed to him. He took with a raised brow, and then placed it in his pocket before leaning back on the couch, "Thanks."
"Don't mention it. I know you don't like this, maybe you'll even get tired of it. But you are actually helping...Probably more than you realize." The last part I said timidly, still a little intimidated by all of this.
"Technically we're helping each other out angel, but call it what ya want." Again, that silence seeped in like the filler of what we were probably wanting. I could be wrong reading his signals, but when he bit his lip and shifted his eyes away with his hands in his lap, I found myself wanting to say more, anything else, but instead, I thought better of it, just as he did, "I'll see you in the morning, Gren."
"Right. Night."
"Good night." I felt slightly awkward going back to my room, but after today, perhaps this was for the best.
I took off my attire and got into bed, but... I still felt extremely restless. I found myself gazing up at the ceiling. You'd think after a long day I could just close my eyes and be done with it. Instead I was filled with dread. Even though Gren was here, I still felt like I was being watched or that someone would tried to sneak through my window. I know I was being paranoid but could you blame me? I was trapped. Utterly trap, and it made it apparent when I looked at the tattoos on my hands. I started to think about all the times Henry would hold my hands, kiss my cheek, and whisper sweet nothings, all the times he kept me close, and told me he was lost without me... I felt sick to my stomach, feeling sorrow and anger swirling in my head all at once until it had turned me into a barrel of tears. I cupped my face with both of my hands and shook my head of everything I felt, wishing I still had my family here, wondering what my family would think of me now.
To be honest my parents were never the type to scold, they'd uplift and find a solution. My mother would be trying to tell me to fight back, to get out as fast as I could. My dad would be asking where this jerk was at so he could have a heart to heart. That made me smile, but it hurt all the same, because he wasn't here. I couldn't even talk to him if I needed. I began to see my sisters face and the dead pan look with a pouty lip, tapping her foot before hugging me tight before calling me an idiot, and then bear hugging and acting just like dad. I'll pummel 'em. she'd say. You don't have to do this alone.
It was what she told me previously anyway. Anytime I'd make a stupid move she'd call me an idiot and then say 'I love you' the next. I started to feel that never ending pit in my stomach, shaking my head of the flashes of images going through my head. Of my father, my mother, my sister, and caving in on myself under the covers, I was really starting to miss them, more than ever. Some days like today, I still couldn't believe they were gone, it was like a bad dream every time I realized it was real and as the thought of the great fire that engulfed my entire world reverted me back to a child and at the steps of my front door, I felt a pain so deep that it felt like a festering wound that would never heal. I screwed my eyes shut, hoping that it would make everything go away, but alas, it only taunted me further by letting my guilt take over. Not only had I let them die, I foolishly let another manipulate me. I let a man who never loved me take advantage of me. I knew we were rocky...But I'd never imagine he'd do this! I felt tears spill from my eyes and I began to quietly sob muffling them into my pillow that I placed over my face to hug it as tightly as possible, letting it out. I had been holding it in for so long that I hadn't realized how badly I needed to cry. It felt like I was being slapped in the face, and punched in the gut. I felt no love, and utterly helpless. I was tricked, the Hannah I wore nothing more than cuffs to keep me here, and all I could do was wait for him to return. I began to shake in utter fear, knowing he'd be back eventually, and when that would happen, he would try to take me away.
I had to stop myself from panicking and overthinking, me constantly wracking my brain to the point of madness wasn't going to get me anywhere, so after a moment of reconciling with myself I took a deep breath, blew my nose and wiped my face the best I could before walking out into the hallway to go into the bathroom to grab something to help ease my pain. Sleep Aid was my best bet...Although looking at the bottle, it took me back to thinking maybe I needed something stronger again, something that would keep me balanced. So I sighed and shook my head unwittingly when I decided to grab for the orange one instead. I was taking meds for depression and other things, but I hadn't taken them in awhile. I thought I was doing pretty good, but...I was a fool to think I'd heal completely. It was then I silently cursed to myself afterward I read the back of it, even though I'd read it a hundred times, only to hear someone shuffle around on the living room couch, "You alright in there?"
"Yeah, just grabbing some night aid to help me sleep, but...Uh-, unfortunately I've been drinking, so I can't."
"You smoke?"
"What kind of question is that?" I asked chuckling.
"Got a joint if that'll help." When he asked I actually pondered it. It wouldn't have hurt to smoke so I could sleep, right? I had to admit I was pretty desperate. Reliving the night of the fire was still something I dreaded when I slept. I haven't had night terrors for a while, but...I didn't want to chance to start up again tonight, so I caved, "Sure, yeah, If you don't mind."
"I think I could bend a little. Aren't you special."
"In the head." I heard him snort just as I walked back out to the living room seeing him laying on the couch with his legs propped up on the table, pulling it out of a melt container, and lighting it, wetting the sides to keep the paper from burning. With a few puffs from it he blew out the grey smoke, handing it to me just as I sat down, and I took it with thank you.
After my hit, my brows furrowed at his feet sitting up on my coffee table, so I patted his leg to hint at putting them down. At first, he didn't understand but then he rolled his eyes at me and obliged reluctantly. I smiled at him gently and then took the small little rolled up leaf and took my hit with a long and steady breath. I then handed it back to him after I exhaled and over and over again we continued to rotate the joint until the whole living room smelled of it, "I might need to light some incense. Maybe open a window while I'm at it." Grendel grunted, and took a swig of his drink with a big gulp, wiping whatever dribbled down his chin, " I take it your guy ain't coming home tonight?" I don't know why he had to bring him up, but with a exasperating I swayed my head back and forth. With my back towards him, I made a face, "I don't know, but he's not my guy...I'm kind of trying not to think about that right now."
"Oh yeah? So, it's really official, huh? Finally letting the ship sink?"
"Yep. You know, I really wish I could better explain how this all happened. But...regardless of everything, I really did care for the guy." I don't know if it was because of what I said or what, but as I lit the stick and set it on the small table near my canvas, I gazed at the brushes on my little table and realized how worn out they were, "Do you guys have an art store around here?"
"Not here, one downtown maybe. We can check it out after your school shit or whatever."
"Yeah..." I suddenly trailed off as I looked over to the window, fixing it with a nervous fidget that even Gren noticed, "Come here and sit down, you're makin' me uneasy."
"Sorry. I guess I'm still...You know."
"Well, come swim this way Little Fish and help me kill this, eh?" I smiled and nodded before taking a seat next to him, respiring as I eased into the couch. We both sat there in silence, passing the joint back and forth until the entire thing was nearly gone. That was until I found myself leaning against him again, slowly looking up at him to see him gazing down at me as well, "You're really annoying when you're moping."
"Huh?" I didn't understand what he meant by that, but I was sure he would tell me, "What? I'm not moping."
"Yeah ya are. You're frowning more than usual. And it's pissing me off."
"Then put a smile on my face." I replied grinning at him with a giggle, getting him to grin back, "Oh, I'd know how to put a smile on your face real quick." His grin grew, and grew until my own smile had disappeared only to be replaced with a nervous gulp, "M-maybe not like that." He cackled at that, my face feeling like it was completely on fire before he calmed his laughter and sighed, "Your reactions are priceless. I love fuckin' with ya."
"You're an ass." I chuckled and shook my head before taking another puff and sending the joint his way, "So since I'm here again, got any other stories you can tell?"
"Ha ha, nah, nothing to tell. What about you? You're still a complete fucking mystery to me. And I don't like mysteries."
"Are you saying you don't like me?" I gave a playful pout getting him to smirk and eye me, "I never said that...I just...Don't know what to make of ya."
"I paint so that I don't have to think about my crappy past. That's about the gist of it."
"Ya got to have more than that." He chuckled again.
"Um...Are we going to talk about this while I'm stoned?"
"We talked about me, now let's here it." I went silent, he had me there. I didn't mind staying up for a bit to try and avoid having to sleep in a dark room by myself if this is what it took, so gave in, "Okay. Um," I looked up thoughtfully, not entirely sure where to start, until I smiled at him, "Can I tell you a small little secret?" He cocked a brow at me waiting as I licked my lip of the dryness, "I hate the dark." He snorted and looked at me as though to say is that all? So I swallowed my fear and came out and said it, "I have night terrors, so it's a little harder for me to just fall asleep. I guess that's why it's easier for me to work nights." I started to feel nervous as if I was talking too much so I stopped to look back over at Gren who was just stewing on my words, but never said anything, until he leaned back against the pillow. I then smacked my head and muttered, "I'm an idiot," under my breath, "What?" He asked.
"I forgot to give you some blankets is the matter. I'm such a rude host!" I laughed while walking over to the hall closet to pull out one of two extra blankets, and then ran to my room to grab an extra pillow for him. When I came back he looked confused, and when I placed the things in his lap he just looked up at me with an even more disgruntle expression, "Stop being nice."
"What? You don't like blankets?" He stared at me for a little longer than usual, causing me to blush and look away with a smile, trying to come up with something while my tummy fluttered under his gaze, "I'm usually a lot better at this..." I said softly just before I shrugged my shoulders, "But, a long day will do that to you."
"Heh, more like if you actually had a good boyfriend this would've never happened." When he said that I automatically froze, but he wasn't wrong. If Henry had never met me, this would've never happened. I would've never been here, "Yeah." I said with a hint of bitterness to it. I gasped though when I realized it may have came off a bit harsh, "I-I'm sorry. It's not you...I just-, you're right..." I paused only to looked at him, and nodded, "You're absolutely right." I gazed around the room, seeing everything that was displayed before me and then sighed with a heavy heart, "I wish I'd never met him. I wish I'd never-, well, a lot of things."
"Ah stop. He obviously ain't worth it, so don't wallow in it." When he said that he eyed me carefully before cocking a brow and leaned back with a relaxing sigh, closing his eyes, "So, what now? You just gonna wait around until he comes back?" I nearly shook my head violently and hugged myself, "...I want him gone." How that would play out left me in the dark, but I really wanted nothing to do with him. Not after this. Thinking about the whole thing made me hunch forward and breath in long and hard, feeling a small panic attack, "Gren it's more than just...What it looks like. He tricked me into..." I stopped. I didn't want to give away any more than I should've, "He used me... I don't want anything to do with him, but I don't have the money to leave. And I'm...I'm scared...I'm afraid o-of being killed here." His face went from lazily listening to worriedly unclear, sitting up and adjusting.
Before I could continue though, I choked. I then I hid my face in my hands, ashamed of myself, "Sorry, I'm bitching. I can't help it. I don't know what to do, and I just need to vent. You don't have to say anything." He didn't, he didn't say a word, which, I don't know, did that make it worse? Suddenly, I felt something warm fall on my head. I lifted my gaze slowly up to him from my hands and looked up curiously to see him looking at me emphatically but still confused. He rubbed my head back and forth with a sadden look about him too and I blinked back, almost surprised, until I realized he was trying to comfort me.
That one little touch made my eyes water regardless, causing me to swallow back hard and look away with my elbow on my lap and my knuckles hiding my lip, "I just want to be treated fair." I muffled, "I might just kick his ass when he gets home." I said jokingly, although he must've thought I was serious because he started to cackle, "Sure, just let me know when, and I'll hold him for ya." In a way that did make me feel a little better. The thought of giving Henry a good swift punch to the face felt it would've been well deserved.
After nearly a 30 minutes headache from all of this, I didn't want to mope around the whole night, and with Gren putting a small smile on my face, I looked over his features to see he was content and relaxed, way different from earlier today, and it was definitely a sight to behold. I felt nothing but giddy regardless of the situation. I then, by his surprise, leaned in to give him a tight hug, laughing softly when I felt how tense he got, "God you're stiff. You don't get hugged often do you?"
"No." He muttered. I immediately felt like I had stepped over a boundary, so I tried to pull away, only to have him stop me and he hold me where I was. I was confused, unsure of what had happened until I looked up to see the disgruntled looking man giving me a soft, yet...nervous gaze, "I didn't say stop." What else could I do, but grin and give a gentler embrace than before. And that was where I stayed the rest of the night, all the while we started to drifting off to sleep. But before I became to comfy I found myself saying the words, "Thank you."
"For what? Taking over your couch?" He joked back, eyes completely closed.
"For being here." I replied groggily.
"You're paying me to be here." He pointed it out flatly moving his hand up in the air before letting it land on the point of my shoulder. I hadn't realized until then that we were both laying down on the couch with me laying, well, leaning against his side while his arm laid limp on me. It was such a comfortable position, and I barely had the energy to move, "Doesn't mean I don't want you here." I felt a heavy air come between us then, and when I lifted my head, I felt a sudden boldness come over me when I saw his green eyes staring into mine, "Are you sucking up to me again, Little Fish?" I shook my head never losing eye contact with him even when I felt myself turn red. I suddenly felt embolden, and as I looked at his sleepy state, I giggled and pressed a soft kiss to his cheek. I lingered slightly, wanting to see if he'd push me away. It looked as if two childish adults teasing one another, but even when I did this he made no attempt to stop me. It felt as if he was letting me, and when I pulled away to see his face he attempted to look away and suck in his bottom lip, forcing me to lay my head back down against his chest, "I'll take that as a yes." I heard him say this with his heart thumping against my ear, and while he kept my head there I began to stifle a bunch of giggles that came after, "Gren!" I could only giggle even more before I instinctively snuggled into his warmth, playing his game by sneakily grabbing the blankets I had draped over the couch, and covered us both the best I could in the position we were in. Gren didn't seem to mind, and in fact, yawned before the both of us began to slowly slip to sleep. For the first time since I've been home, I felt...good. The sound of Grendel's loud, voluming snores helped me drift slowly but surely, and as we both laid there in each others warmth, content, I was beginning to enjoy our little connection, whatever it was, as small as it was.
Next- Chapter 7: I Shot the Sheriff
I apologize if you guys were expecting a little more but I wanted to wait one or two more chapters before... Well, you know. I won't leave you hanging for long, I promise. Thank you for reading!