[ A continuation from A Quiet Night; I'm currently working on some character designs for them all, and looking forward to exploring their world more. Feedback is welcome! ]
Thick flakes of snow fell as the shop owner exited the bookstore, locking up behind herself quickly. I peered from the vacant alley, doing my best to calm my nerves. I'd made it all this way, I just needed to take the final ste-
"Who's this now?"
I whipped around, noticing the tall, lanky figure stalking towards me, already much too close for my liking. His arrogant demeanour and confident gait reminded me of a wolf circling it's prey. What a fool.
Before he could get any closer, my taser was firmly pressed between his legs, eliciting a wince from him and a smirk from myself.
"One more move and you'll be making a shocking discovery."
He threw his hands up in surrender, chuckling lightly
"I don't mean any harm, just curious to see who's spying on my Miss."
"Your...Miss?"
"Yeah! Though, I'd appreciate if you don't mention I called her that, she can be fickle when it comes to titles..."
He paused, a lewd grin beginning to spread across his lips.
"Though on second thought...maybe you should tell her"
Interesting. My eyes lowered to his neck, finally noticing the leather collar he had poorly attempted to conceal. I smirked again, looking him in the eyes this time.
"So you're a sub, huh?"
He blushed lightly, looking away from me. I had to admit, he was kind of cute.
He cleared his throat, his gaze returning to mine.
"What gave it away?"
I tugged at my shirt collar and gestured towards his neck with a jut of my chin.
His hands quickly reached towards his neck, his blush deepening at the feeling of the exposed collar.
"Ahhhh, that's-"
I cut him off, my deadpan stare causing him to reflexively step back.
"I already know you're a sub, there's no point in trying to deny it. Beside, I'm just teasing you."
He exhaled, a small smile forming on his lips. I returned it.
We both turned to face the book store, finally refocusing on the shopkeeper. She was currently pulling out of her parking spot and heading towards the nearest intersection.
With a deep sigh, I pocketed my taser, preparing for the long trek back home.
"Well, this has been fun and all, but I should go."
I turned to start heading home, already focused on remembering when the next train would be arriving at the nearest stop.
"You hungry? I live nearby, and I could give you a ride home. It's pretty late."
I stumbled and turned swiftly, shocked to see he had followed me.
"Uhhh... no offence, but I don't even know you. How do I know you're not just trying to lure me into some basement or back room to hang me up and perform body modifications on me?"
He burst out laughing, needing a moment to catch his breath before responding.
"Calm down American Mary; I just don't want some poor fucker to get tased by you"
He chuckled a bit more, then looked at me seriously.
"The snows really starting to come down, and I promise to keep my hands to myself. I also happen to make a mean grilled cheese."
I crossed my arms, inspecting him for a moment. Life had been pretty monotonous lately, and getting a ride home would cut my travel time in half... but was that really worth potentially getting assaulted by some weirdo I had just met in the alley? Even if he did get my reference...
"What kind of cheese do you use?"
He beamed at me and beckoned for me to follow him.
"Mozza, provolone, and a dusting of parmesan on top!"
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I quietly inspected the 1 bedroom apartment, pleasantly surprised by the decor; the tidy but cozy living room had a variety of still life pieces displayed on the walls which were further illuminated by a unique set of antique lamps. My attention was quickly drawn to the viridian loveseat, it's velvety surface beckoning me. I swiftly made my way over, realizing how heavy my limbs felt, exhaustion creeping into my bones. I sighed deeply, relaxing further into the plush cushions.
"Gah, fuck!"
My head whipped towards the kitchen, instantly on alert.
"Y-you okay in there?"
I gulped and swore to myself quietly, both out of fear and of frustration. How stupid could I be, going to the house of a stranger I had just met? My mind raced and my palms slickened with sweat, when I suddenly recalled the taser in my purse, cursing further as I realized I had hung it by the door. As I began frantically looking around for anything that could be used as a weapon, I turned back to the kitchen to find my host walking towards me with a sheepish grin.
"Heyyy, so I might have dropped my grilled cheese, but yours is still safe."
I stared at him for a few seconds, then exhaled deeply. I chuckled lightly, and went to grab my sandwich.