Winter Wine
█ Snatching another piece of chicken from a dish, a stack of dirtied plates to his side were removed. Curtly nodding at the bartender, tipping his hat slightly, greeting the bartender, he cleaned his hands with some napkins, returning his attention to his newfound company. Usually, he was one for table manners. But today he slipped up. He didn’t expect company, especially with his appearance. Usually, all he received from someone on a daily basis were some harsh remarks or insults. That or receiving glares or shakes of disappointment. Hell, he even intimidated others unintentionally. 'Must be the tattoos.' Ace mused inwardly as a sigh parted from him.
✗ Well, not like it really bothered him.
At least his girl, this woman, didn’t seem to be put off by his appearance. Although he couldn’t say the same for his lack of table manners. Then again, he wasn’t entirely at fault. It just happened. Nothing intentional, though he made a mental note to always be prepared for sudden company. After the recent happenings within the city Ace had experienced first-hand, he should have known better.
✗ Oh well.
Reaching the back of his pockets, plucking out his usually empty wallet, turning away from his company as his back faced her, he was faced with a predicament he seemed to run into on an almost daily basis. And by almost, he meant always. He was flat out broke. Hopefully, just hopefully he didn’t get banned from a place like this. He really liked the food here. But he was left with one choice. Looks like he would have to resort to dine n’ dashing. Hopefully his new friend wouldn’t mind.
Hearing Kikumi suddenly speak up, Ace perked up as he quickly returned his wallet where it belonged, quirking a brow at her query. "Huh? French wine? Can’t say I’ve had." Although the way she seemed to mention it made him rather curious about it. "Why? Have you tried it? Is it good? I would like to try some, sometime." Little did he know that he would soon go on a little side trip for some French wine.
Awaiting a response, Kikumi began stroking the wineglass and ending the descent of sweat that dripped down the crystal. She was not bored with the conversation, that was far from the truth. She just didn't think silence appealed to most, and tried to advert it by becoming engulfed in her own activity. He ate, she would play with her glass. When he contributes to the conversation, she will listen. That was how it went, however, Kikumi would slip up from time to time. She would catch a glimpse of tattoos, or wonder how someone could feel comfortable when they were so revealed. These slip-ups were meant to go unnoticed, but he was a man with both an interesting presence and appearance. She caught so many glances that not noticing them would be a miracle.
Kikumi watched as he pulled out his wallet and turned away. Little did he know, that in her bag was a coin purse with more money than he may ever earn in his entire life. In her bag was a gun that cost more than his house. She could pay for all of his plates and not even make a dent in her fortune, she could buy the whole damn restaurant and it wouldn't make a difference. Surely, she could pay for his meal. But impressions were important, especially the first of them. Was it wise to broadcast her wealth? Should a man, who may have no socioeconomic standing, really know about how much money she possessed? Kikumi wanted to kick herself for being so selfish. You're over thinking it, Kikumi. What would your family want you to do? Keep it.
The man began to speak, now facing her. She listened; hasn't tasted French wine, won't let others see his money, savage. Kikumi grew bitter when she was drowsy and had as little as an ounce of alcohol in her, but that was not something she showed externally. "Yes, I have tried it, and it is fulfilling to say the least. Not many bars provide it. I do think you'd like it, would you like to try and find some with me? I promise you, I've saved up my money, so we'd be able to buy the most expensive wine we can find."











