Tangent Line
Julian (Smith)
Gender Neutral Reader
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Another average day of work finished its gruel passing on your day. As you began to close up the bar; wiping the spilled drinks from before and collecting any leftover trash. One person remained at the end of the bar. God, why couldn’t they just leave like everyone else.
“Hey we’re closing up soon.”
An audible choke erupted from them as they sheepishly apologised before going to gather their belongings, the already rusty door burst open.
Dropping everything they were previously picking up, the straggling customer made a run for it.
Noise akin to a metal chain gravely disturbed your ears while the blue—weapon? Fell to the floor.
“Don’t. Run.”
A figure shrouded in shadows stepped forward into the bar.
At least the day would get more entertaining.
“Where? Exit?”
His newly seen scarlet hair came into view as he hastily questioned you.
“If you go out the employee entrance over there you could probably catch ‘em”
Motioning behind yourself, you took no time in ratting out your paying customer. Perhaps you should add no wanted felons on the entry requirements.
Immediately taking off without giving the chance to take a second look. Or you didn’t get a second look at least, as a cry rang out from outside of the bar. Someone else surely did.
“Man, definitely got him.”
You sighed, continuing your work to close the bar for the day. Cleaning up the glasses and flipping the sign over. It wasn’t unusual to spot purifications taking place across the Moniyan Empire.
Until tomorrow. And there tomorrow came.
With a melodramatic routine of opening the bar once more, the afternoon air flooded in. Setting out chairs and stools, the right ding emitted from the doorbell.
“Already? Well that’s fine what can I get for...you.”
The man—the assassin—the purifier stood in the door frame before all else. With a certain cold gaze that would make the devil shiver. The heels of his boots clinked against the wooden floors with each and every step closer to you.
“Thanks.”
Is all he managed to mutter out. Words don’t seem to be his strong suit, but, he pulled out a chair and sat down with the unease of a child whom had been scolded.
Rummaging through his slim pockets he tossed a few coins over the bar counter whilst shifting into a more comfortable position.
“Oh! You want a drink? What kind?”
Planting his hand firmly underneath his chin he began to lose himself in thought for at least a minute before pointing to a clear—granted almost empty bottle.
“Just the liquor straight?”
“Fruit taste? Please.”
Doubting you’d get anything else from him, you began doing what you did best. Making drinks.
With no time at all the fruit like concoction had been crafted and served to you only customer for the hour it seemed, strange.
Downing the well scented beverage in one swing he slid the glass back to you.
“Name is Julian.”
Finally a semi-coherent sentence.
“Nice to meet you.”
You reluctantly hid your own name as you went to clean the used glass.
“You, what is yours?”
“Oh I’m not from the Moniyan Empire.”
“Name?”
Man was he determined to get your name. The bright red light corresponding to his eyes beamed at you in wait.
Finally giving in after two minutes of intense staring you told him your name.
With only a soft hum the man departed.
“What the actual fuck was that.”
His strange pop up visits began to cease over time but the feeling of his gaze never fell from you.
It had to been—what? Months? Before that familiar desertion of the bar was restored.
“Slow day.”
Was the cursed words that triggered the door bell once more.
“Welcome!”
Beginning your daily customer service, as a group of three strutted inside. Three importantly dressed individuals. With a fourth shyly tagging along that you knew all too well.
“Hey it’s you again! Julian right?”
His piercing stare loosened, properly taking you into his sight. In contrast to all three sets of eyes now straying to him.
“You know this guy? No way, you do have friends!”
"Don't tease him Melissa. We are just here for a break."
A seemingly older member of their group chimed in. With two out of the four's names being disclosed. "I don't like alcohol, do you guys have anything else?" A boy-teen-person? With long tamed hair leaned over the counter scouting out the drinks. The rest of the group scoffed in unison. "Don't huff at me you guys aren't even allowed to drink!" Pony-tail wasted no time ratting out his fellow travel mates.
"Damnit Yin, now I'll never get to try some."
"How about you just wait like normal people!"
Awkwardly third--fifth wheeling the conversation you rested the glasses back into their caddy.
"So cola for everyone?"
"From before, the drink. Thank you."
Deviating your eyebrows from resting position your stare intensified. "I thought you were not allowed to drink? Oh man-I already served you before."
"I can. Thank...you." The coins flew across the counter once more. He did not seem interested in arguing the matter. And neither were you, prepping the fruitful concoction once more.
"WHAT? I want one too!" The girl, Melissa? Had taken coins from the elder's pockets and dished them forward. "Would you mind me asking, just how old you guys are? Just for my sanity."
"Not old enough. I will take a Gimlet. Mocktails if you can for the rest." He whispered the last bit , concealing the truth from the party.
"That makes two of us--four of us?"
"What." The man of blaring blue hair had dilated his eyes in a concerned manner. "Oh yeah I can't drink either, I just work here."
A sly series of stares burned holes through your soul as you stood awkwardly. “So, I’ll get those drinks for you.”
Glass clinking across the island perked the eldest’s attention to retrieve the beverages. “Hey we should probably get goin’ soon so we get there in time.” Yin dutifully commented downing his faux liquor.
Viciously digging through his pockets, the blonde boy wearily peered over at Xavier. And with his reluctant sigh, the bill was paid. “Thank you for your service. Let’s go.” The group exchanged bids of farewells, while exiting the doors.
With a boiling confliction within himself, your new regular slid a note on the counter. “I will return. Maybe, you—us can go.” Evidently struggling with his words, you briefly cut him off.
“Of course, if I’m not working that day, then of course.”
An acute smile disguised as a smirk fought its way onto his face as he regrouped with his friends outside. Eagerly awaiting to see you again.
I love Julian sm I’m kicking my feet in the air
Totally not proof read either I made this on my phone 😨
