In the dim lit bar, he hid in the back. His face covered by the shadows. His mind was clouded as he struggled to keep his vision straight. The days had felt longer and the sunshine unforgiving. Yes, the war against evil had been won.
But none of that was to due to him. None of the warmth or light deserved to touch him. He was beyond unworthy.
Always unworthy. Always the filthy rat in the street. Pushed into the dark by everyone that ever passed him by. By everyone that entered his life. That was until she entered his life. The small girl that looked up to him with big, round eyes and a kind smile. Hm, he didn’t deserve to think of her. He had failed her after all. He had used her powers to help him escape danger, but failed to keep her safe from harm.
Roman Torchwick didn’t deserve to feel anything but despair. Not after what happened with his baby sister. Cheap liquor and this hell hole bar were too good for him.
“Uh, Torchwick?” A small voice spoke out through the darkness. “Is that you?”
“Do I know you?” The ginger haired male struggled to look at her. All he could see was a bit of red clothing and a basic shape of a decent sized person. Red? No, it couldn’t be. This woman was taller than that little girl. Fuck, this woman was a woman and not some little girl that pouted too much.
“Kinda of. I mean... it’s been a few years. Maybe like 15 or so.” The woman muttered to herself. She was clearly nervous.
“I see. Well, if I owe you money... sorry. I’m a bit down on my luck these days.”
“No, this isn’t about money.” She sighed out. “Listen, I need your skills. You know this underworld a lot better than me and I can’t really ask my uncle for help... I’ll pay you. I’ll pay you well for the help. I promise I will.”
“I don’t do dirty deals anymore. Not since...” Not since working with Cinder costed him Neo’s life.
“Torchwick. If this works, it could help you see your sister again.”
See Neo? Could he dare to hope?
“What’s the catch Ms....”
“Ruby. Ruby Rose.” She blushed in the darkness.
“Red? So, it is you.” He chuckled. “But really, what’s the catch? Magic isn’t just some toy. It could really burn you if you play with it.”