- bad habits
1387 Words
Carter just couldn't help it the other night. As much as he wanted to control himself, manage his 'cravings' as such, he ended up in the local bar another time, sipping away on his third drink. One more gulp and the fourth would be right up.
His hands played with the rim of his beer, thoughts had already started to get a little blurred as the bartender's hands reached for the empty bottles.
"This is getting old Carter."
He could clearly see the annoyance on the other man's face, but he didn't care. He never did.
"What, me drinking so you can collect a paycheck, or your job in general, well if it suits you, then I suggest a new one."
Both already knew that was definitely not what he meant, the bartender decided to leave him be. Everyone knew that Carter, was a stubborn, thick-skinned, hard-headed man. He still didn't know the bartender's name but the guy had managed to know him. But seriously, he was downright popular around here, known for the man that could drink a crate or two of beers without falling on his face, it was really surprising that three drinks already had his mind playing tricks on him.
But he didn't care, he found it fun sometimes. Seeing shadows, moving about, and the blink of an eye it disappeared. He was from a crazy family, drinking then hallucinating was the norm. The liquor in his system made him feel like he was on top of the world. All he now wanted, was for the annoying bartender of man in front of him to do his job, so he could have his alone time in peace.
"Hello handsome."
He felt the brush of air against his ear, his shoulders unconciously shrugged to block the feeling, the chair beside him was occupied, Carter huffed out a frustrated breath. He casted a looked to his side at the invasive person, his eyebrows furrowed, which gave off a confused look but he didn't say anything.
"May I sit here?"
Carter huffed again and rolled his eyes. He was already seated, wasn't it too late to ask questions like that? Nonetheless he gulped and sent the signal, a beer slid across the countertop to him, he caught it expertly.
"Not a talker I see."
Yes, keep talking to yourself. He didn't like people pulling his beer for him, the lion ring on his finger act as a puller. The cap unfastened, he didn't fail to admire the jewelery, silver lion design with red ruby stone which imitated it's eyes, it fitted perfectly on thumb. Carter took a swing. "Ah!" It was refreshing and he loved the way it left a bitterish taste in his mouth. Unmannerly, the back of his hands wiped the lingering contents of the drink from his lips, he took the opportunity to eye the male that was seated beside him.
He was surprised to find his hands empty of a drink and weirdly- staring right at him.
"Bartender get him a drink. He look like a stick is shoved far up his ass. Don't worry, it's on me."
He man looked dumbfounded. His expression was quickly wiped off by a smirk and thick hands being thrown over Carter's shoulders in a too friendly way. The guy was being too touchy, he didn't like that. And worst, he was acting like they had known each other since a lifetime.
"And here I thought you were a mute. You surprised me there."
Really? What an ass. Carter? A mute? If only he knew how the man love to chat. The stranger just happened to come at the wrong time. When he was embracing his loathe for himself and serious self pity.
"Take you hands off before I break them."
The unknown man was now amused, his pale face absorbed the light as he laughed. His grin was ear to ear as he pulled Carter closer, his chest and Carter's right shoulder brushed, a grimace found its way in the man's face. His pearly white teeth was on full display, Carter wondered why someone could laugh like this.
Was it even legal?
"You're funny. I like you already."
He got a flat look as an answer, an a sarcastic tight lipped fake smile.
"Well, the gay club is about seven blocks from here. I'm sure there are alot of guys there that could like you too."
"Nice. What do you say we go for a walk then."
His hands reached down to Carter's lower back teasingly. The annoyed man couldn't miss the seductive smile that was playing at the pale man's lips. One word. Invaded. That's the only term that could describe how Carter was feeling at the moment. The guy was all in his little bubble. Oh yes, disgusted as well.
He could smell the man's perfume, his face screwed you even more, it was no doubt that it would rub off on him. The idea of smelling like another man pulled at his chords.
"I've done enough exercise, I'm alright for now." Carter spoke. The guy playfully pinched his shoulders and pushed at him, Carter was relief at the little space that was there.
"Lucien by the way. My friends call me Luce."
"Well then, it's a pleasure to meet you, Lucien."
He didn't worry to give give him his, cause he wasn't planning to. If Carter see this Lucien guy here, or any party of the town in the future, then he was going to hold his head straight, look in the opposite direction and try his absolute best to avoid him.
"No you can call me Luce. I know we're going to be friends, probably more."
Really, really avoid him.
The smirk stretched at his jaw. He chose to ignore it. He didn't like the way the man was all up in his personal space, the way he spoke out of terms, what the hell, he didn't once took a sip of his beer and Carter really took offense to that.
Always.
"Before twelve, you make sure that you're off the road Carter." Carter quickly looked up from his drink, Lucien's playfulness was all gone, his tone was more hostile than before, even his irritating smug look was now in a serious expression.
"And why is that?"
He asked, curious and yet challengingly.
Who was this guy to give him a curfew?
He was his own big man!
He was a grown ass man!
He was at his second house for Christ sake, this bar was his home away from home, how f*****g dare he?
"You better hear or else."
To piss him off, he checked his watch and huffed.
"Bartender!" He childishly called out loud, now he had managed to get the attention half if not all the people at the club. "Gin and tonic please. I've always wanted to try it."
The incredulous look he got from the other man was enough to satisfy him, it was one thing, he sure didn't follow rules, let alone orders.
"Carter, I will not repeat myself-"
The stubborn man quickly cut him off.
"Oh, I've hear you alright."
Angered, Lucien bit down on his bottom lips, his jaw was clenched, Carter could've sworn that the man's eyes flashed red, but then again, it could've been the bright multicoloured lights in the place.
His pale hands grabbed at the front of his well pressed shirt, hauling the man from his seat, the white material crinkled from where his fists was, Carter took the chance to size up to him, ready to strike the man down if he dared lay him hands on him, well, more that it already was.
"Never interrupt me whenever I speak. This drink, this your last one. When you're done head straight home and don't even stop."
His eyes bored into Carter's pissed one's which glared right back at him.
"If you value your hands, I suggest you let go of my shirt."
He hissed venomously. Lucien could already taste anger on his tongue, he never failed to recognize a threat. Carter's brown looking eyes never stray from his, he could see the flame, wrath, everything that screamed danger, right through his brown orbs.
All he knew was that, this Carter guy, he wasn't a push around.
- Writer
