Take Control

1

— 10:39pm —

"Uh, just open a tab." The voice rasped, his index and middle tapping firmly against the surface of the bar as he slips onto a barstool. The dirty blonde hair strands barely slipping in front of his eyes before being wiped away, it happens so much it's become a common reflex for him.

The bartender acknowledges the tired man's presence, already grasping a glass from underneath the bar. Of course he knows what to make without needing to ask, but does so anyway like every time before.

The dirty blonde is a regular, especially on a Friday night. I mean, where else would he be when he's not busy saving someone's daughter or stopping a bat shit crazy person that's going through some sort of villian arc.

"The usual, sir?" The question lingers before the man hunched over the bar tips his head in approval.

The bartenders hands move effortlessly, gliding the finished drink over the polished top.

"Thanks. Leon is also fine." His calloused hand wrapping around the glass, raising the dark liquid to his lips before letting it trail down his throat.

The burn felt comfortable in his chest.

The bartender nodded, mentally noting the name of the stranger that drinks here often; Leon. The faint rock music in the background filling more of the silence, continuing to wipe down the rest of the bar so he could finally escape to his smoke break.

Leon was now alone. The usual.

Heels from afar clicked against the floor, gradually becoming louder before stopping abruptly.

"I knew I'd find you here." A woman's voice spoke out, making Leon glance over his shoulder. A low grumble of humour vibrated from his chest.

"Ada. What a pleasant surprise," He responds, turning back to his drink for another gulp.

A light scoff sounded from behind him, "don't sound too happy," she responded sarcastically. "Mind if I join?" She adds, taking another step forward.

"Do whatever your heart desires, you're used to doing that." His tone was relaxed yet rough in a way you have to know him to understand what he truly meant.

Ada ignores the double meaning, sliding onto the stool, keeping close proximity.

"What if that's you?" Her voice dips, supposedly flirting.

A huff escaped Leon's lips before the deep chuckle overlapped. What a joke, still the same old Ada.

"Why are you here, Ada?" He doesn't look at her straight away. Leon knows her tricks and stunts like the back of his hand by now, their history went way back.. maybe too long back.

"Can't two friends catch up?" She leans in, watching his side profile.

"So we're friends now?" His eyes side glance her, tone low, not holding much emotion. "Interesting."

"We've always been friends, Leon. Close friends." A slight smirk tipped up in the one corner of her mouth. Her manicured hand lifted to rest upon on his forearm. Earning an instant glare to her touch as his muscles tensed in the moment. Leon cleared his throat, shifting in his seat which resulted in Ada letting her hand fall.

Message received clearly.

Ada sat back in her stool, forcing her attention behind the bar now. Ego obviously damaged.

"Where's the bartender when you need one." She grumbled under her breath, Ada was used to always having her way.

"He's out smoking." Leon states, feeling the familiar warmth coax his insides once more from his glass. "Wish I went with." He adds under his breath, not available for her to hear though.