Lights, Camera, Action!

Chapter 3: Lunch Life

Blaze had followed Honey after she left the main lobby and found her tour very interesting. She herself didn't drink but it became quickly apparent that Honey did as their first stop was the bar. Blaze doubted that anyone should drink in the day full stop, much less down five bottles of beer like it was nothing. She suspected that Honey was a heavyweight in alcohol. After the bar, a series of rooms of many different purposes followed and Blaze was introduced to many different people. People who while she was pleased to know, would not remember the names of based off of a first, brief, encounter. Honey was also kind enough to give her one of her cookies and they were absolutely delicious, Blaze could see why Sonic ran after it. Still, the unease over what happened with Amy spoiled the rather pleasant tour.

At around lunchtime, the pair stopped in the canteen for some proper food. The assassin reassured her that the food was of excellent quality and that Sarah, whose job as Beauty's right hand woman involved anything and everything, was a brilliant cook. Just like her sons although Shadow was definitely better than Sonic. Honey only had an apple but Blaze took this opportunity to fill her belly. In some ways, the aspiring actress had assumed things would be awkward or tense between them due to the rather intense flirting that had happened earlier on. Yet Honey acted like it was nothing and Blaze suspected that to her, it was. That had been perfected to the last bat of an eyelash, Honey had known what she was doing and was simply repeating a performance. Her audience had little to no meaning on her.

Blaze found herself soon ignoring the company she found herself in and more fascinated by simply watching everyone go about their lives. Lives that she would soon feature in, if only as a cameo. Once she'd finished her tuna sandwich and moved onto her strawberry shortcake, the young woman realised Honey was staring intently at her but not in an attracted manner. "What?" She asked, afraid she was wearing her lunch. Honey didn't respond. "It's rude to stare." Blaze snapped, going on the defensive against the bizarre person.

Honey didn't take her eyes off of her. "I'm reading you, feel free to ignore me as you have been doing." Blaze flushed that her neglect had been noted but the assassin didn't appear offended, if anything she looked annoyed that they were conversing.

So, despite having more questions than answers, Blaze kept quiet and focused on her food. Eventually she could not stand those just blue eyes drilling holes to her soul. They were like every shade of blue possible all at once: Crystal, stormy, sky, electric, sea. The list was endless. Slamming her hands down on their table, she turned to Honey, quite annoyed. "Stop staring at me!" Blaze hadn't intended to raise her voice and a few passer-bys turned curiously to look at them.

Honey gave her an entire once-over before she kicked her legs up onto the table and rested her hands behind her head; the golden curtain shimmering in the mid-morning sun. "Relax, I was just finished. You can ask your questions now." Her phrasing of that statement reminded Blaze of her interview with Petal and the aspiring actress reminded herself that they were mother and daughter. 

Blaze sighed and turned to her food once more. "What does 'reading me' mean?" She'd never heard of that before.

The assassin laughed. "I was determining what kind of person you are, were and will be. Don't worry, I do it to everyone at first. It's a method of defense." She looked curiously at Blaze, like she was trying to determine something. After a minute, she seemed to have determined what it was. "I have no reason to harm you. Amy simply frustrated me was all." Blaze remained silent for she did feel uncomfortable about what Honey had done but she wasn't just looking out for herself. Ever since she was a little girl, abuse of any kind be it physical, verbal, mental or emotional had always made Blaze rattled. Honey eyes narrowed at her. "Yet your own safety is not what you're concerned about, is it?" Blaze shook her head and Honey sighed loudly. The disappointment in her face was evident for all to see.

Blaze glared at her. "I'm sorry to be such a disappointment. But surely there are other ways to tell someone you are annoyed with them?" Honey seemed to use violence as a perfect warning. No one could or would argue with her if they were injured or even dead.

The young woman grinned at her. "If you knew my life, you wouldn't be surprised. As I'm sure you can see, I'm proficient with many different weapons and ways to kill people. I'm an assassin Blaze, pure and simple. I kill people for a living and I'm good at it. It's how I survive. I know no other way, only violence." Blaze looked pityingly at her for she couldn't imagine a life like that, it sounded like torture. Honey's smile turned to a frown and her eyes became very cold. "I don't need your pity. Pity, love, grief, sadness, empathy, sentiment. It's all ridiculous... And could kill someone. Could've killed me a million times already in my life. So do not give me that look, I don't want nor need it." She stood up very abruptly and swiped at Blaze's tray, causing it to clatter to the floor. Her food went off in different directions and people turned to stare at them. Both women hated all eyes being on them so they simultaneously glared at them all. The workers hurried to ignore them and find something else to busy themselves with.

Blaze looked from her spoiled food to the assassin beside her. "You know if I'm the main female actress and you're just the make-up artist. Technically, I outrank you. So please don't do that again." She'd hoped that the pair were actually getting along but it was clear that her assessment of Honey in the interview that they wouldn't get along appeared to be accurate.

Honey actually rolled her eyes and tutted. "This company wouldn't last a day without me. If you just think I can give you a reasonable eyeshadow and red lips whilst brushing your hair than you're a shallow brat." Blaze began to protest but the assassin rapidly move her hand to one of the scimitars on her hips. "I don't care if you've had a tough life. I bet all your fancy jewels that mine is tougher." She slammed her hand down on the table and leaned in close to her, the hairs on the back of Blaze's neck standing up at her warm breath so close. "If you find me difficult, join the club." Honey hissed before she kissed the girl's ear and walked away, presumably to find Shadow. The coldness chilling everyone around her.

That last little action an hour or two ago would've made Blaze blush like mad. Now it only made her mad. Honey was clearly unpredictable and dangerous who had no regard for other people. Cruel, she supposed. To say rather proudly that they can kill is most likely a sign of madness. Blaze didn't doubt for a second that Honey had had a very hard life, but she wasn't sure she wanted to find out how or why. She just wanted to succeed at her new job and hopefully the other members would be a lot nicer.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter, Honey and Blaze clearly have a shift in their friendship. I will hopefully update again tomorrow, bye bye for now.