From The Ashes

Part 7

After tucking Eian into bed I joined the others downstairs. Issac slid me a full cup of ale and I drained it, slamming the mug back onto the bar. 

  “Thirsty?” Cass said, taking a seat next to me. 

  “Shut up, I need this. Another please Isaac.” I said. 

  “Typical Reika, searching for answers at the bottom of a mug.” Cass said. 

  “I’m sorry, do you have a problem?” I snapped, picking up my drink and taking a huge gulp. 

  “I just worry about you is all.” He said genuinely. Looking at me with those bright eyes like he always did. I finished my second mug and waved to Isaac for another. 

  “Oh you’re worried are you? Well me too! My kid just saw the most disgusting, murderous, vile person to ever exist and he also apparently speaks in tongues with glowing white eyes now so that's a thing!” I replied, tossing back another ale. My face was starting to get warm and my head felt light. 

  “Rei, of course I’m worried about Eian, we all are. But he’s tough and can handle more than you think. So, yeah I’m concerned about you too.” He said, attempting to put his hand on my shoulder. I swatted it away, chugging another. I felt dizzy. Dammit, I was drunk. But, I wasn’t going to let that stop me. I was mad at Cass now. 

  “Oh, so I’m not tough now? That's why you’re worried about me and not Eian?” I accused him. 

  “You know that’s not what I meant.” He said. I stood up and wobbled a little. 

  “I am tough! Almost every time we spar I win! You may be strong but I’m fast!” I said loudly, slurring my words. 

  “Yes, you are. But sit down Rei, you're being too loud.” He said calmly.   

  “You just don’t want people to know I’m the better fighter!” I said, poking his chest. “Why is your chest so hard? That’s like not human..” I stumbled and Cass broke my fall. 

  “Let’s go to bed.” Cass said, putting my arm over his neck. 

  “No, I can’t sleep with you, that's weird!” I slurred.

  “I meant you need to go to bed.” He said, walking me up the stairs. 

  “But I’m not tired.” I said. It was a lie, I felt heavy and my eyelids threatened to close. Cass opened the door to my room and gently laid me down. 

  “Go to bed. We can talk tomorrow.” He said, turning to walk out. Without thinking I grabbed his hand. 

  “Wait.” I said. He sat on the edge of my bed.

  “Yeah?” He asked. His face was illuminated by the moon shining in from the window. He was so handsome. 

  “Why did you lie to me?” I asked. 

  “Rei, what are you talking about?” He asked, leaning a little closer.

  “When you told me you thought I was beautiful. You lied. I know you don’t. You just said that to be nice.” I replied. My eyes felt heavier. I wanted to sleep but I didn’t want Cass to leave.

  “Why do you think that?” He inquired, looking a little offended.   

  “Because! You’re Cassius Reeves, the most handsomest guy in the whole town of Aster. Probably the whole continent. Your eyes are so pretty and your hair is cool and you’re fucking ripped, I mean like how are you that muscular?! So obviously, you’re not gonna be attracted to someone like me. I have crazy hair, I’ve never even worn a dress or jewelry..and my scars are-” He stopped me.