When We Meet Again

Chapter 11 - The Glass Tiger

(TW- Mentions of SA, disgusting men)
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Once he returned home, one of the first things Robert did was see Diana. Seeing her face after so long brought him so much happiness, and he was so glad to be home. They spent much time talking and catching each other up on the past few weeks.

The day after he got back, though, Robert went to spend time with his closest friends at the Glass Tiger, a club for the most elite men in the city.

The Glass Tiger was a lot more pristine and formal than many of the other lounges and bars in the city, and had a much "cleaner" reputation. There, one could gamble, play games, conduct business, drink, or perhaps hire a lady to spend the night with if he asked the right person, but Robert was not interested in ladies of the night. All he wanted was to spend an evening with his closest friends.

So he met them there at a quarter to eight, and they entered the building. Inside, they were greeted with a large, glimmering room. There were many leather chairs for the men to sit and chat, large tables for games and gambling, a very organized bar full of ornate bottles of fine liquors, and a few pool tables. The room was full of gold, and the walls were painted a deep rust color. A large mural of a jungle was painted on the ceiling, accompanied by a large skylight that gave the club its name.

The men made their way to the pool tables, quickly being accompanied by a server, who took their drink orders. Robert played David, Diana's oldest brother first.

"How has the last month been treating you, Rob?" David asked, hitting the cue ball to start the game.

"It's been interesting. I've been up to a lot since my return." Robert explained. "First the ball, and then having to return to training camp, and now being back home again."

"Do you know when you will be sent off again?" David asked. "Perhaps to see some action again?"

"I'm not sure." Robert answered, hitting in the solid 6 ball. "Much of the fighting is at a standstill now. It's seems that everywhere besides here has been getting massive amounts of snow. And besides, none of the generals here seem too motivated to fight right now."

What Robert had said was true. At least in the East, it had been a bit since there were any real battles. There were a few skirmish's now and then, but nothing like what they had seen at Bull Run or Ball's Bluff, both battles that Robert was present at.

"Well, the rest can't hurt you." David spoke, waiting until his friend missed a shot to play his turn. Once Robert did, David tried to knock in a striped ball, and missed.

"I just wish I could have had this time off during some other season." Robert explained. "The winter social season isn't ideal."

"Ah, the mothers must be at your throat, with you being such an "eligible Bachelor"." David joked. "I understand how you feel. All we have to do is simply step into a party, and all of the mothers are introducing you to their daughters and telling you how good they can embroider."

"That's one way to put it." Robert laughed, hitting in another ball.

"Well, I could give you some tips on how to keep the mothers at bay, if you wish, but I assume you won't need them." David spoke, glancing over at his friend. "Since from what I've heard from my mother, you seem to have eyes for my sister."

Right as David said this, Robert tried hitting in another ball and whiffed. His face turned slightly red, and he coughed before turning back to David. "That's what she told you?"

"That is how you feel, now, isn't it Robert?" David asked, before turning to hit a ball. "From what I can tell, that's how Diana feels about you."

Robert stood up straight and thought for a moment. Have I been that obvious? Robert thought to himself. He really did admire Diana, but He just didn't know how say it to David. David was the head of his family now, ever since their father died, so in a way, telling David that he admired his sister was like telling it to a father. It was difficult.