Play Your Cards Right

Ch 2: Coffee Break

Eli's P.O.V.

The rest of the day passed by quickly. Me and Aria broke the day down into shifts and as it got latter in the day, my time off was coming up. I fully intended to use the time to do a bit of shopping. I was so focused on fixing the display of shirts that I didn't see him sneak up beside me.

"You know, chere, your lucky that coffee didn't stain." I jumped in surprise at the close proximity from which he said that. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment and I took a nervous step back.

"I'm so sorry, I should have been paying better attention." I apologized again feeling my cheeks become a darker shade of red. He smirked down at me and for a second I was slightly taken back.

His irises were blood red. And where his eyes should be white they were black, exactly the same color as his pupils. For a second, my mind screamed demon and run. But then I remember where I was, this is Comic Con. I just watched a realistic looking Chewbacca walk by.

"I accept your apology." He smirked. "But I'm thinkin' I remember hearing ya say somethin' bout owing me another?"

"Oh yeah, of course." I replied quickly heading back behind the counter. Setting my satchel on the counter I pulled out my wallet.

"Batman?" He chuckled noticing the yellow and backpack symbol on my wallet. "You like superheroes?" He asked a patronizing grin spreading across his face.

"Who doesn't?" I replied with a shrug.

"They do always get the girl."

"Not always."

He raised an eyebrow at me and I gave him another shrug in response. "Sometimes she falls for the bad boy."

"Oui?"

"Mhmm...Harley Quinn and the Joker."

"Don't know, never read comic books."

"Then you sir." I said pointing accusingly at him. "Have never lived." I handed him a five dollar bill and apologized one more time.

"I'm not sure this is going to cover it." He quipped and I raised and eyebrow in surprise at his forwardness. "You might just have to come with me in case the total runs over."

"I can't, I have to help Aria with-"

"No you don't." She interrupted sneaking up behind me, smirking at the two of us. She crossed her arms over chest. "Your shifts up, and if this the guy that you spilled coffee on earlier. I think you owe him enough to at least go with him and make sure it covers the charge."

"See, chere?" He gave me what I suppose was a charming smile. I rolled my eyes in consent and he led the way. Before leaving I glared back at Aria who was giving me a very enthusiastic thumbs up. "So who are you suppose to be, Green Arrow?"

"So you have read comic books!"

"Nope, but I have at least five confiscated copies from my students. The green just seemed to match."

"Oh, well good because I'm actually suppose to be Link." He gave me a lost look. "Legend of Zelda?" I tried. He shrugged. "Did you even have a childhood!"

"Back down home, we didn't have time for comic books." He chuckled in response to how offended I looked.

"Legend of Zelda is a video game." I stated. "My favorite game as a kid to be exact and I am the genderbent version of Link, the main character." He was still smirking when he looked over at me again. I narrowed my eyes at him. "Then who are you dressed up as?" I commenting on his long, brown leather trench coat and bo staff that was securely attached to his back.