The Red String

Chapter Two: Do You Believe in Fate?

Eveline stared at the two strange seeming men in amazement as she stood in front of their table. They were unlike anyone she had ever seen before, other than herself with her bizarre crimson hair and dark ultramarine eyes.

One had dark auburn hair with his shades resting on his head. He also had a peculiar cowlick that seemed to not want to stay down. He wore a white wife-beater, bomber jacket, and had dog tags around his neck. His piercings and visible tattoos radiated the ruthless presence. He also wore frayed jeans and combat boots. He was muscular and it was obvious that he worked out. Something about him told her that he was a menacing force and it wasn't just his presence. She knew that shouldn't get on his bad side. His ruby red eyes pierced her as she looked over him, making her look away.

The other wore a charcoal sleeveless Changshan, matching pants, and a military cap that concealed his eyes. His hair was a dark brown and he had a dragon tattoo on his left shoulder. His eyes weren't as terrifying as the other male, his were a dark reddish brown, when he looked at her. He still emitted a dangerous air.

She had a feeling that these people were involved in illegal activities and it concerned her but she was friends with James and couldn't actually say much about illicit activity. She was frightened for her wellbeing but if James trusted these two men then she would have to learn to trust them too. It didn't stop her from feeling uncomfortable as she looked at James with apprehension, she had a million inquiries that she wouldn't be able to ask him. For now, she just had to trust that James knew what he was doing.

"I'm going to get us some drinks. Try and get along, Chickadee." James told her as she slid into the booth next to the auburn haired man. She pouted as she watched James leave her alone with the complete strangers. She was often petrified of meeting new people and it wasn't she partook in regularly.

"So, who are you, Doll-face?" The auburn man asked adorning his signature smirk as he looked over the striking red-head.

She rolled her eyes at the ludicrous name but what was she to do? He didn't know her name so it was the only way he could address her, at least that was what she assumed.

She looked at him, "Eveline Margon. Who the hell are the two of you? Other than being friends with James." She asked sharply, not trying to be insolent but she was bothered at the circumstances and the auburn haired man wasn't improving it.

"The one and only Allen L. Jones, Doll." He chuckled, still smirking and admiring her audacity, "You can call me Al though."

"I think your face is broken," she said teasingly with a grin instigating him just out of spite and pure fun. Her playfulness caused him to scowl slightly, "You should really get that smirk of yours checked out."

That caused the other man to erupt into a fit of snickering. No other woman would have the brazenness to say such a thing to Allen. They could tell she was playful and was trying to find a way to make herself feel at ease around them.

"Careful, Doll, I might have to do something 'bout that arrogance of yours." Allen threatened good-humoredly, returning to smirking.

"Try me, bitch." She laughed, smirking right back at him, "Anyway, and you are?" she inquired facing the other male.

"I am Yang Zao." He said amid laughs, "My friends call me Zao."

James returned to the table and noticed how Allen and Eveline continued to go back and forth, challenging each other and their boundaries.

"Instigating again, eh, Eveline?" James questioned with a chuckle.

"Me? Instigate? Never!" She said innocently, gazing at James with her usual playful glint in her eyes, "That's your job, not mine."