Woman Put Your Weapon Down

I Howl When We're Apart

"If only you could see the beast you've made of me

I held it in but now it seems you've set it running free

Screaming in the dark, I howl when we're apart

Drag my teeth across your chest to taste your beating heart"

-'Howl'

Florence and the Machines

Brennan

Her training had gone well, Brennan only broke two plates. She was getting the hang of it once again, creating her own beat. It felt nice to be working again, getting back into a routine. These past few weeks were confusing and harsh, but working was a refuge. The structure of having a place to be at a certain time for a set amount of time was comforting. She didn't realize how much she missed this structure, it felt normal and she desperately craved normalcy. The night went on, many faces passing through, all moving through their normal lives. A bit of envy bubbled up in her chest. In that instant, Brennan swore to herself that she would one day have that, and she'd be damned if she broke a promise.

It was late, pushing well into the morning and towards the end of her first night shift. Brennan's feet were blissfully numb and she knew she would sleep easy that night. The bell chimed and out of habit she greeted whoever walked through. It was the man from the night before. He was back and he immediately laid his eyes on her. Again, her breath hitched at the sight of him. How can one man do this to her, make her feel as if the world melted away. She raised her eyes to meet his and her heart stopped. The feeling of being hunted came back, and Brennan didn't know what to do. Her immediate reaction was to run, leave town and never come back. But she was frozen in fear, unable to move. Thankfully, Victoria saved her and snapped her out of her panic before it became worse.

"Hey Samuel, the usual?" Victoria asked as she guided him to a seat in the back corner of the diner.

"Yeah, please." Samuel answered. His voice was smooth and his accent was peculiar – she couldn't pick on specific place that it would have come from. Victoria nodded and walked towards the kitchen to make his 'usual' drink. As she passed Brennan, she grabbed her wrist and dragged her along.

"Get a coffee, black, no sugar." She ordered as she busied herself with filling salt shakers. Brennan vaguely nodded and went about preparing his beverage. "So," Victoria continued, "what do you think of the good doctor?"

Brennan turned her head to the side, hiding her blush and confusion, as she replied, "oh, he looks nice."

"Oh honey, he is more than just nice. Fine, gorgeous, hot and sexy are the words you use to describe Samuel." Victoria countered with a wink. "Now, go take him his coffee."

She walked into the back office before Brennan could protest. Her brain was going haywire, her instincts were to run, but she promised herself that she would have some semblance of a normal life. With a sigh and an adjustment of her apron, she grabbed the coffee and some napkins before walking out to his table.

"Here you go." She muttered with a forced smile. She set the cup down and was thankful that she did not spill any since her hands were shaking so much. He nodded his head in thanks before turning back to the menu. Without looking up, he asked, "Are you new?" Brennan let out an awkward laugh before nodding, "Uh yeah, first day and all." He laughed with her before ordering, "I would like pancakes and double bacon," he began. Brennan was shocked still when he continued, "also the t-bone steak and eggs with white toast and hash browns, and some waffles." She blinked, baffled that one man could eat such a large amount of food. Where does it all go? He doesn't have an ounce of fat on him. She thought as she wrote down his order. He chuckled at her shock, he couldn't help it, it's not uncommon for people to be overwhelmed with the amount of food he can consume. She blushed at his sly grin, and scampered off to put his order in to the kitchen. She embarrassed herself in front of a gorgeous man, one who intimidated her and excited her all at the same time. She busied herself until his order was ready. When she served his good, it took more than one trip. Brennan was exasperated by the time she was done and was relieved to only have Samuel to serve.