In Wonderland

Part 6: No way in Hell.

Dila was at their neighbourhood pub, observing quietly as the rest of the group she was with chatted and enjoyed themselves. It was a good feeling to see some of the previous teenagers she'd helped mingling with her current set, especially the more difficult ones. She was under no illusion that any of them were here for her sake, but she had lured them out tonight with the promise of free food and drinks with the hope that the relaxed atmosphere would help encourage new friendships – and it seemed to be working. It was important for her troubled clients to see people who had gone through similar difficult experiences and come out in a better place.

The door opened, setting off the bell, and she turned to find Robert looking around. She smiled, gesturing for him to come over. "You hungry?" she asked, when he joined her at the table.

"Nah. Just thirsty." He poured himself a glass of beer from the pitcher on the table. "I brought a mate with me. That's alright, yeah?"

"Who is it?"

Almost on cue, Kuzgun entered the pub. Like always, her heart fluttered at the sight of him – especially when he looked this good. Dressed in jeans, a casual blue t-shirt and a leather jacket, he was devastatingly handsome. As he sauntered towards her, she noted the glances of admiration he elicited from the other female patrons and her temper flared.

"Hi." He smiled, taking the seat next to her.

She forced herself to look away, distracting herself with a drink. "Hi," she said noncommittally.

"You don't mind I'm here, do you?"

"Would it matter if I did?"

"No," he said with a cheeky smile, surprising her.

She set down her half-empty glass, which he promptly picked up and took a sip from. "That's mine."

"This beer tastes like shit."

"Get your own then."

"I will." He stood up and walked to the bar, and she tried her best not to check out his ass.

"He's quite fit," Rob piped in, smirking.

"Shut up."

***

An hour later it was just Dila and Kuzgun at the table, everyone else was playing pool. She started pouring herself a drink from the pitcher when Kuzgun covered her hand with his own. Immediately she retracted her arm, but he didn't seem to notice. He was already sitting too close for comfort, the last thing she needed was actual physical contact from him to mess with her thoughts. He lifted the pitcher and filled up her glass before doing the same for himself, the liquid sloshing around.

"I can do that on my own, you know," she pointed out.

"I didn't want you to spill any. I know how clumsy you get when you're a little drunk."

She rolled her eyes. "I'm not a lightweight. I can handle my liquor."

He picked up some peanuts, chewing on them. "I also know you like to manhandle me when you're wasted. Really looking forward to that."

Remembering their first encounter together as adults, she laughed.

"I love that sound," he remarked, his soulful eyes wandering over every inch of her face. He dipped his head, peeking at her from beneath his long, beautiful eyelashes. "I was worried after last week."

Her smile stiffened. Depression episodes were a part of her life; however, it was not something she wanted to talk about with him. "What did you and Rob do today?" she asked, hoping the change of subject would detract him from the conversation.