Off Record [Ereri/Riren] ✓

32 ⚕︎Introspection ✍︎

Off Record
Chapter 32
⚕︎Introspection✍︎
Eren

in·tro·spec·tion

/ˌintrəˈspekSH(ə)n/

noun

the examination or observation of one's own mental and emotional processes.

I always end up here after a job. I should save up my money for when I really need it but instead I continue to make the bad decision to spend it on drinks. The bar isn't packed, it's a Thursday evening, and I sit alone at the counter.

I don't come here looking for fights but they always seem to find me. Maybe I am seeking out a brawl, maybe I want someone to hit after getting fucked by some asshole who thinks it's funny to kick me in the balls when he's finished.

I'm on my seventh beer and I'm just now starting to feel the effects. Sometimes my tolerance is high, sometimes it's low, it all depends on him.

A noisy group of college aged boys walk in and immediately take notice of me. They're laughing, joking, and shoving each other around, taking up all the space left in the bar with their presence. The bartender taps my shoulder and I turn back to her.

"You should get out of here." She warns. She's known me for the better half of a year now and I trust her word.

I'm getting up to leave when I hear the leader of the pack whistle. "Hey boys, looks like we got a hottie over here."

"I'd tap that."

The leader leans over the bar. "Nice ass, sweetheart. How much for it?"

I ball my fists and turn around. "Leave her alone, asshole."

The leader turns towards me and grins. "Looks like she's got a faggot protecting her."

They all laugh. My blood boils and I instinctively scratch my wrist bloody. I can feel Titan's presence overwhelming mine and I stare them down with golden eyes. "Shut your damn mouth."

"Or what pretty boy?"

-

"Or you spend two nights in jail then get bailed out by your pimp." I groan and throw my forearm over my forehead. I've been recalling more and more from my time on the streets since merging with Titan. I've counted nine assault charges so far.

I press the button and ask Ryder for a plastic ball I can throw around when he comes. He nods and leaves. When he returns he's carrying a ball with an ocean design all around it. I take it from him. "Thank you." I smile, examining the many varieties of fish.

"I knew you'd like it." He smiles. "Are you okay? We never got the chance to talk, after the game."

"Friends kiss all the time." I shrug.

Ryder narrows his eyes. "They do?"

"I..." I realize I've never had a friend before. I just assume since all the prostitutes I worked with were very open about kissing and even doing more with friends. "I thought they did. Sorry."

"What was it like to kiss Dr. Ackerman?" Ryder asks curiously and takes the ball from me before tossing it back.

"It was gross." I lie. "And weird. I'm shocked he actually did it." I throw the ball back.

"You looked like you wanted to eat his face." Ryder chuckles and catches the ball.

I laugh. "I'm not a cannibal."