The Vamp and the Ace | ✔

p a r t 4

ALARIC SERAFINO

KEVIN PALLIS

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Pallis?'

'Yeah?'

'One of these days, I'll find out what you're hiding. I'll be sure to find your name.'

'Keep dreaming, Alaric.'

'It's just a name, Pallis. Or would you prefer seat-mate?'

'I am shook-eth...'

'...'

'...'

'I'm sorry. Is that supposed to be some kind of reference...?'

'You disgrace-'

'Only my mother has the right to call me that.'

'-How dare you​? I have noticed enough of this behaviour and now, you'll answer my questions.'

'You are in no position to ask me- OWW!!! STOP PULLING MY EAR!'

'You brought this upon yourself, Alaric.'

'Be mindful of the earring. I brought it with my hard-earned money.'

'This stud is made of like, proper gold. The gold that is crude, yet pure in its own, unique way and the craftsmanship is remarkable. This is something you'll find in present-day Belgium. It was a part of the Habsburg Empire if I remember my history, and it was near Bohemia and Scandavania. Like, the symbol is in Dutch, that I can say the least and by the looks of it, it is made by an authentic, pot-bellied, jeweller, whose income was not just jewellery making. How much did it even cost you?'

'...'

'What? You are telling me that you didn't even know all this history? Shame on you-'

'How do you even know all this?'

'I am studying anthropology and history. I speak German and I am learning French.'

'Whatever you said about the earring is correct. I am creeped out by the fact that you know all this stuff.'

'I aim to please.'

'Now, I don't know if I should do this or not but...'

'But...?'

'Oh, God! This is terrible.'

'I usually don't care about people but, since I need you for the remaining year for my grades, I will ask you once - Are you okay?'

'Yeah, I'm... I'm fine. I'm fine. It's ok.'

'You look paler if it's even possible.'

'I'm fine, Pallis. I'm fine.'

'Yeah, okay, Ross.'

'My name's not Ross. It's Alaric, you forgetful-'

'WHO ARE YOU?'

'...What...?'

'Don't try to lie to me because I swear to all the Gods above, I'll kill you.'

'Hah, that's not possible.'

'Why is that so?'

'Because I am a man who has cheated death itself.'

'We've got a cocky asshole, ladies and gentlemen.'

'Stop cursing!'

'LastI remember I don't owe you shit.'

'Pallis...'

'Erm, yeah?'

'We'll talk tomorrow. I have something to do.'

'Why? What's going on? Maybe I can help you?'

'No. It's getting late. Neighbourhood's not safe.'

'It's...5... in the evening...'

'Yeah. It'll get dark later. Get home safe. Bye.'

'...'

'...'

'...'

'...'

'Alaric!'

'Yes?'

'Kevin. Call me Kevin.'

'...'

'That's the smile on your face.'

'There's one your face as well, Kevin.'