Arcana Imagines

Julian - Drunken words

As more people gather around us, I hear their cheers  getting louder and louder. I look at Julian over the brim of my glass making sure he's still playing by the rules, we're both nearly finished chugging our last pint. I start to feel the bubbles burn my throat, not even letting myself breathe for a second.

"DONE!!" Julian shouts throwing his arms up showing the empty pint off as if it were a trophy.
I take my last mouthful and concentrate on swallowing and keeping it down. Julian turns back to me as the crowd slowly goes back to their own tables, a few giving Julian a pat on the back as they pass. "You were a worthy opponent my fair lady." He says in a fake accent, bowing in front of me.

"I guess you didn't do too bad yourself." I say shrugging it off trying to hide my smile. Julian looks at me with a shocked look on his face holding his hand to his chest, "'Didn't do to bad'? Why, I did that perfectly and as it so happens I'd like to claim my reward."

"Your reward?" I ask not remembering agreeing to anything.

"A kiss." He says looking at me through his messy red hair bringing his elbows up onto the table leaning closer. I lean forward the rest of the way until our noses are bearly touching, while my hand under the table finds his knee and gently rests there. I see his expression falter for just a moment looking desperate and a little too eager, I move closer to his ear brushing my face against his, "If you want it, come and get it." I whisper before pulling back turning around in my chair to make a run for it.

I dart out the door knowing Julian is right behind me probably catching up because his long legs gives him an unfair advantage. My first step outside lands in a puddle while the rain hits me reminding me it was raining when we first arrived. I quickly gather myself and make my way round the corner of the Rowdy Raven, I look over my shoulder and see Jules still right behind me, smiling knowing he'll win this one too. I'm just about to turn my head back when I feel my foot land in mud making me slip straight away. In that instant I know I'm going to land bottom first and get mud everywhere, I feel the splash as I hit the ground, the next thing I see is Julian flying airborne over my head landing face first in the watery mud.

"Julian! Are you alright?" I say crawling over to him. He raises his head and slowly looks up at me completely covered in brown mud. It's a sight that could bring tears to anyone's eyes.

I help him sit up while laughing, wiping some mud away from his eyes and mouth, rubbing it onto my already covered dress. Julian suddenly bursts out laughing bringing is hands up to my face, "No Julian, don't, NO JU-"
Everywhere. Mud is now everywhere as he smears it over my face. "And to think I was helping you." I say.

"Aw come on. I couldn't be the only one with mud on my face. And besides it's good for the skin." He said rubbing more onto his long sleeved top. "And I still think I earn that reward, don't you?"

I look at his mud covered face with streaks where the rain has run down, "What right now? Don't be stupid you're just drunk Jules. " I state.

"No better time then the present. And wether I'm drunk or sober I still would cherish a kiss from you." He says pouting while holding his hand out to me.

I grab hold of his hand and shuffle through the mud closer to his face. "Fine have it your way." I say sweetly before placing my lips on his, I can still slightly taste the ale from our countless drinks in the kiss as I bring my hand up to his face and feel the mud sticking to his cheek. I pull back and see Julian still with his eyes closed, "That was exceptional love." He says opening his eyes, "Wouldn't mind if I went through all this again to get another one." He says slightly laughing to himself.

"If you want another one... come and get it!" I say splashing another handful of mud on his shirt before standing up.

"That's a deal!"  He says spinning around a few times trying to face me.

I think it's time I lead this man home.

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