*Jade*

"Hi there! Welcome to Rosco's Sports Grill. My name is Jade and I will be your server today. Can I start you off with some drinks?" I said cheerfully to the family at the table.

Since today I didn't have classes, I was working. I'm a bar tender/waitress at a local sports bar and restaurant. It can get pretty crazy, especially during football or hockey season, but nothing worse than a broken nose from a fantasy football league dinner, so no complaints from me

Thankfully there's no game tonight, so it's a little calm. Earlier in the morning I filed a restraining order on Cameron with Alex, stating he can't be near me, or the house, or (as a safety precaution), Alex.

Today was pretty calm for a busy day, people either eating or focusing on the different games displayed on the screens all over the place.

I only had one table to serve right now before switching to work at the bar, and thankfully it was just a couple, so it should be quick.

Once I got their orders I went and got started on them and once had them on the tray went to get them, when I noticed someone at the bar.

Wait... Is that...?

"Ummm, miss?" a familiar voice spoke and I turned to see the man who's drinks I ordered motion to me. "Our drinks."

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I got a bit distracted. Here you go," I said, serving the whiskey and coke they asked for, then going ahead to take their orders before going over to get it to the chef, then decided quit being distracted and serve all the customers at the bar their beverages.

Alcohol there, water here, soda or juice or cocktail drinks in other spots, at least it kept my mind busy.

"And what will you... have..." I mumbled as I met with a pair of familiar light colored eyes. "You..."

"Hello again," the man smiled. 

(Picture: Kuza)

"So it wasn't all a dream... None of it..." I said. "You're real."

"Yes, I am, Jade," he chuckled.

"I-I have so many questions," I said, still surprised by his presence.

"Well, you are a bit preoccupied at the moment," he said. "How about I wait here, and once your on break we can talk. Sounds alright?"

"Ummm, y-yeah, sounds alright. You're not gonna disappear again, right?" I asked.

"Not unless you want me to," he smiled.

I nodded as my attention was then called. "Hey Jade, order's up!" the chef called.

I nodded at him. "Give me one minute," I said. He nodded as I rushed over and got the food to the people who ordered it, getting them any last minute things they needed, (condiments, soft drinks, napkins, etc.) before it was finally my break time and I walked up to join the man at the bar.

"Finally free for now," I said as I joined him. "I mean, where do I even start?"

"Top of your head," He mused. "I'll answer what I can."

"Well..... Oh, uh, I forgot to thank you," I said. "You saved me from Cameron the other day. He's an ass, and I'm glad I left him."

The man scoffed. "He was never good for you. Never knows how to treat a woman right," he said. "Hopefully now he'll learn to stay away."

"I filed a restraining order today," I smiled. "But nonetheless, thank you."

"It was nothing. So long as you're safe," he smiled

"Well, umm.... What's your name? I never caught it before," I said.

"My full name is Michael Kuza," he said. "But most people just call me by my last name."

"Okay, Kuza...." I said, but then he spoke.

"Oh, where are my manners? You must be hungry after all that work," he said.

"Oh no, really, you don't have to, Kuza," I said.

"I insist," He smiled, and motioned to a waitress for some food and drinks, coincidently my favorites here.

"So, what else do you want to ask?" he asked, sipping his glass of whiskey.

"You disappeared... You left me, why?" I frowned.

"I was never gone," he smiled. "I always watched over you, made sure you were alright."

"Kind of makes you sound like a stalker," I said.

"Well, I can't say I was some creeper who would peer into your window as you slept since we left. I can assure you, your privacy is respected and I only made you were always safe and content with your life."

"So long as you're not some serial killer," I joked with a laughed as our food and drinks arrived.

He chuckled, too. "I can assure you that I am no such thing."

I couldn't help but smile a bit.

His smile.... His eyes.... Everything about him was shrouded in mystery. Usually, that's a very questionable factor in a guy, but... He still gives off this safe, warm feeling, a trustworthy feel just like when we first met him.

Then I realized something.

"One more question..." I asked, looking at him.

"Yes?" he asked, as he ate a french fry dipped in honey mustard.

"Its just... When I met you, you... You had horns," I said.

He stopped eating and stood still.

"You... You also bought flowers back to life..." I said.

He took a moment before speaking. "You probably thought you saw such things," He said.

I frowned. "Maybe... But somehow it all seemed real...." I said, but then brushed it off. "Or maybe I was just a kid imagining some sort of magic for her life..."

"Its not wrong to do that," Kuza smiled. "We all need some mystery in our lives. It opens up the imagination more."

I thought about it. "I like that quote. It just sounds right," I smiled.

"Something my mom used to tell me. Always thought it was just some weird fortune cookie thing... You soon realize your parents are right on some things," he said.

"Wish my parents were like yours," I said, eating fry.

"I recall you said they weren't so nice," he said.

"Still aren't, but I don't live with them anymore, so its okay now," I shrugged.

"That's good," he nodded, then his phone rang.

He read some text and sighed. "I must go," he said. "Something came up."

"Really?" I frowned.

"Sadly," he said.

"Will I ever see you again?" I asked.

I didn't want him to leave... I still had so much I wanted to talk with him.

He smiled and reached over, holding my hand. "Soon. After all, I'm still gonna be around to take care of you."

I smiled. "Thank you," I smiled.

"It was great seeing you again, Jade," he smiled.

"You too, Kuza," I smiled.

He then reached into his wallet and handed me some money. "For the food."

"No, you don't have to do that," I protested.

"Its alright, I insist," he said. "No harm done."

I sighed as he gave me one last smile. "See you around."

And with that he left.

I sighed. At least I got to know more about him.

I got a tray and collected the empty plates with the money to hand over to the waitress who served us, and continued my work.

~~~~~

🎵Currently in Sapph's playlist:

Motionless in White "Sinematic"

♡~ sapphire.