To: Seraphine
Hey, I get the feeling I might have upset you and I'm sorry about that.
From: Seraphine
you mean the last time we talked?
To: Seraphine
Yes
From: Seraphine
not really. I thought you were upset
To: Seraphine
No, don't worry about it. I was just being stupid.
To: Seraphine
As usual, heh.
To: Nate
I texted her with your words. She told me she wasn't upset. You said not to doubt her, but after how she acted, how can I not doubt that?!
From: Nate
WHAT IS THE POINT OF ASKING IF YOU ARE GOING TO FORCE YOUR PRECONCEIVED NOTIONS ON HER ANYWAY
To: Seraphine
I was wondering if...you'd feel more like going out or if you were still busy.
From: Seraphine
that depends what you had in mind, but no i'm not busy
To: Seraphine
Are you all clubbed out?
From: Seraphine
i dunno if I wanna go to a club honestly. haven't gone in ages
To: Seraphine
Sounds like all the more reason to. Hey, I'll even buy you a drink.
From: Seraphine
after you tried to take mine last time, i do not believe you sir
To: Seraphine
XD I promise I won't this time. I'll be entirely honest. All cards on the table.
To: Seraphine
I figure you're old enough to take care of yourself.
From: Seraphine
I wonder about that sometimes but still idk if i wanna go to a club
To: Seraphine
Why not? Since when do you turn down an invite to a club and a free drink?
To: Seraphine
I'm not taking no for an answer.
To: Seraphine
Meet you at the Lime Light Lounge in an hour. Unless you want to stand me up ;P
From: Seraphine
excuse you i have not agreed to anything yet
To: Seraphine
Ha ha well I guess I'll find out if you have or haven't in an hour.
From: Seraphine
u srsly want me to go even though i obvs don't want to go, that's so nice of you
To: Seraphine
If you don't want to go, don't go. Simple.
From: Seraphine
so what if i didn't go?
To: Seraphine
What if you did?
From: Seraphine
what if i did go, then lots of things. if i don't go, then nothing. except there is a certain someone fully expecting me to go and i am asking him what would he do if i don't
To: Seraphine
I would be fine. Honest.
To: Seraphine
I wouldn't want to make you do anything you didn't want to. I've already made you uncomfortable enough in the past.
From: Seraphine
for some reason I'm not sure i believe u
To: Seraphine
That's okay. You don't have to. Why not try trusting me instead?
From: Seraphine
it's not you I'm worried about
To: Seraphine
I didn't think so. But there's no reason to be worried about anyone else.
From: Seraphine
you know, it's kind of funny. I used to think that for years, but that is no longer the case
To: Seraphine
Want to bet?
From: Seraphine
betting means explaining specifics, so no, no I don't want to bet.
To: Seraphine
I thought I was supposed to be the party pooper
From: Seraphine
noooo stop iiiit. stop that. I don't need any guilting, especially about betting of all things
To: Seraphine
relax, it was a joke! Now you're trying to be more uptight than I am too?
From: Seraphine
nope, that's enough out of you sir
To: Seraphine
Stealing all my best features. Don't take away my insecurity too!
From: Seraphine
seriously
To: Seraphine
I don't feel like being serious. Are you gonna save me before I drink myself to death or what?
From: Seraphine
are you just going to keep asking and being ridiculous until i say yes
To: Seraphine
well I did say I wasn't going to take no for an answer, didn't I?
From: Seraphine
ugh fine
To: Seraphine
Can't wait ;)
Sure enough, the hour succeeding this exchange of texts found Akira sitting at the bar counter at the Lime Light Lounge, sipping from a tall glass half full of yellow-green liquid and half with ice cubes. He plucked the sprig of mint leaves that garnished the top and nibbled at one, eyes unfocused as he stared at the countertop. Once in a while he'd glance up at the doorway, but otherwise seemed preoccupied with his thoughts. The only other time his attention returned to the present was whenever someone attempted to occupy the empty bar stool beside him - something he politely asked they leave alone.