Do You Know Who You Are?

@ varkatzas.
Charlotte glanced over at Antonio. She appreciated that he hadn’t snuck out in the middle of the night or morning. Honestly, it wasn’t because she wanted his company, but more so because he would have left the door unlocked. With everything that happened the night before, she was feeling a little on edge. Although, surely her dreams had something to do with that. In fact, she had a pounding headache (probably wine and dreams).

“No, I appreciate that. I wouldn’t want my door left unlocked. Um, give me a second,” she said, blinking to wake herself up.

She pulled away from, gathering the sheet around her and wrapping herself up. It was one of those silly things that girls did. She was covering herself up even if he had seen everything last night. She walked into her bathroom that connected to her room, shutting the door behind. She grabbed a white t-shirt that was on the floor from the other morning (it was relatively clean) and then filled a cup with water. She splashed her face and took a drink. She piled her hair on top of her head before walking back into her room. She grabbed a pair of shorts off the ground before climbing back into bed.

“I just had some really awful dreams. I kept dying. It was the strangest thing,” she said, sipping the water. She almost mentioned that he was in the dreams, but then decided against it. That would be a level of embarrassment that she couldn’t succumb to in the light of day. Not that she was too embarrassed about him being here and seeing her, but the fact that he infiltrated her unconscious mind.

Antonio averted his gaze the moment that he realized that Charlotte was covering her body. Despite what had happened between them the night before, she was shy for whatever reason and he was going to respect that. He groaned as he laid back, his eyes slipping shut. He enjoyed the atmosphere of Charlotte's apartment for a moment, relishing in the idea that she was just through the other door. It was thrilling to him, something that he hadn't been prepared to ever feel again. If only he had the ability to let her in on who they were to each other... just the thought made his heart ache because he knew that would never be a possibility.

When Charlotte returned, his attention moved back to her immediately. He rolled onto his side, his eyes roaming over CHarlotte's features as she started to describe her dream. His heart would have stopped dead in his chest, if it had been beating in the first place. He swallowed against the sudden dryness in his mouth, dropping his gaze to his hand that rested between their bodies. His hand had balled into a tight fist, his knuckles turned white as he struggled against the panic rising in his chest.

"Well, sometimes dreams can just be strange like that, darlin'," Antonio forced the words out, chewing on the inside of his lip. "It was probably just a silly dream, your mind was probably just subconsciously still concerned over being chased," he tried to reassure her while tearing himself down in the process. He knew damn well that if what he said wee true that Charlotte was in more danger than even he could have realized. "Do you want to talk about it?" Antonio asked after a beat of silence, figuring that it wouldn't hurt for her to know that he was here for her, even over such little, silly things.

@ varkatzas.
Charlotte glanced up from where she was staring at her hands. This was strangest hookup she ever had, even if it had been awhile. Usually men were quick to leave and, usually, she was all to happy to see them go. She knew she probably did not look her best anymore; the next morning was always the worst. She wiped under her eyes for left over mascara, just in case it was there. She let out a breathy sort of laugh because she was feeling foolish. She was usually good at talking about her feelings. Maybe it was different because he was such a stranger.

She smiled at him and nodded. Dreams sometimes were strange and illogical. She knew that. She did her best not to dwell on the images from her dreams. She knew that he was right. They were only dreams. Even in therapy, they only talk about dreams when it is particularly distressing or meaningful to the client. She wasn’t sure that she fit either of those categories. Something within her felt unsettled by them, but she figured it must just be the graphic nature of them all. She really did not have that much exposure to that kind of trauma, so it was surprising to see it all come within her own head. She politely shook her head.

“Um, no. I’m fine. You’re right. Dreams are weird. What’s the chance you wanna grab coffee or breakfast?” She asked. It was a long shot. She knew that he did not need to stay around. It wouldn’t really hurt her either way, but it might be nice. She needed to get her mind on something else and pancakes seemed like the perfect choice. “If not, it’s totally cool. I’m just starving and my fridge only has leftover Chinese food,” she said. Her words fluttering like nervous butterflies.

Antonio's eyes crinkled around the edges as he watched Charlotte try to sort out her feelings the best she could, inwardly. It killed him because all he wanted to do was scoop her into his arms and swear that he would never let harm come to her again. He knew that each and every moment that he lingered in her apartment, the more dangerous it was for her. The longer that he was in her life, the more afraid Antonio was that he wouldn't be able to keep her safe. He would do his best to keep distance between them but Gods, if he didn't want more nights like the last. Gods if he wasn't planning to keep her safe, even if it meant his own death.

Antonio wondered who, what, would come for Charlotte next. He had revealed himself to the demons yesterday, it was only a matter of time before others came for him. With the metaphorical meat dangling from his neck that was Charlotte in his life, it would undoubtedly pull bigger and badder in their direction. The thought twisted his stomach and he was lost in his thoughts, only being dragged out when Charlotte started to speak up. He offered a brilliant grin as he nodded, sitting up. "What? You mean to tell me leftover Chinese food isn't a suitable breakfast?" He teased, standing to tug his shirt back over his shoulders.

"I'll wait in the living room for you, darlin'. Then we can go to wherever you want for breakfast and it'll be my treat," Antonio said, turning to leave the room before Charlotte could protest his offer. He was old fashioned in that sense, he would treat her to a meal. All the little chivalrous things that had been ingrained in him years ago because it was easy to pull victims into his grasp when he treated them with a little bit of respect and a wicked grin.

@ varkatzas.
The room seemed to settle as he left and so did Charlotte. For whatever reason, her own anxiety made her heart flutter like a hummingbird. Last night was one of the strangest nights of her life. From being attacked, to not calling the police (a choice she should have taken), to spending the night with this man, to the nightmares of her own death. She didn’t feel grounded. At least, she knew why. She took a deep breath, grateful for the moment alone. It was hard to imagine going to get breakfast as if nothing happened, but what else was she suppose to do? She certainly couldn’t just hide out in her apartment or sink into her anxiety. Usually, she’d protest his offer, but she was too exhausted and overwhelmed. In all honesty, she wasn’t even sure why she wanted to go to breakfast aside from the distraction. She was tired, she didn’t look very good, and their conversation could totally suck.

Yet, coffee was a big enough motivator. She was already getting a headache from lacking caffeine and sleep. She stood and grabbed the softest sweater from her closet and slipped it on. She pulled her hair into another messy bun. She tugged on a pair of jeans and fuzzy socks. She grabbed her worn brown leather boots and slipped into them. It was her comfiest outfit because, well, she needed the comfort. Within ten minutes, she was ready. She sprayed herself with perfume, sucking in the smell of vanilla, before walking into the living room. She felt more relaxed already. “Ready?” She asked, grabbing her purse from where it sat on her couch.

Antonio found himself walking around Charlotte's living room, scrutinizing every weak point of the apartment. Of course he had marked the doors and the windows so she should be safe, in theory, but he was still on edge. The fact that the demons had been so close to having her in their grasp upset him. God forbid Charlotte had stumbled into any other establishment, she would have been done for. The demons wouldn't have cared about what a bartender said, nor would they have cared if the police were called. His reputation was the only thing that had served to keep her safe. Exhaling slowly, Antonio turned as Charlotte exited the bedroom. The worry washed away from his features, instead morphing into a brilliant smile as he caught sight of Charlotte. He wanted nothing more than to approach her and envelop her into his arms but he stood still, not wanting to risk making her uncomfortable. Charlotte seemed to be on edge herself and he wasn't willing to alienate her.

Offering his arm to Charlotte, Antonio led the way out of the apartment and started the short walk to his favourite little hole-in-the-wall restaurant that happened to be just around the corner from his bar. It had the most delicious breakfast and brunch foods that he could imagine and so he thought it would be good to take Charlotte there. It was still close to her apartment so if she wanted to leave at any point, she could. Pulling open the door to the restaurant, Antonio grinned as he stepped out of the way before motioning her through the entrance way. "Ladies first, darlin'."

@ varkatzas.
The city air hit her face and made her feel suddenly refreshed as if it had brushed off the very negativity that she was plagued with all night. She took a deep breath, breathing in her own reality rather than her nightmares. They didn’t speak as they walked which Charlotte almost felt comfortable with. For a moment, her mind flicked to them walking home last night and her babbling like a school girl. This morning was different. It was the light of day that washed over them - it felt safer. Antonio had softened overnight, like butter left out, and the day had softened her. She felt more like herself.

“Thank you,” she said, stepping inside. The place was quaint, but busy. The sound of morning greeted them: chatter, coffee cups clinking on the table, and the sound orders being taken. It smelled like bacon and cinnamon. She took the deepest breath that she could. Breakfast was on her favorite meals. Her mother always made the best French Toast and that was what breakfast reminded her of - love.

“Smells really delicious. Do we seat ourselves?” She asked, slipping her coat off. She wondered if he’d take it from her like the gentleman he keeps proving himself to be.

@ varkatzas.
The city air hit her face and made her feel suddenly refreshed as if it had brushed off the very negativity that she was plagued with all night. She took a deep breath, breathing in her own reality rather than her nightmares. They didn’t speak as they walked which Charlotte almost felt comfortable with. For a moment, her mind flicked to them walking home last night and her babbling like a school girl. This morning was different. It was the light of day that washed over them - it felt safer. Antonio had softened overnight, like butter left out, and the day had softened her. She felt more like herself.

“Thank you,” she said, stepping inside. The place was quaint, but busy. The sound of morning greeted them: chatter, coffee cups clinking on the table, and the sound orders being taken. It smelled like bacon and cinnamon. She took the deepest breath that she could. Breakfast was on her favorite meals. Her mother always made the best French Toast and that was what breakfast reminded her of - love.

“Smells really delicious. Do we seat ourselves?” She asked, slipping her coat off. She wondered if he’d take it from her like the gentleman he keeps proving himself to be.

Antonio could sniff out the tension from Charlotte far too easily, it made his stomach ache in an uncomfortably human sort of way. He had very nearly become numb to emotions after so long apart from Charas that it made him second guess even accompanying her to breakfast. was it even worse of an idea that he thought? Shit, Antonio didn't know and he spent the better part of the short walk to the cafe debating the various answers to his dilemma.

Dipping his chin, Antonio offered a smile as he followed Charlotte into the little restaurant. He nodded at her question, looking around for a moment before he motioned toward a table in the far corner. There were a few other open tables but he wanted a table that he could watch both the front door and the door that led to the kitchen. With Charlotte so near, Antonio was anticipating the worst with each passing moment.

He took a moment to look over the menu before he looked up to Charlotte, a twinkle in his eye that had not been there in a long, long time. In too long. Antonio cleared his throat before leaning forward just slightly, interested in anything that Charlotte could have to say. "Anything catch your eye?" He asked, just wanting to get to know the version of Charas that sat in front of him now. Each one had had their individual tastes but ultimately, they had been the same. He wanted to get to know the tiny, minute details that Charlotte, Charlotte.

@ varkatzas.
The sound of knives and forks scraping against their platers felt comforting to her, as if they were scraping away at her fear. The pulled the chair close to the table and grabbed at the plastic menu resting in front of her. It looked pretty standard and she skimmed it. This was a diner like any other, but sometimes she needed to eat something home-cooked like this.

“Hm,” she said, twitching her lip to the side. “I think I’ll probably just get chocolate chip pancakes,” she said, laughing a little. “Seems childish, I know. I can’t resist.”

The waitress came by to take their drink orders. Charlotte stopped to order a coffee and before long, it was just them again. She felt silly for being nervous, but she was. It really had been awhile since she went out with a guy. At least, she wasn't too hungover. Though, she was sure some hashbrowns could help clear that up. Her eyes traveled down the menu once more.

“What would you recommend?” She asked, placing her menu on the table once more. “This was your pick, after all."

Antonio was a man of habit. It was the only thing that had ever done a halfway decent job of easing the ache in his chest. The longing to have Charis in his arms was still there but it wasn't quite as strong, as overpowering as it once had been. If he kept to his routine, he was always going to be okay because he could count down the seconds until he went on to do the next task on his list. He got the same thing every time that he came to this diner, french toast and a pair of fried eggs. So much so that it startled their waitress when she came to take their order and Antonio changed it up - he ordered eggs benedict with a side of shredded hashbrowns.

He laughed and waved off the waitress' questions about his change, turning toward Charlotte when she spoke up. "I usually get french toast and fried eggs but I dunno..." he trailed off, giving a shrug of his shoulders. "Something just feels different today. Needed to shake it up a bit, I suppose," he commented softly.

Antonio took a sip of his water before setting it back down. He wanted to reach out and hold Charlotte's hand but he felt as if that might be overstepping boundaries and that was the last thing that he wanted, he didn't want to push her away. Especially when he wasn't so sure he would even see her again after this little get together. Antonio cleared his throat, raising an eyebrow as he leaned against his arms that he had braced against the table. "What's your favourite breakfast? Chocolate chip pancakes then?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. "That what you dream of having served in bed on a Sunday morning?" Antonio asked, letting out a short chuckle.

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@ castle.
(Yes! I'll start working on my post.)

@ castle.
Charlotte smiled across the table at Antonia and placed her order. She was feeling more and more relaxed as the sat together. She smiled at the waitress as she poured them coffee and held the warm cup in her hands. It was the classic diner coffee, but not in a bad way. It was just a regular cup of coffee. She was really looking for something soothing this morning. Sometimes she needed a little comfort and something that reminded her of home was just the fix. She needed the sense of warmth and security. Even though her night didn’t end terribly, she still felt a flutter in her stomach. Antonio’s voice had that strong and secure tone, but he often made her butterflies worse. She wasn’t sure what kind of nerves she felt, but she knew they were there. Coffee probably wasn’t helping, but she knew that she needed it.

“Oh yeah. I don’t think there’s anything better than a really good pancake. It’s reminds me of home and my mom. She made the best pancakes,” she said with a smile. "What about you? What's your guilty pleasure?"

{oop. then I disappear awkward. sorry }

Antonio let out a soft, appreciative laugh as Charlotte described her love of pancakes. It made his heart swell, to know that she had such a small thing to bring her joy. That was all that Antonio'd ever wanted from her, for her - her happiness. He would die a thousand times over, if it meant that Charas was able to live freely and happily. He exhaled slowly, his brows pulling together slightly as he considered his response. It felt wrong to lie to her but he couldn't exactly come out and tell her that she was his guilty pleasure. From the moment that Antonio had laid his eyes on Charas all those millennia ago, he'd known he was done for.

"Greek food," Antonio answered her finally, deciding that was close enough to reality that he could float with the lie easily enough. "I grew up in Greece and.." he trailed off, shrugging his shoulders. "Before I came over here, it was what I knew. Greek food is happiness to me, home, family... childhood," he said, his face scrunching a bit. "That's what Kolasi's menu is centered around Mediterranean food. People thought it was weird in the beginning... bar food and Greek food don't necessarily go together but the food's damn good and people have come around... finally."

"So," Antonio paused to clear his throat, leaning forward to rest his arms on the edge of his table. "Where'd you grow up?"

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