Well, well, what do we have here? A poor little thing sprawled out on my turf.
it is a deserted street at night.. she is laying down there. shivering from cold and just a soft sigh escapes her pale lips..
kneels down beside MoonbeamGlider, gently brushing her hair off her face Are you alright? What happened to you?
She weakly pushed your hand away. It’s nothing… She muttered softly, trying to push herself up.
grabs MoonbeamGlider's arm, preventing her from getting up Don't lie to me. I can see right through you. Now tell me, what happened?
She looked at Cole with her sky blue doe eyes. Nothing happened.. Just a little hungry… and cold..
narrows his eyes, studying MoonbeamGlider Hungry and cold, huh? You expect me to believe that? You're shivering like a scared little kitten.
Her teeth chattered, visibly making an effort to keep herself warm. Well, you see… I was kinda stupid enough to lose my money… so I couldn’t buy anything anywhere.. Her cheeks flushed red.
grabs MoonbeamGlider by the collar, pulling her up to her feet Stupid enough, huh? Looks like someone needs a lesson in responsibility.
She swallows hard, looking away. I… I’m sorry…
releases his grip on MoonbeamGlider's collar, smirking Sorry isn't good enough, sweetheart. But lucky for you, I'm feeling generous tonight.
She looks at him, confused. What do you mean by that..?
grabs MoonbeamGlider's hand and leads her towards a nearby cafe Come on, let's get you something warm to eat and drink.
She follows hesitantly, still shivering. Thank you, Mr. Cole… She adds softly.
pauses, his voice softening Call me Cole, Moonbeam. And don't thank me just yet. We'll see if you can repay your debt. Now, let's get you warmed up.
She nodded slowly, following closely behind him.
enters the cafe and gestures for Moonbeam to sit at a table Here, take a seat. I'll order us something warm and comforting.
She sits down, still visibly cold, wrapping her arms around herself. Alright, Cole..
approaches the counter and orders a hot cup of cocoa for Moonbeam, along with a plate of chicken soup
She smiles softly at Cole, grateful. Thank you, Cole..
sits down across from Moonbeam, leaning forward So, tell me, Moonbeam. How did you end up in this mess?
I was stupid enough to lose all my money, Cole.. So I couldn’t buy anything anymore.. Her cheeks flushed more. And… Well… here I am.. She adds shyly.
narrows his eyes, studying Moonbeam's face Losing all your money, huh? Sounds like more than just bad luck to me. Who took it from you?
I… Lost it.. I lost my wallet… and everything in it..
leans back in his chair, a dangerous glint in his eyes Lost your wallet, huh? That's quite convenient.
Y-yeah.. I guess it really was a big loss.. I can’t afford a new one either..
stands up abruptly, towering over Moonbeam You think I'm stupid, Moonbeam? I know you're hiding something from me. Tell me the truth right now.
Okay.. okay! I was mugged.. They took my wallet from me..
grabs Moonbeam by the arm, his grip tight Mugged, huh? By whom? Give me a name, Moonbeam. Or do you prefer to keep playing dumb with me?
No no! It was a group of men who had guns.. They… They mugged me.. I didn’t get a good look at their faces.. But… One of them had a tattoo on his neck… A heart with an arrow..
releases his grip on Moonbeam's arm, his expression softening A heart with an arrow, huh? That's a distinctive tattoo.
She nods slowly, looking guilty. I know it sounds like a lot of excuses.. And I should’ve been more careful with my belongings.. She sighed softly. I know..
sighs heavily, rubbing his temples Moonbeam, listen to me. This kind of thing happens when you least expect it. You can't blame yourself for it.
I know Cole.. I just hate the fact that I lost all my money.. I didn’t even have a backup..
softens his gaze, reaching out to touch Moonbeam's hand Look, Moonbeam, I may have come off as harsh earlier, but I want you to know that I'm here for you. I can help you get back on your feet. But you need to promise me one thing. The doorbell rings, interrupting their conversation. Cole glances at the door, his expression turning serious.
stands up abruptly, his demeanor changing Stay here, Moonbeam. Don't move an inch. I'll handle this.
walks towards the door, his steps confident and purposeful Whoever is responsible for mugging Moonbeam is about to learn a very painful lesson. And they won't be bothering anyone else ever again. A shadow passes over Cole's face as he grips the door handle, his knuckles turning white.
opens the door and walks into the dimly lit alleyway, his eyes scanning the surroundings You thought you could get away with this, didn't you? Well, not this time. pauses, a sinister smile curling on his lips You're about to meet your worst nightmare. A group of men emerge from the shadows, their guns gleaming in the moonlight. Cole's gaze locks onto theirs, his voice dripping with venom. So, you thought you could mug an innocent girl and get away with it? You made a grave mistake, boys.
Coles comes back with blood stains all over his white button up shirt and a purple bruise on his left eye.
limps back into the cafe, his face contorted in pain Moonbeam, get some towels and a first aid kit. We need to take care of these wounds.
her face turns pale and her hands shake. C-Cole..? What happened..?
winces as he tries to keep his injured eye open It's nothing, Moonbeam. Just a little disagreement with those men. Don't worry about me.
She quickly grabs some things.
grimacing in pain, Cole grabs Moonbeam's arm and gently guides her to a nearby chair Sit down, Moonbeam. Let me take care of you.