A PIECE OF ADVICE

< Athaire Starlight Hotel

UTC+2 0515 PM

Rooftop >

One Shot didn't have to look far for a quiet place. And the rooftop of a small pavilion on the terrace garden seemed like the perfect spot. Even if other guests should decide to step out for a breather onto the terrace garden, he'd be out of anyone's sight. He spread out, tucking his arms as pillows under his head, and closed his eyes. Breathing in the warm light on his face, the soft breeze peacefully rustling his hair. Another breath and he felt his heart calm down. Until something slammed against the wall beneath him.

"Why are you here?" He heard an agitated voice yell out beneath him. He didn't move. It didn't concern him anyway if other people were fighting. At least that's what he thought until he heard the voice of a woman speak up.

"I got an invitation." His eyes flicked open and he rolled around, taking a careful peek over the edge. Indeed, his hunch was right. It was her: Angel. Cornered by that…what was his name again? Jeff? Or Joff? The groom in any case. From the situation, it looked like he still had some beef with Angel. He shouldn't butt in. It wasn't his place exactly. If they needed to talk things out, they should. So he stayed out of it. And he did. For as long as he could.

Dropping from the rooftop, he had him on his knees, wincing within a moment's notice.

"Why don't we listen to the lady?" he said slowly and in barely more than a whisper next to Joffrey's face.

Joffrey turned around, and recognition bundled with anger flashed across his face, "You! You're Alexander, right? Let go!"

One Shot rose to his full height, overshadowing the man on his knees in front of him. "I think something should come before that."

"What?! I already let go of her, didn't I?" he exclaimed.

One Shot was staring him down. "Aaand?"

"What?!"

"Where's the apology?"

"You want me to apologize?? To her? Have you lost your mind?" One Shot's grip tightened, making Joffrey wince once again.

"Why don't we do what's good for you?"

Joffrey clenched his teeth and mutter from between his teeth, "…you must be kidding me…"

"I'm sorry? What was that?"

"What do you know?! How long do you know her anyway?!" He barked, "You don't know anything about her! If you think she needs you to step up for her, you're mistaken! She doesn't need anyone! You think you know her? You think you're in a loving relationship? You're gravely mistaken! She doesn't know what love is; she'll never love anyone! I'm saying this for your sake, but you're better off breaking up now to save yourself the heartache, I'm telling you!"

One Shot couldn't help but smile at the ridiculous comment. They were not in any relationship. But of course, Joffrey didn't know that. Still. It was annoying to hear. "So you are saying this for my sake?"

"I'm just giving you a fair warning! If you're smart, you'd listen to me."

"A warning?" One Shot echoed and with an abrupt pull, brought Joffrey to his feet and slammed him against the wall, leaning in close - close enough to make Joffrey's eyes pop open wide in fear.

"W-w-what do you want?"

"Teach you what a real warning is," One Shot said. Taking in the frightened expression on Joffrey's face with glee. But his tone and expression were dead serious. "Today is your wedding day. There is only one woman you should be concerned about. If you fail to heed my words," One Shot's voice dropped to a whisper only audible to Joffrey.

One Shot leaned back, taking in the now very pale face of Joffrey. He was shaking. One Shot took a few steps back, offering a way out for Joffrey and inviting him with the nod of his head to move along. Joffrey didn't hesitate to take him up on his offer.

One Shot continued to follow his now a bit pitiful figure haste towards the terrace doors to get back inside. Once the doors fell back in place, he turned to face Angel.

She was quiet.

He was no different. A thousand questions flickered through his mind. But this wasn't the moment to ask any of them. Had she not shown up yesterday, he would now be a different man. Undoubtedly, he would have come to hate himself. Without her showing up in his life…he would have become nothing more than a killer.

"…"

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