Chapter 25: Pot and Run
Chapter 25: Pot and Run
A few minutes Earlier....
Jasmine stood behind the counter of her family’s inn, her lips pursed in frustration as she flipped through the page of the novel she was reading, though she wasn’t really paying attention to the story Infront of her because her thoughts were elsewhere.
“It’s so unfair,” she mumbled, frowning. “Gift just straight up avoided me tonight. Usually, we at least get to talk a bit, but no.....he only said a casual ‘good evening’ and then dashed off like I had some kind of body odour or something..." She winced.
_Was it really that bad?, I know I only showered this morning instead of morning and afternoon like I usually did but that couldn't have made him avoid me like that right?._ Jasmine couldn't help but unconsciously sniff her armpits with a pained expression as if concluding with her non existent scenario.
Just from watching her actions, anyone could see that she was one of those people who worried too much for no darn reason.
She leaned against the counter, sulking as she pictured Gift’s golden eyes staring at her with disgust for reasons only she would know since it was obvious he did no such thing. "And what’s with Sera acting like she had no idea why?......I bet she’s all smug about it. I mean, I would be too if I were in her shoes," Jasmine sighed, rolling her eyes as she imagined Sera’s smug smile. " Arrrgh... it's so annoying, She definitely has him wrapped around her finger like an obedient little puppy...., Why couldn't it have been me." Jasmine pouted while imagining a weird fantasy of her's, from the looks of it, she was clearly delusional, although her train of thought wasn't too far from the truth.
Just as she let out a long, dramatic sigh, the door to the inn suddenly swung open with a loud creak. A shadowed huge figure stepped inside, tall, rugged and imposing, wrapped in a dark cloak that made him look like he’d just stepped out of a gritty mystery novel. His black and white hair added to his ominous vibe, and his eyes gleamed like a pair of blades as they scanned the room.
Jasmine froze, her heart doing a quick shuffle.
_This guy definitely looks like trouble._she thought, mentally calculating the nearest escape route.
_Why did this have to happen on my shift...., if he breaks anything mom and dad are definitely going to kill me._ She lamented at her unfortunate situation.
But in other to avoid attracting her ‘guests’ irritation, She plastered on her best ‘innkeeper smile,’ to appear more welcoming, but it probably looked more like a grimace from an onlookers point of view.
The gruff man approached the counter with large strides which were actually normal for someone of his stature, his boots thudding against the wooden floor. Without any pleasantries, he leaned in slightly. “ I'll ask this once and I hope for your sake deary, You'll answer me with all manner of truth ya hear.”
" Hahahaha there's no need to put it that way Sir, If there's anything you need please feel free to tell me, I'll promise to complete it to the best of my abilities." Jasmine said with a forced smile yet her face was already covered in perspiration. _Yep...I knew it, This guys definitely trouble._ She winced inwardly.
" Hehehe, Looks like you've got a head on your shoulders after all." The bounty hunter gave a hearty chuckle yet to jasmine, his voice sounded no different than a cynical demons.
"So back to the matter at hand.....You got any bandaged-up guys staying here?.”
Jasmine blinked.
_Bandaged?._ Her mind immediately went to Gift, and she struggled to keep her face neutral.
_ Wait...he means Gift?!._ Her eyes unconsciously widened in disbelief which didn't escape the bounty hunters sharp gaze.
_looks like she knows a thing or two._ He thought with glee, his sharp gaze slowly filling with greed.
Meanwhile...
_This can't be happening...., Of all the people to come looking for him it just had to be him?!!!._
_ Why couldn't it have been a pretty girl?!......, Hmmm on second thought I think I'd prefer him coming to look for him than another girl..._
While the bounty hunter waited for an answer, Jasmines mind was already in chaos as several thoughts fleeted thorough her mind, However, even then, She wasn’t about to hand Gift over to some creepy bounty hunter without at least a few questions, even if it meant inquiring the man's irritation, she still felt reluctant to just throw him out, But before she could form a coherent lie, a loud crash echoed from the back of the inn.
The man’s eyes narrowed, and Jasmine’s heart sank. _ I'm pretty sure that's no cat!....What could that idiot be doing right now of all times._ Jasmine thought as Gifts image came to mind.
---
Meanwhile (Back to the present).....
Out behind the inn, Gift who had jumped out the window had unfortunately landed awkwardly, his foot smashing straight into one of Jasmine’s prized flower pots. Dirt and shattered pieces of ceramic flew everywhere.
“Damn it,” Gift muttered, shaking his leg as he freed himself from the debris. He looked down at the broken pot, which had once held a healthy-looking plant. “Well, that’s not going to grow back anytime soon.”
He was about to make his way to the fence when he heard the distinct sound of footsteps rushing in his direction. Of course. His luck, as usual, was on vacation.
[Warning: My sensors detect two approaching Individuals]
“Fantastic....” Gift groaned, glancing up at the fence.
" Well I can't let anyone see me in this now can i" he snickered.
He wasn’t about to stick around and explain why he was sneaking out of an inn at this hour, especially not with his little glowing get-up. With a quick leap, he jumped over the fence, his enhanced reflexes making it look easy. He landed silent
ly on the roof of the neighboring building, vanishing into the night like a ninja.