fresh roses┊TEDDY (P)

[TATIANA.]

[align=center][div style="width: 350px; text-align: justify; font-family: times new roman; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 1.4; color: #6B6953;"]tatiana didn't know why she felt such a strong need to check up on teddy after the fight, he wasn't even the one who faced the worst of the violence that took place in the casino. after all, mike was only able to get in the one punch before being restrained, but she still found herself looking for him after the group slowly dwindled down to go their own ways for the night. she tried to rummage through her thoughts on why she was, deciding that it was because she would do it for anyone, trying not to shed any light on the fact that even with the minimal interactions she had with him, there was a pull she felt towards teddy. something entirely new to her, something that was equally intriguing and unnerving all at once.

anya turned the corner to make her way back into the casino, and almost as if she were surprised to find him even though she was the one seeking him out, it made her timidly jump when she saw him sitting by himself at the bar. after a moment, she lightly cleared her throat to let him know that he wasn't alone anymore in hopes that it wouldn't startle him. "want some company?" if he didn't, she had no problem turning back around and letting him be with his thoughts, but still walked over to the bar just in case he did.

she noticed the blood on his face from the minimal injury, some type of cloth in his hand to try and clean it up. he was perfectly capable of doing it himself, but tatiana's soft-hearted nature leaped out. "here-" her hand reached out, pausing between them for a split second out of hesitation. "i can help you with that." her eyes met his as she finally went to take the damp cloth out of his hand, a toothless smile tugging at the corners of her lips. she took a seat on the stool next to his, leaning towards him as she gently started to clean up the area where he was bleeding. "does it hurt?"

[TEDDY.]

[align=center][div style="width: 430px; text-align: justify; font-family: verdana; font-size: 6pt; letter-spacing: 2.5px; word-spacing: 0px; line-height: 12px; color: #000"]After the fight — more so attack considering Teddy never even managed to get a punch in — Teddy was undoubtedly humiliated, so much so that he chose to give the rest of the party a miss as he tended his injuries with a sulking glower on his face instead. Hopefully his guests could understand his reasons for not entertaining them tonight — the show must go on, but not if Teddy didn’t feel like it. And so, whilst the music continued to play in the casino and the celebrations still continued the same as always, Teddy eventually returned to the casino, albeit more sheepishly than his usual, theatrical performances.

Instead, he slinked over to the bar, people choosing to keep their distance away from the leader who quietly nursed his injuries. The bartender grimaced slightly, watching in awe before silently preparing Teddy his usual and sliding it over to him. ❝ Thanks. ❞ Teddy uttered, the bartender then turning to leave before Teddy could get frustrated with his presence. Gently dabbing at his bust lip with a handkerchief, Teddy kept his gaze low whilst he tried to clean up his injuries, seemingly ashamed that he could ever let a man like Mike ever humiliate him in front of a mass of onlookers.

But then, a calming voice spoke from nearby, Teddy lifting his head to look across towards Tatiana who stood meekly as she looked at him. He wasn’t sure whether her question was out of pity or of genuine concern, but Teddy certainly hoped the latter as he used his free hand to gesture to the seat beside him. She settled beside him, the company alone soothing for a man who felt overwhelmed with his own distraught embarrassment, and soon offered to help him. He glanced up once more, a pained grimace subtly sat across his features, before wordlessly offering the cloth to her. Sure, Teddy could deal with it himself, but her tenderness was an opportunity he did not wish to pass up.

His deflated gaze met hers, and it took a lot for him not to crack a feeble, pained smile back her way. Teddy wasn’t sure if it was the desire to want to smother himself with the mask he so often wore on his face — the one which would insist that he always be okay and smiling — or the mere fact that her smile tried to bring out the best in him. There was no doubt that he felt something in that smile. Instead, Teddy decided to simply observe her concentrating gaze as she tended his injuries carefully. ❝ Does it hurt? ❞ She asked, to which Teddy mumbled dismissively in return, ❝ Nah, it don’ madda. ❞ The desire to lower his guard around her was alluring, yet one which scared him all the same.

Anya’s next touch ignited a sharp pain that made him recoil slightly with a hiss, and his eyes involuntary water. His skin still felt so sensitive; that man sure had quite some punch on him. ❝ Sorry. ❞ He sighed, settling down once before he said, ❝ Thanks... For doing this for me. ❞ Eyes briefly darted aside as he noticed guests glancing over from a distance, before Teddy then looked back towards Anya. The corner of his lip twitched gently. He could've sworn that she was an angel. ❝ I promise I don't often go around t'get punched. ❞ He pointed out in an attempt to lighten the mood. Lips parted slightly as a tiny smile grew to his lips. And then, a small huff of laughter. ❝ But next time it happens, I hope that you'd be around for me again. ❞