The offer was too enticing. Having been cut off from my father, and having to still pay the bills, I couldn't turn it down. I had to eat, granted I was not terribly fond of noodles to begin with. I worked full time, and went to university full time; I shared an apartment with Blake who also shared my work ethic, thankfully. The cat lover suggested I come to the restaurant, as it offered a free meal to single patrons. She said it was, to quote her directly, 'an enlightening experience.' I didn't understand the word choice, but, if there's anything I've learned in the past few months, it's that food is food.
So, having swallowed most of my pride long ago, I bowed to the greeter as he handed me the free coupon. I was seated immediately, in a nice secluded booth for one. It was nice. I sat in a chair, a surprisingly comfortable one, in front of an enclosed wooden desk. It was an interesting set up for dining. My waitress placed a glass of water before me, directly after my seating (It was a much welcomed attentive service for a place that was about to serve me for free). I would, however, have to wait for my meal, which I couldn't very well mind given my position. I sat calmly, legs crossed, and hands on my lap, staring blankly at the wooden wall that I believed to divide me from the other customer across from the table. This restaurant for singles was an oddity to me, it had full table seating, but the majority were these sectioned off desk like placements. Furthermore, all new single patrons were served for free, the business was something my father would either scoff or laugh at. I choose to be in a pleasant mood. Despite the table giving ample room, and leg space, the dividing wall and blinders on the sides just gave me claustrophobia. I only had myself to entertain, and no things to do so with, as the table was barren. The only actual 'thing' in front of me was a blacked out screen on one of the dividers, and my glass of water. It was lonely.
The space was abhorrently silent. I did not care for loud murmurs or obnoxious slurps of other restaurants, but I couldn't stand the notion that if a pin had dropped onto the carpet I could hear every tiny bounce it would make. This was a restaurant for singles, so no conversations were to be had. Perhaps, Blake believed the experience to be so 'enlightening' due to this eerily quiet atmosphere. I started hearing my own stomach churn in preparation for a full meal, something I've had to neglect for a long while. I was beginning to atrophy! As the sounds of my own body started invading my mind I shut my eyes and sighed. I hoped the waitress would be back with my food for no other reason than to speak with another human being.
"Thank you!" Since the restaurant had become a better library than most, I'm sure that high pitched chirp could be heard by every single person in the building. I had to suspect that the girl was seated beyond my divider, only because the volume of her voice was so powerful and startling. I just stared at the wooden wall that sliced the table in half. I wondered what kind of a girl could be so chipper in a place such as this. Perhaps the prospect of a free meal was all the motivation she needed.
Having not touched my beverage as of yet, I thought it was time to sip it mindlessly in an attempt to fill time. Small, quick sips, never taking my fingers from the glass, occupied me for enough time until the waitress finally came. The bowl she placed on my table was large, not just for a free meal - this place would not be open for business for much longer. The scent that wafted from it sent my saliva glands into a frenzy. I was terrified drool would pour from my mouth upon opening it. "Thank you." My words were immediately echoed by the excited young woman, overriding my volume. My waitress simply smiled, bowed, and left. I thanked the fact I was alone in that moment, my manners were not taken into consideration as I began to eat.
A sudden ping brought me out of my mesmerizing meal. I swallowed hard, and turned to the once blank screen on the blinder. It had lit up, asking me if I would like to eat with another person. The question was… poignant. Why would they invite singles to dine and then question how lonely they were? I believed it was rude. Nevertheless, they posed a question, and I was eating their food for free, so I felt obligated to answer them. I placed my chopsticks beside the bowl and pressed 'Yes.'
Without the warning I would have appreciated, the wooden divider that kept the table secluded rose. I couldn't form words. It was just so ridiculous. I answered honestly, but I didn't think they would honor it in such a way! Now they presented me with a table mate.
"Hello!" with a mouth full of noodles she blurt out a greeting. I was now face to face with that exuberant woman. She finally swallowed and put on a smile wider than I could ever achieve. "You were lonely, too?" I don't think I've ever heard that sentence asked with more cheer.
"Well, yes. Dining alone can be…" I was still so surprised from the sudden change in dining arrangements that the words escaped me.
"It isn't fun, nope." She seemed sweet. "I just came here because free food cannot be passed up!" It appeared we were in like mind.
"A free meal is the reason I chose to attend, as well." My confession caused her to hum in agreeance. If I was to be accompanied by her for the rest of the meal, it didn't seem to be that terrible. First, though, I needed to stimulate the conversation. "May I have your name?"
"OH, sorry! I'm, uh, Ruby." She lacked manners. Bits of food spat from her lips, fortunately falling short of my bowl.
"Weiss, Weiss Schnee." My response was hindered by trying to hide my revulsion.
"Because you two are a couple now, here is the couple's special." the waitress came back, from thin air, and interjected with the outlandish sentence. I almost choked. She set another bowl down and left, just like that. Ruby did not seem to pay her comment much mind, however.
"Want to split it?" I looked to Ruby, she was already digging into the newest addition.
"Please, and thank you." I made sure to not sound desperate. If there was going to be more FREE food, I couldn't very well ignore it. While I was enjoying the sensation of feasting upon a full meal for the first time in a long time, I felt a pulsing anxiety from the obvious silence that formed between Ruby and I. It almost subtracted from the flavor of the meal, almost; however, being hungry makes things taste that much better. I've learned that as a nice detail in the past few months. By the way Ruby was eating, I could tell the food tasted amazing to her. "Manners are forgone, when you're taking advantage of a free meal." That came out a little more judging than I thought it would.
"Oh." With a hard swallow and a small cough Ruby seemed to attempt proper form - she sat up straight and removed her elbow from the table. "I'm just happy to see so much food… you know?" Her sheepish smile was endearing. Guilt forced me to share my own depravity.
"As am I. I've been starved, lately." Ruby gained some confidence, it seemed, from my admittance. Maybe, appearing vulnerable helped me to be on common grounds with her?
"I know! But isn't this place so awesome! I mean we only get the free food once, but even then they pair us up with a new friend." 'Friend?' Interesting choice of words. I am glad she didn't hear the waitress's jab on our new status as a 'couple.'
"Friend…" The hiss slipped from my lips before I was able to catch it and I had to watch Ruby's face drop.
"Sorry, I, uh." She was nervous. She was cute.
"No, I'm sorry." I took a second. I was hesitant to expand my apology, not actually confident in any condolence I could conjure. We weren't friends. Acquaintances, barely. Though, that word may take her down further. She seemed like a lot, as a person. Talking with Blake was so much easier, we had a like temperament (even if she called me petulant at times). I remember we began rooming together, and within the first night we had fought over my family's business. She was a nice underpin for ridding myself of Father's control, and support. It took time, but we became friends.
This petite red clad girl seemed to be much nicer than Blake, and me for that matter. Her and I could be friends in due time, I suppose. "Ruby." The lash of her name in my voice brought her eyes to mine, she looked like I was about to scold her. "I'm to assume you're a depraved college student, like me?" She looked a bit younger.
It took her a moment, but with an audible beat, she laughed, "Yep!" She was an emotional one. "College is A LOT. Need free food."
"You don't work?"
"Can't. I'm on this ridiculous scholarship and I need to get this done with super quick. My sis works and does school, but other than that our Dad and Uncle help us not live in a dumpster." She has a lot of support, and, by the sound of it, needs it. This is what my family's money should be for, helping, not furthering my father's egotism. "What about you?"
"Oh, well, I've been living with a friend. She and I barely make rent. No supports." I meant to impress, you know, look mature.
"Oh, sorry…" She must have misread that entirely.
"Why are you apologizing?" My brows furrowed.
"Sorry."
"Don't be." My command was not heeded. In her defense, my family had taught me one useful thing, how to steam roll someone. It wasn't in good use on Ruby, though. She'd stopped eating, and so had I, as I'd ruined the mood.
"Sorry-" Her apology was sharp and quick, and immediately followed by her diving face first back into her meal. I could only offer a sigh of frustration. I couldn't find lasting irritation, as my bowl beckoned for my return. I obliged. The remained of dinner was carried out in semi-silence. Ruby and I didn't keep a conversation, but the slight noises I allowed myself to make in the process of eating acted as a substitute, with Ruby returning in a hearty variety of din.
We'd both finished, sufficiently gorged, but hadn't elected to leave. The meal had been free, so neither of us had the finality of a check to pay to prompt us to leave. I opted to clean the area, even gesturing for Ruby's set. The girl tried to help, bless her heart, but I felt more than a tad guilty by my behavior. Once I'd positioned the napkins, bowls, and utensils for the server to retrieve, I straightened myself out in my seat. Ruby began to smile, and suppress a giggle.
"And what is so funny?"
"Oh, sorry!" She cleared her throat, forcing something out. "You're just really cute."
"I could say the same about you."
Is this what flirting is? I mean, My older sister had never really been accessible for me in that way, and Blake was no social butterfly. My pondering was short lived, due to Ruby's retort.
"Thanks!" She bore that unachievable grin, once again.
"Thank you." The server handled the dishes and waste, overshadowing any moment Ruby and I were having. We watched her leave, hands full.
"I guess we should leave, huh?" Ruby's leading inquiry drew pity from me. I didn't see any reason to discontinue my dealings with this little red hood.
"Yes." I got up, pushed in my chair, and watched Ruby do the same. At least she wasn't devoid of all etiquette. She did trade that lacking in for personable skills I lacked. Perhaps a joke of my own would do well. This had seemed to turn into an awkward date, and, among all the numerous things Blake had shown me, situational comedies dealt with 'dates' with levity. "Will that be back to your place, then?"
"Oh! Uh, sure? I mean my sis is home, I know she won't mind company, but..." This girl was too pure for this world.
"Excuse me? I'm a complete stranger!" Now I was scolding her.
"Wha-"
"Nevermind. Ruby, it was pleasure dining with you." I disregarding her naivety and began to head out.
"Yeah, it was. I mean, it was also my pleasure to have dined with you, as well. Miss Schnee." She tried to curtsy in the the short shorts she wore. It didn't look right. She seemed fun.
"Yes, miss?" I cocked my head, using the much frowned upon up speak to emphasize my question.
"Rose! Rose. Ruby Rose." She jumped at the chance to give her full name. I can understand why, it had a ring to it.
"Miss Rose." As I wore a skirt, my own curtsy was natural. I was showing off, again. I realized that, and swiftly took my leave, before I could harm her any further with my haughty antics.
"W-Wait!" Just as I set foot outside, underneath the setting sun, she jumped beside me. "Want to be friends, or something?"
"Or something?" I felt the need to scrutinize that addition. She didn't respond, looking too sheepish to muster a clarifier. The friend part was intriguing. I was only close with Blake, and she offered less fun than Ruby radiated upon sight. "Okay, Ruby Rose. A follow up dinner could be a start." Her face lit up like a christmas tree.
"Really!? Okay! My sister and I can cook. You can come over, and we can have a night where we play games, and watch movies, and stuff." I had to reel back from her exuberance, she may be more than I could handle. I may not be able to face her, and an older version of her, for an entire night, alone.
"May I bring a friend?" Ruby's hood flapped up, and onto her head as she jumped.
"Of course!" I felt the need to apologize to Blake in that moment. "It's a date!"
'A Date?'