#bruno:gwyn

[muse-legion]

While he always did his best to not draw unnecessary attention or raise any kind of suspicion, Bruno did have some habits he couldn’t shake off; like observing everything carefully. Although he made sure to be discreet about it. „family traditions are important. I get why you’re holding on to them.” He admitted with a smile upon his lips. “ Of course he’d noticed her behavior but even if the allegations of that guy were true, who was he to judge? However he tried to make her feel a little better, explaining to the staff it was just a misunderstanding and that man had her confused with someone else.

He nodded at her question; Bruno did remember that night very well. “Sounds like your Max is even more of a fuck up than I thought. A sigh followed his words while he locked his eyes with her own. “I just don’t get why you let him treat you like that. Honestly, no man in the world is worth that.” Not that he thought of himself as one of the good guys but he definitely knew how to treat a lady. “A guy who cares about you would never ask that of you. Ever. “ His words may have sounded a bit dry and harsh but it was the ugly truth. “If anything he should be the one to provide for you or do his part at the very least and treat you right; protect you.” He sighed, shaking his head again. Listening to her just made him want to do not so nice things to this idiot called Max. But then again, it probably wouldn’t even take much to get rid of him; not indefinitely but enough so she could live in peace. Bruno reached out to take her hand into his own. “Hey, everything’s going to be fine. We all make mistakes. Just don’t go back to that … joke of a man. Promise?”

Bruno paused for a moment, just looking at her, before he finally continued to speak. "Some people deserve what they got. And I do believe in what goes around, comes around." Was there a little threat lingering in his words, directed towards Maxi boy? Maybe. But that was only for him to know, at least for the time being. "You`re a good person Gwyn; just met the wrong people. Don't beat yourself up about it. Just learn from it and move on. You deserve to be happy."

Gwyn hadn't let him pay for the flowers, she just insisted he take them. He was her friend or... well he was something because each time she looked at him she felt something in her chest flutter. She hadn't realised how he seemed to scan surroundings but she was the entire opposite of that. She didn't scan her surroundings, she didn't look for danger.. she was blind in that sense, happy to face the world with a big smile and nothing more. In that sense she was so pure. "I come here all the time. Reminds me of home, got one just like it in my home town. My dad n' me, we used to go after school every Friday and I'd spend the whole week looking forward to fries and a shake. Sounds a little bit cheesy, but it was our tradition."

The man had ruined that little peaceful bubble she'd sought comfort in, the tradition of that memory she shared.. he'd embarrassed her profusely. Her face was bright red, even as Bruno firmly insisted she be the one to stay. She'd turned to the waitresses she'd befriended and apologised roughly five times, they insisted it was absolutely fine. She'd never brought any trouble here. If anything, those girls and the chef? They'd been there for her late at night, when the warmth of a coffee could be the one comfort she had.

She was timid as she sat back down, her face still burning such a bright red. "Do you.." she pressed her lips, her hands finding the edge of her glass to fidget with, to tap and repeatedly trace her fingers along. Her nervous trait showing again. "Do you remember that night we met for dinner? I told you to not invite me back anywhere... and I think you thought I was being ladylike or reserved? It wasn't why I said it.." suddenly Gwyn looked so full of shame that she could hide away, that she seemed to never want to be seen again. "Well, you've seen I work at the florist, full time and Max.. when he lost his job he took up this online gaming thing, streaming for people but it's not... it doesn't pay the bills you know? Things kept going up in price, electric, heating, the food because he's permanently at home using everything.." she started to explain, the fidgeting turned to her picking at the skin around her nails, rather than being able to look him in the eye.

"He said that.. that if I loved him, I'd go out and find a way to bring in extra money, and at first I didn't understand what he was implying." she huffed air, it seemed so ridiculous saying it back now but the pressure she'd felt with bills piling up had been insane. "He set me up on a date with his friend, a friend that'd always liked me... and he told me that if I really loved him I'd go back to the friends house, do what he wanted and then take anything valuable. I didn't want to." she said that part firmly. "I didn't want to do that to anyone but he was.. well he was an awful man, he was scummy, rude, a real dirtbag you know?" she paused. "I took his wallet, his phone to sell, his cards maxed, all of that... never saw him again. That's how it was for a while then he started to get angry at me because who else was left? That's when he started to have me go out, to the town, the clubs.. that's when it started to get scary you know?" he'd put her in danger, real danger. "If I went back and.. nothing, then he got so angry, he'd break things, throw things it was.." overwhelming, for her at least and it was very clear that Max was a bully, picking on Gwyn because she was small, because she was gullible, because she didn't see just how dangerous what he had her do, was. "I was scared to go out but more scared of what Max would do if I didn't.." she admitted softly. She wasn't proud. "So I'd completely understand if you didn't want anything to do with me at all, if you never want to see me again, I get that and- and I won't bother you, I won't pester you or anything."

Everything she'd admitted had been hushed, half whispered, she couldn't even look at Bruno now she'd admitted it. This is why Gwyn had questioned if bad decisions would make her a bad person.. she'd been asking about herself. Either was did Max not realize? She could've stolen from the wrong person at any time and what if she'd come in here alone tonight? How bad could it have really been? Not that he knew or had any idea, not that he even cared. "I'm sorry. I told you not to ask me back anywhere that night because I think of anyone I'd ever spoken to, you were on so many levels, kind to me. Nobody ever really listened to me like you did."

[muse-legion]

With what Bruno did for a living, it was easy to handle a little wannabe gangster like Maxi Boy. And he didn’t even have to get his hands dirty for it. Not that he’d ever tell what happened. The only thing that mattered was the fact Gwyn was now safe and could start over - away from that toxic shit and in peace. Who would have thought Bruno of all people would once be on the helping side of the deal? Well, there’s a first for everything after all.

It had been a while since he’d last seen her but he figured she was out and about, enjoying her new gained freedom and it probably took some time for her to get used to it and adjust to the circumstances. And he wasn’t delusional either- it was indeed best for her to stay away from him; nothing good could come out of getting attached to someone like Bruno. Going on about his daily - and nightly - life as per usual, he went to his club to check up on things and make sure everything was running smoothly. Closing the door of the backstage area behind his back, he went over some details with his security agents; as funny as it may seem to some, he had zero tolerance for drugs in his club and so he decided to up the controls further. It wasn’t for anything other than to maintain his cover and avoid drawing the attention of the authorities towards his club and himself though but that would remain to be his secret; amongst so many other things he was hiding.

Bruno was too busy giving instructions to even notice the figure approaching him. And while it sure hadn’t been a first, he did not like being touched without permission. So, when he felt someone’s hands on his arm, he automatically glanced down at the female, removing his arm in swift motion and raising a brow at her. “Excuse me? Who the hell are you and what makes you think you can just barge in and interrupt my business talk? Rude.” He was not amused and had no issue letting the uninvited guest know what he thought of her outrageous approach. Unimpressed by her cleavage and the rest of her, he crossed his arms in front of his chest. “I suggest, you go mind your own business and if I catch you being disrespectful again in my club, you won’t be setting another foot inside of it. Got it?” That was it. In his opinion he’d given the chick more than enough time and attention, so he turned to face his guys again and ignored her. Once he’d finished the conversation with his staff, he approached the bar and took a seat and let his gaze travel across the area.

closed starter for @muse-legion

It'd been a little over a week and Gwyn's life had changed, it was an adjustment trying to get used to Max being... well, gone. She could breath and enjoy her home, the home she was trying to fix. Everything he broke or damaged could be replaced but she still found that loud noises would make her jump, over all she was simply.. far happier and far more at ease. As for wherever he'd ended up, she didn't care. He'd done enough to ruin her life and she was trying to put a stop to it ruining anymore. Just like Bruno said.

He was the reason she'd come out tonight too. Well, some of her friends had invited her, albeit they expected Gwyn to say no as she always did but here she was, a little out of her usual comfort but determined to have a good time and secretly, hoping she'd have any excuse to bump into Bruno again. She'd let all of her hair down, soft caramel curls, a light blush on her cheeks, her lips glossy and reflecting with the lights that gleamed in her eyes. The dress she was was figure hugging and a pale blue that suited her skin tone perfectly. It was more modest than her friends and the one of them that was clinging to her side. "So? Is he here?" her friend asked, insisting to know, whilst Gwyn was trying to be discrete about ending up in his club. She looked around, scanning until she found him and then she was trying to act normal, not be flustered. "Over there, where I just looked, tall-" Sally gasped, a wide toothy smile taking over her face. "Him?! Oh my god, wow Gwyn. He's real different to Max." and yet it was Sally that was twirling her hair, being very obvious. "He's nice, he's.. he's just really lovely to me." Gwyn explained, clearly a bit smitten but Sally turned to her, reshuffling her dress around her breasts and hiking up the skirt to appear more provocative. "What are you doing?" Sally acted oblivious to Gwyn's discomfort. "Well, you can barely make eye contact with the man Gwyn! I'm going to go over there and shoot my shot, he's handsome as hell so.." she shrugged her shoulders. "No." Gwyn interjected before she turned, holding to her arm.

Sally looked shocked. "No?" the woman huffed air in laughing. "You're not dating him Gwyn, you just have a crush and it's childish, a real friend would cheer me on!" with that Sally yanked her arm free and started to saunter, hips swaying, over to Bruno. Gwyn was.. well inwardly, furious and externally, embarrassed and.. and jealous. A real friend would have understood that Gwyn clearly did like him, she just... was a bit out of tune on how to handle all of this, she'd been stuck in one space for so long. Sally went right up to Bruno, her hand on his arm, fluttering thickly coated mascara at him and giggling, she was playing the game of acting dumb, pretending what she'd done wasn't cruel or vindictive. Meanwhile Gwyn didn't know where to look, everything suddenly felt too loud and people just felt too close, she felt like her dress was to tight or her hair too curly and... and she felt an idiot for showing up just to try and steal some of his attention. She pushed through those of her friends that were just enjoying their time drinking and they did call for her, trying to encourage her to stay but... she felt a bit of a fool. Sally always got whoever she wanted or it always seemed that way to Gwyn, who'd found her way to the side alleyway of the club and if anything, the cool air was at least something pleasant. "You're a goddamn idiot Gwyn." she mumbled at herself. Half of her mind wanted to stomp home, the other half wanted to go in there and make some sort of point.

[muse-legion]

“You’re the expert. I trust you.” Bruno laughed and looked at the flowers she’d picked. “How much?” He asked as he got the wallet out of the pocket of his jeans. “I’m not much of a flower person but if it makes you happy you should grow them again.” It was a shame she’d apparently stopped doing what she loved and he tried to encourage her to pursue her hobbies again. “Sure, if you’re hungry, we can grab something. Which diner is it?” He wasn’t very picky when it came to food anyway and was just curious to get to know her favorite diner.

As they reached the place, he glanced around, always observing his surroundings carefully. It was a nice, cozy restaurant. Not too crowded and had this familiar flair to it. He could see why she liked it so much. “What are you having?” Bruno asked, motioning towards the menu before he ordered an espresso for himself. “Do you come here often? “ He knew she was probably just preparing herself mentally for the next step on the way and wanted to give her some time to process. However, he was hoping she wasn’t going to chicken out last minute and allow this toxic cycle to continue.

He’d seen the man coming from the corner of his eyes but since he’d called an unfamiliar name he didn’t pay much attention to him at first. Until it was clear he was walking straight up towards Gwyn. “Stay.” In an instant, Bruno got up, took one step towards the guy and blocked the way. His glare was enough to warn someone but he wanted to make sure the message was loud and clear. “You have the wrong person. I suggest you leave now.” His expression didn’t leave much room for interpretation and the older man took off. Once he took his seat again, he locked his eyes with Gwyn’s. “What was that about?”

He wasn't wrong, she couldn't argue that he was absolutely correct. She had to go, even if she just got a bag of her things because... she deserved to be able to sleep comfortably, she deserved a chance of feeling like she could breath, speak, that it wasn't always.. stepping on egg shells anymore. "Hm? Definitely these ones, but that's coming from a little person." she grumbled, joking of course because her smirk gave away that she found his teasing entertaining. She walked to a bunch of sunflowers, just as full of sunshine as Gwyn's smile could be. "Sunflowers have always been my favourite. I used to grow them, I had pots that I painted, kept them on the kitchen windowsill." Used to, until they became the project of someone's anger. "I'll show you how to grow you your own sunflower, you wait, you'll have green thumbs soon. Hey, we pass my favourite diner on the way to my place do you.. want to get something to eat? I was too in my own head to eat today."

The diner in question took about ten minutes to walk to and as they walked, Gwyn linked her hand to his arm again, staying close to Bruno's side as they walked. The diner was warm, cosy, friendly. It was cheap too, cheap and cheerful and obviously somewhere that brought her a lot of comfort. She had to get fries and a shake. She had a very clear sweet tooth. Gwyn had relaxed, that was the main thing.. inwardly she was building strength to do what she knew had to be done. She was going to go home and she'd leave. She'd find the strength to take some of her things and leave because it'd gone... too far. He'd made her do things she'd never wanted to do and one of those things just walked in.

"Lara!!" the man, twice her age, clearly the type of man that had a family at home, a typical office job.. started to call over at Gwyn who's eyes had widened. "Bruno I'm so sorry-" she started to scoot herself out of their booth, her hand briefly resting on his. "I have to go, I have to go right now." there was a matter of urgency to her voice. Right as she was about to slip away that same man exclaimed a name that was not hers. Lara, and he gripped her wrist to stop her escaping. "Lara, you remember me don't you?" Gwyn looked terrified. She'd been so scared of this happening. "No, no I'm sorry I'm not Lara, I don't know a Lara." the man did not sound impressed. He was starting to sound more aggressive, especially as she yanked her wrist away. It looked like he wanted to cage her in and trap her but Gwyn and the look she flashed to him was very clearly a cry for help. This was bad, really bad. "You owe me, remember? After all you stole from me Lara."

Gwyn managed to get herself behind Bruno, she didn't mean to use him as a shield but at the same time that man was overpowering to her, he was intimidating her too. "Oh hiding behind another man? What, you're going to sleep with him too and steal from him? You want to be careful with this one buddy, she'll lure you to a hotel room and give you everything you want 'til she's taking everything you have and leaving." scoffed the man. Gwyn was furiously embarrassed, she didn't know where to look, never mind what to say. The worst part? Bruno was going to know everything that Max had ever made her do, he was going to know the terrible things she'd done and all she could worry about was that he'd look at her differently.. that her worth was suddenly gone.

[muse-legion]

He’d seen many situations like hers before and much worse and one thing he couldn’t understand was why didn’t change anything about it. There were many ways to break free from these things, which didn’t necessarily involve a dead body. Bruno was a little confused by her question, not sure if she really meant what she’d just said. “ I don’t think running away would really help you find peace. You’d probably just be waiting for him to find you again and it’s going to haunt you. Besides it won’t stop him from continuing either.“

“Gwyn, the choice is yours but trying alone won’t get you out of there. You have to actually do it. Consequences be damned. Or stay and keep running in circles but it won’t get any better in that case.” He wasn’t trying to scare her but sometimes honesty was brutal and he really wasn’t one to beat around the bush. “Stop worrying so much about Max, think about yourself first. It’s not all about him. It’s about you!” Bruno stated as he slowly let go of the embrace, placing one hand on either side of her arms to lock eyes with her once again. “I’ll walk you home. If you want to, just get your things and we’ll get you somewhere safe. Or I can have a word with maxi boy if you want.” It wasn’t a question, more like a promise.

He looked around the shop once she’d asked him about the flowers. “I already told you I don’t have a green thumb but you’re the expert. Which one do you recommend? “ Bruno asked her curiously before he grinned at her. “You’re not that old. Little maybe but not old. “ He laughed, trying to cheer her up a bit.

Don't. That made it sound so easy and from how she stood with her brows pulled, staring at him.. she considered it so greatly. "Shall we just, run away together?" for a brief moment Gwyn was smiling, thinking about it. To just up and.. go. "Drive off into the sunset kind of thing, n' just keep driving?" she stayed there, in that hug, in being rested against Bruno's chest... was it so hard for Max to give her a little of what she got here? Just a little care, a little more gentle approach like this because it was so clear that Gwyn's soft heart, needed it.

"I'll try and put my foot down more or.. or I can promise that, I'll try Max he isn't.." she sighed, not at Bruno but at her situation because it wasn't an easy one. He didn't make it easy for her to walk away but god how nice it sounded, to have her home back... to not having her furniture broken or the fear that she'd have something thrown at her. Gwyn wasn't someone that could handle being screamed at. She just needed a bit more time to see, she could do this. A little encouragement, a little bravery put under her belt and she could leave. She could get out of that situation.. she'd see that she deserved to be happy. "Will you walk the way home with me?" her question was a timid one, but maybe if she got just a bit more time with him.. it'd all seem a bit better. "Oh god, I'm so sorry Bruno! Did you want flowers?!" she wiped her arms when she finally pulled back but god.. god she didn't want to. She wanted to stay in his arms if she were honest.

"...Did you come here, just to see lil' old me?" she suddenly felt flattered, she'd feel an idiot if he actually was just here on the off chance of wanting flowers but something told her that wasn't really why he'd come here.

[muse-legion]

How do you help someone who is not ready to move on? Bruno asked himself, as he continued to listen to her. Sighing, he leaned in a little closer to deepen the eye contact. “There is always a chance, if you really want something to change but you have to get out of your comfort zone and actually do something for it to change. It’s up to you. “ All he could do at this point, was to encourage her to leave this situation, but whether or not Gwyn was actually going to was not up to him. Unless he took matters into his own hands, which he was considering as it was.

Max. He stored the information into the back of his head but didn’t comment on it, just in case. Wouldn’t want anyone to trace whatever might be coming for the coward back to him. Sweet girl, you haven’t seen much then. Bruno thought to himself, well aware most people haven’t compared to what he’d been used to. „just tell me one thing. What could really be worse than staying there and putting up with all of this?“ His steely blues held her gaze. He didn’t need her to answer, in fact he already knew not much could be worse but he wanted her to come to that realization herself. „You’re holding on to a picture of him you have in mind but doesn’t exist anymore. A man who deserves you doesn’t treat you like shit.“ Maybe he was a little too direct but it seemed like this situation with maxi boy had been going on way too long already.

One of his arms sneaked around her petite frame once she rested her head on his chest, trying to comfort her. „Then don’t. No one is forcing you to go back. And you don’t have to be scared of him.“ Bruno was tempted to joke about giving the idiot his number and tell him to take it out with him but opted against it; he already had some ideas in mind on how to deal with this anyway.

Was there a way to fix it? Maybe for someone like him, but her? She knew that she was little, meager and weak and what good was that. It has her wriggle her nose, try to shift those tears but they wouldn't. "...Bruno I don't have choices against someone like Max." maybe Gwyn should've thought about revealing his name before she did, but she didn't have that type of mind that'd thing the worst especially not of what Bruno would be capable of with just his name.

"I did try to leave, a few times actually.." she revealed, it wasn't pleasant to see how sore the skin around her eyes looked. "I've never seen someone loose their temper, quite like he did. I was terrified of him that day. It wasn't like he cried either he just.. utterly lost it and I was clueless on what to do so when he woke up acting like nothing changed... well I was a big old coward and let him pretend nothing had, because it was better than facing what he might do." she explained, her shoulders lowering seemingly in defeat. "He used to be a good man, once... he isn't a good man anymore, by his own actions, by the way he choses to handle it.." her question last night, that's what it'd been about. How could a good man ever send their girlfriend, someone they loved, out to the streets with a mission of money, by any means, and not care of the danger that possessed?

Gwyn moved to Bruno, closer than she'd been and with suck tiredness, she let her head move in and pushed her head gently, to his chest. "Maybe I am just a big coward but.. I'm scared of him, Bruno. I'm scared to go home and I'm... I'm just so tired.." she'd moved into him like this because for a few minutes Gwyn wondered, would it be so bad to give in and let herself feel loved? Was feeling safe and allowing it, so terrible of her, if she only allowed it in small doses?

[muse-legion]

For someone like Bruno it was crucial to maintain a certain level of self control and wear the perfect poker face. He was used to pushing personal feelings and the temper he was born with aside. Anything else would have been downright reckless, especially considering what he did for a living. Azure orbs flickered down to lock eyes with her as he leaned in, resting his hands on the counter in front of him. “If it makes you cry it can’t be silly. What is it?” Bruno insisted now even more determined to find out what was going on.

Crying, begging, screaming - all sounds the Italian was used to and usually able to ignore. It was just part of the job to him and usually didn’t faze him it all, however, he did not like seeing her cry and he could feel the anger building up inside of him; the blood in his veins starting to boil more with every word she spoke. “You don’t have to put up with that and you shouldn’t either. “ Bruno couldn’t stand cowards who thought they could treat a girl like that and felt powerful by it but when it came to it they’d shit their pants; probably wouldn’t take more than one look to scare the hell out of this little fucker. He thought to himself and he already knew what he was going to do as soon as Gwyn calmed down and was safe.

“You’re not stuck, Gwyn. There’s always a way to fix it. Just tell me what you want.” His voice remained calm despite the internal battle he was facing right now. Between the lines he was offering her a way out; it was a good thing she didn’t know who he really was. A forced smile of Gwyn didn’t help and Bruno tried to figure out the best approach for this matter. “Hate to break it to you but the sooner you realize it won’t change, unless you break that toxic cycle and do what’s best for you, the better.“ Part of him wanted to get rid of the problem, it would be quick and easy - unless he decided to make the idiot suffer a little beforehand, but he didn’t want her to feel guilty for whatever happened, so he opted against it. “It’s your life, Gwyn. No one else is going to live it for you but if you’re asking me, it’s too short to waste it with someone who doesn’t treat you right or stay where you’re not happy. “

Everything had happened and she didn't even know where to begin, how much was too much to reveal? Either way she knew that her stained eyes and sniffled were a give away and she couldn't hide it from Bruno, he just seemed to have an effect on her, like she hadn't been able to lead him into a trap yesterday. That would've had this whole thing avoided, Max wouldn't have blown up if she'd just done what he wanted but doing what he wished, damaged her sensitive soul. Her soul that very clearly loved simple things like tending these pretty flowers on display.

"It's really silly, it's so silly." she already pushed her hands to cup her face, letting the tears spill. All she could keep thinking was that she was scared to go home, not that she just didn't want to but that she was well and truly fearful of it. "We had a big argument me and uhh- me and Max. My boyfriend, he lives with me it's.. heavens it's so silly and messy, it's why I said what I did last night because I don't want to.." she pressed her lips. She didn't want to sleep with people just to get their wallets or fancy watches. Gwyn didn't want to hurt Bruno that was, especially since he was nice to her, beyond nice to her and she really did feel a connection with him. Her voice broke when she next went to speak and that's when the real problem started to come out, her head shaking. "He got so angry at me, I didn't do something he needed me to do and he just, he l-.. he lost it, he threw things, smashed things so I hid in the bathroom, I thought he was going to hurt me so I just... I hid, I left early whilst he was asleep I didn't know what to do, he gets angry, he throws a few things but this time he really trashed the place and I'm stuck, I'm so stuck I don't know what to do."

It took a few moments but when she moved her hands from her face, she'd forced a smile, her fingers running the tender skin under her eyes. "It'll all be fine just, smile and the world smiles back, right?" she was forcing that smile for Bruno.

[muse-legion]

Gwyn seemed so delicate to him and at the same time, he just knew she was so much stronger than she probably realized herself. He didn’t want to be intrusive or pushy but in his head, he was trying to find a way to open her eyes; there was absolutely no one and nothing in this world worth putting up with a home she wasn’t comfortable in. Life was too short - wouldn’t he know -. He’d noticed the slight blush on her cheeks in response to his little innuendo but didn’t want her to feel embarrassed and thus didn’t comment on it. “No. She lives in Italy. That’s my only excuse for the empty box. It was a long way and I couldn’t resist. That would be great but I suppose my baking skills are limited.”

The scenario felt almost surreal and was more something he’d expect out of a movie than his own life but he couldn’t complain. He sat down on the bench, tapping the empty spot next to him to silently invite her to sit down. While Bruno was comfortable, he did take notice of the sudden change of temperature; it had gotten quite chilly so he took off his jacket and draped it around her shoulders. “Something we have in common. I grew up on the countryside too.” It may have seemed like he was only giving away crumbles about himself, his past, his life but he’d already shared more information with her than he usually would. Standing up tall in front of her, he looked down at her, laughing out loud. “There’s still a looong way for you to go to turn into hulk but don’t worry, I’m not going anywhere.”

As soon as he got home, he went back to his usual routine; got changed, went to the club to double check everything was running smoothly. From there to attend to his new assignment, after all he couldn’t let things slide. He had a job to get done though needless to say it was a short night and he barely got any sleep. Still a morning person, he got ready early and made his way over to a particular flower shop. With his contacts it’d been easy to figure out which one it was. Quietly entering the door, he inhaled a deep breath upon hearing the sound of her shaky voice and just one look at her puffy eyes confirmed his apprehension. “Gwyn? What happened?” Bruno didn’t waste any time and was determined to get to the bottom of this.

I don't do scared. Maybe she could take a leaf out of his book, maybe she could learn to be fearless too. Then she'd tell Max to get out and she'd not cower when he screamed, she'd not hide when something smashed against the wall or his fists squeezed shut. She'd stand tall and brave, it was a fun day dream. Her hands weren't the kind to retaliate, her touch was gentle, after all Gwyn arranged flowers, she perfected petals and pruned plants. She was also focusing on that comment because if she focused on the fact he said he didn't share too much? Well her face would be a much deeper shade of red than rosy, as it currently was. "Does your nonna live nearby then? I know the girl that runs the bakery, maybe I can talk to her, try and get that blueberry recipe. Make sure that you'd never turn up with an empty box again."

Fireflies cast down a soft glow to her cheeks, reflecting in her eyes, she looked like she'd be gentle to reach out and touch. How easy it'd be to be greedy with her in arms reach. "It's like a little pocket of peace from the busy nature of the city. I always lived out in the countryside when I was little so I suppose this reminds me of it. The one patch of green land." Gwyn lifted up her thumbs and looked them over before lifting a thumbs up in his direction. "I don't know, do you think they're turning a little bit green? Heavens, I think I'm turning into the hulk." she joked, a fake gasp to accompany it. "You best start running for the hills!"

When she went home that night it went exactly how she knew it would. If she could've, she would've stayed under the willow tree with Bruno and pretended like home was whatever she wanted it to be. Max screamed at her that she'd wasted a perfect opportunity with Bruno, that she could've had him pay for the hotel room too. She felt so disregarded, almost numb to his anger just from how a million emotions flooded her. She got one night of what felt like bliss, being heard and listened to with Bruno.. and now she was having to cower in another room, her back to the door, and listen to her furniture being punched, her things thrown against walls, and each one made her jump. She chose to stay in that room, her back to the door, the whole night before getting up and going to work at the first bit of light she saw outside. Gwyn caught one glimpse of her kitchen, the state of it.. the glasses smashed, the coffee table leg kicked off, just various bits of damage all over.

Work was her escape, her place of drowning everything in being busy.. until it wasn't busy. The last hour was always utterly silent and given she was working alone today she took herself to the back to sit with her knee's pulled up and cried. She cried at the idea of having to go home today. By the time Gwyn heard the bell ring at the front door she got to her feet and tried to blink and push away the tears, but she'd very obviously been crying. The skin around her eyes pink and sore, along with the tip of her nose, even how she sniffled. "Coming!" she called, her voice wavering. She brushed her hands down her slightly stained apron and made her way to the shop floor. She had been on autopilot all day, and it was all just starting to really hit her, what she'd be dealing with when she went home. "How can I-" she couldn't help the sniffled, her hands resting on the counter top, which only made it more obvious that she was trembling. "I'm sorry, how can I help you today?" only then did she look up to meet eyes with a very familiar and welcomed, azure blue. She should have smiled in relief, instead her lip trembled as though... she couldn't lie to him and pretend she was fine today.

[muse-legion]

Silence often represented the loudest of response and Bruno couldn't help but notice the fact his question remained unanswered. He was an expert at changing the subject and avoiding to respond certain questions but there was no need for her to spell it out for him. A clear picture of her and her situation was created in his head by now anyway. "Look Gwyn, I know we only just met but please do trust when I say if there's ever an issue you can't resolve on your own, don't hesitate to call for help. I'd be happy to, really." Whatever stressed her out, there was little to nothing he couldn't assist with, that much he knew. It wasn't like he offered to just anyone, in fact he barely had time for that sort of thing but there was just something about this girl. He couldn't just walk away and leave her to herself.

It was cute how she used her hands to try to explain herself and he couldn't help but tease her about it. "Are you half Italian by any chance?" Bruno chuckled; a sound which didn't come past his lips too often. "Don't get the wrong impression dear. I don't listen to just anyone. " He gave her a playful wink to enforce the significance of his last statement. Gwyn was right, he didn't ignore his surroundings, for no other reason than it being the number one cause of death in his business. But alas, of course that was one of the things she was never to find out. Whyever she'd changed her mind on calling it a night, he didn't know, nor did it matter to him. Curiosity reflected on his facial features at her suggestion, his brow arched slightly. "Luckily for you, it doesn't take money to impress me. Bring it on then! Let's see this secret place - no worries I don't share" Granted, his words came out a little more flirtatious than he intended but who could blame him? After all, she was the one who started the teasing and Bruno was no one to turn it down. The innocence she displayed was refreshing to him, reminding him pure hearts still existed. "Danger is my middle name, I don't do scared. " He confessed in all honesty - more honest than she could possibly imagine.

Once the bill was cleared, he'd gotten up to hand Gwyn her jacket and turned around to open the door for her. The touch of her hand was unexpected and took him by surprise for a moment but he didn't mind at all. His azures followed the movement of her hand attentively as he held out his arm for her whilst leaving the restaurant. Bruno listened carefully as she pointed out her favorite spots in the city. Personally, he didn't get to enjoy them often, which didn't mean he didn't appreciate them from time to time. They strolled down the streets, arm in arm, the odd sensation of normality as a matter of course overcoming him in a way he hadn't felt in a while. "I know that bakery, their blueberry muffins are unreal too. I got the big box of them for my nonna's birthday earlier this year but somehow on the way to my grandparents house the muffins all vanished into thin air and I reached my destination with an empty box." He laughed lightheartedly at the memory not even embarrassed to tell her about it. Looking around, he took in the view and immediately understood why she loved this place so much. "It's peaceful here." Bruno whispered in a low voice, almost as if he was trying not to disturb it. He took her small hands into his own and observed them exaggeratively. "A florist? Shouldn't you have green thumbs then?"

There was a huge part of Gwyn that wanted to be able to say that she promised and to be able to keep that promise too, but she couldn't. She couldn't keep that promise, she'd go home to screaming, to things thrown and if it wasn't her belongings, her furniture.. then what would he take the anger out on? It was as though she had to balance the lesser of two evils and what good did that leave in a man she'd once considered lovely? Max used to be different, he'd worked, he'd charmed her but... to anyone on the outside he was a snake, charming a girl he knew he could bend and manipulate to his will. Rather than promise, Gwyn just stayed quiet and moved to the rest of their conversation.. but she knew tat it was noted. Bruno was observant, he noticed... he listened too but that flattered her to no end.

"Oh, no, I think you're a good person because you listen when someone speaks, you don't disregard or..." she used her hands to talk, particularly when she couldn't find the word she was looking for. "You don't ignore the things around you." She thought for a moment. She didn't want to go home, she also didn't want the night to end so once dinner was all cleared and paid for she stood and held her hand out. "Now, I might not have the money to take you somewhere real fancy and impress you, but I do have a favourite place, it's a big secret so you can't go sharing it with everyone." she wiggled her fingers, the sweetheart smile turning to a softened smirk. "Unless you're scared I might lead you somewhere dangerous?" she couldn't help but tease.

Gwyn took his hand but once outside, linked her hand through his arm. As they walked she felt the need to point out places in the city that she adored. The library, a great love of hers, open twenty four seven so.. when home didn't feel safe, that place certainly did. Same for the old diner, it was never closed, it was warm, cosy. Then she pointed out Sweet Pea Bakery and how they have the best bread she'd ever tasted. She led him to the park, but not the main section, she took him around the pond and underneath a weeping willow in the back corner. You could hear the water trickling, the soft hum of the city in the distance and now that night had drawn in, fireflies gave off soft light in the air. "Home isn't always a safe haven, but I've always loved the park.. I'm a florist so.. I know the groundskeepers, they get their seasonal flowers from the shop I work at." Should she be telling him where she worked? Probably not, but she did.

[muse-legion]

Evidently she didn’t seem used to be treated right; it was such a shame really. Her appreciation for the smallest act of kindness and human decency gave it away and Bruno couldn’t help but wonder how it came to that. There was a light in her so bright, it couldn’t be fully diminished and yet it was dimmed for some reason and he was determined to get to the bottom of it and find the source overshadowing the sunshine she harbored. His former warm smile turned into a faint chuckle while azure eyes captured her own, holding onto them in an intense gaze. “I guess there is in a way. Nobody’s perfect, we all make mistakes but you’ll want to keep people close who treat you well and support you and keep distance from the ones who don’t. “ The focus of his attention was hers alone, never once did he avert his look during the whole time he spoke. “Come what may after tonight, just promise me you won’t let anyone mistreat you, okay? No matter who they think they are. You deserve better than that. “ Unfortunately it was always the good ones who got hurt the most. Just by observing her for the short amount of time he’d known her, it was obvious she had a heart of gold. Whether it was the vibes, the aura surrounding her, the light in her eyes or simply the way she treated the waiter; Bruno had seen enough to determine she was a genuine and kind person.

Upon hearing her revelation about home, it became al the more clear where she was coming from. No jewel or signs of a mark of a ring on her delicate fingers led him to assume she wasn’t married. “Home is meant to be your safe haven. But if it’s not, I’m at your service for as long as you prefer to avoid it.” Bruno offered wholeheartedly although he was chuckling briefly, the expression in his eyes remained serious. He’d meant what he said and was going to keep it. “ It absolutely does make sense. Some people just don’t have any good in them, that’s the sad truth. They say there’s darkness and light in everyone, it just depends on which one you decide to feed.” Despite the somewhat unpleasant subject they were talking about, he didn’t feel uncomfortable in the slightest. Quite the opposite actually. And there it was, that sweetheart smile upon her lips, which sure could make a lot of men crumble, no doubt. Breaking his own into a smile in response, he joked. “ why thank you Gwyn for the compliment but paying you dinner doesn’t make me a good person. But you’re welcome nonetheless.”

She was smiling so softly at being told to simply speak her mind. She was frequently told to keep her mouth shut, speak when spoken to, who cared what she had to say, right? Well.. he did. Bruno seemed to care what words left her mouth. "Are there right people to know?" There were people in this world that radiated joy, that were as pure as sunshine itself and of course when you're one of them you'd never know it, just as she didn't.. but Gwyn gave out the same warmth as a summer morning. Gwyn was polite enough to thank the water too, stating how enjoyable she found the meal and that she found his service impressive, trying to boost the waiters confidence. She didn't have to do that, but the fact she did said enough about who she really was, the things she chose to do simply because she could spoke volumes.

Did she want to tell him? Bruno I'm scared of my boyfriends temper, he's a bad man. That wasn't going to go down well was it? If she told him her intentions tonight where to go home, sleep with him, then steal his earthly possessions, would he not think her a villain? A crook? The worst of the women in this city?

"Home doesn't feel like home right now, I suppose." It hadn't for a long time. "Which is fine, I guess I just.. prefer dinner with you, to the idea of home." She was thinking so hard on that question, but.. it was the way he leaned in, the way he seemed so interested in what she thought of it. She could ask Max questions all day long and it was unfortunately met with being ignored, he'd shout over her to speak to his gaming friends. Having someone that listened and wanted to talk? Well that felt like a luxury to her and that's what brought the dimples in her cheeks back to a creeping smile. "I used to like to think that there was good in everyone, but I think I'm starting to believe that.. everyone has bad in them, it's just where it came from and how they handle it that determines if it's a quality that can be forgiven, does that make sense?" she tilted her own head, her sweetheart smile showing as she looked into his eyes. "I think your someone that would be forgiven." she paused. "Thank you for paying for dinner."

[muse-legion]

By the look on her face, he could tell she was surprised about his reaction. Of course he knew the unfortunate truth of not everyone respecting boundaries or treating women the way they deserve. But it didn’t mean he approved of it. In fact, he could only shake his head about it. “ I’m glad you think so. “ A relieved sigh slipped past his lips at her reassurance he didn’t upset her. Bruno couldn’t help but study her. There was something about the things she said, the expression in her eyes which led him to believe there was much more to it. She seemed worried, scared even. A penny for your thoughts, he reckoned in his mind. “In all honesty ma’am. I got exactly what I wanted; a good time in great company. What else could I ask for?” Pausing briefly as he gestured at the waiter for the bill, he turned his attention back to Gwyn, meeting her eyes again, before he finished his statement. “ I usually don’t expect anything from anyone. It only leads to disappointment most of the time.” While he found it to be adorable how hard she tried to say the right things, he didn’t want her to beat herself up about it. “Hey, don’t overthink it. Just speak your mind. It’s your right and honesty is always appreciated.” Before he could continue, they were interrupted by the waiter, whom he handed his credit card and asked to charge an extra 10% for tips, well aware they most likely didn’t get paid enough to value their efforts. He let his eyes find hers once more and his gaze intensified as if to try to look past them and right into her soul. “ no offence but I’m starting to believe you know the wrong people. “ Bruno didn’t beat around the bush and was pretty straight forward, a little too direct sometimes for a lot of people’s liking but at least they always knew where they stood with him.

“Do you want to talk about it? What’s troubling you?” He didn’t intend on pushing it but figured he’d offer to listen anyway in case she wanted to get something off her chest. If not, Bruno would be the last person to judge her. After all, he knew better than anyone, some things were better left unspoken. “Are you sure you’re okay? “ It wasn’t like he was insisting on getting her to speak up but something was up and he was adamant about making sure she would get home safe. Do you think someone can do bad things and still be a good person? Unsure of where she was going with this question - one that seemed to be haunting him - he straightened up, interlacing his hands on the table while he considered his next words. Of course he didn’t let it on but he’d asked himself the same many times. “Well. It’s a difficult one to answer. It depends but I sure like to believe there’s good in most people and as long as their intentions are good they can’t be too bad. “ His eyes didn’t waver as he tried to read her own. “What do you think?” Genuinely interested in her answer, he leaned in a little and tilted his head.

Gwyn seemed so immediately surprised that.. she wasn't met with anger or irritation, of accusations of being a tease or worse. Enough that her brows raised and she stared in surprise. Reassurance wasn't something she was often met with, or the level of manners that Bruno had displayed tonight. "Nothing you've said or done at all, you've not upset me at all!" she spoke with a hand over her heart. There was a world where she didn't feel trapped, where she wasn't a puppet controller by an overbearing boyfriend that faked being a tough man just to belittle and frighten her. Gwyn was small and she was naïve but she was lovely all the same. "Well I... would expect that someone might be upset if they didn't get what they wanted or expected from an evening." it was clear from the way she screwed her brows in thought that she was trying to think of the right answer, the one that might not seem so.. upsetting or incriminating to what she was dealing with. "Not that I'm saying you are like that I just know... a lot of people that would react like that, to me." it'd happened before, times she wanted to change her mind and just go home.. there'd been plenty of times she'd tried to fake being ill just to avoid her boyfriend sending her out, demanding she does what they need her to do, just to sustain his needs. It didn't matter that she didn't want to be a bad person, she didn't want to hurt people, so long as he was fed and happy, his video game lifestyle sustained... if she kept him happy, then he wouldn't hurt her.

Her boyfriend, he'd be so angry when she went home empty handed tonight... she knew how it'd go. She knew how it'd end, and that's why she'd started to tap her fingers, there was a worry in Gwyn, an anxiety she couldn't shake at the idea of going home, a place that was meant to be a cherished haven had become more of a war zone to her. This man was nice to her, he wasn't like the slobs or expectant boys that acted like 'gentleman' just to get her dress off. He didn't deserve her swiping his wallet and disappearing. "Do you think that someone can do bad things and still be a good person?" she asked the question suddenly, sliding her coat from her chair and into her arm as she did. She was bouncing her leg, trying to hold her fingers together to stop the anxious and quite frankly, frightened fidgeting. Oh, Max was going to be seething with fury. "I'm curious. Does it come down to situation do you think?"

[muse-legion]

In his line of work, there wasn’t much spare time to be spent, however, on some occasions he allowed himself to go out and have some fun. It helped to keep his feet on the ground so to speak and was a nice change of scenery. Just a quiet evening was what Bruno enjoyed the most; feeling normal. Judging by the content of their conversations, he had a feeling he wasn’t the only one in need of a distraction from their daily routine. By nature and profession the Italian was used to analyzing situations and observing his counterparts carefully. The smallest mistake could mean the worst possible outcome. His eyes scanned her discreetly while he listened to her every word. “It was my pleasure, honestly. Don’t worry, if that’s what you want I will respect it.” Bruno reassured her with a warm smile upon his lips. He wasn’t sure what happened, why the sudden change of heart but he was sure she must have had her reasons. A jealous boyfriend, overprotective father, something of that sort maybe. But it wasn’t his place to judge. “Whatever your reasons, I hope it wasn’t something I’ve said or done? If it was however, it wasn’t my intention to upset you and I apologize.” Disbelief made itself known in the way he looked at her at her next statement. “I would never expect you to pay your share. You’re invited - no strings attached. Who do you think I am?” He wasn’t offended or anything, just curious about what kind of people she seemed to be hanging out with usually. “It wasn’t a waste of time, please don’t feel bad about it or obligated to anything. I’ve had a great time, thank you for a lovely evening. “

plot: please give me gwyn living with her boyfriend but he doesn't work, he's a slob, so he has her go out and seduce men and sleep with them, so she can take their wallets when they're sleeping, but for some reason she just can't do that to your muse. open to m, any age. open to age gaps.

"thank you, for taking me out tonight, for the meal but..." this guy, he was nice in her opinion, he'd actually made her smile, he'd listened to her, her hopes her dreams, it wasn't the usual way this went. normally these men wanted to race through the talking, get her back to a hotel room and that'd be that, they'd get what they wanted and she'd get what she needed, just they'd never see her or their wallet again either. gwyn didn't want to do this but her wage as a diner waitress simply wasn't enough, not when her boyfriend sat at home gaming all day, didn't work and pushed her to do this because as he put it, she owed him that much. he wanted her to do this.. but she didn't want to do any of it to this guy. "i really do mean that thanks, but don't.. ask me to go back home with you, or to a hotel. you'd be better blocking my number and pretending i never existed actually." she paused, fingers tapping on the table between them. "i can't pay you my share back or apologise enough for wasting your time."