Callen
"You're sure you can handle that much?" I look at Luke skeptically. For someone as thin and lanky as him, I can't believe how many drinks he's had.
He laughs and nods. "I lived in Ireland for six months and built my tolerance up while I was there."
I've always had trouble taking Luke seriously. But I suppose he's a nice guy who treats my sister well, I have no reason to hate him.
Eliza chuckles and sips her drink. "Thanks again for organizing this, Callen."
Our friends at the table nod in agreement. Having been friends since we were all kids, it's exciting seeing everyone hit major milestones over the years. Unsurprisingly to all of us, Eliza is the first to be engaged.
"I'll repay you by planning your bachelor party when you get married," Luke says with an excited grin.
Luke is one of the last people I'd trust to plan anything for anyone.
I don't see myself getting married anytime soon. With how much of my time I spend at work, I barely have the capacity to even meet anyone as it is.
Though there's a persistent, annoying voice in my head that's trying to convince me otherwise. That perhaps relationships aren't as impossible as they once felt. It's becoming harder and harder to drown the voice out lately.
"Yeah, maybe," I mutter. "I'm going to get another drink."
"Me too," Eliza chimes, sliding out of the booth and following me to the counter. She waits until we're out of earshot of the group before softening her voice. "How have you been? Any luck with finding a girlfriend?"
"I'm fine," I say monotonously. "And no, I have more important things to focus on."
We order our drinks. As we wait, Eliza sits on a tall barstool so we're close to the same height and studies my face. Her hazel eyes suddenly light up. "You're totally lying!" she gasps, holding her cheeks. "Who is she?!"
I feel my heart skip a beat but I don't let my composure change. "Who is who?" I grumble.
"You have feelings for someone. I can definitely sense it." She giggles and rolls her eyes. "Don't deny it."
I groan and immediately down the shot the bartender places in front of me.
"I don't know what you're talking about," I say dryly.
"Aw c'mon Callen." She laughs and gives me a shove. "I've known you for twenty three years! I recognize that look in your eyes, I saw it a couple times when you were dating that really nice girl... Nadine, was it?"
"Drop it, Eliza," I warn.
"Ughh, fine, but you're so boring," she groans.
Do I really have the same look? I can't deny that Julie makes me quite happy. She's kind and thoughtful and doesn't walk on eggshells around me like everyone else seems to.
But does that really mean anything?
As we head back to the booth, my phone suddenly starts ringing. It's Hayley's desk phone.
"Sorry, it's work," I say, tugging on my coat.
"Aw c'mon, you sound like dad," Eliza whines. "Can't you stop working for one night?"
"I'll just be a minute." I'm sure it's nothing major.
I step outside into the chilly night. Just as I'm about to answer the call, I hear speaking.
"P-please leave me alone."
My attention is caught by a familiar voice. It's hard to spot her in the dim glow of the street lamps, but I manage to see Julie at the corner by the alley.
Two men tower over her.
"C'mon darling, we'll show you a good time," one of them says.
"N-no."
One of them grabs her upper arm. "We know a guy who's really into your type. Cooperate and you won't get hurt."
My heart pounds as I walk towards them and tightly grip the man's shoulder. "I think she said no," I say coldly, pulling him away from her.
Julie's eyes widen when we make eye contact. She looks like a deer caught in headlights and whispers something that I can't make out. She barely seems conscious – it's obvious she's inebriated, and there's no point in trying to get her to run away.
The man tugs himself out of my grip and turns around. "Stay the fuck out of this," he sneers. "Finders keepers."
"I'm not going to ask again," I say, taking a step closer to him. "Get away from her, or you'll regret it."
He cowers backward a bit, but the other man takes a step towards me. He's a bit taller and much angrier looking. "Did you really just threaten my brother?"
From the corner of my eye, I see a fist coming at me. I immediately step to the side and the shorter man misses.
Under normal circumstances, I wouldn't choose violence. I know these pieces of shit aren't worth my time. I'd have no problem walking away, knowing they don't have the guts to start a fight with me.
But with Julie here, I can't take any chances.
He tries again, but I block him and return a punch. There's a sharp cracking sound as my fist meets his jaw. He spits blood and a couple teeth before mumbling something unintelligible. My second punch is lighter, knowing it isn't going to take much more. He gives me an unhinged, bloody smile before falling to the ground, completely blacked out.
"Reggie!" the other man shouts. He turns to me, pupils blown black and jaw clenched. "You're dead."
He lunges towards me. I don't get out of the way in time and suddenly feel my upper arm stinging. A knife? He aims for my chest this time, but I grab his wrist before he makes contact and pry the knife out of his hand.
He carefully backs away. I feel a little smug, knowing he had underestimated me and consequently ate shit for it. I almost think it's over, but he grabs Julie's arm and tugs her towards him. She gasps and stumbles, falling backwards against his chest. Absolute fear flashes through her eyes as she struggles to pull away, but he pins her arm behind her back and wraps his other arm around her waist.
"Fuck off or this precious little thing is gonna get hurt," he threatens. "She's coming with me."
"O-ow," Julie coughs as he tightens his grip like a boa constrictor. "You're hurting me."
White hot anger radiates through my body. Without even thinking, I suddenly find myself gripping onto the front of his shirt so tightly that I restrict his breathing. He lets go of Julie and she manages to walk far enough away to collapse against the building's wall.
I reel back and punch him square in the face. His nose pours blood and eye begin to swell.
He tries to tug away but I knee him in the stomach.
I lower my voice so only he can hear me. "Leave," I hiss. "Or I will end you."
His face goes pale. "Ok, ok!"
I forcefully shove him away as I release his collar. He grabs his brother and bolts.
"Miss Leong?" I rush over and crouch down to where she's sitting. She's curled up, hugging her knees and shivering. I can't tell whether she's cold or traumatized – I'd assume both. I take off my coat and drape it over her shoulders. "Are you hurt?"
She doesn't look up from the ground but shakes her head.
"Can I help you up?"
She nods. I carefully take hold of her hand to support her as she stands. I try to avoid as much contact as possible, anything more would be inappropriate as her boss.
I consider my options. "Is there anyone around to bring you home?"
She shakes her head.
Shit. "Ok, I'll drop you off at home."
"I-I can't go home," she says, barely above a whisper.
It seems like a sensitive subject so I decide not to pry. I think for a moment. "You should get out of the cold at least." I doubt she wants to go back into the bar. "Can I drive you somewhere?"
She looks up at me. Her deep brown eyes are wide, filled with unshed tears, and her lip wobbles. "O-Ok."
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A/N:
Stressed myself out writing this one 😭 But we knew Callen wouldn't let it happen
