[dated to August 27]

[jianhuo]

When Saffron walks to and from work, which is most of the time, she doesn't always take the same route. She's figured out a few different ways, all of them using well-lit streets without the need to cut through any suspicious alleys or the like. She knows the Scarlet Spider is out there guarding the streets, and possibly more like him, but Saffron would rather not take any chances. She's good, but last she checked she still isn't fast enough to dodge a bullet.

On one of her routes, there's a little bar. From the outside it looks decent enough, nothing too glitzy, but not a complete dump either. She's thought about stopping in for a drink from time to time, using her charm on some of the locals to see if she can find out more about Darrow. She's tried it a time or two in other places, with mixed results - well, mixed results in terms of information about the city. Saffron never has trouble gaining a man's attention or an invitation home...not that she's taken any of them up on it. Being with a local doesn't sit well with her, nor does she think it ever will.

Tonight she's on her way back from work, not particularly tired, not really in the mood to go home just yet. So when she passes by the little bar this time, she decides to go on in. Pushing inside, she heads straight to the bar, sitting down on one of the stools to wait for either the bartender to take her order or for some random guy to have a drink sent over. Usually, the latter's what ends up happening first. But then the bartender, who she hadn't been paying any mind before, turns toward her, and Saffron lets out an audible gasp. She knew he was here, knew he was around somewhere, but to see him now is a shock. "Sam!" she exclaims, even as she knows he won't know her.

That's all right. Saffron's already lost Sam Winchester once and got him back again. She can manage doing it a second time.

Comments

[theprodigalson]

"That really doesn't make me feel a whole lot better," Sam says, lips twisting into something that might resemble a smile on a better day. He's trying, really. To be pleasant and personable and friendly. It's not something he's ever had much difficulty with in the past, but after everything that's happened here, after everything he's learned about himself and his future... it's hard to convince himself to smile sometimes.

He gives her another half nod then. "You don't seem really bothered by any of this."

[jianhuo]

"I'm familiar with things like this happening," Saffron replies, her voice quiet as she looks down into her empty glass for a moment before looking back up at Sam. "That doesn't mean I'm not bothered by it. I'm looking at someone I consider a good friend and he doesn't even know me. It's not any easier just because this isn't the first time it's happened to me."

[theprodigalson]

Sam has the distinct feeling he should be guilty about that, about not recognizing this woman claiming to be his friend. And he is a little bit. There's still a part of him buried beneath all the self-hate and resignation that recognizes the feelings of others.

But it's nothing like it used to be.

He doesn't even know what he is any more: man or monster. So maybe it's just inevitable.

His gaze drops to her empty glass and he wipes a hand with his towel again and gives her a quick, short nod. "You want another one?"

[jianhuo]

"Sure," Saffron says, after a moment's hesitation. She's kind of a lightweight when it comes to booze, but she should be all right. She won't overdo it.

The silence between them feels wrong, awkward when it used to be comfortable, and she hates it.

"So how long have you been in Darrow?"

[theprodigalson]

With a nod, Sam pours her another glass, glad for something to focus on in the awkward stretch of silence. It's not completely unlike talking with Neil, though Neil he's grown used to. Neil he knows. Even trusts, almost.

He still has no idea what to make of this woman.

Sliding the glass to her, Sam arches an eyebrow and wipes his hand dry again. "About five months," he says, seeing no need to lie about it. "Dean's been here about four." He doesn't mention Ruby. For all he knows, this woman doesn't know her or know about her and Sam sure as hell isn't about to bring it up.

[jianhuo]

"Almost three months, for me," Saffron says, not bothering to point out that she already knows how long Dean's been in Darrow. It's not like Dean is all that forthcoming with her these days, anyhow. Not like it used to be between them, at least, not by a long shot. "What do you make of all the folks think they've been here all their lives? Your brother doesn't seem to trust them a bit."

[theprodigalson]

"Dean doesn't trust most things these days," Sam says, still a little unnerved by the fact that this woman can speak of his brother so casually. He can't help but wonder if they've slept together. Probably not here, he thinks. Not this Dean.

But maybe back on that island.

It really isn't his business either way.

"And I don't know what I think of them, yet." As far as he's been able to tell, they're not spirits. Not demons either. There are a few who possess various supernatural abilities, a few who make Sam nervous in a number of ways, but the majority seem perfectly harmless. Just civilians. Frowning, he continues to watch her carefully. "Dean has good reason to be paranoid, though."

[jianhuo]

Saffron nods. Dean's never had a particularly trusting nature, but now, here in the city, she feels like it becomes outright paranoia a lot of the time. It's not easy to get used to.

"I think they're a group to be watched," she replies. "Probably most of them are harmless, victims of this place just like us except in a different way, but there may be a few out there pose a threat."

[theprodigalson]

A man a few seats away raises a glass to get Sam's attention and he wanders over to take care of him, filling his glass before ringing up his tab.

Once done, he turns his attention back to the redhead, one eyebrow arched. "So you're worried, too," he says, though it's obvious he doesn't disagree with her. "Were you here when this place turned into a bad horror movie?"

[jianhuo]

Saffron shakes her head. "From what I hear I missed it by just a few days," she says. "Can't say as I'm bothered by not being here for that craziness. It sounded pretty wild."