Aggravated but prideful, the man went away, clearly annoyed, but asking as if nothing had happened just now, Xavier turned to me to continue our chat.
"Sorry about that, you were saying?"
"... I was saying that everything's as usual."
"That's good."
"... It is, yeah." I took a moment to consider his uninterested comment and I smiled feeling that it's true that things are just as usual since they were naturally evolving as they should. But he wouldn't know about such evolution now that my wish to share it with him has faded. "I think it's a really good thing. Being as usual."
"You like it that much? Did something good actually happen?"
"Not really. I said everything's as usual, right? I'm just sharing a thought, don't get noisy about it."
"Hm." He had perked up curious and doubtful but at my retort, he saw that I wasn't going to say more and gave up the topic, probably aware that I wouldn't tell him this time just as I have done with many other things about myself. "How long will you be around here today?... Want to go somewhere else?"
"I said: Don't. Touch. Me." Glaring at him for his second attempt, I reminded him as I saw his hand try to play with my hoodie. "How many times do I have to tell you? I'm not going anywhere with you. I'm not gay, Xavier."
"Not even after all the drinks I've bought for you ever since we met?"
"You invited me while already aware that I'm not gay. You took that gamble on your own."
"Connor… Come on… I assure you that I would give you a fun time if you just let me."
"This much fun is fine for me, than you. I don't need the kind of 'fun' you're looking for."
"... Alright. I understand."
"Hm? That's it?"
"What is?"
"You're not… going to keep on being annoying?" I sneered at him, teasing his lack of persistence this time.
"Right. Not anymore for today." He laughed softly, quietly. But this wasn't a first, for a few days now, Xavier has been less of an opponent to mess around.
The day we first met we had a short but relaxed conversation. The next few times it was the same, but slowly we had come to have this dynamic of retorting the other with sarcasm and… He became playfully wicked in that matter. Maybe it could be said he adds a naughty vibe to it, which could be why many were so attracted to him and why he likes talking to me who is good at returning the favour.
Today could be the last time I see him for a while and even though he thinks I'm a guy, after meeting him here so often at the bar, I feel like we ended up becoming something like good friends.
I stared for a moment at his apparently fine expression, wondering what could have happened to him to give up so fast tonight, but wondering about that would only leave me with no real answer.
"Here you go, Xav."
"Thanks, Ruben"
After his drink was served I shared a glance with Ruben, who shrugged a little at Xavier's demeanour. I took another moment to watch how he fiddled with his glass, and then, I interrupted the palpable stillness we came to have.
"What about you?" I asked. "Did your life become boring too? You look dejected for some reason."
He paused his hand to look at me and smirked. Going back to how he usually behaved and even more flirty, which after a bit made me regret trying to be nice with a guy who's been trying to get me into his bed the moment he met me.
"Why? Are you worried about me?... Will you pamper me if I say I'm sad, Connor?" Xavier used that smug face that worked so well with his targets… But sadly…
"Sure. If you buy me the whole bar I might reward you with a slap."
… that won't work with me.
"You like it rough? I can go for that if it's what you're into."
"Ugh, just drink and shut up."
"Hahaha~… Ruben, prepare Connor's."
"Okay."
"Hm? You're still buying me one?"
"Its my duty," as if it was a must he gulped down his glass, grinning but lightly frowning at the drink I still had in my hand, "I can't let others invite you. It leaves a bad taste in my mouth."
"Hah… what a petty guy."
"I'm fine with being petty."
"Really now?"
"Yeah, so let's go somewhere else tonight, Connor."
"Not even in your dreams. Just give up."
I didn't persist in asking what was wrong, we drank quietly together and after little more than an hour had passed I decided it was time to go home.
"You're leaving?" Xavier asked as soon as I stood from my seat. Even though he was being hit on by a couple of potential "fun" for him tonight.
Not wanting to interrupt I simply nodded and waved goodbye to him and Ruben, who was far and busy attending to some other customers at the bar. "See ya," I said, after leaving a few dollars to pay for my drink.
However, my nice intention of leaving quietly was wasted since Xavier still stood up, leaving the guys flirting with him alone only to follow me.
"Wait, I'll go with you." Giving me an eye that said he needed a break, Xavier came after me, telling the surprised guys to wait. "I'll be right back."
"Come back quickly~"
"We'll drink all of this up if you don't hurry~"
"Mhm, that's fine… Let's go, Connor."
"Ah, yeah… bye, guys," I said, sorry to the guys who once more glared at me even while they had a smile on their faces.
Walking side to side with Xavier I couldn't help but sigh before deciding to tell him what I actually thought about him doing that. "You know, if you're so tired of them why do you keep sitting there? Why do you even entertain them? Just leave and take a break if you want. Don't use whatever you find useful as an escape route."