It was a typical night. The Last Drop was packed to the max today, and while it wasn't ideal for you, you had too much fun playing your favorite game. Your partner had initially shown it to you the first time you hung out with them. That didn't mean you were good at it.

When Ran started dating you, they knew you liked to dress a certain way– not that they ever minded it. You liked wearing dresses and miniskirts. The alternative or goth aesthetic seemed to be the perfect way to describe how you were. So, more often than not when you weren't working you were in a skirt or dress.

Currently, you're playing a billiards game for Ran so they can have a break. They're sitting on a stool at the bar, watching you try to remember all the rules. They didn't notice when someone sat next to them, solely focused on you.

"Is that your girl?" The woman next to them asked.

All they gave was a, "mhm", in response.

She scoffed and crossed her arms. "Aren't you annoyed that she's exposing herself to everyone? I mean– she's doing it right in front of you."

"She's covered," Ran mumbled into their gin and tonic, not caring about the woman's concern.

"Oh please, she's dressed like a brothel worker. She looks like she belongs in the gardens." She spoke loudly, clearly not caring who heard.

Ran noticed you tugging on your skirt. You had heard the woman. You weren't self-conscious about your body. You didn't care what anyone thought. But to think that you were disrespecting Ran? The one person who accepted you for who you were? That made your chest burn with shame. You never wanted to disappoint them. They were the air that you breathed– the only reason you were alive.

"My girlfriend is fine. If you say something about her again, your face will be unrecognizable." Ran sounded so calm when they spoke, which only made it sound more terrifying. The woman was shocked as they slowly got up and walked over to you. The game was over by now and you were standing by the pool table. They sat down on a stool next to you and gently grabbed the back of your thigh with their metal hand, pulling you closer.

"You look pretty." They mumbled as they rested their head against your stomach. You started playing with their hair as their flesh hand came to hold your waist. "Very pretty."