Ash looked in the mirror as he tried to fix something in his appearance. He stared at his reflection  while his fingers ran through his wet hair. It was the third time and the whole thing started to feel uneasy. Not because he doesn't looked good enough already - at least that's what he told himself. The reason was different. He didn't like this at all. Going on a date with someone always felt like this for him. There was something hollow in his chest tonight and no matter what he couldn't shake this feeling. 

  The bathroom was slightly dark that night, casting sharp lines at his face. It was a little too tense. His white shirt was a little wrinkled, carelessly  buttoned, offering a glimpse of his bare chest - just enough to gave him a tempting aura. It hadn't even started yet, but he already felt like he was over it. The thought lingered in his head as he grabbed his jacket, slamming the door behind him harder than necessary. 

 It was for distraction as soon as he entered outside he decided to light a cigarette. There was something about inhaling the smoke that calmed him down. He didn't do this often. It was for occasions like this. 

 The city outside was restless, with too many neon lights that almost hurted his eyes. People hurried by, occasionally stepping around Ash, who was making his way to the place. His date was waiting at some bar he'd barely bothered to remember the name of - something pretentious, probably. When he  arrived, the place was just exactly what he expected: dull lights that created a heavy atmosphere, overpriced drinks, fancy tables. Everything was perfect except his mind. His date of course was attractive, she acted right. Tried to impress him with a smile or a small gesture. Ash didn't have to talk much, the girl did it for him. As he took a sip of his drink, which was nothing special - just plain whisky, the more expensive kind. He found himself nodding, pretending to care about her story but his mind drifting elsewhere. He didn't remember anything, and he tried to think about what could be the problem that lead him thinking like this. Maybe it's not her fault, she did everything she could. Ash needed too much. The conversation died a slow, awkward death.

 Later on he found himself outside again, the cold wind that swept under his canvas coat sent a shiver through his spine. He wasn't a fan of the cold, neither of his hands that almost turned bright red. Ash couldn't decide this time if he was annoyed at the date, the world, or himself.

I need one more, he thought, through he hadn't smoke for years but today it's the second.  He walked slowly back to his apartment, his steps sounded heavy on the cold ground. He decided to stop for a second. His breathing was rapid, as usual. A soft sigh escaped his lips.

And that's when he saw him.

Leaning against the wall of a small place that was about to close, stood Lucian. 

A tall man with a cigarette lazily dangling between his fingers. He had sharp lines, like he was craved from stone with dark hair which was dimly lit by the city lights. When Ash looked at him he felt an ease. There was some unspoken difference that made Ash's chest tighten in a way no date ever had. Their eyes are met long enough to size each other up. He didn't smile didn't look away, either. He wanted to speak with him it felt like that's the most important thing at  that moment. And before he knew what he was doing Ash headed his direction.

 - Got another one? - he asked, pointing toward his hand. His voice sounded unfamiliar to him. 

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the pack with a careless motion. He looked at Ash. Lucian eyes was dark, cold but mesmerising. A slight arch  of his brow as he handed out the cigarette without a word.

Ash lit it and started to cough a little - damn, it's stronger than he used to - Lucian looked at him and smirked.

 - What's funny? - Ash snapped for a bit, raised his eyebrows at him.

 - You don't look the smoking type. Is it too strong for you?

Ash exhaled slowly. What an asshole - he thought.

 - Dont worry about that. I'm full of surprises.

 - Yeah, i can see that. Should we go somewhere else ? - said Lucian with playfulness in his deep voice.

The whole thing happened too fast without any good reason. There was something magnetic between them. First it was just talking. Lucian was way too confident. He was fully aware of the effect he usually had on people. However, Ash was different. Despite his attractive appearance, he was unaware of such things. 

The flirting was natural between them. Every sentence screamed to the other, come and catch me if you can.

 Ash moved first without any thought he closed the distance. But Lucian didn't stopped him. The kiss was not soft at all. It was passionate, rough. Nothing nice. 

Lucian moved his hands to pull Ash closer while Ash gripped in his jacket, so strong he almost ripped it. The tension was unbearable. 

When they pull apart for a short time Ash was breathless. He was shocked about what happened. He never felt like this before, not even close. And yet Lucian made him weak, angry and unsure. Ash looked at him. His lips were slightly swollen.

 - I guess i was right. Full of surprise. - said Lucian and a lazy smirk appeared on his face. 

Ash didn't know what he should say this time. He couldn't think straight. This man is dangerous - he thought. It was the only thing that caught up in his mind.