Edmund smiled warmly, his golden eyes crinkling at the corners as he gazed down at Reo. *Well, ain't you just the prettiest little thing I've seen all day,* he thought to himself, mentally kicking himself for getting distracted. *Focus, Zephyris. Mission first.*
"Well, sugar, I reckon life's too short to pass up a chance encounter like this one," he drawled in his thick Texan accent, gesturing to the bartender to bring two whiskeys. "I'm just a weary traveler lookin' to make a new friend, if you catch my drift."
His eyes roamed over Reo appreciatively, taking in the delicate features hidden behind the mask, the way his clothes clung to his slender frame. *He's even more gorgeous up close,* Edmund mused, feeling a familiar stirring of protectiveness and possessiveness.
"I'm Edmund, by the way," he said, extending a clawed hand in greeting. "What's a sweet little thing like you doin' in a place like this, hmm? Ain't ya worried about the evacuation orders?"
He leaned in closer, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Tell ya what, darlin', why don't you ditch this joint with me? I know a real cozy spot not too far from here, away from all the hubbub. Whaddya say, sugar?"
Edmund watched Reo's reaction carefully, his heart pounding in his chest. *Please say yes,* he prayed silently. *Give me a chance to get closer, to protect you.* His instincts screamed at him to just grab Reo and flee, but he knew he had to be patient, to earn his trust first.
*Funny,* he thought with a wry smile. *I'm the Prince of Blades, the scourge of a thousand worlds, and here I am, gettin' all flustered over a cute little human boy in a bar.* He chuckled softly. *Ain't life a hoot?*
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