The streets were busy with people walking, the sidewalks were lined with beautiful shrubbery and towering cherry trees, that were starting to go bare due to it being the cold November months. Atlas's weather was rainy from the end of September all the way up to June. When summer came it was just the perfect temperature to go swimming in the ocean.
Aidoneus opened Kore's door; Adrian cursed again as Aidoneus's phone went off, he chuckled.
"Just shut it off, then come join us?" Kore asked while smiling, Aidoneus nodded while Adrian pulled out his boss's phone. A frown traveled across Adrian's face.
"Afentikó, you really need to read this" he handed Aidoneus his phone. He scrolled through his notifications while shutting Kore's door. He asked Adrian to park and to meet them at the cafe right next to them.
Aidoneus escorted Kore over to the small cafe that sat at the entrance of the shopping district. His eyes narrowed while reading his phone. Kore trailed behind him as he walked angrily to the door. He held it open for her, all while he was still looking at the phone. He started texting vigorously.
He stuffed his phone in his pocket, walked up and pulled a chair out for Kore.
"I'm sorry agápi̱ mou, I have to unfortunately deal with this" he waited for her to have a seat, then pushed her in up to the table. He placed his hand on her shoulder; she leaned her head into it softly.
"Order whatever you want" he turned to exit the building as Adrian walked in. They exchanged words, Adrian looked worried as Aidoneus pulled his phone out, dialing a number. He exited the building with his phone up to his ear while spewing anger on whomever was on the receiving end.
Adrian took a seat across from Kore. His build made the chair look comical underneath him. People started to stare at the two. Kore knew what was next, the whispers and gossip. She let out a sigh as a waitress came up with some menus.
"Hi welcome to Eliá cafe! May I get you two started with drinks?" the waitress asked whimsically. Kore looked up to read the waitresses nametag, it read Heather.
"Thank you, Heather," Kore started "I'd take a water please."
"And for the... gentleman...?" She raised an eyebrow when she saw Adrian.
"Coffee" he responded bluntly. Heather wrote down their drink orders.
"I'll get those for you right away. Take your time ordering!" She turned on her heels, her fake smile left her face. She recognized the bodyguard. He belonged to Aidoneus.
Kore scanned the menu in front of her. It was mostly Greek themed. This didn't shock Kore one bit; Atlas was Greek orientated after all. Heather returned to the table quickly.
"Here you go, one water" she said as she placed the cup before Kore "And one coffee" she placed it in front of Adrian. Kore could see Aidoneus pacing in front of the cafe, gesturing angrily.
"Would you guys like to try out our lunch special? Lamb Gyro's are super popular!" she said in a fake chipper tone. Kore knew when a waitress was faking if she liked her customers. Kore shook her head no.
"No thank you, I appreciate the offer, Adrian, is there anything you want?" she asked, looking at him. She felt Heather staring daggers into her.
Adrian cleared his throat, noticing the tension between the two. "An order of Baklava please" clearing his throat again. Adrian had a sweet tooth, and it was lunch time anyway. 'Why not?' he told himself.
"Make that two please" Kore added in a mocking chipper tone. Heather rolled her eyes and took the menus from them. Kore could swear she heard her call her name as she walked off. Kore was starving, but she didn't want to purchase anything off the menu like Aidoneus stated. She'd wait to go to her favorite burger place that was down the street and get herself something. She still felt uncomfortable with Aidoneus offering to buy her things, after all he was replacing her phone, he didn't need to buy her food.
Aidoneus opened up the cafe door and entered the room. He made his way over to their table and sat down. He let out an angry huff and crossed his arms. Adrian took a sip of coffee, looking at his boss. Aidoneus put his hand on his head, frustrated.
"Sorry agápi̱ mou, there's been another..." he glanced at Adrian "Incident in the lower district." He leaned forward.
"Incident?" Kore questioned while sipping her water. Aidoneus waved over Heather who appeared to be staring at him.
"Despoinída*, may I please have a water with lemon" he didn't bother to look at Heather. He could already read what kind of girl she was. She turned fuming.
* despoinída: senorita*
Heather was the type of woman who loved "bad boys". She loved the thrill and the excitement from being in danger. Ever since she heard about the line of work Aidoneus does, she's made it her mission to attempt to get on the man's radar. She couldn't believe he was here with that pink haired, pale, sorry excuse of a woman. "How can anyone find that attractive" she scoffed as she filled up Aidoneus's water cup.
Heather walked up and placed the cup next to Aidoneus. As she pulled away, she slyly brushed against his arm. She smiled down to him "Anything else sir?"
Aidoneus pursed his lips. He turned and shot her a cold glance. "No." He coldly said. That sent chills down Heathers spine, making her giddy. She turned to bring the baklava they ordered.
"Afentikó" he looked at Kore then at Aidoneus, his boss tilted his head in a nod to reassure him it was ok to say what he wanted next. "Did the investigators want you down at the scene?" he said lowly.
"Yes, Zen told them they had my full cooperation due to the fact I ran that section," he grabbed his glass and inspected it. He took a sip, then placed it back down. "I told them my hands are tied for the day and to send me anything they wanted me to look over and I'd call them back later tonight". Aidoneus pulled his phone out, pulled up a file and handed it to Adrian, who gasped.
"Afentikó! Isn't that..." Aidoneus took his phone back, cutting him off.
He licked his lips angrily "Yea, that's one of the women from Adamos family". He leaned back, crossing his arms again. Kore sat silently.
"Sorry agápi̱ mou, I didn't mean to discuss business in front of you". He placed his arm on the back of her chair.
"It's ok" she leaned towards him a bit. "I grew up in the lower district, there's a lot I have seen". Kore remembered seeing a dead body on the bus stop seat. She shivered from remembering that.
Heather walked towards them with their order, seething at how she saw Aidoneus place his arm on that woman's chair. 'I'll show her' a sly smile came across her face as she walked by Kore, pretended to trip and let the baklava land right into her back.
"Ooops!" Heather snickered, trying to hide her excitement for embarrassing Kore. Everyone stopped their conversations and turned their attention to Kore's table. Kore turned beat red.
Aidoneus's eyes narrowed to the server. He placed his hands on the table to stand up, Kore grabbed his arm to stop him. He looked down at her, as she stood instead. She turned to the waitress.
"That's quite alright, I wouldn't expect you to be paying attention while you're too busy stealing from the tip jar" Kore crossed her arms looking at the woman. Heather's expression went blank.
"Excuse me... what?" She had her mouth wide open with shock from the accusations. Kore reached into Heathers apron and pulled out a wad of cash from her pocket. The room fell silent.
"How'd you..." Heather stammered. Kore placed the money on the table.
"You don't remember me, do you?" Kore crossed her arms looking at Heather. It took a moment for her to remember why Kore looked so familiar.
"Duke's Diner..." the words crept from Heathers mouth. Heather used to work at Duke's Diner before she was abruptly fired. Someone made an accusation she was stealing, which she was, and the manager fired her for it.
"You Bi-" Heather was about to spit out the word before Aidoneus stood towering over Kore. Heather froze.
"I wouldn't finish that sentence" he said coldly, glaring into Heathers eyes. Heather bowed, she apologized and left the table. Aidoneus placed some cash on the table. He turned to the counter "Make sure you take that before she does" he gestured at Heather, who was beat red with embarrassment. He turned to exit the building; he heard the manager fire her on the spot. A smile crept across Aidoneus's face.
As the trio stepped out, Aidoneus heard Kore's stomach rumble. His face furled into a frown. Kore shrugged sheepishly.
'Sorry', she mouthed it towards Aidoneus. Adrian looked at his watch, it was 12:30. Kore grabbed Aidoneus's sleeve and tugged.
"I know a good burger place here, Mrs. Roe has me deliver flowers here a few times each week, they have the best fries. "She said with a smile. Aidoneus nodded; Kore led the way for them. She turned back to Adrian.
"They also have the best shakes" she teasingly said, knowing the man was looking forward to his baklava. Adrian started walking with a little zing in his step. He was excited like a child would be.
Kore walked up to the outside booth of the burger joint, the red letters read 'Bobbies Burgers', the menu was short and to the point. She had Aidoneus and Adrian sit while she ordered for them.
"May I have three number 4's, two with coke and one with a vanilla shake with a splash of honey?" She figured the honey would add a little bit of baklava taste for Adrian. The cashier inputted the order and told her the total. "$26.47" he said with his hand held out. She pulled out her wallet and pulled out a $20 and a $10 bill,"Keep the change" she smiled as he handed her the receipt with the number 12 on it.
Aidoneus pouted; he didn't like Kore spending her money on them. What was the point of having millions just sitting there?
"I'm glad the rain let up" Kore said, in her tank top. She had to remove her sweater due to it being covered in baklava, it sat on the table next to her. Aidoneus made sure she wasn't cold; he manipulated the air around her to make it warmer.
"I should go back there and shut the place down just for that waitresses' actions" Aidoneus huffed while he picked a piece of the dessert out of her hair. Kore pushed into him playfully.
"Ooh, Mr. Big Rich man threatening to shut down a whole restaurant because of me" she giggled. He smiled, he couldn't stay mad when Kore was so nonchalant to what happened.
"Aidon, you can't shut every business down in town that treats me badly, that'd be a majority of the city" she chuckled "You'll lose your profit and end up living in a place like mine".
"If it's with you, I'm sure I'd be happy" he looked over to her, she was happily swinging her feet back and forth.
"Aidon, Peter and Adrian cannot fit in my apartment! "You've been there" she giggled.
"Oh, so you're ok with the thought of me being there" he cocked an eyebrow towards her with a smirk on his face. Kore turned her head away from him quickly, turning bright red.
"Order number 12!" the cashier called out, saving Kore from her embarrassment. She got up and swiftly made her way to the window, picking up the trays with ease due to her waitress background. She walked up to the table, placed all three trays down easily and took her seat.
"Now, if you don't like this don't come at me, you guys wouldn't tell me your order" she picked up a burger and took a bite.
They quickly finished their meal, as it started to drizzle again. Adrian was over the moon with his shake. Kore made him eat his burger, knowing the man couldn't function on just a shake alone. Aidoneus found it absolutely hilarious how she scolded the grown man to eat.
Aidoneus collected the trash, as Adrian popped open Kore's umbrella for her. They stood there waiting for Aidoneus to make his way back. He took the umbrella from Adrian and covered up Kore.
"What about Adrian?" Kore frowned.
"Did you forget agápi̱ mou?" The air around them became warmer and the water dropping on Adrian started evaporating. "No one's left out."
They made their way down the shopping district's sidewalks, window shopping. They got strange looks from a lot of passer byers. Aidoneus would shoot angry glances at anyone he heard commenting on Kore's appearance. They neared the Cyllenian wireless store.
Aidoneus opened the door for Kore to enter, he followed behind her while Adrian stayed outside in front of the door so no one else would enter. A short man with a beard entered from the back room. He saw Aidoneus, standing there with his hands in his pockets while Kore walked up to the phone displays.
"O fílos mou!" The shop owner said with arms outstretched. Aidoneuslooked up at the man, walking towards him. He outstretched his hand and the owner and him shared a handshake.
"How are you doing Phillip?" Aidoneus let go of the man's hand. Phillip was a short chunky man. He always helped Aidoneus out with phones when Aidoneus's temper got the best of him. He can't count how many countless shattered phones he replaced for the man.
"Kaló, kaló*, Maria had the twins last week!" he beamed with pride. Aidoneus smiled.
*Good, good*
"Thav̱másios*!" Aidoneus exclaimed. He smacked the shop owner on the back, making the small man fall forward a bit. He laughed alongside Aidoneus. Kore smiled at this interaction. She's only seen him act this kindly towards Peter and Adrian. It was nice to know he doesn't want to kill everyone.
*Wonderful*
"How may I help you today o fílos mou, break another phone" he raised an eyebrow at him while catching a glimpse of Kore looking through the displays.
"Yes Philip" he shrugged "but I promise it wasn't mine this time" he gestured towards Kore.
"O fílos mou, no, what did this wonderful woman do for you to do such a thing" Phillip rushed over to Kore, taking her hand into his. Kore was caught off guard and chuckled nervously. Aidoneus shot Philip a cold glance, he immediately put her hands down.
"Calm down Aidon, I am a married man" Phillip placed his hand on his chest, offended. Kore laughed.
"It's ok Mr..." Kore didn't know his last name.
"Just call me Phillip" he said, taking a silly bow in front of her. Kore giggled. "Ok, Phillip, do you happen to have this phone in stock?" she questioned as she pulled out her phone. He noticed the cracked screen. He shot Aidoneus a rude glance.
"Tsk" he shook his head "Why must you always break things o fílos mou" he turned Kore's phone over in his hands examining it. He noticed the Sim card slot was damaged as well.
"Yea Aidon, why must you be so rude and break my phone" Kore teased. Aidoneus looked down towards the ground. He felt bad for being the reason why Kore had a broken phone. Philip noticed how these two were interacting with each other. Kore walked over to Aidoneus and playfully nudged him.
"It's ok, we owe this thing a thank you, we wouldn't have had so much fun without it" she chuckled. She couldn't believe it's only been 24 hrs. since they first met. So much has happened. She felt that she's been with this man for months.
"Unfortunately, agapi̱té mou, this is an older phone, we'd have to order it as a special made product for you" he handed Kore's phone back. Kore took it back with a frown.
"Is there any other phone here you're interested in?" Aidoneuslooked around the shop.
"I would suggest that your phone's sim card slot is also damaged, it'd take some time to remove it in order to put it in another phone" Phillip shrugged.
Kore had that phone since she graduated from high school. It was the only phone she could afford on a monthly plan. She didn't want to add an extra expense when she was barely getting by as is. Aidoneus saw her thinking.
"How about we order it agapi̱té mou, then I can get a phone on my plan for you to use till it comes in".
"Oh no, that's too much!" She looked up at him. He shrugged.
"Honestly, it's not. It'll help me out down the road, especially if I end up smashing this one because of idiots blowing my phone up" He walked over to the counter, with Phillip closely behind him. Phillip pulled out a small phone box and unboxed a black phone that looked like the current phone Aidoneus had. He turned it on, plugged it in and started making a new phone line for them.
Kore, walked up to the counter and leaned on it. She felt bad that Aidoneus was going through all this trouble for her. He saw the look on her face. He moved his hand across the counter and touched hers with his pinky. Phillip grinned and looked at the two.
"Agápi̱ mou, don't stress, let me help you" He smiled down towards her. She kept looking at the phones under the countertop glass. She wrapped her pinky around his and whispered "Ok."
Phillip finished getting the phone set up for Kore. He gave her a pink case with a floral charm hanging off of it.
"My treat file mou" he smiled while handing her new phone. "I put in the order for your phone as well, but if you change your mind and wish to just use this one" he made a phone sign with hand up to his ear "Just give your old friend Phillip a call" he grinned from ear to ear. He couldn't wait for them to leave so he could tell his wife Aidoneus had finally found his soul mate. He knew she was going to path the way for Aidoneus to finally achieve what he was meant too.