Saving the Villain

"Young Master Quinn, didn't you say I wasn't your type? But your actions say otherwise," was Cosette's opening greeting to Asher as she placed the phone in front of her ear. "Do you have any idea what time is it? I hope this is important or I'll make you pay for it."

Her brows rose as she waited for Asher's comeback, only to receive silence. Cosette blinked twice, checking the phone if it was connected. Seeing that the line was still connected, she put the phone to her ear again.

"Young Master Quinn…? Are you trying to creep me out? Breathe slowly from the other end of the line, then hung up. That will probably be enough for me to stay awake all night," she remarked sarcastically, only to furrow her brows upon hearing Asher's rasped voice.

"I think… I must've gone crazy." He let out a short laugh. "Why did I even call you and hear your nonsense?"

Cosette frowned. "Yes, I know, right? You've definitely gone mad, knowing I could be saying more nonsense to hurt your ears. Gosh… do you know what time it is?"

Again, silence answered Cosette, making her roll her eyes. She disliked Asher's guts from the beginning; although she did admire his face as it was undeniable, Asher's face was pleasing to the eye.

"Why did you pick up?" he asked after another minute of silence.

"Asher Quinn, did you call just to ask me stupid questions?" she returned. "Of course, I will answer, since I will automatically take this call as something important. However, this is a scam!"

"Right…"

Cosette ground her teeth before she took a deep breath and exhaled it calmly. There was no point in getting riled up, especially when she knew she was purposely being harsh to vent her frustration.

"Ugh… I hate drunk phone calls, but let's hear it," she huffed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "I'm curious what Young Master Quinn had to say."

"How did you know I had a drink?"

"Anyone can tell," she answered nonchalantly, collapsing on her back. "Aside from your tone, you will not call me without any logical excuse prepared if you're sober."

"I doubt."

"Doubt, what?"

"That anyone can tell."

"Ahh… what?"

Asher loosened his tie, lying flat on the bed inside his hotel room, which had no lights on. "No one could tell I was drunk despite the drink they poured for me."

"So it's a business meeting, huh?" Cosette smacked her lips, not even surprised at the unnecessary additional information.

During this time, Asher was heavily involved in their family business, and drinking a glass or two was part of the job. She knew and she could relate because Cosette had picked up such a bad alcohol habit as an adult.

"You should learn how to refuse," she muttered after a moment of silence. "You're the boss. Who would take that as an offense, right?"

A soft chuckle came from the other end of the line. "Right…"

"Gosh… you're so boring…" Cosette muttered, having the urge to unload her bullshit on him.

"What are you thinking?"

"Are you flirting with me right now?" she scrunched her nose up in dismay.

"I'm trying to keep you entertained." He laughed shortly. "Stay on the line. I might regret this tomorrow, but I'm very upset, and the silence is the last thing I want right now."

Cosette opened her mouth to rebut him, but she ended up closing her lips into a thin line. She might've disliked Asher and how he was always full of himself, but honestly, he wasn't that bad. At least, the older version of him wasn't that terrible.

The teen Asher was an arrogant prick who thought highly of himself. Cosette was surprised to see this side of him because the Asher she knew, ten years from now, was very different. She blamed his attitude right now for his age.

After all, no matter how they twist and turn this world, Asher was still young. He still has many things to learn and room for character development. Hence, Cosette didn't have the heart to make fun of him after his last remarks.

She could relate. One way or another, Cosette knew what it felt to be left alone and despised the piercing silence of being alone and lonely. It was depressing… beyond depressing.

'He's probably desperate to talk to someone,' she thought. '... but knowing the environment he grew up in and the lifestyle he has, he probably realized there was no one in his contacts to call for something that is considered 'irrelevant,''

"Did you sleep?" Cosette snapped her eyes back to the current lapse, glancing at the phone for a moment. "Or did she hang up?"

"I'm still here," she muttered lazily.

"Oh…"

"Asher Quinn, don't misunderstand my kind deed." Cosette let out a deep exhale, closing her eyes. "I'll stay because I feel bad for not feeling bad about your dilemma."

"That's better, and I don't plan to misunderstand."

"Mhm."

"So what were you thinking?"

"Nothing." Cosette slowly opened her eyes. "It's… nothing."

"I see."

"What about you?"

Asher paused. "Nothing," he answered in the same tone. "It's… nothing."

"I see…" she didn't pry, knowing the reason for his answer; the same as her. Their brain was in shut mode, wanting to be free from whatever that was occupying their head.

"Cosette," he called after a minute, hearing her short hum as an answer. "Nothing."

"Don't call me for no reason." She frowned, yawning right after.

"Just checking."

"That I'm still here?"

"Mhm."

"Don't kill yourself." Cosette yawned once more, rolling to her side, letting the phone rest on top of her ear. "I'm sleepy."

Before Cosette fell asleep, she moved the phone to her side, letting it rest on the pillow beside her. She didn't think much anymore, hoping Asher would end the call or her phone would just die.

Asher remained silent, staring at the dark ceiling, still holding his phone right in front of his ears. A subtle smile appeared on his face when he heard deep breaths from the other end of the line.

"Funny, isn't it?" he muttered. "You've been there to everyone when they needed someone, but none of them are there for you when you needed them the most. And the funniest part is that the last person you expect is the only person you can rely on."

His eyes softened. "Good night, Cosette Blac. I still don't like you... but I appreciate you."