Chapter 3: Twelve Means Something

—Kinny—

I looked like a fish out of water, gasping for breath, I'm sure of it. I managed to catch a glimpse of his face and I was nearly in awe. Near perfect features, and a hint of a scar rested on the plane of his jaw. I looked back at Rusty in question and he merely shrugged his shoulders. "Twelve likes chocolate chip cookies, and don't worry sunshine, I don't mind sharing."

I let myself calm down after he spoke and reassured myself that if Rusty trusted this Twelve guy, then he can have some cookies too. The rest of the bar kept their distance from me, most likely due to my outward appearance. I hardly ever frowned around others, and I kept conversations going, even if I derailed it more than a few times. By my third month here, I just kept to Rusty, and my cookies and coronas.

I knew even Rusty could get tired of my babbling, but he never showed it, and I appreciated that about him. "Well, if you say so mister. I might go bug him for a minute while you get Fishy's order." With a subtle wink, I pushed ny chair away from the bar and grabbed my tub of cookies.

When I perched myself on the seat next to Twelve, I plopped the cookies infront of him, and leaned against the back of the chair. I could feel him stiffen next to me, but he relaxed just as quick, and popped another cookie into his mouth.

"You know, Twelve is a significant number in a lot of cultures, right?" I started my tangent off with the first thing that came to mind, biting at the cuticles of my non-existent nails. My smile got wider with every word, and I waited a beat before I continued.

"Like, for example, in the bible, whatever version you wanna go with, there were twelve apostles. The angel numbers: 12 12 12, is a symbol for ascention, and twelve also signifies light and happiness in some cultures." I looked over at him and saw a ghost of a smile cross his features, and I knew I had him somewhat interested. "The ancient greeks worshiped twelve main gods. Twelve is the number of months we have in a year. the numbers on the face of the clock count up to twelve. Hell, its even the number of members on a jury."

Twelve must have been listening because when I turned to look at him again, he had already grabbed another cookie and was trying not to choke on it. The sound he made was hilarious and I had to stifle my laugh, and force myself to look concerned. I waited until he was okay to continue babbling. "I wonder why they call you Twelve, I'm not sure but I doubt it has anything to do with numbers on a clock or months in the year, so it must have a different meaning to you." It wasn't a question towards him just an observation. I could tell he caught onto that, and appreciated it.

I must have gone on for another fifteen minutes before I realized that this man doesn't talk. At all. He'll nod his head, and that is the only reassurance I get that he's even listening. Though, I don't really mind that he doesn't speak, because that means he hasn't told me to fuck off yet.

Rusty came over after serving a few more customers, and slung his rag over his shoulder. He swiped it across his forehead before he spoke.

"You know, I did want some cookies, Twelve." At his words my eyes pop open in surprise. Did he really eat all the cookies? How long was I really talking for? My cheeks lit up in embarrasment and I looked at the bar top, my smile widening further.

"They were real good." My head whipped in Twelves direction. Shock covering my face. His voice was velvety, rich, and beautifuly deep. Rusty took one look at me and bellowed out a laugh.

"I think this is the first time this one over here's speechless." Rusty spoke, jabbing a thumb in my direction. Gathering up some bubbly courage, I placed my hands on the crusted wood top, and spoke.

"I'm just in shock this guy over here can actually talk is all, Rust. I've been having a conversation by myself the past, what? Thiry minutes." My laughter was a bit shaky, but my smile convinced Rusty that I was joking around with him.

Next to me I felt Twelve vibrate with laughter and it calmed me down instantly. I was usually good at telling what others felt, but with him, it was difficult, and that made me nervous. He also never answered my question, as he got up out of the seat and walked away towards the stairs leading to the basement.