Bottle It Up

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Nico hated his job at Buford's Market. He had been working there for a month and he would have quit by now if he could find a better job. Alas, he had been unable to and so he was stuck helping sell t-shirts with slogans like "Keep Calm and Redneck On" and "The Confederacy Will Never Die."

As if that wasn't bad enough, Nico's manager was none other than Cupid Amorous. Cupid was an arrogant man who was about as kind as he was handsome; he had the kind of face only a lover could love. Cupid was the worst boss Nico had ever had — even worse than Minos — a man who had tried to convince Nico to murder an old man named Daedalus.

Nico was thankful that his shift would be over in half an hour. He couldn't wait to get home and binge-watch Bones. He was organizing the shot glass display when a customer entered. He was tall and blonde with blue eyes. His handsome face was only made more interesting by a scar running down one side of it.

He looked around the room and his gaze fell on Nico. He walked over to the dark-haired man.

"Do you guys sell guns here?" he asked.

"Yes," Nico said. "We carry a lot of hunting rifles. What type are you looking for?"

"I was wondering if you had any shotguns," the man asked.

"We have a few," Nico answered. "Can I see an ID? We only sell guns to those over 18."

"I'm 27," the man said as he handed over his ID.

Nico scrutinized the ID. The photo seemed the match the man before him. He handed the driver's license back to Luke Castellan.

"Can I see the shotguns?" Luke asked.

"Yes," Nico said as he moved towards the back of the store where the guns were kept. "Follow me."

Nico showed Luke the three models they had. Luke chose out a model called "Backbiter" and Nico showed him how to load up the ammo and where to buy that. Finally, he rung up Luke's purchases and the man paid and left with the promise of the gun after his background check went through.

Nico looked up at the clock and smiled. His shift had ended three minutes ago. He could go home now. He smiled to Reyna as she slid behind the cashier and walked to the back room where he kept his wallet and keys.

His smile faded when he saw Cupid in the backroom. One thing Nico despised about Cupid was how he played matchmaker. It wasn't just that he wanted people to couple up; he tried to force them to do so. Cupid had made Nico and Reyna go on three dates together by threatening to fire them; their mutual dislike for Cupid was what kept them on friendly terms.

"Nico di Angelo," Cupid said. "I've found out your secret."

Nico froze.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he snapped.

"In light of it, it's little wonder you wouldn't pair off with Reyna," Cupid said.

Nico could only stare at him. His brain screamed for him to run, but his legs were frozen. Cupid sneered and stepped forward until he was only a few inches from Nico's face. When he spoke, it was in a low whisper.

Cupid chuckled and said, "I know that you're gay."

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