Lucy's P.O.V
The walk to the guild was, unfortunately, short and I arrived there at a moment's notice. I was tempted to stay inside because of the temperature and the fact that he needs to be a gentleman and look for me. In hindsight, it'll probably be a disaster with the guild members ganging up on us and asking all types of questions. Standing right in front of the door I waited, and waited and waited until I checked the time on my rose gold watch to see that it's 9:34. Yeah, no this is not going to work with me.
I started to walk back very angry and a tad bit humiliated. Until bright car lights blinded me and stopped right in front of me. The door slammed shut and revealed no other then Daichi himself. The mere sight of him flared up my anger and I stomped away.
"Lucy please get in the car." He pinched the bridge of his nose like he was dealing with an immature child. How dare he! Ignoring him even more, I continued walking.
"Lucy!" He called again and to that, I flipped him the birdie. No one wastes my time. I hear him jogging behind me and out of now where he picked me up by the waist and began to carry me to the car. In pure anger, I stomp my heels on his expensive Italian shoes hoping to get to the toes underneath. When he cursed and let me go, I knew I did just that.
Wincing in pain he clenched his jaw and spoke through his teeth, "Lucy, babe, get in the fucking car." Raising an eyebrow at his temper I began to, again, walk away and hope that he doesn't follow me. "I don't like my time being wasted Daichi. You said nine, I said fine. Now, look at the time you came? You're lucky all I did stomp on your foot." I said blank not even turning around to give him any form of recognition.
"We're on first name basis Luce? Glad to hear. Now I'm sorry I'm late, but I have a good reason for it. Come to dinner with me and I'll tell you everything." What does this man take me for? A fool?
"No Daichi. If you have a reason, tell me now because I can just as easily make plans with someone else." To that, he sighed. Looking over my body with a hunger I've become all too familiar with, he gives me a look that gives me all the compliments I need.
"Stay on topic, Mr. Oshiro." I bit out. The air wasn't getting any warmer and all I wanted was some food, warmth, and company.
"My mother had a tantrum," he laid out simply. You must think that it is a ridiculous reason and that a grown man should be able to sooth his distressed mother. Well, no. His mother is the biggest piece of work a person would ever have to put up with.
"About what?" I can think of at least fifty different things that might tick that woman off.
"You." I can't say I'm surprised.
"And you still came momma's boy? What made you bless me with your presence?" I replied back sarcastically.
"I wanted to have dinner with you, and nothing can stop that," he stated seriously. Words. All I'm hearing are words. Then I remember the man that is sick at home waiting for me to come back. No restaurant nearby is open at this time, and I really want to have extra food until I go grocery shopping.
"You have one hour. No more than that. Your time starts now." His face lights up as he thinks I am giving him a chance, but all I wanted to do is go back to Natsu.
~*~
Arriving at the restaurant was a breath of fresh air compared to the heavy atmosphere of the car. The disinterest mainly came from me because I wasn't interested. Not anymore. The hostess kindly checked us in, but not without blushing and giggling from Daichi's charm. I resisted the urge to roll my eyes, and instead, stood there annoyed and put my weight on one leg, consequently showing the full curve of my hips. The first three minutes of chuckles and compliments were the easiest to get by, but after the fifth minute I cleared my throat and interrupted their conversation, "Excuse me, but where did you say our table was again?"
She had enough self-respect to look down in embarrassment when she realized that she never did tell us. She made a hasty apology and proceeded grabbed two menus. She walked with us quickness that amused me, but I was so ready to have her leave that I dismissed her half way through the elaborate listing of specials.
"You didn't have to cut her off like that. I actually liked the poor girl." I looked up from my delicious meal after a long stretch of silence. Is he really serious?
"Oh please, you only like what's in between her legs. If anything, I did her a favor by sending her away." I washed down my statement with a glass of expensive, fruity wine.
"Did you now? Do tell." He answered back with a smirk.
"It starts off with a waterfall of compliments and affection, but just until she softens," I swirl my wine around the glass distractedly, " After that, you will show her what the high life looks like, probably by booking a presidential suit at some renowned hotel. Followed up by some caresses and some sweet touches, she'll be gone like the wind. The worst part is that you'll kick her out in the morning and ask for your shirt back." I chuckled at the end imagining the look on her face.
Looking up from my wine glass he looks cold and closed off. I decided to taunt him a little more, "Aren't I so kind? Saving her from the big bad wolf?" I chuckled some more. If this is how the rest of the night is going to go I'll have some fun and go home early too. Looking down at my empty plate I realized how full I was. Daichi cleared his throat, "You're not gonna get dessert?" I gave him a tight smile, "No," my dessert is at home waiting for me. I clapped my hands together lightly and put on a genuine smile, "Is dinner over now? I did my part, now it's up to you to do yours." He looked at me questioningly, like something was off and he couldn't pin where.
"New man Lu?" He teased, well, tried to. The clenching of his jaw and his motions to fist and un-fist his hands tell otherwise. His straighter posture, the clearing of his throat, all telltale signs that he is...jealous? I rested my head against a propped up arm and leaned forward slightly, "What makes you think that?" I honestly wanted to know. Was I giggling like a schoolgirl or zoning in and out of conversations?
"Well", he cleared his throat and leaned forward, both elbows on the table, "You're glowing in an ethereal type of way, try as you might hide it. In the middle of conversations, you seem dazed, as if you can see right through me, but you're thinking of someone else." He laughed uncomfortably, "You're hurting my feelings Lu."
My bright mood dampened slightly, knowing that to him, being involved with another man would sting at least a little. Looking at him, really looking at him brought back a wave of emotion, mainly nostalgia to my heart. I reached my hand across the table and intertwined my fingers with his, gently rubbing my thumb over his. We made direct eye contact and I told what I can through my gaze. Move on. I spent too much of my life mourning of a past I cannot change, and I'll be damned before someone does the same.
Taking a deep breath I took my hand away and sighed. "Uphold your half Daichi," I spoke in a soft breath while simultaneously calling over our waitress. I put in an order for Natsu that I can pick up on my way out. I haven't felt Daichi's gaze move anywhere but on me. I cleared my throat and told him I need to go to the lady's room. As I walked over I let out a sigh of relief. I didn't need to use the bathroom so I just touched up my makeup and fixed my hair.
Even as I walked out I wasn't in a hurry to return so I took a moment to myself and leaned against the wall. This night was nothing more than mental exhaustion full of brief flashbacks and uncomfortable interactions. I close my eyes for a moment, just a moment to calm to pressure behind my eyes. It was just that until I felt him. His presence, his cologne that still made me weak in the knees and his cool minty breath. I was too nervous to open my eyes, excited by the dominance he possessed and the intensity of the situation. He was a fine male that made you feel more like a woman from the contrast. Building up the courage, my eyes finally opened to find our lips nearly touching, the only thing holding us back was self- restraint. A cold chill travel down the length of my spine igniting every nerve ending in my being. It was ever so consuming... and addicting. I bit my lip and held back a soft moan that threatened to escape. All he was doing is watching me. Every movement I made, every reaction to a ghost of a touch. It felt wrong that I was this close to shattering a standard that I held for myself, and all I can think about is how much I liked it.
Loud, rhythmic steps broke me apart from my trance. It was those of a woman, probably one who was headed to the bathroom. I pushed Daichi away from me and I quickly walked away from him and into the dining area of the restaurant. I grabbed my coat and purse from our cleared table and went towards the hostess both to pick up the boxed meal for Natsu.
Natsu.
How close was I from falling? Nearly kissing a man from my past only to go home to another one. This is not me.
Carefully, I grabbed the box and walked outside into to cool night air still holding onto the humidity that it had from the early morning. I walked over to Daichi's car and heard his footsteps behind me. Slow and with an underlying meaning behind them. It sounds strange to the average person that a footstep can be individualized like that, but I was one to understand a person piece by piece. He drove me home silently, never mentioning the extra food in my lap. I directed him to a street around the corner from my house. I don't want him to know exactly where I live, but he could find out if he really wanted to. Reaching the corner it took everything in me to not turn around and meet his stare, and I didn't. I disappeared from his sight and him to mine. I felt a sense of relief to reach to my apartment, but the unaddressed guilt said something even more powerful. Unlocking my door, I quietly walked to my room to see Natsu sleeping. I kissed his forehead and stopped by the kitchen to put the food in the refrigerator.
'Natsu never sleeps this early', I thought.
I was completely changed and makeup free before I checked up on him. I made sure his breathing was regular and his temperature was where it should be. It was only until I checked his body where I was stunned shocked.
Black alongside the deepest red I have ever seen marred his body. It resembled an ancient tattoo of sorts, moving and snaking on top of his skin as if it was alive. It was a slowed movement that would go unnoticed by a person who didn't know what they were looking for. I jumped and looked for my camera and proceeded to take a picture. Only, the markings wouldn't show up on the shot. I tossed the camera to the side, cursing its purpose. I redirected my energy and continued to touch and monitor the markings for the rest of the night.
By the time the sky lightened I had only one thing on my mind.
Something big was happening to Natsu, and it was about to change everything forever.
~*~