Song: We'll Meet Again - Vera Lynn (Geof Yallop cover)
Disclaimer: This video is purely fan-edit. The song and video used belong to their rightful owner. If this video needs to be taken down, please message me first before any further action is taken.
Summary: Specialty can be seen for each person. You have one too. You have been taking care of someone or something until it's not needed anymore. It's your core. You are content by it.
"Ready for new trainees, girl." Supervisor patted your shoulder as you're eyeing two trainees at the doorway.
You sighed, "Ready as I'll ever be. Glad it's just two this time."
"You're doing great. Many trainees have been successful when they got training under you. You got the charm."
"Then they transferred my cute juniors to other branches. Pay me up for the countless heartfelt farewell they made me go through." You pouted.
Supervisor laughed as she walked you to your newest trainees. Good faces. Good attitudes.
Both were doing great with their job. Able to stand the rush hour with your guidance in those two months. Their 3-month probation would feel like a passing dream once the Test Day came. That's when you prepare your farewell gift for them since they'll be transferred soon after.
But it was just in the begining.
Came the third month, something changed. To be more precise, someone's attitude towards you changed by a whole margin.
"Miss, let me help you."
You look up from your box, counting how much stock left in it. A frown creases your brow.
"It's fine. Have you finished your tasks?"
He shrugged, "I'll get back to it after I help you. This one sounds hard for you alone."
It's kind of hard since you had to slide the heavy boxes in and out. Not to mention the ones on the upper level. Hesitated but you took his offer to help.
This kept going on a number of unsettling times between you and him. You thought he's just a good trainee albeit helping you more times than you prefer since he has his tasks too.
"Maybe I should be stricter with him when helping around. He should prioritize his tasks first." You mentioned offhandedly during one break with your co-workers.
They turned to you weirdly.
"He's kinda... just doing his tasks when we're around. He only comes when we call for his help."
"You know, he's only doing that to you. Got a crush on you or what." Brows wiggling.
Laughter could be heard. Innocent joke.
-A few days after-
Each time you turn around, he's at the corner of your eye. Even when he's supposed to be nowhere near your post. You turned to him and told him to get back to his work. He just smiled and nodded.
That had been happening frequently starting from that day. Other staff also noticed the massive change since he would loiter around not so secretly to wherever you were.
"Every time I see him, his eyes are on you." Concerned filing out among your co-workers.
"We did give him tasks farther than you but sometimes he just vanished with half of it done."
"When he's loitering around, I sometimes force him to clean the already clean table in the name of practice."
Discussion and murmuring kept being passed around when they told their part of the story. Others were concerned for you as much as you were for yourself if not even more.
On that one particular evening, you hold the door knob of the staff toilet. A feeling of sticky warmness and needles prickling behind you came like a zap. Snapping around, he's creeping behind walls. Got spooked by your sudden movement and smile widely.
"What do you want?"
He shook his head, "Nothing." smile still plastered.
You got bolder in the dread you're feeling, "What do you want?!"
He shook his head, smiling still, again and stepped backwards as if yielding. For now.
Eyes shift slightly, the scene in front focus back into place. The cash register. Your shallow breath. The person in front of you. Your stuck voice. The customer.
Lips immediately curl into a smile.
"Welcome to Destiny Cafe. What can I get you, sir?"
A hint of frown but he smiles soon after, "Any recommendation?"
"Our signature drink is Des Coffee. Regular coffee with a hint of secret spice. Bet the word secret what makes people like it so much."
You both laugh, "Bet it did." He hums, "I mean, your personal recommendation."
"Oh..." a little taken aback, "well, if you want a calmer choice then maybe honey lemon tea. Not every morning needs a boast of adrenaline, right."
A wider smile, "That will do. Any other recommendation to go along with the drinks?"
"Then..."
"Personal choice..." Eyes twinkling, "Please."
"Beef stew puff, perhaps." You suggest as it seems like a good choice for an energetic guy like him.
Another wide smile as he reaches the wallet, "I'll take that then. Any dessert to recommend?" He eyes you.
"Well... my personal choice for today maybe the Portuguese tarts. It's fresh out of the oven and looks extra appetizing."
He nods, "Three of them please."
You punch the orders in and ready the receipt as he takes out the bills. It's a slow morning and the previous customer just steps out moments ago.
Now it's just the current customer, you and another staff at the back signaling you that she is going to get some supplies at the store room. You nod and get busy to swift through the orders.
Drinks done.
Pastry and tarts packed.
"Here you go, sir."
He smiles as he takes his food, "Thanks. Umm... could you please scribble something on the cup? Didn't want to mix it up with my buddies."
"Sure." You grab the permanent marker nearby, "I'll write your name." You look up, waiting.
"Caleb."
You nod and begin writing- "Gahh!"
You jump a bit and turn to your co-worker who looks sheepish at you from the mess of receipt rolls spilling out of their designated box. You shake your head with a small smile as you finish the letter on the cup with a side of smiley and flower to apologize for the slight commotion.
"Here you go, sir. Have a nice day."
Handing the cup to him, his eyes twitches a bit before a small chuckle escapes him, "Thank you. You too."
*TRLING*
As soon as he steps out, you help your co-worker.
"Haven't seen him around. Must be a new student at the college nearby." she comments offhandedly with a box of receipts securely in her arms.
Chairs scrapping the floor. A group of uniform men pile out of the briefing room. Three men left at the front desk, gathering their stuff and paperwork. One man grabs a cafe paper cup and laughs. Another one snatches it and sips from it.
"Didn't know you change profession, buddy."
"Where's the fire, Gideon."
Gideon hangs his arm loosely on the third man's shoulder, "Patrick, listen up. Now it's officially confirmed that our buddy here is secretly a maintenance guy, I tell you."
Patrick chuckles while looking at the tall, purple eyes of his friend who is looking nonchalant. He notices the cup he is sipping from. Clearly seeing the black scribble on the cup and the trigger of Gideon's laugh.
He shakes his head and keep walking, "Let's go Gideon... Cable."
Gideon hollers out while Patrick fists his laugh in, "The new recruits are waiting for further instruction."
"Yes, sir."
Gideon sling his arm on Caleb's shoulder, only for him to smush his hair messy before smirking and walk out. Gideon grumbles, hands setting it back up properly with a fastening step to follow his comrade.
"He's been reported to management. Their only response is this." Supervisor groans as she lifts up a paper.
It's full of colourful designs of rules and guidance of sexual harassment in workplace. The staff present in the office dawn in silence. Distaste. Unbelievable.
"I need to put it up in the common room. But no worries, I did ask permission to change your schedule. You will only work on the same day with Creeps twice a week." She sighs, "That is as far as I could go given that he'll be transferred to other branch in two weeks. From what I know, it's far from here and coincidentally near his housing area."
You smile gently at her, nodding in understanding, "That's a lot, Supervisor. Thank you."
Others are cheering you up and ready to take action when necessary. You smile gratefully to them.
In the back of your mind you knew. They could only help much during work time. Out of it, everyone has their own life. Out of it, your own your own. Best prepare yourself.
You glance to your co-worker only for her to tilt her head a bit to the right while both of you are preparing the drinks. Turning around purposely far from the Creeps side, you are able to see him in the corner of your eye. The table remains scattered with rubbish as he gently looks at you behind the bar. A staff member chides him before he continues working. His head is never facing where he can't see you.
You shudders.
"He has been doing that ever since we're in the middle of rush hour. Not as obvious as right now but still."
A sigh, "Today he has the morning shift. Then I won't be seeing him until next week. It'll be fine."
Tonight has been peaceful. Weirdly peaceful given that the current time, college students should be piling around for drinks after night class. But there's barely one or two groups of them aside from the usual kind of customers and it's almost closing time.
*TRLING*
"Welcome."
You blink. It's the tall, purple eye, guy from this morning. Curiousity taken over you since he is by himself again. Students usually hang out together.
Maybe he can't befriend anyone yet. Maybe he's a loner. – You shake your head.
It's up to him what he wants to do with his time.
You smile, "Good evening. What can I get you, sir?"
He scratches his neck, "This is embarrassing but I'm new around here. Can I get some drinks similar to honey lemon tea?"
You nod, "How about lemon balm tea? Refreshing and helps destress the days away."
He smiles, "That will do. Maybe throw in some pastries."
Looking apologetic, "I hope you don't mind getting whatever's left."
"What's left?" He looks around in the display glass.
"Donuts. Tuna puff. Macarons. Banana muffin." His eyes twitch slightly, "We have delicious cakes too." You eyes him carefully.
"I guess tuna puff will do. One please and that's all."
You nod and start to work. While the puff is reheating, you finish his drink. After placing his drink on the counter, you tap in his order and inform him the total. He reaches his sling bag.
Your eyes widen and he stops in his tracks. He quickly closes it after pulling out his wallet. He turns to you calmly. His eyes looked caught in the action.
"Sorry... if you... smell that."
"I guess suggesting banana is not what you want tonight."
He groans, "Not for a week if mercy's still around."
*DING*
You get his tuna puff and give him a big smile, "So today is The Banana Great Discovery day, huh. No wonder there's not many students around."
He rolls his eyes, "Truly great with that big car rolling on top of me..." He turns to you, "Wait, you knew."
You chuckle, "Last year's students even shared their picture with us to show how proud they are with their creations. Some were really big for a toy car."
He laughs, "The bigger, the better they say."
You reach for his cup, "Let me write your name and draw you something nice for your hardwork." You look at him, trying to recall his name.
He smirks, "Cable."
You blink, "That's a unique name."
"Why thank you. I identify as this unique name just this morning." He pulls out a familiar cup and a familiar handwriting on it with cutesy drawings beside the name.
You grimace, "I hope you still enjoy the drinks along with the beef stew puff and Portugese tart."
"Won't be here tonight, otherwise." He teases, "It's Caleb. As in C A L E B. Caleb. But the name Cable is starting to grow on me."
You chuckle but mentally you're slapping yourself, "Well, you are welcome here anytime with any name you want. I'll be sure to write it all out. Hope you are still willing to come, that is."
He nods with a wide smile, "As long as someone is wiling to suggest the good stuff to me, I'm set."
Both of you laugh as you finish writing his name without a hitch this time, a different cutesy drawing next to it. Then you bid a good day to each other.
Closing time has never been this relaxing for a while with you. Your mind keeps reeling back on the small conversation with Caleb. It's lightening.
On your way to the bus stop, you notice a familiar shadow that's been tailing after you each night since that fateful night two days ago.
The shadow looms around. You kneel down and nod. Cantering closer, its dark brown fur is revealed by the streetlight. It gently slides to your side like a second nature. Petting its fur, you feel relief.
"Hey, buddy. Glad to see you too."
The next night of the incident, it waited for you not far from the entrance of the cafe. You eyed it as it just stood still, watching you. Not knowing what to do, you walked to the bus stop as per usual. It closed the distance and cantered next to you. Once you stepped into the bus, it walked away just like yesterday's night.
The day after that, it did the same thing again.
Tonight you thought you at least wanted to thank the brown floof. You've prepared well.
"Want to join me for a small walk tonight?"
It paws at your pants and whines. Head swiveling from you to the bus stop.
You pet it again, "It's okay. I just want some breather and it'll be nice if you join me."
It ears perk but its body seems taut. It huffs and push your hand towards the park. You giggle.
The walk through the park at night was something you did occasionally. It might be a bad choice for you right now since you automatically turned around every few minutes due to paranoia.
It's suffocating.
You want some normalcy back in you outside of work. Least you lost yourself in more doubts and anxiety. Having your new buddy around every night seems to help with you decision. Some well accepted security your mind has been looking for.
Stepping into the park, you breathe in deeply and assess. Passersby walk around the park to their destination or their home, just like you. The exhale release the residue fatigue of the mental load you carry these past few days.
"Buddy," it huffs in acknowledgement, "thanks for being here." You could feel its fur brush more to your side closely for a second then it moves away. A brush of comfort like it really understands you.
You rummage your bag to pull out some gift you prepare for your buddy. Pulling a piece of the pastry from the paper bag, you offer to it.
"Grrr..."
You're taken aback by the low growl and somehow a pout as it walks a bit farther from your hand, from the pastry. It seems to not mind the pastries you both ate the first time you met. It confuses you.
Its ears flatten once it sees your face. It licks your hand then pushes your hand away. Then it noses at your paper bag with interest.
"Puhahahaha..." Your buddy confusedly tilts its head to you.
"You reminded me of him. I guess banana is a no go for both of you."
It huffs and nods as if saying yes to your statement.
"I've got something else." You pull out a squished looking pastry, "It's a mini apple strudel. This one arrived looking like this, must be an accident during the transfer. I want to give you something that looks proper. Didn't expect today to be Non-Banana day."
*NOM*
Gone like the leaf blowing. You blink as it licks its mouth with a small wiggle of its tail. You laugh.
"Can't say your favourite is apple but that will do." You continue walking and eat the offended banana pastry.
"I wonder if you're someone's missing pet since you're so docile." It huffs and jumps a bit to get your hand near the back of his neck. You pet it there. Empty.
"You're a free spirited dog, huh." It nods. "Shame. I would like to know your name, at least."
That causes it to straighten its ears. It paws at you, looking at you expectantly. Confusion etches in your eyes. It huffs. It paws again.
"Wait. You want me to name you?" It nods, "I'm bad at naming." It nods again, "Well, if you insist." Your eyes fall to the pastry. A cheeky smile.
"Banana, then." It whines, you chuckle, "Just messing with you. But I think I have quite a unique name for you." It turns to you as you keep silent with a smile, finishing your pastry.
"Caimito." You shrug, "It's just basically purple apple in another language. Since your eyes are purple and you kinda favour apples more, I guess it's not a bad name, right?" You ask the dog.
It's tail wiggles. Ears flicking. Looking excited somehow. You chuckle.
"Let's go, Cai. It's just twenty minutes away now." It huffs proudly to a new name with you smiling as both of you walk side by side.
When you reach your front door, Cai nods at you. You walk in and he paws the door close. You can hear it trotting away as soon as you click the lock into its place. Hand brush up your hair in disbelief. You're really just being escorted home by none other than a very brilliant dog. A free spirited one at that.
"Gah. Muddy spot. Blegh. It's sticky too." A male voice whispers in the dark.
"You sure there's no guard around?" His friend asks.
"Yeah, yeah. Hurry up."
They climb the wall in the dark successfully. While trying to measure how to climb down carefully, one of them fists the other's clothes.
"Ow. What's the matter with you?"
In the low light, he can barely see his friend tugging him to look behind him. He does.
Their breath lost a second. A glimmering pair of eyes just stare at them. Almost like a beast until,
"Gentlemen, the main entrance exists for you lads to walk past through easily. Didn't know you lot prefer a more... challenging path."
They gulp.
"Well, that's what being a student about."
One of the two tries to outwit the voice's owner, "Come on, man. Let us go and no repercussions to any of us. No one's gonna know."
"Not in the mood for a rule breaker. Down. Now."
The night has been warm. Until now. The icy feeling stab their spine involuntarily at the sterns of the voice. Suddenly, they are an expert in finding footing to go down the wall. The presence behind them makes them keep walking until they reach the guard post outside their dorm without looking back.
The guard smiles at the person behind them, "Evening, Mr. Xia. What do we have here?" The guard eyes the two boys.
"Just some diligent students going about their experiments. Found them over there jumping the walls. Very athletic, don't you think." His voice is far more casual than what the boys has heard before.
They laugh, "I'll see to it and tell their warden. Thanks for your hard work even though this isn't part of your duty."
"It's fine. Just walking around to get to know the campus better."
The guard nods and turns a bit to relay a message using the walkie.
The boys jump when their shoulders are being pat at the same time, "That spot is pretty dark and one wrong step could sprain your ankle. Here..." The boys blink when a paper bag appears in between them. They grasp it.
"Hope you boys don't mind tuna. Take better care of yourself."
Silence.
The boys turn. No shadow or whatsoever to clearly see the man who catches them red handed. They look at each other in disbelief.
"Mr. Xia, huh... Where did he go?" The guard scratches his head before shrugging and takes the boys away.
One of them opens the bag and sure enough the smell of tuna seeps out, "Huh, it really is tuna. The apple smell makes me think twice."
His friend nods.
-Back at the dark wall-
*THUMP*
A small pouting sigh is released from the tall man. His purple eyes shine in the dark. Eyes that clearly see the splat cup with the content already being sip thoroughly by the Earth.
"Thought I could commemorate a new cup with my name on it." He picks it up. A bit relief the name and drawing are still in great condition. Next to it, a shoe print that caused his irritation before.
He walks in the bushes to get his sling bag, "Got to find a new changing spot now. Those kids spook me when I just barely get the pants on."
Wearing the bag, "It's amazing how she still remembers me after she catered to hundreds of people as her customer." a giddy smile, "Well, more reason to go back there as Cable."
Disclaimer: This video is purely fanmade. The original video and song belong to their rightful owner. Please message me first if it needs to be taken down.
"Hey. Here's some pastries for you and Bella. Gotta go. Duty calls."
The man at the counter waves with a blank face to the retreating figure.
"Who is it?" Bella walks up from the back room.
"Caleb gave these for both of us." Lifting brown bag, "Might as well close up for lunch break."
LATE AFTERNOON
*Trling*
"Welcome to Philo."
"Hey, Jeremiah."
"Rafayel? What are you-"
"I'll be your distant neighbour from now on. Do I get a free flower as a welcome gift?" He says cheekily.
Jeremiah rolls his eyes but prepares a simple bouquet for him regardless. The person is currently chatting with his girlfriend and seems to hand her something.
"It's done."
Rafayel retrieves the bouquet with a short compliment, giving a tip then a salute of "Adieu" before walking out, humming.
"What did he gives you?"
Bella shrugs with a hidden smile, "Nothing."
Jeremiah squints his eyes in suspicion but Bella is already walking away to get some work done.
CLOSING TIME
*Knock* *Knock*
Jeremiah skids backwards in surprise to the sound, Xavier not far from where he is tidying up for the day. He watches Xavier walking in through the door and gives him a white paper bag.
Still in shock, Jeremiah opens it to see a few packs of dried flowers in the shape and size of a golf ball. He looks at Xavier in question.
"Use a transparent teapot. It'll look nice."
"It's perfect, Xavier." Bella walks from the side and peaks inside the bag.
Xavier nods then walks out silently.
"What's with them today?"
Bella chuckles and brings the bag to the back.
AFTER CLOSING
"Bella, ready to go home?"
Jeremiah searches for her and sees the door to the inner garden is ajar. He steps out to see Bella standing behind a simple table with food and a small cake. The candle is lit up.
"Happy Birthday to you~"
Bella sings as she comes close to him with the cake. Jeremiah can't stop smiling even when the song ends. After blowing the candle, he is pull to the table.
Fancy foods. A teapot with beautiful flowers blooming in it. Scented candles.
"Thank you, Bella. When did you do all these?"
"The boys help out. The pastry from Caleb diverts your attention from the garden. Fancy meal coupon from Rafayel. Flower tea from Xavier. Scented candles from Zayne, he mailed it to me a few days ago. The cake from Tara and Jenna and..."
Flapping of feathers is heard from above. Both look up to see a black bird slowly descend near Bella. A small box in its beak. It gently places the box on Bella's hand.
"Thank you, Sylus. I'm glad Tara was able to ask for your help to get this for a clumsy me."
The bird, Sylus, nods once then flies to Jeremiah. There's a small pouch in his claw and he left it near Jeremiah's hand before flying into the night.
He opens it to see a few seeds inside the pouch. He chuckles.
"Looks like we're going to have a new flower in the store."
He turns to Bella. She is staring at him, chin on her hand, with a full smile then slides the box to him across the table.
The box reveals a pendant of a clover.
"You can make it a bracelet or a necklace. Up to you."
Jeremiah grins.
NEXT MORNING
*Yawn*
*Kching* *Kling*
A gleam of something new dangling together with Philo keys. Jeremiah smiles and begins his routine of opening the store.
Paper Family has a massive land at the foot of a mountain. Just behind the traditional main mansion, a burst of greenery is to be expected. Among the trees, there's a clearing with man-made pond on the side. Giggling and rumbling of small footsteps are clearly heard when you come closer.
"... 8 ... 9 ... 20! Ready or not! Here I come."
An excited looking boy with purple hair jump to the nearest bushes.
"Found you, Xavier." Ashen-blond with both hands covering his eyes, the younger-looking boy remains still.
Blue-pinkish eyes gleaming with mirth as he ruffles Xavier's hair. He peaks through his hands to reveal soft blue eyes.
"Xavey, for the last time, I see you even if you close your eyes and don't see me."
"Raffie is good at hide and seek. Caleb said-"
Suddenly a hand covers the blue-pinkish eyes, "Run Xavier. Rafayel can't catch you now."
With darken vision, Rafayel hears small footsteps running away. He crosses his arms.
"Caleb, we are not playing police and thief right now."
"Hide and seek is boring."
Soon after, his sight comes back. He sees a brown-haired boy running away. The boy looks back with mischief in his purple eyes.
"Imma catch both of you now!" His determine look is similar to someone about to go on a battle.
Darting towards another foliage, he catches a glimpse of shadow and immediately latch to it.
"Got you, Caleb!" He hollers happily.
"Caleb is hiding behind that tree." An amuse familiar voice.
Rafayel opens his eyes quickly along with a grin, "Sylus!"
A much older boy with whitish-grey hair and red eyes is cradling an almost slipping Rafayel. He chuckles before putting Rafayel down.
"Sylus, you traitor."
Caleb runs away from his hiding spot, making Rafayel chase after him immediately.
"Caleb. Be careful of the pond." Xavier's voice comes from above.
Sylus looks up to see Xavier is seating anxiously on one of the branches. Xavier sees Rafayel does a big leap to reduce the few inches left between them. Caleb glances behind before catching Rafayel in his arms.
*BSHOOH*
Xavier clenches his tiny hand, "Caleb! Raffie!" His sitting shift, causing him to fall down.
Sylus swiftly catches him with a relief sight, ruffling his head, "Xavier. Stop climbing so high. You might hurt yourself."
"But I can warn Caleb better this way."
Sylus sighs with a smile before putting him down. His instant tiny outburst towards his other two cousins really shows his attribute towards his Zodiacs.
"Guys... You okay?"
Xavier reaches them and sees Caleb is letting the water dripping from his head onto Rafayel who is still trying to climb out of the shallow pond. Grumbling all the way, of course.
"The staff are going to be all red if we go back this wet." Rafayel wipes his face.
"What's going– Oh my..."
Everyone turns around to see a woman with long shiny grey hair falling until her waist. Her concern look turns into reprimands. The boys gulp except Sylus.
"Boys..."
"Sorry, Aunty Qin."
*Kchh* *Hyychh*
Two sneezes just make Mrs. Qin let out a long sigh, "With that soaked clothes, you boys might catch a cold."
"Mother, can you hug them for now? I'll take care of them until we reach the mansion." Sylus suggest.
Mrs. Qin shakes her head and hugs the two trembling boys. Pinkish smoke disperse to reveal a beautiful snake while the orange smoke disperse to reveal a medium sized dog. Their abandoned clothes are being stacked together by her as they stand there in guilt.
"I'll be back with towels and new clothes. Sylus, stay here with them and don't come near the mansion for now."
Sylus nods, understanding that something must have happened there. He picks up the snake in his cradle while ruffling the slightly wet fur of the dog in comfort. In the corner of his eyes, he sees Xavier staring. Fidgeting.
"Mother. Can you hug Xavier too?"
Mrs. Qin turns and smiles, "Of course, dear."
Purple smokes surround her and she steps to Sylus with a white rabbit in her arms along with his clothes. She hands both to Sylus and gently pet his fluffy fur.
"I won't be long."
Once she's out of view, Sylus unties his plaid shirt from around his waist and walks to a shade under the tree to sit down. The snake slithers on his arm and settles there to dry himself. While the dog put his snout on Sylus' head as Sylus uses his plaid shirt to dry his fur as best as he can. The rabbit seems to be content on his lap.
He runs his hand along the smooth scale, "Rafayel, aunty is just worried. That's all." His other hand pats the almost-dry-head of the dog, "You need to be careful too, Caleb."
Both quietened.
"Why did you three play this far from the mansion? You usually play in the garden."
They remain silent until,
"The staff are being meanie to Raffie for being loud. Caleb took him and me out to play."
Sylus turns to the snake on his arms. He lifts his arm to see eye to eye with him.
"Rafayel, I know you. You don't just get loud when you're in the mansion."
"They bully Xavier." His fast yet quiet response.
Sylus turns to Xavier who is blinking heavily. He lays down and puts the little rabbit on his stomach. Xavier nuzzles himself and drifts off into dreamland. All the while, Caleb follows along to lay down on the ground, snout still on Sylus' head.
"Let me guess. The maids said Xavier needs to be more active than just staring at the clouds all day."
Rafayel huffs, "They look at Xavier in a bad way when he was just trying to give a fallen cloth to them."
"They think we're a freak." Caleb's paws clenching.
Sylus sighs, "So that's what happened."
"Head Maid won't let them get away with it. She might be strict but she respect the Zodiacs more than you know."
They are silent then Caleb adds, "I guess so. But... I feel weird when I met her. I don't like it." Rafayel nods.
Sylus takes note of their wariness. Giving each a reassuring pat, they settle more on him.
Mrs. Qin walks through the bushes while checking the content of her tote bag if it is enough.
"Sorry boys. It took a while–" she gradually stop talking and grin as she sees the scene in front of her.
Quietly tiptoeing and putting the bag not far from what's taking her interest, she pulls out her phone. Silent mode on the camera. Finding the best angle.
*click*
She giggles without a peep. Pulling out a small towel, she place it on Sylus open palm.
"Hope that helps a bit when you wake up, my poor son."
Turning away slowly, she exits the peaceful clearing.
Under the tree, Sylus eyes are close. Chest rises and falls calmly. Zooming out, his forehead is catering on a slumbering dog. His snout is drooling all over his forehead and hair. Both are blissfully unaware of it.
Rafayel is still coiling on his arm that is situated on his chest now. He is enjoying the sunbath together with a floof of Xavier nearby. His tail sits on Xavier's side while the other side is occupied with a paw of Caleb.
Summary: This is the life you were meant to live. Being someone who travels a lot is nice. New land. New scenery. New people. New culture. New mystical encounter. Mys..tical encounter... Hold that thought there.
Mysterious, isn't it?
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Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa
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| 1 | 2 | 3 |
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The wisteria tree is majestic from afar, hiding a world of its own once you unfurl the curtain blossoms. As of now, it hides an encounter of two beings in their own world.
Not romantically, unfortunately.
You are heaving– slightly hiccuping perhaps. Either this is actually you having a jet leg dream or you've crossed over to a better-
"Stop. Stop stop stop stop. I can see how your mind is reeling. Deep breath, come on."
Mouth opens wide to gulp air.
"Release it, dear."
Small trembling pout to release the carbon dioxide.
"Iiiiiinnnnn. Ouuuuttt."
Yes. You are currently having a panic attack. Yes. You are being coach how to breath by a snake. Another yes to you following it through and questioning your sanity at the same time.
"I hope someone finds me fast before this hallucinogen gets the best of me."
Your panic whispering makes the snake look at you as if you offended it greatly.
"Wisteria is not exactly poisonous for most part of it, yes. The flowers are totally harmless. It can even be made into a garnish. Even if you swallow a bucket of flowers, it won't cause hallucination. Stomachache, maybe."
"If it's not poisonous then STOP talking to me, Mr Snake. Snakes don't talk."
Amuse, "Yet you address me normally, cutie."
"What? I'm not-"
It is yank away from you before further argument ensues. The force makes your body fall to the grassy ground.
"You oaf!"
Another voice resounds. You blink rapidly then you look up. A man with the air of professionalism stands before you. He clears his throat and extends his hand towards you.
"Are you okay, Miss? You look like you just woke up from a nightmare." You hesitantly take his hand. He pulls you to your feet easily. "Sleeping outside under a tree can be majestic but not preferable. Maybe you could visit this eatery nearby to calm yourself down. Here's a discount card. Treat yourself well."
The man smiles at you like you just seal a deal when you hold the other end of the card. He is quick in his steps because he is miles away after you blink.
Your feet drag you away from the dome of wisteria. Automatically, your feet bring you back to the hotel room. Your friend is still asleep from her jet leg. Sitting on the bed, you try to recall what just happened. You unlock your phone, seeing the wisteria you captured.
Then, you feel the card in your hand. A discount card from a restaurant around here. Standing up, you let yourself out of the hotel room. The deafening silence is ringing in your ears. You don't want to be left alone to your thought at the moment.
You don't know where exactly it is but somehow able to turn exactly as intended in front of the restaurant matching the card you're holding.
You walk in. The staff welcomes you. The card is taken away swiftly. Ask you standard questions. They sit you, give you the menu and pour you a shimmering water. You are suddenly parched. The incident, dreams, makes your mind feel distant. A sip of water might relieve yourself.
But somehow, you don't want to touch the glass of water offered.
At all.
"You can drink first, Miss. The menu will be with you in a moment."
The waiter smiles at you. You didn't. He pushes the glass closer to your hand. You flinch away as if it's scorching you. He tries a second time.
*Pling*
A blue coin– landing next to your hand –preventing the glass from reaching you. The waiter looks up to someone at the counter. Eyes remain neutral but his breath stops short for a second.
"May I buy the cute miss a herbal tea instead? You got to try their local drinks at least once when you're here."
No sounds except from the humming of air conditioner that didn't cause the current cold environment. You turn to the side, familiarity hits you on the purple hair you meet earlier at the wisteria tree. He holds an empty glass while fiddling a gold coin on another. You can't see his eyes but the staff seems like he is able to, directly.
The tension subsides. He picks up the glass with the shimmering water and bows to you as he confirms to get you a new order while you look up the menu. You thanked him with a shaky smile.
"Take your time and relax. Maybe get some takeaway for your friend. Keep the coin as a gift from this neighbourhood."
You can see his smile and eyelashes briefly before he gets up and walks opposite the front door.
Maybe to the toilet at the back – You reason as you timidly fiddles with the coin.
The herbal tea is a surprise. The steam releases your tense shoulder you didn't know you hold up. The warmth revives your numbness. The taste flows your clarity back into you.
The cup is finished before you know it. You chuckle quietly to yourself before ordering two takeouts.
Back at the hotel, you tell your friend about the beautiful scenery, the countless pictures and the mind-blowing dream caused by your jet leg. She laughs.
"Finally! Your workaholic tendency caught up to you. Say hi from me the next time you're dreaming about that snake." She wheezes.
Your face is heating, "It's a beautiful snake, mind you. I'm glad it's just a dream than me killing the snake. What a shame if it did die."
"You're still worrying about a snake that don't even exist? Maybe I need to pinch you awake for real right now."
Both of you play fights for a while before you continue, "No thanks. I already look like a crazy person in front of someone. He even pity my shambles look and gave me a coupon because of it." You groan, "You get to eat good food because of me. Be grateful."
She playfully bowed to you as both of you continued chatting through the night.
The red light dims to none. Big exhale from three people at the table in front of a machine with a speaker.
"You are so impatient, Rafayel." The professional man from before babbling away.
"You are so creative, Thomas." The purple hair man replies easily with a hint of annoyance.
The gleaming of his blue-pink eyes blurs in a chilling manner as he stares at the third person. The waiter.
"But you." He trembles before them. "You almost cross a line."
"Raf-"
"The card is under MY name. Not Thomas. Meaning she's a guest, not a threat. Far from a threat."
"Rafayel, the kid was doing his job as usual."
He turns to Thomas with a quiet face, Thomas could only swallow in dread for never seeing him looking so indifferent.
"Rafayel dear, you've never used your card once. The boy only knows if there's a card, she's out." A melodic female voice chimes in.
He huffs out as a delicate hand gives a few pats on his shoulder, "But Talia, Solana got a card and she didn't get treated like that."
"I escorted her personally with a special card of my own, unlike you." Thomas retorts.
One second.
Two seconds.
"You may go. I apologize on my shortcomings."
The waiter remains frozen. Thomas pats him and Talia smiles at him while giving him space to get up. He looks at Rafayel– he only flicks his chin as a sign.
The waiter gives a big smile, "Thank you, Young Master. I will be more aware from now on."
"Yeah. Yeah. Get some rest. Tomorrow is your day off. You also got a huge tip for your astounding service today."
He bows a few times before walking away, leaving the three to themselves.
Talia takes his previous chair, "So... this is the-"
"Don't start."
She giggles. Thomas rolls his eyes.
"You promise me you only going to see her from afar today. Not ... gave her nightmare." Thomas cross his hands on his chest.
"Excuse you. She said I was beautiful."
"The snake. Not you."
"Same different."
"You shouldn't do that to her. The lady looks like she lost her marbles when she walk in." Talia chastise.
He sighs, "I was just... so happy to see her. I didn't think twice. Forgot a moment that I was... special." He quietened.
The other exhales quietly. Talia reaches his whitened knuckle and soothes him. Thomas clears his throat.
"That just shows how much you think of her."
"Being smitten to Solana doesn't make you an expert in love. Just an expert on her alone."
Talia chuckles. Thomas smiles cheekily, "At least I admit I am smitten to her. Not like someone I know."
The banter exchange lightened the mood as the night reaches its peak.
Rafayel walks alone along the canal. Taking in the scenery only seen at night before going home. He recounted back the time he couldn't stop making himself known as the lady was mesmerized by the wisteria. The time he took a nap thinking of her. Sensing her. Waking up to actually being in her presence. The throw.
A grin– I need to plan better.
*Tinng*
He look up to the left on instinct. Stoping on his track. Two orbs glistening to its brighter colour. It's her. On the balcony of the second floor.
Right. She stays in this hotel and he walk through here like a magnet after being reprimand by Thomas.
And himself.
He smile as he stares at her. Leaning on the railing of the canal, he takes in her leisure gait. She seems to enjoy the night like he is.
"Sorry about today, cutie." He whispers.
She moves as if she heard him. He ducks out of her view in a snap. A thrill catches up in his nerves, enjoying being this close to her in secret.
She hums. He listens. Eyes close. Body loose.
Until she retreat inside for the night.
"Good night, my muse."
====================================
| 1 | 2 | 3 |
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Masterlist LaDS x Furuba
====================================
#ncillary's writing
*It is FORBIDDEN to feed this writing to other platforms without the consent of the author
Summary: You've encountered a lot of interesting situations in your life. Not daily but enough to spice your life. It's the usual. It's ordinary for you. Until one night that turned your ordinary into extraordinary. All because you are just minding your own business.
He was glad he succeeded in hiding the necklace, seeing how the letter was torn apart by one of the staff of the Main House.
He kept looking at the small piece of paper. A torn part that he was able to salvage from a letter written by his younger twin brothers.
His smile extended as his hand traced the pendant of said necklace. Red gem at the epicenter glimmering. Just like his eyes.
He breathed in the night air before closing his eyes. Focusing the feeling at his core. The familiar feeling that had been accompanying him these past years.
*Poof*.
White hair turns to fur. Hands turn to feathered wings. Feet turn to tiny claws.
Red eyes, shines the same.
As bright as the necklace around his neck.
He looks to the half-moon, "What awaits this time."
Mephisto. The adventurer bird. When the sky changes from its soft blue, he explores the vast world to see the beauty of the night. He also befriends the moon.
With the necklace as a gift from both of you, Mephisto is able to have a safe journey yet again.
Those are the stories he told the twins. Tale of Mephisto's Adventure surface once a year. He conjured a handful to keep the twins engaged.
The twinkling in their eyes and the giggles can make him smile the biggest. It soothes him to a degree.
He was on the way to the Main House, cutting short Mephisto's adventure, after he felt the change of wind indicating possible downpour. He thought his wings were fast but the rain was faster. Every big drop fell on him making his wings heavier and his body temperature dropped drastically.
That is when it happened. It slipped off from around his neck when he is distracted with the heavy gust of wind, trying to stabilize himself.
He tries to fly back to find it, only for the wind to sweep him away farther. What stops him is the canopy that people set up for the night market.
The collide is fortunately soft but the next one won't be so much. Flapping his wings while disoriented, he could only brace for the hurtful impact of the ground as he slides down the canopy.
*BOMPF*
Only to land on a warm and soft thing. Red gems glances at the girl that somehow catches him in her hands. The girl smiles. He huffs out in relief.
He nod to the girl as a thanks and ready to fly away.
Body locked.
Wings are trembling.
His body is shaking, he just noticed.
Being in no condition to fly again at the moment, the girl is his temporary refuge. She talks a lot. Read him story. Asking him a lot. One thing intrigues him.
"Mia name you."
He points to the letters in the girl's book. She writes it out one letter at a time since it took her a few tries to enunciate the name.
"Meeto." A helpless yet fond huff at her.
She plays with him using the paper like one teasing a cat. He stares accusingly at it but follows along and able to catch it with his claw.
"Mia, dear. Can you let dad take the plushie to the Lost & Found?" He reaches but she pulls her hand away with a pout.
"Meeto." The father is confused.
She pulls out the paper from his claw and shows it to him. They are talking while Sylus is in the cup of her hands. Letting his mind drift off for a while, he didn't realize Mia has walked away from her parents.
He blinks in surprise when he is suddenly placed on something. Thin bushes surrounds him, like a nest. It's nice. He likes it. He burrows himself more, surrounding himself in a comfort his mind can't register what but feels right. He succumbs into the unconsciousness. He didn't know he's that tired.
*Srrsss*
"krr" he feels something cold smearing on him.
Then warm.
Hand bigger than the girl caressing him gently. He want to open his eyes out of insecurity but the animal spirits in him seem to feel at ease with whoever is the owner of the hand.
He bore a complicated curse but it also has great instinct.
Sylus stays calm. Listening around. Feeling around. The hand owner is walking for quite a while. Then the air pressure change. He guess he is in a building.
*Click*
Running water soon reverberates around him. The hand is being meticulous, delicately handling him. The heaviness on his body slowly lifts, feels cleaner too.
"......bird......you....."
"krr" He barely hear a female voice with how drowsy he is feeling now.
What did this person do?
He never feel so unguarded like this. Nonetheless, he also want to complain about being surround in something other than the hand until a comforting smell shields his head.
Sylus opens his blearily eyes. His inner clock tells him it's in the middle of the night. If he's not back in his room on time, a heavy consequence would befall his family.
He eyes around the room as he sits up slowly. A towel fell from his chest and there's something soft on his shoulder. His jaw nuzzles it without a second thought.
He freezes. Clarity kicking in. Gently pulling away whatever he nuzzles. A normal handkerchief.
Since when a piece of cloth able to make me act like that? – A silent confusion.
Shaking his head, he focuses on his core.
*Poof*.
Grabbing the handkerchief securely, he flies to the window. After opening the latch, he looks back to the person who is mostly covered under the blanket except for the tuft of hair and head. Seeing the face of the kind lady that helps him is sleeping peacefully, he chirps.
He never chirped before.
But it all comes naturally to him at the moment.
Whispering with a light tone, "Sweet dreams, my lady." then flies away with a mixed feeling.
Being restless all day doesn't sit well with Sylus, mind occupied by the missing necklace. Come night, he continues searching for it. His keen eyes dissecting the bushes until one sparkle caught his attention.
Swooping down carefully, he identifies said item. Releasing a breath, he scoops the chain in his beak swiftly and flies off to the sky. He notices the chain is loosening than usual before breaking all together on one side. The necklace starts sliding off of his beak.
Wings turn in diving motion to chase after it.
"Gah!"
My lady. – Inner smile.
Unceremoniusly, he flies straight to the nest of her head. Making himself comfortable in no time. With her securing his necklace in her grasp, Sylus is able to calm down. She looks confused though so he tries to communicate with her.
Two pecks, It's mine.
"Ah, no. Don't eat it." She moves it away.
I agree it's not food.
Hiding it more in her palm makes Sylus jump on her hand to try to make her understand.
Holding the chain in his beak, he tugs it gently – It's mine.
Peaks at the broken part a few times – It's broken.
"It's broken."
He almost says "Yes" out loud. A chirp is better.
"Yours?" *Chirp*
"Want me to help you fix it?" *Chirp*
"What an intricate collar you have."
A necklace. Not exactly a pet, my lady. – Amused chirps will do.
She chuckles, "Someone's happy."
He remained silent on the way to her hotel room. Not exactly sure if he's happy the necklace is in good condition or seeing her again.
She is quick to solve the problem, attaching the pendant to a black rope. Sylus stares at her finish work then the chain.
What should I tell the twins?
"This is a trade." He turns to her.
She explains about the rope, hair tie, and how she'll treasure the broken chain in his stead. He is amazed by her, nodding unconsciously. She didn't even know the significance it holds for him. To her, it was just an ordinary chain. But she decides to keep the chain as something special even to call it a treasure.
"....smart girl."
Really, my lady? – Disapproving chirps.
"...boy..."
Male but yes.
"...like peacock."
A scoff, Your comparison is astonishing to say the least.
The window latch opens, shooing him out.
That's a little cold of you, my lady.
He flies on top of the pillow with his new 'necklace' and settles down.
Let this poor bird rest for a while. It's a long journey back.
She sighs and lets him stay. As she occupies the other pillow, his fur flutters in anticipation. Minutes pass, he slots himself on her neck. Deep asleep.
Hours later, his eyes open in the dark room. Her being is clear as day to him. Perching on the open window, he stares back at her. Content. Reluctant.
Flapping of feathers caught the voice owner's attention. A smile. Then a frown.
Harsh whispers, "You better prepare me a good compensation this time."
A bird, shines by the natural light of the night, perches itself on the wooden divider. It plops down, ignoring the stare of a certain someone who was sulking on the other side of the divider.
*Poof*.
A small shriek with full body turning away even though the divider is already blocking the view of a being behind it.
"I'm still impressed that you can freely transform any time you want- "
A pair of eyes shine in the dark.
Clothes on in seconds like an expert.
"Sylus."
He walks out then pats the hair of a person clearly smaller than him.
"You really excel in covering for me, Tara."
She grumbles, "I think we need a new strategy rather than saying I have a nightmare and absolutely need only your presence to fall asleep." She playfully punches him, he chuckles, "I'm a college student for goodness sakes me. I want to sleep on my own."
"Well, you're our master in this life. It's your duty to be responsible for our wellbeing."
"Correction. I'm your guardian. Each of you has your own master as you called it. Don't you agree 'soulmate' sounds more romantic." She wriggles her brows to the suggestion.
He crosses his arms, unimpressive face. Tara grins.
Then she continues with a hint of sadness, "The Head Maid is just being stubborn to uphold the sacred promise blindly. She didn't realize her actions caused the bonds to wane throughout the years."
Sylus hums distractedly, "We'll think of something."
Her eyes land where his eyes are focusing.
A bracelet in his palm with his precious pendant attached to it.
"Thank goodness you found it. What happened to the chain?"
"I trade it."
Confuse, "With... a bracelet?"
"A hair tie."
An obvious grin creeping in wider and wider as she keeps looking at Sylus who's clearly ignoring her.
"Stop grinning and go to sleep like a good girl."
She scoffs, "Who's fault is that?"
"There's a festival on the side of the river. Tomorrow night is going to be the finale with fireworks and parade. So, I've heard."
Her eyes are shining, "Really ~! I'll ask Simone and Cece to come along. Head Maid won't say much if those two are with me."
She fidgets, "Another adventure tomorrow?"
Sylus shakes his head.
"I can still help cover-"
"Thank you kindly, my guardian. You should enjoy your college days too." He smirks.
She shakes her head with a small smile, "Good night, Sylus."
"Good night, Tara."
After she steps out of the room, Sylus stares at the door for a while. Thinking of the cages they both had to stay in. Proudly, she's stronger now to set herself free.
He turns toward the open window. Breeze greets his white locks as if whispering on her wellbeing. Caressing the hair tie loosely, the event hours before replaying in his mind.
"Soulmate... huh..."
The word feels foreign on his tongue. Yet it's familiar to the ears from countless times his guardian spoke of the words fondly. She implemented the word into stories as old as times and what the future it upholds.
The present?
Being alive in this gilded cage is his part of the bargain to uphold. Having a soulmate is not exactly what he thought entrails along with it. Astounding and amusing at the same time.
He chuckles, "I don't mind the twist but to think the Zodiacs really adore her is truly something?"
He hums absentmindedly, all the while thinking about a certain lady.
Will we meet again the next time my wing takes me through the sunset?
====================================
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
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Masterlist LaDS x Furuba
====================================
A/N: The hums is in Japanese Dub
#ncillary's writing
*It is FORBIDDEN to feed the story to other platforms without the consent of the writer
Summary: You've encountered a lot of interesting situations in your life. Not daily but enough to spice your life. It's the usual. It's ordinary for you. Until one night that turned your ordinary into extraordinary. All because you are just minding your own business.
Confused? Thought so, sweetie.
====================================
Masterlist LaDS x Furuba
====================================
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
====================================
The morning breeze swishing on your face. You stir out of confusion.
Did I leave the window open yesterday?
You crack one eye open. A curtain dancing to the breeze. Frown creases on your forehead. Lazily, you get up to close out unwelcome chills you feel.
After latching it back, you turn around with clearer eyes around the room. A towel is left half-hanging on the couch.
It click.
Fasten steps reach the couch where you safely let the bird sleep last night. Your thought is answered. It's not there. Frowning, you turn back to the recently-closed-window.
"Can't be?" Playing guessing with yourself.
You shrug, "If it flies away, means the condition is better. Good to know." then walk to the bathroom.
Today, you're going out with your friend. Her day off is gladly aligned with your "day off" -more like lay off- and it's been a while you are able to enjoy a whole day with her.
After you finish preparing yourself, you realize one of your stuff is missing from your sling bag.
"Where's my handkerchief?"
Memory flashes, "Right. The bird. Guess it's fallen around the couch somewhere. I'll find it later." You sigh.
That's the last handkerchief you have. Laundry is really overdue with all the things you had gone through these past few days.
Your friend grumbles, "Trainer. I train trainee. Trainer."
You chuckle, "Well, with how much you've trained newbies for the cafe, you are legit the nanny for the cafe before they depart them to other branches."
She sighed, "You should be tending to my heart today not to remind me of my farewell to my lovable trainees just last week."
"I bet you'll be spartan with me if I'm your trainee."
She rolls her eyes and laugh.
"So, any interesting stories on your side?"
"A bird." You sip your drink. Eat your cake. Comment on it's deliciousness even.
She pinches you, "Ow!"
"Elaborate. Do you like leaving me in suspense every time?"
"See. Spartan." You grin at her menacing stare.
"Right. For starters..."
Her ever comical faces amuse you that sometimes you exaggerate some parts of what actually happened last night.
"The bird was struggling to unlatch the window when I tried to shoo it outside. It even took hold of my favourite handkerchief as a hostage before flapping away as the dawn is breaking. Pretty smart bird, am I right."
She gasp, "No... Come on." holding your wrist, she pulls you up while gesturing you to bring your drinks along.
"Wha... what are you doing? Where are we- ughh slow down!"
You misstep but able to catch yourself and catch up to your friend's pull to who knows where.
"This one flower shop has a beautiful handmade handkerchief. The owner is a sweet girl. You can pick any one you like. Or you can make one yourself."
She suddenly whip around, you flinch and stop dead in your track, "Better yet! Let me make one for you. It's been a while since I got you something."
Word stuck in your throat. Guilt creeping in.
"I... wait... It's fine. It didn't happen like that at all. It was gone when I was asleep. I must have forgotten to tighten the latch on the window and the bird flew out just like that. I was just in a hurry this morning and didn't want to search for the hand- "
She gasps again, "So you say your window is open All. Night. Long. That's dangerous."
"No no it's fine-"
"And your personal belongings just vanish!"
"I know it's laying around the floor somewhere."
"Still!"
You grumble, "Oh, come on... You know... it's just me and my scatterbrain..."
You frantically explain yourself as your friend stops pulling you and crosses her arms in front of her chest with a sceptical look. Stumbling on some words, you try to ease her worry until...
"Fufufu..." You pause, focusing on her.
She laugh as you confusedly looked at her, "Good. Have a taste of your own prank for always making me worry about you."
You are pouting now.
"The lack of panda eyes is evidence enough you sleep absolutely well. If your story of "battling with a bird" is true, you will tell me that first thing first before we even sit down."
She looks proud. You give her side eyes.
She smiles, "Come on. The flower shop is just a few blocks away."
And the pulling continues with you scoffing, lovingly, to your jolly friend.
*TRLING*
"Welcome to Philo." The sweet lady at the counter greets both of you.
"Hello Bella." Your friend greets back.
They converse for a while, catching up here and there, before the main purpose is mentioned.
"Ouh, the embroidery kit is available. We're making a small session this weekend but I can spare some for you ladies." Bella beckons both of you to the back.
"Jeremiah, look out the counter for me will you? Some customers want to see the embroidery kit."
A head pops out between the orchids, "Sure. Have fun." He waves with a smile.
"It makes me wonder who is the boss now." Your friend teases Bella.
"He's the owner but I'm the boss. He can be an airhead with customers sometimes. But he takes care of flowers better than anyone I know." A fond smile.
You looked at your friend as she mouthed -Boyfriend- two quiet snickers.
Bella turns, "You single ladies want to give your long overdue crush a present, huh."
"Bella..." your friend starts.
"We have mirrors. I can see you spilling my life to your friend."
Both of you look sheepish as Bella smile gently and continues searching for the kit.
She kindly teaches you both how to do it with a tester kit rather than the one you buy for yourself. This is when you realize, your fingers only glide smoothly on the keyboard. Outside of it,
"Ngawch!"
Bella sympathetically looks at you while your friend pats your back. Both give you an encouraging smile. Plus occasional laugh.
You sigh dramatically, "I guess now I can add embroidery as a weakness in my life."
Bella looks at you to elaborate. So, you briefly explain your situationship right now. Ending it with a light tone but she can read the meaning between the lines.
Your friend sighs, "I may not have an army but I can build one to greet your ex-collegues."
"You need to focus on being a nanny rather than worrying about me." You poke her cheek.
"T.R.A.I.N.E.R."
Bella laughs, "I see. I wonder if there are any stores around here willing to take a part timer."
You lick your lips. What's the most worrying for you right now is actually a place to stay.
Cheap rooms are all rented out. Your previous room has already been pass to the next tenor. You got the warning early but you procrastinate on it too much. It's the main reason you stays in a budget hotel right now.
Your friend will offer to share her single apartment with you in a heartbeat until you are able to find your own. But knowing the lease she signed, an extra person means she carries heavy potential to being kicked out.
That is also the reason you lied to her saying you wanted a short vacation and stays in a hotel before going home.
You don't want to. Not yet.
"If you don't mind, we have an empty room upstairs that was once a room to store orders before customers pick it up." You focus on Bella, "It has a nice space. But it's a chore to bring the order down without breaking it. That's why it's mostly empty except for the extra racks."
It's like she's reading your mind.
You're speechless.
"Any friend of this-" head tilting to your grinning friend, "silly girl, must be someone I can trust to use the room well. No rent, no worries. You can help around in the meantime since it's getting hard for both of us to complete orders while catering to everyday customer."
She smiles gently. Your friend thank Bella as you stumble one out yourself after a full gape at her.
"You knew." Hand playing with the bag containing the new kit.
Your friend hums, "You don't easily go home from losing one job. I don't befriend a pathetic person, last I recall."
You chuckle.
Tonight, you enjoy the festival nearby to its fullest with your beloved friend. You introduce her to Mia and have to create a story of how Meeto is not accompanying you because he is currently on his own adventure.
"Who's the nanny now."
You grumble to the obvious payback.
You are also defeated on rejecting your friend's help to move your stuff tomorrow. She has the evening shift and is being full force on helping you out even when you tell her there's not much stuff to begin with. The night ends in a light mood.
After saying goodbye to her, you walk back to your hotel. The weighted shoulders are less tense now, you just notice.
Something else weighted you down though.
*PLING*
"Gah!"
Something falls on top of your head and slides down like a slime. You flick it away in fear only for it to get caught in the crook of your ear.
"What the-"
A pendant dangling just in the corner of your eyes.
Red stone in the middle.
*Chirp*.
You look up with the pendant securely in your hand.
Eyes widen, the familiar flying animal descends. Slowly, it nestles on top of your head, getting comfortable itself.
After the initial shock, you try pulling away the pendant connected to a broken chain. The bird pecks at it.
"Ah, no. Don't eat it."
You hide the pendant but the bird insists on it even as far as jumping onto your hand to get closer to it. It manages to get the chain in its beak, tugging it gently.
*Chirp*
It releases the chain and peck at the broken part multiple times. Blinking, you guess its gesture.
"It's broken." *Chirp*
"Yours?" *Chirp*
"Want me to help you with it?" *Chirp*
"What an intricate collar you have." *Chirp* *Chirp* *Chirp*
You chuckle, "Someone's happy."
Reaching the hotel room, you rummage your stuff to find no suitable tools to help with the chain. Instead, you take off the pendant and temporarily attaches it to one of the hair ties you owned using the thread from your handkerchief kit.
You smile, "That should do it for now. You can safely carry it in your beak to your home without losing the pendant."
It still looking at the broken chain. You do too.
"This is a trade." It turns to you, "You get my hair tie. I get your chain. I'll treasure it just like how you treasure it."
It nods in satisfaction somehow.
"Mephisto..." you eye it, "you are one smart girl."
*Chirp* *CHIRP*
It flaps its wings and looks at you threateningly.
"Smart... boy..." *Chirp*
"Apologies. You look beautiful. Stunning even. But yeah... in the birds world, the beautiful one usually is male to charm the female. Like peacock."
It, he, huffs out. Or maybe a scoff.
Can birds do that?
You unlatched the window, "Safe travel home."
He blinks. Flying low, he brings the makeshift bracelet on the bed, specifically the pillow, and proceeds to burrow himself together with it comfortably.
"krr..."
You roll your eyes, "Right. You'll go home when you want to."
You are in deep sleep, leaving the bird alone on his pillow. Unbeknownst to you, he brings himself closer to you, snuggling your neck.
His fur flutters. The time shown is changing the day to the next. Red eyes shining in the dark. Million feelings are fogging the orbs but none is verbalized except,
"My lady..."
Quiet flaps reaching the same window into the open air. A single feather floats rhythmically to the edge of the bed as if it belong there.
A prove.
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| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
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Masterlist LaDS x Furuba
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#ncillary's writing
*It is FORBIDDEN to feed the story to other platforms without the consent of the writer
Summary: Vacation. You've longed for it. You take every chance you can and make it into one. Even in the middle of this nowhere. Well... somewhere because you were called here. An assistance needed. But, you assisted far more than you bargain for.
Any regrets?
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Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa
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| 1 | 2 (current) |
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A low growl is heard.
You just sit there in awe.
Now, your nerd mind as a vet make you scan the rare black tiger, foregoing the obvious beast standing tall in front of you that might pounce on you anytime.
On the contrary, the beast back away from you, a supposedly the prey in this situation. While you, ogling every step the beast took.
"Fascinating." You say breathlessly.
The beast pauses its movement. Wary of you. It's like you are the beast at the moment.
Most probably, actually.
The black tiger back away some more until its tail collides with the wall at the corner. It flinches in surprise. Then, it eyes the sliding door to the balcony.
You did too.
It growls again as a warning, making you focus back on the predator. Claws creep out slowly from under the thick fur. Your eyes widen as it lift it up slowly. Cold sweat fall down your temple and back.
*BAM*
You flinch. Involuntarily backing away more, your heartbeat leaps as high as the tiger. You black out a second.
It's gone. The majestic predator of a black tiger is gone.
It happened in split second. The claw was somehow able to clamp on the sliding door and opened it as it immediately leaped outside in the snow.
Mouth agape, you babble incoherently to ground yourself from the incredulous situation that just transpired.
You immediately force your jelly leg to stand up. The balcony railing shook as you bump onto it to see the only moving black blur is leaping fast towards the mountain. The sky turns dark again at the same time.
"..no...No..No..No.."
Not thinking straight, as per usual, you run to the hallway. Demanding the snowmobile key with nothing more than
"Please... he's still injured."
You step out of the inn with the determination once the key is in your grasp. Guilty in ignoring and leaving the snowmobile owner – chasing after you in futile – as you speed through the starting of another incoming heavy snow. A hint of possible storm.
"Stay in main road!"
Is the only warning you get.
Unfortunately, you know it's not going to be that easy.
The inn is no longer in sight. He slows down to saunter away from the main road.
Come night, he'll go back into his inn room to get his other stuffs. For now, he'll lay low in between the trees.
Too bad the bracelet fell off near her feet. He could have warm up in the cabin nearby as a human. It usually provides blanket for passerby to rest this far off.
"Ah... I don't have any clothes on." He mumbles to himself. Feeling awkward speaking in his beast form.
He sighs, "Good thing this thick fur is useful now."
Zayne digs around in the snow to make a hole for protection against the heavy snowfall and wind. His temporary igloo looks good for him to stay in there for a few hours.
He get in and loafs himself. Staring out the igloo with blank stare. Mind easing back to Miss Vet.
"No loose end."
It sounds harsh but deep inside he hates it.
He closes his eyes to conserve his energy to turn himself back into human without the bracelet.
Light flashing.
He frowns. He didn't think the weather include lightning other than heavy snow in the late evening today.
The cold wind biting your cheeks. You're starting to tremble. Trying to shelter from the gust, you take cover between trees.
"Maybe I'm insane." You chastise yourself.
The wind pick up again and you almost lost balance if not for the tree.
"I need to drag his butt to the nearest cabin fast. He wouldn't survive long in this weather."
"Agreed."
You yelp.
The dark fur blends well if not for the shining hazel green eyes that belongs to the beast, the man, you're searching.
It, his, nose pushes you toward what you just realize a makeshift igloo surround by trees. You get in and so do the beast.
He blocks the entrance with his body as he sit down and stares at you. You fidget. His eyes now are more like a mom disaproving of their child's behaviour than the actual beast.
"Sit."
You sit.
"Hand."
You show your hands. No gloves on.
A low disaproving growl. You hide as best as you can in your coat.
A big paw slides under your hand.
"Clench this. It's warm."
You do as you're told. A sigh of relieve mix with steady breathing of a tiger.
A few minutes pass, you fidget. Your eyes flicking back and forth between the green eyes that never stop staring at you and the paw your holding.
"Speak."
"Umm... You're... Mr. Kitty, right?"
A grumble.
"That's all you can think of in this situation."
"Luckily for you, yes. At least I didn't question the more sensitive matter."
Brows quirk, "Like?"
"Will you change back to human? If so, will you be naked? Or there's like... magic clothing..."
Another grumble, "How are you not afraid of me looking like this is beyond me. But the questions are more concerning than I imagine."
"It is important!" You argue.
"How so?" He retorts lazily.
"In case you didn't know. Your anatomy as a human is slightly different than mine in some parts. I want to remain civil and professional as a human being. So, what is the answer?"
He become rigid on the "anatomy" part. Can tiger blush? Maybe not. But the restless ear flicking indicates he is caught off guard and embarrass.
"...No. No clothing."
You nod curtly, "Thought so. Brought you some change if you want."
He just realizes the backpack you pull off from around your shoulders. And other specific thing he notices on your wrist.
His stare catches your attention as you are rummaging in the backpack for his clothes. You turn to where his eyes are glued.
His bracelet on your wrist.
"I... I'm sorry for wearing it. It must be precious to you." You stammers and hook your finger on it to pull it off your wrist.
A big black gentle paw stop you.
You turn to him.
"Wear it for now. I need to remain in this form for the safety of the both of us. The wind is picking up again. Stay close."
Hazel green eyes scan you for a while before settling back. Seeming like inviting you to snuggle on his big warm fluffy belly.
You hesitate to breach the privacy of a tiger, a person. But the shine in your eyes told a different story.
He huffs, "I won't bite. Not like a certain someone with mischief clearly gleaming off their eyes."
You scoff, "I don't bite either. But maybe I do want to pounce on you."
The black tiger turns rigid. Frowning is possible even in tiger form it seems.
"I can't help it. You look so fluffy. I just want to hug you."
Disbelief crosses his features and growling low in a disapproving manner. Somehow you also see the way the brow knit in exasperation towards your statement.
"Fine. Fine." You stop teasing him. "Can I ask another question?"
He nods regardless.
"You're... a black tiger, right? This is truly black almost like a panther but with distinguish white stripe. Although it's different a bit from the known sighting, you are one, right?"
He relents, "I'm not truly a tiger but I am one too. This colour is... not an intricate DNA-related-matter. Dive deeper and you might lose your mind." he cuts curtly.
You nod again. Taking the hint to stop asking.
For now.
You shiver involuntarily.
Again, he reveals his claw and drag you by the coat towards him.
Warm.
Your side is warm up by his belly. He keep his eyes on the igloo wall as if it is the most interesting thing in the world. Looking at the head of a majestic tiger, your mind click on something.
"Final question."
He huffs but his ears flick to you. Ready to listen more nonsense from your mouth.
"Did you do the same to Joshua? And you seriously told the boy to climb on your back after shielding him from the storm just so he can be seen easier by rescuers?'
"A boy with a big bad black tiger next to him. It's an approachable sight to see indeed."
You frown on his clear sarcasm.
"You're going to need a new bandage Mr. Kitty. When you turn human. That's final."
The eyes flick to you before slowly curling up to warm you up more.
"Says the vet who can't stop trembling."
A sudden whine from him because you pinch his ear slightly then act innocent, settling on his fluffy stomach.
He growls lowly but settling down too.
The wind outside didn't deter your tiredness. A faint familiar sound rumbles beneath you.
You smile slightly at the obvious purr, "Thank you, Mr. Kitty-"
"Zayne."
You stare.
"Zayne is a proper name, by the way."
You chuckle then smooth out his fur, "Thank you, Zayne." you manage as your eyes got heavier by the second. You hum as the purr comfort you along with a warm secured presence of a gentle beast by your side.
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| 1 | 2 (current) |
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Masterlist LaDS x FuruBa
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#ncillary's fanfic
*It is FORBIDDEN to feed this writing to AI and other platforms without the consent of the writer*
