Mountain Wind, Winter Iris
Chapter 11: A Zephyr of Intimacy
(Chapter 10 here)
Elestren’s POV
Lucci was an interesting man.
He wasn't exactly her friend, but Elestren did find a steady kind of camaraderie with him over the following month. It made thing easier in terms of social connection, and it helped to pass the time before Kaku was ready to see her again.
Elestren only wished Kaku wouldn't take his time. She missed him. But Lucci was good about giving her sound advice in times of high emotion, and that was what she needed right now.
Still, Elestren thought about Kaku constantly. Her restraint was running thin. When she would pass Kaku's door on the way to Lucci's apartment, she would hover slightly, wondering if she could hear movement behind his door. Then Lucci was opening his door, pulling her back down to earth.
It was twice as hard not bringing him up in conversation. She felt like a damn idiot mentioning his name once or twice, but Lucci didn't react openly to it. He would only nod and continue with whatever they were talking about. Elestren always wondered if Lucci would report to Kaku about what they did together. Not that there was anything to hide from him; she and Lucci didn't hang out regularly. But there was some kind of occasional gathering that had integrated itself into their routine.
It took place a week after Elestren had visited Lucci, taking him up on his offer of coming to him if she needed a listening ear. It had been pouring rain that day. Elestren had shown up on Lucci's doorstep, clothes and face drenched, and Lucci had silently opened his door wide. She had sobbed into the towel he had given her, words too slurred and muffled to make out. Lucci didn't say much, only sat in his chair and watched her weep. A hot mug of lemongrass tea was put in her hands to warm her from the rain.
It was a while later before she left, thanking Lucci and apologizing profusely for being such a crybaby. Hattori, speaking for Lucci, reassured her that she was going to be okay and that he was here for her. Two more similar instances happened the next week, and each time, Lucci offered his inaudible support.
What broke the ritual was Elestren offering to make him dinner. "For being so kind and supportive of me," she had said the third time she went over.
Lucci studied her a moment, an eyebrow raised—the only inclination he had been taken aback. "Seems a bit domestic of you. There's no need to make up for anything."
Elestren swallowed hard, pressing the tissue in her hand to dab at her cheek. "I know. But with the girls away this week for a conference, and Ka—uh, well, I won't bring him up. It would be nice to have a little more community, that's all." She gave Lucci a watery smile. "Besides, you shouldn't see it as me making up for anything. It would be my way of thanking you."
Lucci took a small sip of his own tea, pondering her request. Elestren rubbed the material of the tissue between her fingers, anxiousness rising slightly in her chest. Maybe this was crossing a boundary; she didn't know Lucci well.
After a moment, Lucci locked eyes with her. Hattori chirped happily on his broad shoulder. "Alright then. What about tomorrow night? Seven PM?"
Elestren had smiled warmly. "Sounds great! Any requests?"
The corner of Lucci's mouth twitched. "Fish would be lovely."
~~~
Elestren had outdone herself. She knew it was only just to thank Lucci for being kind, but it had been a while since she entertained a guest. She wanted her gratitude to show in every detail.
Lucci was punctual, out of his usual work clothes and sporting a black button-down with the sleeves rolled up and black slacks to match. His top hat was gone, his curls tied back into a proper ponytail. Even Hattori wore a little black jacket to complement his owner.
Elestren would never admit it to anyone, but Lucci looked dashing this way. A blush had risen to her cheeks as she became too aware of her own clothing.
"I think I'm a bit underdressed," she had muttered playfully, hands smoothing down her colorful skirt.
Lucci procured a single rose, red as rubies, and handed it to her. "It escaped my notice. You look beautiful."
Another rush of heat spread to her face, carefully taking the rose from Lucci. The gesture was unbelievably kind. It made her instantly think of Kaku, however; the moment in time when Kaku had given her his own secret flower and creating her sweet nickname. Elestren wanted to cry. But instead she swallowed down the memory, giving Lucci a forced smile. "How sweet. Thank you."
Lucci seemed impressed with the dinner she made, his usual drawn brows more relaxed and grimace neutral. It made Elestren feel a touch more confident knowing she impressed someone like Lucci. Elestren broke out an old bottle of wine, a moving gift from her neighbor back on Drum Island. Hattori made a chirp of excitement when he noticed his own little place mat at the table, a charitable amount of bird friendly foods on a small dish.
Elestren decided to get to know Lucci a little more, since she always took the reigns in talking. Lucci didn't have much to say, seemingly modest about his upbringing and family. He was born on a small island in the Grand Line, he met Kaku as a child, they grew up together. Elestren briefly imagined the two of them as children, running around and playing games with each other.
Without thinking, too immersed in the idea of sweet Kaku as a young kid, Elestren spoke. "It's nice to hear about him from someone else. He doesn't like to talk about his past."
Lucci didn't reply.
Elestren swallowed. "I'm sorry. I invite you over for dinner and I somehow manage to bring him up again. I don't mean to do that. You must think I'm awful."
Lucci took a small sip of wine while Hattori replied. "I brought him up first. Let's change the subject."
The wine and conversation flowed a little better when Kaku wasn't mentioned, and Elestren decided Lucci was nice to talk to. Perhaps a hard read at times, but he seemed a willing enough participant for conversation.
Time had flown by. Elestren and Lucci finished the bottle a while ago, the former giggling through her tipsiness, retelling an old story about home. She glanced at the clock in her kitchen.
"Oh, it's ten o'clock already!"
She stood up from her chair, ruffling Hattori on her shoulder and pressing the back of her hand to her hot cheek. She started collecting her and Lucci's dishes.
"Allow me," Lucci offered, taking the dishes from her and walking to the kitchen. Elestren smiled to herself, stroking Hattori's plumage and cleaning up the table while Lucci washed the dishes.
Elestren walked into the kitchen when she was done, leaning her hip on the counter. "No need to do all of the dishes. I know you work tomorrow."
"Wouldn't be any different than my average day," Lucci replied.
Elestren hummed, her head resting against the upper cabinet. "Well thank you. You've done a lot for me these last couple weeks."
Lucci dried his hands on a towel, giving her a sideways glance. "I suppose dinner helped even out the odds."
Elestren snickered, a bit unladylike due to the alcohol in her system. As Lucci approached her, a sudden thought made Elestren lean up from the counter. "Shit. I totally forgot about dessert. I knew I was forgetting something."
She opened her fridge, eyes scanning around for something sweet. "I don't have much, I'm sorry. Do you like tangerines? I have hot chocolate too. What sounds good?"
Hattori flew off her shoulder. A hand was slowly pushing the fridge door closed, making Elestren straighten and turn around to face Lucci. Her eyes took in his advancing closeness, his slight pause before their noses brushed.
"You."
Elestren felt her heart jump into her throat and cut off her breathing. Did he just. . . speak?
It was frightening, the way his mouth formed the word, the soft inaudible rasp leaving his throat. And his eyes, dilated to the irises, locked onto hers like he was willing her to stay right where she was. What was he doing? He had never looked at her like that before.
Before she could form the words to speak, Lucci had surged forward, mouth slotting over hers quickly.
Elestren inhaled loudly through her nose, shock making her freeze as Lucci pressed hard into her, the fridge door handle digging painfully into her back. Her reaction was sluggish, unable to form coherent words or thoughts. All she could feel were the handle in her back, Lucci's firm lips on her own, and his claw-like grip on her waist.
Elestren only had been kissed on the lips once. A long time ago, back behind the primary school yard. . .
She was nine, Tank was eight. It was the final stage of initiation toward early manlihood, some kind of ritual Tank and his friends created to make themselves more masculine in their limited world. Tank needed to steal a kiss from a pretty participant to seal the deal on his blossoming manliness. Tank chose Elestren; she wasn't sure why. He didn't explain the reason to her, didn't provide context, just asked her to meet him after school. It happened so fast: a tiny fist on her arm, chapped lips with too much teeth against her mouth, and wide eyes behind crooked glasses.
Elestren had pushed him hard, making him roll backward across the asphalt and crush his glasses from the landing. Despite the destruction of property, Tank ran back to his club with red cheeks and shards of glass in his hands, yelling at the top of his lungs, "I'M A MAN! I'M FINALLY A MAANNNN!"
Had she enough strength and integrity, Elestren would have done the same thing to Lucci. She should shove him, make him get out of her apartment for forcing himself on her. But, something was preventing her from doing so. The inebriation plagued her senses. It was turning her into stone, wrapping its snug vines around her inhibitions, whispering that she needed this, needed to feel wanted, needed someone to prove to her that they weren't a coward, that he wanted her as much as she wanted him-
Elestren tore her lips away from Lucci, the conjure of Kaku's sweet face in her mind feeling like a bandage being ripped from her skin. She swiftly gave herself room from the man, turning to the side and walking backward two steps. She was panting, lips pulsing like a throbbing wound, cheeks on fire from what had happened—what she had allowed to happen.
As much of a mess Elestren felt she looked, Lucci seemed the opposite. He was as composed as ever, hair still in place, cheeks pale as the moon; the only thing different was the slight rise and fall of his chest and the small sheen on his lips. His eyes were zeroed in on her, studying her closely, irises still slivers against his enlarged pupils.
Elestren took a labored breath. "I-I'm sorry, Lucci. I- You've got the wrong idea." She put a hand to her collarbones, rubbing a spot on her skin, suddenly embarrassed and awkward. It wasn't supposed to happen like this; had she led Lucci on accidentally? Why did he have to kiss her like that? It wasn't supposed to be him that kissed her in her kitchen after a wonderful dinner, it was supposed to be-
"I think I understand."
Elestren shot her head up to look at Lucci, unsure of the tone he was using. His scowl was deeper than usual.
Elestren blinked. "This- I wasn't trying to lead you on, I promise. This was just supposed to be dinner. We're only-"
"You were thinking of him. I know you were."
Elestren's cheeks went hot again, a mix of humiliation at his being right and her anger at how stupid he was being. "That isn't fair. You know I'm trying to get over him."
Lucci took a step forward. "Your effort is mediocre at best. You bring him up every chance you get."
Elestren clenched her fists at her sides, detesting the sudden downward spiral the evening was taking. "You're honestly no better! You really think kissing me would make me fall at your feet just like that?"
"Yes," Lucci snapped, stepping closer. "All women are the same. What makes you think you're any different than them?"
How dare he project his insecurities onto her! Elestren wanted to strangle the man, her blood boiling at how belittling he had become. "I've never wanted you. I don't love you. I love Kaku! He's always been the one I wanted!"
Lucci's upper lip curled into a snarl, his fist slamming down into the counter beside them. A loud crack echoed off the apartment walls, the impact shocking Elestren down to her feet and making her stumble backward.
Her eyes were glued to Lucci's fist and the impossible cracks in the counter underneath it. Elestren could feel a sense of primal fear start to snake its way up the column of her spine and prickle against her ribs. She wanted to run far, far away from the man in front of her. She obviously upset him to the point of him causing damage, and she knew if she upset him farther he would hurt her. Hattori, who hadn't flown away in the midst of Lucci's fit, seemed unshaken from the ordeal. Was this a common occurrence for them? Was he used to seeing his owner angry?
Elestren swallowed down the hardened lump in her throat. She had underestimated Lucci; he was not someone to anger, no matter how kind he seemed to be. She forced her eyes to his, not wanting him to see her afraid.
"You should leave."
Lucci didn't move for a few moments. Elestren wondered if she should make a break for her Den Den Mushi. If Lucci didn't leave, she would need help. She couldn't scream; no one would be around to hear her.
The adrenaline pumping through her veins made her sway where she stood. Lucci's eyes began to slowly blacken again before he closed them, inhaling deeply through his nose before letting the breath back out.
The impending sense of danger was slowly dwindling as Lucci took another small breath. When he opened his eyes, they were normal again. Without a word, he straightened and raised his fist off the counter, making small bits of the counter crumble off his knuckles. He turned on his heel and walked calmly to the door, exiting without a glance back.
Elestren didn't dare move until she heard the distant ping of the elevator door down the hall. Her ears were still ringing from Lucci's punch beside her, the distance just a few feet away. It could have been directed at her.
Elestren's eyes settled on the clock on the wall. She waited three minutes, another three, five more, then fell to her knees, the tears bursting forth and making her hunch in on herself.
She let herself wail, the adrenaline leaving her exhausted and frightened. How could Lucci do that? How could he be so cruel? How could he be so dangerous? Why had she ever trusted him with her emotions? She thought he was safe and dependable, all for it to be thrown back at her with as much force and pain as the fist he laid into her counter top.
Elestren fought to breathe, sucking in wet breaths and gasps. She fisted the material of her skirt, bunching it up and pressing it to her sopping face. She had been a fool. This had all been a mistake. She shouldn't have started those visits to Lucci; if she knew it would lead to this moment, she would have never bothered him.
Why did she do this to herself?
~~~
A few days had passed since the incident.
Elestren wasn't in any rush to make amends with Lucci; in fact, she was just fine carrying on in life without him.
The giant hole in her counter top was a great reminder of his ruthless anger; and with her mind void of wine, she realized how much a scummy friend he was to Kaku. What kind of person non-consensually kisses their best friend's girlfriend person of interest? Lucci wasn't as great of a person Elestren thought he was. If she didn't see him again, she'd be just fine.
It made things better once the girls came back with Jettie. Things were beginning to feel normal again; Elestren didn't realize how much she needed to hear those inane giggles drifting down the hallway or the way Marin would come into her apartment to share the latest bit of gossip. She missed these moments with her girls; she sought to join them in their banter and giggles for once.
Elestren embraced this kind of normalcy; it was predictable, it was grounding for her.
Until it wasn't.
"What happened to your counter?"
Marin's question almost made Elestren drop her mug of tea. The hot liquid sloshed as she jolted in her rocking chair, completely forgetting about it. She wasn't sure how to fix it, too naive about reconstructing counters and too fresh from emotion to consider getting it looked at. She had put her utensil-holder over it instead; out of sight, temporarily out of mind.
Elestren tried to think of a quick answer that would deem appropriate in strength and story. "It, uh, came from my skillet. I dropped it on accident."
Marin shot her a perplexed look. "Your skillet? Damn! Did you drop it from the ceiling or something?"
Elestren's laugh was airy. "I was trying to kill a spider. It- just slipped, I guess." She swallowed. "It was a big spider. Big and terrifying." She wasn't completely lying on the latter part. Remembering Lucci's empty black eyes made unpleasant shivers go down her legs and arms.
Marin noticed the reaction. "You poor dear." She observed the hole in the granite. "Did you kill it?"
"Kill what?"
"The spider, silly."
"Ah." Elestren smoothed her hair. "No. But I think it's gone for good."
"Let's hope it doesn't make its ugly way to my room," Marin chuckled. She ran a finger along the splintered cracks, giving Elestren a wink. "Maybe you should get one of the dockmen to come fix it for you. They might give you a discount if you beg properly."
Elestren let out a reluctant laugh, wincing when it sounded strangled in her throat.
Marin was quick to notice that too, eyebrows drawing together. "Are you and Kaku still on the outs?"
Elestren sighed. "Uh, sort of."
Marin hummed sadly. "Sorry. Maybe Tilestone or Lulu can do it. They did mention wanting to come see the upper level designs of the HC!" Her smile turned cheeky. "Maybe if Lucci comes with them I can give him a private tour."
"You will not."
Elestren didn't mean to sound so hostile. Hearing the idea of Lucci being back in the apartment wing was not something she wanted to think about so soon after what had happened.
Marin straightened up. "I was just kidding. What's your damage, Tren?"
"Nothing," Elestren answered quickly. She rubbed her temples. "I'm sorry. It's just been a rough week." She backpedaled, trying to recover from her mistake. "You know what, I think you're right. I'll have one of the dockmen come to look at my counter."
Marin managed a smile before Nessa came bursting into Elestren's apartment door. "Tren! You have a special delivery!" The giggles ensuing behind her had made Elestren quirk an eyebrow.
"A special delivery? From who?"
Nessa smiled mischievously. "I was hoping you could tell us that."
Ava's head poked out from around Nessa, giving Elestren another playful smile. "Kaku chooses such pretty flowers, Tren!"
At Kaku's name, Elestren slammed her tea on her table and jumped up. "What?!"
Nessa took Elestren's reaction as pleasant shock, squealing excitedly. "Come on! Come see!"
Elestren flew out of her apartment, choosing to take the emergency stairs three at a time, the three girls quick on her heels. She dashed into the main lobby and skidded to a halt at the ornate vase on the welcome desk.
Elestren felt her stomach go sour.
Twelve ruby-red roses in full bloom were arranged intricately in an emerald vase, looking ever the picture of loveliness.
Elestren's eye twitched subtly, knowing exactly who the roses were from. It felt like being doused with sweet-smelling poison, sickly saccharine and gorgeous on the outside, only aiming to prick and injure its receiver.
Not too unlike their sender.
The girls were buzzing like entranced bees around the vase, each smelling a rose and cooing at how sweet the gesture seemed to be. Elestren stood frozen to her spot, eyeing the bouquet with quiet indifference, refusing to let it sway her.
"Well don't hold out on us! When did you make up with Kaku?!" Ava squealed.
Elestren cleared her throat, trying to be strong. "I didn't." She kept her voice steady. "I don't know who it's from."
Marin picked up a small tag tied with ribbon around one of the stems. As she read it, Nessa chimed in. "Well the delivery man was kind of vague. He just said it was from an anonymous giver." She then gasped again. "Do you have a secret admirer?!"
Elestren flinched inwardly. Marin turned and showed her the card. "It doesn't say who it's from on here either. Just 'To Elestren'." She smirked. "Maybe you do have a secret admirer."
As the girls conspired on who it could be, Elestren could feel an invisible box begin to cage her in. She hated the idea of Lucci sending her flowers. She felt as if he was making fun of her or perhaps guilt-tripping her for making him upset. She knew he wouldn't want to draw attention to himself. He would make things difficult, force her to acknowledge him from a distance in secret, wrapped up messages like this one.
She wouldn't let him get to her, that much was clear. Elestren might be emotional, but she wasn't an idiot. Lucci would not earn her forgiveness this way.
Elestren summoned a look of fake recognition. "Wait, I know who sent these! How could I forget?"
The girls' attention pivoted from the roses to Elestren at once. Elestren shook her head, smiling cheerfully. "I'm such a fool. I completely forgot about Barnaby and his lawn care team! I brought them lunch last week since the weather was so bad. Barnaby insisted he give me something in return, but I wouldn't listen. I know these are from him and his team." She allowed herself to stroke a soft petal from one of the roses. "No one else in Water 7 can grow such pretty flowers!"
The girls bought the lie, hiding their disappointment in the lack of drama or scandal in the story.
Elestren handled the vase carefully. "Don't be upset, girls! These aren't just for me! It's a team effort, of course! Here, take some roses!"
The girls' expressions brightened. As Ava and Nessa reached for some, Marin blinked curiously. "Are you sure, Tren? You did the work."
"I insist really! I think you girls deserve it after all my moodiness anyway!"
It was enough for them. They each took four roses, thanking Elestren and skipping back to their apartments. Marin gave Elestren a peck on the cheek before twirling her roses around and taking them back to her room.
Elestren smiled down at the empty vase, feeling much better than she had in days. She walked to the small kitchenette down the hall and dumped the water down the kitchen sink. This was certainly a nice antidote to her poison.
~~~
Elestren's eyes shot open at the small thump heard down the hall.
She blinked rapidly, glancing at the small alarm clock on her dresser. It was nearing 2am. Had she dreamed the noise? It was much too early to rise quite yet; she wouldn't need to be in the kitchen for at least another three hours.
Her eyes slowly began to flutter shut again, when she heard it. The smallest hint of movement. Something was in her apartment.
Heart hammering, Elestren carefully sat up and peeled the covers back slowly. Her ears honed in on any sound of that inaudible shuffling, the hardwood floor cold on her bare feet. She crept to her bedroom door, eyes trying to adjust to the darkness. She was glad she kept her bedroom door open, making it easy to tiptoe out into the hall.
She paused before entering her living room, eyes sweeping around the shadows for a suspicious figure.
Nothing moved.
Elestren reached slowly for the small Yagara totem on her coffee table, holding it up to use as her weapon of choice. It might be nothing, merely the noises of the building, creaks and groans from weather and neighbors.
As she moved out into the space of the living room, eyes flashing to every strange shadow, her feet suddenly froze in spot when her eyes fell on her living room window—curtains aside and shifting in the night breeze.
It was open. Had she left it open last night? She definitely did not remember doing something so careless like that.
She held her breath and tried to reason with the gnawing fear beginning to climb up her body. Maybe an animal crawled in, somehow lifted the latch and made itself at home. Maybe it was a robber, or a pirate, searching to prey on the innocence of a random dweller in the middle of the night-
Something very human grabbed the arm that held the totem. They were behind her. Elestren made to scream before a warm hand covered her mouth, fast as lightning. Every nerve in her body ignited to life, needing to fight, to flee, to break away from the monster holding her captive.
She was suddenly turned away from the window, spun in a complete 180 with her captor. What were they doing? Were they making her dizzy, disorienting her before committing their violence?
The person's face came into view, now lit up from the un-curtained street lamps from the window.
Elestren gasped out loud, muffled from the hand still on her face. Her eyes became blurry; despite the darkness, she could see every outline with perfect vision.
His smile was as warm as sunshine.
"Hi, flower."
~
