𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘵𝘦𝘳 8- 𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘱𝘱𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘓𝘰𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘴
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𐦍༘⋆ ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𐦍༘⋆ ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𐦍༘⋆ ‧₊˚❀༉ ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𐦍༘⋆ ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𐦍༘⋆ ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚. 𐦍༘⋆ ‧₊˚❀༉ ‧₊˚❀༉‧₊˚.
A distorted image of a creme ceiling meets my eyes as I gaze into consciousness. Silk navy sheets graze my skin as I turn to the center of the bed. Expecting to see a muscular pale back in front of me,I find empty space instead. Slowly rolling down the bed, my sore legs touch the wooden floor. My arms fill the space above and I stretch my sore limbs from laying in one position prior. I shuffle down the room and feel my toe knuckles pop while walking towards the kitchen. The hallway has a different feeling than it had last night but the thought of what might be lurking in every corner still gives my arms goose bumps. To have a nightmare like that was almost a prediction. The elderly woman's face was clear, and concerned. It all felt so real, that I went looking for Jack; a stranger that I just met to console me. Hopefully it was just a nightmare from being in an unfamiliar environment. Waddling towards the kitchen I can't help but wonder where's jack. It's his house he can come and go whenever he pleases but is he truly comfortable leaving a stranger he hasn't even known for 24 hours alone in his house? Deep in thought I suddenly hear light grunting coming from the living room. Shit is that an intruder? I frantically look for something to protect myself with, searching corners for a golf club, a bat, something-anything.
Peeking through the corner of the wall my eyes meet with the pale back I was looking for. Deep grooves of shoulder and back muscle are moving from his exertion. Tiny dips of sweat are rolling down his spine to his hips. His grunts are a bit louder now that I'm in the hallway looking at him. I can't help but stare as his large arms pull him up and down, the tips of his short blonde hair spiky from the sweat of his movements. His pace hasn't changed, he grunts the same lethargic tone from when I woke up a couple of minutes ago. I can't help but wonder if he's going to do this forever. Can he?
"I can." Jack randomly rumbles.
Can he read my mind?! He can do pull ups forever?!
"I can feel your eyes on me for the last five minutes." The lilt to his voice annoyed.
Oh-
Rounding the corner of the hallway, I talk to his back.
"Good morning!" I beamed. He simply kept pulling up and down.
"Morning sunshine." His pet name for me makes me smile. I guess his bad mood from last night is gone thank goodness.
"So what's on our agenda for today?"
"Shopping." Jack says matter of factly.
Shopping? As in buying clothes? I don't have much of anything left. I literally didn't even pack, I just kept running until I saw someone. I thought grimly.
His back still turned, Jack rumbles," What's the matter?"
Does he have eyes at the back of his head?
Wringing my hands I mumbled,"Well I don't have any money for shopping..."
Jack suddenly stops and lets his feet touch the ground. His spine lengthens in the process.
"Hence, we are going shopping." Jack almost taunts, facing me. "Oh...right." I mumbled awkwardly. I can vividly hear my mothers voice saying 'Never let a man buy you anything! It's never a kind gesture, he will want something in return'
"N-no that's alright! I-i'll figure out something else later." The burly man brows furrowed. "Figure out what exactly? He questions walking towards me.
"I-I could sell water or canned goods or something—"
"You need money to buy that." Jack interrupts
His hard tawny eyes were locked in on mine and I couldn't look away. Panicking, I take quick steps backwards but he follows unfazed.
"Well I could wash cars or something-"
"You would still need to buy soap."
Taking more quick steps I feel my back graze the hard wood of the counter edge.
"I-I could sing or dance to-"
Before I knew it Jack was in front of me. His heavy forearms graze mine as he blocks my path, his legs stance wide with mine in the middle. Nowhere to run.
"This isn't the french quarter. We're in Japan." Jack rumbles. Pinned between him and the counter Jack gently pulls my chin up with his two fingers.
My armpits start to sting from the anxiety, my heart in my throat. It feels like minutes have gone by merely staring at each other in silence.
Is this not a red flag Mia?! You just met this guy last night, gave you a place to stay, fed and washed and now he wants to buy you clothes?! Absolutely not! How am I supposed to pay him back without a job?! I don't want to do the things I've seen people warn me about!
"What's the matter?" Jack rumbles it's almost a whisper. Closing my eyes,I shake my head. "Hm?" He questions. Tears burning my tear ducts, my lips start to quiver. "Look at me Mia." Jack says softly. Feeling my eyes betray me, tears start to roll down the corner of my eyes to my hairline. My shoulders start to shake with sobs, my entire body vibrates sobs. I feel Jack hands under my arms and lifts me on the counter. Before I knew it my sobs echoed across the large space of the living room/ kitchen. Yet Jack still has his fingers on my chin staring up at him, but I couldn't help but cry. I can't really make out his face but his brows seem to be furrowed. I just really don't want to be taken advantage of.
"What's these crocodile tears for,hm?" Jack lilts, smirking. From his tone he seems to be going for the humor approach but I'm in no mood to laugh. "I don't have any money." I grasp my voice hoarse and watery. Jack places his other large warm hand on my head. His thumb rubbing the front of my scalp. "I know sweetheart that's why we're going shopping." Jack almost coos. His voice is so rough and deep, it's almost funny hearing him go for a sweet approach. If this were a different situation i'd laugh but unfortunately it's not. I can tell he's trying though. I should try too. "But I can't pay you back." I whimper, defeated. Jack simply tilts his head. "Pay me?"
"Y-yeah?" Suddenly Jack stopped hovering above the counter. "Mia." Jack starts. "I never said anything about paying me back. Is that why you're crying?"
"K-kinda" I hiccuped looking up at the burly man walking toward the kitchen island. Jack rips a paper towel from its rack and fold its ridges. Heaving a heavy sigh Jack hands me the towel staring into my eyes. "I'm not that kind of guy." Silence stretches for a moment before taking it, I dab the corner of my eyes and nod my head. I'm not sure what I'm supposed to say. Thank you seems a bit out of place. I shouldn't have to thank someone for not being a jerk right?
"Alright. Now stop crying." Jack's already back to his old moody familiar self. Lifting me once again I grasp his shoulders as my feet meet the wooden floor. Yet my eyes linger on his chest and waist. The burly man simply raises a brow and my cheeks burn. "If you have guests, why not wear a shirt?!" I squawk. The man simply hums before turning towards the fridge for a cold bottle of water. Slinging his towel over his shoulder. "You're not complaining." Keeping my head down to not stare at his defined body, I protest. "I most certainly am!"
"Mhm." He chides.
I couldn't help but feel my reddened cheeks rise into a smile on my face. "You can help yourself to breakfast. I'm sure you're hungry." I hum and walk underneath his arm opening the fridge. I gasp. Illuminated from the light bulb is just meat. Literally. Pork, lamb, ham, and turkey. "Ummm." I waver. Opening the freezer the chilly air meets my warm face. there's nothing but fish. From salmon to cat fish. I hear a deep rumble in the man's chest that's behind me. Looking up at him I press. "There's only meat in here." The large man stares down at me inquisitively. "Protein." I have to stop myself from rolling my eyes and say,"How about pancakes or maybe cereal." Closing the freezer Jack simply frowns. "I don't waste my time with junk food."
"That's breakfast!" I protest.
"For little people." Jack rumbles
Little people?
Like elves?
Huffing, I look at the looming figure above me.
"How about we eat at the mall instead?" I say sheepishly
"Get dressed, I washed your socks."
"Kay!"
Running up the stairs Jack calls out,"Kozue bought clothes earlier for you." The word clothes stops me in my tracks. Clothes for me? Aren't Japanese women really small? Seeing my apprehension Jack mildly drawls out,"Kozue was positive you would like them" Looking over the railing Jack almost looks embarrassed. Hm it can't be that bad. Some leggings and a large tee right?
Timeskip
WRONG.
A polyester thin layer of fabric with white flowers in every nook and cranny. Holding it in front me, I'm met with a woman with large eyes and her mouth agape in the bathroom mirror. There's even a pack of underwear and a bra. How did he know my size? Either way it's really cute. I've never worn anything like this before. There's even a travel size hygiene package! Seeing the tub drained I take a quick bath and meet Jack downstairs.
*Jack's Pov*
Hearing a light patter down the wooden stairs, I assume she's finally done. Does it usually take that long for women to get dressed? Rounding the staircase I see Mia bouncing down the last step, her hair out of its twist and curly and soft.
"Sorry! I really needed that shower!" She smiles sheepishly. I couldn't help but look at her. Kozue was right. The dark dress made her skin almost look velvet and plush. Her thick thighs are on display but not too high exactly at the knees. The top of her dress outlines her breast but doesn't define it. She's really pretty. That's the only thought I have.
"I've never worn anything like this before but I really like it." She looks down at her feet smiling. "Thank you Jack. Oh! And Kozue too!" Her ample cheeks rounded even more, smiling.
Cute.
Grabbing my keys out of the bowl, I nudged her sandals too. "C'mon it's already noon, let's not waste anymore daylight."
"Kay!" She almost squeals.
We're just getting her a wardrobe. What's so fun about that? Skipping behind me, trying to keep my pace, Mia smiles in delight. Well I'd rather she be really happy than cry, that was the worst. No amount of training could prepare for that agony. She looked so defeated. I hate that feeling in my gut. I just wanted to figure out what was the matter so she stopped. I couldn't take it anymore.
Couldn't take it?
When did I ca-
"I need your help getting in." Mia's words interrupted my own. Looking down at the crown of her head. Mia stands almost awkwardly by the truck door, her chubby bronze hand on the handle. "This truck is huge. How did anyone even make this." Mia whined. Her chubby cheeks pouted, mouth settling into a small frown.
Damn.
Scooping her chubby body in my arms, Mia huffs and lightly kicks her legs out. "Not this again." The tiny woman groans. Placing her in the soft seat gently I grumbled, "Don't be dramatic." I lean over the hood of the car starting into her sweet cocoa eyes. "Do you like picking me up or something? I'm not a small dog." Mia complains softly. Do I like it? Thinking of all the times I've held her. Her soft skin, her voice squeaks in surprise, her eyes widen, her somewhat becoming familiar weight in my hands. Mia stares into my eyes expectantly. Closing the door shut. I hear Mia's surprised "Ah!" As I rounded the truck there was only one thought on my mind.
'Fuckin right I do.
Timeskip
Living in a rural area outside of Japan has its advantages. Isolation and fresh air, more game I can hunt and fish. In the corner of my peripheral vision, Mia's body curls under the blanket, her light snores escape her small nose. Damn. Living forty five minutes away from anything is a disadvantage, if paying for gas is a luxury.
The a/c must have knocked her out. Ten minutes prior she was wiggling in her seat excitedly. I turned on the damn stereo I never use after she nearly begged to listen to Babymetal. After nearly screaming her head off to 'Gimme Chocolate.' I almost had the mind to say nap time, but she beat me to it. The sun beaming down on the windows causing her to sweat the a/c dried it up, causing her to shiver. Whining about being cold, I gave her the blanket in the back and she rolled in it like a little bug and was fast asleep.
Damn it.
My heart keeps doing that. That sinking motion into the pit of my stomach. Everytime she pouts or whines or talks. Her mannerisms. I can't help it. That sinking motion.
*35min Timeskip*
*Thunk* Closing my truck door shut, the truck shakes slightly as I round the passenger side to wake up Mia. Opening the passenger side door her chubby face slanted into the seat, curled into a ball. Time to wake up sleeping beauty.
Gently rubbing her shoulder I wake her. "Mia."
The tiny woman only whines and snuggles into her blanket. "Mia." I shake her shoulder again. "Wake up sleepy beauty." Mia only stirs more.
"No... me alone..." Her soft voice groans.
Fuck it.
Slipping her legs on my forearm, I hold her back to my chest bridal style. Slipping on her sandals I lock the truck as I walk towards the mall entrance, with a sleeping Mia in hand.
This will be fun, I grimly thought.
Walking into the busy mall, immediately people stare at me holding her. Some women look concerned while some men look almost envious. I'd thought the loud noise would wake her but she merely drools over my shirt. I'm not even sure what I'm doing. Where do women shop anyway? What do women want? Designer? Fashion? I just wear whatever fits me.
"Excuse me, sir."
A middle aged man approaches me. "Is that woman alright? She's not drugged is she?" The man hesitated,pointed at Mia uncomfortably.
The fuck?
"Mind your damn business. Get loss" I ignored him walking near the escalators. The women's section is on the second and third floors. So there's something here that Mia will like. The woman behind me thinks I can't hear her but I can. "This man is holding this black girl up the escalator. Why waste your time with trash like that." She all but complains. Glaring down at her she finally shuts up. "Tourist." She spits out.
The hell is wrong with people?
Stepping off the escalator, all the women's clothing stores are here. "Mia." I lightly bounce her in my grasp. She stirs yet her eyes open trying to focus on my face. Finally.
"Jack?" Mia brows furrowed. "Is nap time over?" I smirk at her confused expression. "W-wait we're here?!" Mia all but springs up from my chest looking at the department stores in different languages. "We just got here so there's still plenty to see." I hummed, detecting excitement from her voice and expression.
"Let's try to get as many things as we can so we don't have to come back." Mia brows furrow but she nods her head anyway.
Walking into one of the stores Mia in my arms asks. "Is there a plus size second here?" "I'm not positive yet but we can ask the sales associate." I replied. She just whines and hides in my chest again. What's the matter now? The way she goes through emotions almost gives me whiplash.
"Is it okay to just go to a plus size store instead?" The small woman insisted.Looking down at her afflicted features, I find it best that I don't persist. "Fine with me." I reasoned. Walking the long corridor of the mall. I see the colorful lights and the brand names. 'Bebe Fat, Fat Girls and Fat Cat.' My eyes scanned the obscene brands before looking down at Mia. Her expression stays neutrally intact, instead of disgruntled. Hm.
"Let's go somewhere else." I grunted.
"Hm?" Mia perked. Looking up at me.
"We should shop somewhere more…" I paused.
"Accepting." Mia trailed off, before laughing at my grim expression.
"The words japan and acceptance aren't usually in the same sentence." She added.
"C'mon! Let's go inside this one!" Mia exclaimed! Pointing at the store brand,'Fat Girls.'
Cute.
*Mia's Pov*
"This is really cute!" I squeal, holding the blue dress to my chest,looking up at Jack. "Does it have your size?" Jack questioned. Skimming the light fabric tags, I found a 1XL.
"Yeps!" Showing the tag to Jack he gently takes the dress and puts it in the cart.
"See, this isn't so bad." I preen up at Jack who looks away from me before muttering. "Let's get what we need."
Seeing more dresses on the wall and hanger, I grab one in my size. I asked him about our budget and he just turned my head around and said "Pick whatever you fancy."
Taking off racks of dresses and summer clothes. I've never felt this way. So free. That's the only word that comes close to this feeling in my chest.
So many people are staring at us, yet I could care less. "Having fun?" The large man asks above.
"What gave it away?" I smile up at him sheepishly.
Jack eyes leave mine before eyeing the loaded cart in front of him with a deadpan expression.
"Nothing really" He stated, the humor yet leaving his eyes.
"You got me." I grin.
"That's everything I would really need. We did it in only one store!" I exclaimed. Pumping my fist in the air. "Finally." Jack grumbled.
Rolling my eyes I reasoned, "Let's get some food in our tummies. We deserve it!"
"Then let's get out of here." Jack nearly complains.
"I need accessories!" I gasp.
Jack chest rumbles in and I quickly exclaim,"I know where they are! I'll be quick, I just need something." I scamper off to the isle of necklaces and earrings etc. Remember my father's words 'You look like a boy by the ear, aren't you a girl?'
Shaking my head gently I smile.
I don't have to worry about people like him anymore. My life is finally beginning. I remind myself. Skimming over the necklaces and jewelry my finger grazes someone's hand absentmindedly.
"S-sorry!" I mutter, yanking my hand back quickly.
"You're fine." The man replies smoothly.
Looking up at him I realize he stand out too but for a different reason. Dawn in a white suit fitted to his muscular physique. He has a black mask cover the lower proportion of his face but his eyes, deep and brown with thin glasses. He looks rich. Definitely not some black girl like me shopping at a store called 'Fat Girls.'
"Sorry for bothering you, I've gotta run." I quickly grab whatever charm or bracelet in front of me and run to the checkout line.
"They're cheap. Obviously not real." The man calls out with my back turned.
"I'm sorry?" I questioned.
I know I shouldn't bother myself with the locals but this guy.
"It's a department store." My smile did not reach my eyes, "Obviously not designer." The man simply hums before pulling out his card. "How about I give you a taste of that."
Excuse me?
My gaze hardens at the card in the man's hand.
"No thank you, I'll be alright." I snapped.
"Just in case you reconsidered," The man steps forward and places the card in my hand. With that he turns and leaves the aisle muttering, "I need a new secretary."
I stand in the aisle for a minute brows furrowed with the card in my opened palm. The locals giving me weird stares.
What's wrong with the locals these days?
Oh right! Jack!
I scurry to the checkout line to see Jack next. Thank goodness he wasn't just sitting there or worse trying to find me.
"Sorry, I'm back." I trailed off.
"That was quick." Jack rumbles, sarcasm dripping from his tone.
"I-I know I got kinda lost. " I replied absentmindedly. Looking over my shoulder to see if the man was still in the store.
Rough fingers gently press against my chin. Jack tawny eyes peirce mine. "You good?" He said softly. Biting my lip I nod my head.
"Y-yeah I'm okay, just hungry."
The cashier spoke in Japanese but I know we're up next so I push the cart to her register feeling Jack stare a hole into the top of my head.
A/N
IM BACK BABY! NEW CHAPTER IM SO EXCITED!! I MISS YOU ALL SO MUCH. HOW DO U FEEL ABT THIS CHAPTER!