Jamie walked through the threshold between the guild's corner and the cafe with a cheeky grin on his face. He was greeted by the sounds of bustling maids serving their customers. Tourists and adventurer's filled the establishment's seating, causing a line to wrap from the store's entrance around the corner. Yeah, it's about that time where everyone would be finishing up their quests. Jamie lurked for a while longer taking it all in. I remember when I used to grab a bite to eat after every quest. It didn't take long for his eyes to wander in the direction of the bakery display counter.
Lucky's hair was up in a ponytail and she had tucked in her new appropriately branded shirt into her dark jeans. The words "The Fool's Carol" sprawled out across her chest in fancy blue and gold writing. She had a light blue bistro apron tied to her waist. Her face was focused as she carefully alternated between serving sweets, taking payments, cleaning and keeping the shelves stocked.
"I don't think the creep vibe is a good fit for you." Karyl's voice caught Jamie's attention.
Jamie rolled his eyes, "Ha-ha. I was worried about her today, ya know?"
"Well, you wasted your energy then, She did great!" Karyl leaned on the wall next to him.
Jamie nodded, "Yeah, I knew she would."
"Although..." Karyl frowned, "I didn't expect her to be so popular."
"Huh?!" Jamie's eyes widened.
"Wellll, let's just say she's already got herself some possible fans. I might have to train her to join the wait staff sooner than expected."
"Oh wow, so she's got a knack for this?"
"Only time will tell. But she did manage to rack up an impressive number of sales and tips today." Karyl rubbed her fingers together.
"I'm not even gonna ask." Jamie groaned.
"That's okay, I'm just going to tell ya. Last I checked she was at about 1000cds."
"EXCUSE ME?!" Jamie's voice jumped an octave.
Karyl glew brightly with pride, "Yeah, and she did that while stuck behind the counter all day."
"I-incredible." Jamie watched Lucky in silence for a few moments, "Well now I feel bad even asking this but..."
"Then don't ask." Karyl giggled.
"Right... Would you mind letting Lucky out early? And by early I mean now-" Karyl gave Jamie a dirty look. "-ish?" Jamie looked away and whistled Alma's theme song.
Karyl shrugged, "Fine, but I get her all day tomorrow."
"Why don't we go ask her?" Jamie suggested.
The two walked over to the counter, Karyl went behind it and Jamie went off to the side in front of the main display case.
"Oh, hello Jamie! How was your day?" Lucky's tail wagged.
Jamie leaned on the glass, "It was crazy, but it's gotten a lot better. How are you holding up?"
"I'm great! This is soooo much fun. Everyone here is super nice!" Lucky's smile caught Jamie off guard.
"You're doing great sugar," Karyl gave her a thumbs up. "At first she hid behind me and watched, but it didn't take long for her to take over and do it all by herself." Karyl said to Jamie.
"I'm proud of you." Jamie's voice was warm, "Thank you for giving her this opportunity Karyl."
Lucky blushed, "So can I get you anything?"
"Uhhmm, actually I was wondering. Do you want to get out of here and go do something? You'd have to work a full day tomorrow though." Jamie pointed at Karyl, "The boss gave the okay."
Lucky looked to Karyl who gave a simple nod. Without missing a beat Lucky reached into her apron and pulled out a pink metallic card that had a set of engravings on it.
"I gotta transfer the CDs before I go."
Karyl went to place her hand on Lucky's shoulder but quickly returned it to her side, "No hon, the money that goes on that card is attached to your employee ID. Meaning anything on there is what you've earned!"
Lucky gave Karyl a hug, squeezing her gently, "Thank you very much for today! I learned so much! I'll be sure to get loads of sales tomorrow!"
Lucky ran around the counter to Jamie's side, "Lead the way!" She trilled excitedly.
"We have a stop to make first," Jamie shifted his eyes away, "But after that I'll show you around a bit."
The two walked out of the front doors leaving the vibrant atmosphere of The Fool's Carol behind them. Karyl watched them go with a fond look on her face. I can't believe how much he's changed in a month. Wait until Terry hears about this. Karyl looked down at her ring finger and sighed. When are you coming home darlin'?
*****
"This is it?" Lucky pawed at Jamie's arm.
Jamie scanned the massive building in front of him. This place still gives me the creeps. He shivered while inspecting the building's concrete exterior. Large panes of glass on the upper floors gave way to the hospital room where the sick and injured rested.
"Yeah, this is the place." His voice was softer than usual.
"I would like to go in too," Lucky's tail began to whoosh from side to side. "I want to meet the adventurer's you went out with today!"
"Why's that?" Jamie opened the door waving Lucky in.
"Yesterday when you left me alone in the cafe, I saw them hanging out. It looked like fun!" She explained.
"Makes sense, they are an... Interesting group."
Jamie walked to a nearby desk where an employee had been checking people in and flashed his guild card. He quickly explained he was there to visit the group he had dropped off earlier. The receptionist pointed down the hall and told him a room number. Jamie gave his thanks and walked back to Lucky's side.
The two walked silently for a little while until arriving at the elevators.
"No way! I've been wanting to ride on one of these!" Lucky's ears wiggled.
"What is it with you and riding things?" Jamie chuckled.
"It's just fun! Plus if I'm riding something, I don't need to walk everywhere." She reasoned.
Jamie smiled, "There's that freeloader energy I'd expect out of you."
The elevator opened up welcoming the two inside, its faint music was calming and it smelled like apple cinnamon. Jamie reached out and pressed the button labeled "7" turning it a bright orange. Lucky began to fidget, Jamie gave her the sideye.
"What's wrong?" His brow raised.
"So, uhm... Am I underdressed?" Her voice was low.
Jamie tilted his head. "For what?"
"Karyl said you basically invited me on a date, and you got dressed up really nice today. So I feel like I should change." Lucky studied Jamie's face intently.
The tips of Jamie's ears fevered, "No you aren't underdressed. I just felt like looking professional for their exam today."
"Oh, I see..." Lucky's voice dropped.
Jamie felt a twinge in his chest, "Well, If I'm being completely honest," He hesitated. "It's not a proper date." Lucky's ears drooped. "But, I did want to look nice when we went out together today." He said calmly.
Lucky smiled softly, "I can change then?"
"You don't need my permission to change ya weirdo!" Jamie blushed as he turned away.
Lucky's skin and clothing began to skitter, "It's not like I'd be opposed to a date ya know..." Lucky's whisper barely left her lips.
As the skittering came to a halt Lucky's silver twintails were flowing freely down her back to her knees. She wore a classy black dress with matching nail polish. Her sneakers were replaced by heels and a golden anklet. A black choker clung to her neck and a golden crescent moon pendant hung from its soft fabric.
"How do I lo-?" Lucky stammered, "I-I mean, I'm all set. You can turn around." Lucky held her hands around a black and gold phone sized purse in front of her.
Jamie turned around and stared at her. The ding from the elevator went unheard as he remained bewitched. Oh no, what do I say? Say she's beautiful idiot! No! Too forward you'll creep her out. Okay just play it cool. You can't do that, she'll get upset, she specifically chose this. Oh crap she's staring at me, she must be wondering why I'm not answering. I'm so screwed... Wait. This should be easy, if it were Karyl, Betty or Terry I'd just compliment them and move on. Am... Am I cooked? Jamie felt a drip of sweat run down the back of his neck as he remained stunlocked.
"You good?" Lucky leaned in and placed the back of her hand on his forehead, "You're a little clammy. Feeling alright?" Her concern was apparent.
Jamie shook his head, "I was just thinking how I'm feeling a bit underdressed myself now. You look great!" He beamed at her.
Lucky's chest pounded, What is this? She smiled sweetly at Jamie but couldn't find a proper response.
"You two lovebirds make me sick, maybe I'll need medical attention next." Some older lady harrumphed as she pushed her way onto the elevator.
SAVED! Unbeknownst to each other Lucky and Jamie celebrated the old hag's interruption.
"Oh sorry about that ma'am," Jamie apologized, "We were just leaving."
The two looked at each other as they stepped off and quickly turned their heads in opposite directions.
"S-so what room are they in?" Lucky tripped over her tongue.
"707." Jamie responded a little too quickly.
Their pace quickened, racing down the hallway. Someone save me, I'm going to die from embarrassment. Lucky's eyes landed on their destination. Finally! She waited patiently for Jamie to reach out and place his hand on the cold metal doors in front of them. They were labeled with a set of large bold numbers "707". Channeling a small bit of mana into a terminal on the door caused it to react swiftly and slide sideways, silently pocketing itself into the walls.
The inside of the room was far more spacious than the entrance would lead one to believe. There were six distinct areas where beds with various machines were placed. There seemed to be a bathroom door on either side of the entrance and a little kitchen area in the back of the room. The massive panes of glass that lead to the balcony let in ample sunlight for the weary adventurers inside. Jamie's gaze traveled to the two nearest beds. Terra was asleep on the left and Taiga on the right. Terra didn't seem to have any bandages but an IV with a bag labeled "Monarian" was hooked up to her. Taiga's left arm was wrapped up and they had a slime-like substance on their burn wounds. Monarian was also being pumped into their veins.
"Where are the other two?" Jamie wondered out loud.
"I was hoping to talk to the silver eyed one." Lucky piped up.
Jamie walked further into the mostly empty room and took a seat in a chair by the windows. "Oh, Holly? Yeah, she's the one I really needed to see. The rest of them I just wanted to check up on."
"She'll be back soon," One of the bathroom doors opened up and Nepped walked out, joining the conversation, "She just went to grab a few snacks."
"I figured you might be up and around." Jamie took a good look at Nepped, "But don't push yourself, okay?"
"Don't tell me what to do." Nepped said dryly.
Lucky started walking towards Jamie, "He's just worried about you."
"You don't need to defend your boyfriend, I'm just tired. I'll nap it off shortly."
"He's not my boyfriend!" The pitch of Lucky's voice went up an octave.
Nepped flopped onto the bed next to Terra. "Whatever you say. Anyway, I'm going to sleep." Within moments Nepped was dozing off.
"Oh wow, she wasn't kidding." Jamie laughed under his breath.
"She doesn't seem like she's very good with people." Lucky plopped down next to Jamie.
"You think so? From what I saw she cares greatly about her friends. Sure she's a bit prickly but that might just be part of her charm." Jamie shrugged.
"See, you get it." Holly's voice came from the entryway. "How's it goin' Jamie?"
Holly seemed to be moving about normally, milky eyes quickly moved to each of her companions. In her arms she had various snacks from candy bars all the way to chips.
"How's the wound?" Jamie asked.
Holly began placing various snacks at the bedside tables of her party, "Do you ask as a pleasantry or because you enjoy small talk? I'm sure you gathered that I healed up already."
"I apologize, I didn't mean to come across as rude or demeaning. Yes I am aware of your regenerative properties, I just didn't know to what extent yours functioned." Jamie waved his hand across his midsection.
Holly raised her nightgown slightly revealing that the wound had healed leaving behind a strange scar-like circle on her abdomen. Lucky looked on in interest and Jamie nodded with delight,
"That's pretty impressive, ya know?"
Holly had finished distributing the snacks and joined the pair sitting by the windows, "If only everyone saw it that way."
"I understand how you feel." Jamie's eyes met the ground for a moment.
"I appreciate the sentiment... But I believe it's truly impossible for a human to understand how I feel and the ostracization I've had to deal with over something like this."
Jamie frowned, "I suppose you may be right," His expression quickly changed to a lighter one. "Well, I'm here on official guild business before I take Lucky out on the town."
"I presume this means Vladimir has made his decision?" Holly crossed her arms.
"Yes, Vladimir would like to extend the rank of Crowdell to you and offer your party the opportunity to expedite Taiga's Sparrow rank." Jamie said with a wide smile.
Holly thought for a moment, "I'm sure Taiga will accept the bump in rank, however... I'm afraid I'll have to refuse the Crowdell promotion."
Jamie raised his brow, "Oh? And what makes you say that?"
"I'm fully aware of your interference in my exam. You said yourself if you have to step in, I'd fail. Even if that weren't the case I managed to slip up multiple times causing my team to take unnecessary risks."
Lucky's eyes darted between the two as the silence grew longer. Jamie stood up and offered Lucky a hand. Holly hung her head as Jamie began to walk out with Lucky at his side.
"I'll give you until the end of the week to make your choice." He stopped for a moment, "Personally, I believe you were an exceptional leader. Your ability to maneuver your team is uncommon, especially with a new recruit. Not only that but you managed to best my mimic. That alone is worthy of Crowdell rank."
"Yeah but-"
Jamie cut her off, "If I were you, I wouldn't let your team know you were thinking about declining the promotion. I'm sure that would turn out to be a headache."
Jamie threw up his right arm to wave goodbye. Lucky looked back longingly at Holly and her party before they were removed from her view as they turned the corner.
Taiga's covers ruffled as she sat up, "Jamie didn't interfere though." Taiga rubbed her eyes.
"Oh, you're awake." Holly turned to Taiga. "And he did. There were at least another two dozen mimics closing in on us."
Taiga had a nervous smile, "Y-you're joking, right?"
Holly shook her head, "Nope, not even a little."
Taiga shifted her gaze to the doorway, a glint of fear in her eyes, "Jamie took them all out then?"
"Obviously furball," Nepped yawned, "Dudes a damn monster."
"Hard to believe a Wyvern could do all that." Terra rolled over.
Holly laughed, "Good morning' to you guys too. And you should know he isn't a Wyvern."
"Oh. It would make sense for a Dragon to do that without a problem." Taiga reasoned.
"Yeah... Dragon," Holly looked outside. Holly's teammates shared awkward glances, "Anyway, Taiga I think you deserve a reward for your performance in the forest."
Taiga looked down at the slime squelching on her burn marks, "I don't really want anything, unless you have some unused relics laying around?" She reached to the nightstand and snagged a shiny orb from its display.
Holly giggled, "Actually, I thought of something you might enjoy more. Why don't you give us a team name?"
"What will it be?" Terra wondered.
Nepped hopped onto a counter, "Let's just hope there is some creativity stashed somewhere between those fluffy ears of yours."
Taiga's eyes shone with excitement, "Decima!" She blurted out.
"I'm sorry what?" Terra scowled.
"Decima," Taiga restated, "Terra, Nepped, Taiga & Holly. Take the first initial of each of our names and put them together 'TNTH' or tenth. It's a play on words." Taiga slipped the orb into her nightgown pocket.
"You're missing an 'E' there furball." Nepped smiled.
Holly gave a thumbs up, "I like it!"'
"You kinda cooked with that." Terra rolled back over.
"Since everyone likes the name, we will be known as 'Team Decima' moving forward," Holly grinned, "Now we just have to complete a bunch of quests to give the name meaning to the guild!" Holly exclaimed.
"By the way," Nepped said, "You did alright out there."
"You too," Taiga blushed.
*****
A little while later across town Jamie and Lucky were enjoying a basket of mozzarella sticks in a restaurant called "Father Frank's." The smell of brick baked pizza permeated through the air. Sounds of various arcade machines fighting for a player's attention clashed on the right hand side of the establishment. The two were seated on the left hand side of the building across from each other, the black and white tile beneath them seemed to have a permanent shine. Jamie dipped his mozzarella stick into a cup of warmed marinara sauce. As he took a bite and pulled it away from his mouth, cheese trailed from the uneaten half. He disconnected the cheese with his teeth and made a circular motion with the rest of his stick causing the stringy cheese to wrap itself around it. Lucky watched eagerly and mimicked his actions.
"This is soooo gooood!" Her tail bounced happily, "I saw you eating these a lot in your memories but I couldn't figure out the taste."
"Ya know that reminds me," Jamie took a moment to study Lucky, "It sounds like you were an absolute natural today."
"Yeah! Karyl said I did really well!" Lucky leaned over the basket of mozzarella sticks and dipped the other side of her half eaten stick in Jamie's sauce
"Did you uh," Jamie shook his head and finished off his mozz stick as well.
Lucky grabbed another mozzarella stick and wagged it around in the sauce, "Did I what?"
Sighing, Jamie replied, "Did you use your mind meld on anyone today?"
Lucky's eyes lit up, "I was so busy I didn't even think about it. If I used it on Karyl I could be even better at my new job! That's a good idea Jamie, thank you!"
Jamie's face was expressionless as he took a bite of his sauced up mozz stick. He chewed slowly as he watched Lucky happily mowing through the basket of food. Lifting his left arm, he ran his clean hand through his hair. Aw man, I wish I didn't bring it up. Remaining silent Jamie's eyes took an adventure around the pizza parlor. It didn't take long before he closed his eyes, darkening his view. The sounds of pinball machines, staff chattering, fighting games blaring and patrons clamoring busied the air. His heart began to slow as did his surroundings. I really do miss it here. His eyes reopened upon the feeling of pressure on his forehead.
"You feelin' okay?" Lucky's head was placed directly against his own. "Warm." Her ears flapped to a hidden rhythm.
That's strange, I didn't even notice her getting closer but... Jamie felt an intense warmth as his heart crescendoed. I can't believe she's got me in a stranglehold like this, what do I do? Does she even understand the concept of personal space? Is this a manipulation tactic so I don't turn her in, or abandon her? She's clearly not from here, does she even have the capacity to have the same feelings as me? Jamie's mind took off, creating multiple scenarios causing him to freeze up.
"Jamie, Did you get hurt, or sick on your mission today?" Lucky's voice trembled slightly.
"H-what? No. I'm totally fine." He reassured her.
"I'm sorry." Lucky hung her head.
"For what?"
"Saying I should use my mind meld on Karyl. To be honest I didn't really want to. I felt really good about myself today and I wanted to work at getting even better on my own!" She explained.
Jamie's eyes widened slightly, "Did you jus-"
Lucky nodded shamefully, "I really didn't mean it, I was worried you might have gotten sick."
"Ah, okay. It's fine. And well... I don't mind you using that on me, I do prefer if you ask first though. I know it's selfish but I'd rather you don't do it to anyone else. Partly because that's not something that can be passed off as magic or a trait of any of the races. The other part... Well the thought of it made me a bit jealous I guess." Jamie shrugged.
Lucky cocked her head, "What would you be jealous of?"
"Do I really need to spell it out for you?" Jamie groaned.
"Hmm... Yeah!" She sat up straight, pretending to be a student focused on a presenter.
"Ugh, Fine. The thought of you mind melding with someone else, felt wrong. Like we did something important together but if you do it with just anyone then it didn't have any meaning. It was a childish thought but that's why I got jealous." Jamie's body felt like it was in quicksand.
Lucky stood up quickly and pushed her chair back, "I-I need to use the bathroom!" Her voice shook as she raced away towards the ladies room.
Once at the bathroom door, she placed her hand on it causing it to retract vertically. The inside of the ladies room was well maintained and smelled very nice. She darted into a nearby stall and sat down on the closed lid. WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?! Lucky placed her hand on her chest, trying to calm the raging machine-like pounding within. I never thought about my mind meld like that. His face was so cute! I wish I could have teased him, even just a little bit! Lucky's chest heaved as she gasped for air. Her body and clothes skittered causing her to lose form momentarily. No, keep it together! I need to get back out there. The door to the bathroom opened and Lucky could hear someone walk over to the sinks. I should get going. Waving her hand over the toilet, she caused it to flush. I don't want anyone to know I was just having a freakout sesh in here. Opening the door Lucky nosely looked at the person who came in. It was a girl with light green hair and tanned skin. Her yellow eyes reflected brightly in the mirror. She seemed to be applying some kind of foundation with one hand, and adjusting her folded back hair with the other.
"Stella, is that you?" Lucky approached a neighboring sink.
The woman shifted her gaze in the mirror to look towards Lucky, "Oh my gosh, I was hoping to see you again Lucky!" Stella threw down her makeup and rushed over to give Lucky a hug.
Lucky tensed up at the sudden hug but allowed it anyway. "My hands are still dirty." Lucky said awkwardly.
Stella let go, "Haha, oops!" She returned to applying her makeup, "So what brings you here? Don't you work at The Fool's Carol?"
Lucky nodded, "Yep! My friend Jamie got me out of work early, and has been showing me around."
"Ahhh, So that's why you're all dolled up." Stella grinned at Lucky, "That Jamie of yours, they wouldn't happen to be an adventurer registered with The Fool's Carol would they?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I heard he's quite the looker." Stella paused slyly.
Lucky fidgeted with the sink, "He is easy on the eyes as they say."
"HAHAHA, No one says that anymore silly." Stella closed up her makeup and shoved it away into a fancy looking handbag, "Anyway, I was really impressed with you at the cafe today. Thank you for keeping me company for a while. I know you were really busy."
Lucky finished washing her hands and dried them off on a nearby air conduit. "Actually... I wanted to thank you for talking to me. you really helped calm my nerves. Something about your voice was so familiar it put me at ease." Lucky smiled fondly and headed for the door.
Stella abruptly called out to Lucky, "Hey wait!"
"What is it?"
Stella paced nervously for a moment before pulling out a bright yellow phone from her shirt. It had a chain hanging down from the top attached to a cute chibi figure of Alma. She held her phone in front of her face, "Will you exchange numbers with me?"
Lucky's eyes lit up, she turned around quickly and her dress skittered before popping a pink phone out into her hands. Whipping back around she excitedly pranced over to Stella and held out her phone.
DING!
The chime of the phones verified the information transfer and Lucky looked down at her phone to take a look at Stella's profile information. Her eyes widened,
"You're a fan of Ankho too?!" Lucky exclaimed.
Stella covered her mouth, "Haha, yeaaah... Something like that."
"This is awesome!" Lucky's tail began swishing through the air, "Now I have three people I can talk to!"
"New to the phone thing, huh?" Stella looked at Lucky's barren wasteland of a profile, "Ya know, maybe I can help you get your information set up sometime."
"I would love that!" Lucky was barely able to contain her enjoyment. "Can I tex-"
Lucky's voice was drowned out by the sound of an explosion coming from the dining area. She looked at the door worriedly for a moment before rushing towards it. Stella took off too, staying right behind her. Bursting through the door, Lucky and Stella were met with a cloud of smoke. Cough cough. Lucky scanned the area trying to make out where Jamie could be. After moving forward a bit she located Jamie in the midst of a brawl.
Three men of varying races were at his feet out cold. Another three men stood behind a rather tall human man with blue slicked back hair and a white three piece suit. He had a scar peeking out from behind the dark shades he wore.
"My apologies, my men weren't supposed to get involved. Had I known I would have rescheduled our meeting for another day." The man tilted his head slightly.
Jamie raised an eyebrow, "That's funny, I don't remember making an appointment with a man I don't even know. My name is Jamie, adventurer with 'The Fool's Carol' What is your name?"
The man fiddled with the toothpick in his mouth, "Ganyu Brightheart, nice to meetcha. But kid, you'd be wise to remember that as 'The Heart of Aegis' you would be hard pressed to find a soul that isn't at least aware of you."
"I see, thank you for the advice. Now will you please surrender peacefully?" Jamie glanced at the bodies beneath him.
"Unfortunately I cannot, however I won't be fighting you today either." Ganyu said with a sigh.
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Jamie relaxed slightly.
"Exactly as I said," Ganyu took a step forward, "I have no intention of trading blows with you today."
"Worried?" Jamie jibbed.
"Do not mistake me for a hired hand that would fall for your level of parlor tricks. I know the secret to your technique. I simply do not yearn for battle while there are fair maidens around." Ganyu nodded towards Lucky and Stella.
Jamie glanced over his shoulder and clenched his teeth, "Okay, I can respect that... So what do you propose?"
Ganyu took another step and placed his hand inside his suit, "A simple business deal."
"Go on." Jamie remained in a combat ready position.
Ganyu pulled out his phone and flicked the screen a few times before showing Jamie a picture, "Ya see kid, Father Frank here owes The Marionette Mafia some money. Now I'd be willing to forgive that debt and even compensate him for this mess here." Ganyu motioned towards the giant hole in the wall.
"Sounds too good to be true, what's expected of me?" Jamie asked.
"I want you to meet up with me for a talk at pier 13, during the Eveningtide Celebration event in three days time."
Jamie eyed the phone suspiciously, "May I?"
"Go ahead." Ganyu tossed it over to him.
After scrolling for a minute Jamie finally spoke up, "I've had experience with your guilds contracts in the past," Jamie hissed, "Lots of predatory stuff from the old days. You have a deal, release Father Frank from this and I will be there in three days time." Jamie walked forward and handed Ganyu the blue phone. Ganyu went to grab it but Jamie didn't let go, "I just want you to know that if you don't honor your end of the bargain I will find your guild and wipe it from the map."
"Whoa there kid, no need to get so hostile. I learned that someone important to me loves this place so I was going to settle up at some point anyway. I just figured by getting you involved I'd kill two birds with one stone." Ganyu's smile grew large, "Plus any man who doesn't honor their word is no man at all, now are they?"
Jamie moved to the side allowing him to pass by.
"Sorry for the trouble, old man." Ganyu motioned to Father Frank's terminal and the proprietor slid it forward.
"Surely this will cover it all and then some."
BEEP. Frank's eyes widened upon seeing the total Ganyu paid. Ganyu nodded and turned around to pick up his fallen cronies one by one. The weight of the limp bodies had no impact on the speed of his movements as he carried on. Once he walked out a gaping hole in the wall he looked back to Jamie, "I will be seeing you again kid."
"What a strange guy." Jamie sighed and began picking up some of the knocked over furniture.
"Are you okay?" Lucky ran over to him and gave him a hug.
"Yeah, the three guys I fought were no problem."
Lucky shook her head, "That's not what I meant! You love this place!"
"Oh yeah," Jamie looked around surveying the damage that had been done. "Frank's will be fine, it's been through worse. Let me go talk to the old man, make sure everything is straight and take his statement. Sorry I gotta work on our date."
Lucky smiled softly, "It's okay, I'll have you to myself later." She teased.
Jamie walked towards the counter as Stella approached Lucky.
"This is awful," Stella watched as kids ran out from the arcade, "I didn't know the mafia came this way."
"I think Jamie scared them off the other day too." Lucky crossed her arms, "But who knows?"
"I see, well I need to get going. But make sure you text me, if you don't I'm totally going to blow your phone up!" Stella cheesed.
"Please don't!" Lucky whined, "I just got this!"
"It's an expression silly, not literally. It means something like 'I'm going to text and call you a bunch!'"
Lucky blushed, "That sounds nice."
"It's settled then, I'll talk to you later!" Stella threw up a peace sign and took off.
"She's so nice, and pretty too."
"New friend?" Jamie returned to Lucky's side.
"Yeah, that's Stella. She reminds me of someone, I just can't figure out who." Lucky's tail wagged.
"I'm happy for you! Well everything is settled here for now. I'll drop off my report at the guild in the morning. What do you say we head home for the day?" Jamie asked.
"I'd like that."
*****
Once the pair returned home they booted up the TV in the livingroom and loaded the fidget.tv app. Lucky had already shifted her outfit into a loose black hoodie and a pair of thigh highs. Jamie came out of his room wearing a black hoodie with matching joggers. His usual pushed back hair now laid messily over his eyes. Lucky called out to him as he was rubbing his belly,
"Hey can we get some pop-"
Lucky caught a glimpse of Jamie's chiseled midsection and immediately looked away. Her ears flicked violently forward. Why is he so fine? Why am I embarrassed? I've seen him shirtless dozens of times! Lucky stared at the ground in front of her trying to imagine her eyes drilling through the hardwoods.
"Popcorn?" Jamie held out a bowl of popcorn in front of Lucky's face causing her tail to slap against the couch.
"YES PLEASE!" Lucky grabbed a handful and shoved it into her mouth. It was like all previous thoughts had escaped her mind.
"Hey, before Ankho starts can we talk?" Jamie's voice shook slightly.
"Yeah, what's up?" Lucky threw another handful of popcorn into her chompers.
"Can you seriously start sleeping in the loft?"
"Why though?" Lucky's voice was muffled through her snack.
"How do I say this without sounding like a loser?" Jamie pondered for a moment.
"Not like I'm going to judge ya Jamie." Lucky smiled warmly.
"Yeah, somehow I doubt that." Jamie took a deep breath. "Now normally I wouldn't even bring something like this up, but we literally live together. And you keep crashing in my bed with me so I feel like I have no choice."
"Dude, Spit it out." Lucky demanded.
Jamie avoided eye contact, "I'm attracted to you, and it's getting increasingly awkward with how handsy and touchy you can be."
"Oh." The popcorn in Lucky's mouth fell out. She sat there petrified like a monk in meditation. "Oh."
"Yep." Jamie said dryly.
"Oh." Lucky repeated.
"Uh huh." Jamie confirmed.
"Heeeellllllooooo cuties!" Ankho's voice blared through the TV speaker.
Both Jamie and Lucky slowly turned their attention towards the TV. Neither of them spoke another word for the rest of the stream. Ankho hit master rank in City Brawler 6 towards the end of the stream but they didn't react with their usual fervor. She told a story about a cute cafe she visited and how one of the workers was so adorable it made her chest flutter. Once the stream ended Lucky got up,
"I'll do the dishes, you can go get some rest."
"Right, thank you." Jamie got up slowly and walked down the hallway to his bedroom. "Goodnight Lucky."
"See you tomorrow Jamie."
Lucky finished up the dishes in silence without music and headed up to the loft. She pulled the bed from inside the couch upstairs and dressed it. The distant sound of thunder rumbled through the night. Lucky's ears drooped as she looked downstairs towards the hallway. After a little while the sound of rain clamored against the log cabin. I can't do this. Lucky stood up but stopped before going downstairs. But I don't want him to be uncomfortable. Lucky paced for a few minutes before grabbing her phone out of her hoodie pocket. She clicked on Jamies icon, calling him. It rang once and he picked up.
"Yes, you can." Jamie said sleepily.
Lucky twitched from shock, "you don't even know what I was going to ask."
"'Can I come sleep with you just for tonight?'" Jamie said in a cutesy voice, "Does that sound about right?"
"Right on the credits." Lucky sighed, "I'll be down, sorry."
"Don't apologize, I shouldn't have said anything. See you in a sec."
Jamie hung up and Lucky stood there staring at her phone for a minute. I really don't want to make things harder for him. But- A flash of lightning streaked through the sky causing a boom that shook the windows. Lucky took off with a flash jumping over the railing and scurrying down the hallway. She raced into his room and jumped under the covers. A second crash spooked her causing her to press up against him. He groaned but rolled over and put his arm around her. He positioned himself to be able to pet her ears more easily.
"Shhh. Go to sleep. It's just a storm." Jamie said softly.
After a few moments of silence Lucky snuggled up closer to Jamie placing her head on his chest.
"Hey Jamie?"
"Yeah?" His voice was dry.
"Can I go with you to the celebration?" She asked quietly.
"It might be dangerous."
Lucky placed her hand on his stomach, "Yeah, but... I want to go see it with you."
Jamie went back to rubbing Lucky's head, "Sure thing."
"Thank you Jamie." Lucky's voice trailed off as the rain grew even louder.
A few moments later Lucky was out cold snoring lightly in rhythm with Jamie's breathing. Much like on the day they met the storm played a mellow melody for them to drift off to. It hadn't been long but their daily lives had forever changed.
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(Uploaded version is the initial draft of the work LxD. The final edited version will be available for purchase in the future and you can check the progress of the book by visiting Lucky's streams twitch.tv/TheLuckyTempest)