Lunar's POV
"Ma," I laughed as she fumbled with my tie, "I can do it myself. Besides, Mr. Hayes said he didn't care about me wearing formal clothing. I'm only helping him around his office, and he said to dress comfortably."
I didn't even get five minutes in the house from being with Mathis for my mother to grab my ear and drag me clothes shopping. She spent a month's pay on this outfit alone, meaning Dad would have to work even harder so we could pay bills and have enough for groceries.
"You need to dress properly for this job!" She stressed, practically in tears, "I'm so sorry! I never thought about the attire there when applying for the job opening. I wish I had done more research. If I had known, I never would've sent you off in those clothes you wore!"
Mentally I grimaced at how disappointed in herself she sounded, I wished she wouldn't be so hard on herself for silly things like this. She does everything she can, I couldn't ask anything more of her.
"I promise, it's more than alright," I pulled her into a gentle hug, kissing her cheek as I chuckled, "Please, I've got to head to work. I can't be late on my first day."
"Yes, yes, yes," She hurried toward the table, shoving a lunch bag into my hands before rushing me out the door, "Of course! Hurry, off you go!"
"Love ya, Ma!" I teased with a roll of my eyes as I headed to where Dad waited by the car; he was prepared for a pep talk. Holding up my hand, I stopped him as his mouth began to open, "I've got this, Dad. Give me the keys. I promise I won't crash the car."
We had one car, and I was getting to use it since neither of them had work today. This vehicle has been through hell and back. We often joke that the Devil offered this damn thing a deal to keep working. Pops even says the Mechanic starts swearing in some language whenever he brings it in for fixing. I don't know the guy, but he sounds like a saint from what I hear. Pa has said he wants to pay him when he can for cutting off so much from the bill. We owe him two houses at this point, but he refuses to take more than a few bucks. What's his name..? Ozule? Ozula? Ozora? Oz-something.
Dad grinned as I got into the car, waving as I pulled from the house, hollering, "The Ozmyster did an amazing job on her, hope it doesn't go to waste!"
I shook my head at the nickname he gave our poor Mechanic. What the guy needed on top of the Devil's car and no pay, a lame-ass pet name. He deserves a medal of some kind.
Parking outside the Company, I stared at the lunch Ma gave me, sighing before I stepped over to a ragged man.
I'd seen this guy a handful of times, always having no food or place to go. I've never seen him leave this spot unless he was going into the alley to take a piss. He was thin and sunburnt, missing some teeth and wearing bandages on infected cuts he probably scratched.
"Here, you look like you could use this more than me," I gave him a delicate smile, kneeling in front of him. This feeling of being watched crept up my spine, but I ignored it as I held out the bag of food. Shock filled him as I pulled out my wallet and pulled out the hundred-dollar bill I had been saving. He began shaking his head to deny it, but I wouldn't take the no as an answer, "This should help keep you fed for a couple of days, maybe even help with your wounds. You need the money more than I do. Don't get down, you can get back on your feet. Don't give up!"
"H-How kind of you. Th-Thank you so much, Young Man," His hands were shaky as he took the items from me, his voice raspy and hoarse, "Y-You're far too kind to an old man like me."
"You're not that old," I laughed, looking him over. He may have been messy and dirty, but a good fixer-up would probably get a few ladies or guys on him, "I think you'd be a fine gentleman if you were able to get a proper bath, some clothes, and maybe a good cut for your hair and trim the beard. I'm sure you'd be a real catch for the ladies or guys, whichever interests you. I've got to head in to work now. I believe in you, alright? You've got the world within your grasp."
I waved with a smile as I headed into the Company, nearly jumping out of my shoes as Mr. Lincoln spoke, "That was very kind of you to do."
I watched him set a magazine on the table next to him, standing from his seat before approaching me as I hesitated, "Th-The world needs kindness to thrive. If we fill the world with hate we're sure to perish by our own hands."
"You're quite right, Mr. Lunar," A grin formed upon his lips as we entered the elevator, blinking at him calling me "Mr. Lunar'' instead of "Mr. Floid." Maybe he forgot I'd said my last name the other day? I mentally shrugged as he continued, "In a world of darkness, only damnation may occur."
Once on the top floor, we headed into Mr. Hayes' office where he stood waiting for our arrival. He was holding up a clipboard, smiling as he saw I had made it on time, "Ah, glad to see you, Mr. Floid. Here is your workload for today."
I stared at his handwriting on the board, reading it as he and Mr. Lincoln had their little conversation. I was distracted by the neat and gorgeous calligraphy. Daunted by it because it was strange, usually only females have such perfect handwriting. Not only that, but it looked like the kind of writing you'd find in old letters from the 1600s section of museums. I swear I've seen this handwriting there, too…
I shook my head at my thoughts, mentally scoffing at my stupidity. There's no way. He could have practiced his writing, that's perfectly normal.
"Is there an issue?" My attention was brought back, a realization that Mr. Hayes and Mr. Lincoln were staring at me. One had a look of curiosity while the other had a pondering in his eyes. Like he could tell what I was thinking about, but hiding it. I must be going crazy for thinking this, there's no way he could know. Maybe his face rests that way.
"N-Not at all," I nervously glanced at the clipboard as I smiled, "Y-You have nice handwriting. It-It's unexpectedly nice."
Mr. Hayes chuckled at my response, humoring a glance toward Mr. Lincoln, "We are going to head out for a few hours, I expect everything on that list to be completed by the time we get back."
"Y-You're leaving me alone in your office?" I was shocked and mortified. This was my first day, and they were trusting me alone, "Y-You don't even know me!"
A laugh filled his and Mr. Lincoln's throat as they headed for the door, Mr. Hayes grinning at me as he spoke, "We will be back by Noon."
They must be mental, I'm sure of it. Maybe it's a prank. That's logical, right? Bosses playing jokes on employees? Testing them? Right? Right????
***
Mr. Lincoln's POV
"Strawberry Fountain, if you don't mind," I hummed as I thumbed through the menu, "with a Lemon Zest on the side."
"Nothing to eat, again?" The waiter questioned, furrowing his eyebrows as he glanced over to Hayes, "You've gone without food three days in a row. Be honest, are you both cheating on me? What restaurant has stolen you fine gentlemen from me?"
"Oh, Darling, no harm between us," Hayes chuckled, "Lincoln is experimenting with someone's fancy. He means nothing ill."
"I sure hope not, I'll have to kick some ass," The waiter pouted, "Nobody steals you from me without a good reason. Tyler, will you be having your usual, then?"
"Yes, if you don't mind, Love. Surprise me with a dessert, of course. You've always given the best sweets."
I rolled my eyes at his banter and wink as the waiter strolled off, "Must you encourage him? He truly is tiresome, especially with the prey we've already hunted."
"Prey? Hunted? Don't tell me he's simply a meal. We've done so much already," Hayes held his hand to his heart like he was hurt, "Have I done all this work for you to kill him?"
"Oh, you are cruel with me," I huffed, "We're not about killing. You shouldn't joke about it."
"You make it so easy for me, though, when you use terms like 'Prey,' and 'Hunting' on targets."
"Oh, like you don't when you use 'Target?'" I taunted, shaming him before I chortled, "Enough, we have business to attend."
I opened our tablet, checking the cameras in our Office as we admired Lunar slowly slipping things off the desk before he wiped it down. He didn't dare to look at anything he wasn't supposed to.
"He's a trustful one," Hayes smiled, sipping from a glass of cherry lemonade, "Dresses rather nice for a Poor Folk."
"Please, don't use that phrase with him," I grimaced, "We came from similar, and he deserves more respect than what the Rich give. Besides, we aren't picking him for his Class."
"We? Last I checked he's for you."
"You make it sound so crude like he's a dog or a cat from the pound," I tsked, "I'm not picking him for amusement or company. I'm picking him for my future, isn't that what you and Master suggested? A partner?"
"What, and I'm not a fitting partner?" He pouted, "I thought we were soulmates, what makes him so special? So different from me?"
"He's cute, for one," I stared blankly, "and not irritating. Now, seriously, business. We can't spend all day with your boring humor on this topic."
"Alright, Alright. I'm done," Hayes mocked as our tray was brought over, watching as I took a napkin and wiped the strawberry syrup from the side of my glass, "Do tell me why he's got you wrapped, yes? You brought him up from nowhere and I'd love to understand."
My thoughts wandered backward, rewinding my memory as I sipped my milkshake.
"Lincoln, we have a list for you," Osiris dropped a folder into my lap, "We've already given Hayes his, so no need to ask. Headquarters is requesting we all check these locations for Canines. They're on a hunt, again. Although we've already checked these we're to do it again. You know that already, of course."
"Of course, I do," I tsked as he departed, my mind wandering around before my eyes danced to the moon and stars. There was something about them that suddenly had me in a trance. I'd always seen them, so why now did they distract me? Some nights I spent hours staring at the moon.
With a sigh, I looked through the list I was given, shaking my head tiredly. I'd spent so many years as a Fang. Doing tasks, protecting, hunting, and so on. Lately, it felt exhausting. I had no desire, but why? What led me elsewhere? What was my body wanting instead?
Every night for months I was distracted. Certain scents I used to ignore set my nose on fire. A voice I could never place the face of echoed within my ears. What or who were they? Why were they all of a sudden bothering me? I've been alone and looking for so long, why now?
I did what I needed for this list before I strolled to the café, taking a seat and rubbing my head. I sat there the rest of the night, stuck. My eyes couldn't escape the moon. My nose was stuck on the smell of lemons. My ears ran from the voice that haunted me…
"Lune, come on! We can't be late. Jax will hold it against us for the millionth time," A woman laughed as shadows ran past me.
"I-I won't even be five minutes, Praying Mantis! I promise," My body stiffened at the male as my pupils snapped to his standing in the doorway, "I need to order something for us, and then we'll meet up with him."
"Alright, Lunar Moon, but hurry! I won't listen to his bitching."
This Lunar's aura was beautiful. He was damaged and hurt, but his aura flooded with stars and golden light. Sparkled like the night sky and danced with magic that suffocated me with the scent of lemon…
"Floid, if you don't hurry up and get here I'll beat your ass into a bloody pulp!" A voice on Lunar's cell phone ordered as he ran from the building with a bag, "I'm tired of waiting! Come on!"
Lunar Floid…
Then it hit me, his name was on the list. It was a long time ago, but it was on the list of names the Fangs had. His family… His bloodline… A threat, but an answer to the Canines…
But an answer…to me.
"Listen, Motherfucker," I snapped my focus to Lunar yelling at his phone, "I will get there on my own time. If you want me to mess up your order, fine. Be my guest, it's your shit, anyway. Besides, don't threaten me with a good time. For all you know I could be into that, so fuck you."
Alright, maybe a threat to me…
"I can't quite answer the whys or hows," I finally answered Hayes, "I'm not entirely certain of anything. Something tells me he's important. Whether it's good or bad, I'm not sure. However, I know I must pursue even if it does take a bad path. I'm aware of what's at stake with his presence, but I can't ignore it. We're connected, his and my aura say so, and I need to know what it means."
"Alright," Hayes took a bite from his pie, he'd already finished his lunch while I was in thought, "I won't shame you. Though, I will warn you, if he becomes a threat he'll be put to an end. So, will you if I must."
***
Lunar's POV
I was about finished with the last thing on the list when I heard the door behind me open, jumping and tumbling from the ladder I was on. Muscular arms caught me before my body could land on the ground, "Are you alright?"
I stared at the male as I nodded, "...Y-You startled me."
"I'm sorry," He smiled sheepishly, setting me down. He had sandy hair and a nice tan. He wore khakis with printer stains, a short-sleeved ocean blue shirt, and a khaki vest with pockets filled with envelopes. His hand rubbed the back of his head, "I was looking for Mr. Hayes."
"H-He and Mr. Lincoln w-went out--," I was interrupted as they both entered the room, my mouth shutting as I began picking up the books that I had dropped when I had fallen. My anxiety spiked because I didn't want them to think I was slacking off.
"Carson, hello," Mr. Hayes forced a grin at him. He didn't seem happy with his presence; his voice was dry and ugly towards him. I wondered why, but it could be that Carsen was the mail guy. He probably wasn't happy because it meant bills were being delivered.
Finishing up with the mess I had made, I climbed back onto the ladder, Carson immediately holding onto it, fearing that I may fall again. I completed alphabetizing the books on the shelves, grinning as I stepped down, "Thank you for holding the ladder, but it wasn't necessary."
"It was the least I could do after scaring you," Carson chuckled, earning a clearing throat from Mr. Hayes. We both looked at him, his eyes sending daggers in Carson's direction.
"What may I help you with, Carson?"
Without giving Mr. Hayes any waiting time, Carson pulled out some envelopes, "These are for you, Tyler."
"Good. Now, get out of my office and away from my employee," Mr. Hayes retorted coldly, Carson rushed out without a second thought. Mr. Hayes' mood quickly lightened up as he grinned at me in approval, "You've done beautiful work on my office, thank you. Have you any lunch?"
"He gave it to the homeless man outside," Mr. Lincoln replied ahead of me, my mouth barely open, "Along with a hundred-dollar bill."
I closed my lips as I looked between them, getting quiet as Mr. Hayes tilted his head with a gentle smile, "That is very kind of you but what will you eat?"
"I-I'm not hungry," I flustered, my voice getting quiet as they stared, "I-I'll eat when I get home."
"Why don't we take you to get something to eat, hm?" Mr. Lincoln offered, motioning toward the door, "You've done a wonderful job on our office, you deserve a treat. We don't mind buying you lunch."
"I-I'm alright," I mustered, my legs growing weak. The thought of food made my insides tie themselves into all sorts of BoyScout Knotting techniques. My throat swelled as my arms wrapped around my torso.
"You really must eat, Mr. Floid."
"I-I'm not h-hungry," I shook my head, desperately trying to keep my face from going pale. The room was starting to spin as I stumbled for the door, "Wh-Where's the restroom?"
"Are you alright?"
"Y-Yeah, I-I need to use the bathroom."
Mr. Hayes caught me as I fell over, my body curling into a ball as I held my head to my knees and covered my face, trying to get the room to stop spinning, "Mr. Floid, breathe. You're alright."
The entire room was cartwheeling, and my head began to ache as my body trembled. My stomach was a stone while my throat was dirt in a drought. I couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't speak. Every attempt to breathe made all my nerves spike and my skin hurt like ants eating me alive.
Stop spinning, stop spinning, stop spinning. Breathe, breathe, breathe. Stop spinning, stop panicking. Stop, stop, stop. One, two, three. One, two, three. One, two, three. Close your eyes and count, come on…
I closed my eyes tight, curling tensely as I trembled. I began to count. One Lunar, two bosses, three chairs, four glass windows, five shelves…
After a few moments, my body settled down, allowing me to uncurl and sit before my cheeks flamed. While being in that state, Mr. Hayes had moved me into his lap, draping his coat around me as he held me.
H-How did you not notice that? Wh-When did he do this? Why did he?? He's my boss --
"Are you alright, Mr. Floid?" He asked upon feeling me unravel as he loosened his grip. I gave a slow nod, pulling myself off his lap, my mind elsewhere. His hand grabbed my wrist tight, bringing my focus to him entirely as he stared. His voice became more stern as he repeated, "Are you alright, Mr. Floid?"
"Y-Yes, Sir," I stated, furrowing my brows at him, "I-I'm fine."
"Don't lie to us," Mr. Lincoln muttered with frustration, his hand grabbing my chin as his thumb tugged my attention in his direction. I stared into his vanilla mint green and brown irises, swallowing against his touch, "Are you alright?"
I'd forgotten how to speak, his pupils boring into mine as my breath hitched. Something about his touch made my body ache, it tugged at my heart. I was terrified. Not of him, but of the way my body felt. It felt like it was yearning for him, but not at the same time. It shouldn't be, he's your boss. This is your first day, Lune. Get the fuck out of it.
"Are you alright?" He asked with more force, his strawberry and metallic breath piercing my lips as his grip traveled from my jaw to my throat. A grin flickered onto his lips, his grip loosening around my neck.
My heart was stampeding as I felt Mr. Hayes stand from behind me, his body heat piercing mine as he let go of my wrist. His fingers danced to my waist, and his hold on my hips almost had me melt as he whispered delicately into my ear, "Are you alright?"
"Y-Yes, I-I'm alright," I barely managed as I swallowed, Mr. Lincoln's hold being released as Mr. Hayes dropped his contact. Even though they gave me space, my lungs still felt heavy.
"Good," Mr. Hayes replied, tapping a pile of papers on his desk so they'd straighten. You could hear the silent smirk in his voice, "Why don't you take the rest of the day off and head home? Get some rest and come back tomorrow."
Part of me wanted to argue, but the rest of me ran for the hills as calmly as I could. My face was lava the entire way home, and as I rushed into my bedroom. After shutting the door, I locked it and slid to the floor.
What the fuck happen?