Longing: Chapter 11.5
#13 of Needs & Desires
Here we are: Part 2 of 11! I wanted to upload this earlier, but due to weather and power outtages, today is the day. This one was supposed to be with the other, but I was having trouble getting it to sound right to me. :3 Anyways, enjoy! As always, comments, questions, concerns and complaints always appreciated! More to follow soon. I actually have a day off this week, and I aim to write it away!!! : )
Lucas squinted into the darkness of the foyer after he opened the door. The lights were off, and there appeared to be no one home. "I wonder where Anastasia is tonight," Lucas thought to himself. Quickly checking his phone, in case he missed any calls, Lucas walked to his room. After sitting for so long on the muggy bus, he desperately wanted to shower. He could feel his fur sticking to him like a heavy cloak; unfortunately, his dad's boat's shower wasn't equipped with the proper amenities. Smiling to himself, he quickly disrobed, peeling his shirt and pants off; shaking his head, he tossed the dirty clothes to the side. "Guess, I'm doing laundry tomorrow," Lucas thought.
Wanting to get cleaned up before Rose came over, Lucas hopped in, blasting the water. He scrubbed himself, getting nice and foamy, loving the feeling of the suds cleaning his grimy fur. He stood under the shower, just letting the water flow over him, revitalizing him.
***
Rose headed over to Lucas' after checking her messages. She could barely contain her excitement. She bobbed her head in tune with her music, as the techno pumped. Pulling up, she fished around for the parking tag Ana gave her, so she could park in one of the many reserved spots. Hooking it around her rear-view mirror, she waved at the security guard. He nodded, as she beamed a smile at him.
Maneuvering her car into a spot directly in front Lucas' apartment, she turned the volume down, and unplugged her mp3 player. Hopping out of the car, she bumped the door closed with her rear. Hiking her pack on her shoulders and grabbing her bags, she walked up to the door. "Oh! I can't wait, Lucas' is going to be so surprised!" she thought to herself.
Fishing her key ring out of her pocket, she unlocked the door. She heard the water running and knew Lucas was taking a shower. Heading to the kitchen, Rose placed her bags on the counter and pulled out the takeout. She rummaged through the drawers for utensils and plates, and set up for dinner. As she worked, she hummed to herself, and finally she heard the water shut off. A few minutes later, Lucas emerged, still a bit drippy, but smiling. He had a towel hanging over his shoulders, and was wearing sweatpants. Rose blinked, then giggled, saying, "I like the look?" Then she started to snicker, barely restraining her laughter.
Lucas just smirked, then said, "What do you expect? I'm trying to relax after my 'days off'..." His voice trailed a bit as he finished, but he moved close to Rose and kissed her, his wet muzzle frazzling her cheek. "Aww, you're mussing my fur..." Rose grabbed at Lucas' cheeks and kissed him on the lips. "Missed you..." She murred.
"And I you..." Lucas said, looking into her eyes. "Do you have any idea how hard it is for me to fall asleep without getting to wrap my arms around you or stare into your beautiful eyes?" Lucas whispered, watching as Rose visibly relaxed; her eyes softened, and her shoulders slumped. Leaning back, he then said, "Oh, and of course, having to listen to my Dad snore didn't help..." He squinted, and looked away.
Rose caught that, and decided it was best now to share her news. "Oh, sweetie! I have got a surprise- besides the food!"
Lucas nodded, and said, "It's looks delicious, can news wait until after food? I'm starving."
Rose tsked Lucas, and said, "Yes, it can wait. This is more important!"
Lucas' stomach grumbled, and he blushed, apologizing, "Sorry!" He sheepishly smiled, rubbing his head.
Rose smiled warmly and said, "That's OK." Pulling out her wallet from her purse, she opened it and began looking for something.
Lucas watched over her shoulder, curious about what this 'important' news was about. He shot a couple of glances to the table, his mouth watering, but Rose must have noticed because she said, "You can wait... Aha!" She finally pulled out a small picture, and held it close, verifying it what she wanted.
"OK, so remember how I moved from California to here?" Lucas nodded, silent. "Well, all of my family is out there still, and we haven't had the chance to visit. My parents don't earn enough to purchase me a ticket round-trip, and my parents are Old World, so they wouldn't let me pay..." Lucas brought a hand up, considering her words. "Well," Rose continued, seemingly without stopping for a breath, "one of my brothers is heading out here because of his job, and he managed to convince his company to allow my parents discount tickets..." She paused, catching her breath and allowing Lucas to digest her rapid speech.
"So," Lucas started, "They're coming to visit, you mean?"
"Exactly!" Rose squealed with joy, and brought Lucas in close for a hug. A moment later, she pushed him away, and stood to get a towel. "I forgot you weren't entirely dry..."
Lucas grinned, and said, "That's... great news!?"
"Of course silly!" Rose wiped her shirt, "I wasn't sure how long it would be until you got to meet my family, all things considered, but they're coming here! So, that's great!" Here voice was so clear and full of joy; it rang out like crystal.
Lucas smiled, but hid a groan... "Crap! Parents and family! I hope they're not too Old World... I wouldn't want to offend them."
"Well, that's the surprise news, I guess we can eat," Rose suggested.
Lucas looked up, his smile from ear to ear. "I like your way of thinking!"
They sat down and Lucas eagerly dove in. Rose watched, a little surprised at Lucas' voracious appetite. "Might want to chew or something, to avoid choking..." she said softly dripping with sarcasm, as Lucas finished his plate and began his seconds.
Smacking his lips, he said, "Every time I come back from Dad's I'm always starving for real food. No more microwave dinners and watery beer! I think that's why I always loved coming back to work, actual food!" He smiled, and took a long gulp from his water.
Rose, her eyebrows raised, decided to ask, "So... what do you think about meeting my folks? Too soon?"
Lucas paused, his mouth hanging open, and said, "Umm. No. If they can't come any other time, then now is great."
"Well, it'll be in three weeks, but I wanted you prepared," Rose said, "plus, I figured maybe you'd want to introduce me to your dad? Sort of exchange, my parents for yours?"
Lucas put down his fork and said, "Seriously? Are you positively sure? Like I said before, my dad really doesn't need or deserve anything. I only continue to visit in hopes that he'll work at being who he once was... not the slouch he is now..." Lucas voice was heavy with ire; clearly he was upset. Lucas looked away, not wanting Rose to see his eyes tearing up. "I'm sorry, that was rude of me to say..."
He pushed his chair away slightly, and dabbed at his face. Steeling his resolve, he straightened, clearing his throat. "IF you want... then I'll call him up, maybe we can go out in 2 weeks. That'll give you time to be able to request it off."
Rose sat quietly, her own eyes getting misty, and nodded. "Yes..." she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Lucas heard her anguish, and got out of his chair. Walking over, he got on his knees, and laid his head in her lap. He brought his arms up to her sides, and sort of hugged her. Rose wrapped her arms around his neck and head, and squeezed him tight. "I'm sorry babe..." she started, "I just wanted to get to know more about what makes you the special hunk you are..."
Lucas smiled softly, and whispered, "Yeah, I know... I shouldn't have let those feelings spill out on you. I don't want you to have to feel the pain I have with my family, unlike the love you have with yours..." He brought a hand up to her cheek, stroking it softly.
They sat together, silently for a few moments; Lucas, his head in Rose's lap, Rose, leaning forward and resting hers on his. They both took deep breaths and sort of calmed each other with the other's presence.
Rose brought her own hand up, and clutched his hand with hers. "Well... we shouldn't let this food get cold..."
Lucas turned his head, and looked into her face, and saw the smile. Leaning forward, he gave her a slight peck on the lips. "Heh, of course..."
He got up and sat back down, after pulling his chair next to hers. They enjoyed the rest of the food with relative quiet.
As Lucas was putting away the dirty dishes, he asked, "Hey, seen Ana?"
Rose, reading a book, said "Nope! I've been at my place all weekend..."
"Hmm. I hope she's not getting into trouble..." Lucas muttered.
Rose put a hand up, and waved Lucas over. "Hey! I need you to curl up with me and kept my feet warm. With such a heavy, soft coat, why would I ever want a regular blanket?"
Lucas smiled, and sat next to her, bringing her feet up. Taking her socks of, her gave her tender kisses, while massaging her foot. Rose cooed, and said, surprised, "Oooh! A foot massage?"
"Well, you bought dinner, and listened to me mope, so it's the least I could do..." Lucas said, continuing to rub her small, petite feet. "Plus... who knows?" He hid his smile as he nibbled on her shapely calf....