Fated Mate

Ash was in one of his moods. He had been like that since the diner. Lee refusing to see or talk to him made him even more miserable. He knew Lee had seen apart of him that was supposed to remain secret. But that didn’t worry him as much as the violence she had seen he was capable of.

When Billy told him there was a possibility that they would see Lee that evening, he made an effort to stay sober that day. He was longing for her, something he hadn’t felt in a long time. Lee had woken up a lot of emotions he thought had died with Rosa.

He was in love with Lee, but he was scared of losing her too. He didn’t want to risk Baku finding out about her. He knew he was taking a risk, but staying away from her was no longer an option he was willing to stick with. The beach party was supposed to be their first official date, but Steve messed that up. He hoped Lee would forgive him. He wasn’t sure if there was a future with her, but seeing her after such a long time was something he was anxiously looking forward to.

Billy came into the room, Ash turned around and waited, he was about to fall apart. He wouldn’t be able to handle it if she said no, again.

“Ash, she said yes.”

****

Lee was in her room dressing. She had taken a long cold shower, normally she hated cold water, but the hot water made her feel more uncomfortable, so she switched. She had a hard time convincing the others that she didn’t need a chaperon in the bathroom. They thought she’d faint in the tub and drown or break her neck.

There was a knock on her door, and then Maria stuck her head in. “The guys are here, are you ready?”

“Give me a minute,” Lee answered buttoning her pants with one hand.

“Are you sure you want to see Ash, I could always send him packing?”

Lee laughed. Maria was such a worrywart. “It’s okay, Maria, I’ll be out in a second.”

She pulled her head out and closed the door. Lee pulled her shirt over her head and put her good hand in. Then she slowly put in her left hand through. There was a dull pain in her shoulder. After she pulled her shirt down, she paused for a while to let the pain fade, then she tried putting her sling on. A sharp pain shot through her shoulder.

“Oww! Damn it!” she yelled and threw the sling back on the bed.

“Lee, are you okay?” Maria was at the door again.

“Yes, I’m fine,” Lee said between gritted teeth. Her eyes began to sting. She sat on the bed and waited for the pain to pass, as she quietly cursed out Steve’s existence. The remorse of his present physical state-courtesy of Ash-was currently insignificant as the pain shot through her shoulder and arm like an electric current.

After a few painful minutes, she picked the sling up and cradled her arm against her chest. She hesitated at the door. She was feeling a bit nervous seeing Ash after so long.

To think I once craved for him, then everything was shot to hell. But I do admit I still want to see him.

Lee wasn’t sure if it was fear or shock that kept her away from him. Was it fear, because of how violent he was capable of being, or how he changed into a silver-eyed, supersonic, hulk? Shock because he was ready to kill someone for assaulting his one nightstand or his transformation?

It was the silver eyed, supersonic hulk.

She took a deep breath then opened the door and walked out. They were in the kitchen. Billy had an arm around Ann, Joe stood next to Maria as she busied herself clearing the counter. But Ash was nowhere to be seen; Maria did say he was here.

Did he leave before I came out of my room? “Hi guys.” Lee smiled, feeling a bit uneasy.

“Hi, Lee, you’re looking good.” Joe smiled back at her.

“Thanks.”

“Cool sling.” Billy smiled, pointing at the sling in her hand.

“Thanks, it’s the latest hip and hot design,” she joked. They acted like the diner never happened. Like she never saw what they could do. Like everything was as normal as it used to be.

“You’re looking better today. The purple patches didn’t suit you.”

“Ahhm…thanks?” Lee knew he meant something else by that but she couldn’t place it. Ann however, was turning red. She couldn’t really be jealous?

“Don’t worry the next time you fall, there won’t be as many bruises as before.” His grin widened, but it looked too mischievous, then it faded quickly his eyes darting above her head.

Ann hit his side with her elbow, then, she moved under his arm and buried her face in his shoulder.

That’s when it hit Lee, she told him! Lee was so embarrassed she wanted to disappear, if he knew then Joe knew. She was going to kill Ann.

“Good evening, Lee.”

She jumped, dropping her sling. Ash’s voice came from behind her, he startled her. He stood in the living room with his hands behind his back. He looked awkward, uncomfortable.

“Hi.” She had forgotten how gorgeous he was. His lips were pressed in a tight smile, he stood up straight, and his shoulders hard and level-like a soldier. He looked like a dreamy character from a black and white movie. The craving for him was back. She swallowed hard as she forced her eyes away from him.

As she bent down to pick up her sling, a dizzy spell hit her. “Wow.” She raised her hand and held her head, she closed her eyes, but the room was still spinning. She stood up straight and took a step back. Her legs felt wobbly under her.

“Are you okay?”

Lee wasn’t sure who asked her that. She took a few deep breaths then opened her eyes. The room had stopped spinning but she was still feeling light on her feet. She hadn’t realized she was in Ash’s arms. He had picked her up when she almost toppled over.

“I’m fine. Thanks, you can put me down now.”

“Or not,” Ann added.Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

“Please put her on the couch. I don’t think we should go out tonight.” Maria was worried again, but Lee wasn’t going to ruin their night. Ash put her on the couch then went to pick up her sling.

“No, go out, I’ll be fine.”

“Are you sure?”

“She’s sure,” Ann said dragging Maria away from Lee. She got their coats and headed for the door.

“Gee, Ann, your concern is touching,” Lee added, laughing at the now very irate Maria.

“As always, sis.”

“Do you want me to help you with the sling?” Maria continued completely ignoring Ann.

“No, Ash will do it. Won’t you Ash?” Ann had put him on the spot.

“Ah…yeah, sure,” he managed with a smile.

“Bye guys. We’ll be back early…or not.” Ann had her mischievous smile on. Maria however didn’t budge.

“There is food in the oven…” Maria added before Ann pulled and pushed her out the door.

“Come on, mother hen! Bye guys.”

The door closed, Ash and Lee were alone. He stood between the kitchen and the living room, looking even more uncomfortable.

“You can sit, I don’t bite.” Lee meant it to be funny, lighten up the room a little but it only made him stiffer. He didn’t look like the scary hulk anymore. “Ash…”

“Sorry,” he came and sat next to her on the couch. “Do you want me to put the sling on for you?”

At least he was trying. “Yes please.”

He was gentle, he fitted the sling without her shoulder screaming in pain, and then he put cushions behind her back and helped her settle.

“Comfy?” he’s voice was hard and cold. She nodded her head. He came back around and sat on the couch. The uncomfortable look was gone. His face was firm. She could tell he was trying to mask his anger.