In a loft in Tokyo, Lucas, relaxed like never before since waking up in the desert, was looking at the view of the famous city. After all, he wanted to be low-key but it was just to avoid troubles. He wouldn't subject himself to sufferings just for that.
While this place was not the closest to where he thought the hint was pointing at, he had been a fan of manga once upon a time, always looking forward to updates. And, there was also the fact that he found Japanese and Asian girls in general quite attractive, granted that they were not flat in front or behind.
Those compelling reasons, plus the fact that it was the farthest from where he will be going and here he was, reveling in the last few days he enjoyed in Ushuaia.
Indeed, after they left Antarctica and he paid Matteo his due, they booked rooms in one of the best hotels of the prized tourist location.
Speaking of Matteo, he was quite relieved at that time till he was greeted with a "See you next time". The way his expression crumbled was a sight to see.
After trolling the poor sailor and getting their rooms for the night, he immediately took a shower and called Christina, the beautiful Latina he met in the town last time. After getting a tour guide for the next day, he went to Estrella.
*Knock* *Knock*
*Crack*
"Yes?"
After being greeted by the eternally calm eyes, he noticed that she did the same as him as he saw her hair still wet.
"We will rest for tomorrow and leave the day after, after making plans."
"Okay."
"Alright, that's all. Goodnight."
After one last smile, he turned around. From behind, he heard a clear but soft "Goodnight.", followed by the sound of the door closing.
The next morning, he confirmed that his date knew that it was a date. She met him before his hotel in front of his hotel with a low-key G70, letting him know that she was financially comfortable.
She was adorned with an off-shoulder top with an elegant canvas, showcasing her collarbones. She paired it with high-waisted pants that elongated her legs, the ensemble giving a playful edge though being in the car prevented him from enjoying the whole of it. Her wrists were stacked with bracelets and her hoop earrings were dancing with her every move. She was demanding attention and she didn't come just to guide a tour.
She was beautiful and she emphasized it not with shame but pride and, for today, with purpose too.
While he was taking in her new look, she was also looking at him though she had for one moment a glint in her eyes which was normal since just half a month ago, he was a few centimeters shorter, less buff (skinny) and he had glasses on, not mention his now white hair.
Right now, he was relaxed in simple jeans pants and short sleeves shirt with a grayish jacket above. Of course they were high-end, after all, what can those best hotels not get for you?
"I hope your shoes will allow us to enjoy some walks."
In response, she showed them to him: block-heeled mules.
"Comfort and style in one elegant step. You are beautiful Christina."
"Thanks Lucas. You are not bad yourself, just different from the last time."
"Haha... But not so much since you recognized me."
"Well, you made quite the impression last time and not many have my number here."
"I'm flattered but today it's your turn to impress me. So, where are we going first, Miss tour guide?"
"Let's first visit the end of the world then." She answered with an inviting smile.
The next few hours, they visited the maritime museum, the lighthouse and many others after having a meal. Afterward, they separated for a few hours before getting back together for dinner.
With a different style, she made his eyes light up. She wore a one-shoulder dress, showcasing her charm, a captivating embrace of asymmetry. She had a cuff bracelet that danced with every gesture and statement drop earrings that framed her face radiating confidence.
As they met before the restaurant this time, he helped her down the car after holding the door for her.
When they were done eating, he managed to get a few informations about her though she avoided delving into the details which he was fine with. Unlike Estrella that made his heart's rhythm change, he was just comfortable with Christina.
She was in her late 20s but showed the maturity of someone older. She made him calm and at ease with her soft smiles and her fun loving personality was just attractive. It was like just her presence would make you enjoy life.
"So you are not from Ushuaia?"
"No. While I often stay here for some periods, most of the time I stay in Colombia. What about you? What are you doing on this side of the world? Will you be staying?"
"Unfortunately I won't be staying. I won't be able to enjoy this beautiful tourist spot for a while but I will miss it less than I will miss you."
As he got the reaction he was gunning for, the atmosphere heating up more, he continued, showing some sadness:
"As for my purpose, let's say that I'm running after something and this is just a stop on my way."
"It is quite unfortunate."
He gently looked at her in the eyes as he said:
"Indeed. But sometimes, life doesn't really leave us a choice."
"You are right."
Looking at her sad smile, he stood up.
"How about I escort you back?"
Taking her keys he got her address.
"Do you know how to get there?"
"Lady, I have the map of Ushuaia memorized so don't doubt me, just sit tight."
"Are you a spy or something?" Christina asked even as she put on her seat belt, making it pass between the two bundles of softness in front.
"No way, I'm better than those poor ghosts that can never get rich. I'm Ghost."
Revving the car, he made it spring forward and drifted in a corner to take a new road.
"Haaa... Slow down, slow down."
Hearing her cries as she forgot the earlier sadness that almost killed the date, he laughed as he changed gear and pushed the accelerator down. By the time they arrived at her house that was a modern architecture with two floors, there was not much distress in her cries anymore but more enjoyment.
"I don't trust you to drive with trembling legs, where should I park the car for you?"
She pushed a button to open the gate and he drove inside. As they got out, she turned to him with her tan skin a little flushed:
"Since you are already inside, why don't you come have a drink?"
And that was what brought the best closure to Ushuaia he could have thought of.
Her dress and heels didn't get to reach the bedroom. Her lingerie, or rather, her provoking dark red underwear ended somewhere above something, with a patch of wetness left in the middle. When he covered her with his shadow and made her breasts, two times bigger than his fist without a bra, ripple due to the high and low tides he was the cause of, he explored her body within and without with a reverence never had she been handled with before.
With his enhanced coordination, dexterity and newfound strength, he sent her to places she didn't know she could go to through deep, strong and rhythmic strokes, and the moment they reunited up there, above the white clouds, he felt really alive. Only then did the reality settle in totally in his mind, and he processed the fact that he did not die from that rocket blast. He recognized that he really did leave that desert, not with his feet forward, but with them standing strong, stronger than before and with a path to the skies.