Strolling down the street, Nathaniel found a perfect bar, full of people to entertain himself with. He stared at his own reflection on the window "Damn I look handsome! I would do me if I wasn't me hhmm hmmm." Then entered the bar confidently like he owned the place.
As soon as he got in, Nathaniel instantly noticed a cute blondie with blue eyes that got him instantly hooked. She was wearing a short tank top that revealed her beautiful cleavage and a not so pair of short jeans with some rose design on them. "Ahhh, jackpot---she kind of looks familiar too….hope I haven't slept with her before…that's one way to ruin the fun…"
He sat on a barstool and waved his hand at the bartender, but he was too busy flirting with a customer and just gave an annoyed side glance to Nathaniel. He waited a little longer, Nathaniel really wanted a drink, but the bartender smirked and continued to ignore him, hence he moved to him, gently grabbed his shirt, "You are going to stop talking to this customer." He let go of his shirt, smiled politely and continued, "All drinks are on you tonight. It will go off from your paycheck just to teach you a lesson not to ignore me again." He strolled back to his barstool where he was instantly served a free drink, "From the house, dude. Sorry for the inconvenience." He smiled forcefully.
"Oh, come on. It happens from time to time." he smirked and took a first sip from his drink and looked back at the blonde girl. Their eyes met, giving them instant goosebumps. She flushed red but did not take her eyes off him and he felt an attraction out of this world as if it was destined to be. She smiled at him and Nathaniel immediately smirked. That's the hint, time to make your move boy!
"Hello there, how is it going?" he said in a deep voice, not taking his eyes from her.
"Hey, just enjoying the night and the vibe. What about you?" she said in a tender and shy tone of voice pointing to her drink and looking down to the tiles every now and then.
"Oh, you know everything is sunshine and quiet here in Vienna! Nothing but good vibes, and a long night to enjoy and meet new faces which reminds me….name's Nathaniel by the way, what is your name blondie?" he held out his hand.
"I'm Sarah." She shook his hand nervously.
"A little shy aren't we? Well don't be Sarah, I happen to be in a mood to make new friends, so what's your story?"
Their conversation continued for a while as they had drinks together. Nathaniel offered to pay for one of her drinks, but Sarah refused, "I'm an independent woman and can take care of that but thanks."
He blinked with a genuine smile and briefly looked at the ceiling like he was praising the Creator, "Finally, a feminist who actually treats men equally without taking advantages of her female privileges."
"Nathaniel, you have just met me; there is a whole lot more about me that you'll have to find out." She said holding on to her drink, sounding a bit drunk while staring deeply in his brown eyes.
"Ohm, are you suggesting that we should continue our conversation and go out sometimes? Because I for one am ready to sign up for it! Where do I sign?!" Said Nathaniel in a teasing tone raising his hand like a volunteer.
"Oh, I did not say or suggest that." She said shyly looking away.
"Alright, a traditional lady….how about we exchange numbers and keep in touch---this is a hundred percent my suggestion not yours!" he said seductively in a low voice.
"Oh really, and why is that?" she tested his resolve, "You seem like an intelligent woman and I liked the conversation we had together." He briefly stared at her lips, controlling the urge to bite his own and building momentum, "Plus I would like to find out a lot more about you."
Sarah hesitated for a while and stared deep into his eyes. This time testing his confidence. Is this guy just trying to get into my pants or is he for real, real? She fought the urge to bite her lips too, and slowly took out her phone, handing it over to Nathaniel. He entered his number and called himself. "I have to say that a bar is not the best place to give a guy your number…but just between you and I, you are quite the charmer." She said flirtatiously.
"Well, I for one am flattered, miss Sarah!" he grabbed her hands and kissed it gently.
They vibed with the music in the background a bit longer, standing next to one another as if they were already a couple before Nathaniel looked for the time on his expensive watch, "Ok, Sarah, I really have to go now; talk to you soon bye!" he kissed her on the cheek and left.
As soon as he put his head on the pillow, his eyes were wide shut and he entered a deep state of sleep where he had terrible nightmares. Streams of blood flowing, thousands upon thousands of dead---as he witnessed a lost figure standing in the middle of the dead masses, he approached him to see its face. His eyes instantly widened in horror, it was he who was standing alone in the midst of this horrific scenery, his face covered in blood. His eyes were one of a man who was lost in agony and pain. But before he was to react to the horror, the figure screamed in anguish and anger at his face---terrified; he woke up; his face covered in sweat as he breathed heavily and rolled around his blanket for cover and protection.
After a few minutes, Nathaniel eventually came back to his senses----Damn bastard got to me on my first night as the harbinger huh?----he looked to his side, the pitcher of water was empty. Strange, he thought, as if he had drank the whole thing without having any recollections, thus he rose up from his bed and went for a glass of water, sitting on the dining table to clear his head for a few minutes.
Nathaniel was the wild one, he knew that for years and unlike his brother, he was not a control freak, regardless this level of lack of control terrified him. The Temhos had truly struck a nerve---What if I can't control my urges? Tonight, I actually felt it—I wanted to torn Sarah's throat so bad and the beast has not had hold of me for that long!" With fear filled in his heart, Nathaniel headed back to his bed, lay down and tried to sleep. In hopes that he would not face anymore weird dreams.
The nightmares, however, continued. The Temhos was playing tricks on his mind, entertaining itself in its domain…the dream world. Since childhood, Nathaniel was afraid of extreme dark places, he also had acrophobia---this seemed the perfect tools for the beast to mess around with his head almost on a loop for the rest of the night.
On one instance, he appeared on the edge of a fenceless highway road built far up the sky. He looked down and saw hundreds of similar roads below him without end and at the center of it all, an endless pit almost like a black hole. He woke up again in extreme anguish, fearing to go back to sleep, regardless, he had little control over his eyes---they kept closing and getting heavier by each passing second—it seemed the Temhos was forcing him to sleep and he couldn't hold back.
In another dream, he walked in a stranger's flat—he did not know its owner but the more he walked towards the exit the more lights were cut off and in the midst of this his father called to check up on him----Giovanni?!---he answered curiously and talked to him all the while the apartment grew darker and darker.
He noticed doors that led to two bedrooms, so he quickly ran towards one hoping to find help but the room was empty. Nathaniel looked back while still talking to his father trying to stay in control; to tame his fear but he constantly felt a presence following him----staring at him as he looked behind a doorway to a long hallway that had opened right behind him. It was bright enough to see that it was very long, almost endless and there were several doors that kept opening and closing almost magically with no one going in or out of them. At this point, he turned into a little boy—a reflection of his younger self--- the fear took full control over him. He tried to talk to his father, to ask for help and guidance but the dreadful feeling of being haunted paralyzed him, he mumbled a few words before his shaking hand dropped the phone on the floor.
Nathaniel woke up the morning light instantly relieved him from the nightmares. He lay on his bed for a while staring at the ceiling, wondering if he had to deal with these nightmares every single night----To be fair, I can take it! The powers are too tempting and glorious for me to give them up so soon! He smirked and looked at the palm of his hand that held the strength of a thousand men before he was interrupted by the tone of his phone—it was Daniel.
And my day is already ruined, "Morning to you too sleepy head, how was the ride back home?"
"Oh you know, I miraculously woke up in my bed….the last thing I remember were blurry visions atop the Voltive church and then nothing…"
"You were depleted for using all your Dark energy and I---well I being a good brother called you a cab and instructed him to carry you back to your apartment….he did it very willingly I may add."
"Poor chap…..anyhow, I also called you for another reason. Father Alonso never reached his destination!"
"Oh really? How would you know? Not that I really cared about the old bastard…there was something awfully off about him."
"I received a phone call earlier this morning from the Vatican itself---apparently there are more than one priest serving the covenant----but that's not the point now. The other priest, I guess, told me that he never got off the plane. I also went to the airport and checked the surveillance cameras there by compelling the airport's security personnel---he did in fact board the plane but never got off." Said Daniel in a stress.
Nathaniel looked out the window, the skies were filled with gray clouds, a storm was coming, "Oh, please don't tell me you used your powers to go to the airport?! At this rate you will deplete before midday!"
"Not to worry, I learned my lesson the hard way…I took the train, there's one every half an hour."
"Well, isn't this a fine pickle we ended up in!" Nathaniel walked around his room, sighed and thought deeply about the next course of action they should take.
"Lea is coming back today." He paused briefly and continued, "In fact I am picking her up in a few minutes! It has been a while, how about you come to our place for dinner and then we can discuss this in further details!"
"Thank God you are taking my advice and bringing her back. You have to man up more often Daniel!" Daniel grunted but Nathaniel quickly interrupted him before he could open his mouth, "I would suggest our usual spot at Beer Street but---it is good for us to act like normal people every now and then. You are lucky your girlfriend is a great cook---fine then, when should we meet?"
"Great! At 8, and I highly doubt she will be cooking tonight. It is either me making my famous ravioli or ordering take aways---but anyways, we will discuss all this at my place after dinner, brother. For now, I must rush to the train station, so see you soon!" Daniel hung up the phone stared at the wall for a few moments and thought about the current situation before he snapped himself out of it. He swiftly got dressed up and left his apartment.
Huh, that old fool already went missing! Who is going to train us?----he sighed----On a completely different topic….I should call blondie today! What time is it?----his eyes desperately gazed upon the clock, hoping it was almost midday as he involuntarily grabbed his phone again and dialed her number.
"Hello?"
"Hi there, miss Sarah, this is Nathaniel speaking in case your---memories seems somehow blurry last night, how are you doing today?"
"Oh hey, it is going great so far thanks----Nathaniel. I was not that drunk, I remember every bit of our conversation like how the German confederation was formed and how feminism was created to name a few----So, how is your day so far?"
"It is going a lot better now that I have heard the sound of your voice. So, how does your schedule look like today? I planned to take a stroll to the city center later in the evening, care to join me?" he said in a charming voice.
"I have to go to work but I finish at 5 so if you're free you can pick me up." She said hesitantly, not sure if she should have agreed to a date so soon.
"Freakingtastic! Just text me the address and I will pick you up at the appointed hour, me lady!"
She sent him the address; the two exchange some teasing and flirting before hanging up. He smiled genuinely at the situation. For once everything was going his way, Nathaniel thought staring out the window when the phone on his hand began to vibrate, he curiously looked at the screen, the number appeared in question marks----24 Hours in and a villain calls to introduce himself or something?!---he answered the phone annoyingly.
"Hello Nathaniel, how is it going? Are you getting use to the Temhos?" said the familiar voice, which Nathaniel instantly recognized.
"Guthullu! What a pleasant surprise…said no one ever---where have you been? Not that I really cared but hey, someone got to train me and my little brother!"
"Always a pleasure talking to you too kid. I was just on a mission---more on that later. I have to discuss something important with you since you and your brother seem so curious…Father Alonso is with me. He is safe and sound and regarding your training, we are implementing a strategy for a quick training cycle. After all you did not become the harbingers to do whatever you may. You must do your job; your core mission in this world and punish evil."
"Your statements are becoming redundant, Guthullu. How many times are you going to repeat that last sentence? It is really getting boring you know! Besides, I never said anything against our core mission. It's just that Father Alonso promised that he would train us every day for our so called 'true purpose' and he simply went missing right off the bat and now you are saying that he is with you in God knows where….it is just a little confusing to say the least. Just a little."
"I understand the confusion, kiddo. Alright here is the deal, he did arrive to Rome but rather than being picked up by his fellow priests he was snapped at the last minute by me. The security personnel were simply mesmerized to forget everything they saw."
"What??? You can do that too? How?" he yelled curiously.
"That I will explain to you later just behave yourselves, have fun and stay out of trouble for a week. Father Alonso and I will be back soon enough to train you! Enjoy your days for next week is going to be a dog fight to say the least!"
"Why did you snapped him again?"
"There are enemies everywhere…you know the one's who sacrificed you and we need to be more discreet from now on for your sake and for ours." He hung up the phone without a warning.
"Douche"
Nathaniel didn't really care about the news, all he wanted were mentors that would train him, be it Guthullu, Alonso or some other freak from the covenant he thought before he got himself busy with his freelancing work piles----I guess I could make money while I wait for my dream date with blondie….not sure if those bastards are ever going to pay us for our service. God I wish I could mesmerize my landlord to stop charging me rent.
After a few hours of working, he noticed the time and joyfully rose up from his workstation, it was finally time to meet Sarah.
With the cloudy weather and me working all day, I believe I have earned the right to use my newly acquired powers to rush there in time!---he arrogantly proclaimed staring at his reflection before he headed out with the speed of a hungry vampire hunting for pray. Arriving a few minutes before 5 he noticed a strange reaction from his body. He was Sweating and hypersensitive; Nathaniel was shocked and angry at his body's chemical reaction---Oh brother, it's not like the first time I am picking up a girl; I am, after all, a certified womanizer! What is happening to me?!---Paranoid feelings and scenarios filled his mind, maybe Sarah too was part of the grand plan of the covenant, and this was all but a play.
As Nathaniel kept struggling, he heard a light footstep behind. He turned his head and saw Sarah standing in a beautiful office attire shyly smiling and waving a hand---he was taken aback by the sight of her beauty but managed to control his reaction.
"Nathaniel? Are you Ok?" she asked curiously.
"Yes Miss Sarah----my, my what do you know! I'm not usually one to compliment women too early on but I just have to say---you dear look stunning this evening; what's your secret?" He said coming back to his senses with a devilish smile, grabbing her hand and kissing it gently.
"Stop, you are sweet! So, where are we going?"
"Oh only the most beautiful place in town of course, now shall we?"
"Very well then, lead the way Mr. King."
Shocked and scared Nathaniel got nervous as he said: "I never told you my last name—how do you know it?" he sputtered.
"I got my sources in high places. A favor here and there to see if you are not a creep, no disrespect."
He put his hand on his heart, relieved that she wasn't a spy from the heretics and said in a devilish tone, "Oh goodies, can I meet your friends from high places too? I am in desperate need of powerful people in my life."
"Maybe, we shall see." She said shyly putting her hands on his forearms.
They walked in harmony to the famous LOFT bar—as Nathaniel confidently pressed the elevator button to the last floor---they reached the bar and sat down at a table. Enjoying the view as the waiter took their order. They talked endlessly about their passions and goals as well as their common interests; the two were both shocked to find out that they had more in common than they anticipated.
Nathaniel and Sarah had the same taste in music, "Goodness, it is like a match made in heaven, you like alternative rock music and want to settle down one day and actually have kids?! That is quite rare to hear around town since everyone wants to be childless not to mention that your favorite food is Pasta al pomodoro….have you been stalking me Miss Sarah?!" he teased her.
"No, you did saw how I dressed up last night, that's my usual attire not this---" she uncomfortably pointed to her office clothes while she searched the gallery on her phone for pictures,
Nathaniel noticed several pictures of stamps that gave him an idea, "Not to be intrusive." He said clearing his throat, "But are those stamps?"
She nodded curiously, "why yes, I love stamps. I have had my own collection since I was 11, why? Are you going to say that you also share the same passion because that to me would seem a desperate move, Mr. King." She took her revenge and teased him back.
"No, you are right. That would truly be a desperate move, however, I do happen to have an album full of stamps----which is---sadly not mine nor did I ever collect any of them. Just a loving gift from a loving mother before I came to Europe so I could remember her or something among those lines."
"True, so you said you are from the States, right? I totally forgot about that; I mean the accent kinda speaks for itself, but our conversation got so deep last night that these superficial things get out the way quite swiftly."
"Yep, born in Italy; raised in the U.S. moved back to the old continent as a teen with my little brother to study and get away from the delusional people living the dream in the land of opportunities."
"So why not back in Italy? Which part of Italy are you from and why Vienna out of all places? Do you only have a brother?" she barraged him with questions, making him feel overwhelmed.
"Oh, you know, dysfunctional living standards back in Italy I mean have you been to Rome? It is a beautiful city but a dumpster compared to Vienna. Besides, my father was not a huge fan of the Italian language nor its culture and wanted us to be raised with discipline in a Germanic society and since he had several connections here in Vienna then what better city for his two boys to be raised. Did I answer all your questions clearly ma'am?" he sarcastically said clearly annoyed at the constant questions Sarah kept asking. She looked to the floor in a bit of shame and turn red, she was a curious girl and did not realize the heaviness of the barrage of questions she kept asking.
Nathaniel, realizing a bit of tension, smiled grabbed her hand and said, "Anyhow, regarding the stamps, we should most definitely check them out! Some of them are very exotic and extremely rare to find----I was told." He thought to himself, "Come to think of it, I could sell one or two of them in an auction for a large sum of cash."
"Nathaniel!" Sarah got a bit mad and let go of his hands.
"Alright, I was just kidding…..well not entirely but that's a discussion for some other time."
He called for the waiter, paid for the drinks and looked at Sarah and the view of the city in anticipation, "The weather is beautiful this evening, I am definitely going for a walk, care to join me?"
She looked at her watch and thought hesitantly for a short while, "Ok, but only a short stroll."
As they walked out the building, Nathaniel made his first move and grabbed Sarah's hands, she in turn also grabbed his hands and pressed them gently, looking at him with a little disappointment. Did I wait too long? I mean I did briefly grab her had at the bar….
Suddenly he noticed a McDonald's. He remembered how, as a child, he loved the ice creams there and so he grabbed her hand tighter and began running like a little child towards the fast-food chain, briefly turning to her and excitingly saying, "I haven't tried their ice cream in ages, let's grab some; my treat for you being such a good girl!"
"It's ok Nathaniel, you paid for the coffee, I'm sure I can pay for the ice creams; just please slow down you know I'm wearing high heels, right?" she cried, slowing down the pace.
He looked at her high heels with little remorse and pretended to care for a bit, "Whoops, my bad---I can carry you on my shoulders if it helps," Sarah looked at him with a slight smile and a clear look rejecting the offer, "No? Don't say I didn't offer…and they wonder why chivalry is dead."
Swiftly ordering the ice creams, she instantly paid giving him no time to react. With a tray in her hands, she walked to the closest empty table. They sat down like two teenagers who were slowly falling madly in love with each other. Holding eye contact the whole time while eating ice cream and not exchanging a single word.
After he was done eating his, Nathaniel stood up and turned to her and boldly said, "I still want to go for a short walk since the last one was interrupted by our little ice cream trip---do you want to go home or will you accompany me? Your choice."
She thought for a while changing focus from Nathaniel to her empty cup of ice cream, "We could but a very short one. I'm quite exhausted from work. You're lucky I'm in a good mood else I would have gone home right after the bar."
"Oh I don't blame you, I'm a natural charmer. Girls always want to be around me and spend time with me…what can I say, I'm irresistible" he proclaimed arrogantly in his usual cocky tone and held his hands towards her, expecting her to grab them back.
"Don't flatter yourself Mr. there is still a chance that there might never be a second date." Said Sarah in a teasing tone, killing his ego and reluctantly grabbing Nathaniel's hand.
"Oh, so utterly predictable, all of you say the same thing but end up falling madly in love with the one and only." Nathaniel mumbled to himself.
Strolling down the streets for a couple of blocks, they passed by Nathaniel's flat "Hey, here is my flat. How about you quickly come up and I show you my exotic stamp collection, we could look at them while sharing a glass of wine, what say you?"
"If you're trying to get me drunk and make some things happen then it's not going to work. I'm not that type of girl." She crossed her arms and looked at him with a bit of resentment and anger. Did hi plan this all along? Was this all he wanted in the first place? To get me to his place and have sex with me?
He simply smiled and said in a sweet tone, "If I wanted to do that then I would offer you some of most fancy cocktails I know how to make. Now those are a lot faster and effective for such businesses. Once again, no pressure, if you wanna go home, then I will accompany you to the nearest tram stop." He held her hand, caressing it, he had a genuine smile on his face.
She uncrossed her arms, looked to the door and bit her lips nervously, "Fine but only for a few minutes and just for one glass." God, what this guy doing to me…I cannot say no to him.
"Oh now I am definitely not going to make it to the grand meeting…God knows I had to attend the weekly cult meeting in St. Polten like 2 hours ago." He said as he profoundly laughed and calmly reached for his keys.
As they went inside, Nathaniel instantly noticed a sign on the wall---the elevator was broken, and they had to use the staircase, "That one time you bring a lady friend home…" he cleared his throat, showing the palm of his hand, offering Sarah to go first.
As they climbed up the stairs, he began noticing her body---needless to say it made him melt with desire. Her backside was the perfect shape; the shape of a peach---he tried to look down and distract himself, but he couldn't control his urges---it was so beautiful.
Eventually the two reached his doorsteps, Nathaniel managed to control his feelings---he looked a little nervous and grasped for a bit of air as he looked at Sarah trying to act confident and said "Well, here we are…but where are my manners! Let me open and let the lady in."
Sarah entered and carefully looked at the surrounding---she was quite surprised at the scenery, Nathaniel's flat was very clean, well-organized and smelled of rose pedals. "You were expecting to bring me back home, weren't you?" she said in disappointment.
"Somewhere in a dream you had this morning, yes maybe but I did not plan this. I always keep my place clean and organized---it keeps my mind clear and focused on the task at hand" he said confidently taking off his blazer and offering to hang Sarah's trench coat.
"Well just a friendly warning--I'm not going to be one of your one night stands so keep that idea out of your head." Said Sarah in a prideful tone, knowing that she would not allow anything rather than a first kiss come to pass between them.
"Oh believe me, those girls don't even make it pass the bar or club---now let's not think ahead of us all the time shall we? I brought you back home to share my years upon years of hard earned stamp collection alongside with some fine wine and relax before the great cult meeting, remember?—she laughed a little---"Not all of us men want to immediately get into a woman's pants you know; some of us like to take our time and really intensify the experience, if you catch my drift." Nathaniel winked, looking deep into Sarah's beautiful blue eyes seductively while placing his collection albums in front of her. She immediately got to work, checking every single page with delicacy while he poured two glasses of red wine.
The first few pages were not very impressive. She flipped the pages not expecting too much from it but the further she turned the more fascinating and rarer the stamps seemed to be, "My, these look amazing Nathaniel!-----she looked a bit further, putting her index finger on her chin, "I do like to add that I hate rushing and burning to the end of the story too soon—I'm might think and believe some of the things modern society has taught us---like feminism for instance but deep down I am quite a traditional woman and I like for things to go slow and really take my time with it." She said as she took a sip from the wine glass, not holding a lot of eye contact with him.
"Truth be told, I am not one to agree with women or----with anyone very often, not a people's pleaser, but I do agree with most of the things you said."----Sarah gazed upon him teasingly with a smile, he rolled his eyes and smiled back and continued, "I am simply glad we are---sort of---on the same page somehow." He held her hands and they looked at the album together all the while Nathaniel tried to give a short history of how his mother got her hands on them.
As they drank wine and looked at the album, intensely staring at one other, the stares became deeper and more passionate while Nathaniel kept explaining about the stamps; the air in the room began to heat up and their faces slowly turned red---"Goodness it is so hot in here, are you sure you didn't pour anything in my drink?"
He took a frustrating deep breath as he looked at the tiles on the floor then turned to her and said, "Dear Sarah, I like you—I like you a lot, but if you are going to act all paranoid and constantly think that I am trying to take advantage of you, there is the door, you can leave at any given time, love Nathaniel xo, xo!"
"Ok, don't be a drama queen Mr. it is just that this wine seems really strong because a single glass got me really relaxed." she said as she grabbed the bottle and poured herself a bit more while she stared at Nathaniel hoping she would not be judged by him…he seemed careless, he simply grabbed his phone and quickly checked his messages.
After a few minutes of silence, they gazed upon one another, staring seductively and deeply into each other's eyes. Nathaniel leaned closer towards Sarah and stared deeper into her face in a triangular way, first the left eye for a few seconds then the right and then her sweet, soft pink lips while biting his own a bit then he leaned in even further, "So how do you like the wine, Miss Sarah? Is it up to your standards?" he said seductively in a deep tone.
She simply nodded, closing her eyes every now and then. The anticipation of a first kiss; the taste of her sweet lips that looked so ever soft, the air building the initiation of a magical moment---for the two lips to meet and pucker.
As he leaned even closer towards Sarah's beautiful face, she smiles shyly and did not move back, she was welcoming his advances by looking straight at Nathaniel's brown eyes---knowing what she was going to experience next was going to be surreal, intense and more passionate than anything she had done before as she turned her attention to his lips.
She put her hands on his face, "Ohm, I like a woman who knows what she wants." He said in a sexy seductive deep voice.
"I'm sorry I couldn't hear a word you just said why are we still talking again?" she whispered as she kept staring at his lips, she was panting.
There and then, Nathaniel leaned in and kissed Sarah passionately while caressing her soft warm face and gently stroking her beautiful blonde her---her hair smells like expensive women's shampoo God I love that smell!
She began to moan lightly in a tender, very feminine tone which turned him on even more as he grabbed her back and brought her into his lap.
Kissing her passionately, he suddenly stopped. They both grasp for air and stared at each other's faces with a seductive smile for a few seconds before cooling down. Sarah got off his arms, grabbed her purse to check her phone and then asked for the door to the bathroom for a little courtesy.
Coming out of the bathroom, she turned to Nathaniel and in a very shy tone said, "Thank you for the Wine and coffee, I really have to go home now. I'm very tired and have to rest for tomorrow….bye."
"You are most welcome Miss Sarah----come to think of it I too have to go humph the cult might not let me in if I arrive too late---see you soon." talked Nathaniel with a genuine smile on his face as he escorted Sarah out of his flat. They said goodbye to one another, with a quick kiss on the cheeks. He kept the door open until Sarah was completely out of his sight.
He sat down on his kitchen table, Nathaniel couldn't help himself but to think about the passionate kiss, it felt like his first kiss, the excitement the joy, he hadn't felt like that about a woman or a simple kiss in ages.
Distracted by the kiss that was now haunting his thoughts he carelessly gazed upon the bland white IKEA clock hanging on the kitchen walls, "For crying out loud…it is happening again, isn't it? I really need to stop dating girls who I really like, "He sighed got rose up from the chair and strolled to his room, "Welp, time to move! Daniel can be quite the drama queen when his guests are late." He talked to himself aloud as he quickly grabbed his blazer, fixed his shirt in front of the mirror and walked out of his flat.
Focused on his phone, Nathaniel ordered a cab to make up for the time lost and arrived at Daniel's doorstep at 7:50 p.m. He tipped the driver, trudged to the entry and pressed the buzzer.
"Yes?" said Daniel not expecting him anytime soon.
"It's me Daniel your one and only."
"Who exactly?" he said puzzled.
"Your older brother, now are you going to open the door, or should I break it down?"
"Nathaniel!? How is this even possible---for once in your life you are actually early for something?" he teased.
"Yeah, yeah I know now can you open the door or are you going to actually wait until 8 p.m. to let me in."
"Hahaha, no of course not, come on in, brother!"
Nathaniel walked up the stairs and put on a fake big smile and approached the doors to Daniel's flat that opened and out came a beautiful brunette with gray eyes and long straight hair.
"Nathaniel!!! It's been ages since I last saw you, how have you been?" Said Lea excitingly, hugging him tightly, leaving little space for him to breathe.
"Thanks Lea! To be honest it is all Daniel's fault! For the past few weeks I have been helping him with a long list of errands to run for the mafia and stuff, you know he can't handle it without me." Said Nathaniel sarcastically, grasping for air and looked at Daniel who shrugged and stood there enjoying his suffering.
"It is so good to see you! I think as part of the family, you should visit us more often. What? Have you stopped liking my cooking so soon?" Lea let go off him and teasingly punch his arm.
"Oh please, you know me. I can never say no to a delicious meal cooked by the lovely Lea." He smirked, putting his hands on his hips and asserting dominance.
The three began to stroll to the living room, Lea turned his face to Nathaniel, "So what have you been up to these past days? Anything exciting….what troubles have you been getting into, tell me everything,"
"You mean other than dealing with your dear pain in the ass boyfriend? Nothing too exciting I am afraid."
There was a unique smell of cologne in the air Lea could not miss, "Oh my, what is that I smell on you? Are you wearing a woman's cologne Nathaniel? Or have you been busy tonight?"
"Let's just say a beautiful blond just got lucky back at my place this evening--not a huge deal." He said pridefully pretending to appear careless about the matter.
The couple stopped and stared at Nathaniel in the eye for a few second and then burst into cheers, "This is incredible! You actually took a girl back home---you never do that---so you want to see this girl again and have something serious in mind with her!?----Who are you and what have you done to my brother? I should have known something terrible must have happened to you when you showed up so early." Said Daniel in a teasing tone putting his hands on his shoulders and shaking him, while laughing joyfully.
"Stop it baby; let him tell us more about this seductress who managed to seduce Nathaniel King." Said Lea turning into detective gadget, trying to find out every detail about this mystery woman.
"For the love of God, it's not like I am going to marry her next week---"
"Oh come on Nathaniel, you stopped taking someone seriously in a long time we just want wants best for you!" Lea said in a motherly tone.
"Alright, alright, I'll let you guys know some bits during dinner."—Why on earth did I mention that I took her back home God why oh why---he mumbled in frustration.
After a few minutes of banter and inside jokes, Daniel got up, "Alright, as you may or may not know, Lea is now the head of a branch of that Asian place we like so much, I already told him about it."----Daniel whispered the last part to Lea---"She came back in this morning and was obviously too tired, or at least that's the story I tell everyone, to cook so I am the cook for the evening, and you my dear brother shall help me set up the table!"
"Oh God, my stomach is killing me….you guys can leave me behind, I can't be of any help---they looked at Nathaniel with an expecting glare----"Damn it, this trick use to work wonders…fine I'll give you a hand" he said as they all laughed together and began setting the table.
As Lea was in the kitchen adding some personal touch to the meal, Daniel swiftly turned to Nathaniel, "So you texted that you received a phone call from Guthullu, what was it all about?"
"Oh yeah, it was him in his thick voice pretending to fake a British accent like always….we have to get ready, they are coming back somewhere between the next weekend and from the sounds of it the training cycle they are planning for us is not going to be an easy picnic." Said Nathaniel sounding troubled and sad.
"Don't sound so bummed out, brother! After all you signed up for this remember. ---Years and years of obsession and oh look, it turns out! The Temhos is, in fact, real and at our disposal."
"Dinner's ready; come and help me out guys!" Said Lea in a the most humble and motherly tone.
Over at dinner, they chatted and laughed while the two brothers tried to forget about their troubles and their new call, distracting themselves with some board games. In the midst of the heat of the game Lea could not hold back her curiosity and asked, "So Nathaniel, you still remain to tell us more about this mystery girl."
"Who?" Nathaniel played dumb and held on to his card, avoiding eye contact.
"Come on slogger, don't be shy. It has been ages since I heard you taking any girl serious enough to take them back home." Lea gazed at him, making Nathaniel uncomfortable, "Come on brov, tell us a bit more!" said Daniel patting his brother's back.
"For Christ's sake, what are you two my adoptive parents? It was just a little date and nothing else." He said annoyingly trying to change the subject.
"Oh you, so ever mysterious and secretive, you should change your name to Mystery." She laughed patting Nathaniel.
The happy couple laughed and teased Nathaniel a bit more for a few hours until Nathaniel began to yawn, "Alright you two I got to admit it, I haven't had this much fun since---a long time but sadly like all good stories and relationships and evenings, this too must come to an end!" he said yawning again and checking his watch, "I must go home! So, talk to you soon and stay away from trouble." He hugged Daniel, "Trouble? That's your name spelled backwards bro; you have a good one!"