"Good morning…hey, it's you Naruto!! How ya been? "
"It's been great Ted! Thanks! Hey, is there anyone on my table?"
"Nope, you always come on Wednesdays. It's always vacant for ya. So, the usual?"
"Yeah, that'd be great. Thanks man."
"No prob. Be right in a jiffy!"
It's every time I enter this café it's always the same scene. Ted comes and greets me cheerfully like the old times in college and I, as the recipient, answer back with as much fervor as the latter. Ted and I have been buddies since college. I totally forgot "why" we actually hung out before. I think it was because of some girl…?
I flopped down the soft three-seater sofa, something I totally love about this place. Usually, one wouldn't find any other café having that warm aura of home every time you step inside. A lot of café's I've been to had stiff leather chairs that I do find uncomfortable. I just couldn't stand stiff etiquette. I'm more of the laid back type—in that direction, thank you.
Ahhh, the bread has arrived!! The heavenly aroma of freshly baked garlic bread just brings my tummy-a-tumbling-- another plus to my book, if you ask me. This place always serves fresh baked bread to each table with a customer. It's like a way of saying "Welcome Home…" or something like that.
I grabbed a piece and gingerly nibbled on the crusty sides. Yum! The rich flavor of garlic and fresh herbs coat my tongue in all its glory. It's just intoxicating as it is.
I shoved the piece into my mouth. Too hot, too hot!!!
"Stupid, stupid , stupid….." inwardly I had to curse myself. Yup, that's what you get for being a pig….. I grabbed the glass brought along with the bread and quickly downed the entire contents. Honestly, I always wondered why they always give me a glass of water each time the bread is brought before me. Must be waiter's instinct…..
Panting, I wiped the beads of sweat forming on my forehead. Jesus, that was too hot to handle!! I must look like a dehydrated dog in this state!! That's minus 10,000 points for me…(sigh)
I looked at the room around me. Only a few tables were occupied and those were found on the opposite side I'm sitting at. Thank God they seemed to be too caught up in their own conversations that they failed to notice my dilemma, otherwise…
HEADLINES: Cute blond guy chokes on hot bread---DEAD!!!
"Hey, Naruto. Here's what you came here for--Black coffee and a slice of Heavenly chocolate cake. I just added the cherry on top to cheer you up, hehehe."
"Um, thanks, Ted. Hey, is Temari around?"
"Uh, no. Why do you ask?"
"No reason…Just haven't seen her lately."
"Okay…Well, I better get to the other orders. Just hand the bill to Chase by the counter once you're done.. He wants to talk to you about something…"
"Sure, I'll do that…" I watched Ted walk to the table where a couple was seated. The man was pointing to the menu about something while the girl just continued on checking the menu. They were….who's blocking my view? What the hell?
In front of me was just….black. A Black cotton polo shirt is blocking my view-- to be precise. The nerve of this guy to stand in front of me!! Doesn't this guy have any manners?
"You're sitting in my chair…"
"Whaa…Excuse me?" I quickly looked up to the sound of the voice. If there's one thing I hate…it's someone with…perfectly deep onyx….eyes? Shit, what the hell was that about?
Deep pools of ebony met my frigid sapphire gaze. I couldn't help but feel drawn to those depths….it's just mesmerizing.
"I said, you are sitting in my chair…" that deep male voice repeated.
As if broken out of a trance, I snapped back into reality. This time, I let my gaze wander into the features that just corrupted by Wednesday morning. In front of me stood the 21st century version of Narcissus—a pale but flawless complexion, deep obsidian eyes that fit perfectly well with his chiseled face, pink thin lips that line his face, and midnight black hair that softly adorn his temple, a sleek pale neck gives way to more exposed flesh as the first few unbuttoned parts of the shirt provide a good view of the hard muscle behind it. A swimmers body focuses before me as his tucked-in shirt softly hugs the outline of his physique. Black jeans with a large buckle belt and black shoes complete the godly look. All in all---this guy was the bomb!!! I'm just giving you the details. I'm not gay or anything though….
Straightening myself, I sat up with as much dignity as I have. I looked at him in the eye and….
"I'm sorry sir. But I still haven't finished my meal. Perhaps you could find another table as there are still a lot unoccupied." I stated calmly in my most business-like manner. After all, I am a businessman.
A small vein popped up on his forehead. This is gonna get nasty….
"For the last time—SIR—" the guy said that word with as much venom as a rattlesnake. "…you are sitting in my chair. Leave."
What the fuck?! Is this guy PMS-ing? I can't believe the nerve of this guy! He's the one who walks up to me and demands me to get out. For, Christ's sake—I've been sitting in this exact table for almost a year and here he comes with that stupid demand.. Forget I said the guy was a bomb. This one here is one mighty load of SHIT!!!
I calmly stood up and faced the man. Seems we are almost of the same height--a 6-footer by the looks of it. I glared…
"Mister, I have been sitting here for 7 minutes already. I made my reservations with the waiter and made sure no one was booked here. Now, if you would please wait for your turn, I would gladly offer you the table once I'm done." To hell with this guy….
It seems the more I tried to defend my right as a customer, the more this idiot got agitated. I could see his knuckles fisted at his sides ready to strike. I just hoped he would have enough decency not to hit me at a public establishment.
By now, our "little argument" had gathered a little crowd of on-lookers. More like eaves-droppers to me….Each pair of eyes rested on the both of us.
"Oh God. Are they gonna start a fight or something…?"
"Hey, what's going on here? Is there a problem?"
"Are those two friends mommy?"
"No, dear. Just go back to your seat. Look, the ice cream's here…"
"Oooh, the blond one's cute but the brunette is hot."
"No you silly. They're both hot!! I just hope they'd start making out…"
Eww, did I just hear that…? I'd never make out with someone the likes of him!!!
I tried to compose myself but my demeanor faltered from the unnerving gazes of both the on-lookers and the man before me. It was just plain---weird. I'm supposed to be composed in front of different people considering I'm working with people in the profession I am in but in this scenario, there's just something about him that makes me….
"It seems we have gathered a crowd over our petty issue." I glazed my eyes towards the brunette.
The man snarled. What the…?
"Í don't give a damn whether people are watching us! JUST GET THE HELL OUT OF MY CHAIR!!" and with that a fist came flying towards my face.
I saw the hand coming towards me and I knew I had to do something. I quickly ducked and found another fist going for my abdomen. Raising both arms, I used them as a form of shield to lessen the impact. BAM! That punch had hurt!!! If I hadn't protected myself, I would have been lying on the floor clutching my stomach in agony.
A sense of rage and fury flared up in me. This has gone too far!!! If I can't talk some sense into him, then I'll just pummel some sense into him!!! On a crouched form I quickly assessed my next move. Using my flexed knee as a spring, I launched myself at the man before me. Head first, I collided with his stomach with a loud Oomph!!
The man quickly grabbed a fistful of my golden locks and forcibly yanked my head away from the aching abdomen before delivering a punch right in my left cheek. The force of the punch sent me staggering a few feet away. Shaking my head out of my contusion, I delivered a right jab right in his kisser causing the idiot to stumble back. Before he could make out the damage, I launched on him for the second time, knocking the wind out of his lungs. This gave me enough time to straddle his hips in place and pin his hands: one over his head and one behind his lumbar section. Now I had him in restrained. Unconsciously, I had managed a quick assessment of the outcome. Our breathing was hoarse and ragged. Sweat wallowed in blood and saliva covered our bruised lips. The man before me was hyperventilating. His nostrils flared in every expiration. His eyes were narrowed and constricted. His normally pale cheeks adorned a fiery flushed exterior, but none of those contained the real shock.
We were in a very "compromising" position. I was on top of him, straddling his legs and restraining his arms in an also compromising manner. This allowed me little space for privacy. Our faces were only centimeters apart and I could feel each warm breath on my skin. I assume he does feel that too. If people came in on us in this manner-that is, if they missed the fight, they would have cheered for a torrid make-out session between two men. It's a wonder how easily people are pleased…
I slowly took in huge gulps of air. The man really packed a punch. His punches were uncoordinated but powerful. If he were thinking straight, he would have easily overpowered me.
"Get Off Me!!" the man below me snarled
"Like hell I would!! Do you think I'm dumb enough to let you go after what you've done to me? Suck it up you prick, you ain't getting anywhere!!" my voice came out hoarse and dry. Just like after having sex, it's just the scenario that changed…..
The man glared at me and if looks could kill, I would have been buried billions of feet below ground. Too bad he's in the wrong position….
"Just let me go!!""
"SHUT UP!!" I yelled at him "…now give me one damn good reason why you punched me in the first place. What the hell is wrong with you? "
"You son of a bitch!! Let me---" the man still struggled below me. He knew this was a losing battle---here he was pinned to the floor and vulnerable. And now, he's making demands to let him go. I don't think so.
"Give me one fucking reason why you lashed out you prick! Just so you know, I was talking to you civilly before you went berserk on me. A lot of people can attest to that.."
I heard murmurs around me from the on-lookers. It seems they agreed to what I said. I really did talk to him civilly. I had every right to question him on his brash actions….
"Fine!! I had a bad day, then you completely ruined it just because you wouldn't budge out of that fucking table you…" the man was seething in anger but…
"Just a bad day? Just a fucking bad day? You insolent prick!! If you have a bad day, don't go lashing it out on people like we were to blame. So what if you have a bad day?! A lot of us do maybe even worse that what you're having. But you know what..? That stupid little show of yours just goes to show how uncivilized you really are." I spat every single word on his bruised face. I didn't care if I was involuntarily spitting in his face. He deserved it.
The glare on his face softened a bit before it hardened once more but this time his voice was more…. soft, more like a whisper.
"Just please let me go…Please.." the guy was avoiding my gaze while he spoke. Could he be ashamed of himself for acting so brash? What's with the sudden self-pity act?
I slowly loosened my grip on his arms before he placed them on his heaving chest. I slowly got off him and lent him a hand to help him up—but he never took my offer. Instead, he steadied himself with his arms and legs, though shakily, and stood up. He never looked at me in the eye nor even in my direction. He just stared at the floor before whispering " I'll be leaving now….". And with those said, he turned to his heel and made a beeline run for the door. The guard opened the door for him, watching him turn around the corner and disappearing for good….
All around me were hushed murmurs. Again it was making me queasy. The incident was over and the moment was gone. Everything was back to normal. However, my usual dining spot was a total wreck. The table was tumbled over and its contents on the floor. A glass lay shattered with its contents spilled on the black marbled floor. Cake smudges were over the couch, table and floor. I didn't even touch the cake!! All in all, my very own portion of the café was in chaos.
I quickly asked Ted, who was beside me busy cleaning up the mess, as to how much damage I would be paying for. He just gave me a warm smile and told me not to worry about it. It was only a glass and a plate that got extinct ( stupid Ted jokes…) so no major damage.
"Yo Naruto. You might wanna wash up before you leave. And please, take off that shirt! It's got blood stain. People might take this café as a rough house as soon as they see you. They might think were torturing customers for their bills." Ted placed a hand on my shoulder and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"You can use my shirt. I brought an extra. Its about the same size as you so you shouldn't worry. After you clean up, I want you to head straight back home.. Got that? This time, Ted has his hands on his hips while holding the mop in his left.
I gave Ted my smallest grins before saying…
"Yes mother. I promise…" That earned me a slap on the back. Ted was smiling again. I had to be thankful for having a friend like him.
"Yeah, seriously, thanks Ted."
"Yeah, yeah. Just treat me out next time as payment got that?"
"Whatever…"
I slowly trudged my ass to the washroom. Looking into the mirror, my lip was broken and slightly bleeding. My left cheek was slightly swollen and was starting to darken. Not good when you're a flirt…. I gently cupped my swollen cheek and flinched at the contact. It stung like hell. That guy was a sure punch! I splashed water on my face and patted it dry. Once I exited the washroom, Ted was outside holding the spare shirt for me to wear.
"Here ya go hotshot. Put these on and give me those shirts. I'll wash them for ya. I'm going to the laundry mat after my shift and it's more convenient that way. I'll just send it to ya once it's clean…" Ted said holding out the shirt.
I took off the offending shirt over my head. This caused Ted to Wolf-whistle…
"Naruto-my boy! That is some nice piece of shit… You work out a lot?" Ted remarked having seen my exposed half.
"If I'm not mistaken, I think you're turning gay Ted. And yes, I work out but only sometimes…" I smirked at how I coolly answered him.
Ted was sporting a cute blush on his cheeks at the comment but decided to play along by punching me in the unaffected arm. I just laughed this off and went out of the café.
The walk home was pretty eventful. I may have looked like I spaced out or something to the other people since they were giving me this weird look on their faces, I was just thinking about the incident back at the café. The way things progressed into a bloody struggle and how that guy looked like shit after I said the words "uncivilized" to him. He just looked so….broken.
What the hell am I thinking? Normally, people would talk shit about the person who just ruined their day. But look at what I'm doing? I'm mulling over the other guy's emotions…
But why do I feel guilty? Was it the hurt that flashed in his eyes the moment I uttered those words? I just don't know. The guy has just officially become my puzzle-my enigma. Usually, guys like him would throw me off and squabble about some random cuss word and storm off. But that brunette was different…Just something after those words haunted me…but what?
I didn't notice I was standing in front of my apartment door already. Hehe, time sure does fly fast when you're busy. I fished out my keys out of my pocket and unlocked the door.
Ahh, HOME SWEET HOME. Nothing beats the comfort your own home provides after a long tiring day. A slipped out off my shoes and placed them on the shoe rack. Heading for the kitchen, I grabbed a coke from the fridge and gulped down the contents. Feeling partially full, I decided it was time I hit the sack.
I lazily flopped onto bed, grabbed the nearest pillow and hugged it with as much strength as a grizzly bear. Snuggling up to the softness, I closed my eyes and made myself comfortable. But something bothered me. I slowly peered over my half-lidded eyelids and noticed something on the sheets. Wet stains? Is the roof leaking? It couldn't be since this is in the second floor. It could be sweat though…
But then again it reminded me of tear stains………
HOLY SHIT!! I JUST REMEMBERED… THAT GUY WAS CRYING…
I couldn't stop the tears from falling fast. I was shaking uncontrollably even when running at top speed. Why did this day have to end this way? Why am I so affected by those blonde's words?
Uncivilized, prick, idiot,…..these words haunted me until today. And that stupid blonde had to make me remember..
I just had a bad day, that's all. My brother called me up telling why I didn't show up at the meeting of the board of directors. The meeting was supposed to discuss the transferring of authority from my father to us brothers. The meeting was set weeks ago and today was the day. They had to make some valid excuse to those old geezers about my absence and try to reschedule everything.
It wasn't my fault I couldn't make it. My stupid car got hit by some stupid cab driver who was later found drunk. My cell phone was on low battery and couldn't make or receive calls. When I tried calling a cab, I found out I didn't bring my wallet with me. I tried withdrawing some money only to find out my ATM card already expired. Only my credit card was my only hope. I was frustrated. I was pissed. And most of all, I was hungry.
After my brother called I went to a café I used to visit for afternoon tea. The place was only serving a few customers so it was a good sign for me, I think. When I told the waiter I would be on my usual table, he quickly apologized that someone was using it right now and if I may, could just sit some place else. I was infuriated!! I always go to this café and always get what I want.
I marched up to the table mumbling profanities under my breath. All I saw was yellow hair sticking out in odd angles since the person was looking at a distance.
Stepping in line of view of the guy, I demanded my seat back. A stunned silence followed.
Was this guy even listening to me? He seemed to pause before gazing towards me. I glared at this total idiot who was now….. looking at me with those beautiful sapphire eyes. Oh my God! Here I go again….
This guy was beautiful. And to think I thought an idiot resembled those really ugly specimens of the human gene. But this guy…
Golden-yellow hair adorned his head making him stand out in my opinion, the bluest eyes I've ever sees compared to my boring black ones, a flawless golden-tan complexion only movie stars have the privilege, pink pouty lips that just scream "KISS ME", a slender tanned neck that snakes down to a muscular chest and torso. His powder-blue button-up shirt that softly hugs his body gives him that Oh-so-Sexy look. Black slacks and shoes just go to show he is a man of power. God Damn! I'm getting hard!!
But instead of a simple greeting I had in my mind, my stupid mouth just uttered the words of chaos. Then everything fell into place. We were punching each other's lights out inside the café. People made no move to stop us knowing they'd get hurt too. A strong punch to my lips knocked me off guard temporarily. That was the moment he pinned me down on the ground in one of the most compromising positions known to mankind!!!
The blonde SEX GOD is straddling me!! All blood rushed to the netherworlds and breaking the limits. I was sweating really badly now. I was praying "Please don't let it show, please don't let it show…" but he just wouldn't give in. The more I struggled the harder it was to keep my cool.
The stupid blonde was asking a lot of questions for someone his "nature". Some straight-to-the-point questions they were. Annoying as it was, I just wanted him to shut up!! When I told him my little story, he just hammered my existence with his words….
"Just a bad day? Just a fucking bad day? You insolent prick!! If you have a bad day, don't go lashing it out on people like we were to blame. So what if you have a bad day?! A lot of us do maybe even worse that what you're having. But you know what..? That stupid little show of yours just goes to show how uncivilized you really are."
I am not uncivilized…I am not uncivilized…I am not uncivilized…
After that, all I remember is running like my life depended on it. A part of me just shattered upon hearing those words. UNCIVILIZED…
That's what my brother often said to me…. That's what my father always said to me… That's what people always say to me…. uncivilized….
And now, I have finally confirmed what the world thinks of me….
I stumble on my knees as I feel exhaustion take over me…. All I can see now is the ground…Running has always been my only escape but now here I am…facing the earth that scorned me-that loathed me….It just goes to show that dust belongs to dust….
I slowly heave myself up but due to utter exhaustion and flopped back on my back.
Here I am facing the sky….Trickles of muddied and blood-soaked tears streaming down my bruised face. I was a mess… A mess I despised and I despised myself for being so weak…
Pain and the sheer pressure of stress were slowly carving their way to me…I couldn't fight it. I closed my eyes…A feeling of wetness graced my marred face…
"Is it raining?--------------MOM, ARE YOU CRYING TOO?"
Sleep was slowly winning…I couldn't help it any longer. I was losing this internal battle. I was losing my only solace…..But before I could surrender to my self…
I could faintly hear the words…..
"You again….Hey what are you doing… Hey, hey, wake up…."
It was then I felt my world go blank…….
Author's Note: I deleted the first fanfic for this. Hope you enjoy this folks. Please Read and Review... I dont mind criticism. It will always be constructive criticism to me..hehehe
Ciao!!!