ATTENTION
This story contains some scenes that may be triggering for some people, so read with caution.
It had been a long day, the restaurant packed and busy. Servers were constantly running through the kitchen, and the place was becoming more chaotic by the minute. Reservations were backed up, and waiting customers were getting more and more unpleasant. The waitress was sitting just outside the back exit, trying to relax a little. She was staring up at the misty sky, barely able to see the stars through the fog. She jumped at the sound of the door opening, turning to see her coworker join her on a break. The woman almost moaned in relief. "Ugh. Finally! Seems like my last break was forever ago!" She sighed, pulling her strawberry blonde hair out of it's tight bun. "What about you, Nelliel? You ready for the day to be over?" She turned to her fellow waitress. The woman smiled, brushing a stray strand of sea green hair out of her face. "Definitely. I've had enough of people to last me a month!" The other woman laughed. "I agree!" She leaned against the brick wall, closing her eyes for a moment. Nelliel joined her, and the two stood in silence for a moment.
The door slammed open as a waiter stuck his head through the door. "Yo! Nelliel! Rangiku! Tables are filling up in here! Get yourselves back to work!" Nelliel opened an eye to glare at the man. Rangiku groaned as she pulled her hair back up into a bun. "Yeah yeah! There's no point in yelling at us now. Save it for later, Nnoitora." The man kind of huffed, "Point is, you're needed." And he disappeared back inside. Rangiku rolled her eyes, and gave Nelliel a look. The greenette smiled, and followed her coworkers inside.
Nelliel slid back into the kitchen and set the pile of dishes in the sink. She had to stop for a moment to breathe, and leaned against the counter, taking the weight off of her feet. "Nelliel!" Rangiku raced up to her side looking flushed. "Nelliel! Did you see the complete hottie that just walked in?" Rangiku had a big smile on her face, her blue eyes wild. Nelliel sighed, "Look, Rangiku. We've been over this. I'm not interested in finding anyone at the moment." Rangiku rolled her sapphire eyes, "Oh just shut up, and come and look at him! Just come admire him for my sake if nothing else!" She grabbed Nelliel's hand, and dragged her to the kitchen doors, and the two pressed their faces against the thin windows. Nelliel scanned the waiting crowd, but none of the faces jumped out at her. She sighed to herself. Rangiku had a tendency to exaggerate, so this "hottie" might just be your average guy. "Look over there!" Rangiku all but squeaked, pointing to the other side of the restaurant. Nelliel followed her gaze, but her eyes found the person before Rangiku had to point him out. Nelliel could all but stare. The man was tall, almost a head taller then everyone else in the room. His hair was a sky blue, and he wore it slicked back. He was dressed picture perfect, his expensive looking suit tailored and styled to fit him absolutely flawlessly. The cut of the cloth fell perfectly over the man's broad form, and she could see from here that his form was something to be admired. "Wait a second! Isn't that your table!" Rangiku's voice seemed to be getting higher every time she spoke. "Oh my god! Nel, that's your table!" The ginger was almost ecstatic. Nelliel rolled her eyes, "Oh please! Would you lay off!" She laughed, and pushed her way through the double doors. "He's nothing special." But as she turned around, she had to check herself. Was he nothing special?
As she made her way over to the table, she caught herself straightening her apron and blouse, and wondering what her hair looked like. She laughed at herself. What was she doing? She approached the table, going through the usual routine: counting how many people were at the table, and what kind of people they were. There were three men, two beside the blue haired man. They were all obviously adults, so she didn't have to worry about asking for IDs. The three looked like good friends, although they were well dressed, with business like attitudes. An after-work meet up maybe? "Good evening, Gentlemen. My name is Nelliel, and i'll be your server tonight." She said as she laid down three menus. "Can i start you guys off with some drinks tonight?" One of the men, a tall brunette smiled up at her. "Just water for me tonight." He said pleasantly. "Thank you, Nelliel." She paused for a moment. She wasn't used to hearing guests use her name. "Alright. Anything for you two gentlemen?" She asked the other two. "Water will be just fine for me as well." The third man said, his grey eyes glancing up at her. She nodded, and waited for the blue haired man. He was leaning back against the wall, his head back and eyes closed. He didn't really seem to notice she was there. "And for you, Sir?" She coaxed, although he paid her no attention. "Well don't keep the lady waiting, Grimm." The tall brunette said, "What do you want to drink?" The bluenette opened an eye, and Nelliel almost gasped to see his bright sapphire eye. "I thought i told you never to call me that." He growled, his voice low, and beast like. "Just bring me whatever these two are having." His eye flicked toward Nelliel, and she froze as they made eye contact. His other eye opened, and she felt lost as she stared deep into those bright, diamond like eyes. "Please." He said suddenly, and looked away. She could feel the heat in her face, but she ignored it. "Alright, thank you, i'll be right back with those for you." And she turned and marched back to the kitchen.
She slid in through the doors, and let go of the breath she didn't realize she had been holding. Rangiku was instantly right there. Nelliel glanced up at her friend, who was standing there like a puppy who had been promised treats. "Well?" The ginger urged. Nelliel smiled, "Well what?" Rangiku made some groaning, howling sound. "My god girl. Are you dense? What was he like? Was he nice? Mean? Rough? I like rough men!" Rangiku smirked, and licked her lips. Nelliel couldn't stop from bursting out laughing. "Get away from me!" She pushed past the ginger, and moved to fill up three cups. "Oh come on! Details Nel!" Rangiku was almost begging. "Well, i asked what he wanted to drink, and he told me. So, you know! We're getting married tomorrow!" Nelliel rolled her eyes, and pushed past her friend again. "Nel! That's not funny!" Nelliel burst out laughing. "Rangiku, that's all that happened! What exactly are you expecting?" She groaned. The ginger moaned back, "Oh come on! This absolute hottie just walked into your life! Don't let him walk right back out again!" Nelliel gave her friend a tired smile. "Well, he wants to drink water, if that will help you plan our wedding any." The greenette snickered, and backed out through the swinging doors.
"Here you are, Gentlemen." She smiled, and set the three cups down on the burgundy table cloth. She slid them across to each man, and straightened back up. "Are you gentlemen ready for food? Or should i give you some more time?" The brunette gave her another smile, "I'm ready for food! Although i can't say anything for my companions." The grey eyed man smiled slightly, "I'm ready too, thank you." Nelliel looked to the blue haired man, and was surprised to find him staring up at her. "I don't need any food tonight." He said gruffly, and looked away. "Alright then, let me take your orders, and then i'll be back with your food." She smiled.
Nelliel stood at the front of the restaurant, buttoning up her thin coat. It wasn't quite winter, but summer was long gone. The air was cooling every day, and she suspected she would need to pull out her winter coat soon. The parking lot was brightly lit, the street lamps all fully functioning. She stood still for a moment, rubbing her hands together to warm them in the chilly air. The door opened behind her, and Rangiku filed out, followed closely by three other servers. "See you guys tomorrow!" Rangiku waved as they all went their separate directions. They all waved, to her, and to each other, their goodbyes echoing across the empty parking lot. "Well! I don't know about you, but i'm sure ready to go home! I need my beauty sleep!" Rangiku stretched her arms over her head, yawning. "You don't need beauty sleep." A voice said from behind the two women. Nelliel turned to the tall, black haired man, and smiled. "Honestly, i'm impressed with you two." She smiled. "If i wasn't Giku's best friend, i would have no idea you guys are dating." Nnoitora smirked as he slid his arms around Rangiku's waist. "Yes well. We try to be discreet." He leaned down and buried his face in Rangiku's neck, and she squealed. Nelliel rolled her eyes. "Then again, i'm just impressed you two can keep your hands off of each other for so long." The group laughed a little, and then said their goodbyes, heading in opposite directions.
Nelliel made her way to her car, sleepily fumbling for her keys. She was almost there when she became aware that she wasn't alone. She glanced over at the two men leaning up against two expensive looking sports cars. She stopped and watched them for a moment, observing from a distance. She instantly recognized the blue haired man, and upon looking closer, found his companion to be the grey eyed man. The two looked to be just casually talking, although she found it a little discomforting that they had just been standing in the parking lot for the whole hour since they had left the restaurant. She hesitantly made her way toward them, but they didn't seem to notice her. "Excuse me!" She called out from a distance away. The blue haired man's head sort of turned in her direction, although if he saw her, he said nothing. "Excuse me!" She called a little louder. The grey eyed man turned, and looked straight at her. "Are you talking to us?" His voice was a little annoyed, but not unkind. "Um, yes. I was just wondering if you needed something?" She cleared her throat. "The restaurant is closing now, so i was wondering why you were still here. Can i help you with something?" The two men exchanged glances, and the grey eyed man laughed a little. "No i don't think so. I mean, unless you want to come and keep us some company." Nelliel felt little pinpricks of discomfort crawl up her back, and she reflexively took a step back. She heard the blue haired men mutter something, although she wasn't close enough to hear what it was. Suddenly the grey eyed man gasped, and whirled back toward her. "I am so sorry! That probably sounded like the worst offer coming from a stranger on the streets. But that's not how i meant it! I promise i meant nothing crude by that!"
Nelliel couldn't help but smile, the poor man looked so flustered. She could tell he was sincere. She walked closer to them, and she could see a big smile spread across the man's face. "I'm glad i didn't scare you off! That's never a good first impression." He laughed, and ran a hand through his wavy black brown hair. Nelliel smiled. The man was nice, and he carried a friendly atmosphere. "Nelliel, right?" The man asked, holding out his hand. She took it, and nodded. "Yup. Nelliel Odersvank." The man shook her hand happily. "You can call me Starkk. And this is my good friend..." "Grimmjow." The blue haired man interrupted. "Grimmjow Jaggerjack." Starkk's smile only grew. "He's usually not this friendly." He whispered under his breath. Grimmjow sort of growled, and Nelliel shivered at the sound. "Oh poo." Starkk said, frowning at his companion. "Anyway! As you said, it is getting late. We'd better not stay here any longer than is healthy. I think i shall be off." He looked up at the sky, as if waiting for some kind of signal. Then he smiled back at Nelliel. "Farewell, madam. And thank you for giving me a second to explain myself." He offered her a big grin, and then slid into one of the cars. Nelliel went to stand by the other sports car, out of the way as Starkk backed up.
Once he was gone, she turned to Grimmjow, "Are you leaving too?" The big man just sort of eyed her. She fidgeted under his gaze. "Do you want me gone?" He said after a while, his voice low and quiet. Nelliel stared for a second, and then heat rushed to her cheeks. "What does that mean?" She asked, averting her eyes. "Just what i said." The bluenette said, his voice rumbling deep in his chest. "Do you want me to go?" Nelliel looked back up at the man, a little flustered. What was he trying to ask her? She flinched as he pushed himself off from the side of the car. He pulled himself up to his full height, and suddenly Nelliel felt very small. And very unsafe. She took a step back as he walked toward her. "What are you doing?" She asked, backing away from the man. She clutched her hands against her chest as he stood in front of her, looming over her. He reached out, and she instinctively flinched away from him. She almost turned to run, but suddenly he grabbed her wrist. She opened her mouth to scream, but he clamped his big hand over her mouth. She felt so scared. What was he going to do? He obviously overpowered her. She was at his mercy. "I won't hurt you." He whispered, his voice almost gentle. Nelliel looked up at his face, unsure of what she would find there. He slowly released his grip on her mouth, and she didn't scream. There was something in his face that made her pause. Something strong. There was pain. And memories. She looked up at the distance in his sapphire eyes. What was it that she was looking at?
But suddenly, something seemed to snap inside of him. His eyes widened, and he stepped away from her, practically pushing her back. He almost looked frightened as he turned back toward his car. He seemed to try and hurry away from her, leaving her dazed in the middle of the parking lot. "Wait." she said quietly, trying to get her wits about her. He was already in his car, and backing out. "Wait!" She said a lot louder, and ran toward his sleek black car. He started driving off, and she ran after him a little ways. What was she doing? She felt angry. Did he think he could just drive off after doing what he did? She picked up a rock and hurled it after his retreating vehicle. "I said Wait!" It banged over the top, and the car instantly came to a halt. The driver's door opened, and he practically jumped out, and came storming back toward her. Suddenly she felt scared again, and started backing away. He looked really angry. She turned to run to her car, but by then, he was running too.
She had just reached her car when he reached her. He grabbed her arm, but she reeled around and slammed her elbow into his jaw. He fell back a little, and his blue eyes glared out at her. She gulped, frightened by this stranger. There was a strange sound coming from the back of his throat as he straightened back up again. But suddenly he was laughing. Sort of snickering at first, but then he threw his head back and howled in laughter. "You know what, Sousuke was damned right!" He laughed so hard tears came to his eyes, and he leaned against her car for support. "You would make a damn good mate." He chuckled, then leaned forward and kissed her.
Nelliel just stood there as Grimmjow's lips suddenly pressed against hers. What was happening? The man acted like he was going to kill her, and now he was kissing her? He leaned back, his bright blue eyes glowing in the night. She was so startled, she could hardly move. And did he just say she would make a good mate? Her stomach twisted around in confusion. On one hand, her heart was pounding against the inside of her ribcage, threatening to explode. And she could feel her face was burning, the blush only getting more intense by the minute. And on the other hand, her heartbeat was thumping in her ears, anger swarming at the corners of her eyes. Her lips were burning from the short contact with his, but the rest of her was burning with outrage. How dare he? Who did he think he was? She snarled up at him, and slapped him, hard, across the face. And without saying anything, she got in her car, and drove away. Leaving a smirking Grimmjow behind.
The night air was cold and brisk, a heavy wind tearing through the dark sky. The small group stood on the condo's balcony. Grimmjow was leaning forward, with his elbows on the thick railing, staring out over the city. "So how was tonight's hunt?" The man seemed to materialize beside him. The blue haired man glanced over at him, then continued with his staring. "I think i might have found something." Was all he said. The tall man smiled. "Is it who i think it is?" Grimmjow couldn't stop the small smile that touched his lips. "I think so." The black haired man smiled. "I knew it!" He laughed, and play punched his friend in the shoulder. The bluenette just growled. "Calm yourself, Nnoitora." The man on Grimmjow's other side chimed in. The two turned toward the pale man. "What about you, Ulquiorra?" Nnoitora asked. "You found anything?" Ulquiorra's emerald eyes flicked up at the taller man, and Grimmjow saw the answer there. "Nothing." Ulquiorra said shortly. Grimmjow couldn't help a smirk. "That's not true!" He turned fully toward the ghostlike man. "You did find something!" Ulquiorra turned his eyes away, and said nothing.
A fourth man poked his head out from behind the black haired man, leaning his elbows on the railing like Grimmjow was. "Yeah he found something. But she's too young." The pink haired man smiled slyly. "She's a student." Nnoitora burst out laughing, and Grimmjow smirked over at the emerald eyed man. "Damn Ulquiorra." Ulquiorra's eyes flicked toward Grimmjow, but then he turned toward the pink haired man. "How is it you know that, Syazel?" The pinkette smirked, his brown eyes dancing. "Must you ask? Sousuke asked me to keep tabs on everyone during this time of year. All of us get a little out of sorts about this time. Sousuke just wants to make sure we're not a threat to anyone." Nnoitora burst out laughing again. "Not a threat? Our existence is a threat!" Ulquiorra looked down at the city, a small frown clouding his emerald eyes. Grimmjow felt the frown pull over his own eyes, and he stared up at the clouds. The four just stood for a moment, letting the words sink in. Suddenly Ulquiorra hissed, and balked away from the railing, retreating back into the building. Nnoitora looked up at the moon that was peeking through the clouds. "Still sensitive, huh?" Ulquiorra glared out from the shadows. "Easy for you to say. You only transform once." Syazel sighed, flicking his rose colored hair. "I suggest we turn in gentlemen. It's never good to gamble with moonlight." He said as he walked in through the balcony doors, Ulquiorra close behind. Nnoitora heaved a sigh, and joined them.
Grimmjow stood alone for a moment as the crescent moon slid out from the clouds. He shivered as that familiar feeling wrapped around him. He knew this moonlight wasn't strong enough to fully change him, but it was moonlight nonetheless. He had to blink a few times as his eyes shifted, refocusing as his night vision kicked in. His hearing range almost doubled in size, and he took a deep breath as his nose inhaled a million new scents. He turned away from the open air, and made his way inside. As soon as he was away from the moon's light, everything shifted back, and he shook his head, regaining his human senses. What kind of monster did it make him? To be what he was? Who would ever love someone like him? Suddenly, a face appeared in his head. She was smiling at him, her golden grey eyes staring straight into him. She batted her long eyelashes, a strand of sea green hair falling over her perfect face. It stopped him cold. Was it possible? He shook his head, banishing the thought. She could never actually love a monster like him. There was no point in trying to love her. But her name still lingered there, like the memory of the kiss he had given her. Nelliel.