Not Meant to Be
... there are some things that fate decides
Disclaimer: All characters are the rightful property of Squaresoft.
Author: Tricia-sama
Warning: This fic contains shounen-ai
Chapter 3 - Isn't This Fun?
How lucky.
Of all the things to happen.
I glanced down at the flat tyre, which seemed to be mocking me.
Everything had progressed smoothly since I left the building in my car, but not before I succeeded in closing the door on my fingers and yelling like a little kid, drawing a snide grin from Tseng. Then it started to rain.
Not the subtle drizzle, mind you.
Now here I was, standing in my sodden suit beside my assumedly sleek, efficient car that wasn't supposed to break down, clutching a spare tyre.
Maybe some cursing and dancing would attract more attention.
Nah.
Cars streaked by. One of which spread a copious amount of muddy rainwater in a somewhat spectacular wave.
And I had to be in its path.
Scratch sodden. Dripping would be more suitable.
A leaden sigh escaped my lips as I bent down and shoved the jack into position. I recall how I looked up to those top executives during my younger, more ambitious days. I wore cheap, by-the-dozen-ties and sported hard-to-rid ink stains then, dreaming of the days I'll manage to clamber up the corporate ladder.
Things haven't changed much since then.
Except maybe the fact that I have traded the polyester ties for silk ones, and a coffee stain in place of the ink stains.
Coffee stain?
I glanced down, vaguely remembering the spot I acquired earlier.
Of course, it had to still be there, even though I think the torrential rain was bleaching my crimson tie.
"Need help?"
I whirled, unconsciously squinting at the tiny pinpricks of rain that poured incessantly. I could barely make out the silhouette, but I knew who it was.
"Should be ok," I grunted, wedging the tyre into place and tightening the bolts, stepping back to admire my handiwork.
At least I didn't screw up this time.
"Let's get back to the car," I turned to Tseng. The poor guy just had to accept a ride from me, of all people. Bad luck was following me like an ominous cloud these days.
I placed my hand on the handle, thankful for a warm, dry car to return to.
It didn't budge.
What the-
The shrieking alarm sounded the moment I discerned the keys were glinting mischievously at me.
In the ignition, of course.
God, what did I do to deserve this?
I slumped against my car, defeated. The irritating wails of the alarm were damaging every eardrum in the vicinity, making me half-expecting to see 'wanted' posters with my photograph plastered on by sleep-deprived neighbours the next morning.
Good, they'll find my body then.
"Reeve?"
I didn't have the energy to tilt my head, so I just gave a frustrated grunt.
"I believe we could attempt to wave someone down," Tseng offered, not a shred of exasperation betrayed in his baritone.
"We could," I snorted, my tone slightly hopeful. Giving a glance at the deserted road, I doubted that if I got hit by a passing car and lay helpless in the middle of the road, I would die before the next car came by.
Or the so-called Samaritan who stopped would be an axe-murderer.
"But I don't think it's a good idea," I added hastily.
It seemed like an eternity, standing in the torrential rain, jumping at every discernable sound. Tseng was as stoic as ever, sable eyes riveted on the grey expanse of road, arms folded across his chest. His drenched raven locks glimmered in the meagre rays of light, spreading a fluctuating aura of light around him.
God, he was so beautiful.
Beautiful?
My half-lowered eyelids sprang back. I toppled forward so abruptly I thought I sprained my ankle.
I swerved in time to see a car pulling up beside me.
God does exist.
"Rude?" my eyes widened in astonishment. I had to be hallucinating. Or maybe this was just a stupid dream.
Yeah, an utterly absurd dream.
How else will I get a punctured tyre, lock the keys in my car, wake the whole neighbourhood and then someone I happen to know was the first to pass by at three in the morning?
Someone pinch me.
"Reeve, get in the car."
I suddenly realized what a crazed lunatic I was, standing out in the pouring rain when I perfectly well had to chance to clamber into the safety of a car.
Needless to say, I scrambled in.
"What brings you out here at two in the morning?" I heard Tseng ask the silent Turk before I managed to catch my breath.
He didn't reply. Instead, he gestured carelessly over to the front seat. There lay a rumpled assortment of unruly red hair and wrinkled suit.
Oh, look, it moved.
"He passed out. So I decided to get him home."
I was deciding whether to wring my suit dry and risk destroying the car or suffer like a fugitive from hell.
"So, where to?" Rude continued after a slight pause.
"My apartment. Reeve can stay the night," Tseng responded.
Did I hear something wrong?
"Hey, it's no problem, I can-" Rude began until Tseng cut him off.
"Look, there's no reason to burden you. Especially since you've got our dear Reno on your hands," he turned toward me. "Provided Reeve gives the go ahead."
Me?
I stared blankly at him for a few moments.
Oh, right. Answer, Answer.
"I-I don't mind, really."
I don't mind?
Funny, I really didn't mind.
Something tells me that this wasn't going to be my usual day.
End of Chapter 3
A few words from the author: Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews. Hopefully, I'll be able to update weekly, if school is not too much of a burden. In the meantime, I shall just assure you that I will be uploading the next chapter soon, as I'm almost done with that. Thank you guys so much for reviewing.