This might be one of the fastest (and longest) updates I've made for this story (yay me!). Thanks to downloading some Rihanna songs, one Lady Gaga song, and A Tribe Called Quest song to my DC3, I've got the urge to hopefully update before my winter break ends! My mind's telling me to write another goddamn chapter because I have brainstormed ideas of what could happen before the four head to the Glitterati (don't worry, they're still in this chapter.) I've been like, "Should I do this?", and I did it~ XD I feel like y'all are going to be raging at me, but let's wait and see, huh?
If you're not big on drama, then be careful with this chapter... If you want to call it that. asdfjkl; Regardless, enjoy! And Happy New Year's~ (and happy early birthday for me! In case you're wondering, it's on the 8th!) New Year's was also the day my great-grandmother died, and I truly miss her. But I know she's looking down at me and is safe up there. Love you, nanny!
DCFan4ever: I do miss Glitch being in this story, but he'll be back (hintity hint-hint) :D
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~Chapter Twenty-Two: Close Calls~
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"Have fun on your date Diamond~!" Dare's words to Luce have been stuck in her head ever since she and Oblio left to eat lunch together. The brunette even tried to think of something else besides that. It's not a date, so why is it bothering her? It would be amazing if it was, but due to their status in DCI, they have to focus on what matters right now: stopping Dr. Tan and bringing justice to the dancing world.
"There's the place," Oblio said, motioning his head to the restaurant. Luce smiled and rubbed her stomach gently since she hadn't eaten anything since last night. They didn't have time for breakfast due to Hi-Def's dancing event being in the morning. Speaking of Hi-Def, since they know (and will keep a secret, since Glitch is one) that the four are DCI agents, they took Boomy and placed it inside the elevator for D-Coy or Lightning to pick up and send it to DCI. Before they got in, Oblio said to Luce, "I'll pay for our lunch, if that's fine with you."
"I was actually going to do the same for you, but thanks. I promise I'll pay if we go out for a bite again," Luce told Oblio with a warm smile. Oblio smiled back, and he opened the door for Luce, heading in after she did. The restaurant wasn't so crowded today. It is a Sunday, so religious services and whatnot must be the reason. The hostess grabbed two menus and instructed Luce and Oblio to follow her. They sat at a booth where it was near the restroom and had dim lights, despite it being lunchtime.
The two looked at the menus and figured out what they wanted due to their taste of what they like. When a waiter asked for what they wanted, Luce ordered a Coke along with a bacon cheddar cheeseburger with fries added, while Oblio requested a glass of tea along with the vegetarian Caesar salad. It really didn't take long for the food to be prepared, so they were in for a treat. Once the food was placed on their table, they dig in. Luce carefully bite into her burger, while Oblio slowly enjoyed his salad.
Maybe it wouldn't hurt to do some people-watching so that Luce wouldn't feel awkward being with Oblio. Luce's brown eyes roamed around the view, seeing that there was a couple enjoying their lunch, a family calmly eating together, and a man who looked ever so familiar... The brunette gasped, staying frozen and shocked at the same time. W-Why is he here? Oblio's here with me, so that would be... Luce thought with a shudder. She was in place, her two french fries that were about to be in her mouth stayed where they were, in Luce's fingers.
The bluenette noticed Luce acting this way, and it was worrying him. Carefully so that he wouldn't disturb her, he gently spoke to her.
"What's wrong?" Oblio asked, concerned. It's Dr. Tan in the flesh. Again. If he's rich, why is he at a middle-class restaurant? He's just about to sit at his table, which is a few feet away from their booth. Luce gave him fearful eyes, but she never looked so bold in her life.
"Get down under the table. Now," Luce said urgently. Oblio looked at her with curiosity, so Luce mouthed, "Your dad is here." Without even looking and believing her, Oblio went down under the table. It looked dark enough for anyone to even know he was there, so Oblio should be safe for now. Luce lowered her head to make sure he can hear. "I'll let you know whenever he's out of our sight." She sat up normally and checked her phone, humming to keep herself calm, along with eating the rest of her fries. While on her cellular device, she kept an eye on what Tan is planning. He just looks normal, ordering what he wants on the menu.
After his lips moved and the waiter took his menu, he stood up and started to head to the restroom, which was near Luce and Oblio's table booth. Before passing their table, Dr. Tan turned back and noticed Luce on her phone. Without looking straight at him, Luce felt her spine chill with fear and worry.
"Excuse me, young lady, but have I seen you somewhere?" Luce put her phone down and looked towards the middle-aged Asian man. The brunette studied his image and decided to pretend that she wasn't expecting him.
"Why, yes! Remember that party you hosted about a week ago? You were so nice to hold a dance party for DCI!" Dr. Tan smiled with his fingers on his chin. They looked so bony and long, just like a skeleton.
"I do in fact, remembered. And yes, DCI was nice enough for me to hold a dance party at my manor." Dr. Tan's brown eyes looked at the place beside Luce's, then he fixed his stare back at her. "I hate to ask, but are you on a date or something? If I am, I sincerely apologize in advance." Luce tried her best to keep herself from blushing. Right after his response, Luce laughed with a smile added.
"Oh, no. I'm here with my guardian, Claire. She's currently in the restroom putting on her makeup. It won't take too long for her to be back, though." The doctor nodded, crossing his arms.
"Is that so?" Tan replied. His eyes found a wallet that is exactly like Oblio's, but it was only black. When he tried to retrieve it, Luce took hold of the wallet with a serious glance. Her smile faded.
"Why are you trying to take Claire's wallet?" Luce asked. Dr. Tan snapped out of his mind and cleared his throat.
"Please forgive me," he said simply, bowing slightly. "It's just that her wallet reminds me of my son. He's always in town and rarely at home. When he comes back, however, there will be something that he must do for me that is... family and business related." Luce blinked in confusion, but she pretended to show concern to the older Asian.
"I see. You're about to retire, right?" His glasses flashed when he pushed them up. His glance almost looked like a glare.
"Not exactly," he replied. "As I said, it's for me and my son to discuss." A phone started to vibrate, and it scared Luce. It was either his or his father's. A second later, it was Dr. Tan who picked up his cell. "I guess I'll be on my way now; this call seems to be urgent," he told Luce, answering the phone call and heading to the men's restroom. Luce slumped back in her seat and placed her hand on her chest, sighing in relief.
"He's gone, Oblio. You can come out now," Luce told Oblio. The table shook a bit, and a quick groan came from the bluenette's lips. "Are you all right?" Luce asked as he got up from under the table. Oblio sighed and nodded, but he came back with a bruise on his forehead. Luce's eyes widen a bit. "You got a bruise." The brunette used her clean hand to take hold of her unused linen napkin to be dampened by an ice cube she took out from her finished glass of coke. She scoot over close to him and dabbed his forehead carefully so it wouldn't bother the blue-haired Asian.
"It'll be fine, Luce," he replied to her as she continuously patted his injury gently. Luce sighed this time and looked at him.
"After having to be under the damn table for five whole minutes hiding from your crazy father? I don't think so," she replied stubbornly. It was true that he didn't want her to worry about him, but he didn't intend on stopping her from helping. His hand caught her wrist which was a part of her hand that was aiding his head.
"No, really. I'm okay; I'm not feeling lightheaded or anything like that." Luce was trapped in his eye contact, and she suddenly stopped, lowering her hand down, his hand following her wrist. The dimmed lights sort of made Luce feel a small fire inside her, and she lowered her eyes from the atmosphere they are in. The soft music set the mood, there were barely any people at the restaurant today, and Oblio's father will take forever with his business call. Hopefully.
You're so... beautiful in this low light, Luce thought as she looked into his blue eyes. They were like oceans, and she can see herself in them. Her heart started racing when she felt Oblio's forehead against hers, and he didn't even know he moved.
"You worry too much, Luce," he told her. The way he said her name made her shiver invisibly. She's wanted this moment for so long, ever since Oblio almost kissed her outside of his manor. Without noticing, the two closed their eyes and slowly leaned into where their lips barely touched. The two almost formed a kiss, and just when they nearly kissed, a waiter placed a black booklet containing the check along with a pen. Luce heard that and went back to reality and was startled.
The brunette quickly pulled back away from her crew partner and looked at him with shy eyes and her lips covered by her hand. "I-I..." She couldn't even look at him anymore. When she had the courage to speak, she hurriedly got out of the booth. "I'll wait for you outside, then," she said quickly. Without looking back, Luce felt her face heat up and her breaths staggering with anxiety and panic. Once she stepped foot outside the restaurant, the brunette took off her glasses and tried to calm herself down by taking deep breaths and trying not to cry.
She tried to calm her speeding heart by placing her hand back to her chest. Why did she feel fear? Was it because Dr. Tan could appear and see her and his son together? Or wasn't she ready to commit? Besides anxiety, she felt lost. For the sake of her and Oblio's status, however, she hurried and contacted DCI headquarters through her barely visible headset.
"Rasa, Lima, we're h-heading back to h-headquarters," Luce stuttered through her words.
"Understood. Are you okay, Luce?" Lima asked through Luce's earpiece. Before she could answer, Luce can feel Oblio's presence behind her, so she stopped the call and said nervously to Oblio,
"Let's head back to DCI." As soon as she finished talking, she started to head to the subway station. Oblio felt that he was responsible for making Luce feel the way she is now. Come to think of it, she wouldn't care if anyone had seen them about to kiss. For that is, except for Dr. Tan. Finally getting it, the blue-haired Asian decided to let Luce calm down and followed her to the station.
The ride back took only ten to fifteen minutes, and for Luce, it helped when she listened to music. As for Oblio, he decided to think of poetry. While thinking of the words, he gingerly looked over at Luce's figure. He was facing her back and was on her headphones, so trying to talk to her wouldn't be effective. When the train ride stopped, Luce and Oblio headed out and walked back to DCI.
The brunette felt herself shudder when Oblio stood beside her in the elevator. Her heartbeat went fast again, and she tried her best to look away from the bluenette. If he could, the Asian would tell her that it will be okay. Right now, she feels broken and puzzled. The sound of the elevator arrived, and the doors slid away to let the two teens out.
Luce gave Rasa and Lima Boomy and then turned away. The brunette hurriedly walked back to the elevator to her room, not looking back at the three. The DCI crew caught a glimpse of her looking shy, shocked, and afraid. Oblio felt pity and frowned at the elevator Luce went on. He went towards the older two.
"What's wrong with Luce?" Rasa asked Oblio. Something tells Oblio that he should keep the "kiss" a secret. He took a deep breath.
"We were at lunch when..." His glare appeared on his face for effect. "...my father appeared. Luce was lucky to find him before he went to our table. For my height, it was a crowded space for me to hide under the table we were sitting in, but we did get something from him." The older woman placed a hand on her chest, relieved that Oblio made it out okay.
"Spill it, then," Rasa informed the bluenette. "That was way too close for you and Luce to be caught like that."
"He was talking with Luce about how he remembered that she was at the party, and he asked her if she was on a date, but she covered me and said that her guardian was in the women's restroom. I didn't even know why I did it, but I forgot about my wallet being on the table, and Luce prevented him from taking it, sparing me from being caught. It reminded him of me and he claimed to Luce that when I come back to him, he said that I have to do something with him that's... family and business related." Rasa nodded, rubbing his eyes with his fingers, looking like he was either frustrated or tired, but at least he isn't too upset.
"I guess... you and Luce should stay here until we figure out what Tan is planning right now. Since you told us that you accidentally left your wallet on the table when he was there, it sparked a reminder of you. You should be glad that Luce took hold of it and claimed that it was someone else's." Oblio nodded in agreement. He bowed slightly to the two.
"Forgive me, Rasa," he replied, raising himself up from his respective bow. "Whatever it takes for Luce and me to be safe, so be it." Rasa smiled kindly, accepting his apology.
"You and Luce are dismissed, then. Lima and I will look further into Dr. Tan's plans if you need us." When the DCI leader left, Lima followed, but she decided to talk to Oblio about what Luce is conflicted with. The brunette walked up to him and crossed her arms.
"Come on, Oblio. You know that Luce cares for you, right?" Oblio nodded. Lima continued, "Then if she has feelings for you, then you should tell her about your feelings." Oblio turned his head to the elevator Luce went on when she returned Boomy.
"As much as I wanted to ever since the day I went back home, I can't let her be endangered by my father. Besides my deceased mother, Luce is everything to me. Losing her is like losing my soul." The brunette went all bubbly and giggled, despite Oblio's seriousness. The bluenette looked back at her.
"You'd be the last person I know to ever show care for someone, but that was really sweet of you," Lima said with a giggle. She gave Oblio a gentle push to the elevator. "Just help her through it." Oblio sighed at Lima's encouragement, but it's true as hell that he doesn't want Luce to avoid seeing him. He steadied himself and headed to the elevator, pressing the second button to head to the room's floor. Once the sound dinged, Oblio stepped foot into the floor where Luce's temporary room is.
He knocked on the door, and he heard Luce saying to come in. Once he opened the door gently, his blue eyes meet Luce's eyes, which were currently unaided with the absence of her glasses. Her gentle brown eyes looked at Oblio's even though her vision is blurry due to her nearsightedness. She wanted to be brave, to talk to Oblio, but her anxiety about what their relationship will be was clouding her mind.
Luce started to cover her eyes, clinching her teeth to prevent herself from showing any emotion. Oblio felt a pang through his chest, and he wanted to tell her how he feels so that she wouldn't be afraid anymore. He walked closer to her, standing next to the sitting woman. His obstinate nature prevented him from using his hand to attempt to cup her cheek, but instead, it went on top of her head. He sat down on the bed beside her and gently caressed her head to comfort her. Her hair was so soft and sensitive, just like her.
"We can't bury this for good until we talk about it," Oblio stated. "I think it's clear that you have feelings for me, and I actually... respect that." Luce looked straight into Oblio's face again. He isn't showing any emotion, but his gentle voice was so caring and angelic, it relieved Luce. "I know that you're afraid, but it's part of being human."
"Hmph," the brunette replied quietly. "You are my first to have feelings for. Now I know what it feels like to be lovesick and afraid of falling in love..." Luce blushed and took the bluenette's hand that was soothing her hair. "Most of the time, those who confess their feelings will often be rejected or be snickered at. Are you going to reject my feelings, Oblio?" The bluenette smirked softly, placing her hair behind one of her ears.
"Of course not. I feel the same way, but the reason why I'm not as... expressive as much as you are is because I'm afraid of losing you." Luce widened her eyes a bit when he said that to her. "When I first met you, there was something about you that changed me forever. You looked confident, supportive, kind, caring, and... beautiful." The brunette felt herself blush. Those compliments should make her happy, but instead, she turned away with a frown.
"I don't know how to respond to that, but sometimes I don't feel like those words you described me. I'm nothing but stubborn, too dependent on you, and I'm too emotional for my liking. How can you love- I mean... like someone with those kinds of qualities?"
"Because it makes you stand out compared to everyone I've ever met," Oblio said with a kind smile. Luce covered her mouth with her hand and looked at him with shy eyes and a flushed face.
"I... As much as you mean so much to my heart, what about Lightning? That's how our friendship formed and how we plan on winning the crew throwdown. If I lose you..."
"You won't," Oblio chided carefully. "We'll always be together, in here," the bluenette continued, taking her hand and placing it on his beating heart. The brunette gasped softly and looked at him with a fiery shade of red spread across her face. It had a nice beat to it, and it surprised Luce. How could he remain so calm and keep his sanity balanced? Unlike Oblio, Luce felt like she was about to lose her mind, and was even more worried about Oblio's safety.
"You might want to stop there," Luce spoke up, pulling away and standing up. She put on her glasses and tried to head out the door, but Oblio stopped her by embracing her from behind. Luce gasped again, feeling safe in his embrace. Her hands reached to his forearms, where they lay around her waist.
"But what would you do... once I tell you that I do love you?" the bluenette whispered, his cheek touching her temple. Luce's breath staggered and she stood in place. After she felt weak, her strength was coming back. She held nothing back and immediately turned herself and wrapped her arms around him, giving him her embrace. The brunette is now subjugating the bluenette, and he didn't seem to mind. Her head lay next to his chest, her hand finding his to hold. They found his hand and entangled her fingers with his.
"Then my life would be complete," she whispered. "I would do everything in my power to satisfy you. I won't ever, ever leave you." Oblio lowered his eyes and smiled, pleased with her words. Her passion for him is believable and promising, it made Oblio happy that Luce loved him.
Luce's phone started to ring, and it made Luce sigh in disappointment. She clutched onto Oblio a bit tighter. "That damn phone of mine... I wanted this embrace to last longer." She used her arm to reach for her phone on the nightstand a few inches away from the two, and answered the call, never leaving Oblio.
"Diamond," Dare said through the phone. "MacCoy and I are kinda stuck in traffic, even though the Glitterati's party isn't until later tonight. Once this wait is over, MacCoy needs to get his van gas and we have to continue our shopping spree."
"Yeah, sure," Luce replied. "Oblio and I are already at DCI, so we'll let them know your absence." She hung up, placing her phone back on the nightstand. She returned her arm around Oblio. "Have any plans before heading off to the Glitterati's?"
"You're ready to go already?" the bluenette asked curiously. Luce smiled, taking Oblio's hand and dragging him to the elevator, heading to the headquarters floor. Seeing the DCI crew as they are working on the giant computer, Luce and Oblio head up to them. Lima turned around and looked at the two, who were still holding hands, and Lima tried to hold her laugh at how cute they looked doing that.
"What's up, you two?"
"We just got a call from Dare, and they'll be here later since they're stuck in traffic."
"Did Oblio tell you about what will happen?" Rasa asked the brunette. Luce shook her head and looked at the Asian. He tilted his head to look at the brunette with caring eyes.
"Since my father knows you and is still on the hunt for me, they want us to stay here for safety." Luce nodded, a sign of understanding. As much as she agrees with what Rasa planned out, she felt that she still wants to help.
"I see... However, I actually want to meet the Glitterati. After all, they're the only crew in town who's never seen me before," she replied, grinning at the older two. Rasa blinked while Lima raised an eyebrow at her.
"You know that the party isn't until tonight. Not to mention, Oblio's dad's building, TanCorps, neighbors the Glitterati's skyscraper by viewing, so if he's there, then you must come up with a plan to make sure you're not seen."
"We'll evacuate immediately if we see him," Luce explained to Rasa. "As much as it would be better for us to stay here, I don't want to let you guys down. We'll still contact you when necessary." The African-American admired her bravery. Despite their safety being of importance, confidence was a necessary quality trait when it comes to being a DCI agent. Rasa sighed a deep breath.
"All right, then. By the time you get back, we should have everything you need to know about Dr. Tan's plans. Be careful, and have fun, you two." Taking note of that, Luce and Oblio went to pick up Boomy, but they were stopped by Lima.
"Oh, you don't have to worry about bringing Boomy," she chimed in. She smiled at the two. "You are done using Boomy, so think of the Glitterati as an exception." Lightning crew nodded, and they head to the elevator together. The brunette noticed that they were still holding hands, and it worried her a bit if Lima and Rasa noticed it. She let go and blushed, looking down at her feet. Oblio chuckled and took her hand back.
"It's fine if people think we're together," he said nonchalantly. "I'm actually looking forward to Kerith and Jaryn seeing me with you. Their reactions will be... intriguing," he added with a small smile. Luce giggled and smiled back.
"Those are unique names," Luce replied. The "couple" went to the motorcycle, Oblio getting on first. She blushed, embracing the bluenette once she got on the motorcycle with him. Oblio felt her touch and it meant that she was ready to meet the Glitterati.
Hang on, my sparrow, the blue-haired Asian thought, giving Luce his helmet and putting on his sunglasses, since the daylight is still in session. The speed that started off the ride was breathtaking and exhilarating. Their first ride being "together" seems like a great start. Even though she's ridden with him before, something about the ride to the Glitterati's building is exciting and full of adventure.
The ride wasn't too long or too short, but it had to end its course. The bluenette parked his motorbike in front of the tall building, while Luce removed the helmet and swayed her hair side to side to fix it. Oblio waited patiently for his sparrow to hop off his motorcycle and was patient enough for her to carefully place his helmet on one of the handlebars. They went through the automatic doors and they noticed someone, who was dressed all in grey, and her dark hair is pulled back into a bun, and it gave Luce the idea of her being a possible backup dancer for the elite crew. She gave the two, but especially Oblio, a curious look.
"Oblio, since when did you intend on visiting?" she asked in an earnest, yet suspicious way.
"Is it not wrong to hang out with them before their party starts?" Oblio replied.
"I-I guess," she stuttered. "And you have a girlfriend? You sure have changed," she said, her attention on the brunette. Luce cleared her throat and looked away from the backup dancer.
"We're in a crew," Luce said, getting herself together to prevent her from feeling embarrassed.
"Be glad he knows them," was all the backup dancer said. Before heading to their opposite ways, she said to them. "They are on the penthouse level." She headed outside, so Luce and Oblio head into the elevator and pressed the penthouse button. Luce crossed her arms and laid her back against the wall.
"I feel like everyone we run into will say we're a couple. Are you sure you're okay with this?" the brunette asked the bluenette. Oblio responded to that by calmly pushing her hair behind her ear, earning a chance to feel her soft skin. He smiled to help her feel less nervous.
"It's fine. All that matters for me is you feeling comfortable." Luce couldn't help but smile back at him once more. She wished for the same too, since Oblio is usually solitary and dark, but she is his light, and she wants him to be happy and safe. The elevator door slide to the left, and what appeared before their eyes was the view of the city. As for the inside, the furniture looked expensive.
"Who appears in the presence of the masters of dance?" a masculine voice asked, the person who holds it not in sight. He must have heard the elevator sound, so it explains a lot.
"My, my, Oblio. It's been a while," a soft, yet chilling voice said. Luce and Oblio looked behind them and up to see a man and woman side by side. "It seems you've heard about our party, and that is certainly not your color." The twins descended the stairs slowly as if they were king and queen.
"And it seems you've brought company. Do you desire company now?" the blond male said, his smile looking wicked, yet charismatic.
The brunette looked straight at the twins. Their clothing is so similar, it's hard to tell which one's which, even if they're of the opposite sex. Their unique fashion includes silver, black, and well, glitter. This will be interesting for those who are facing them...
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~Chapter Twenty-Three coming soon...~
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Wow, I just wrote down the possibly longest chapter ever. I thought I would upload this on the Doctor's birthday, but I instead played more Dance Central and I was making plans/rough drafts for a "Dancing Diamond" prequel. ;) I also have a quick question: since you would mix the characters' names for shipping them, what would you call the pairing name for Luce and Oblio? I do have one in mind, but it sounds weird. XD
This may sound... what can I put it as... unfair, but I'm really not a fan of Oblio/Jaryn. Not that there's anything wrong with it; they look good together, but I wouldn't think that they would be compatible due to their statuses and the two leaning towards opposite sides (Oblio has a dark nature, but he's a good guy, and Jaryn is naturally bad-ass but darker and leans to the "bad side". Know what I mean?) But I will add something that will reference Oblio/Jaryn moments (and no, they weren't together, just to let you know). I pretty much prefer Oblio/Kerith, Angel, Glitch (if it's not a lemon), and even Dare (I even though I ship D-Coy so much).
Right now, I'm cringing because I expressed my opinions about Oblio/Jaryn and I fear for my life if someone who ships the couple hard throws matches at me. The first time I danced with Jaryn, this is what she said to me: "I'm going to take a mental picture, and burn your face up with a match." D: Geez, lady, I was just trying to beat you! XD
Oh, you want me to talk about part two of Luce and Oblio almost kissing again, along with their conflicted love? There was something conflicting me about whether I should make them an item or not around this chapter or whatever. I will say this though, by their actions, they do know that they have feelings for each other, but due to Luce's fear of rejection and heartbreak and Oblio's father trying to find him, it makes them one step behind of being able to confess to each other (but I guess you can tell Luce kinda confessed since she said, "As much as I love you so dearly...").
As much as I want Luce and Oblio to be together in this chapter, I think taking it slow and letting them know how much they care for each other is enough. :3 I'm known for torturing people by making them wait for the big moment. ...I'll leave that sentence for you to interpret. :P
Now please review for the Glitterati's first appearance and Luce and Oblio's knowing of how much they love each other! :D