Once presentable, Lucian made his way to the door to allow Cynthia, Garchomp, Will, and Grimsley inside.
“Where’s Shauntal? I’d like her to try on a few things while I still have the receipts. “Cynthia said, looking around the foyer of his home.
“You’ll find her in the washroom down the left hall, second room to your right. Might want to knock first.”
“Oh, of course. Come along Garchomp.”
Her partner gave a soft growl, following behind her with a little skip in her step. Once the Sinnoh Champion made her way to where Shauntal was, Lucian offered the other two gentlemen to follow him. They were led to his Study, where Lucian would take a moment to close and place away Shauntal’s Rotom laptop.
“So, what can I do to help you, gentlemen? I get the feeling you didn’t come here for tea.” Lucian inquired, leaning against a bookcase behind him as he crossed his arms over his chest.
Will looked over to Grimsley, who looked like he hadn’t slept in a few days. Faint dark circles surrounded his eyes as he kept his hands in his pockets, looking away from anyone.
“You know, I could tell Shauntal for you if you’d like. I know this is difficult for you.” Will offered.
Grimsley shot him a glare, “You wouldn’t dare.”
“I know I’m a psychic, but I’d rather not read everyone in the room to figure out what’s going on,” Lucian uttered with a tired sigh.
Will turned back to his brother, “Grimsley wanted to apologize for how he behaved last night and wants to admit that he was a tiny bit envious of you when he saw the two of you dancing.”
“I wasn’t envious of Lucian. “Grimsley growled.
“I think moping in several glasses of wine while going on about how you wished you were in his place is fair to call envious, if not jealous. If I am wrong, then what would you call it?” Will asks, tilting his head at his companion.
Grimsley looked over to Lucian, who looked hard at him, brows narrowed.
“If you have a problem with me, I’d like to know why. I, too, would like to know what you would think something like getting drunk and lamenting would be called. I have a few thoughts myself but I’m eager to hear what you have to say, Grimsley.”
As Lucian spoke, the door to the room quickly closed and locked. Will had a concerned expression on his face, knowing that Lucian only locked doors when he wasn’t in a pleasant mood.
A defeated sigh left Grimsley’s lips, shrugging his shoulders, “I admit I was shocked when I saw the two of you dancing last night. She looked genuinely happy, and I always thought I would be the one to make her smile like that. Nothing I’ve done recently has seemed to do that. Even still, I thought we were closer than just colleagues.”
“Did you ever think to ask her about it?”
“. . .” he looked away, “Not really. She did always accept my invitations to go out though. I just figured she was eager to spend time with me when we didn’t have pressing duties in the League. She seemed to be happy when we were out..So I didn’t bother to ask.”
“Did it ever occur to you that the woman was just doing so in order to be a crowd-pleaser?”
Grimsley glared at him, “What the hell do you know?”
Will took a step towards Grimsley, placing a hand on his shoulder, “I wouldn’t challenge him like that if I were you. You have a few words you want to share with Shauntal, right? Let’s just do that and be on our way. No need to start a fight here.”
Grimsley shrugged off Will’s hand as he took a few steps closer to Lucian.
“If you’ve got something to say, say it. Don’t be a cryptic * about it.”
Will facepalmed, knowing that his brother was going to tear Grimsley into pieces, “*…”
Lucian gave a smug smirk, “If you actually took a moment to talk to her, you’d know that those outings drained her. Not to mention she has been struggling with her own issues. Your invitations to force her to mingle have proven to be more of a hindrance to her work and motivation than an aid.
She has only accepted your offers to accompany you out of the kindness of her heart. She doesn’t have the nerve to say no when a colleague wishes to spend time with her, even if it will make her unable to socialize for a few hours after the fact. You’re inconsiderate of her needs. If you consider her as more than just a colleague, then you have a poor way of showing it.”
Grimsley continued to glare at him, “Don’t be so damn high and mighty. You haven’t even known her that long.”
“How long have you known her? Five or six years, give or take? Yet, despite how long you’ve known her, you know so little about her. Granted, I have read her mind, with her permission, but what I learned in a few minutes, you could’ve easily learned on your own if you kept open communication with her. You’ve failed to communicate with her and now she’s even reluctant to return to Unova.
Your best bet is to just back down and admit that Shauntal is happier with someone she trusts. Someone who treats her better than just arm candy for social gatherings.
Speaking of, she informed me of something that has me troubled. You have a habit of teasing her often. I can understand a joke or two. However, the frequency of your jabs at her is quite uncalled for. I believe you owe her an apology, on more than one account.”
Will gave a concerned glance towards Grimsley. He was well aware of how much the Dark Type Trainer enjoyed teasing those he worked with. Grimsley was a Wild Card and though he had his moments of being a gentleman, he did have his flaws.
Lucian literally tore apart his partner without blinking, rendering him speechless. This was why Will was trying to spare Grimsley from Lucian. The man wasn’t second best to Cynthia for nothing. Even he knew it was a bad idea to get Lucian angry.
Taking a step closer toward Grimsley, Will pulled on his arm to back away from Lucian.
“Come on. As reluctant as I am to say this, I’m afraid I’d have to agree with Lucian on this one.”
Before anyone else could say anything, a light tap could be heard from the door. Lucian turned his head and unlocked the door, as Cynthia was on the other side.
Behind her was Shauntal, who wore a purple dress suit set that had a Gengar family theme. The fabric kept her warm and comfortable. Cynthia opened the door to the Study, looking between the gentlemen in the room before placing a hand on her hip.
“Pardon the intrusion here, but I wanted to bring the birthday girl over. Hope you gentlemen don’t mind.”
Lucian shook his head, giving one last glare towards Grimsley, “I don’t mind. We’re done here anyways.”
Pushing himself off the bookshelf, he walked towards Shauntal as she stood near the doorway. She could certainly sense that there was something going on and she wasn’t sure if she wanted to know what happened while she was trying on clothes with Cynthia.
Lucian took hold of Shauntal’s hand, offering her a smile, “You look absolutely adorable. Feeling more comfortable in your new attire?”
She gave him a nod, “Yeah, I don’t feel like my legs are going to freeze. So, um..would it be okay if I took a moment to talk to Grimsley outside?”
Though a sigh left Lucian’s lips, he gave her a nod before pulling her in for a brief kiss, “I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” she leans over for a second to glance past Lucian’s shoulder, “Grimsley? Could you come with me?”
Without saying a word, Grimsley walked past Lucian as he followed Shauntal outside. Once they were alone, Shauntal gave his arm a light nudge.
“Hey. You’ve been really quiet since you got here. Is everything okay?”
Grimsley shrugged his shoulders, staring down at his feet, “I’m fine…” he uttered softly.
Shauntal placed her hands firmly on her hips as she looked at him. "That’s a lie if I’ve ever heard one. C’mon, I know you came here for a reason, right?”
He remained silent a little longer as he reached into his coat pocket, took out a cigarette, and lit it. Closing his eyes for a moment as he took in the first drag of the drug, he considered Lucian’s words before slowly turning to Shauntal.
“Happy birthday. Sorry I didn’t exactly get you anything. I can make it up to you when you come back to Unova.”
She gave him a faint smile, “Thank you, and you don’t have to get me anything. I’m honestly at the age where I shouldn’t expect anything for my birthday.”
“Hmn…” taking another drag, he leaned against a railing for Lucian’s porch, “Can I ask you something and request that you’re perfectly honest with me?”
Shauntal nodded, “Of course. You don’t even need to request that. Grimsley, what’s going on?”
“I take it you saw how tense things were back there?”
“Yeah. What the hell did I walk into?”
“Me getting an earful from another Elite, apparently.” he flicked the ashes off from his cigarette before shifting his gaze down to the floor of the polished wood under them, “I haven’t exactly been helping your writer’s block with my invitations to join me, have I?”
Shauntal fell silent for a moment, regarding how exhausted Grimsley looked. What in the world did Lucian say to her colleague that had him look so defeated?
“Not really, no. It’s not the complete reason why I’ve been struggling with my writing but going out didn’t exactly help with getting ideas.”
A sigh left his lips, “Why didn’t you tell me that you didn’t want to go anywhere?”
She hugged her sides, “I didn’t want to be rude or seem like a killjoy. I was often teased for being that when I went to the university for my writing degree, and I lost so many people who I thought were my friends because I continued to decline invitations. I..care about you guys. So, I figured that if I accepted invitations, I’d still be considered as a friend.”
“Just a friend, huh?” he gave her a long look as a soft, yet bitter chuckle left his lips, “Guess that bookworm was right. I really did have a poor hand. Looks like I waited too long to play my hand. My latest gamble didn’t work out in my favor.”
Shauntal tilted her head at him, “What are you talking about. . .?”
Grimsley just gave her a faint smile, “I suppose I should reveal my hand.”
He took one last drag from his cigarette, putting it out with the heel of his dress shoes, “Lucian made the comment that you didn’t consider us as more than friends because I never asked. I simply assumed that, since you were often at my side when we were out, we were something. That’s on me.”
He took a quick glance towards the door, “I take it he’s treating you well then?”
Shauntal sank a little, slowly nodding her head, “Yes. He’s been nothing but a kind gentleman to me.”
“Good, he *ing better be.”
His comment made Shauntal laugh a little, earning a faint smile from Grimsley. He reached a hand out to her, cupping her right cheek in the palm of his hand.
“It’s a shame I have to watch you share that laugh and smile with someone else..but you deserve to be happy too. Don’t be afraid to call me if anything happens while you’re here, okay? Can’t have anything bad to our dear Ghost Specialist, now, can we?”
“I guess not,” she uttered softly. Shauntal could feel that his hand was shaking against her cheek.
Even more so as he started to close the distance between them. Her body froze, instantly growing stiff as she felt his lips upon her own. As much as she knew that she should push back, the way he was coaxing her lips to open earned a soft moan from the ghostwriter, making it difficult for her to separate from his intoxicating embrace. Slowly, her body started to relax in his arms as he wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her figure against his own.
A soft humming moan followed him as he basked in her warmth for the first and last time. There was so much he wanted to say, so much he wanted to do – but time had run out and he missed his chance to say anything meaningful to her. Grimsley was beating himself up for letting such a talented woman slip away from him.
He knew Will wanted him to make up his mind on who he wanted to be with, but he felt like his heart was being tugged in multiple directions. He cared for Shauntal, despite his teasing and playful banter; but he adored the way Will could read him without much effort. They could easily play off one another with their commentary.
Grimsley felt the taste of her tongue against his own, already mourning the idea that another would have the satisfaction of knowing how she would feel every waking morning and evening. He should’ve taken the risks that were lingering in the back of his mind when she was with him during those outings. A simple wrap around her lower back, kiss on her neck or cheek – anything to give off the idea that he desired her more than winning a gambit with a winning lottery ticket.
Instead, he laughed and teased those he associated with and occasionally brought her into the conversation. He should’ve noticed how she seemed to lean closer toward him when they were out at parties or ventures to his casinos. She didn’t do so out of affection; it was out of anxiety about those around them. Though he didn’t mind the woman leaning her curvaceous frame against him, she probably felt terrified and wanted nothing more than to go home, considering what he learned today.
This kiss though. It felt like he was robbing a collector who always had too high of a price for anyone to pay - only showing his collection of goods to show off what no one else could touch unless you dared to become a thief in the night.
Oh, but the way her breath hitched when he moved his hand that rested along her back slid down to grasp her rear gave him a rush that he knew now he couldn’t act on. He should really stop here. This was becoming increasingly harder for him to hold back. Any longer and he’d steal this lovely woman for himself. Brand love bites along her beautifully pale neck and kiss her until her lips were swollen from the taste of him against her tongue.
Though reluctant, he pulled back as he looked down at her. They both seemed out of breath. That clouded gaze of hers behind her glasses could clearly show that he was leaving her wanting. It pained him to do it. He knew he shouldn’t have kissed her, to begin with, but he had to, or at least, that’s what he told himself anyway.
He took a deep breath, resting his forehead against her own, their lips so close to resuming where they left off. “I’m sorry I couldn’t do more to be what you deserved, Shauntal,” he whispered to her.
Her voice was stuck in her throat, unsure what to say, “Ahh..Grims-”
He placed a finger over her lips, offering her one of his charming grins, “It’s fine. I know when I’m beat. I don’t want to ruin your birthday either. So you enjoy your special day here in Sinnoh. When you come back next week, I’ll be sure to treat you like the Queen of Hearts, whenever you’re ready…”
Shauntal was lost for words. She had no idea that Grimsley had feelings for her. If she was honest, she thought that he kept asking her to join him just to have pity on her. She had no idea that he was legitimately interested in her.
He kissed her cheeks for a brief moment before letting go of her. Grimsley looked at her for a few seconds, then reached in his back pocket to get out his Rotom phone to send a text to Will. He didn’t want to see Lucian again, not after speaking to a woman he was fond of, being swept off by another Elite from a different region.
A moment later, Will came outside, seeing that Shauntal was hugging herself, staring at Grimsley, who waited for Will a few feet away from the stairs for the porch. This was probably the most awkward scene for him to walk into.
He cleared his throat a little, approaching Shauntal, “Is everything alright, Shauntal?”
It took her a few seconds before she realized that Will was speaking to her.
“Hm? Oh, y-yeah..I’m okay. Just a bit shocked. Today has my brain so confused.”
He chuckled softly, “My apologies. I suppose it’s my fault that we are here. It was my suggestion for Grimsley to speak to you. He seems to be confused himself.”
Shauntal blinked for a moment, “What do you mean?”
He looked over to Grimsley, “You didn’t tell her, did you?”
The other male waved a dismissive hand, “I didn’t see the point. Be my guest if you want. Makes no difference to me.”
Will sighed, looking back to Shauntal, “We’re dating. It’s more of a private relationship, really. As I understand it, not many would approve of our intimate partnership. That certainly doesn’t stop me from loving him though. Grimsley, on the other hand..can’t seem to make up his mind about who he wants to keep in his love life. He cares for both of us but I’m not sure if I would be comfortable sharing, no offense.”
Shauntal quickly shook her head,” Oh no, I get it. Sharing a partner with another is a risk that requires a lot of communication and trust..but even that can get messy after a while.”
The young psychic gave her a knowing smile, “I’m glad we can agree. Ah, and before I forget, I have something for you.”
He flicked his right wrist as a card was produced in his hand before he offered it to her. It was a VIP pass for two to one of the high-class restaurants in Kanto.
“I hear the tenth-floor window seats captivate quite the romantic scenery at night. Show it to Lucian. I’m sure he would be delighted to take you there. Happy birthday, Shauntal.”
She accepts the card after hearing what it was. Shauntal reached over and gave him a tight hug, startling him for a moment, but he slowly returned the embrace.
After a moment, she lets go, “Thank you, Will. I’ll be sure to show him. Hey, can I ask a favor from you?”
Will tilted his head at her, “I suppose. What did you have in mind?”
“Could you look after Grimsley? I feel bad about..all of this.”
The inquisitive look on Will's face turned into a knowing grin, “Don’t you worry about that. I plan on doing just that, even if he is reluctant about accepting it.”
Shauntal gave a sigh of relief, “Thank you.”
He gave her a sweeping bow, tucking his right arm under his chest as he bowed low to her as offered a wider grin, “The pleasure is all mine. I hope you have a pleasant evening and a wonderful birthday, Shauntal.”
Will then stood up straight and walked off the porch, taking Grimsley’s hand into his own. The pair shared a look for a moment, then disappeared as quickly as they appeared.
Shauntal took a moment to take a deep breath, then stepped inside to rejoin Lucian and Cynthia. She was going to head back to the Study, but when she heard them talking in the kitchen, she decided to head there instead.
“Are you sure you know what you’re doing? I don’t mind doing the cooking.” Lucian uttered in a half-nervous tone.
“Oh, you worry too much. Besides, I want to help make her feel welcome. It’s not often that we get visitors here in Sinnoh, let alone other Elites. Oh! Hello Shauntal. Go on and have a seat. Garchomp and I are going to cook something for the two of you.”
Shauntal looked over to Lucian, “I didn’t know she could cook.”
He had a pained look on his face, pinching his brows, “She can’t…” he muttered under his breath, “Wonderful as a Pokemon Trainer, not so great as a cook.”
Cynthia turned around from the stove, hands on her hips as she wore one of Lucian’s aprons, “Hey! I give it my best. I may have… overcooked a few things, but I’m still trying.”
“Ah, I suppose I can commend you for making attempts to improve your culinary skills, but I think it may be best, for the sake of my kitchen, that you leave it to someone who won’t burn anything?”
Cynthia thought for a moment as she looked at Garchomp, who looked like she was just eager to eat. The look on her face made Cynthia laugh a little.
“Well, I suppose you’re right. Not to mention I did promise Garchomp that we would go to a cafe after we dropped things off.”
Cynthia untied the apron she wore as she made her way around the kitchen toward Lucian and Shauntal. She handed the apron to Lucian, who placed it away for her. Cynthia then reached over to give Shauntal a tight hug.
“Happy birthday, Shauntal! Don’t forget what I told you earlier, okay? I’ll be in touch if you need anything.”
Shauntal gave her a nod, “Right, thank you for everything, Cynthia.”
“Not a problem!” she then looks over to Lucian, giving him a winking grin, “You stay out of trouble, Mister. I trust you will make our guest feel at home?”
Lucian nods, “Of course, I wouldn’t have things any other way. Thank you for your assistance, Cynthia.” He gave her a bow as she waved to him.
Once they said their goodbyes, Lucian let out a tired sigh.
“Quite the eventful day, wouldn’t you say?” he asks.
Shauntal looked down at the card in her hand Will gave her, “Yeah, tell me about it.”
He turned his attention towards her, noting the card she had in hand, “Is that a gift from Will?”
“Yeah, he said I should show it to you. It’s for some fancy restaurant in Kanto.” She says as she hands it over to Lucian.
Upon closer inspection of the card, Lucian looks over to Shauntal, “It most certainly is. This restaurant is not only known for the view but also the fireworks they offer guests at the end of the evening. I only know about it due to an acquaintance of mine raving over the restaurant a week or so after Valentine's day.”
“Ohh! That does sound romantic. Do you think we could go there around Valentine’s day too?” She scratched her cheek, “Unless you don’t think that’s a good idea…?”
Lucian simply offered her a smile as he handed her back the card, “I don’t think it’s a terrible idea. So long as I am at your side, I’d be delighted to go anywhere with you.”
Shauntal smiled from ear to ear as she accepted the card back, “That’s awesome! I’m looking forward to it.”
The way her eyes lit up as they made future plans together warmed his heart. He wanted nothing more than to keep those stars sparkling within her gaze. If she wished to dine out, he had no problem accompanying her.
Lucian took hold of her left hand, brushing his lips briefly against her lavender-gloved hand.
“As am I. In the meantime, before either of us gets distracted again, I really should make us something to eat.”
Shauntal couldn’t help but laugh a little, although a faint blush claimed her cheeks, “ That sounds like a good idea. Do you need help with anything?”
“I should be fine. You go on and take a seat at the table.”
Releasing his hand, she walked over to take a seat at his kitchen table. Shauntal watched him move around the kitchen for a moment. Her mind was wandering nearly everywhere and she wasn’t sure what to do. She knew that she had growing feelings for Lucian. He was upfront and didn’t shy from what he was thinking around her, but he did it in a manner that not only she would understand, but made sure she didn’t feel uncomfortable.
So why in the world was her brain telling her that she needed to lean more toward Grimsley? Surely. . .the intimate time she spent with Lucian these past two days meant something, right?
Sweet Arceus, curse that man and his damned grinning kiss. Her own hands were shaking as her heart raced, thinking of the way he had kissed her and how she was dumb enough to not push back. She was just as guilty as he was for crossing the line. Shauntal didn’t even know that he was with Will until he came out to take them home.
She felt like a terrible person for allowing it to happen. She should confess what happened to Lucian and ask to be taken home. She didn’t deserve his company or his trust, which she completely shattered the moment she allowed Grimsley to kiss her.
Though unintentional, Lucian could hear her thoughts and emotions as if they were broadcasted through a radio that filled the room. He could understand why she was conflicted, as he was attempting to sort out his own emotions about the situation himself. If he had learned anything today though, it was that communication between partners was key. So, for now, he would keep his thoughts to himself.
He had decided to make them a shrimp stir fry, which thankfully didn’t take long. Once he finished, he gently placed her plate in front of her with chopsticks.
There was a prolonged silence before he spoke up.
“How did your talk with Grimsley go?” Knowing already how it went from her racing thoughts.
She paused as she held her chopsticks above her bowl.
“It was..weird. Grimsley confuses me. I don’t know what to make of what he says or does anymore.”
“I can only imagine…” he uttered softly.
Shauntal sighed, placing her chopsticks over her bowl before pushing it aside.
“I suppose we should just talk about the elephant in the room, huh?”
Lucian tilted his head at her, “Only if you want to. I can tell that the topic alone makes you feel distressed.”
She locked her gaze with his, feeling the guilt of what happened to overwhelm her.
“When he kissed me, it felt like it was rushed, forced passion if anything. He apologized for not being enough for me but I don’t think I ever really felt anything other than kinship toward him. It took me completely by surprise. Yet…it made me feel something…different. I can’t exactly put my finger on it. I’m not even sure if it’s a good or bad thing.”
“I believe the word you are looking for is lust, my dear.”
“I - hm…” Now that he mentioned it, that more or less described how she felt. Her clothes felt warm, despite the cool winter breeze and she wanted to do more than plant her hands on his chest. It wasn’t out of love though. He just got her so worked up that she couldn’t help herself. That didn’t make it right though.
She frowned a bit, “You should probably just take me home after this. I’m sorry. I don’t deserve your kindness after what I did.”
Lucian reached a hand over the table, taking hold of her own. He could see that she was on the verge of tears. It broke his heart to see her so distressed.
“Shauntal, my dear lady. There’s no reason for you to cry. I admit I am annoyed that a situation between the two of you was taken advantage of but I think he did that more out of spite towards me than anything to prove something to you.
We did have an argument before you came to the Study. It’s a shame that he had to pull you into his games in order to prove a point. That was cruel on his part. If I seem tense, know that I am somewhat upset, just not at you.”
Shauntal looked at him from across the table, glasses nearly completely covered in fog from the chill of the room.
“Really. . .?”
He gave her a nod, “Absolutely. Come to my side.”
As he released her hand, she moved around the table while he stood from his seat. Welcoming her into his arms, she removed her glasses so they could be placed on the table before shoving her head into his chest. Her brain felt like scrambled eggs and her heart was just so confused. Hearing Lucian’s reassuring words, however, made her feel at ease.
She cried softly into his chest as he held her, a hand running across her back as he pressed a soft kiss against her head.
“You’re not going to leave me then?” she muttered to him.
He gently cupped her chin, lifting her face so he could have her looking in his direction, “Not even the most devious thief could convince me to let you go.”
Lucian gently brushed her tears away, curling a finger over her rounded cheeks, “ If you wish to leave, you may if you wish but know that I hold no ill will towards you.”
Grimsley, on the other hand. Well, he wasn’t exactly happy with the man. He knew that he and his brother were an item. So it would only be a matter of time before Will would say something and give the gambling Unovian a piece of his mind. He was making things so unnecessarily complicated.
Shauntal looked up at him. Despite not having the greatest vision, she clung to his shirt, keeping him close.
“I choose to stay here with you, so long as you’ll have me.”
Shauntal felt him place her glasses back on, tucking a few of her loose strands behind her ear, “That sounds like something I should be saying to you, your highness.”
Gently tipping her chin further up, he lured her into a soft kiss, whispering against her lips, “ I made a declaration to ensure your safety and happiness. No such promise is ever taken lightly. I love you more than I care to spare words describing my affection for you.”
She felt the warmth of his words as his hands held her face, drawing her in closer. He wasn’t rough or needy like Grimsley, but he had the gentle touch and tender approach that made her melt into his arms. She held him close, arms wrapped around his waist as she sighed with relief.
For a moment there, she thought she would’ve lost him.
When he pulled back, she leaned into his right hand, “I love you, Lucian.”
The corner of his lips curved, “I love you too, Shauntal.”
Shauntal slipped out of his arms for a moment, reaching for her glasses before gathering her food so she could relocate beside him at the table. They sat back down and moved on past the sensitive topic. While they were talking though, she found herself feeling drowsy.
Though she was done eating, she leaned her head against his shoulder while they sat at the table.
“Pillow…” she muttered softly.
He laughed softly. “If you’re tired, we can retire to the bedroom.”
She groaned, turning her head as she clung to his arm, “Pillow…! I’m comfy.”
“Well, you can cuddle with me once you are in a much more comfortable situation, my dear.”
In a single fluid motion, he gathered her in his arms and brought her into his room. Settling her on the bed, he draped the blanket over her so that she was able to rest with ease. Once he knew she was at peace, he took a seat beside her on the bed.
He had promised to look into her mind to see if there was still an entity with her. Taking hold of her left hand, he closed his eyes as he concentrated. A deep dive into her thoughts confirmed her concerns as he saw a glimpse of what happened earlier between his beloved and her colleague. Shuffling through her memories, he acknowledged the daily struggles she went through when she started as an Elite. Stretching further, he knew he had to aim towards her childhood, as that was when she mentioned they had their encounter.
It took him a minute, but he managed to get there. That fateful day when she sat in her borrowed room with her Litwick in her hand. Curled up in a corner with heart-wrenching tears painted over her cheeks. He noted how she brought the haunted candle to eye level before leaning her forehead against her waxed friend.
A looming dark-cloaked shadow lingered over her shoulder, pulling her into darkness. It was then that Lucian followed the trail of the cloaked figure. Unaware of the follower, the cloaked figure made the deal with Shauntal.
When it was sealed, Shauntal’s figure faded from the dark space. The figure turned for a moment, tilting it’s head.
‘A visitor? You are no Pokemon, so I assume you are a psychic then, yes?’
“You would be correct. Who might you be?”
‘I am, or rather, I was…a collector of young souls. Your kind, I believe, refer to mine as a shinigami. She has much potential for the future, as such, her time to pass on is not yet upon her.’
The shinigami tilting its hooded head at Lucian, ‘You come with questions. Ask if you must but do not linger long. Memories will be fractured if you do.’
He was well aware of the consequences of entering someone’s mind, even more so by interacting with a far off memory. This was a necessity though. If he could put aside any concerns that Shauntal had about her life, then she wouldn’t have to be so paranoid about continuing her work.
Lucian crossed his arms in thought, “You’ve been with Shauntal for several years now, but what about her adult life? She has voiced her concerns of hearing the lack of your commentary about her work. Will she be safe if you’re not there?”
The dark figure before him shifted in place, tilting it’s head once more, ‘All happens for a reason. I stayed to give her motivation to continue living. When I leave her side, it is because I sense that she will have a purpose for life. Since she can no longer create life on her own, a connection with another of the living will be more than enough for her. Though I will leave a gracing period for her to adjust to my leave of absence'
His brows knitted at the other, “Hold a moment. What do you mean she can’t create life?”
The figure held out its ghostly hands, ‘One cannot re-enter the living without a self sacrifice. A life for a life is a sufficient price to pay. She was but a child at this point, making a future possibility no longer a choice. She does become aware of the price later on. Worry not.’
This was certainly new information to him. He wasn’t going to bring it up to her though, not while they were just starting to date. Best to leave that as a topic of discussion for another time.
From what he has learned, this shinigami was no longer with her and it took away her ability to have children. Both being a good and bad thing for the future. At least he knew that she wasn’t in any danger with this thing gone.
Lucian gave a light bow, “That is all I need to know. Thank you for keeping a watchful eye over her these past years. I will do what I can to continue giving her life meaning. She means more to me than anything.”
‘Then my timing for our separation was timed perfectly. She will be in good hands.’
With that, Lucian pulled back from her mind. He took a deep breath as he re-centered his vision before looking down to Shauntal. She looked so peaceful laying there. Having caught a glimpse of the turmoil she suffered from her childhood up to being an Elite tugged at his heart. If he wasn’t determined to bring joy into her life before, he certainly was now.
He brought her hand to his lips, pressing a chaste kiss to her gloved hands. She was indeed his Empress and, much like her doting Noble, he would remain at her side. He witnessed many people she attempted to get close to break away from her due to either death or lack of chemistry with their interests. If he could prevent another sleepless night filled with tears surrounding her, he would do everything in his power to do so.
For now, he would allow her to rest. They could speak in the morning about what he discovered and go from there.