Damien Brings Me Home

I stretched and yawned in my chair, the computer screen making my eyes blur. They were starting to feel heavy as I continued to pluck away at my emails. I had a lot of work to catch up on in these last few days. It seemed never ending as the work kept going, and the sun went down. The most important bit was that Celestia on board about tomorrow's shoot. She said she kept her schedule cleared this week just for me, which I felt flattered.

The main photographer we had for our business was well aware of tomorrows shoot as well. We had decided later on in the day we would do a morning shoot. It would keep the pictures lively and playful as it would be fresh in the day. The snow was supposed to fall in the morning as well, and it would give it that extra touch we needed for our Winter Fantasy theme. I felt very pleased with how today came about. Damien and Angela didn't really have to agree to this advertisement bit and let Illia and Lilah take the lead, but for whatever reason, they decided to trust us.

That thought alone was enough to warm me up inside. Two influential people at your backs was also another reassuring feeling. Not that I didn't feel good about myself before, but the pressure to try and persuade these types of people to your side was less now, and it was a good feeling. The appraisal by Angela alone today was enough to send me to heaven. Weird things were happening to me this week. The biggest hot shot in the entertainment industry gave me his business card, Angela and Damien both like my ad idea and even the clothes I designed.

Despite how rough these last few weeks started, it was nice knowing that the tension was lowering, and my mind could start to think more clearly. I leaned back in my chair, a smile on my lips as I continued to slave away at my computer.

"Not only are you here later than you should be, but you are smiling while doing so? Tell me, what has you in such a good mood?" Damien startled me. I jumped and looked up to find him casually leaning against the door frame. I swallowed nervously and put on my best smile on my face.

"Why can't I be in a good mood? I've been cooped up at home these last few days and I've never once took a day off in eight years I've worked here. It's just good to be back doing what I love." I felt another yawn come on, and I did my best to stifle it. To my dismay it over rid my request and yawned anyway. I took a sip of my coffee, hoping that he wouldn't comment about how drowsy I was actually starting to feel.

"Aaron has already gone home for the day, Bastion as well. How about I take you home before the office becomes your bedroom." Damien offered as he pushed himself off the doorway. I directed my attention back to my computer, scrolling through all the unread emails still waiting for my replies. I pursed my lips, debating if I really wanted him to take me home with all this unfinished work. I felt his presence behind me as he leaned over my shoulder, observing me.

"I don't know, I still have a lot of work to do yet. These people have been waiting for me for a few days now." I muttered. Damien's hand overlapped mine as he took over the mouse. I watched as he minimized the screen, making the home screen appear. I stared blankly at the blue background, trying to piece together what he just did.

"You look like a zombie Rosaline. Please let me take you home and you can continue slaving over your work tomorrow." I could hear the small plea in his voice and sighed in defeat. It was probably better to quit now, otherwise I wouldn't be going home tonight, and Leo would definitely miss me. So, I gave a small nod, and pushed back from my desk. Reaching for my coat on the back of the chair, Damien caught my face with his thumb, observing my forehead diligently. Unsure of what to do, I stood glued in place, not really wanting to offend him by pulling away.

"Is it feeling any better?" He asked quietly. My throat tightened in response. I wasn't sure what my body was doing, but I didn't like how weak it was becoming just at his words. I just nodded slowly, wanting to get far away from him. A soft smile spread across his face, and he let me go. He took only a single step back, but not before offering me his arm. I eyed him warily, wondering why he was being so polite to me. But against my better judgement, I looped my arm through his. I was tired, that was the only explanation I had for my weird decisions.

"You really are a brilliant mind, Rosaline. It takes a lot for Angela to be impressed, and today you blew her away. In fact, this is the most excited I have ever seen her for a project. You should feel proud of yourself." He spoke as he directed me out of the office and down the long hall. I watched our reflection from the glass windows, a feeling of familiarity slowly creeping over me. It's weird that just seeing us together, would make me feel like I have experienced this feeling once before. But I couldn't figure out where.

"I pride myself in my work. I don't just over work myself for a mediocre outcome. I go all out, or I don't bother at all." I said pulling my eyes away from the window. Staring at the both of us, was giving me other ideas than just familiarity. I was experiencing feelings I hadn't felt since I was in grade school. A feeling of trust and love that I have long since forgotten.

"You always did like to over work yourself. Good grades, beautiful concerts, wonderful music. It's a shame that you gave all of that up to design clothes." I indistinctly grabbed on to his arm, his words striking a cord with in me. But despite how offended I was feeling, I couldn't really bring myself to be angry at him. Maybe I myself was starting to also regret my decisions. After all, piano was my main hobby.

"Yes well, not everyone is meant to pursue their dreams. Things are constantly changing, and with desires and dreams, they can change too. I am happy where I am, I don't see myself changing things anytime soon." I said casually. I hoped this answer would be enough. This topic was still a sore spot in my heart.

"I don't mean to pry or bring up your past Rosaline. I just want to better understand you." He said softly. It was like his own words where wounding him. His face was plain, emotionless. I couldn't really understand how he was feeling or what he was thinking about. No matter how hard I looked, I always came back empty handed with him. So, I let the conversation go, only wanting to walk in silence as we cleared out of the now empty building.

The conversation between us had died, even as we walked into the large parking garage. The only noise between us was our feet walking across the concrete. Our steps bounced off the walls, floors, and ceilings in uneven steps. Every exhale I made was left with a small, frozen, vapor cloud that chilled my cheeks as I walked through it. Involuntarily I clenched my arm tighter around his, not enjoying the cold chill of the night. Out of the corner of my eye, I watched him glance down at me. For a fleeting moment, there was that look of concern again I saw in the office, and he picked up his pace.

I did my best to keep up with his long strides as we walked across the barren parking lot. The only car left, was a black supped up little sports car. It was sleek and shiny as it shone underneath the florescent lights. As we got closer, he unlocked the car with his tiny key fob, and the opened the passenger side door. I let go of his arm and sat down, closing the door as I got in. As he got in the driver side, he turned the ignition on and buckled while we waited for the car to warm up. Once again, we said nothing as we idled.

The silence between us was getting thicker with every passing second. At least that was the case until he cleared his throat. As much as I wasn't completely sure we could trust him, I still hated this awkward silence between us.

"So, Loui came over the other day. He told me that you where the one that brought me to the hospital. I just wanted to say thank you." I said quietly as I stared out of the windshield.

"There is no need to thank me, Rosaline. I was doing what any good Samaritan would have done." I rolled my eyes as he humbled himself.

"Stop being so humble and just accept the thanks. I mean it, I really do appreciate what you did for me. I was a mess last week, and it seemed only to get worse." I said bitterly as I leaned against the seat. I wrapped my arms around myself, trying to ward of the cold. I shouldn't have worn a dress today; my exposed skin was starting to become numb. Damien's side of the car was making shuffling noises, and then I felt his jacket drape across my legs.

I stared up, surprised at his gesture. With a small smile, he put the car into drive, and slowly made his way around the parking garage. His simple, yet warm gesture stirred something within me. It made me feel warm inside despite how cold I was on the outside. I could feel myself starting to get more and more drowsy as we continued our journey to my house in silence. Enjoying the warmth, I buried myself deeper into his jacket and leaned my head against his door.

Despite how I was feeling about him before, I guess he really wasn't entirely a bad guy. I don't want to drop my guard completely, but I don't want to give him the chance to hurt me either if he does end up stabbing us in the back later on down the road.