Station 8

Hi. I just want to know kung okay lang ba 'yung pagsusulat ko? I mean the taglish part. Baka nadadamihan kasi kayo sa English. I know I have grammatical errors but still, there's no harm in trying naman, 'di ba? I just want to know your preference sa language. Baka kasi mas gusto n'yo Tagalog 😅

Anyway, happy reading!

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Tinatali ni Fey ang kaniyang buhok habang tumatakbo papuntang gym kung saan sila madalas magkita ni Brio upang mag-ensayo. Napamura ito sa isipan at napapakagat sa kaniyang labi dahil siguradong nag-iintay na naman sa kaniya ang lalaki.

Pagkarating ay natanaw niya itong nakasandal sa pader, nakatingala habang nakatingin sa kalangitan. Wala ito sa lilim. Tila ibinababad ang maputing balat sa ilalim ng araw. Naisip niyang kung may recliner lang siguro doon ay baka nakahiga na si Brio, suot ang isang sunglasses.

Nang huminto si Fey sa harap nito ay agad na sumimangot ang lalaki. Si fey naman ay napahawak sa kaniyang mga tuhod dahil sa pagod mula sa pagtakbo.

Umalis sa pagkakasandal si Brio saka naglakad palapit sa kaniya. Ang akala niya ay hihinto ito sa harap niya ngunit nilagpasan siya nito. Agad niyang hinawakan si Brio sa baraso at hinatak ito pabalik sa kaniyang harapan.

"W-wait lang…"

Tumayo siya at itinuwid ang sarili. Wala ang ngiti na madalas niyang makita. Wala 'yung maingay na bunganga na mang-iinis sa kaniya sa at sa halip ay nananahimik ito.

Napayuko ito. "S-sorry late ako ulit. O-okay lang kung aalis ka na..." pinaglaruan nito ang kaniyang mga daliri. "Gusto ko lang mag-sorry... Pero pwede mo na 'kong iwan. "

She'll understood if he left her… no one stayed with her anyway…

Akala niya ay aalis na ito pero nang iangat niya ang kaniyang paningin kay Brio ay nakangisi ito.

Hindi niya alam kung bakit bigla na lang namasa ang kaniyang mga mata.

Maybe because it's the first time that someone didn't turned his back at her.

Agad niya itong pinunasan na hindi naman nakatakas sa mga mata ng kaharap.

Nalaki ang mga mata nito. Brio panicked when tears flow down to Fey's cheek. "H-hey! I'm just joking, okay?"

Fey sniffed as she hid her face on her palm. "S-sorry. I-I t-thought—"

"C'mere. Let me hug you." Mas lalo siyang napaiyak.

Fey didn't move so Brio crossed the distance between them. "aw, my shorty is such a cry baby." He caressed her back while petting her head.

Brio fully understood why she acted like that. On the few times they are together, he noticed that Fey rarely complain. Her actions are controlled, and she seldom slipped but every time she does, his eyes always caught it.

Maybe that's the reason why he always tries to annoy her. He wanted her to let loose. He wanted her to be carefree of her actions and just do what she really wanted to do. He thought that maybe Fey was like that because she's afraid to be judged. But is there really something that can escape judgement?

"Shh. Don't cry. I'm not mad at you."

"we're still friends?" she asked like a kid making Brio chucked.

"Of course, Shorty. Maybe we should postpone this training. Let's clear your mind first."

Lumayo si Fey kay Brio habang tinutuyo ang kaniyang mga luha. "But the Alpha Survival—"

"Fey, aside from testing your physicality, I think you should also take care of your psychological health too. It's a combination of both you need to survive, you know. Let's get you something to eat. Then come with me later."

"Saan?"

"Nasher's, the one who punched me before. He… She…" napakamot ng ulo si Brio na parang hindi malaman ang sasabihin. "Ahm, Nasher will held a prom. Said he wanted to experience it."

"They don't have it on high school?"

"They have. He didn't attend though." They started to walk away from the gym.

"But I don't have anything to wear."

"let's buy then."

Fey and Brio came to the nearest mall. They entered different boutiques to find herself a dress. She settled on a sleeveless black and gold ombre long dress which was paid by Brio. The store also offered to repair the gown so that it will perfectly fit to Fey then deliver it to Brio's house.

As soon as Brio open the door, Fey walked straight to the sofa where she slept before.

"Brio, what's the highest number I can get in Scules?"

"If you just ascend, as far as I know, a million." Brio walked to the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water.

"that's the highest? How come?" she asked to herself, but Brio heard it.

"Well, where on earth can you buy a gown that only cost fifty?"

That make sense. Things in Ludovia are cheap but the food were a bit pricey.

"Anything I can offer you?" Brio asked, motioning his glass of water to her.

"I'm fine." She stayed silent for a moment. "Where do you work?"

He stopped from drinking. "I didn't work. There's no work here to get paid." Brio tilt his head as he gazed at her. "Is it all because I bought you a gown, Shorty?"

She pouted when she heard what he called her. "How come you have a huge fund then?"

Her eyes widen as a realization hit hear. "You had a million?!"

Brio burst out laughing at the sudden change of Fey's reaction. "You should have seen how big your eyes were!"

Fey felt blood rushing to her cheeks. She really couldn't keep her mouth shut when she's surprised by things. Unexpected things always caught her off guards.

Brio stopped laughing but there's a smile evident to his face, together with the visible dimples. He faked a cough as she watched Fey being uncomfortable. "I'm a seminarian before," he answered shortly. Like it explains everything.

"But that doesn't guarantee you're an angel. You surely made something wrong."

He just shrugged. "I, myself can't believe it. But yeah. I remember that I am raised in the church. Then I also become a volunteer in some organizations... Then entered the seminary but left at some point, before I got into an accident."

Nakatulala si Brio habang inaalala niya ang nakaraan. Pagkalipas ng ilang sandali ay tumingin ito sa kaniya. "Ikaw?"

"I…" Fey tried to remember her childhood but her thoughts are blank. "I couldn't remember my childhood." Her eyes started to get misty until liquids started to flow on her cheeks.

Brio abruptly sat beside her. "Hey, why are you crying again?" concern was evident on his tone.

Kinapa ni Fey ang kaniyang mukha at parang doon niya lang namalayang umiiyak pala siya. "H-hindi ko rin alam."

"Hush." Hinagod ni Brio ang likod niya. "Don't think of your childhood anymore. Maybe it triggers a painful memory for you."

"Paano mo nasabi?"

"Because it's just our mind that forgets but never our heart, Shorty. Now, I'll ask you. Do you still remember your name?"

Umiling lang si Fey bilang sagot. "See? 'Yung unang nakakalimutan kasi natin ay 'yung pangalan natin sa Mortal World, hanggang sa makalimutan na natin lahat. 'Yung mga hindi naman masyadong mahalaga, nakakalimutan na natin. Magsisimula sa pagkabata hanggang sa huling memorya mo na lang sa mundo ay kung paano ka namatay. But sometimes, there are memories that is so powerful it hunts us 'til the end..."

The delivery boy of the boutique came with Fey's gown, interrupting them. Brio received it and let fey used his bathroom. Brio stayed on his room, also fixing himself. After a dlum, they agreed to meet at the receiving area.

Fey was confused when she suddenly heard a music.

"May I?" asked Brio, offering her a hand.

"Mamaya pa 'yung dance," she said, confused.

Napakamot ito sa batok. "It's been years since I attended a ball." He shrugged. "I don't know if I can still dance," and with that, she gladly accepted his dance while giggling.

Brio gave her a smile. "The gown suits you," he whispered as he held her making her blushed.

"You're not bad, yourself."

Sumayaw sila hanggang sa matapos ang sayaw. Brio, being true to his words, stepped on Fey's foot twice—too which he instantly apologized making them laughed together.

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To Fey's surprise, Nasher's prom will be held on the rooftop of Brio's Condominium. Everyone's on their gowns and suits. It actually amazed her how these guy managed to wear a suit without the touch of white. Even Brio looked good with his grey coat and his signature black shirt where his curls fall smoothly. He's always wearing a plain black shirt. Like he is one of those cartoons who have a closet of the same clothes.

"Brio! You came!" A lady in her sexy strappy backless red party gown approached them.

"He's from Appearatus," he whispered to Fey then gave a fake smile on the lady in front of them.

"What do you mean?" she whispered back.

"Asked me again when we're alone." He took a few steps.

"I knew it. You'd come."

"You insisted and threatened me to never speak to you, so yeah… I'm here."

Matatalim ang titig na binigay sa kaniya ng babae. "I see you're with someone." Kulang na lang ay matunaw siya sa tagal ng pagkatitig nito sa kaniya. Yumuko siya saka pinaglaruan ang kaniyang mga daliri.

"You've met before. You remember her Nasher?"

Umirap lang ang babae sa kaniya saka ngumiti kay Brio. "Yeah. And Brio, please, it's Natasha tonight," pagkasabi noon ay umalis na agad ito.

Tumingin si Fey kay Brio na nakakagat sa labi nito, pinipigilang tumawa. "And I thought you're an angel."

That's it. Brio burst out laughing. "Didn't say that I am!" He laughed. "Don't be afraid of her,  okay? Now, let's get some drinks."

They went around the place. Brio introduced her to different Wayfarers to which she already forgot the names and didn't give efforts to recall everyone.

"Chelsea, it's Fey."

She gave the girl a warm smile. "Hello."

They wasted the night drinking punch—which obviously mixed with alcohol, dancing in quintillion, and conversing with other Wayfarers. May iilan ring nag-aya sa kaniya sumayaw; at sa tuwing mapupunta ang paningin niya kay Brio, he's either moving his brows up and down animatedly, or gave her two thumbs up with a malicious smile.

Nang mapagod magsayaw ay naupo na Fey sa kanilang table. Brio's in the middle, dancing happily on the tune. She drank to her glass and after a few moments, Brio sat next to her.

"How's the night?"

She gave him a genuine smile of happiness. "Fun. When I attended our high school ball, no one's really noticed my existence, so I ended up coming home early. So, thank you, for bringing me here."

"Always welcome, Shorty." He was about to ruffle her hair, but she dodge her head. Brio looked at her then to his hands that still on the air then back to her. He dramatically placed his hands on his chest.

"Aw, my Shorty here is a big girl now. Ayaw na magpagulo ng buhok kasi marami ng manliligaw."

Hindi maiwasan ni Fey na mapailing habang natatawa sa kabaliwan ng kasama. "What's Appearatus?"

He pouted but nevertheless answered her. "A store where you can be whoever you want physically."

She frowned. "You mean like a plastic surgery that gave the patient their desired look?"

"Yup. But the customer's back to their old self when their time ends."

"Like Cinderella…"

He drank from his glass. "Yes, shorty, like a cinderella. You know, there are people who wanted to be like like this and that… so yeah. Ludovia caters all."

Napatango-tango si Fey sa natuklasan. Brio was playing with his glass when he called her.

"I never experience being drunk to the point that I passed out."

She gazed at him. Examining if she heard things right. "You wanted to pass out?"

"I wanted to experience."

"oh—kay. What does it has to do with me?"

"Favor pleaseee," he said batting his eyes at her making her smile.

"You're using you puppy look again."

He chuckled. "Could you agree now?" Brio gave her the same look done the first time they met. "Please!"

Brio surely know how to make girls say yes. Fey purposely rolled her eyes to Brio. "Fine."

"Yes! Thanks, Shorty!" To his excitement, he hugged her and gave her a peck on her cheek, making her blushed. He stood and looked around searching for someone. "Nasher!"

Napangiwi sila ng makitang may kasama itong lalaki na humahalik sa leeg at nakahawak ang isang kamay nito sa dibdib ng kaibigan ni Brio. "Get a room!"

Bumalik ito sa tabi ni Fey saka inubos na lamang ang laman ng baso nito.

"I-is that even allowed here?"

Sinundan ni Brio kung saan nakatingin si Fey na ikinapula naman ng pisngi ng dalaga. "You mean sex?" Nagkibit balikat ito. "I don't know. Haven't tried it. Bakit gusto mo?"

Brio chuckled to Fey's epic reaction. "Kidding, Shorty. But that's actually the reason I asked you a favor. You know, Nasher actually… hit on me so… yeah just in case I pass out, no one will take advantage of me."

Another song played on the background making Brio stood again and offered his hand to her. "I never get a chance to dance my date yet, so shall we?"

Brio and Fey dance to the music together with the crowd. The 'prom' turned to party as the night goes deep. Brio get every drink he can and store it all to his stomached. Fey stayed at her seat, eying Brio so that he won't disappear on her sight. She sometimes talked to Chelsea and went to one corner of the rooftop, Watching the city lights of Mauve Demesne and feeling the wind against her skin; wondering if she will ever inhale a fresh air again.

The party ended with Brio crawling on the floor. With Fey's arms around him, they manage to get to his house. She guided him to his bedroom and remove his coat and shoes.

After tucking him on the bed, she walked to his bathroom and clean herself. Brio allowed her to stay for the night and offer her to use his clothes when she needed. Brio's bathroom was connected to his walk-in closet to which, Fey really find…odd.

The room wasn't full of clothes. There are only ten black shirts hanging. Two pair of shoes, Some folded pants and some accessories and… undergarment. She blushed and instantly get a shirt and wear the leggings she was wearing before.

Hindi niya talaga maintindihan paminsan si Brio. Lagi siya nitong inaasar na mas mataas ang kaniyang Scules pero sobrang tipid naman na tao. Her fund was almost 430, 000 Scules which was double of Brio's Fund.

Nang bumalik siya sa kwarto nito para lumabas ay napasimangot siya. Nakabagsak kasi ang isang paa ni Brio kasama ang comforter nito. Inilapag niya ang mga gamit sa side table bago muling iniayos ang lalaki sa kama.

Kukunin na sana ni Fey ang gamit niya nang mapatingin siya sa Cirquer ni Brio—lalo na sa numerong nasa gitna nito.

She looked at him who's sleeping peacefully. He moved and turned to her. Then he murmured something enough for Fey to heard.

"K-Kylie…"

She looked at Brio's Cirquer then back to his sleeping figure and bit her lower lip.

It says eight...

It means Brio have eight Cirque left in Ludovia.