Intra-Office Relations

[Firm Master]

"Have you checked out the new girl?"

It was a not-so-harmless comment he overheard that made him terribly curious. Daniel slid over closer toward the side of his cubicle, trying to listen in on some gossip.

"Yeah. She's okay. Nice girl."
"Just okay? I haven't had a chance to see her. What's she look like?"
"Not much." A pause, a laugh. "I'll pass on that, man. She's just...I don't know. There's nothing worth going after."

Daniel slid back over. A new girl in the office? He couldn't help but want to get a look for himself and he started to find some excuse to get away from his desk and look busy. It wasn't long before he found a document that needed to get notarized and he was quickly off to the clerical department, taking the scenic route through the office.

Daniel himself hadn't been with a woman for a couple of years. It wasn't something that bothered him at this point. He was interested in women, but he'd come to a point where he felt he could live without them. He had contemplated the idea of a quick fling, but as sexy as it sounded, he couldn't imagine getting the courage up to actually make it happen. It didn't sound too appealing to be rejected and the prospect of it getting around made him even less interested in the matter. Tack in legal concerns like sexual harassment and it was just so much easier to take care of his needs himself if they came up, which they naturally did on occasion.

And there she was. Plopped down behind a desk in the clerical department itself. Just his luck! He was over here at least once an hour, having to get something taken care of and now he'd see her plenty. He let the idea slip away quickly. He hadn't even had a look at her and he was already imagining that she'd be worth making the walk for.

As he got closer, Christine, the woman training the girl, looked up at him. "Hey Danny. What do you need?" Daniel held out the paper and smiled toward them. "Just a quick notary." As Christine took it from him, she slid the document in front of the new girl and started to lead her through taking care of the paper.

Finally he found himself able to look her over. He quickly found himself agreeing with the rabble. She was plain. Brown hair that flowed down to past her shoulders, a figure that showed she had probably not missed many meals, but she did have curves where it mattered. Her breasts were a moderate size, he figured to himself. A C cup, D if lucky. Judging by the quick glance at her hips, he figured she probably had an okay rear. He also guessed she was short. Probably right around 5ft, but couldn't reasonably gauge it while she sat. Probably nothing to jump up and down about in the end. As his eyes slid up to her face, however, he could feel his heart quicken.

"Alright. That's it. Here you go, Danny." Christine startled him from his already surprised trance and held out the paper toward him, the sheet now dangling downward waiting for him to take it. He finally reached out and grabbed it. "Thanks. So uh, who's the new girl?" He asked, taking another look at her, his heart now racing as he took in her face. He couldn't believe it!

"Delilah." Christine volunteered. "This is Daniel. Or Danny is what we all call him."

"A pleasure." He was able to force out calmly before starting to turn away. "Hope to see more of you." He quickly turned and walked back toward his desk. She looks just like Lisa!

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

It seemed like it was exciting talk when a new person started working at a company. Of course it didn’t dawn on her why since new people joined companies all the time. Whether it was in the same department or not, it was just daunting. However, for her, she’d been so busy trying to get the hang of this job that all the gossip that would be going around, if there was any, slipped passed her. At the same time, why would there be gossip going around? She wasn’t anything special. Just a recent college graduate who got her degree in English but was at this company as a clerical worker. Not exactly in the same line as what she really desired but a job was a job and in this day and economy, she was thankful. Besides, it was pretty beneficiary while she did graduate school. It was time to be an adult in the real world. At least the job was remotely interesting.

Delilah Thomas had just started her first day as a clerical worker in training for a pretty up-there company. The pay was great for such a position and they definitely understood the fact that she was putting herself through graduate school while she worked this job which of course, she was incredibly thankful for otherwise she’d be in a lot of trouble. Unable to provide rent while she did scholarship after scholarship to pay for graduate school. Every graduate student’s dream. Joy.

The day had been pretty simple. A woman named Christine, very kind and patient, was at her side, helping her and letting her do the major works as she supervised. Lila was basically getting it under control quickly so Christine didn’t have to hover over her constantly. That gave her quite the confident boost because that meant the woman knew Lila was very capable and picked things up fast. That’s exactly what every new employee liked to feel because ultimately it meant they could possibly go far.
“You’re doing very well, you know that?” The woman offered.
Lila looked back at her and smiled gently. “Thanks. I know that now.” She laughed slightly, tucking a lock of brown hair behind her ear.

“Oh try that one.” She pointed out, causing Lila to turn back and she looked it over, nodding.
“That actually and probably makes more sense.” She said in her bewilderment and dumbfounded stupor. Both women laughed in the slight awkward ambiance but it wasn’t terribly uncomfortable. It’d take some time but the point was the atmosphere was pretty chill and in the end, that’s all the young woman wanted. High stress and her? Incompatible.

A man walked in at some point but Lila was a little bit focused on her current task of continuing to grasp the ropes. However when Christine spoke, it caught even Lila’s attention, prompting her to look up, her hazel eyes meeting the sight of the man but she somewhat hidden behind Christine’s looming body. Her attention turned to the paper that needed notarizing and under the woman’s rule and direction, Lila was able to do so successfully before the paper was handed back to him.

Christine had moved out of the way some and this gave Lila a chance to be seen by him, as well give her a chance to really see him. He seemed like something while she suddenly felt like nothing, especially since she noted that he was looking at her and actually looking at her. What for? She was rather plain aside from nice curves that women could posses. That day, she opted to wear a simple navy blue long sleeved shirt with a black pencil skirt that came just to her knees, black tights underneath and simple flats on her feet. She had brown long hair that cascaded past her shoulders, halting just an inch or two passed where her bra stop would be under her clothes and gentle features. She wasn’t extravagant like other women her age could and would be. She wore what she liked, stayed simple and didn’t exactly regard much to what other may have thought. The point was, she liked herself just the way she was. His eyes on her were unnerving and she found herself unable to answer his questions.

New girl? she thought. Was that really how they were dubbing her? She mentally shook her head, but was thankful that Christine seemed to answer for her. She just offered a small smile, nodding to him. “Likewise.” She murmured, having noting his sudden change in behavior it seemed. Watching him go, she turned her attention back to Christine who looked at her expectantly before turning in her chair and going back to work.

Yeah, that wasn’t weird at all. She thought to herself, unable to shake the odd feeling. What was that?

 

[Firm Master]

Sitting back at his desk, Daniel couldn't stop thinking about Delilah. It was surprising to him to say the least. Her utter and complete resemblance to a past girlfriend made him unable to think of anything but this new girl. It made him start to feel those awkward high school desires: Wanting someone and not knowing how to approach them. He coldn't help himself, though. His mind was racing on trying to think of SOME excuse to get her to spend some private time with him. To get to know each other. And to get to find out just how many things she had in common with her. His hands slid across his slacks, trying to wipe the sweat from the palms of his hands. Why would he getting so worked up over her anyway? The past was over and he had all but forgotten Lisa. Yet here he was faced with wanting to make this girl his own, wanting to relive all those days and nights he spent with her and do them right this time. Do them the way he wanted.

His work was tapering off now and after having let his thoughts run their course, most of them turning into fantasies more than anything, he found himself heading back over again. A small stack of papers in hand, he set off for the clerical department again, knowing exactly what desk he was going for.

He had spent a lot of time thinking about what he was going to say to her. He came off as incredibly charming in his mind. Every word he uttered and she was hanging onto every single syllable. He'd say every single thing she wanted at just the right time and before he knew it, he had her number and a time to be at her place. And she was begging him to not be late. He would come and she'd be dressed in some sexy lingerie. Her actual body was now more shapely, thin, and her bust had swollen. She'd have thigh high stockings that allowed her legs to peek out from beneath the baby doll she was wearing. Her neck would have a ribbon or small choker around it and she'd look like she was wanting to be an animal that found her master.

That's how it worked in his mind at least. He was thankful that he was walking and the pressure building in his underwear was fading away quickly, having a difficult time pushing his foolish blood up. He made sure to clear his mind of those ideas, not wanting to do something really stupid and get her pissed off or think he was weird right from the start. He had to play it cool. And they were adults. Just ask her for a coffee or something after work. Just a friendly offer. An offer he knew was not so innocent and he felt she probably would know too, but had room to behave like it was. It was a great idea. How could she say no to that? It was just coffee after all!

"Hey, uh...Delilah was it?" he paused, the small stack of papers in his hand were being held casually as he moved his other hand foward, resting it on her desk as he leaned closer to her. "I just wanted to say hi." He felt his throat starting to tighten and nervousness was starting to grip him. Calm down, damn it! It's just a woman!

He tried to hide the deep breath he took, calming his nerves a bit. "Listen, I know it's a little hard to be new." He took another breath, feeling his palms were sweaty and afraid he was going to cough or have his voice break. He felt extremely awkward now, but he tried to push on. He wasn't about to let his confidence fall apart so simply! "So, uh, well. I just wanted to offer that we go out and get a coffee or something." It was finally out there. He felt himself a little more relieved. He just threw the ball in her court and now it was her awkward burden to bare. "Just to chat, get to know each other. Share some experiences." He was confident again, now leaning himself back and waving the papers around as if they were old friends. Still, his heart raced and he was probably setting up certain disaster by pushing this on her so soon. It was long too far to turn back now, though.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

That odd feeling had remained in her as the hours progressed. Christine was testing her to be on her own and deal with this and had gone back to her desk which was directly across from Lila's. Should she had any questions or need help with someone, Christine would help but for the most part, Lila was fine on her own, having really gotten the hang of it quite fast. It was pretty simple. Kind of mundane, but hey, a job was a job and in this case, Lila was simply thankful they hired her when she had showed zero experience in the area, having been working in the food industry since she had turned eighteen, going from restaurant to restaurant, back and forth as either a hostess or a waitress. The last place she worked at was P.F. Chang's as a waitress, one of their best ones too.

As the day progressed on slowly, her mind had drifted back to that very awkward encounter with the man that Christine said was named Daniel, or as everyone called him Danny. She didn't bother asking her about the guy. It was her first day and aside from work, the first thing she would ask is about the weird guy who came down to probably check out the new girl? Yeah, that's what every new employee wanted to ask the person who was training them. It seemed like a bad impression to her. She was here to work, make money and make new friendships but not the bad kinds and to her, intra-office relations was like the best way to go down in the history of the company provided that type of relationship spiraled down badly. Talk about garnering a really bad reputation.

Quite presumptuous, don't think Lila? Her subconscious, her inner workings and ultimate bitch-troll, chimed in, causing Lila to mentally roll her eyes at her. It's not like that. She thought to herself, shaking her head slightly as she did her work, finding her current thoughts to be distraction as her pen hovered over a document, not doing anything.
He wouldn't even see you that way. There are far more beautiful women this world. You're a hobbit... It was harsh but also true. She didn't necessarily find herself attractive, being rather plain and nothing glamorous to her or even special. Sure, it was clear that there was a distinctive beauty hidden beneath her plain style and fashion, but it wouldn't be seen at first glance. At least that's what her mother said. She wasn't traditionally beautiful and ultimately, it'd be her bubbly and compassionate personality that would make her beautiful. So the way Lila took that was she wasn't beautiful on the outside but beautiful on the inside. What she would give to be both, rather than one or the other.

"Delilah?" Christine asked, pulling her out of her mental reverie. It caused Lila to look up from her work and at the woman across from her.
"Hmm?"
"Are you okay?" She asked, raising a brow.
"Oh yeah, just um...thinking." She smiled bashfully before looking down again and continued with her work, her pen hovering over the document before actually moving, writing.

The next time her name was said, it nearly startled her as she had gotten so deep into her work and documents that Chelsea had just given her. But she remained calm though her heart had started beating fast. For as she looked up to see the origin of the voice that spoke her name, she saw the same man from earlier. Daniel. No, Danny.
As he leaned in, she found her back glued to the back of her chair and she blinked her eyes a few time. Oh, talk about awkward. Seemed they both had it in them because the awkward tension was so thick, it'd need to be cut with an extra large and strong knife; maybe a sword or even a machete. Christine was watching them speculatively.

"Uh, hi." She spoke softly but her eyes were currently trying to look anywhere but at him before her. Especially with how he leaned down to her, his hands leaning against her desk. Bubble invasion.

As he began to speak, her eyebrow raised and her eyes somehow landed on him, just looking at him and taking in all he said. Her teeth had captured her lower lip in her nervousness. She wasn’t used to men talking to her at all really. She had no male friends. All friends she had were female. She was weird around men. The only men she wasn’t weird or awkward around were the men in her family, her dad and older brother to be specific. She was used to them, and used to the men in her family. But this man before, well she was just a quaking bubble of nervousness about ready to explode.

Then his offer came and she just looked surprised, way too surprised. Her eyes glanced to Christine who was watching them with slight amusement and her reaction to his office didn't give much away. Accepting an offer to coffee and getting to know each other wasn't bad, right? Innocent, really. Her hazel eyes fell back onto the man before her and she nodded slowly. "Sure." Her voice nearly squeaked and she had to berate herself mentally for seeming a little over interested. "Coffee would be nice." She shrugged her shoulders mildly. "Just say when."

 

[Firm Master]

She seemed to be rather shy. Or nervous. He wasn't sure as he was already uncomfortable from his own ideas that ran through his head and he had always had that social anxiety. It popped up in only two places: When he was in a group he didn't know well, and when he was around people he had intentions about. Even though she wasn't as small as she could be, she wasn't exactly a group.

As he got her response, his heart continued to race. She actually agreed to it! He felt like he was already pulling Lisa back into his life and all those old emotions came flooding back. It was like they had broken up and were back together once more! He was just feeling a little resentful that she had put on some weight. As he looked at her again, he corrected himself. This isn't Lisa. It was a fresh start to a potential relationship and he needed to keep that straight. Still, her resemblance was nearly spot on, but as if she had let herself go a little bit.

"Awesome." His voice didn't display any hint of just how excited he was now. "Unless they've got you on some crazy schedule, the rest of the girls get out at 6. Same time as me. We can go out then." His offer was sincere. "Or just have dinner since it'll be the right time." And now he instantly bit his tongue, unable to believe he had offered that. Women always seemed to think that going to dinner was instantly crossing some line that lunch or coffee didn't. And here he was with one foot well past that red line. "I mean, it's no big deal either way." Good one. He felt like he covered that smoothly, making it rather dismissive as if he didn't care. It was up to her if she wanted that. It was her that would want to have dinner with him, not the other way around. He just let her have that option, because he was that confident.

He was standing up straight now. He had heard that it was best to keep these time of things short. Then again, he heard somewhere that there was a golden rule about dating: Make plans for 24 to 72 hours from now. No sooner, no later. But it was all dating advice crap from weird guys that always talked about yet another woman they were able to 'close'. With a kiss, with a number, with sex. It was all so odd to him, but at the same time he felt odd about breaking a rule somewhere. Either way, he wasn't as nervous and he held himself up as more confident than he felt already.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

He seemed to be in good agreement with the fact she herself agreed. It didn't seem like a big deal and when she glanced back at Christine, the woman was no longer paying attention to them, having gone back to work. Oh, Lila hoped that she wasn't making a bad decision in judgment by agreeing to go out with him for coffee to chat and get to know each other It was totally harmless, right? Just two coworkers sharing in coffee and wanting to know more of each other. Friends. Friends were completely harmless. Even if those friends were guys. It's not like she thought it was impossible for a man and a woman to be friends. She just...never had that.

Guys never did really approach her because of her size. She was a good size ten but these days it seemed men wanted their women a certain way, a certain way she simply was not. It all went back to what her mother would usually say that she had a beautiful personality but wasn't very easy on the eyes. Suffice to say, it kind of hindered her confidence and made her stay away from men altogether so never to put herself out there or be embarrassed. So why she had agreed to this with him, she really had no idea but kept telling herself it had to just be harmless and purely innocent. That it wouldn't hurt. Besides, it was always good to meet new people and despite her shy demeanor, she did like to meet new people. She wasn't an introvert or recluse.

"Yeah, I get out at 6. Christine's assured me." She laughed slightly, earning a smile from Christine as Lila glanced back at her before looking back at him. "D-Dinner?" She heard Christine clear her throat as if coincidentally and her cheeks heated just a little bit, she looking down bashfully at her hands in her lap, fingers knotting together repeatedly. Like a nervous habit. She glanced back to Christine as if for approval but the woman wasn't even looking at her or paying attention anymore. Lila was beginning to resent that but it didn't show on her face. Biting her lower lip again out of mild nervousness, she looked back up at him, shrugging slightly. "I mean it makes sense. I'm sure I'll be hungry by then." By then? What are you talking about, you cow? You're always hungry. Oh, that was an embarrassing point her subconscious made, making her fear a little bit that perhaps he noticed the fact she wasn't thin, well not like Christine. Lila envied the woman. She was gorgeous and thin, something Lila knew she'd never be. In that moment, just to smite her subconscious and not come off as some repulsive larger woman in front of this man--whether he became a friend, for or something more--she didn't want to eat around him. That had to be a first. To be that self-conscious.

"Actually coffee would just be fine." Her appetite might have just vanished right there with her own insecurity and nervousness. "If that's okay with you?"

 

[Firm Master]

It felt like a mild rejection, but wasn't that just like Lisa to say no so often?

This wasn't Lisa, he reminded himself. "Oh yeah, that's completely fine. If you change your mind, let me know. Not a big deal at all. I'll come back over after I'm done, so stick around here, alright?" He still felt himself about to explode on the inside. She was going to be his again! The thought was gone before he worked to correct it. Without giving her a chance to answer, he was already taking off, but he quickly spun back around and dropped the small pile of papers on the corner of Delilah's desk, giving her a quick smile before he was on his way again.

Back at his desk, he found himself able to focus again, but slower than he usually worked, even though he didn't notice this fact. It felt so great. He wasn't sure what part he liked more. That he had a date or that he had a date with her. He finally paused to correct himself. Not Lisa. Delilah. He wondered if he could call her Lia, a mis-spelling of Leah he figured in his mind, but pronounced just the same. It'd be so close. So very close. He'd mention it while they were out, slipping it into conversation and if she reacted, he'd ask if that was okay. It was a great plan.

He was tempted to start bragging with the guys. That he had scored a date with the new girl. Maybe bullshit around with them to gain some sort of approval about it. He'd fuck her tonight for sure, he'd tell them. And sure enough he'd come back, sharing in how victorious he had been. How she practically was begging him to take her and use her as he wanted. It was something he wasn't really interested in actually doing, at least not yet he mused, but it definitely felt like something that fit the environment and would make him feel great. Then he remembered how he heard that "there was nothing worth going after." Perhaps it was best to keep such a thing quiet. He already wasn't exactly a stud at the office. Probably more so on the lower rungs than anything. That would probably pull him even further down.

He let himself spend more time thinking about the date itself though. A detail he needed to make sure make clear; it wasn't a date. It was just a friendly get together that otherwise was a date, outside of the intentions. At least as far as she needed to know. If any issues arose, it allowed that nice comfortable room to say "No, it wasn't a date. We just went and hung out for a bit. We're not an item. We're not going out. We're just friends." It was all so safe, no matter what happened.

Time seemed to slow down in that last hour. He couldn't keep his eyes off the clock and finally as it got to a few minutes to 6, he was shutting down his computer and straightening out his desk. Another few minutes to fuck around at the water cooler and take some quick glances at the snack machine and he finally went over to clock out. From there, it felt like he was power walking to her desk.

It wasn't hard to spot her, given how he was working so hard at it. He came near her, a smile on his face. "Well, I was thinking of a place a couple of blocks away. Not sure if you drive to work or what, but I'd be happy to give you a ride." He shrugged. "Going to the same place." It was carpooling, he justified in his mind so she knew, even when he didn't say it. Not him wanting to have her warm body sitting beside him.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

Before she could say anything, he had already proceeded to leave. It didn't matter though since she probably would have only nodded anyways. Lila almost flinched when he suddenly dropped the papers on her desk. She cleared her throat and nodded again, gathering the papers and looked them over before doing what was needed. Christine's clearing of her throat nearly startled her, she bewildered as to why she suddenly felt so on edge. Looking up from the papers, her eyes landed on the woman and she was just eyeing her with a smile, but as if suggesting something. It made her cheeks flush and she instantly looked down at the papers. Christine stood and she walked over behind her desk, leaning against it and crossing her arms over her chest.

"How old did you say you were?" She asked playfully.
Lila laughed nervously as she looked at her. "Twenty-two."
"You act like you're in high school."
"I feel like I'm in high school all over again." She murmured.
"Why's that?"
"Well technically, it's not entirely high school all over again. If it was, then that would mean guys actually talked to me."
"Guys didn't talk to you?" She asked, raising a brow. Though even Lila could see in her eyes that she wasn't entirely surprised. Oh if she had a quarter for every time she saw that look. It stopped doing anything to her confidence or self-esteem. Both of those things being low as it is. It couldn't get lower, especially as she started accepting the fact that some people just weren't meant to be with anyone. Some were destined to be alone. It'd seem like a natural sob story if she thought that of herself but it was kind of true. She'd have her friends, her parents--even if her mother wasn't discreet on how she felt about her daughter--, her family and in the end, that's what mattered, right? Plus, her job. Every person could drown their mind and sorrows in the field.

"No." She said softly, raising her hand to rub the back of her neck a little nervously. "Besides, it's just coffee." She said gently.

"Delilah do you even have any male friends?"
Lila blushed madly and she looked down at her hands now. "No." She murmured. Her envy towards the woman and her slim figure as well as her beauty was starting to turn into resentment. What was the point of all this?
"Well, just consider this that Danny wants to be your friend. No harm in being just friends, right?" And the way she said 'just,' obviously implied that it was only that, that even Christine believed that like everyone else would.

"Of course." Lila choked out a little uncomfortably. As if having made her due diligence, she changed the subject. "You doing alright with the work?" She asked.
Lila nodded and she just turned her attention away from the woman and she continued doing her work. Christine walked back to her desk and sat down. Thankfully, the time was buzzing by fast enough for her liking. She was both excited and nervous to be going on this...hang out-ish with this man from work. Excited because she liked going out. Nervous because it was with a male. Though after what Christine said with hidden implications, it all seemed far too clear. Just two people getting to know each other, and nothing more. It was kind of a disappointment but of course she didn't allow herself to think on it. It was a surprise she even was being spoken to by him.

Time continued on, until reaching to the very of her day it seemed. At six sharp, she had clocked out, having cleaned up her desk to leave for the night before then and with perfect timing, Danny was before her and she smiled with a little hopefulness. "I usually walk." She shrugged. "So I'd love a ride." She said kindly, standing now and pushing her chair in. She straightened out her skirt and her shirt and grabbed her bag, slinging it over her shoulder and walked out from behind her desk. "Shall we?" She asked encouragingly.

 

[Firm Master]

She seemed a little different. A little happier now than earlier. He wondered if the idea sinking in got her just as excited as he did. Or maybe she was happy to be off work. Or maybe she just liked the idea of a free drink, even if it meant having to talk to him again. He paused. Not again. "Yeah, let's get going." It was nice either way and he loved the mild tone in her voice that seemed to be suggestive. Or maybe he was reading into that too far.

He led the way, listening for the sound of her steps to gauge how far behind she was. It was a trick he had learned a few years ago, noticing the sounds of people's movements. If it wasn't their steps, it could be things like the sound of their pants or other clothes rubbing against itself with each step or sway of the arms. It was white noise unless you were trying to hear it.

He held the door open for her as the came to outside, then motioned her off to the left side of the parking lot, now allowing her to walk beside him. "The blue one." he motioned, a regular economy car with a few years on it. Nothing impressive. It was something he kicked himself for because he liked the idea of impressing her, showing her that he was doing so well unlike a few years ago and she should have just stuck with him because he would do so much better. He again stopped himself. This isn't Lisa. "There might be some crap in the seat. Let me get it." He said as he walked up to the driver door, clicking to unlock the driver's door only. A second later he moved to click it twice, which unlocked all the doors. It was something he hoped he would get used to doing.

He slid into the seat, the car shifting from the added weight as he reached over and started to move away papers and a few receipts. He threw it all in the backseat. She opened up the door just in time to watch him grab a disposed fast food bag from the floor and toss it back behind his seat. He made a gesture that the seat was clear and watched her slide on in.

"Now, I need to warn you. I'm a race car driver." Daniel started the car. "So you might want to hang on." He shot her a smile, holding back a laugh. It was something he thought was so funny. He pulled out slowly, carefully, then started off out of the lot and onto the road. His driving was controlled and purposeful. He hovered at the speed limit, not caring that other cars were going by him. It felt wrong to go breaking the speed limit laws. Especially for something so petty as to save a few seconds on your trip. And with a passenger, he was extra cautious about the idea. He let one tailgating driver experience his vengeful maneuver of letting off the gas, slowing down gradually before the jerked around him and sped on by. It always brought a smile on his lips to do that. The bastard deserved it and should just relax already.

They were in the parking lot for restaurant chain and as he parked the car, he motioned her to get out. A thing he felt funny about as if she was just going to sit in the car. He walked her over to the entrance, opening the door for her. And as the hostess came up, he smiled at her. "Table for two." It was a moment later that they were seated and each had a menu pushed into their hands.

"Well, here we are. Are you sure you don't want to eat a bit? I'm gonna' feel bad about having dinner if you just have a coffee." He said. He knew he was putting her on the spot, especially after offering just coffee, but it felt harmless. She'd say yes. She'd have to, he figured. She always did. Again, he paused. It's not Lisa.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

As he led the way, she followed, clasping her hands together in front of her as she did walk. She noticed she didn’t catch up to him, more like just walking a little ways behind him and thought nothing of it. It’s not like she was slow or anything but just suddenly very nervous. It’s a date! But her subconscious piped in. No you fat cow, it’s a fucking hang out. Who would want to date you? As much as it hurt—especially since she was her own subconscious—she knew it was correct. Why would anyone want to date her? No, this is what it was, what Christine even said it was. A hang out. Nothing more. Just two colleagues getting coffee and dinner together but nothing more. It’s what people did and there was nothing more to it.

Stepping out the door, she took in the motion he made to the left, spotting his car after his indication, nodding. She didn’t realize that she wasn’t walking beside him, not thinking about it at all. She just wanted to get going. To say she was eager and excited was an understatement but she had every reason to be so excited for it. She’d never done this and the moment she was at his car, she was beginning to realize that this was real. She wasn’t imagining it or thinking way ahead of herself. Lila was actually going out with someone who was not female. A first for everything.

Biting her lower lip, she unclasped her hands in front of her and moved them behind her back, clasping them together there and nodded. “Of course.” After hearing the door lock click twice on her end, she opened the door and got in, not really noticing that he had grabbed something from her side of the floor and tossed it back. She simply sat herself in the seat and shut the door, pulling on the seat belt to buckle herself in. Looking to him, she smiled gently and laughed softly. “Really? Well I’ll believe that when I see it.” She teased, unable to fathom where this confidence was coming from. There’s no difference between the two sexes. Just act like he is a female friend. Pretend he’s Portia! Portia was her best from high school, the two going on to room together all throughout college. Portia moved to the Windy City after graduation though when she got a job offer she could refuse. Lila was happy for her. She missed her everyday like hell but perhaps she wouldn’t have to miss her that much. If she pretended that Daniel was like her—personality wise, of course—then perhaps the evening would go a lot more smoothly and she wouldn’t be blushing like an idiot every chance she got.

He didn’t drive like a race car driver. In fact he drove quite safely. It amused her how he was driving especially slow in front of an impatient driver, causing her to laugh. She was beginning to relax just a little bit, enough to enjoy a good laugh. Once he pulled into the restaurant parking lot and it was clear for her to get out, she did just that, grabbing her bag and shutting the door behind her, adjusting her skirt once again and her shirt. Once inside, she smiled at the hostess and followed as they were to be seated, sitting down at the table across from him, crossing a leg over the other and resting her bag on the ground by her foot. She took the menu and looked it over. Suddenly she was very hungry and it wasn’t fair because she didn’t want to eat in front of this man. Not after she clearly felt like such a fat cow.

Looking up at him, she bit her lower lip. “Um…” She blushed mildly and nodded to him. “I’ll have a salad or something, just so you don’t feel bad.” She tilted her head and offered him a smile before looking back down at her menu, deciding on a caramel latte and a chicken Caesar salad, but hold the chicken. She was a vegetarian. It was only polite that she eat something. She didn’t want him to feel bad that was just bad first date etiquette. Ahem! Her subconscious reminded, causing her to hunch her shoulders just slightly as she looked deeper into her menu but not at anything in particular. It was as if he heard her subconscious and her thoughts. I know. Not a date. she thought to herself, able to mentally picture her subconscious smugly crossing her arms over her chest. Bitch… When the waitress came, she ordered what she liked, and then handed her the menu back, placing her hands in her lap.


[so sorry for a delay in response >.< I was going to do it earlier today but then I got sick and was out of commission all day basically.]

 

[Firm Master]

She seemed nervous. He started to wonder if it was him, but how could she be so nervous with him? They had agreed to be friends after it was all over. It wasn't like he...

He stopped himself yet again. His thoughts about Lisa were constantly pulling on him and he was trying hard to let it go. Every time he looked up at Delilah, he couldn't help but feel so bonded again. It made him feel frustrated that he couldn't just take her hands and look into her eyes. He expected smile and loving gaze that she used to have for him. He wanted to have a sweet conversation, finish dinner, and head back to her place. She always said he had poor taste and didn't like the one visit she made to his apartment. And they could cuddle up together. And she'd start to rub his chest, then his stomach, then lower until finally they were naked and under the covers, deeply consecrating the night's wonderful ending.

The thoughts faded and his eyes again saw Delilah before him. His manhood didn't respond as quickly to realizing the reality of the situation and he shifted a little nervously, hoping she wouldn't notice. A silly concern, he figured as the pressure subsided, there was no way she could see it anyway from where she sat. It still made him wonder why people couldn't just toss away the unnecessary formality. Why couldn't they both just be happy with each other tonight enough to act as if they'd be lovers for years? His answer came as she spoke.

"A salad? Yeah, sure. That'll work." Lisa never ate salads, he thought dully. She sure had no problem hitting those Starbucks and Jamba Juice drinks all day long. A reason she had plumped up after they had gotten together that he resented. She insisted the Jamba Juice was healthy. He still remembered how he showed her the nutritional fact showing otherwise and she yelled at him.

The waitress came and went, taking their orders. "So, tell me. What do you do for hobbies? Or fun? You know. Tell me about yourself." Delilah's eyes seemed uncertain about watching him and he worked to put on a relaxed gaze. He didn't like thinking she might be unhappy, but it was making him nervous as well. He never was good at picking up women after Lisa. Something about being single made a man lose his confidence.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

After the waitress left, she looked at him and pursed her lips, her eyebrows raising together in a bit of shock. Oh, he did just ask her that. He did just ask her to tell him about herself. Well what was there to tell? There wasn't much fascinating about her except some talents she had of her own but it's not like she made them public knowledge. She'd always been a very quiet and timid person, shy really. It's not so much that her lack of confidence showed. She tried to appear as confident as she really could, especially given that no one seemed to have much faith in her these days, at least definitely not from her family like one would think she should, like she thought she should. Her friends were great, yes, but they hardly talked. She stayed in contact with some, as much as she could but people weren't entirely nice and if anything, the distance allowed her to know the truth about some of the people she used to call her friends. Hey, such was life and she had gotten so used to it that it was all really just shrug-worthy and a total don't care. It was easier to do that then feel anything. Believe me, she wanted to feel something but past experiences have proven just how silly it was to feel something. The barriers had never been thicker and it was only common sense and natural instinct to protect herself, really.

Hmm, but again, what did she like to do for hobbies? Or fun? "Well, when I was in school, since elementary, I did choir. But, no one's ever heard me sing without a group. No one's ever heard me sing on my own. I actually prefer it that way. As far as one on one, I'm more of a shower singer." She laughed slightly, shrugging. "I love to write. I majored in English in college and I'm trying to find a way to start some student teaching but it's pretty slim, the chances." It dawned on her what a pun that was. The chances were slim for her because she wasn't slim at all. Why do I do that to myself? She thought quickly. Because you know the truth, just like he does, and just like everyone else. You're. A. Fat. Cow. Her subconscious was turning into an even major bitch-troll by the second. Worse than ever. Or was that just her, Lila?

"Fun used to be going out at maybe 2 or 3 AM to iHOP and just bullshit around for hours, talking, laughing and overall mingling with my friends from school. I avoid talking to my parents as much as I can unless I absolutely need to. I've learned that people can be really quite cruel in this world, especially when you think you know them but it's all really don't care, actually." She shrugged again, leaning over and putting her elbows on the table and folding her hands together and propping her chin on it. "I love music. I love dancing. But I just don't really apply myself." It felt so weird to explain and suddenly she had a huge desire to stop talking. With that, she reached for her glass of water and sipped it before putting it down, looking back at him, looking to take the conversation off of her, for all dear life.

"But enough about me. It's not important and not nearly as fascinating as you must be." She said softly, offering a kind smile. "So tell me about yourself Daniel. Hobbies? Fun? Past-history? You said experiences. I've got none, so you must have been referring to yourself, correct?" Then she realized she was badgering and as she sat up, her hand moving into her lap, she bit her lower lip. "I-I mean only answer if you want--err--you don't need to." She scratched back of her head as she looked away. Talking too much, being too persistent and just being downright annoying; three major nuisances that a guy could ever see. And she just displayed them all in less than five minutes.

Kill me now.

 

[Firm Master]

He was somewhat regretting asking her about herself. She just kept going on and on. Yeah, you sing when alone. Big surprise. You write? Wow, must really be topping the charts with all those best sellers you put out. It kind of felt like he was talking to some high school girl that thought she was some incredibly talented creature that hadn't come out in the known world. Music? Dancing? Just not enough to do anything serious with it. That's just like you, Lisa.

"That's pretty cool." he said, acting interested. She sounded terribly drab. Still, it never was her hobbies that interested him. Just like his were mundane to her.

"Me?" He laughed. "There's not much to say about me. I'm just a cool guy." He felt like such a liar, but he leaned back and put his hands behind his head like he meant every word. It felt like a stark contrast with her somewhat nervous nature. A moment and he leaned forward again, a smile on his face. "Oh, come on. You already know about me." He paused. Her look made him quickly change his tune. "I work." He covered quickly. "Not much else right?" Another pause. "Just a few stupid hobbies. Some tennis here. Some video games there. I'll turn a wrench every so often on my car or other people's for a favor or a few bucks. I'm a really interesting guy, but I sound really boring on paper." He felt like he was trying to sell himself to her. Like he was pushing this act. Thankfully the food came and it seemed to break the tension that was vaguely starting to build.

As he started to cut up the food on his plate, he looked toward her. He still felt odd that she ordered a salad. If she was trying to lose weight, that wasn't going to be the only change she needed to make. Jamba Juice. He shook his head. "You know what I haven't done in a while? Watch a movie." He gave a mild, almost nervous chuckle. "It's not much fun sitting at home watching one alone though." He said mildly, his mind not even thinking about her position hearing this. He took a bite.

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

Of course, Lila would never what he really thought about what she told him. He was quite the good actor because she didn't feel so nervous anymore, but still, she'd never want to be asked to talk about herself again. It was the worst thing really. As if feeling put on the spot to share things about herself that even she knew were too mundane to want to be heard. There wasn't anything special about her and as she saw this too, especially in this current situation, she was beginning to wonder what provoked him to even talk to her in the first place. Men and women were different. Women had that natural trait about them to want to care and genuinely get to know other people. Men tended not to be so like that. So why was this guy being like that? Whether it was to be friends or not, it was still odd. It was a clear as day that guys would never ask her for anything except to either 'move' or 'hold the door.'

Thankfully, he seemed to accept the clear subject change onto himself and that made her relax. Lila would much rather get to know him than talk about herself any day, and it was even better knowing he seemed so receptive about it, even if he didn't seem to mind hearing about her. He actually seemed interested. Jeez, this guy must be out of his mind or something! Mentally, she could see her subconscious nodding with such a snobbish look on her face.

She laughed lightly and shook her head. "Oh yeah, because you saying 'I'm just a cool guy' says so much." Her words and tone were dripping with so much sarcasm, it actually amazed her. Her head tilted to the side and she raised a brow. "I do?" But then she just smiled and covered her mouth. He was funny. Maybe he wasn't even trying but she found his way and choice to explain himself to be funny. Perhaps she was nervous and laughing or giggling was just a small defense and coping mechanism since otherwise, she's was literally impossible in situations like this.
"I don't have a doubt that you're an interesting guy. You are." She said simply, sitting back, her hand on her bouncing knee trying to calm it. The food came. Oh thank god!

Looking down at her salad, since there wasn't any chicken, all that was there was romaine lettuce, some croutons and a little cup with the Caesar dressing on the side. Oh well, she didn't want to eat as it is and her eyes purposely avoided anything below his face--aka his dinner. After pouring the dressing on the salad, but not all of it, she mixed it up to the best of her ability, still not understanding why they would ever put salads in a plate when clearly they needed to be in a bowl. How else would a person toss their salad? Toss it in a place and it's being tossed everywhere else but in the dressing. She didn't think on it though because one she got most of the leaves adequately and decently covered in the dressing enough, she forked small bites and ate, but slowly. Then again, she already did eat slowly naturally. It was clear she enjoyed food though.

Looking up at him, she raised a brow just slightly and nodded. "Well, if you have anything interesting at your place or maybe there's something playing in the theaters. We could go, after. Either to your place or the theater. O-Only if that's uh, okay with you." She added quickly, looking from him and then down at her plate gradually, continuing her eating. She got a crouton included in the latest bite and it killed the entire taste and flavor of the entire salad but she didn't let it show. Instead, she forced herself to swallow and pushed the croutons to the side of her plate. They were so rank.

 

[Firm Master]

He wasn't sure why he even mentioned it. It was a simple statement, completely innocent. He honestly wasn't even thinking about any intentions or actions to back it up. It was just out there as a fact that he presented. And she took it and ran with it. Far past where he was thinking she would.

"Oh, yeah. A movie." He found himself completely surprised. She grabbed the hook that he didn't even mean to cast out there. He found his mind racing, thinking about what it all meant. Was she so naive that she was really just wanting to see a movie and nothing more? Was she actually into him and wanted to expand on the idea? She had mentioned even going back to his place, not just a theater, a far more neutral ground than his place. It all was spinning in his mind. He caught the end of her statement, though. If that's okay with you. Such uncertainty and leaving it for him to decide. Of course he was going to say yes to it. She already knew that! It was just like Lisa to behave like that.

"I've got a bunch at home." And I'll save a good handful of bucks from the theater. He kicked himself for thinking so thrifty at a time like this. She was practically dancing into his arms and he was going to play cheap? That's what made her run off in the first place. "Haven't seen them all, actually. But whatever you want to watch, Lisa." He paused. "Err, mind if I call you Lia?" He was so quick to cover, in his mind he was positive he recovered it. For a moment he couldn't even remember her name other than the nickname he was wanting to offer. The pet name. The name that was just for him to use. "I was meaning to ask you. Delilah is kind of long, you know?" He was glad her name came to him. A warm smile was displayed, as much to make her comfortable with his proposal as much a relief to himself.

He let himself finish eating, trying to act casual. He wasn't on trial here. He didn't need to impress anyone. He just needed to stay calm, act confident. She'd melt for him and things would go great. It wasn't any sweat off his back if she didn't like him after all! Just another lonely night. What could hurt, having one more?

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

He seemed pretty keen on the idea as much as she was. She hadn't watched much movies either lately, so she didn't really know what was out there. Some names she knew but not too many. It's been busy in her mundane life. From school to graduation to college to graduation and then to this job. Her time to relax was with her friends or just on her own, crack open a good read and some wine. That was actually her ideal Saturday. Lila actually didn't find that to be sad about her. No, because she loved to read and if the read was worth it, as much as the wine was, then she'd happily spend all day indoors, cuddled under her blanket on her couch and read. Besides, the lives and events depicted in her novels were far more interesting than her own life. It was nice to escape for a while.

"That'd be lovely then." She said kindly, about ready to take in another bite of her salad when he called her a name that was not hers. She stopped midair and looked at him with a raised brow and a slight hurt expression. Really? Was she that mundane and insignificant that her own name couldn't be remembered? His question nearly made her laugh and she had to resist the urge to just scoff right then and there. Lia? The fuck kind of name is that? Oh, she had to be peeved enough to say a word like that, even in her head. Putting her fork down, her appetite suddenly lost when she had at least half a salad left, she picked up her coffee and sipped it, before putting it down and then finally looked at him. "Lia? I mean, I guess I do mind because that's not even my name." She shrugged. "I'm more commonly and casually called Lila."

There were sudden doubts in her head now, friendship or no friendship but her mood was just slightly soured. She wanted to shake it though because it was silly for her to get a little upset over that but also kind of reasonable in her opinion. She understood there was nothing special about her but to completely disregard her name altogether and call her something that wasn't even remotely close, or even to call her a name that in nowhere was part of her name. Biting her lower lip, she picked up her cup again and sipped on her coffee. Coffee was tasting better than that salad, then again, since her desire to eat was gone, coffee was looking pretty good.

 

[Firm Master]

"Heh, yeah. I suppose you're right. Lila does sound better, doesn't it?" It was close enough, he figured. He found himself really regretting his slip up as he could easily see on her face that she wasn't happy. This is Lila. Not Lisa! He found himself wanting to cut the 's' sound from his vocabulary. That'd be pretty hard to do, he figured.

He had noticed she was finished eating. Or perhaps she was taking a quick breather between bites? A really long one? He wasn't sure. Either way, she barely ate anything on her plate and now she seemed to be done with it. Self-conciously he continued to eat, acting as if nothing was strange about it. Then again, everything was getting strange now. What's the big deal about Lia anyway? It's one syllable. Lila is two. He felt himself getting a little annoyed, as if she'd crossed a boundary. Might as we toss the 'duh' part in there. Duh-Lila. He was tempted to mouth off about it, but figured he was digging a hole if he even mentioned the name.

"You know." He started. "Since there is work tomorrow. Perhaps we should put the movie off until Friday night." For a date. A Friday night date. He smiled toward her, a bit of sauce resting on his lower lip that he didn't notice. "Some of them can be pretty long and we can just relax. Not have to worry about 'oh no, it's late. Let's start this up again later.'" He had glanced at his watch for emphasis. If they left in a few minutes, they could easily get through a movie and it'd barely be 9. He knew why he was making the excuse though and tried to deny what he was thinking.

"Not to mention we can get snacks and stuff. Make it like we're at the theater or something." He somewhat regretted the comment. You're not a teenager taking a rush to the grocery store to pick up $5 worth of candy and a packet of microwave popcorn. Grow up, man! Pay the fucking ticket fees for that first date already. He mentally took a quick tally on his bank account. He found himself coming up with other reasons why they shouldn't hit the theater. Always packed. Kids running around and yelling. That one person that always had their stupid cell phone ringing or brought their baby to the show. No way.

"What do you say, Lila?" Duh-Lila. It was almost a musical tune. "Get together tomorrow night?" He paused. "I can drive you again. No problem."

 

[Malicious Lullaby]

She felt a little bit better. He seemed to be okay with calling her Lila, but she couldn't shake the odd feeling that she felt when he did call her Lisa of all names, even weirder when he asked if he could call her Lia. She wasn't going to think on it and she really didn't want their evening be ruined because of her soured mood. It wouldn't be fair and for all she knew, it was an honest mistake even if he did mean to ask her if he could call her Lia. Again, she wouldn't think on it and simply enjoy her dinner. Well, her coffee rather than her salad, not wanting him to notice or think anything of it either that she had stopped eating it. Looking up at him, she bit her lower lip just out of habit--most of the time she often forgot or didn't even realize she was doing it. Sipping her coffee, she smiled at him, tilting her head to the side a little bit. How cute. He had sauce on his lower lip, seeming completely oblivious to it.

Raising a brow though at his suggestion, a part of her felt a little bit of dread and upset but she didn't let it show. It's not like he was saying not to the movie altogether but just suggesting they move it to tomorrow night instead of tonight because they had work. That was plausible, but also made her wonder if he thought something would happen. Is that why he asked her? Because he didn't want to just be friends but he was actually--Don't even start! We all know he's not into you Lila. There's no plausible way, okay? So don't even go there. Her subconscious piped up and she just dispelled the thoughts.

Her brow raised again and she smiled faintly, sighing gently. "If you're sure that's what you want to do. I personally wouldn't mind. I don't sleep much as it is. But if you do, then I can be okay with waiting until tomorrow." Her teeth had captured her lower lip again before she sat forward and raised her hand, leaning it towards him. It came to his lower lip, gently and kindly wiping the sauce from it in an innocent and kind gesture, her hand coming back quick after having wiped it off, she wiping her finger on the napkin.

"Sorry." She frowned very little. "You had a little bit of sauce on your lip. It was cute." She offered a gentle smile.
"You sure you want to wait until tomorrow night?" Perhaps it was just the part of that was so excited that she didn't want this to end, even if it meant just embarrassing herself or sitting so far away from him at his place as they watched a movie. She'd never been out like this and she liked it. Even if it probably wasn't even going far or well at all. For all she knew, he was probably thinking she was a total loon and that's why he was waiting until tomorrow. Probably made sense. Probably wasn't even going to happen tomorrow. He was trying to get out of a hole he dug himself in.

"Yeah, we can just wait until tomorrow." Lila looked away from him, looking down at her cup of coffee before sipping it, holding the cup with both hands. One hand at the handle, the other around the rounded side of the cup.