LithuaniaXReader: I'm Feeling Love

A thick blanket of fog hovered over the whole city after hours of endless rain. Tall buildings were barely visible from your apartment window; the same goes with the few people walking down the lonely streets below you. You took a sip from the warm cup of chocolate you held in your hands and sat on a nearby chair. It was one of those quiet days you wouldn't want to exchange for anything else. Some thoughts would often visit your mind palace, getting your attention to things you might have already forgotten a long time ago. The silence talked to you like a long lost friend you barely saw one of these days. Your work, and the constant stress you get from almost everywhere, has always robbed you of these simple opportunities to be alone with yourself. That, and the annoying sound that your phone always makes when someone is calling you from the office.

You stood from your sit and walked slowly across the room to lift it up. You told everyone that you were having a short leave, and a call must be avoided unless it is really necessary. "Hello, this is __________. How may I help you?"

"Hi __________, this is Toris," a familiar voice spoke through the phone. "So…how are you doing?"

A sigh escaped your lips. You were quite relieved to hear that it was only your friend from work, that green-eyed brunet who always bailed you out of trouble when your plans didn't seem to turn out well. You smiled at the thought of it. You could simply say that he was your "angel in disguise".

"I’m good. Just needed some break, that’s all.” You placed your hot mug beside the phone. “Why did you call? Is there any problem?"

“No,” he chuckled. “It’s not that. I was just wondering…are you free tonight?”

“Well, that’s strange of you to ask.”

"I was hoping that maybe we could go out for a drink—if you're not busy, that is. But if you're not available then maybe we could just go out some other time—"

"I'm cool with it. Geez, you worry too much. Where would you want to meet?"

"I guess it would be better if I pick you up, say, seven o clock?"

"Okay, I'll be seeing you then by seven."

You heard him chuckle lightly on the phone, "Y-Yes, see you later. Bye!"

He hang up the phone. His calls would only last for a few minutes or so, but you don’t really mind. You know the rules: no unnecessary phone calls during work. It made you even wonder how he manages to sneak past your manager and even have the time to dial your phone number.

Hours passed and you watched the horizon slowly engulfed the sun. Radiant orange and red hues burst into the skies and painted the dull-colored clouds. Every hour, the darkness would take over and stars would start twinkling faintly. You started changing into your most comfortable clothes before the agreed meeting time. Going out for some time wouldn't hurt anyway, you thought. You barely could even remember the last time you went out for a few shots.

After a few more minutes, your doorbell echoed throughout the flat—your friend has arrived.

"This place looks decent enough," you commented. Toris held the door for you and followed after you entered. The bar restaurant was fairly quiet and subtle to your opinion, disturbed only by the hearty chuckles and murmurs of the customers. A slow alternative music played softly to soothe the atmosphere, complimenting the orange lights that gave the place its professional look.

"Well, yes. It would be best to avoid those rowdy bars, you know." He gestured towards the bar and you both sat on the tall chairs.

After you ordered some drinks, your conversation has gone to many things. There were so much to talk about; so much lost time to catch up. You didn't even have to struggle for new topics for they just kept on coming. Funny as it was, even if you were working on the same company, it felt like you were thrown to different parts of the country (to think that you were only assigned to different departments and he was on the same floor as you are). Rules were strict and working times would often exceed from the agreed limit, making it almost impossible for workers to have some little chit-chats. Lunch time and coffee breaks were shortened as well. They said it was only for the mean time until the deadline was met, but you doubt your department head. If it were not for your reasonable salary and high position in the company right now, you swore you would be the first one to quit with a freaking long resignation letter.

Toris drank a shot in one gulp. His face was turning red from all of the alcohol intake, but it could not remove the stress that lingered in his eyes.

"They've been rushing things in the marketing department," he said, playfully shaking his glass to the sound of ice cubes clashing underneath. "Mr. Ivan is asking us to finish the paperwork in less than a week, and my partner is not giving his best effort to help out." He sighed for a moment then smiled at you, chuckling a bit. "Ehehe, I hope you don't mind me telling these things to you."

"Of course not. You know you could always tell anything to me." You held his hand into yours and gave it an assuring squeeze. "I'll help you put your troubles behind, even if that's the least thing I could do." You smiled back at him. Toris was one of those few people you were comfortable around with. It was never difficult to get along with him. Hell, not even a soul could hate this innocent guy. The only problem is, because of his too much kindness, he always ends up being abused—especially by his partner, Feliks.

Toris frowned after another shot and looked at you again. "By the way, how were you able to ask a leave? With all of the hassle going on, I'm sure the bosses would not approve even a single person to leave. How did you do it?"

"Meh, it was a long story. Had to lie, here and there." You waved your hand in front of him as if it was nothing of a big deal. "Good thing they approved my leave, or else, I'll unleash my wrath on them. I have been working overtime since last week just to finish my paperwork, and my boss knows that. I deserve this break. Besides, it's only for two days. I'll be back again in no time."

"You're unfair, do you know that?" he laughed.

"Of course. Haven't you noticed? It's my tool of the trade." You called for the waiter, and glasses of alcohol kept coming towards your seats.






After hours of almost endless chats and drinks, Toris finally drove you back home. You were not that drunk yet, but you were not that sober either. Both of your faces were flushed red, quite contrary to the cold weather in the outdoors.

"So...I guess this is goodbye?" Toris pocketed his hands inside his thick sweater. You can't help but notice the faint mist of air that comes out of his lips whenever he would exhale. It really was a cold night.

"Yeah, but only for tonight. You sounded like we'll never see each other again," you giggled. "I'll have you know I had a wonderful night."

"That's good to hear. It's been a long time since we both went out together."

"You could say that again. I bet the next one will be after a couple of years or so."

"I hope not," he smiled.

Sleep was kicking in. You yawn softly, stretched your arms and rubbed your teary eyes. Before you could open them, you were startled to feel something touch your cheek—something warm and gentle. It happened so quickly that you were not sure what it was. When you opened your eyes to see, Toris was already heading to his car.

"See you around, __________," he said, not turning to see you.

"S-Sure, see you back at work." You were still puzzled by that sudden feeling, but you brushed it off immediately; thinking that you were so drunk that you started imagining things.

"Take care on the road. You're drunk!" you shouted at him. He gave you a nod and started his engine. You watched him drive off until he was only a tiny black dot on the road...and gone.

You stood in front of your door and looked up to the dark skies. Stars twinkled brightly above, all clustered like scattered jewels on dark silk cloth. You convinced yourself that it was indeed a wonderful night to remember. You don't know how to place it in words, but this time—no mistaking it—you were sure you just felt something everybody was going crazy for.

Something that they called, love.