Fairytale - Chapters Four and Five

Chapter Four

Adrian sighed, humming to himself in the elevator. It was a nice, clean elevator, with stainless steel walls, undamaged, clean buttons that lit up with a nice orange glow, and a navy blue carpet, well-kept. The bars on either side of him were also stainless steel and clean. There was a camera in the top left corner, by the door. An old, unrecognized song was playing, and luckily he was the only one in the elevator at this hour.

He was visiting his brother, Hayden, and his fiancé, Marilyn. His parents had already arrived, and as usual, he was late. It wasn't like he made an effort to be late, he just dreaded visiting the family he grew up with. That is, all but his mother. His brother had a good twenty years on him, Adrian had been a complete mistake. His father often stressed that to him. He took a much larger liking to Hayden. Adrian figured this had to do something with his brother being successful, handsome, and rich.

Hayden was the Chief Accounting Officer of some corporation, and had a hefty salary. He'd been spoiled rotten by his father, and returned the favor. Hayden had all he could ever want, and was just now getting ready to settle down with his soon-to-be-trophy-wife. The mention of children had repulsed him beyond belief to Adrian, who couldn't imagine not having children someday. He was teased by his brother, called a woman, for declaring that he wanted to marry and have children early on. He was ridiculed for showing his romantic side, so he kept from doing so in front of his family.

His father was a tall, obese man who didn't give a care about his appearance, aside from when he was visiting Hayden. He'd been abusive in his early years, beating Adrian and Hayden's mother, until he found out she was carrying his first son. He was happy again, and though he still treated their mother like trash, he stopped beating her. Until he learned of Adrian.

The doctors had told his mother that he was to be a baby girl. This did not please his father one bit. He began to beat his mother, even while heavily pregnant. She'd picked out the name Adriana, the name of her own mother, but swiftly changed it to simply Adrian when he came out a boy. He'd been born premature, due to high stress levels from his mother. His father had ceased beating her when he learned he had another son, but had never been happy with Adrian.

His mother was the sweetest, most caring woman he had ever known. He hadn't a clue why she had ever fallen for his father. She was the one who influenced his romanticism. She taught him to play guitar and piano, and to sing. She taught him to write, mainly lyrics and poetry. He was her pride and joy, nothing like his father or Hayden. He looked more like his mother as well, his hair was curly and dark like hers, and forest green eyes just the same. He had a strong gypsy heritage from her side, and it shown through. While Hayden was much more like their father, in attitude and looks. Although there had been no signs of abusive behavior, yet.

Marilyn Frey was almost as young as Adrian at twenty-seven. She was tall, blonde, and skinny. She had dull, gray eyes and always wore far too much makeup. She was almost never seen without some sort of pink garment, and her luxury heels. She was a "proper housewife", as Hayden told him, and kept up with the latest trends and fashion. She was a bit of an airhead, and obviously had a thing for Adrian. She dressed skimpily whenever he was around and favored rubbing up against Adrian. It disgusted him.

He was brought back to his senses as the elevator came to a halt, signaling that he'd arrived at his brother's flat. He sighed, adjusting the guitar case on his back before slinging his bag over his shoulder. He walked tensely up to the door, checking the time. It was nine o'clock at night, Christmas Eve. The door swung open, and there stood Marilyn, grinning like a cat with a mouse. "Hello, Adri," She purred, letting him in.

"Mari." He coughed, walking from her as she tried to take his coat. She scowled, sighing.
"How was the drive?" She asked, heels clicking against the linoleum as she walking into the kitchen.
"Long, and tedious. Far too tedious for my tastes, sorrowfully." He set his guitar on the couch, and his bag on top of it, keeping his coat.
"I see. I apologize," She came back with two cups of coffee, setting one in his hands as she eyed him carefully. "Have you been working out?" She cooed, placing a hand on his chest as she slid in between him and his belongings.
"Please, Mari, don't break my guitar with your arse. It cost me quite a pretty penny." He frowned, taking a sip of coffee.

She blushed bright red, "Well, I never-"
"Adrian!" Hayden greeted with mock happiness. Marilyn quickly jumped up. She walked over to Hayden, swinging her hips dramatically. She grabbed his shirt, planting a kiss over his lips as she grinned over at Adrian, narrowing her eyes.
"Hayden." Adrian nodded, ignoring her.
"How've things been?" He asked, sitting on the chair across the room.
"Decent." He coughed again, taking another drink from his mug.
"Is that a new tattoo you've got?" He made small talk, raising a brow.
"I'm surprised you noticed! Spare me the lecture, I beg you." He folded his leg across his own lap, ankle resting on his knee. He rested his arm over the back of the couch, with mug in hand.

Hayden was obviously appalled by his posture, grumbling to himself as he stood, "Mother and father are already in bed. They did not want to wait on you. You're late, again." He ran a hand through his graying hair. "Mari, honey, get me three glasses and a bottle of wine, would you? You know my favorite," He winked after him as she giggled, clopping back into the kitchen.
"I'm good, Hayden. Tired, actually, it was a long ride." He faked a yawn, leaning back into the oversized couch even more.
"Don't speak as if you didn't sleep in the subway," Hayden snorted.
Adrian grinned, closing his eyes, "I had to stand, actually."
"You're not fooling me. Adrian," He glared, "You're too lazy to stand. I bet you stole a seat from some old woman."

Adrian opened one eye, "No, actually, there was an empty seat in the front car. It was fairly empty, actually. Odd timing, I suppose," He sighed, melting back even further.
"Right..." Hayden began.
"Goodnight." Adrian finished, closing his eye again. Hayden growled.
"Never mind, Mari, just two glasses. Meet me out on the balcony." He stood abruptly, walking away. He switched off the light before exiting the room. Adrian let out a content sigh, moving his items from the couch to the corner, kicking off his shoes before crashing on the couch.

Adrian woke up at about two a.m. with a frown. He sat up, running a hand through his messy curls. He stood, glancing around before walking over to his guitar. He took it from his case, and outside, on to the balcony. He must've written some of his best lyrics here, he realized. He closed his eyes, playing a song he'd been playing over and over in his head all week.

He'd just finished the song when Mari's voice startled him. "You have a beautiful voice, Adrian. You must have girls swimming all around you." She'd emphasized the 'all' sarcastically. "You really would, you know, if you had more money. Hayden's hiring.."

"I'm not interested," Adrian interrupted, getting up to face Marilyn. All she wore was a light robe over her nightgown. He sighed, taking her in his arms and leading her inside, "Why do you do that? It's far below freezing outside, put on some clothes, please, Marilyn!"
She snuggled further into his arms, shivering, "I do have clothes on, Adrian. Can't you see?" She sighed, "Besides, why would I? It's so warm in your arms, why would I possibly want to leave them to change." She cooed, pushing him down onto the couch as she cuddled up to him.

He pushed her away, feeling guilty, for a reason that did not occur to him. "Go back to bed," He replied harshly, his back turned to her. He stared down at the city, through the large windows. For a moment, he almost felt the breeze like it did, when he stood with Natalia in his arms, warm and secure. She spoke with intelligence and respect. If he could get her back, have a woman like her in his arms again... Well, he wasn't sure he'd ever let go again.

He slid down to his knees, burying his face in his hands. He inhaled, shaky. He drew out his pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one quickly. He set it in his mouth, taking a long drag. "And there are a few disgusting habits you'd have to dump," She waved the smoke away, giving up. She dragged herself back into the bedroom, disappearing from sight. Adrian stood, happy with his cigarette. He walked back outside, closing the door behind him. He picked up his guitar and simply started playing to play. He played a fast pace, simply fun song, dancing around the balcony as he strummed and sang, closing his eyes.

He was panting as he finished, opening his eyes. He laughed aloud, into the city. He laughed loud and clear. He certainly must have seemed high, on some sort of drug, but it was simply one of those moments when you're happy for no reason at all. You're just happy. The thought of something good just propelled him into his own state of joy, where he stopped to be himself a moment.

When morning came, he was sprawled out on the couch again, guitar back in its case. He was murmuring in his sleep, tossing and turning. He was dreaming about Natalia, for what seemed to be the hundredth time. The very idea of her had been haunting his thoughts. He just couldn't seem to let go. There wasn't even any sort of closure to seal the deal. They'd bid each other farewell, said 'See you tomorrow,' and then never acted on their words. He swore they'd at least visit a few times more, maybe he'd screw up, and they'd go on. But no, not even that.

He turned over, shouting out her name, just as his brother and parents entered the living room. "Alia!" He grumbled again. "No," He mumbled, "Don't let go, Natalia..." His words were hardly audible, but his brother heard him clearly, smirking as he sat beside his bed.
"Don't worry, Adrian." He spoke softly, "I won't let go," He snickered to himself, "Because I love you," He turned red-faced at Adrian's reply, trying oh-so-hard no to burst into laughter.
"I love you to, Alia." He turned over, his hand just happening to smack Hayden in the face. He fell backed, letting out a small shout as he tumbled backwards. He startled Adrian awake, who now sat straight up in bed.

"What in the hell?!" He exclaimed, staring at Hayden who was now dusting himself off, clearly upset.
"Who's Natalia?" He smirked, poking fun at Adrian.
"What?!" His face filled with dread as he stood, advancing on Hayden. "You went through my belongings!" He growled.
Hayden bellowed, shaking his head. His father joined, while his mother came to Adrian's side, pushing him into the kitchen. "How does breakfast sound, Dear?" She smiled warmly at him, turning to the fridge. "Hayden and your father are going out for a bit. They'll be back in a few hours." She began to make eggs over easy, Adrian's favorite, and bacon, with a side of hash browns. He sat patiently at the table, letting the anger slide off.

She set a plate in front of him, and one in front of herself, looking at him expectantly. "It's quite stupid, mom, it really is."
"I'll be the judge of that, sweetheart." She smiled encouragingly, taking a bite of her breakfast.
"Well... I met her in the elevator in my apartment. You know it, the rusted, crooked one? She was in there. Radiant. She was fairly well dressed, but casual. You know, just nice."
"Yes."

"She stopped the elevator for me, stuck her hand right in between the doors. I'd be afraid of the thing malfunctioning and eating me, or something-or-other, but anyway, she stopped it, and let me in. She was going to the same floor. I'd never seen her before, never. She shook my hand... She said, her name was Natalia Emerson, she-"
"Natalia Emerson!" She exclaimed, her jaw nearly dropping.
"Yes..?" He looked rather confused.
"Did she say what she did?" She inquired quickly, excitedly.
"She said she was a reporter?" He blinked, confused.

"My God, Adrian! You met Natalia Emerson! Do you realized how talented she is? I love her stories, she's an excellent reporter, indeed. Quite entertaining. She's sort of light in a tunnel. Exceptionally brilliant." She beamed. "She's written a few fiction pieces as well. A few were published in the papers. She's wonderful, truly. Oh!" She paused, "Do go on!"
"Erm... Well, she was a friend of my neighbors. The poor girl." He paused, lighting a cigarette and setting it in his mouth. "And the sleazy lawyer husband I caught with an office woman?"
"You've mentioned them."

"Anyway. She went in, and about forty minutes later, she's out on the rails, head bowed, leaning over the edge. I engaged in conversation and... She simply... Blew me away. She spoke intelligently, nothing like Mari, and she had this gleam in her eye. I set my coat around her shoulders, Ma, and she let me hold her in the cold. She didn't turn me away at all. And, she kissed me goodnight, atop of my head. Ronny says that means friend zone, I don't believe it. Haven't spoken since, she's been haunting me. Just... How she spoke, and the words she said. It was almost... Enticing. She was unlike any other girl I've been around. Y'know?" He'd gazed off, a smile appeared on his face.

"She was like...?"
"A breath of fresh air." He breathed, taking a drag on his cigarette. This was a game he often played with his mother, when speaking of women. "A light in the dark, a beacon of hope in a storm, poetry on a blank page." He paused, "She was like... beauty," He laughed. "It's all silly. I hardly know her, right? So why do I act so awkward, Ma?"
"Have you ever heard of a little thing called Love at First Sight?" She chuckled, cleaning her plate, "Eat up, Adri."
He began to scoop food into his mouth, scratching the right side of his jaw. "So, what do I do?" He asked around a mouthful of egg.

"Tell her friend your dear old mummy wants, direly, to meet her friend!" She chuckled again, "Of course, you may come, dear."
"Sounds just fine to me, Ma. Merry Christmas." He smiled, kissing her cheek as he gathered the plates, setting them in the sink. The plan sounded just fine for him. He'd get to see her again, his mother would get to meet her, and she'd get to see how adored she was. How could that possibly be bad? He said this to himself all throughout Christmas Day, and even after, when he left for home. How could that possibly be bad? How could that possibly go wrong?
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Chapter Five

(Fairytale - Sara Bareilles) *This is just kind of in-between chapter, no lyrics really tell this part of the story. There will be a few of these. Regardless, I hope everyone enjoys!
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This chapter is dedicated to Ana Soro. Thank you so much for commenting!
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It was now about three days after Christmas, and Natalia sat at her computer, typing away at her newest article as coworkers buzzed around her. She was engrossed in her typing, ignoring the chatter and clatter that went on around her. She didn't listen to people speaking, keyboards typing, or even the phone ringing. She never guessed any of it would be directed for her.

The phone rang twice before it was picked up by the assistant. "Hello, Elliott Paine speaking for Daily News, how may I help you?"
"Mhmm," Adrian replied on the other line, taking a drag on his cigarette as he leaned against the wall of the apartment building. He was out on the balcony, finally having built up enough confidence to contact Natalia.
"Uhm./. How may I help you?" Elliott asked again, still waiting for a reply.
"Is Natalia Emerson there?" He asked bluntly, letting forth a cloud of smoke from his mouth.
"She is. Would you like to leave her a message?" He inquired uneasily.
"Leave her a message? No, just put her on the phone?" He stood, taking another puff of smoke.

"Just a moment, Mr...?"
"Adrian." He coughed, red-nosed from the bitter air.
"Adrian." Elliott repeated with a sigh. "Natalia!" He poked his head around the corner, pausing a moment to gaze at her. She obviously didn't hear him. "Natalia!" He shouted again, louder.
"Elliott?" She turned away from her screen, smiling warmly at him, "What'll it be?"
"Uh..." He gazed at her a moment more, seeming at a loss for words.
"Elliott?"
"What?"
She laughed, "What do you need?"

"Oh! There's a Mr. Adrian on the phone, demanding that he speak directly to you." He grinned sheepishly, "Sounds a bit cranky."
"Adrian?..." She hesitated, "Adrian!" She jumped up, hurrying over to the phone. She took it from his hand, setting it against her ear. "Hello?" She smiled to herself.
"Natalia," He breathed, not quite believing it was her.
"Hi." She began, leaning against the desk, ignoring the look Elliott was giving her.
"Hey." He responded, a smile on his face as well. He coughed nervously, although he knew she couldn't see him through the phone.

"So... How are you?" She started, biting her lower lip.
"Good, good," He coughed again.
"Are you feeling well?" She asked, concerned.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Did you have a Merry Christmas?" He paced slowly back and forth across the metal grate.
"I did. Did you?" She tucked her hair behind her ear.
"I did." He ran his hand through his hair, untangling it.

"So, did you call just to ask about my Christmas?" She laughed, her eyes twinkling.
"Why not?" He chuckled, stopping for his cigarette just a moment, "Actually, no," He breathed out the smoke, "I was wondering if I could meet you for dinner?"
"Well, Adrian Hart, are you asking me out on a date?" She grinned like a schoolgirl.
"I believe I am, Miss Emerson." He tapped his fingers against the cold, iron railing.
"What time should I be ready?" Her voice softened.

"What?!" Elliott jumped out of his seat, "A date? Natalia? You? I-... What?" She blinked at him.
"Just a moment, Adrian," She sighed, setting the phone against her stomach. "And what, exactly, is wrong with that?" She quirked a brow.
"It's just not... Ugh. Whatever, have fun." He slumped back in his chair.
"Thanks for your permission, Elliott." She joked, setting the phone back to her ear, "I'm sorry about that."
"No problem. How about seven? Will you be off?" He asked quickly, checking the time.

"What's the time now?" She nodded to herself. "I should be off, but just barely."
"It's four. Are you sure you won't be too tired?" He sounded worried, and he was, he didn't want to tire her out when she should be resting.
"I'll be fine," She reassured him, "Where should I meet you?"
"Hm... Where would you like to meet me?" He asked smoothly, running his hand along the rail as he paced. "I could pick you up at your place?" He offered.
"That sounds great, I'll see you then." She quickly gave him her address and hung up, excited. Elliott took the phone from her grumpily.

"I don't really like him. He doesn't seem your type." He suggested, looking up at her, expressionless.
"What, exactly, is my type, then, Elliott?" She frowned at him.
"Well, you could go for someone less... Rude. Maybe you should let me meet the guy, and have my mind changed?" She didn't know if it was just her, but Elliott sounded oddly hopeful.
"Maybe, Elli, we'll see." She patted his shoulder before heading off to her desk. She sighed, gazing out of the window. She became caught up in her daydreams all too quickly. Something she didn't do often. After about an hour, she called Audrey on her cell, giddy.

"Hello?" She answered.
"Hi, Audrey... Guess what I've got at seven?" She giggled.
"No!"
"Yes!" She exclaimed, biting her lower lip.
"With whom?!" She squealed.
"Do you remember the musician at the park?"
"Yeah?"
"His name is Adrian Hart, he's Cindy's neighbor." She giggled, feeling high on nothing but oxygen.

"Good, for you, Natty! I'm so putting together your outfit. You've gotta relax, ok? Just let love in, let it go natural." She stopped, then burst out laughing.
"Right, Audrey, I'll be completely calm and collected!" She laughed with her, drawing attention to her without notice.
"So, I'll pick you up at work, then we'll head to your place, get you ready, and I'll have a chat with this guy. Cool?"
"Sounds good to me," She replied. "See you then!"
"See you!" She hung up, leaving Natalia feeling girly and nervous.

Seven came around, but not nearly quick enough. She packed up her things and walked hurriedly out of the building. Audrey was already waiting, ushering her in. She quickly got in, and they drove off. It was 6:19 when they arrived at Natalia's apartment. They hurried inside and Audrey immediately started going through her wardrobe. She came out with a red dress, throwing it at her. She quickly changed. It came to her knees, tight around her top, then it came to a sash and flared out a little. It had thin spaghetti straps and went straight across her chest, as if meant to be strapless. It was a soft, shiny fabric, and brought out the reddish-brown highlights in her hair.

To go with it, Audrey picked a pair of small black heels. They were like sandals, crossing over her feet back and forth, leaving the foot mostly exposed. Audrey quickly painted Natalia's toe nails red to match the dress, and gave her a black overcoat. She pulled her hair up into a messy bun and applied a very thin layer of mascara around her eyes, mascara, for volume rather than length, and red lipstick. She gave her a pair of black hoops, and let her keep her half heart necklace. To go with her outfit, she was given a black clutch, in it were her keys, money, cards, and identification, as well as the lipstick to go over it.

She had to say, Audrey had done a wonderful job, and she felt beautiful. Beautiful, yet overdressed. But it was too late to go back and redo it, and there was no way Audrey would let her. She let out a shaky breath, it was 6:55. She excused herself to the restroom, giving one last look. Audrey demanded that she stay and let her open the door. She didn't argue.
Before too long, someone started knocking on her door. She froze, listening carefully as Audrey opened the door wide. "Hello!" She exclaimed, "You must be Adrian, I'm Audrey, Natalia's sister. Come in! She'll just be a minute," Natalia wanted to laugh, but didn't let herself.

"Hello." He replied, "I brought her this..." He trailed off nervously, "It's a pleasure." He quickly corrected.
"Oh, she'll love it! How kind of you." She could just hear the smile in her sister's voice, "It's a pleasure to meet you, too, Adrian. You know, it's been awhile since she's been... 'Out'," She giggled.
Natalia quickly straightened her dress, deciding it was time. She opened the door carefully, stepping out into the living room were Adrian and Audrey sat. Audrey smiled up at her, while Adrian slowly turned.

Time seemed to move in slow motion as Adrian gazed at Natalia. She was radiant, beautiful. He swore his eyes widened and his mouth dropped as a shy smile slowly spread across her face. Her blue eyes were on him as she walked closer and closer. His breath was stolen, his heartbeat accelerated. It leapt as she opened her mouth to speak, her full, red lips forming a simple greeting. He couldn't hear it, for his heartbeat too loud, and he couldn't reply, for he was awestruck. She was, to him, beauty beyond all else.

He finally stood, walking forward hesitantly, he held out the single rose he'd brought her, mesmerized by the look of joy on her face. "Thank you," She breathed, taking it. She set it to her nose, inhaling. He still couldn't speak, simply gazing as she closed her eyes, breathing in the scent of the single flower. She opened her eyes again, turning away, "I should put it in water," She decided, walking slowly, in his mind. He came to his senses as she disappeared into the kitchen.
"H-hi," He finally choked out after her. Audrey began to laugh uncontrollably, patting his shoulder.

"Take care of her!" She winked, disappearing into a room to the right.
"I couldn't do any different." He whispered. She came back into the room, still beaming. "Alia?" She stopped to look at him, only inches away. "Would you mind if we took a small detour? We... Really don't have to, there's just someone I'd like you to meet." He smiled nervously for what seemed like the hundredth time that evening.

"Oh, of course! That's no problem," She smiled. He slid his arm around her shoulders quickly, leading her carefully out of the door. He brought her to his car, an old, beat up fairlane. He opened the passenger door for her, letting her slide in.
"Thank you." She whispered as she looked up at him. She couldn't help but notice how nice he looked and smelled tonight. He wore a clean, white and black striped button up shirt, with a collar, over black jeans and black boots. He had on a nice, black coat over his shirt. He had a black leather belt through his belt loops, keeping his pants up, where they should be. She decided. He wore no hat, just his beautiful black curls. He'd trimmed his stubble, but hadn't shaved it all, just tidied it. He had a nice smelling cologne on, and she could still smell the faint smell of smoke. It didn't bother her as much as smoke usually did, it was as if she had accepted it as a friendly smell.

She'd been almost as mesmerized by him as he had been by her, no matter which unknown brands he wore. It didn't matter to her, he himself was simply beautiful, with his tanned skin and emerald eyes, she felt lost with him as her only direction. And, not to mention, she loved his car.

He started the car and they drove in silence. It wasn't awkward, at all. It was quite comfortable for her, actually. To simply be in someone's presence you enjoyed. For him, it wasn't awkward, either, but the only reason he wasn't talking, was because he was tongue-tied, still. After about ten minutes of driving, they arrived at his parents' house. He got out quickly, opening the door for her before she could open it herself. She smiled widely at him, planting a small kiss on his cheek, shyly.

He grinned even wider, sliding his hand around her waist. They walked up the steps together, side by side. He rang the doorbell nervously, holding her to him loosely. He was hoping with every ounce of him that his mother would open the door, but, of course, luck hated him and his father was the one to answer the door. Natalia immediately became ten times nervous.

She'd figured it's be a family member, but his parents! This was a large step she wasn't expecting yet. She put on a brave face, smiling sweetly at the large man in front of them. Adrian tensed beside her, pulling her closer. "Adrian," The man seemed surprised, looking her over, "And... Friend...?"
"Dad," He nodded, "Where's mom?" He asked, looking past him.
"Not so fast... Who's this?" Adrian prepared himself to answer for her, but, surprisingly, she stepped forward, holding out her hand.
"Natalia Emerson, Sir. I'm your son's date for the evening." He shook her hand, amazed. Adrian was practically swooning at her feet. No woman had ever been courageous enough to introduce themselves to his father. He scared the feminine mind, it seemed.

"Harold..." He started, "Harold Hart."
"A pleasure, Mr. Hart," She gave a small courtesy, "You've taught your son well." She turned back to Adrian, looping arms with him, "He's been such a gentleman this evening."
"Ah... Well... Uh... A pleasure, Natalia." He was flabbergasted. A beautiful young woman, happily with his son. With Adrian. Never, never did he think this would happen. He opened the door wider, "Please, come in."
Adrian lead Natalia in and out of the cold, rubbing her arms to warm her, "Would you like my coat?" He offered quietly. But, his father heard. He hadn't taught him any of this.
"Oh, no, I'm fine, thank you." She smiled, "You've kept me warm enough." She joked laughing softly.
"Adrian?" Came a sweet voice from the kitchen.

"Mom!" He called happily. "Come see who I've brought" He beamed. His mother came from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
"Oh! My!" She exclaimed, hurrying over to Natalia. She quickly shook her hand, making Natalia feel much more at ease, "You must be Natalia... Natalia Emerson!" She exclaimed, looking up at her like she was her idol.
"Yes, and you must be Adrian's mother?" She guessed, laughing carefully.
"Oh! Yes, I'm Cassandra Hart, but you may call me Cassie," She pulled her hands back, wringing them, "You... Are brilliant, Miss. Emerson, and just as radiant as Adrian explained." She smiled at her son teasingly. Adrian coughed.

Natalia quickly looked to him, putting a hand on his forehead, "Are you sure you're feeling well? All this coughing, and you feel a little warm..." He placed his hand over hers as she started to remove it. He lightly kept her hand against the side of his face, gazing into her eyes.
"I'm more than fine, I promise, Alia." Her mouth fell partway open, her eyes caught on his.
"Aww! Look at you two!" His mother exclaimed. Natalia flushed bright pink, Adrian slid his hands in his pockets awkwardly.
"We'd better get going..." He mumbled, glancing over at Natalia slowly. He just couldn't keep his eyes off, of her.

"Of course." She offered a warm smile to his mother, giving her a friendly hug. She shook hands with his father again. "It was a delight meeting the both of you." They both simply smiled and nodded, letting them be off. Adrian took her hand, leading her out of the door gracefully. She waved back at his parents as he opened the car door for her. She quickly thanked him and slid in. He got into the driver's seat beside her and started the car, backing out of the driveway and into the street.

He drove her to a nice restaurant not too far away, helping her out of the car. He slid his arm back around her waist, walking with her into the restaurant. He was unable to reserve seats, for he couldn't afford it, so they were left waiting for a while. She claimed she didn't mind, and she really didn't. The time they spent waiting, they got to know each other better, chatting about this and that. They became more comfortable with each other quickly, joking, laughing, and poking fun.

He stood, holding out a hand to her. They'd been waiting for seven minutes already. "Dance with me." He begged, offering a cocky smile. She took his hand, laughing. She'd shed her coat, and so had he. He had his sleeves rolled up to his elbows again, a fashion that seemed comfortable to him. He set his hand on her waist, and she set hers at the back of his neck. She placed her hand in his and he began to sway her around with experience.

He'd twirl and dip her, causing her to laugh. The people around them either gave them knowing smiles or odd looks as they moved around the small space provided. The music playing was just slow enough for a good-hearted dance, but fast enough for simple fun. They laughed together as they moved as if they could read each other's mind. They were perfect partners.

He twirled her out, then back into his arms, and, as the song ended, he then dipped her down slowly, holding her steady with his single hand on her back. He'd made no effort to lower his hand any, and she was comfortable with where he kept it. She had a naïve sort of trust in him.
A moment after they had finished dancing, Adrian's name was called. "This way, Mr. and Mrs. Hart." The waiter gestured.
Natalia blushed, "We're not..."
"Oh! I'm so sorry!" He turned pink with embarrassment.
"It's no bother, really." Adrian smiled down at Natalia, then followed the waiter, holding both their coats over his arm. She followed behind, her hand in his. They were seated at a table for two, directly across from each other.

"So, what can I get you two? Would you like to sample some of our wine?" He offered, setting the menus down.
"No, I'm driving," Adrian chuckled, looking the menu over, "Water, please,"
"Tea," Natalia smiled up at him, and he smiled shyly back. She ignored it, setting her gaze back on Adrian.
"Ok," He quickly nodded and left.
"So," Adrian began, "How about a game of twenty questions?" He smirked, glancing over the menu again. He then closed it, letting her decide on her meal first. She nodded as she finally closed her menu, smirking right back. "I'll start it off. What's you're favorite color?"
"Green, dark green. And yours?" She looked up at his eyes as she spoke, fidgeting. The drinks arrived not long after.

"Blue." He gazed right back, "Who was your first kiss?" He inquired bluntly.
Natalia blushed, ducking her head, "My first real kiss? I haven't had it." She replied quietly, deciding to forget Roland's rough kiss.
"You're kidding," He replied hoarsely, gazing at her in amazement.
"Do you have any siblings?"
"Yes, one brother. He's forty-six. Works at some corporation, he's pretty high up the ladder, just now getting married." He sighed, "His name is Hayden. Are you originally from New York?" He cocked his head to the side as he gazed at her.
"No, I'm from Wisconsin. I grew up on a farm with Audrey and my Parents." She smiled, reminiscing just a little. "Why do you speak of your brother with such spite?"

"He has it all, and likes to rub it in my face. He offers what I don't want, then laughs at me. I have never gotten along with him. He'd have his words kicked back in his face, if he saw you here, with me..." He trailed off, leaning forward slightly. "Are you having a good time?"
She grinned widely, "I am. What's-"
"May I take your orders?" The waiter intruded.
"I'll have the Alfredo." Adrian decided quickly.
"The lasagna for me," Natalia nodded, thanking the waiter as she handed back her menu.

"Alright." The waiter turned and walked off again.
"What was that?" Adrian asked, amused.
"What's your middle name?" She laughed softly.
"You had to ask..." He sighed, "Romeo."
"Really?" She asked happily, "I love that name," She chuckled, "Cliché, I know, but the name... I just like it."
"Well, that's much more refreshing," He chuckled with her, "It earned me hell in high school. What's your middle name?"
"Charlotte," She paused, "Not nearly as fascinating as yours, however."
"It's a beautiful name." He commented. "A beautiful name for a beautiful face," He grinned.

"Oh." He laughed, ducking her head to hide her blush, "That was..."
"Cheesy? Good, I meant it to be." He laughed, reaching across the table to join his hand with hers, laying oh-so conveniently. She looked over to their hands quickly, watching as he slid his fingers in between hers. She blushed redder, a girlish smile on her face. "How often do you date?" He asked carefully, gagging her reaction.
"It's... Been a long, long time for me..." She whispered softly, looking up to face him with a sparkle in her eyes, "I never thought it could turn out like... This..."
"You haven't any idea how joyed I became when you accepted. You said..."

"I know," She hesitated, "I changed my mind." She smiled a beautiful smile across at him, her cheeks dimpling slightly.
"So, you'll be mine?" He asked in a deep, husky voice.
"I'll be yours." She laughed sweetly, nodding. "I'm sorry, it all just seems so sudden..."
He gripped her hand tighter, "I'm sorry, I don't mean to rush you, it's just-"
"Don't apologize," She quickly interrupted, her brow furrowed a little. "I'm not rushed, just not used to it. It's a good feeling. I like it."

"Here we are!" The waiter appeared with their food, placing it in front of them. Natalia quickly smiled at Adrian before letting go of his hand to receive her plate. She hated the empty feeling almost as much as he did.
"Thank you." She stated as the plate was handed to her. She gracefully started to eat after he took his plate, muttering a thanks. He began to eat, as well, mindful of his manners and actions. Dinner passed with small talk and careful confessions. There seemed, however, to be two forbidden topics; Adrian's family and Natalia's love life.

All too soon. Adrian was paying the bill and they were on their way out of the restaurant. They were now sitting in Adrian's car, onto the next part of their date, singing to a song that had come on the radio. Adrian pulled up to the park, getting out, "I play here."
"I'd love to hear you play," She let herself out of the car, still smiling.
"Then I'll play for you." He promised, leading her down the walkway. "You'll have to come visit me soon," She swung their hands as they walked.
"I will," She bent down to remove her shoes, holding them in her free hand.
"Get on my back," He stopped, crouching down.
"Are you sure?" She set her hands on his shoulders.

"Positive." He chuckled. She jumped up, sliding her arms around his neck. He caught her legs in his hands, standing up. He began to walk with her head resting against his back, relying on him for support. He didn't even think of complaints, she was light and warm.
"Do you write your own lyrics?" She whispered into his ear.
"I do," he answered, a shiver running through his spine from her breath on the side of his face.
"Who taught you to write?" She rested her chin on his shoulder now.
"My mother." He answered.
"You're close to her?" She asked.

"Very." He answered uneasily. "How long have you been writing?"
"As far back as I can remember," She replied wistfully, smiling to herself, "I've always written lyrics, poems, stories... Little things, mainly." She chuckled, "I never truly thought I'd be talented enough to write for a New York Newspaper."
"My mom idolizes you." He was obviously amused. He felt Natalia jump at the sound of a cough behind them. He quickly turned around, frowning, "Hayden?"