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Chapter Text

LORILEI

"Oh ayan ready na!"

Agad-agad namang bumalik si Jamie sa pagitan ng nakasimangot na Loki at nakangiting Alistair ng matapos niyang i-set sa 10 seconds ung timer. Hinila ko naman palapit sa braso si Luthor kasi mukhang nag-aalangan pa siyang sumama sa picture.

"Malapit na..." Jamie shouted, "Everybody say, HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUTHOR!"

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUTHOR!"

*click*

Mabilis na tumayo si Jamie papunta sa camera para tignan ang picture. Kumilos din agad si Al para ayusin ang mga snacks at alcoholic drinks sa maliit na center table na siyang iinumin namin ngayong gabi.

"Tch," Loki snickered beside me. "I still don't understand why we're still lounging at our residence when the dinner celebration's already over."

"Ano ka ba?" I lightly nudged him at the elbow. "Minsan na nga lang tayong magsama-sama ng matagal, 'di ka ba natutuwa na pwede tayong mag over-night ngayon?"

Isinisinop ni Jamie ung camera sa bag niya ng magsalita siya, "Kaya nga Loki! Pasalamat na lang tayo kina Tita Frigette at Tito Odin dahil nagawa nilang kumbinsihin ang superiors natin na bigyan tayo ng isang day-off."

"Kumbinsihin?" Loki snorted, "Yeah, with their name and power probably."

"I agree with my younger brother"

Napalingon agad ang ulo ko ng marinig ang boses ni Luthor sa di kalayuan. He was just beside me earlier, here on the floor. He must have found it uncomfortable kasi nakaupo na siya ngayon sa kanilang one-seater sofa.

His legs are crossed and his hands rests atop his legs, it reminded me of the days when Loki used to refer to him as a "King". Pero unlike before, he doesn't exude a cold authoritative aura. Ngayon, mas relax at slightly friendly na ang itsura niya.

As if sensing that I was looking at him, Luthor moved his head into my direction and our eyes met. Then, ever so slightly, his lips curved as he gave me a small smile.

I felt shivers run down my spine, and I doubt this is because of fear. No, we're way past that. I also felt my heart skip a bit, and I tried my best to stop the blush that was threatening to show on my face.

"Loki, I thought you told me that, if I quote, 'I will not drink that horrible drink ever again.'"

Agad kaming nag-iwas ng tingin ng magsalita si Alistair.

"Yes, but that was the day after my hangover."

Agad-agarang pumwesto si Loki sa maliit na table at kumuha ng isang shot glass at bote ng soju. Itinabi niya ito sa gilid niya na para bang pinoprotektahan ito sa amin.

I rolled my eyes. Kung makaakto naman 'to parang iniisip niyang may balak pa kaming agawan siya.

"We constantly declare we won't do the "thing" when the regret is still fresh in our minds, but give it a day or two, and you'll find yourself doing it again."

I sighed. That's Loki Mendez for you.

"That's correct," sagot ni Al. Tinawagan niya na din kami na humanap ng pwesto sa table. I heard Loki sigh matapos kong umupo sa tabi niya. Naramdaman ko naman si Luthor na umupo sa tabi ko.

"Go on attorney. I can already here the 'but' from your mouth."

"At first, talaga ngang mahihirapan kang tigilan ang obsession o habit mo but" Al said with emphasis, "Remember, these things take time. Basta lagi mong tatandaan na huwag kang mag-give-up everytime na ma-experience mong magrelapse."

"Wait lang! Wait lang!" singit ni Jamie pagkatapos pumwesto sa gitna ni Loki at Al. "Para namang nagtunog lasinggero 'tong si Loki!"

'Di ko mapigilang matawa. Loki lasinggero, bagay pakinggan ah?

"Ha. Ha. Ha. Very funny Lori." Loki deadpanned, "At least I'm not as boring as my brother over there. I'd bet he haven't tasted any alcohol in his life."

Tumanda at kumulubot man ang balat ng dalawang 'to, alam kong di titigilan ni Loki na asarin ang kuya niya. But I know it's all in good fun and habit now.

Sasagot na sana si Luthor ng bigla ulit magsalita si Loki.

"Oh, by the way Al. This is an example of 'Old Habits Die Hard'"

Napailing na lang ako. Kahit kelan talaga 'tong si Loki ayaw magpatalo sa argumento. Sunod naman akong napangiti. Well, that's what makes Loki "Loki" after all.

"I don't like drinks that could leave a bad aftertaste in my mouth." Luthor finally managed to answer.

"Ha! Ang sabihin mo takot ka lang malasing," Loki teased.

Luthor'svoice suddenly turned serious.

"I am not."

"You are."

"Am not."

"Then, how about we have a drinking game?" Loki smirked, "First one to get drunk loses"

"LOKI!"

I tried to intervene but my voice went on deaf ears.

Luthor is now radiating his usual cold professional aura, "Fine, don't blame me if you lose."

Loki scoffed, "We'll see about that." 

"Wait? Are you two serious?!" I exclaimed.

Nasa gitna nila kong dalawa kaya naiipit ako sa tensyon. Dapat na ba kong lumipat ng upuan?

"Let them Lori! Nasa Mendez Residence naman sila so kahit na sumuka ng sumuka iyang si Loki okay lang, may maglilinis," Jamie butted in.

"Hey!" Loki, who was currently opening the bottle of soju, complained.

Hindi siya pinansin ni Jamie at ngumiti lang ng malawak sa'kin. Mukhang excited talaga siya. May balak pa ata itong magwalwal mamaya. Sunod naman akong napatingin kay Al na patawa-tawa ng mahina.

Tinignan niya ako at binigyan ako ng isang ngiti, "Jamie's right. It's not bad to let loose once in a while."

Napabuntong-hininga na lang ako. Kung ganun ay kailangan ko na ding umalis dito sa pwesto ko kung ayaw kong madamay sa kung ano mang kahihiyan na gagawin ng magkapatid mamaya.

Saktong pagkatayo ko ay lumapit si Luthor sa kapatid niya para kumuha ng shot glass. Ayaw kasi siyang abutan ni Loki ng baso kaya napilitan siyang kumuha mismo.

Umupo naman ako sa dating pwesto ni Luthor kaya ngayon, katabi ko na si Al na nagsisimula ng kumain ng chips. Naka-isang shot na din si Jamie ng soju sa tabi.

Napapikit at napangiti na lamang ako.

This is gonna be a wild night, isn't it?

Chapter Text

Lorilei

I was right. It was wild indeed.

Bago pa man sa kung saan-saang sulok mapunta yang imahinasyon niyo, ang ibig sabihin ko sa wild ay literal na nagwawala na si Jamie. 

Kanina pa siya kumakanta ng unrequited love songs at kumakaway-kaway pa na para ngang may audience na nakikinig sa kanya. Buti na lang naisipan nila Tita Frigette at Tito Odin na maghotel muna kasi gusto daw nila kaming bigyan ng privacy.

Sinusubukan namang pakalmahin ni Al si Jamie. Medyo mamula-mula na din ang pisngi ng childhood friend ko. Sa totoo lang, 'di masyadong halata pero mataas ang alcohol tolerance ni Al. Kahit ganun, hindi siya umiinom ng mahigit sa isang bote. 'Di ko tuloy maiwasang mag-alala dahil ang bilis niya ding pumayag tungkol sa "pustahan" ng magkapatid kanina. Hindi ko alam kung may pinoproblema ba siya or baka gusto niya lang talagang mag-unwind.

Naka-apat na baso lang ako kasi ayaw ko namang iwan si Al na mag-asikaso sa aming lahat sakaling — no, scratch that — paniguradong malalasing sila mamaya.

Anyways, speaking of "magkapatid."

Loki has his head on his arms that are placed on the table, while Luthor, on the other hand, is currently swinging back and forth on his seat. Akala ko nga matutumba na siya eh, buti na lang napahawak siya agad sa balikat ni Loki na bigla namang nagising dahil sa kamay ng kuya niya.

Napabuntong-hininga ako bago ako tumayo sa sofa. Lumayo ako sa kanila kanina kasi masyadong maingay si Loki, kesyo nandadaya daw 'yung Kuya niya sa pag-inom. Ang konti lang daw ng nilalagay ni Luthor sa sarili niyang baso kaya simula noon, naging full glass na ang bawat shot nila. 

I walked towards them, and that's when I noticed that the corners of their eyes were bloodshot and their faces had become puffy from drinking. I raised my eyebrows. 

Gaano ba kadami ang ininom ng dalawang 'to para maging ganito kalasing? 

As if on cue, my eyes landed on an empty bottle in Loki's lap. I scanned the area and noticed that the other ones are still tightly sealed and there are no signs that it was opened.

If that's the case then ibig sabihin...

"Hahahahahahaha...!"

I laughed. I immediately tried to suppress it with my palm kasi mag-aala una na din at nakakahiya naman sa maid nila dito. 

My laughter seemed to have woken both Loki and Luthor as they both raised their heads to look at me.

Loki glared, "Lori, what are you laughi—"

"Republic Act No. 7659, Section 6, Article 248."

Napatigil ako sa pagtawa. Agad binalingan ng aking mga mata ang panganay na Mendez. 

Was that... was that Luthor?

"Murder," Luthor hiccuped before continuing.

"Any person who, not falling within the provisions of Article 246 shall kill another, shall be guilty of murder and shall be punished by reclusion perpetua, to death if committed with any of the following attendant circumstances:

1. With treachery, taking advantage..."

Nanlalaki ang mga matang tinitigan ko si Luthor. 

He's reciting a Republic Act!

Napa-smirk ako. I seriously don't know if I should laugh or be impressed at him.

"Lori," napalingon ako sa direksyon ni Al ng tawagin niya ang pangalan ko. 

"Sa'yo ko sana ibibilin si Jamie kaso nakatulog na siya at ayaw niya ng gumalaw sa pwesto niya," napabaling ang tingin ko kay Jamie na mahimbing na ang pagkakatulog sa one seater sofa, "Baka mahirapan siya paggising so I'd like to carry her to the guestrooms. Would that be okay with you?"

Since Jamie's asleep, he's asking her permission through me. 

Doves may turn black, but Alistair will always be a gentleman.

"Sure, Al. May tiwala naman ako sa'yo."

He nodded his head as he picked up Jamie in a bridal carry. "Bantayan mo muna silang dalawa ha? I'll be right back."

Ng makaalis na si Al ay agad kong ibinaling ang tingin sa dalawang lalaki sa harap ko.

Luthor is surprisingly still mumbling a Republic Act. Straight na straight ang likod niya at para siyang estudyante na nagrerecite sa harap ng prof.

I smiled. 'Cute' 

Meanwhile, Loki is repeatedly blinking his eyes. He's probably trying to remove the haze from his vision.

I was about to shake both of them when Loki suddenly sprang his arm to put it on his brother's shoulders. Luthor was forced to stop his impromptu recitation.

Naka-stretch pa din ang mga kamay ko sa hangin. I decided to withdrew and cross them instead as I wait sa kung ano na namang katangahang balak gawin ng magkapatid. 

Itinapat ni Loki ang kanyang isang kamay sa gilid ng kanyang bibig. Inilapit niya ang ulo niya sa tainga ni Luthor na para bang may sikreto siyang ibubulong dito. 

"My dear brother," Loki said in what was supposed to be a whisper.

"Lori had never NEVER been to a zoo and..." Loki hiccuped, "...—told me she'd like to go someday. Take her there for your first 'not-dinner'...date."

My eyes went wide. I did remember mentioning that when we were in college. I'm impressed Loki still remembers it.

"Mmm," Luthor lightly nodded. His eyes are still a little glossy but I can see that he's listening intently.

"Also, she's not fond of...of gifts but if you can...give her one," Loki clumsily continued, binaba niya na din iyong kamay niyang 'di nakaakbay kay Luthor. Mukhang nangalay na ata, "...she may not outright say it but she deeply appreciates the effort." 

Luthor nodded again. "I'll keep that in mind," he said in the softest voice I've ever heard from him.

Di ko na mapigilang mamula sa mga pinagsasabi nila.

"LAST!" Loki exclaimed as he suddenly pressed his forefinger on his brother's cheeks. "Be upfront with her. Lori does not like people who keep secrets. So if you like her..." 

Loki paused before staring into his brother's eyes, "Tell her."

Luthor did not answer.

I smiled bitterly.

I am really happy that Loki said such things about me. We lived under the same roof for months, and he's a detective, so it's just natural he'd know these things about me. 

Pero sana 'di na siya nag-abala pa. Sa wala lang din naman mapupunta lahat ng mga advice niya.

"Lori," Napalingon ako sa pinanggalingan ng boses. 

"Is everything okay?" Alistair asked.

"Everything's fine," I answered, "Di pa naman sila sumusuka," then I chuckled.

Alistair stared at me for a moment before walking over to the brothers, "Hmm, I see."

Di ko na pinansin ang sagot ni Alistair at hinawakan ang braso ni Loki para tulungan siyang tumayo. Ganun din ang ginawa ni Al kay Luthor.

"Al, ako ng bahala kay Loki since mas magaan siya kaysa sa kuya niya."

Pagkasabi ko nun ay biglang sumandal sa'kin si Loki. Muntik na kaming matumba dahil sa bigat niya, buti na lang nahawakan ko siya sa baywang at nai-balanse ko agad ang aking sarili.

I groaned. Anong magaan ulit? He's heavy! 

I'll get back to him by teasing him about his weight tomorrow. Oh, also about the 'bet'. He'd certainly get pissed off at the fact that he lost to his brother. I can already see him demanding for a rematch through a new game.

Meanwhile, Luthor's silently standing beside my childhood friend while the latter's busy observing us. Hindi na ganun kapula ang mga pisngi ni Al. He probably refreshed himself before going back here.

"No," Alistair declared, "Loki can barely stand on his own. You won't be able to carry him if he suddenly collapses at the middle of your walk."

Fair point. Hanggang ngayon kasi nakasandig pa din si Loki sa akin. 

I sighed. Kahit nagsimula na akong mag-gym hindi ko pa din kayang buhatin ang taong kasing bigat ni Loki.

Tumango na ako kay Al bago niya kinuha ang isang braso ni Loki at ini-akbay sa balikat niya. He then held Loki's waist to straighten his body. 

Tahimik pa rin kaming pinapanood ni Luthor. 

"Mauna na kami, Lori." 

I nodded.

In an exasperated tone, Al added, "Sana lang 'wag siyang sumuka mamaya." 

Oo nga pala, na-ikuwento ni Al noon na nasukahan ni Loki iyong kotse niya. Iyon din 'yung araw na sumumpa si Loki na di na siya iinom ulit ng soju, which is obviously a huge bluff by the way.

Agad ko na ring pinuntahan si Luthor na nagsisimula ng gumewang-gewang sa pagkakatayo niya. I tried to help him by holding his waist and putting his arm around my shoulders. 

To be honest, 'di ko alam kung may kuwenta since hanggang balikat niya lang ang height ko. Siguradong maiipit ako kung babagsak kami mamaya. 

Well, it's better than nothing.

"Luthor," I called out while we were walking, "How are you feeling?" 

With his head hanging low, Luthor only stared at me. His eyes are being obscured by some strands of hair. Nagulo ata kanina nung inakbayan siya ni Loki.

Nonetheless, I could see how hazy his eyes are, but for some reason, there's an unusual sharpness within them. It's like his sober but at the same time he's not.

A thrill then went down my back and I found myself looking away.

Despite my action, Luthor did not avert his eyes. It was making me nervous, and I know I should've called him out, but at the same time, I also just want him to always look at me like this.

And so, I was forced to endure this uncomfortable and tense silence between us.

Nasa kalagitnaan na kami ng medyo madilim nilang hallway ng bigla siyang magsalita.

"Lorelei"

We stopped walking. I tilted my head upwards and towards his direction and was met with serious focused eyes.

He took a step forward towards me and I couldn't help but step back. Nagpatuloy siya hanggang sa makaramdam ako ng flat at matigas na surface sa likod ko. Napatingin ako sa gilid at doon ko na-realize na hindi na siya naka-akbay sa'kin at nakasandal na ko sa pader.

"Lorelei" 

His gruff voice pulled my attention back to him. His hands were placed on both sides of my head while he lowered his so we'd get eye-to-eye level.

Well, as close as a six-footer and a five-foot-three could get.

Tanging mga maliliit na wall lamp lang ang siyang nagsisilbi naming ilaw. Medyo malapit kami sa isa, pero 'di siya enough para mailawan ang buong mukha ni Luthor.

Half of his face is illuminated by dim yellow lighting. Still, it didn't remove the intenseness of his stares. Rather, the surrounding darkness made those serious orbs glow, and I found myself being captivated by them.

"If I told you I like you, what would you do?"

Goosebumps immediately moved past my neck and my whole body. His gravelly voice dropped an octave lower, and I felt myself gulp to ease my sudden parched throat.

"W-what are you saying, Luthor?"

"I am asking you a question."

I nervously chuckled, "You're just drunk."

Kaunting nagkadikit ang mga kilay niya.

"I. am. not." Luthor said slowly and with emphasis.

Di ko maiwasang mapairap, "Yeah, and birds swim," marahan ko siyang itinulak palayo but he wouldn't budge.

"Come on, Luthor. Malapit na tayo sa room mo," pagpupumilit ko

"Respond to my question first."

His lips' slightly pursed now. I raised my eyebrows, nagmamaktol ba siya? 

"Lasing ka lang Luthor. Makakalimutan mo din 'to paggising mo."

"No, I will not."

"Fine."

I intently looked him in the eyes.

"If you really wanna know my answer, then ask me again when you're sober."

Nagkatitigan kami ng ilang segundo. Then, for the first time ever, his eyes crinkled as his lips curved into a wide smile.

"I'll look forward to it then."

My heart skipped a beat.

Internally, I groaned. He's seriously gonna be the death of me.

Mabilis na din kaming nakarating sa kwarto ni Luthor. After niya kong pakawalan sa pader kanina, agad niyang ini-akbay ang kanyang kamay sa aking balikat. Hindi na uli siya nagsalita pagkatapos.

He immediately collapsed into his bed the moment we entered his room. Nilagyan ko siya ng kumot bago ako nagpaalam. 

Aalis na sana ako when he unexpectedly spoke softly, "Thank you"

I gave him one final nod before I went outside his door.

Agad akong napasandal sa pintuan pagkalabas ko. My knees feel weak and my heart feels constricted, I feel like I can't breathe.

As much as I want to believe Luthor's words, I can't. Luthor had always been an enigma. That man is as cold as ice, his stoic face like a perfectly sculpted marble.

Kahit na mas close na kami ngayon, there are still times where I can't truly read him, times where I can't understand what he really wants. Does he want me? Or does he only treat me differently because I am his only close friend? Someone that he feels comfortable with, just like how I am with Loki and my friends.

Yes, Loki always insinuates that Luthor likes me, and it's not like I don't trust his words but Loki's opinion is still just an opinion. At the end of the day, what matters the most is what Luthor thinks.

I chuckled to myself.

Liking Luthor will not be easy. Of course, he may be a lot of things, but being easy isn't one of them. He puts a lot of walls in his heart not because he wants it guarded, but because he has big ambitions, and he might believe his "feelings" would hinder that.

I've accepted it, yan ang una kong sinabi sa sarili ko. Pero nagsimula ang mga dinner namin, and that's the only time where he puts his walls down. He let me peak behind his cold exterior, and I was beyond happy Luthor trusts me that much.

But then, would I be greedy if I say I want more than that?

Dahan-dahan akong napabuntong-hininga. Agad-agad na din akong umalis sa pagkakasandal sa pintuan at inayos ang aking sarili.

I left Luthor's room with a heavy feeling. I shook my head and walked the hallway to leave my thoughts behind, hoping that the walls and the wind could carry my feelings.

Chapter Text

LORELEI

tap. tap. tap.

Tanging tunog ng mga tinitipang keyboard ang siyang nagsisilbing ingay dito sa aking apartment.

In just a few more minutes, I managed to finish editing my article and immediately sent it to my editor. Agad kong in-stretch ang mga daliri ko mula sa ilang oras na pagta-type. 

I sighed. Now that my work's finally done, unti-unti na namang bumabalik-sakin ang mga pangyayari noong nakaraang dalawang linggo.

Just as expected, Luthor did not mention anything in the morning that followed. Even if I knew that, may katiting pa rin sa akin na umasang maaalala niya. 

It was a little stupid, I admit, but can you really blame me?

I clicked my tongue. I'm starting to get annoyed. At him yes, but mostly at myself. 

Kung nandito lang si Loki, kanina niya pa ako binara sa aktong ginagawa ko.

Ring Ring

My eyes darted a glance over the screen of my phone. 

Speaking of the devil.

"Loki."

"My my," Loki's deadpanned voice answered, "Not even a 'Good evening Loki?'"

"Good evening, Loki," I repeated while rolling my eyes, "Ba't napatawag ka? May kailangan ka ba?"

"You wound me Lori," Loki retorted. I can already imagine him putting his hand on his chest to further prove his 'pain', "Hindi ba pwedeng nangagamusta lang? A good friend to a good friend."

"I would've believed you if you weren't Loki Mendez," I rebutted, "Ni hindi mo nga magawang magreply sa mga text namin tapos makukuha mong mangamusta?" 

With my back leaning against the cushioned sofa, I teased him, "Baka nga nangutang ka pa ng pantawag sa'kin ngayon eh."

"Hey!" He exclaimed, "I may not look like it, but I can make an effort if needed."

My right eyebrow raised at his statement, "What do you mean?"

"Lori, you know you can never hide something from me," I heard Loki's serious voice pass through the intercom, "What happened between you and my brother?"

The hand holding my phone tightened, "Nothing, Loki. Don't sweat it."

Loki tch'ed at the other side of the phone. 

"You two barely talked to each other the day after his birthday. Usually, you two do the "cheek kiss"—which I find unnecessary by the way—as your formal greeting. But that day, none. Not even a single glance."

I heard ruffling sounds from him. Nagpalit siguro siya ng pwesto.

"And then when I went to my brother's office the day before yesterday, he seemed more sinister than usual. I thought he was disappointed that he lost his draft for world domination, then I heard from his secretary that you had cancelled your monthly dinner-not-date tomorrow. You dumped him, didn't you? That's probably the reason he was not in a good mood recently."

I stared dumbfounded at the wall. Sandaling namagitan ang katahimikan sa pagitan namin.

"Wait nga lang," I leaned on my seat, "Are you stalking your brother?!"

"I'm offended," I heard gulping sounds after. Namaos ata siya matapos ng mahaba niyang deduction—his words not mine. 

"I would never stalk that man," he added, muffled. Mukha pinunasan niya ata iyong bibig niya, "It just so happened that I have an observant eye and that coincidence seems to favor me."

My lips formed a thin line, "Loki."

"So? Was I correct or was I correct?"

I ignored his remark, "I already told you, nothing's going between Luthor and me," I felt my voice slightly waver at the end. 

"Kasi kung meron man," my hand that weren't holding the phone clenched, "Matagal ko ng sinabi sa inyo."

Another set of silence stretched between us. Loki must have been contemplating my answer. It wasn't the most convincing, but it's truth. 

That's right. Nothing's going on between us.

A few more seconds passed before I heard him sigh.

"Look, I know it's not my right to interfere with your partner selection, moreso with your relationship with my brother. But..." he paused, then a sigh, "Listen closely since I will only say it once."

His usual bored voice was serious. That was enough to capture my undivided attention.

"I care about you, Lorilei," he began, "As your friend, I do not want you to get hurt in any way. It's not much, but I can, at the very least offer counsel if you need it. If not that, then I'm willing to listen to your concerns."

"Although," Loki, in a lighthearted tone, continued, "If that 'concern' somehow involves punching my brother in the face, know that I'm always up for the job."

Oh. 

'Di ko mapigilang mapangiti sa sinabi niya. 

"Thank you, Loki." 

It was just three words, but I hope I managed to convey my heartfelt gratitude towards him.

Loki hummed in response. Kung nahihiya man siya ngayon sa mga pinagsasabi niya, I'll never know.

"Well then. Good night, Lori."

"Good night Loki."

The call ended.

I admit, I was taken aback, just a little though.

Hearing Loki be this expressive and openly caring is something I might not get used to, but is also something I will always take pride in and treasure.

His actions aren't anything extravagant. They range from helping Jamie practice her lines whenever they see each other going to Al's apartment whenever my childhood friend loses a case and inviting him to a friendly game of chess.

They're simple things, but they speak so much of his love and truth. 

Dito ko na na-realize ang isang importanteng bagay.

Our happiness are Loki's happiness too.

Jamie, Al, and I doesn't say it outright, but I know Loki knows that we'd also do the same for him.

A knock on my door pulled me back to reality. Pinasadahan ko ng tingin ang orasan at napansin kong alas-dies na ng gabi.

I furrowed my eyebrows. Wala namang bumibisita sa akin ng ganitong oras ah?

Who could it be at this late hour of the night?

I immediately went to my room to grab my stun pen. In case you're wondering, ito pa din iyong stun pen na iniregalo sa'kin ni Loki noon. 

I could've gotten a new one but they will be never what Loki gave me. Madami na ding pinagdaanan ang stun pen na'to sa amin. I could say na part na din siya ng journey namin as the QED Club especially sa aming dalawa ni Loki.

Shaking my head from my thoughts, I immediately went to the front door. I know I'm being paranoid, but as they say, "It's better safe than sorry."

With my right hand tightly gripping the stun pen, I peaked on the door's peephole.

I let out a sigh of relief when I saw a familiar figure at my door, but for some reason, hindi naalis ang kaba sa dibdib ko.

Ibinulsa ko na ang aking stun pen sa aking pajama at pinagbuksan ang aking biglaang bisita.

Cold grey orbs met brown ones.

"Good evening, Luthor."

Chapter Text

"Good evening, Luthor."

Wearing his iconic three-piece suit while holding his briefcase in his left hand, Luthor returned her greeting.

"May I come in?"

Lorelei stared at him weirdly. She said nothing as she fully opened the door of her condo unit to let him in.

"Just sit there in the living room, mag-pe-prepare lang ako saglit ng tsaa."

Luthor quietly sat as he put his briefcase down before roaming his gray eyes around her studio-type apartment.

It has a minimalist design. From the backside of the living room from where Luthor sat, he can see a bookshelf on the right side of the beige wall. In front of him is a big flat-screen TV simplistically positioned between two burgundy rubber trees. He also noticed a Nordic lamp stand near the glass window. Above the leather sofa he is currently sitting on, a single picture frame of the then-QED Club settles itself below a white rectangular clock. 

“You have a very nice apartment.”

Luthor can see the vapor rising from the tea Lorelei carefully lowered on the small center table, “Thank you. Al helped me with the design. ‘Di halata pero marunong din siya sa interior designing."

She sat on the chair opposite to his. Luthor hummed after holding the saucer and teacup. It was warm on his cold hands.

A minute passed where both refused to talk. Luthor personally does not mind the silence. He found comfort in it over the past years, but being with Lorelei is an exception. He didn’t know when it started but he realized he does not mind the noise if she is the one creating it. 

To his dismay, Lorelei stayed silent. She was just observing his every move as if waiting. 

Waiting for what? Luthor might have an idea. He was about to speak when Lorelei cut to him first.

“Pinapunta ka ba ni Loki dito?”

Luthor and Lorelei locked gazes. He’s sure she can see the confusion etched on his dull gray eyes, “As far as I can remember, no.”

They continued staring at each other. After a second or two, Lorelei sighed, “What are you doing here, Luthor?” 

"I came here to apologize,” Luthor put down his tea. Lorelei scoffed, “So inaamin mo nga na iniiwasan mo ’ko?”

“I am not avoiding you. I was busy.”

“Tell me Luthor, do you remember anything ng gabing nalasing ka noong birthday mo?”

Luthor just stared at her. 

Pain suddenly flashed on Lorelei’s brown eyes. Luthor did not like it one bit.

“All this time…” Lorelei bowed down her head, “…why didn’t you say anything?”

Luthor wanted to speak, but for the first time in his life, he can’t find the strength to do so.

“Luthor, kinakaawaan mo ba ako?” Her shoulders are slightly raised. There’s still pain in her eyes, but there are now the barest hints of rage in it, “Are you thinking I can’t handle rejection?”

“What?”

"I like you."

Luthor’s eyes widened as he openly gaped at her. There are a couple of unshed tears that are threatening to spill at her flawless cheeks. Despite that, she is still facing him head-on.

“I said it. You can reject me now.”

Luthor takes pride in his ability to quickly analyze things on the spot, but somehow, the gears on his mind were not moving at all. 

“What?”

Lorelei huffed, “Anong what-what? I confessed to you! At ngayon i-re-reject mo na ‘ko. Don’t worry. It’s not your fault I caught feelings for you anyway.”

Not uttering a single word, Luthor immediately stood from his seat. Dark shadows covered his eyes as he pulled Lorelei up towards his arms in a tight embrace. He heard Lorelei’s shocked gasp.

“Lu-luthor?! A-anong ginagawa mo?!”

Luthor buried his face at the crook of her head.

That's correct. His mind is not at work here; rather, he is moved by the will of his heart.

“My apologies,” he can feel her weakly sag at his statement.

“O-okay lang,” she lowly muttered. It came out a little muffled since her face is buried on his right shoulder, “I told you…I can handle rejection.”

Luthor let out a grave chuckle, “I’m not rejecting you, silly.” 

Once again, he felt her stiffen on his arms, “I am apologizing for not saying anything sooner…” Luthor paused, “…and for avoiding you as well.”

Luthor moved as Lorelei lifted her head. Confused brown ones locked gazes with unusually alive grey orbs.

“Again, why didn’t you say anything?” she’s gripping the sides of his three-piece suit, “...why say it now?”

Luthor sighed, “Because I was afraid.”

Lorelei’s eyes widened. This is the first time she had heard him say that. That is true, somehow. In actuality, this is also the first time Luthor admitted to himself of being scared.

“Afraid of what? Rejection?” Lorelei looked confused more than ever, “Hindi naman sa pang-aano, but after all that flirting I’ve done, there’s no reason to believe I’d reject you.”

Ignoring her remark, Luthor's voice turned serious, “I am afraid of you.""

"Or rather, I’m afraid of the influence you have on me. I put equal value to everything, that’s why nothing seems to be memorable for me. I was contented with staying behind the curtains, observing the play I directed from afar, and not wanting to be on stage.”

“But you,” they did not avert their gazes, Luthor continued talking, “You came into my life, and you managed to climb the walls I did not realize I built to keep myself from getting attached to normalcy. You made me feel things I don’t usually feel, made me want to treasure your smile more than I'd like to. You made me want to be on stage, because that's where you are. It is all too foreign I can’t help but think I’ll only disappoint you and myself in the near future.”

No one said a word after that. Finally, Lorelei bowed, breaking away from his stare.

“Kung ganun, sabihin mo sa’kin,” Lorelei is gripping his suit harder than before. She breathed slowly as if gathering up strength. Whipping her head up, she looked at him, unwavering, strong.

“Do you see yourself being happy with me?”

It may sound like a generic question to others, but Luthor understands. She’s giving him a way out. Luthor would be lying if he says it never once crossed his mind. Cut ties with her and go back to the way things were, go back to a life without her, things would have been easier by then.

But…

“Yes,” Luthor’s eyes softened when she smiled, “Maybe not always because life does not work that way, but I’m willing to compromise if it’s with you.”

"Do you trust me, Luthor?"

Lorelei's eyes are reassuring and mesmerizing. Those orbs convey truth, love, and understanding. They're like two beautiful magnets and Luthor realized he can't look away. 

Sucking in a breath, Luthor answered, "I assume you know my answer to that." 

I trust you. Always have and always will.

It was left unsaid but with how Lorelei smiled brightly and finally finally hugged him, feeling their rapid heartbeats in sync, Luthor knows he got the message across.

“Lorelei?” she hummed in response, “I like you too.”

Luthor’s life before her was not dull, nor was he dissatisfied. But when one of the changes that Lorelei brought is the unadulterated joy of being in love, he realized he didn't mind acting out of character for once.

You heard it right, it doesn’t matter because love or not, he is still THE Luthor Mendez, and in his arms is the woman he’s willing to be with, forever.