Thread: Look at Me [Dimitri x Plutonium]

If there was one thing her Lola couldn't stand, it was being late. Being late to dinner was about the same as sinning in her eyes. Eating together was an extremely important value to her and Juliette's Lolo. Ever since she started college, it became even more of a valued tradition since sometimes she was so busy after school until late. Leaving a home cooked meal to go to waste while it was hot, that would send the woman flying off the handle. So would the fact that Juliette's phone died. There was no reason for her not to be there today according to Juliette's schedule. And her lola knew that schedule inside out, back and around. Acapella practices were every Tuesday and Thursdays. On Wednesdays and late Friday nights, she worked at the college library as a librarian. It was a pretty fitting job, especially with the glasses. Some days her professors asked her for help, mostly the literature professor, Professor Calouhan. Even then, he gave her warning ahead of time. Her had squeezed tighter around her dead phone. What was she going to do? Lying was not an option. Well it was, but she had never been good at it. In fact, she had never done it. Even the thought of lying brought on an extreme sense of guilt. Her only options were to flag down a cab and get to the subway or the university. If she found a payphone, she could try to call them. But then they would ask why she was in the city. What if she just came clean and told them she was tutoring? No, then they would give her a lecture about what had happened the last time she tutored. Not that they weren't right, sine Mister Model himself just tried to pull the exact same stunt. If there as a subway nearby, she could just maneuver through the lines until she found the one nearest their flat. That would take up too much time. And what if she got lost? Well...she could always get back the university and take her car. The very thought made her shutter. Juliette hated her car. Her driving anxiety was through the roof, especially at the thought of city traffic. Living in New York meant city traffic EVERYWHERE. It seemed like that would be the only option, and she would have to come up with excuse or come clean about tutoring. Juliette hadn't realized the look of panic that had painted her face. Her thoughts were racing a mile a minute, dreading the reaction she would get along with the storm of questions from her grandparents. She hadn't even realized Mike had asked her if everything was status quo. Clearly it was not. Biting her lip, she slid her phone back into her pocket. Opening her mouth, she went to apologize for not having left yet, when she was cut off. Her head had been looking down at her pocket where her phone protruded before lifting slowly. Her large eyes widened a bit at his tone of voice. It was a bit shocking to say the least. His cocky, 'I don't care about anyone' attitude had disappeared, and in its place was concern that took her off guard. Her lips parted as he held out his phone, her eyes moving from his face to the very expensive looking device in his hand. Juliette was at a loss for words, which was rare, even with being shy. Almost as if it never happened, his demanding tone woke her from her daze, and flustered she nodded quickly. Letting him touch her hand and press the phone into her palm. As he turned away, she felt herself steam up. It was nothing more than a touch of the hand. A rather aggressive gesture, and yet, she couldn't help her heart speeding up. Phone secure between her two hands, she stood there, opening and closing her mouth time and time again. Wanting to thank him, but not knowing how. Finally, she lifted his cell and began to call her grandparent's home, the feeling of dread building with every dial tone ring. Hello? Asked a rather annoyed tone of voice. ...Lola? Juliette began cautiously. The next few sentences consisted of Juliette trying to talk over a very loud voice that could be heard clearly even without speaker. Juliette closed her eyes, sighing silently as she pulled the phone away from her ear. She was going to lose her hearing if this kept up. Lola, listen I'm sorry... She swallowed, time to write up a story of her own. I guess the group wanted to schedule an extra practice. Our show is in two weeks and we have been having trouble with harmonies so- Your group never springs practices randomly like this. Your group is always so good anyway, why need a practice? Why didn't you call me sooner? Why aren't you answering your phone? Whose number is this? This is one of the group member's phone. Mine died on me. Listen, I'm really sorry. It will be faster for me to drive in my car rather than take all those stops to your house. So. Just wait, I promise I'll be there. I'm so sorry. She began to apologize profusely. She hated it when her grandparent's got upset with her. Perhaps it was because she knew how much her mother had hurt her Lola, she didn't want to disappoint her in the same way. Juliette, you hate driving your car... Her grandmother's tone softened a bit. ...I rather you be late than panic driving. Just get here when you can. She sighed. Just, don't let this happen again. You need to keep your phone on at all times. We were worried sick. I know..I know. Listen I gotta go. She needs her phone back. I'll be there soon. Love you, just put my dinner in the fridge. With that, she hung up, pursing her lips and staring at the ground. It was a bit embarrassing knowing her probably heard her getting scolded like some sort of child. Shaking it off, she walked back over to him and took his hand, putting the phone gently within his grasp like he had to her earlier. As she did so, she couldn't look him in the eyes, so instead glanced to the side. I...I really appreciate it. Without another word, she slid her backpack back onto her one shoulder and moved toward the door. I guess I'll see you next Monday. She would probably pass him in the halls, but the probability of him actually noticingtalking to her was little to none. Just, don't work your manager too hard. Oh, and make sure she doesn't do that great of a job. Professor would be suspicious if his worse student somehow miraculously seemed to put effort into one of his papers. Her voice was teasing, but her eyes were soft as she glanced over her shoulders. She wasn't sure what else there was to say. With that, she quietly slipped out the door, closing it behind her. In the solitude of the lavish hallway she suddenly released a breath she had been apparently holding in with a huff. That was...incredibly confusing. As she walked toward the elevator, she couldn't help but find it both amusing and completely annoying what had happened. It was odd however as she slipped into his driver's car, that she found herself looking forward to next Monday. She pushed it back, almost denying it, burying it deep within herself as she stared out the window until making it back to the university's closest subway. As soon as she got home, she kept up her story with her grandmother. Eating her warmed up dinner with a smile as she sat down at the table with her grandparents, feeling guilty for keeping them waiting and lying to them. It wasn't even that big of a lie, but she couldn't help it. She was just a wimp, too good of a child. After washing the dishes as punishment, she walked to her room, getting out her homework and starting on reading ahead as she always seemed to do. It was almost like a reflex. In the back of her mind, as she read over 'Pygmalion's' developing character, she chuckled. The character's had a bet of their own going on. Perhaps it was because of that small glimpse of another Mike Romanov that maybe didn't even really exist. Or maybe it was her pride. But, without a doubt, she had a glimmer of hope that she would win. She wouldn't let him get the best of her.