C5 Fight Back.

"So, it's time for you to leave?" I asked in a questioning voice. Strangely, I didn't want this man to leave.

"Originally, it was my plan but if it's okay with you, can I stay for a few days more?" He asked hesitantly while I could hear the low sound of stompings on the floor. He must have something complex going on in his life. I didn't have any problem with him leaving but if he has to live with the two of us, I think he would be the most uncomfortable one.

"Well… if it's…" before he hesitated more, I stopped him and said, "It's fine… There is no one extra. You can stay here for as long as you wish."

Strangely, I didn't want this man to leave. I felt ticklish in my heart whenever he was near me. I wanted to find out, why? But there was a problem that needed to be taken care of. If he was going to stay here, there is a room needed to be added. I needed to discuss this with Aden later.

*Honking*

With the honking sound, I remembered that today was the day my embroideries will be taken in batch in the factory. I hurried to open the door, and Derek followed me.

"Good to see you, Miss. Leia" It was the usual charming voice. Every time he came, he would always greet me while getting ignored. I again ignored him and went to take the boxes of embroideries to hand him over. Derek offered me some help and murmured confusedly. I knew he would be excited to know what was inside it. Curiosity draws everyone. It was no different for him.

"It had been so long since we met!" He rummaged through his memory about the weeks we didn't meet and continued talking from his waking to sleeping. "Oh! Where is your brother?"

Crap! I introduced Aden as my Brother to everyone! Guilts strike down as I kept thinking if he did figure out my lie.

"You have a brother?" He asked in an unusual husky voice that felt more suitable for him. The husky, dangerous voice felt more familiar with his way of talking.

I nodded guiltily. He already figured out that I hid something from him, he didn't drag this conversation in front of the stranger, seeing me uncomfortable.

"Neil…" it was the gullible man's name. I never wanted to improve my relationship with anyone, so I ignored almost everyone. This man was no different except that I trusted him as my business partner. Though he tried many ways to open up my heart, the stubborn me never listened but I loved to listen to the gullible man's talk. Being inside the four-walled, I loved listening to his adventures. There was no trust between us but we warmed our lonely hearts. I kept knitting for the new batch while he kept telling me about his experiences by the window. I relaxed with the support of the chair. My mind finally got to have some rest. I felt drowsy as the heat reached my body, it was already afternoon. "Have a glass of water…"

"No need… It's time for me to go… And if it's okay with you, care to tell me about the mister there?" I sighed with the thought that now, my relationships would again be mixed up with rumors. My heart sank as the memories of when I first came here with Aden flowed through my mind. That was a real mess! With my silence, he bid his farewell. I took some space for myself.

"Miss. Leia?" He asked hesitantly, "Did you lie to me?" He was right but I couldn't agree with him. He is not someone I trust. "What will I benefit from lying to you?" I went away hurriedly, not to get caught in my lie.

When will Aden come back? It's weird to live under the same roof with a stranger. Also, the housing problem… I sighed with the increasing number of problems when my hand felt a tight grasp. I gasped. Did I get caught?

"Be careful… you will hurt yourself!" I felt a drop on my hand and a faint sweet smell. It was blood! I flinched. I didn't feel any pain.

"It's fine… It doesn't hurt at all" there was no hesitation and sadness in Derek's voice, only a soothing voice flowed. "I-i am sorry!" I didn't mean to hurt him. It would have been fine if the needle pricked me, I was already used to it.

"Now now… It's okay" he snatched the cloth and needle from me. As he sat beside me, he continued, "I don't even know how you can cook and embroider, if it was me, I would have only lazed around."

I smiled, "It wouldn't be difficult if you were in my place, I am not rich, can't be pampered. I need to work for myself. I can't give all my responsibilities to Aden, it wouldn't be fair." It was gentle yet it contained my tantrums, my anger.

"Fair?" He continued in a sighing voice, "Is there anything fair? I don't think so… No matter what I wished…" he stopped in the middle but I could feel the sadness in him. I couldn't help but hug him. It was what I needed for years too. Someone cuddling me, saying it was okay, I did my best but there was none and I don't think it will be in the future too. For this young man, I wanted to console him.

"W-why?" He didn't bother to hide his surprise. I kept silent. Contrary to my expectations, he didn't pester me but hugged me tightly. I could feel him sniffing, I wanted to find out what he faced.

After some time, he let me go. "There's no time for this. I need to leave within the day after tomorrow, it's time to Fight Back!" He howled in his husky and dark voice. I almost forgot how dangerous this Male is!