Meet me halfway

9. Exes

TW: implication of physical abuse

"Oh... uh, what do you want to do?" I asked, even though my mind was spiraling. Ex? I mean, I had kind of figured that there was no way this guy had always been single, but I hadn't expected his ex to show up on our first date!

"Uh, c-could we like make it seem like I'm not here? I'd rather not meet him again." he said and I nodded.

"Of course, no problem." I said, adjusting myself so that my fluffy hair would block most of his head. He gave me a thankful smile, though his eyes were slightly widened in alarm, whoever this guy was, Nico, didn't like him.

"Sorry, this must be weird for you." he said quietly and I smiled.

"A little weird, yes, but you don't need to apologize. How were you supposed to know he'd be here?" I asked and he nodded, then his eyes widened further. "What? What's wrong?" I asked, but before he had time to answer, another voice cut in.

"Nico, long time no see." Accompanying the voice was a tall, skinny but lean, blond. His voice was not very deep, but the way he spoke reminded me of a politician. Without waiting for any form of invitation, he sat down next to Nico, who stiffened by his presence.

"O-Octavian... I thought you moved away." he said and the guy, Octavian (YUCK) chuckled as if they were sharing a private joke. Something about the name was familiar, but I couldn't quite place it as most of my thoughts were on Nico right now.

"I did; some private business, you know. But my dad's company got a new deal to work out here, so we just moved back. My first thought was of course to see you, catch up." Octavian (Ugh) explained and as soon as he mentioned his father's company, it fell into place.

Octavian Augustus, son of Caesar Augustus who is the owner of Augustus enterprises. A really rich family, but that wasn't what I know him from. I was more thinking about how Reyna broke his nose once upon a time. Everyone thought it was because of the whole RARA thing, but now that I see him with Nico, I'm not so sure.

With his identity pinned, my main question was what he had done that made Nico react like this by just being near him.

"So, who's your friend?" Octavian (Bleugh) asked, gesturing to me with his left hand while raising his right one to put it on Nico's shoulder, causing Nico to flinch, which was the answer to my question. I forced on a polite smile while straightening in my seat.

"I'm Will Solace. While I really wish there was more time for you to catch up, Nico and I have booked tickets to the cinema, can't be late."

>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<>-<

Just my luck that when I finally deem myself ready to start dating again after over a year, the very reason it had taken me this long crashes the date. Just as I felt sure that I would have a breakdown, Will seemed to get the fact that I couldn't stay.

"I'm Will Solace. While I really wish there was more time for you to catch up, Nico and I have booked tickets to the cinema, can't be late." he said with a strained smile, before drinking the rest of his hot chocolate in a single swig. I quickly stood up and Octavian (puking noises) stood up as well, moving out of the booth so that I could walk past him. Will stood as well, pulling out some money and placing it on the table.

"What movie are you watching, maybe I could join?" Octavian (yuck yuck yuck) said and I tried not to freeze, but failed. Will didn't freeze though and casually said;

"Afraid you can't, it's fully booked."

"Ah, I see." Octavian (puking noises again) said, locking eyes with me as he pulled something out of his pocket; a pen. He grabbed a napkin and scribbled on some numbers, probably his number. He held out the napkin for me and I stared at it. "Call me so that we can talk." he said with a sadistic smile, probably enjoying the emotional pain he was causing me.

My brain screamed for me to ignore the napkin and ignore him, but I took it anyway and shoved it in my pocket, knowing he wouldn't give up if I didn't. I gave a quick nod of goodbye, before turning around and hurrying out of the shop with Will on my side.

Neither of us said anything, just kept a fast pace as we put some distance between us and him. We both stopped by a car and Will turned to me with a worried expression.

"Are you okay?"

803 words

Since Octavian has moved back into town, he will be in the story from now on. Which means that what he has done will be mentioned, talked about and such.

If that makes you uncomfortable/triggers you, I suggest you tap out of the story. I won't blame you if you do either, personally, it wasn't until a couple months ago I could read about abuse without a severe reaction.

If you don't think this will affect badly, then read on as you would. Peace out.

- A/N