Let Me Occupy Your Mind [Natsby Fanfiction]

2.

The butlers opened the gates for me. I was greeted with gardeners tending to the grass on each side of the Gatsby mansion. Carnations, roses, tulips, a whole bunch of them ornamented the bushes ahead.

At the end of the path, into the entrance, I caught a glimpse of Jay Gatsby. Baring a beige, long sleeve, knit shirt and pearl coloured slacks. A gold ring engraved with his initials decorated his right hand.

"Nick, I'm glad you accepted my invitation, come inside."

He gestured me to come in. Butlers closed the grandiose doors behind us.

"Uhm, Gatsby?"

"Yes?"

"Where are Daisy and Jordan? I thought they would be with us today."

The man hesitated, turned around and let out a nervous chuckle. Before sliding his palm alongside his golden hair.

"Er— you see, Daisy and Jordan will not be here for a while. I want to give you my finest suit for the occasion— the get-together, that is."

I eyed him down. It was obvious; at times, Gatsby was a cautious and fast paced fellow. Which can come off as being anxious. But in this instance, the man looked nerved, and frankly, I could not blame him. In Gatsby's shoes, a scenario like this was tedious. I responded with:

"You really don't have to do that, I—"

"Nonsense, this is my gift from me to you."

In his movements, Gatsby shuffled about, fidgeting with his ring.

"I know I haven't been a good friend lately... I want to prove to you that I still have the heart to never forget how kind you've been to me. So, please, don't be coy with me, old sport."

"Coy? Is that really how I am coming off as?"

"There's a chance I misread."

He mumbled which made it seem like that last comment was made only for himself. Perhaps the only "coy" one here was the rich man in front of me.

We entered the elevator and I broke the long silence that suffocated us.

"Look, I just want a clear explanation, that's all. You have left me in the dark, Gatsby. I hope you know how hurtful that is."

"I know. I want to make amends," Gatsby sighed, "You see—"

The elevator doors opened. An eye-catching palace of english shirts and suits lined every inch of the walls. Gatsby slid into the room and waltz me in, ending the conversation.

"Which color would suit you, old sport?"

In awe, my eyes sighted the towers of shelves upon shelves. Opulent fabrics, delicate and vibrant hues.

"Suppose a blue? Green is fine too."

"Blue is wonderful on you, Nick."

Gatsby made his way to be inches away from me.

"Compliments your eyes," he peered into my stare "they are blue, yes?"

"Y-Yeah. I mean, yes."

Somehow, he blew me away with a simple gesture; a sympathetic smile he gave me. I couldn't lie, Gatsby looked dashing while speaking in a gentle tone.

"Then, you can have this suit."

Gatsby laid out a waistcoat in pewter gray, and a pair of pastel blue, wool trousers and coat. Looking into the closet, Gatsby paused.

"Do you prefer starched or soft?"

"In what exactly?"

"Collars; I only have a few starched..."

To reassure, I put my hand on his shoulder:

"No worries, soft is always preferred in a evening suit."

"Of course."

At this moment, all the negative emotions resided in the back of my mind. In my head, the gentleman before me was divinely handsome. Pink lips and rose coloured cheeks mesmerized my heart and sweetened my soul; a face of an angel. His delicate features outweighed the sharpness of his jaw and nose. Even so, it was all attractive.

"Nick, you have a shadow on your face."

"Huh? Oh, maybe I should shave it."

"Allow me."

I could not handle it. I near melted at the touch of him caressing my stubbled skin. Gatsby gave me another attentive stare, I felt my heartbeat rising, we were breathing on each other at this point in time.

He lead me into the bathroom, I removed my coat and waist coat. Unbuttoning my shirt by two buttons. Gatsby sloshed a brush into a bowl of shaving cream. After, he lathered the cream onto my skin, attending to me carefully.

"You groom yourself well, old sport."

"It's the best I can do."

"For?"

"For... myself."

I gulped, titling my head up, Gatsby gingerly glided the blade over my skin. I found it to be challenging to keep still. With my racing heart, the intimacy grew torturous.

"Please, stay still, I don't want to cut you Nick."

"Mhm."

I struggled, but eased myself by a bit. Soon, he was finished and wiped the rest of the froth off of my face.

"Gatsby, you're too kind to do all of this for me."

"Don't worry about it, old sport."

Afterwards, I dressed in the blue and gray suit. Slipping on my two-toned oxfords, I was wholeheartedly impressed with how well it had fit me. Considering I was wearing another man's attire.

"Wow! I look-"

"Incredible? Yes, yes, you do."

"You flatter me, Gatsby."

We shared a laugh, he began folding my clothes away.

"You can keep the suit, by the way. I'm far outgrown for that suit now."

"Hm? Are you sure?"

"Certainly, I wouldn't have given it to you if I wasn't, would I?"

I nodded in response. Gatsby walked into the bathroom to come out with a jar of pomade. Covering a layer on his hands, the man slicked my hair back.

"I noticed the back of your hair sticking out— I hope you don't mind."

"Gatsby..."