Second Ave Series: Ac-Counting on You (WLW)

Now & Forever

This chapter contains mature themes.

Gwen smiled as Fiona took her hand, leading not just herself, but her girlfriend through the bar in which Kanda's company was having a welcome party for their newest staff member. Although she first worried she and Brook may be out of place among those who already had their grouping, Gwen felt anything other than that as she was led toward Fiona's friends. Kanda noticed them and jumped up with raised arms and cheers echoed by her friends. Some of them immediately recognized Brook and began making their way toward her, which Gwen couldn't blame them for as she was just always so alluring to most around her.

"Hey! It's the Hollow Leg owner!" Kanda exclaimed as she came to stand beside Fiona, giving her a kiss on her cheek that sent a blush cresting along it in the direction of her other.

"Yeah! Hi, I'm Brook Bluestone. And this is my girlfriend--" She began to introduce, but Kanda bent over and smirked as she gazed right into Gwen's eyes.

Her enthusiasm was something only ever matched by one other in their group when they visited Brook's shop and that very person came over as she interrupted, "Oh, I know who this is. Good to see you again, Gwen."

"So, you're Gwen?" A man who was so like Kanda asked as he came over and looped his arm around her shoulders, ruffling her hair. "This one and her girl never shut up about you. I'm Mark Reyes. Nice to meetcha!"

He flashed Gwen a disarming, toothy grin and she sent one back as her excitement grew. "I am and it's nice to meet you, too."

"Wow! I love your dress!" Another woman chimed in as she leapt onto Mark's back and he instinctively wrapped his arms below her legs, receiving a kiss along his cheek. "I'm this one's wife, Mika."

"Thank you." Gwen brushed her hand down the front of her hippie dress, as Brook called it upon her emerging from her loft. She glanced over at her and was sent a wink before she took her hand, interlocking their fingers. Gwen wore a deep violet, long maxi dress with flared sleeves and a pair of sandals. When she came out of her loft, Brook had admired her, but Gwen found herself entranced as she ran her eyes up and down her sturdy build. She was donned in a pair of black trousers with one of her trademark short sleeved button ups that bore shades of cream and purple. Determined to match with Gwen as often as possible, Brook had called from her condo earlier to make sure they were wearing yet another couple's outfit and it sent a smile coasting across her face. She glanced back toward the crowd traveling over toward them and ran her gaze over their faces. "Nice to see you all."

Fiona began gesturing to each person around them as she spoke. "This is Ju Garcia and the woman next to her is her girlfriend, Hayden." They both waved and sent smiles toward her and Brook and Fiona rested her hand on the shoulder of someone she hadn't ever met. "This is Hiyama Studios newest hire, Finley Wallace, and this is her party."

The woman in question shyly nodded toward both Gwen and Brook as she adjusted her glasses, then gestured toward a separated area behind two open doors. "We reserved a few private booths since Fiona said you feel more comfortable in an intimate setting, Gwen. Come join us!"

Grinning from ear to ear and so enthralled for something new finally entering her life, Gwen nodded and began toward the area with Brook quickly in-tow. She glanced back at her as the others struck up a conversation amongst themselves and was sent an encouraging smile back. All took their perches around a table with built-in seats on the floor and Gwen watched with a fervent gaze as the people who would soon become her friends joked over what to order. Another couple arrived hand in hand and were greeted with cheery dispositions as they introduced themselves as Maya and Rose, apparently friends of Kanda and Fiona. They were more of an honorary couple that occasionally joined their group get togethers and Gwen found herself hopeful for the future as they all began discussing going together for a cookout the following weekend in a hiking area Kanda scouted earlier that week.