Lovesick: A DungeonMeshi ModernAU Fic

Chapter Three: Incubation

Toshiro eases his sensible car down the street of the hospital. The clock reads 05:28 pm. He had to get it cleaned and he stopped to pick up some cologne from the apartment.

Fashionably late, I suppose. He grimaces in embarrassment. He had intended to leave work a bit early, but one of the senior partners had encouraged him to stay a bit late to help her file paperwork, and it was imprudent to say no to a senior partner.

He had texted Falin, but he got no response, so he figured she must be busy with work.

She might even be staying late too. I admire her diligence and her career-centric attitude.

He stops at a light, adjusts his hair, and fixes his tie and collar, just to be safe. As the car in front begins to move, he sees Falin standing on the curb a few blocks from the hospital, alongside a thin woman in a long coat and a black turtleneck, both are talking animatedly. Toshiro smiles at the sight and pulls in alongside the two women and parks.

He steps out, opening the passenger door after crossing to the sidewalk. "Hello, Falin! It's good to see you, hope your first day went well." He strides up to the two and holds a hand out to the stranger. "Toshiro Nakamoto, esquire, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

She takes it and shakes his hand. "Doctor Donato. Toshiro, you said? So, you're Falin's roommate?" She says with an odd look on her face. He can feel her eyes studying him intensely even as he closes his eyes in an attempt at a really friendly face.

"Er, well, it's nothing improper, I can assure you! I live with her brother and she's temporarily moved in. Well, Falin, ready to go?"

Falin nods and gestures toward the car, "Let's go, Doctor Donato!"

Toshiro pauses, "Huh?"

Falin steps up to the car and opens the back door, "I hope you don't mind, Shuro, I invited her along!"

Toshiro feels the vein in his forehead pulse. "A-ah, I see! Uh..." He looks at Falin, who's beaming. "Yeah, it's no problem!" He forces a laugh as the two women climb in the back. He closes the passenger side door, grumbling to himself as he walks around to the driver seat.

It's alright! It's okay. Not a hopeless situation Toshiro... He glances in the rearview mirror at Falin before adjusting it.

"So, how did you two meet?" He pulls into the road.

The doctor answers, "We were roommates back in school. It's been... how long?"

Falin thinks for a moment. "5 years, I think!"

Toshiro smiles back, "That's wonderful that you both wound up at the same hospital after such a long time apart. Old friends are a gift!"

Falin makes a little noise, almost a squeak as she claps her hands together. "I know! I was so excited to see you, M- Doctor Donato. I missed you so much."

Marcille laughs, "I missed you too, Falin... So, Mr. Nakamoto, where are you taking us for dinner?"

Toshiro sucks on his teeth for a moment. "Ah, I know a good place down here. It's called 'Kosaka,' do you like sushi?"

Falin thinks for a moment, "Ahhh, I don't know... Can we get beers there?"

Marcille looks at her in shock, "Falin! It's a work night!"

Falin giggles and nudges Marcille, "That didn't stop us in college."

Toshiro speaks up, "I think they serve some beer there. But, as the doctor says, it'd be a bad idea to overindulge. Maybe one?"

Who does this guy think he is, telling her how much she can drink?

Marcille's chest ignites with a tiny spark of anger that confuses her, just the mere idea that this guy can tell Falin what to do.