Mercy of the Mate

{8} Demasculinized

He didn't really respond to the kiss in the way I had hoped. He just kind of stood there, and didn't have a real reaction. He just looked at me, and then said that we needed to go. The drive back was completely silent, and he not once acknowledged my questions as we drove. I still persisted, though.

"Do you have any particular taste in music?" I inquired for about the tenth time, but was left short. He kept his stare on the road, and his grip on the wheel.

"Alright, what about... Oh! Where did Mena and Adam go?"

"Out." he finally answered, his tone quiet and uninterested.

"Well, I mean, I knew that. But where?"

He shrugged, and turned on to a dirt path. I sighed and slumped into my seat, feeling even more self conscious than I did when I came down with a bloody nose and teary eyes. This was the best day. Ever. I've embarrassed myself more in front of him than anybody. This was ridiculous. So what, I kissed him? With looks like his, I know it's not the first time he's been kissed. He's being childish. Or I am... I don't even know anymore.

The second we got back home, I was out of the car and walking towards the creek. I ignored Dimitri's calls for me, keeping my stare ahead of me. He ignored me, so it's only fair I ignore him.

"Lucy, where are you going?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes, finding a cozy rock to sit on and leaned back to stare at the sky. Dimitri stood there, watching in bewilderment. As if he didn't know! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that ignoring someone can sometimes piss them off.

"Listen, I'm sorry," he mumbled. He was barely audible.

"Sorry, can't hear you."

"Oh, come on. That's silly."

"Dimitri, I'm being serious. You're barely talking above a whisper."

He huffed out an 'O' sound, taking a seat by me after a minute. "I said that I was sorry."

"Why'd you react that way?" I questioned after a few minutes, turning to meet his stare.

"I don't know, it's this... thing. It gets to me."

"Thing? You're going to have to do better than that."

"I mean, you won't really understand. It's going to sound like I'm just being a dick."

"Oh, come on. Just spit it out," I said playfully, a certain annoyance hidden underneath. He beat around the bush a lot.

"It's kinda like this Alpha-male thing. It made me feel... Uh, how do I say this?"

Oh great. "Demasculinized?"

"I guess," he sighed and rubbed his face. "It sounds stupid."

I chuckled, nodding in agreement, he had to be the most masculine guy I knew. He was fit, and usually had, at the very least, a 5-o'clock shadow. "You were seriously mad that I was the one that kissed you?"

"Yes... No, not really. I don't know. It's like my instinct says it's not how it should have been, but as far as my mind goes, I was fine with it? It sounds like I have multiple personalities or something, I'm sorry."

"It's alright," I responded, but couldn't help but laugh. This has got to be the most awkward conversation we've ever had. He looked at me, a mischievous grin planted on his face.

"Now, what are you laughing at?"

"You." I responded honestly, raising a brow at his scoff.

"Me?"