Leslie
I fell on the bed before I hugged the pillow and buried my face in it. My first day of work and the report were bad before we could build any relationship. Goodbye to all my illusions of how my perfect author was in my head.
I laid on my back as I thought about what Reina had said earlier today.
“The management knows Azrael’s hatred towards omegas, especially since pairing within same-sex has gained recognition even among betas. Azrael can be a bit conservative, so try not to take anything he says to heart.” Reina said with a foxy smile.
“Wouldn’t the right thing be to pair with an easier person?” I asked.
“Yes, but if Bob and the board decided it was you, you must have what they need. After all, Bob’s intuition is never wrong, plus I find this an interesting source of entertainment. Maybe Azrael will make a bestseller from a bittersweet enmity that will blossom to pure friendship.”
“Bob is in the management?” I asked, and Reina nodded.
“He always lies about his position to put new employees at ease, but he is the director and I’m the editor-in-chief.” Reina exposed, and I shouted in surprise.
I sighed as I sat up before I changed my clothes to prepare dinner since Ben wasn’t yet home.
“Babe, I’m home.” Ben announced from the door before I left the dining where I was setting the table.
“Welcome-” I gasped when Ben suddenly lifted me and I laughed before we gave each other gentle kisses, then dropped me slowly to the ground.
“What’s the excitement all about this evening?” I asked as I leaned against Ben’s arm before he hugged me.
“I got a job!” Ben shouted as I jumped with joy.
“Congratulations! I’m so happy for you. Where?”
“I’ll show you later.”
“When do you start?”
“Monday.”
I clapped happily before he raised a box that certainly contained cake inside.
“I also brought us dessert. I was going to pick up wine, but then I remembered you had work today. That reminds me, how was your first day?” Ben asked, and the excitement waned.
“It was terrible in a good way.” I explained as I ruffled my back hair.
“What happened?” Ben asked as I collected the cake and dropped it on the table.
“Well, for starters, I got assigned to my very first author.” I narrated.
“I thought you don’t get an author until after four months of training?” Ben asked, and I breathed out.
“Well, it seemed the reason I got the job was to serve as a permanent replacement for another editor.”
“Then what seems to be the problem?”
“My author hates many things, including gays, lesbians, all omegas, mostly males, and anything out of the ordinary. I’m three of a kind.” I said with a breath of frustration as Ben placed his arms on my shoulders.
“Breathe honey.” Ben instructed, and I did so, then nodded.
“Listen, I know you and I know that the people in charge wouldn’t have made you his editor if they didn’t think you were capable. Maybe you could be the first to show him that we’re not all spawns of Satan, like eighty percent of his sexuality.” Ben said as I glared at him. “You know what I mean.”
“You’re right, I shouldn’t give up.” I said as I clenched my fist.
“No. Giving up is good once in a while and if nothing is done, you can always quit.”
“Ben! You are supposed to be supportive.” I demanded as I placed my hands on my hip before he kissed my lips.
“No greater motivation than contempt from others.” Ben said as I chuckled before I raised a brow.
“You are the absolute best.” It was more sarcastic than I intended before Ben placed a hand on his chest.
“Ouch.” He replied with a teasing look.
Dinner was always full of conversations that lead from one topic to another. It was lovely to admit that Ben was my entire world. He made me happy, and he was my best friend after we met seven years ago. We’ve been married for five years and I’m glad we’ve proved to the world that love between a beta and an omega is possible.
As I laid in bed, my head played the entire event in a silent, quick motion, but the part I always ended was the image of Azrael.
He was very handsome alright, the Asian gene showing only in his eyes. Japanese American with long honey brown hair and slanted eyes that reflected a bright green shade with a few facial hairs. Azrael wasn’t white, he was brown and very tall, and my height was considered among the tall range. Then there was his body, a swimmer’s build with hands that were far too rough to belong to a writer.
It made me wonder what he did outside of his successful writing career. Now that I was his editor, I felt like I could finally get a peek at his thoughts.
“You can do this Leslie. Just like we practiced.” I said before I heaved and pushed the doorbell.
I took a step back as I waited patiently for Azrael to open the door. I tapped my left foot and waited before I decided to press the doorbell.
Still no response?
“I wonder if it’s okay to do what Reina did.” I said as I pressed the doorbell multiple times.
It didn’t take long before the door opened and Azrael stood with an irritated face before he stood upright and grabbed me by the collar.
“It’s eleven-thirty in the morning. No unemployed NEET wakes up or visits anyone’s house by this time!” Azrael shouted as I shielded my face from the intensity of his voice.
“Well, you wouldn’t be in pain if you answered the doorbell earlier.” I pointed out as he released my collar with a hard shove.
“Thanks for reminding me about that; you stupid omega.” Azrael said before he banged the door shut.
“Hey!!” I shouted as I banged on the door of Azrael’s apartment. “It wouldn’t kill you to be nice!”
I pressed the doorbell multiple times until I stopped hearing it and I knew he had cut out the power from the bell. I sighed as I laid my head on the door.
“I didn’t think he’d be this difficult.” I sighed as I took out the spare that Reina handed to me this morning.
I honestly hated barging into someone’s house, especially if I didn’t have their trust. It was tempting, but I didn’t want to force my way into Azrael’s professional life; I wanted to earn his respect.
I placed back the key in my bag as I picked up my phone and ordered breakfast from a place. I knew that handled delivery before I faced the door.
I smiled before I quickly scrolled to Azrael’s phone number. It rang once, and he quickly picked up, to my relief.
“Hello?” Azrael’s voice was deeper than usual when he was sleepy.
“It’s Leslie.” I informed him.
“I told you to go home.”
“Six months.” I said on the phone.
“What?” Azrael asked.
“Six months, that’s all I ask for. I know omegas are the least of your favourite and my presence is a nuisance to you, but all I ask is for six months to be your editor. The thing is, ever since I picked up your book, I’ve always dreamt of meeting you, and the fact that I was given the chance to be your editor is more expensive than anything any person can give me. I’ll leave you Azrael alone, but not without trying; if we still can’t get along, then I’ll personally request them to give you an editor of your taste.” I explained as I heard ruffling from the bed.
“I’ll be back tomorrow, earlier than today, and I’ll use the key. Please respond to my request; it's very lonely at this side of the door.” I said with a small smile. “Also, I ordered your breakfast and it’ll be here in seven minutes. Be sure to eat, and I promise an omega won’t cook or deliver it.”
I left the building with a strong sense of hope that Azrael wouldn’t reject my request. Reina mentioned Azrael had a deep sense of loyalty to his readers, especially since his personality was too vulgar for public view.
I edited some parts of a novel for one of my team members before my alarm rang. I had to face Azrael today and the thought that someone hated me before they even knew me had me feeling uneasy, especially since I liked him, but I was taking my chance because I was determined to make Azrael accept me as his editor.“I have to leave Sven.” I said as I gathered the manuscript and handed it to Sven Walker, who smiled when he saw I was done.“Wow, you really do a thorough job.” Sven said as another of the team member. Jade peeped at the paper and nodded.“I’m almost jealous. How can your work be that neat?” Jade said as I smiled at the compliment.“I really enjoy books and I love it more when someone else can enjoy it as well.” I replied before I grabbed my things.“I’ll probably see you later or tomorrow.
This partnership could work? I spoke too soon because the days after Azrael went back to being a jerk. “I don’t mind you making a mess, Azrael, but you should learn to trash used condoms properly and I would appreciate it if you disposed of your alcohol bottles… It’s disgusting!” I shouted as Azrael laid on the couch, rubbing his stomach as he read through what he had handwritten. “You can always quit.” Azrael said, as he dropped the manuscript and took off his glasses. Azrael had a bad habit of smoking after writing a good manuscript, but I couldn’t give him that luxury anymore… I was through with being overly friendly. I grabbed the cigarette butt from his lips and extinguished it before I grabbed the lighter and the box and threw it at a trashcan. “Smoking isn’t good for your health. I get that science has improved and there’s a
I pressed on the doorbell and waited patiently before the door opened and I stared at Azrael with an innocent look. He had a cigarette in his mouth and had his reading glasses; he looked back into the house then stared at me.“What do you want, brat?” Azrael asked as he exhaled smoke from his mouth. “We weren’t to meet today.”“I know, I know, but I didn’t come here as your editor. I came here as just Leslie and I brought drinks.” I said as I raised the bag in my hands. “I can’t take alcohol because of low tolerance, but everyone loves soda, and I also picked up some yogurts if you didn’t like it and bought two cans of beer with a minimum percentage.”“Why are you doing this?” Azrael asked.“I want to be your friend.” I whispered as I took a bold step towards him. “I sincerely want to get closer to you, Azrael.”Azrael stared at me as I waited patiently in silence before he walked in with the
Azrael The vibrations from my phone woke me from the long-awaited sleep. I frowned as I picked up my phone before I saw Reina as the caller ID. I knew exactly why she was calling, so I dropped my phone before something fell from my body; a blanket. I stared at it and picked it up as I tried hard to remember when I took the time to pick it up before the scent of hot food from the kitchen wafted in. It couldn’t be. I thought as I rushed out of my chair to the kitchen. I barged in and stared at Leslie, who was tasting the stew in the cooking spoon before he turned back and smiled at me. “Oh, you’re awake and right on time. Dinner is ready.” Leslie said as he dropped the spoon aside and picked up a few plates. “I told Ben I wouldn’t be heading home late since I’m having dinn
LeslieI was returning home from the office. I was happy heading home early since today was one of those days I refrained from Azrael’s place and prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner.I suggested to him a few times to buy an AI with culinary skills, but Azrael remains the traditional person he is. I suggested a housekeeper, but most of them were elderly people and he would be stuck doing the keeping than kept.I praised the excuses he gave because he enjoyed teasing me, after all, we are now on good terms. Also, he is unaware I am his fated pair, and I’d like to keep it that way.The chances of finding a fated pair were less than a percent and for the few who did, it was difficult for them to be together due to age or marital status, but when they did; it was a love that lasted till death, and their children were usually born of far more excellent genes.I was about to open th
“I’m sorry for how I acted yesterday. It was rude and inappropriate.” I apologized with my head lowered to my team members.“It’s alright. Once in a while, we need you to put us in our place.” Sven said as my brows softened.“I was damn tired of you being too nice or the management and authors would eat you alive.” Jade said as everyone laughed.Reina placed her hand on my shoulder and I stood upright before she smiled at me and raised a chart in her hand.“It’s great to have you back Leslie.” Reina said before I smiled brightly.“Likewise.”The mood in the office was far lighter than the normal that I was familiar with, but I was glad. There was no hard feeling or resentment against me, especially since my team was used to getting complaints from the other staff.“I’m heading out.” I said after I helped Ash process a request for his author since I only had one author t
I held two tickets to an event to an amusement event and sighed when I remembered the words of Uncle Bob.“Leslie!” Bob shouted from the door of our office loudly.“Am I in trouble?” I whispered to Jace, who looked at Bob and shrugged.“He seems excited.” Jace whispered before I heard my name over a megaphone this time.“Leslie Campbell!” Uncle Bob shouted as I stood up. “Outside! Now!” He screamed as everyone covered their ears before his secretary snatched the megaphone and glared at Bob.“Sir, I would appreciate it if you acted appropriately.” Sawyer, his calm and cold secretary, said as Bob smiled and tapped his shoulders.“Sorry love. Leslie now.” Uncle Bob said as I followed suit immediately with Sawyer maintaining a distance that gave us enough privacy.“Is there anything I can do for you, sir?” Before Uncle Bob placed his hand inside his suit, I asked, and he ha
AzraelI was mad, and I was mad for a good reason.“Hoy kid.” I said, as Leslie smiled awkwardly.“I just remembered that I have this thing to do for Reina at the office. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Leslie said, while avoiding my gaze before he left.Strange.“Omega, I need…” He replied by shutting the door with a text message a few minutes later.Another excuse.This went on many times. When we meet, he had something to do; if we had to be around each other, he avoided my gaze and maintained space with his eyes stealing gazes occasionally when he assumes, I’m unaware.I grabbed the cup and chugged the drink before placing it on the table and pouring myself another one.“It’s one of those days.” Mike said as he exhaled smoke. “What crawled out of your pants?”“What’s that supposed to mean? Mitsuki isn’t someone to be in a