SA 7

You enter the room as calmly as possible, your trembling legs bringing you to the sink. You lean against the granite countertop, taking deep, slow breaths as you try to calm yourself. He brought his own bimbo along. You were Lukas's date, not his.

It's not like you could just go back and change seats. That would alert everyone that something was happening, and Mr. Aldric might take it out on Lukas. He does not deserve that. However, you are not sure how much more of that treatment you would be able to handle. Your skin crawls at the thought alone.

You turn on the cold water, splashing your face in an attempt to cool off.

A knock comes to the door, sending you rigid.

"Eris...?"

Your heartbeat slows with relief. Turning off the water, you grab a paper towel. You try to dry off without messing up your make up too much as you approach the door. Cracking it open, you look up to meet Lukas's concerned gaze.

"Are you okay?"

You take a deep breath, looking around.

"Whoa!" He stumbles as you pull him inside, closing and locking the door to the one-person restroom behind him. Before he has a chance to fully register what happened, you throw yourself against his chest. His arms automatically wrap around you, holding you in place. The closeness helps you relax more than deep breaths and cold water could manage. "What's wrong?" You take a deep breath.

"I... um..." You swallow, trying to find the right words. "I... felt... something on my leg..." you explain quietly. He runs a hand comfortingly along your back. "I-it... was..."

"Him, right?"

You nod, pressing your head to his chest. He sighs.

"He's pretty notorious for having no restraint," he mutters. "I'm sorry-- I was trying to get us somewhere away from him, but..." You nod again, understanding what he means.

For a bit, the two of you stand there in silence, he still rubbing your back softly. Soon, your heartbeat is at a normal rate. Still you don't move away, not wanting to leave the comfortable embrace. Eventually, he sighs.

"We should head back," he stats quietly, clearly not happy to have to do so. He puts two fingers under your chin, tilting your head to face him. "If he tries something like that again, don't be afraid to brush him away. You don't have to let him do whatever he wants to you." You nod, giving him a tight hug in response, which he returns. When you move apart, he tilts your head up again, leaning in to give you another kiss. The contact is brief before he pulls way with a smile. You manage to return the expression weakly.

"L-let's go."

He nods, keeping a hand on your shoulder as he guides you to the door, unlocking it, and then back to the table.