Chapter 40: proposition
Luu Luu tilted her head slightly, her tail swishing lazily behind her as she sized Aiden up. "You're really good at this," she said, her voice teasing but with a hint of admiration. "Keeping people on edge, I mean. But I think you might be forgetting something, Aiden."
Aiden raised an eyebrow, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Oh? What's that?"
Luu Luu leaned in just a little closer, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "You can keep everyone on edge, but don't think I don't notice how you get affected too. All these girls... they're not just watching you for fun. You know that, don't you?"
Aiden's eyes flickered for a brief moment. He was always aware of the attention he drew, especially from the more ambitious or curious people around him, but hearing it spoken aloud made it seem different, more tangible. He leaned back slightly, trying to play it cool. "I get the feeling you're implying something, Luu Luu. But I've been through this enough to know how to deal with it."
Luu Luu's grin widened, her tail flicking with a mix of amusement and something more... knowing. "I'm not implying anything, Aiden. I'm stating the obvious. Everyone around here is looking at you like you're some kind of puzzle. And I think I'm the only one who's not afraid to say it out loud."
Aiden chuckled, giving her a sideways glance. "You're bold, I'll give you that. But I'm not really worried about what people think."
"That's what I like about you," Luu Luu said, her voice dropping slightly, softening just a touch. "You act like you don't care, but deep down, you're a lot more aware than you let on. You've got layers, Aiden. And I think that's what makes you interesting."
Aiden's smile faltered for just a second, before he recovered, keeping his cool. "I guess we all have our layers, don't we? You included." He tilted his head slightly, narrowing his eyes playfully. "But you seem to be more upfront about yours. Not that it's a bad thing."
Luu Luu shrugged, her tail curling lazily behind her. "I'm not about hiding who I am. What's the point in pretending? I'd rather just let people see me for what I am. I don't need to keep secrets."
Aiden studied her for a moment, considering her words. He wasn't used to people being so open, especially in a setting like this, where everyone wore some kind of mask. It was almost refreshing, but it also made him a little cautious. "Maybe that's your strength," he said thoughtfully. "Being open in a world full of secrets."
Luu Luu laughed, a soft sound that seemed to cut through the tension between them. "Maybe. Or maybe it's just because I'm not afraid of what people think. You, on the other hand…" She let the words trail off, her gaze lingering on him with an almost predatory look. "You've got a lot of things people don't know. And I'm curious, Aiden."
Aiden met her gaze, his own expression unreadable for a moment before he gave a small shrug. "Curiosity is dangerous. But I guess that's part of the fun, isn't it?"
Luu Luu's eyes sparkled with something dangerous and thrilling. "It sure is."
The air between them crackled with unspoken words, the challenge between them not yet resolved, but perhaps just beginning. Neither of them was willing to back down, and Aiden could tell Luu Luu wouldn't stop until she figured him out. But for now, at least, it seemed like they were on the same page — or at least playing the same game.
As they stood there, the crowd continued to mill about around them, oblivious to the private tension unfolding right in their midst. Aiden glanced briefly over at Kaguya, who was now in deep conversation with Maia, before turning back to Luu Luu.
"So," Aiden began, breaking the silence between them. "What's next? I'm guessing you didn't just come over here to chit-chat about curiosity."
Luu Luu smirked, her tail flicking with interest. "You'd be surprised. But since you're so eager to get to the point..." She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "I'm thinking of making a little proposition."
Aiden's interest piqued, his eyes narrowing slightly. "A proposition?"
"Yeah," Luu Luu said, the grin never leaving her face. "Something that'll make things... more interesting. What do you say?"
Aiden looked at as he spoke. "Depends on your Proposition if I will except or not so tell me"
Luu Luu leaned in a bit closer, her voice dropping to a more intimate tone. "It's simple, really," she said, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "You're a wildcard, Aiden. People are intrigued by you, and you've got enough influence to move things around however you want. But what if... you had the chance to make an even bigger impact? To do something that no one else could do?"
Aiden raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued but still cautious. "Go on. What kind of impact are you talking about?"
Luu Luu smirked, clearly enjoying the way Aiden's interest was being drawn in. "Let's say I can help you gain more power, more control — more of what you really want, without all the messy politics or the backstabbing. All you need to do is trust me, and I can guarantee you'll have everything you need to shape things to your will. Think about it: you, a ruler in your own right, no more playing second fiddle to anyone."
Aiden kept his gaze steady, considering her words carefully. The idea of more power wasn't new to him, but it was the way she was presenting it — so casually, so assuredly — that made him pause. "And what's the catch? There's always a catch, Luu Luu."
Luu Luu's grin widened, tail swishing behind her with excitement. "Of course there's a catch, but it's a simple one. You help me with something small, a little task, and in return, I'll give you what you want. Nothing major. Just a little... favor, if you will. It's a win-win for both of us."
Aiden folded his arms, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp. "A favor, huh? And you trust me to keep my end of the deal?"
Luu Luu didn't flinch. "I trust you as much as you trust me. We're both capable of handling our business, aren't we?" she said with a wink, her confidence unwavering.
Aiden thought for a moment, the gears in his mind turning. The offer was tempting, no doubt. The idea of gaining more control, more power — it appealed to him. But trusting someone like Luu Luu was a gamble. She was unpredictable, and he wasn't sure if he could take her at face value.
After a few seconds of silence, Aiden finally spoke. "Alright, I'm listening. What's this task you want me to help with?"
Luu Luu's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper. "It's not something that's going to be hard for you. In fact, I think it's right up your alley. There's a little group trying to undermine some of the bigger players around here, and I need someone to deal with them. Quietly. It's not about taking them out completely, but more about making sure they know who's in charge."
Aiden raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "You want me to send a message. Is that it?"
Luu Luu nodded, her grin widening. "Exactly. Just a little nudge in the right direction. And after that, I'll make sure you get what you've been looking for. Power, influence, whatever you need to make your next move."
Aiden weighed her words carefully. It didn't sound like much, and the risk seemed minimal. But the fact that Luu Luu was so sure of herself made him wonder just how much she knew about him and what he was capable of.
Finally, Aiden nodded, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "Alright, you've got a deal. But if this goes south, I'll make sure you regret it."
Luu Luu's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Don't worry, Aiden. I wouldn't be offering this if I didn't think you'd handle it perfectly. We both get what we want, and nobody gets hurt."
Aiden gave her a sidelong glance. "We'll see about that."
With the deal made, both of them stood there, the tension between them palpable but almost electric. They each had their own motives, their own agendas, but for now, they were aligned — and that could be a dangerous thing.
To be continued
Hope people like this Ch and give me power stones yes Short Ch sorry next one will be longer hope people enjoyed this one