A/N: Welcome to my newest fic! This doesn't mean I will abandon Heart Station. Please, as always, read this story with an open mind. You know SoKai is my OTP, but Ven is my second favorite character! I've also been working on longer chapters, so expect those as well!
So enjoy, and I do hope that you leave a review for me.
On with the story!
o-o-o
One.
o-o-o
Ventus' POV.
This was not ideal.
Why am I here?
I sat in a corner and stared off into the distance. Music blared and the neo-lights were giving me a headache. I felt cramped and extremely out of place. My friends, Axel and Terra had gone off to the dance floor, frivolously waving their alcoholic beverages highly in the air, oblivious to the consequences of their actions as they danced around in a drunken stupor. Several intoxicated girls surrounded them, doing all sorts of inappropriate things as they swung their hair everywhere and moved out of rhythm with the music. It was Axel's birthday, and he wanted to "live it up."
I'm way too old for this.
I guess I'll introduce myself. My name is Ventus, but most people call me Ven. I'm on the brink of my thirties and I normally like to sit at home and watch historical documentaries. That may sound boring, but I was always fascinated by the subject, so much that for the past three years, I have been teaching World History II at the University. It was obviously my dream job and I couldn't be happier. The first week of the new semester had already passed, and now I was just spending my weekend, unwillingly, here in this nightclub. Lame, right? I also had other hobbies, like reading Marvel comics and sewing costumes for various conventions, but I normally didn't have time between grading papers and everything else that I had to accomplish. I didn't think people really understood how hard it was to be a teacher, but being the headstrong person that I was, I never gave up.
That was why I didn't belong here in this stupid club. I hated being surrounded by drunk people that only lived for the moment.
Axel and Terra returned to the table boasting about the girls they just met and how they were going to get laid. Seriously? They were older than I was! I'm sorry, but my college days were over.
"Dude, you need to meet this chick," Axel exclaimed, pointing into the sea of drunks. "She is fucking hot!"
"That's nice," I said, rolling my eyes as I mindlessly scooted away from him.
"What? Where is pimp master Ven?" Terra shouted louder than he should have. He was obviously wasted. "Man, you used to get it!"
"No I didn't. Those were lies to shut you up," I responded, but I knew better than to argue with him during intoxication. I learnt my lesson a long time ago that it was pointless.
"Hang on, I'll get him a drink," Axel said as he stumbled over to the bar. Looking back at us, he yelled, "The strongest one… ever!"
At this point, drinking didn't sound like a bad idea. If I could zone them out even for a minute, my time here would be much more entertaining and fulfilling. I guess I could have just left, but as the designated driver, I had an obligation to the birthday boy and my other friend. I wasn't one to just ditch someone. I would feel too bad if I did that.
Ven, the D.D. to the rescue. Yay. Do I get points for enthusiasm?
One drink wouldn't kill me, though. Axel came back and set it in front of me. It was a mix of purplish-pink haze and smelled super strong. A candy fruit was cut into the shape of a flower and looked really fancy.
This was totally a 'chick drink.'
"They said this was the best. Now…" Axel nearly lost his balance as he caught himself onto the table, "Now… toast!"
"No."
Alright, I'll take a sip for your birthday. I lifted the glass and did so. Although the smell of the tequila was apparent, it had a sweet taste to it. Expected? Yes. Axel and Terra cheered me on like idiots as I gulped down half of it before setting it back on the table.
Okay, it was better tasting than I thought it would be. 'Sip' may have been an understatement.
"Finish it!" Terra urged, visibly disappointed. He did some weird things with his hands, as if that was going to convince me to participate any further.
"I don't think he can," Axel challenged. "I think he's being a pussy."
"Sticks and stones…" I started, but Terra interrupted in all his drunken glory.
"Yeah. Just because he's got the good job and the amazing teacher award or whatever, little Ven can't finish a measly mixed drink."
They are so conning me into this right now.
I will not be tempted.
"Yeah, it's no wonder why he hasn't gotten laid in what… five years? Was that the last time or is there something you haven't told us?" Axel persisted.
Okay, not fair. You guys knew exactly why I haven't "gotten laid" or whatever you fancied yourselves in calling it. Fuck both of you.
"Oh, grow up," I said, but I found myself holding onto the glass. They were really starting to bother me. Drinking alcohol had absolutely nothing to do with sex—at least not in my world. However, as responsible of a person that I was, I didn't like backing down from a challenge, and that was what this felt like right now. I had my pride…
On top of that, they reminded me of something that I would have rather forgotten at the moment.
Ugh, what's one drink?
"Fine," I said before I downed the rest in one go. Although it was sweet, it was still strong. I mostly did it to shut them up, anyway. Axel threw his hands in the air and cheered once more while Terra just clapped obnoxiously as his obnoxious laughter drowned the music out once more.
"Yeah, now have another! Wait, I'll be… right back!"
"No!"
My efforts were in vain, because Axel brought the same one back to the table. I offered it to Terra, but he and Axel just yelled loudly and got on my nerves even more. I needed to distract them, but even I was starting to feel a little hazy and uncoordinated.
Wow, that was fast.
"We're going to rent a hotel room," Axel said. "Let me get those girls."
"Oh, I'll come with you!" Terra stumbled after him. I found myself staring at things for a while before coming to my senses and then staring at something else. Damn it, I forgot how much of a lightweight I was! Why did I let myself finish that drink when I knew what would happen?
This is their fault. They made me do this.
I'm not drunk...
I would hear others talking, but all I could focus on was the menu in the center of the table. Food. That sounds good, but damn! These prices were outrageous! Who would pay eight bucks for some finger food that was probably made in a kitchen filled with… with people? That purple drink that I abandoned before looked so good by its lonesome. Maybe I should keep it company. It was calling to me. I wanted it. I needed it.
Do I have class tomorrow? I think I do…
Oh, who cares?
I gulped down the entire thing. This really was a bad idea, but there was no stopping now. It wasn't like I did this all the time, unlike a certain duo of idiots. I wasn't sure how much time had passed before Axel, Terra and the girls they were with surrounded the table, but I suddenly felt someone lifting me up. I was having double vision and I couldn't even think straight. Everything swirled around me as I found myself being tugged along, rather forcefully in my opinion, outside into the chilly, brittle air. When did I get in a car? Someone was touching me. Whose lap was this? It smelled like flowers in here. I didn't know what was happening anymore. That drink had to be spiked with something.
"You gave him Everclear?" I heard, but I couldn't process it. Everything was spinning. Girl's laughter filled the car. An involuntary smirk formed as I laughed with them, but I didn't have a clue as to what was so funny. The next thing I knew, I nearly fell over getting out of Axel's SUV, but luckily, someone saved me from an embarrassing meeting with the concrete and held me up. Dizziness took over as I stumbled onto my feet. I was walking into what looked like a hotel. This was where we were going, right? The bright lights killed me.
No… I have my own bed at my own house… I don't want to be here…
"I want him," a girl cut in. I was suddenly jerked violently off into another direction. Axel and Terra faded in the distance. Everything was so meshed together that I could no longer comprehend it anymore. I had my arm around this girl and I was stumbling to stay awake. She took me to a room and we went inside. My back hit the soft sheets of the bed and I felt her weight on me, but I couldn't do anything. The air became cold on my bare legs as she slipped my pants off and ran her fingers across my chest. Was she a prostitute? I'm a teacher. I don't have the money for this. Her hands glided down to my boxers and as much as I wanted to panic and tell her to stop, all I could do was stare at the ceiling in a daze. My shirt was next. As she unbuttoned it, slobbery kisses were placed all over my neck and chest.
"H-Hey… what are you doing?" I managed to say.
"Just relax," her seductive voice told me. I mumbled incoherently a little more as I felt her hands touching all over my body. A mass of red hair tickled my legs as she neared the edge of my abdomen. The room spun out of control as I desperately tried to come to my senses. Nothing was working and who knew what this girl was going to do to me. Well, I had a pretty good idea, but I was powerless to stop it.
"Wow, you're not bad," she said as she recklessly abandoned her top. She was blurred; I couldn't quite make out who she was. Her fingers skimmed the rim of my boxers teasingly, sending shock waves all throughout my body.
I didn't want this...
Please... just... stop...
I ended up blacking out.
o-o-o
I woke up in a state of panic to the alarm on my cell. My head was pounding and I felt nauseous. Sitting up, I clutched my forehead and squinted from the bright sunlight illuminating from the window. It wasn't until I noticed my clothes spawn all over the floor that I realized I was completely naked.
This wasn't my room… nor was this my bed…
…oh… shit…
I slowly turned, only to confirm my worst suspicions. A woman lay beside me, shirtless. My panic rose significantly as I desperately attempted to recall what happened last night. Where was I? Who is this girl? I sat for a moment, trying to get my thoughts together, but they were all jumbled around. I could only picture bits and pieces of the night before and it really worried me.
Did I…?
She rolled over onto her back and grumbled. She had long, red hair and looked a little young, only making me panic more. What if she was underage? I couldn't fathom what was happening right now. I had never been in a situation like this in my life!
I found my boxers over on top of the dresser. I guess she must have thrown them over there, because I certainly couldn't remember doing so. Sickened with myself for even being here, I got dressed and made sure I had everything. My wallet still had all of my money and my keys were safe and sound in my pants pocket. Sighing in relief, I was about to leave the room when I was held back.
She was sleeping so peacefully over there.
I'd imagine that she has had many one night stands before. She was probably used to waking up in the morning to an empty bed. If she could so shamelessly bring me into a room like this, then why would she care if I just left her here?
Damn it. I wasn't like that at all. I couldn't.
Sighing, I sat on the edge of the bed and tried to figure out my next move. If we really did have sex, then I would immediately need to make a trip to the clinic to test for any STD's. My class wasn't for another two hours, but this morning I was supposed to finish up some coursework, hence why my alarm was set a little earlier. I expected to go home last night as the designated driver, not be stuck in a room with girl that was probably a whore.
I say probably because you just never know. Alcohol obviously makes people do things that they would never do otherwise, kind of like the situation I put myself in.
I never should have drank. I should have swallowed my pride and taken my friends home. I felt so stupid.
She moved once again, turning back onto her side. How long was this girl going to sleep? My impatience was wearing thin, but most of it probably stemmed from my obvious discomfort.
Maybe I should leave a note and just go.
No… even that didn't seem right. I guess I had to wake her up if I ever wanted to get out of here. My hand neared her shoulder, but I couldn't go through with it. God, I didn't even want to touch her. I was so disgusted with myself. Clearing my throat, I said, "Hey," a little louder than normal.
She didn't budge.
"Hey."
She was obviously a heavy sleeper. I got back on the bed and stretched my legs out as I carefully adjusted the pillows so that I could lean my back against them. Sighing, I got out my phone and called Axel. It went straight to voice mail.
Of course.
The same result occurred when I rang Terra. They probably did stuff like this all the time, but not me. I absolutely loathed this, even if it was my choice to take that drink.
Oh well, I guess what's done is done.
The girl started groaning some more. Was she okay? I leaned over to see her face. It was scrunched and she looked uncomfortable. Finally, I put my pride aside and placed my hand on her bare shoulder. Her skin was pale and soft. I shook her a little. Alarmed, her eyes opened widely and she immediately turned and saw me.
Despite the ghostly look, she was actually kind of pretty.
"Oh, god," she groaned, rolling her eyes with indifference. "Who are you?"
"I'd like to ask you the same question," I responded. She covered herself with the blanket as she sat up slowly, not taking her defensive eyes away from me.
"…what did you do to me?"
"Look, I don't have any idea what happened last night. I just woke up naked next to you. I think we both let the alcohol get the best of us."
"…you… you raped me!"
Shocked by her sudden accusation, I was absolutely appalled that this stranger would think I did such a thing! Whether she knew me or not, that was such an insult!
"No! If anything, you raped me! I don't want to be here!"
"Yeah, right," she stated. I couldn't believe how casual she was being about this, but I guess I really should not expect any less. Sighing, she pulled out her phone and started texting. Typical. "Well, anyway, just leave your hotel key or whatever."
I didn't know how these things worked. Irritated, I didn't budge.
"What is with you?!" She glared at me.
"Fine." Making sure I had everything, I headed for the door. As I placed my hand on the door handle, my conscience told me to stop. Sighing, I faced her.
"Listen, whatever happened, nothing can be done about it. I can get you some breakfast if you want, and I'll even call a cab for you. That's the best I can do in this situation."
"…you would get me breakfast?" She sounded really rude, but I tried to ignore it. I sympathized with her, definitely. I didn't want to be like all of her other one night stands. I had more dignity than that.
And guilt.
"Yes," I said a little calmer, "What would you like?"
She was a little thrown off by this. I guess I was right—she wasn't used to being treated this way. Although she definitely wasn't my type, I could still respect our differences.
"How… old are you?" She asked carefully.
"I'm twenty-nine."
Gasping, she covered her mouth and just stared at me, wide-eyed. Oh shit. Now she was making me nervous. "Damn, you're so old!"
W-What?!
I dared to ask.
"…how old are you, if you don't mind me asking?"
I didn't know if I wanted an answer.
"I'll be twenty-one next month."
PHEW! SHE'S LEGAL!
Thank God!
Letting out a huge sigh of relief, I came back over to the bed. It was still a big age difference, but I wasn't going to be locked up or anything. I stood by the nightstand and said, "I'm sorry that all of this happened. I don't really know how these things work, and I'm going to hope that you don't either, so…"
"Cut the crap," she interrupted, throwing me off guard. "You say you're going to buy breakfast for me, but how do I know that you'll actually come back?"
Woman, how dare you-
Wait. She's not used to hospitality. Straightening up, I looked her right in the eyes.
"You have my word. Unfortunately, I have a class to attend pretty soon, so I don't really have much time. So tell me what you want and I'll go and get it. Also, putting some food in your stomach along with some water can ease the hangover."
She looked as if she was considering it. Instead of answering my question, she pointed to the floor on the other side of the bed. "My shirt. Get it."
"Uh, sure." I went around to her side. Her bra and underwear were underneath the shirt as I picked it up. Blushing madly, I hurried and handed her the rest and then turned around so that she could get dressed. After a minute or so, she got out of bed and walked past me into the bathroom. What have I gotten myself into? I checked the time on my watch and sighed. I had less than an hour and a half to get home, get changed and go to my first class.
The girl came out of the bathroom a few minutes later. I was ready to go.
"You go to the university, right?" she asked casually as she gathered her things. "I have a class at 8:15."
"Oh, so do I," I said, a little embarrassed to mention that I was a college professor.
"Good. Then I can ride with you."
"My car is at home. I'll get you a cab."
"I don't mind a little detour. You say it like we can't go together. Are you that ashamed to be in this room with me right now?"
"I-It's not you, per se, but…"
"I know. You're the goody two shoes that never messes up, right?" She sounded a bit snobby, but I let it slide. She was right.
"Anyway, I have some stuff at my house that I need to do before going to class, so I have to get going. I can make up breakfast to you another time."
Why was I making empty promises? I hoped I would never see this girl again.
"Keep your bullshit to yourself."
Alright, I tried to be nice.
"Fine. Nice knowing you, then." I didn't need to take this.
With that, I left.
o-o-o
I got a cab home. Once I got there, I took a quick shower and got ready in a span of fifteen minutes. Images of last night flashed through my mind. Whoever she was, she definitely knew how to piss me off with her immature, condescending mannerisms. Grabbing my briefcase, I headed out to my Toyota and got inside. My headache persisted, but I tried to ignore it as I pulled out of the driveway. I mentally noted to stop by a clinic after work as I headed to the school.
Great. The first sex I've had in five years was with a whore.
Parking in my usual spot, I was ready for another normal day. No matter what went down in that hotel, I was determined to forget about it. Getting out of my car, I made sure that I had everything I needed for the lesson that day before entering the History and Communications building where I've been going for the past three years. Students passed me in the hallways, talking about how much they didn't want to be here. I'll admit, I didn't like school either, but in my opinion, they should just suck it up. If you don't want to flip burgers for a living, get an education. That was what my parents taught me.
"Hey, Ven," Aqua, one of the other teachers and a good friend of mine, greeted from the across the hall. I waved to her. "How are you this morning?"
"I'm a little out of it, but I'll get by."
"Rough weekend?" She persisted, noticing that I seemed a little uneasy. I was about to respond when we were interrupted.
"Ventus!" Someone else called out, but this time it was the President of the school. President Eraqus patted me on the back. "You're still presenting at the banquet, right?"
"Yes, sir."
"Perfect. I'm so glad that you're here at this school. You are clearly one of the hardest workers I know. Aqua made a good choice by recommending you."
"Thank you."
Without Aqua, I guess I wouldn't be where I was today. A smile formed on my face. It felt good to be recognized and appreciated; something that didn't always happen when I was growing up. Eraqus and Aqua waved and went off to talk somewhere about something else. I paid them no mind and headed down the hallway.
Alright. Whatever happened last night… didn't. With a deep breath, I walked into my classroom and set my briefcase on the desk. A few students were already sitting down; some of my better ones that were always on time. What? Every teacher had favorites; so sue me. I got out my roll sheet as well as the quiz I was going to pass out. Although it was still fairly early in the semester, that didn't mean that I cut my students much slack. I set my standards high because I believed they could succeed. This wasn't high school, folks. There were about three minutes left before class started, so I just sat down and went through my papers. A few students greeted me as they walked in.
"Hello, Mr. Ishida," Olette, one of my A-plus students said as she made her way to her desk with her friend, Pence.
"Good morning." I said as I checked her name off of the roll. Pretty soon, it seemed like almost everybody had arrived. Shutting the door, I went back to the front of the room to get started.
"Alright, everyone, I hope you had a nice weekend. Guess what? Pop quiz time. Everything off your desks."
Groans erupted throughout the room. I smiled to myself as I passed out the papers. I lived for the results of these tests, and although they weren't always the best, that only motivated me to work harder.
"Mr. Ishida?" A guy with long silver hair raised his hand in the air. "I have a bitching hangover, can I be excused from this quiz?" A few students laughed amongst themselves.
"Sure, Riku. I'll just write a zero down and you can go home and sleep it off. How does that sound?" I asked as I held the paper out in front of him. He grumbled and took it from me. I had a hangover too, but that was no excuse not to come to work. Just as I was nearing the last row, the door opened and a young, familiar-looking girl walked in. My jaw dropped at the sight of who it was.
You have got to be kidding.
"You?" The same redheaded girl from the hotel questioned. The class directed their attention to her.
Well, this was awkward…
"I-I'm sorry, may I help you?" I asked incredulously, trying to keep my composure.
"Is this… World History II?" Her skepticism was apparent.
"Y-Yes, it is…"
"Yo, Kairi!" Riku waved to the girl. She smiled at him and came closer. She looked much better than the disheveled mess this morning, but that was cast aside as I tried to suppress my confusion. "I'm glad that you dropped that other class last week," Riku went on. She nodded nervously at him as she settled into her new desk.
"Me too. There was no way I was going to take Chemistry." She looked back up at me, almost in disbelief. "Are you the teacher?"
"Yes. You can call me Mr. Ishida."
Instantly, she busted out laughing. Baffled, I stood there looking like a complete idiot.
"I thought you were a student like me!"
Holy shit! This girl was annoying!
"Mr. Ishida has been here for three years," Olette defended. "He's the best teacher at this university. Please don't come in here and disrespect him."
Aww, shucks.
"Slow your roll, four eyes," Kairi snapped. "Are you in love with him or something?" Olette turned around in her seat and stayed quiet. Okay, now this was even more awkward.
"Settle down," I said as I continued to pass out the quiz. Glancing down at her, my irritation got the best of me. "Now," I paused, "I'm sorry, what was your name again?"
She glared at me. Mission accomplished.
"Her name is Kairi," Riku answered for her. "Remember it."
"Kairi," I said, repeating it in my head. "Well, Kairi, I will excuse you from the quiz today, but you're going to have to catch up on week one's work in your spare time."
"What? Why doesn't she have to take the quiz?" Riku pouted.
Are you an idiot? I ignored his pleas and looped around to the front of the class. "You have twenty minutes, starting now."
"Mr. Ishida?" Kairi's hand shot up. I had no choice but to answer her.
"Yes?"
Kairi reached into her bag and pulled out a picture that looked vaguely familiar from where I was standing. Upon coming closer, I realized that it was mine. My mouth went dry as I gave her an astonished look.
"You left this in the hotel room. I thought it would only be right to return it to you. Who is she?" Kairi said. Time stopped and the atmosphere changed dramatically as everyone looked to us. I grabbed the picture out of her hand and quickly put it back into my pocket.
She went through my stuff?!
However, that wasn't more important than the implications that she just made to the rest of the class. I desperately tried to think of some way around this, but I was too shocked to say anything.
"Axel found it by your bed this morning. He figured that since we both went to the same school, that I bring it with me because it was very sentimental to you."
She was trying to cover it up after blatantly stating it. Oh, you little devil…
"That's none of your business. The quiz starts now. I want silence," I said nervously as I sat down at my desk. Memories flooded through me. I couldn't believe that I didn't notice the picture was gone this morning before I left.
It was in fact sentimental to me. I guess this meant that she actually did bump into Axel, because otherwise, she would not have known and probably would have just thrown it away or left it there.
…sigh. I suppose this calls for an explanation.
Five years ago, I lost the love of my life to a tragic accident. Since then, I refused to be with anyone else, simply because no one could come close to her. I put relationships on the back burner and I didn't go out much. By now, I have accepted that she wasn't coming back, but that didn't mean I had to tarnish her memory with some one night stand. I was so happy back then...
Namine, I'm so sorry…
Alright, let's remember where we are. This was the classroom. I didn't need to dwell on the past no matter how much it hurt. I glanced up at the class. They were all working idly on their quiz, except for Kairi.
Man… how could I let something like this happen? Of course, thanks to some twisted fate, the girl I slept with was sitting right across the room. Karma was definitely punishing me.
This was going to be a long semester…
o-o-o
o-o-o
A/N: You guys! I hope you enjoyed the first chapter to Chandelier! I'm not quite sure yet, but the rating may change later on down the line. Ventus doesn't get much love in fanfiction, (literally? Lol) unless it's Yaoi, so since he's one of my favorite characters, I definitely wanted to write this. Please leave a review; anything will do as long as you give your opinion. This story will have lots of drama and even pregnancy. You have been warned.
Have a nice day/night, and don't forget to leave some feedback!