Its time guys...for my secret to come out...I ship Gwody. I actually ship these little shits. And i love it, and you're gonna love it too because you probably searched for it and im cocky :P okay not really but i hope you like it darlings!
The morning was thick and heavy as droplets pummeled the old college campus and flooded the streets with damp maple leaves. The smell was sickeningly sweet, romantic even, and reminded Gwen of home. Rubbing her eyes she woke from her slumber and let out a yawn, arching her back and pressing into the warm sheets.
"Gweeeennny! I'm headed out!"
She groaned at the high pitch of her roommate. She turned her head a notch as she watched Sana Moreno fix her black lipstick with the swipe of a long black nail. The eccentric woman was at the school, The Fredrick-Elba School of Hope, which specializes in inspiring and developing students desiring in artistic careers for a better future, in search of a degree in Theatre, and had recently been cast in the schools adaption of Phantom of the Opera. It helped a bit that there was a cute stagehand that could never keep his balance, or at least, that's the only reason she would get up early.
"I won't be back for a while, but I left some eggs and bacon in the kitchen!" She smiled before picking up her pastel pink coffin bag and walking out the door.
Gwen groaned. She would definitely be eating out for breakfast. Sana was an excellent cook, but she excellent make eggs to save her life. She glanced at the clock and sighed as the red digits read back 2:15 PM. Okay, maybe it wasn't as early as she thought. She upped and grabbed her things before heading to the shower, snagging up the bacon, and casually dumping the rest.
Stepping into the air outside was like diving into a jar of melted marshmallow. It was heavy and thick, and she cursed under her breath as she walked down campus. She hadn't changed much since finishing with high school and Total Drama, still dark, pasty, and as rebellious as ever, or she'd at least like to think so. She shivered slightly at the thought of the show. She knew she'd always remember it, but that didn't mean she had to like it. She did her best to avoid keeping strings attached, though she kept in contact with some, like Bridgette and LeShawna, but other than that, all she wanted to do was forget it all. All her mistakes, all her embarrassment. It was easier to leave it in the dark. She was comfortable with that.
She jumped at the sound of rumbling thunder and her eyes widened as the drizzle became a pour. Rolling her eyes, she looked around in search of a safe haven. She was a while away from her favorite cafe on campus, an old artsy tea stop ran by some of the animation students on campus. She groaned as her outfit began to dampen from the rain. She quickly made her way into an vintage building vintage under the name The B. Winkle.
As she made her way in, she let out a small gasp as she took in the place. It was like jumping into the 80s - the warmly lit building was quiet and calm, with small flashing lights and old arcade games ranging from Mrs. Pac-man, Galaga, Mortal Combat, and Centipede. Others were more physically involved, such as an old pinball machine, skee ball, basketball hoops, and racing games. The tan interior was complemented by the designs printed across the buildings walls, obnoxiously beautiful in its own cliche way.
She noticed a large man hunched by a game and wondered over, "Uh, hey."
The young man looked over his shoulder and smiled. He had clear blue eyes and deep caramel skin, a neat dark brown beard at his chin. He wore a red hat and an orange vest and white t-shirt with deep greyish blue cargo pants. He had been working on a repair and felt the need to return to his duties after Gwen gave him a small blue smile.
"So, uh, how long has this arcade been here? Is it new?" She ran a hand through her hair, black and teal locks now tangled and slick with the dew of the weather. The man shakes his head and continues her work.
"You know, an answer would be sufficient." She frowned, raising an eyebrow and crossing her arms. The man sighed deeply and walked over to the desk near the door. How had she missed it? Behind it was a door leading to a break room that seemed to double as a storage for the trinkets and prizes shown on the wall. He hit the bell on the counter twice and waited, arms crossed.
A young man made his way out of the backroom, seemingly startled by the noise, "Hey B, man, what's up?"
B pointed a thumb in Gwen's direction before turning to head back to his work. Gwen rose an eyebrow at the motion, but honestly, she was just glad that someone else here was capable of talking. Gwen turned to the young man in front of her, and blushed under his intense gaze. He studied her, oceanic eyes wide and alert, but welcoming. A small rug at the corner of his lips led to a boyish smile, and she felt a hint of whimsy at his expression. Was he checking her out? She certainly hoped so, though she be damned if he knew it. She must look like a soak stray, in her red tank and black skinnies, muddied combat boots stuck with bits of gravel and leaflets. Her black military styled jacket too thin to keep her dry. She frowned and took the time to sum him up; hell, maybe he looked worse. He was shorter than her by at least three inches or so, which was a feat at her 5'6". He was thin, but fit enough to be considered averagely appealing. He wore an unbuttoned blue button up, the sleeves rolled up as he dried his hands. Under was a white tee that stood out against the rich tan jeans that bunched at the ankles where they met his black Vans. On his head was a light grey beanie that teased her with the chocolate brown flow of his bangs. He cocked his head, raising an eyebrow. Her frowned deepened, 'Dammit.'
She jumped and her eyes widened as she realized he was talking to her.
"Wait, what?"
"I, uh, asked what you needed." He chuckled, putting down the rag, "Sorry, I owe B for covering part of my shift so I was making some tea. I forgot to set my alarm, the rain does that to you, especially with the whole college thing. So much studying, so little time." He gave a nervous chuckle.
She smiled slightly, "Yeah, I did the same this morning."
He seemed to be amused by that, brightening a bit in the midst of the awkwardness. She tensed again, that damn smile making her skin tingle.
"Want a cup? You look cold. We've got donuts." He pointed to the break room behind him.
"Donuts and tea with a stranger in the back room of a nonexistent totally existent arcade that looks like a ghost town? Pass." She gave an amused look and he let out a breathy laugh.
"Yeah, I guess that is a weird invitation. The last thing I wanna do it invade your bubble. As for the ghost town, the ol' Winkle gets pretty packed, but with the storm approaching most of the students have either stayed in their dorms or got an early start to the day. Trust me, this place is party city." He leaned on the counted and crossed his arms, a pleased look across his features.
"Oh, I'm sure. I bet you guys get all the ladies running up a high score on the Wack-a-beaver." She smirked casually. She wasn't being flirtatious, honestly. She mentally cursed, 'You idiot, gloom and doom. Think doom and gloom.'
"Well, of course, where else would I pick up chicks, the ticket machine?" He feigned offense.
Gwen laughed, "People actually do that?"
"Every single time. I'll be right back, 'kay." He gave her one last glance before disappearing into the breakroom. She sighed, turning her back to lean against the counter. The last thing she wanted to do was develop an interest in anyone. It was only her second year and so far, she was good with being on her own. She knew what she wanted and she didn't have to compensate for anyone else either. She wasn't good with that kind of thing either. She was content. Contentment was great. She was fine. It was easier.
"Here." She turned to see him slide over a thick hooded jacket, a foam lidded cup, and a prize bag with a glazed and chocolate donut. He smiled sheepishly, "I figured since you don't really know me, this would be better. You can just return it when it's convenient. And well, I left the tea as is and, um, I didn't know what kind you liked so I threw in the basics. I prefer chocolate myself, sweet tooth and all." He gave a shy chuckle, his shoulders rising as he prepared himself for her offense.
It was familiar, that look he gave her. Endearing almost, but cautious. She shook it off and gave him a genuine smile, "Thanks."
She slipped on the jacket as he watched her, shocked and mystified. Pulling it over her head and taking her newfound breakfast she left with the promise to visit again to make fun of his Wack-a-Beaver pickup lines. He gave her a sure smile as she exited, not noticing the silent chuckle B offered and the confused but ecstatic face of his coworker.
It was pouring by the time she got back to her dorm, kicking off her boots near the doorway. Setting down breakfast, she went to heat up her tea. She passed by Sana, who was ordering takeout.
"Hey, practice got cancelled. I'm trying to order dinner before everyone starts closing down. What do you feel like?"
Gwen shrugged, stuffing her hands in the warm coat. Her fingers played against a hard surface, and she realized it was a name tag once she pricked her finger on the pin. With a small yelp, she pulled back and sucked on it, attempting to ease the sting. Curious she cautiously pulled it out and turned it over.
"Gwen?" Sana paused in the door way, onyx eyes gleaming with confusion.
Gwen bit her lip, glaring at the fine print. Oh, was he in for it.
"That son of a bitch."
Sana raised an eyebrow, "I don't see that on the menu..."
Gwen was content with being single. She was. It was her, Sana, and the stray multicolored cat, Pocket, that liked to wake her up an hour early every Thursday for food.
And dangerously positive thoughts of Cody Anderson and his chocolate donuts.