"Adora. Hey, wake up. Come on."
For the past fifteen minutes her grandmother has poked her. She tried to ignore it but it was getting to the point where she couldn't stand it. Adora rolled over and faced her.
"What?" She said tiredly.
She poked her one more time and looked at Adora's face.
"You realize you have the festival to go to?" She said.
"Yeah I know. But I have like, four hours." Adora rubbed her eyes.
"Adora…It's almost 11:00." She pointed to the clock on the wall.
Adora sat up immediately and looked around and then at her. She stood up and rushed to her closet and grabbed a rose colored outfit and rushed around the room. Her grandmother giggled not saying a word and headed out. Adora got dressed into the outfit quickly and put her hair into a messy ponytail. She threw on some clear lip-gloss and jumped out of her room and ran down the stairs.
"I'm going to be late for the festival! I have to leave now!" She called at Grandma while running past her into the kitchen to make some toast.
"What about Ritsu?" She crossed her arms.
Adora stopped what she was doing and looked at her.
"What? Why are you bringing up him?"
"Well, let's see. Your suppose to meet him right outside the gate in a few minutes. Maybe that's why I'm bringing him up." She looked at Adora like she was crazy.
Adora stood there and just stared at her. 'Was it real? Was that all real, and not a dream?' She thought to herself. She looked at the floor and then the time. It was five minutes till eleven.
"Sorry Grandma. I thought everything yesterday was a dream. Maybe I still am dreaming." Adora put one of her hands on her neck and rubbed it. She was still unsure of all this.
"Well stop thinking this is a dream and grab that toast and go already!" She giggled.
"Right!" Adora grabbed a silver ribbon for her hair and quickly tied it so the two strands flowed all the way down to her waste.
She nodded and gave Grandma a kiss on the cheek and slipped on her silver acrobat shoes and ran to the counter grabbing the toast. She took a couple bites and ran out the door looking silly with toast in her hand. Her neighbor Hiroshi waved at her and she waved back. Hiroshi was Adora's brother. He was a very tall boy, almost six feet. He and Adora were twins but of course he was older. He had deep brown hair like Adora's. He had deep grey cloudy eyes like her as well; with the same colorful sparks of green and gold. Adora reached the front entrance and slowly stepped outside the gate. Ritsu wasn't there. She finished her toast.
"Man. I knew this was a dream." She sighed while shutting the main gate.
She started walking. With each pace she walked faster and faster. She was going to be a few minutes late but that was OK. Stopping to see two birds making a nest, she heard tapping. It grew louder and louder with every second. She started walking again, afraid to look back. The tapping grew closer and louder. She stopped and quickly turned around to see Ritsu, an inch from her face. Adora jumped a little bit and slightly blushed at how close both of them were. He blinked, apparently unaware by how close both of them were. He looked at her, dead straight in the eyes and took a few steps back.
"I'm sorry. I saw you leave without me so I followed you and I didn't want to scare you by saying your name because usually that makes everyone I know jump and I didn't want to scare you so I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get so close to you and I know that was awkward and I'm sorry for it because I usually don't get that close to anyone, especially a girl, oops sorry, woman." He was blushing and blabbing and it made her smile.
Her smile grew as she watched him go on with his unnecessary apologies. He was really cute when he apologized for no purpose. Him blushing and trying to make a situation better even though it's just making it funny. His crazy movements when he's doing so. They made her smile. He kept apologizing till he saw Adora with a big smile on her face.
"Hey. What are you smiling about? What did I do? Whatever it is I'm sorry. I didn't do it purposely." He frowned.
She smiled even more. "No need to be sorry. That's what I'm smiling about. Just the way you act makes me smile."
He smiled and took a couple steps ahead of her and then turned back to her. "Nice outfit."
"Oh?" Adora looked down at herself. She was wearing a long silky smooth rose-colored outfit. It looked so much like what gypsies would wear when they were trying to impress or perform for someone. That's exactly what it was for; she was performing for the Valentine's Festival. She did every year, and every year she would get a different colored outfit. They would all be the same style though. It showed no crazy amount of bare skin; at her legs it showed a couple inches of leg above the ankles and having her back show with thin lace making an X across it. Adora looked up at him.
"Thanks. I never really get new compliments anymore." She smiled.
"What do you mean by 'New compliments'?"
She started walking at a pretty fast pace. She grabbed his wrist and gave him a little tug so he would know to walk fast.
"Usually every year I have the same people show up to the festival with the same compliments. Not today! I got a new one. And now I'm happy because I got a new compliment from a new person." She pointed up ahead at a sign that read 'Valentine's Festival. You can see it from here!' Adora then pointed to the right where they could see a giant heart that seemed to be connected to a picture shoot.
"Wow! It's so different from all the other ones." She smiled in amazement.
There were people entering the picture shoot. Around the picture shoot were vine fences with roses spread all over them with crystal clear water in a beautiful water fountain next to the actual photo shooting area. There was a pretty short line; most people were single or too lazy to get pictures.
"OK. I can roam around with you till 11:45 and then I have to go to The Castle In The Sky." She pointed at a castle that wasn't really in the sky but it had smoke around it to make it look like it was floating on clouds. "I have a performance to do and I hope you go watch it. As soon as I'm done I have the whole day with you." She smiled.
"Alright. I'll definitely go watch it."
"Oh. You might want to get there early because there's going to end up being a long line if you wait till 12:00 which is the last minute."
"I'm going to get there early just for you. I'll just go with you so I don't miss any practice." He looked around but not at her for he was trying to hide a smirk.
She smiled at him and admired his features. He was wearing a nice rose red long sleeved shirt that buttoned up. Nice black pants with black shoes. He looked very good in red for it suited him. He looked at Adora and blinked a couple times.
"You OK? Is there something on me?" He looked at his shirt for stains.
"No, no."
"Alright…" He smiled slightly.
She walked around and saw many children with heart shaped balloons and eating giant lollipops. Ritsu looked around for a second and noticed an ice cream stand. He pointed to it and Adora happily replied with a smile. Walking over to it a senior couple stepped right in front of both of them and smiled.
"Oh they are so cute aren't they?" The woman said.
"Yes, a fine couple. Adora, I'm glad you found someone as great as him." The man said with a warm smile plastered on his face.
"Oh, but we aren't dating." Adora said quickly.
"Oh dear. I'm sorry. He would make a fine man to be with though. I hope the best for both of you." The woman smiled. "Yes. Best to the both of you." The man nodded his head in agreement.
"Thank you." She nodded and then smiled. It was weird having people say that her and Ritsu would make a good couple. It was kind of, a good feeling though. She liked it. Realizing Ritsu was too quiet for his own good, Adora looked at him. He was looking at her. Apparently he was looking at Adora the whole time, wondering what she would say with every little thing the couple would say. He had such innocence in his eyes. It intrigued her. She wanted to reach into his soul and read him, him and his inner most thoughts. Someone called Ritsu's name and he looked around. 'Why did someone have to call his name? Especially now?!' She thought to herself.
"Ritsu! Ritsu!" A boy called.
Adora looked at the boy. He was fairly short and looked very young. He had blonde hair and beautiful brown eyes. 'Momiji. It must be.' She thought.
"Hi Momiji." Ritsu waved at him. He didn't look very excited.
'Hm? Why does he look like he doesn't want to see Momiji?' She stood there just watching the boy come up to both of them. 'Did Ritsu just want to spend time with me?' Adora smiled.
"Hi Ritsu. I wouldn't expect you here." Momiji looked at Adora. "Hi. Are you a friend of Ritsu's?"
"I'm an old friend, yes." She smiled at him.
Momiji looked back at Ritsu. "She's pretty"
Both Adora and Ritsu were kind of blown away by his straight forwardness.
"Thanks." Adora smiled sweetly.
"Hey Momiji. We have to go." Ritsu said quickly.
"We do?" Adora had a confused look on her face.
"Yes we do. We have to go to The Castle In The Sky." He said quickly.
"Awwww. Well I'll see you back at the house Ritsu." Momiji waved and started walking away slowly.
"What was that all about?" Adora smirked.
He saw her smirk and he smiled. "Let's just go."
She started walking and he was fairly close behind her. His hands were gently put on Adora's back to keep her going in case she got nervous. She really never got nervous but she wouldn't tell him that. She kept trying to look back to see his expression. Ritsu finally got her to go to the entrance of The Castle In The Sky.
"Alright now go get ready." Ritsu said while giving her a little push and a smile placed on his face.
Adora stood there for a second and then slowly walked into the castle fading away into the darkness. When fully walking into it she could see beautiful crystallized hearts dangling in the air, and balloons filled with glitter so when they pop, the owner gets a surprise.
Meanwhile, Ritsu was heading on into the castle when Momiji popped up in front of him.
"Hey! Where's that girl? She was pretty. Is she already inside to see the show?" Sparkles were in Momiji's eyes.
"She's in the show." Ritsu said with a smile.
Momiji gave a surprised gasp. "So that's why she was dressed like that! Oh, I get it now. I wanna see the show with you!"
Ritsu smiled sweetly at Momiji. "You may but you must be polite and be quiet OK?"
Momiji stood like a soldier and saluted to Ritsu. "Yes sir!"
Ritsu chuckled. "Then let's go."
Adora walked into the back room and greeted some of the other crewmembers that would be performing. She met a young girl named Amaya. Amaya was supposed to do a dance. After talking for a couple minutes, Adora found out she was performing with Amaya.
Ritsu and Momiji got a front row seat where they could see Adora up close. Momiji was bouncing around like he just ate four huge bags of cotton candy. Ritsu was watching him and trying to calm him down.
The lights dimmed down as the castle started flooding with people. Adora and Amaya took a deep breath. After the first performance, which was Kiyoshi and Maemi, the fraternal twins, they both would perform. Ritsu and Momiji were happily waiting for the performance of Adora. The announcer took charge and quickly announced Kiyoshi and Maemi and they ran out tripping over themselves. Apparently it was their first performance.
Adora got a quick thought. "Amaya. Is this your first performance?"
Amaya smiled. "Nope. I've done one other. Don't worry. I don't get nervous easily"
"Oh really?" Adora raised an eyebrow.
Amaya looked at her very confused like. "What's with that face? And why did you say that so…oddly?"
Adora smiled. "Your not nervous around guys?"
Amaya blushed and looked away. "N...No."
"Oh really?" Adora giggled.
"Yeah really. I'm not." Amaya blushed even more.
"Oh really?!" Adora said excited.
"Will you stop saying that!" Amaya said trying to hold back a small laugh. She looked at Adora and then at the entrance to the performance. "There's…someone I like out there. He's going to watch me and I want everything to be perfect."
Adora smiled sweetly at her. "Your not alone. I have someone that I'm performing for. It's for that one person. This is for him and no one else. I might not necessarily like him. Well, maybe someday. But, I'm with you all the way on wanting everything to be perfect."
Amaya's eyes lit up and then a great burst of courage overflowed her. "Let's be the best we can be Adora!"
Adora smiled, but it was a serious yet loving one. "Right!"
Kiyoshi and Maemi's act was almost over. Adora could see through the crack of the curtain that they were bowing as the music they used was fading. Amaya was smiling nervously and looked straight ahead. Adora put her hand on Amaya's shoulder for comfort. Amaya jumped a little and looked at Adora nervously.
"Where'd all that confidence go?" Adora giggled.
"It's kind of hard when he's out there!" Amaya said.
Adora gave another giggle and Kiyoshi came in from behind the curtain, followed by Maemi. Amaya started fidgeting and talking to herself.
"Calm down Amaya. Everything is going to be fine." Adora smiled.
"OK." Adora nodded.
"Now welcome…Adora and Amaya in their special dance routine!" The announcer called through the castle. The music started playing. It was Spanish styled music. Adora and Amaya nodded at each other and walked out from behind the curtain. The crowd was huge and there wasn't a single seat empty. They both stopped in the center of the room and looked around. Ritsu and Momiji were waving at Adora and she smiled and gave a small wave. Amaya was looking around and frowned. Adora smiled at her.
"He'll be here."
The music got louder and they both got into position. The whole audience got quiet and waited. Adora spun out and did a back flip, Amaya doing the same. They pointed at each other and smiled. Adora pulled out the silver ribbon in her hair and swung it around. Amaya danced like a snake around her. Two boys came up behind them and took a stance. It looked like they were challenging them to a dance off. Of course this was part of the act. Amaya nodded at the younger one and Adora nodded at the older one as both girls danced around the boys. The boys gently pushed them aside and jumped in front of the audience.
The music changed to a fast Latin song with a touch of hip-hop to it. Adora took the silver ribbon and started walking around the edge of the crowd choosing a partner to dance with. Amaya was looking for someone to dance with. Her eyes lit up when she saw a tall boy with blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes. She climbed through the audience and stood in front of him.
"Nori. Please be my dance partner." She stood there for a second while Nori stared at her and then smiled.
"Sure Amaya." He had a smile on his lips.
She gave a small squeal and grabbed his hand and dragged him down into the center of the dance floor. The two boys had already brought two girls down. They seemed to be their girlfriends because the boys were holding the girls really close. Adora smiled at Amaya and looked for Ritsu. Momiji was looking at Adora while Ritsu was trying to not look at her. He would be so nervous if she chose him.
"Hey look she's coming this way!" Momiji said while jumping around in his seat.
Adora stood in front of Ritsu and smiled. He slowly turned to face her and she wrapped the ribbon around his neck.
"May I have this dance Ritsu?" She smirked.
Ritsu blushed so badly. "No. I mean yes! I mean…maybe!" He was really nervous.
Adora giggled and grabbed his hand and pulled him to the center of the floor and Amaya winked at her. They both pulled a scarf of silver silk and wrapped it around their partner. Ritsu stood stiff and Nori was dancing with Amaya. Adora put her hands on Ritsu's hips and giggled.
"You have to dance." She smiled
He blushed. "I can't dance. Or, I've never tried."
"Now's your chance!" She spun him around and bent him over so they were face to face and she was over him. He blinked a few times.
"I'll do my best." He grinned.
As she was pulling him back up a slow song played and the announcer called out. "Everyone find a partner!" Adora and Ritsu smiled and "Unbreak My Heart" by Toni Braxton started playing. Ritsu put his hands on Adora's hips and she put her arms around his neck. He blushed.
"I've never danced with a girl before."
Adora smiled. "I'm glad I was the first."
Ritsu glanced over and Momiji was sitting all alone and a pretty blonde girl walked up to him. Adora looked in the direction Ritsu was facing and saw Momiji and the girl. The girl sat next to him and apparently Momiji and her were talking.
"At least he's not alone now." Ritsu said.
Adora and Ritsu looked at each other and smiled faintly. Adora wanted to hug him and have herself in his arms. She was afraid to tell him about something she's kept a secret for far too long. She would wait for the right day. She leaned forward not realizing it and put her forehead on his shoulder. She felt some warmth but she wanted more.
Ritsu got nervous when Adora leaned on his shoulder. He felt her warmth and her happiness within him. He was afraid that she might hug him. He didn't want her to find out about his curse. He looked down at her and smiled. The song ended and Adora stood up straight and giggled.
"That was fun."
"It was nice." Ritsu said calmly.
"Adora! Adora!" Amaya said while running over to Ritsu and her.
"Amaya. Hi." Adora said smiling.
"Nori…said that he liked me. I'm so happy. I never thought this would happen! I thank you for giving me the courage!" She said jumping around.
"Anytime."
"Is this the person you were performing for?" Amaya said looking at Ritsu.
Adora nodded. "Yes it is"
"Nice to meetcha! I'm Amaya." Amaya said smiling at Ritsu.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Ritsu." He said back.
"Well I'm going to go. Bye." Amaya waved and walked towards Nori.
"She seems to be a sweet girl." Ritsu looked at Adora.
"Yeah. I hardly know her and yet we're already good friends." Adora looked at Ritsu.
"Want to go get an ice cream?" She said excitedly.
"Sure. I think we should take Momiji along though. I don't want him to wander around alone."
"Fine with me!" Adora giggled.
Momiji ran up behind Ritsu. "Are we going to get an ice cream? Did I hear right?" Momiji's eyes lit up.
"Yes Momiji."
"Yay! Let's go now!" Momiji grabbed Adora and Ritsu's hand and took them outside the castle and to the small ice cream parlor near it.
"Strawberry Swirl for me please!" He smiled.
"Mint Chocolate Chip for me." Adora said while looking at the menu.
"Same for me." Ritsu looked at the menu as well. "I like mint chocolate chip."
"I can tell. You wouldn't order it if you didn't like it." Adora said giggling.
"Well…yeah…I mean…never mind." Ritsu sighed.
Adora grabbed her cone and licked the ice cream. "It's so good!"
"Mines delicious!" Momiji licked his very fast. He then took a giant bite out of hit.
"No! You'll get a brain freeze!" Adora said slightly laughing.
Ritsu grabbed his. "Oh dear."
Momiji put his hand on his head. "It hurts."
Adora tried to hold back her laugh as Momiji squirmed around and seeing Ritsu panic. Momiji's brain freeze finally calmed down after a bit and he gave a long sigh of relief. Ritsu was licking his ice cream for it was melting pretty fast. Adora was doing the same.
"That really hurt." Momiji rubbed his head.
"I told you you'd get a brain freeze." Adora bit into the cone. "Even the cone is good!" She bit it again.
"It's good." Ritsu said after biting his.
----------
Momiji had gone home and Adora along with Ritsu were walking back to Adora's home. They were at the top of her porch stairs. Both facing each other with no words being spoke. They just looked at each other and every now and then they blushed or smiled. Someone had to break the silence.
"Thank you." They both said at the same time.
Adora blinked a few times. "I had fun. I'm glad you decided to go."
"It was worth it. Thank you." He said smiling.
"Hm? Why are you thanking me?" She said confused.
"That was a lot of fun and I wouldn't have wanted to have my first dance with anyone else. Even if we didn't dance, I wouldn't care."
Adora blushed a little bit. "It was fun wasn't it? Momiji was a nice touch." She looked at the door and then back at him. "I should go soon. Grandma might be worried."
"That's true." He smiled sweetly.
Adora unlocked the door and opened it. She stepped inside but didn't close the door yet. "By the way…you're a good dancer."
Ritsu took a small step back and she smiled at him and slowly shut the door. He had a surprised look on his face that turned into a tender one.
"Thank you. Your very good too." He whispered as he nodded and headed out on his way home.
----------
"How'd it go? You have fun? What happened? Did he like the performance?" Adora's grandmother was hiding in Adora's room and as soon as she opened the door she started blabbing.
"Grandma! I'm tired. I'll tell you tomorrow." Adora said while pushing her grandmother out into the hall.
"Fine." She said crossing her arms.
"Good night." Adora said while shutting her door.
She walked over to her bed and did a little victory dance. She started laughing and gave little squeals.
"I must be dreaming!" She spun around and sat on her bed. She pinched herself. "It hurt. It hurt!" She kicked her legs up in the air. "I'm so happy. This isn't a dream, this is reality."