Manjoume: What are you doing?
Uploading chapter three of the Dating Game. As I should. I'm also finishing off my Valentine's Day Jewelshipping fic, wanna read it?
Manjoume:...I get enough of that back at the Osiris dorms, I mean, JEEZ! Johan would hump his freaking duel disc if there was no one else around!
Meanie. Well, FINE, I have to respond to my PMs, catch you later! (runs off)
Manjoume: (stares at computer) Maybe I could finish her Jewelshipping fic for her...(sits down)
"Aster! Aster, over here!" Flashing cameras surrounded the two persons, each reporter trying to get them to talk.
"This way, Claire, just ignore them," A silver-haired boy of about sixteen told his companion, a young girl with wavy, copper hair and hazel eyes, leading her through the door of the famous restaurant 'O' Reilly's'. He hurriedly shut it behind them, and then pulled down the blind to block the reporter's view.
"Sorry about that. Here, lemme get your coat," He took the white jacket from her shoulders and placed it on a peg hammered into the wall, then guided her towards their table. A white, cotton tablecloth was draped over it and a vase with a single flower was placed in the center.
"Which reminds me," Aster pulled a red rose from behind his back and handed it to his date. "For you, madam," She giggled and took it from him.
"Thank you!" They both took their place at the table, facing each other from opposite ends of the table. A lean waiter in his early twenties handed them both a menu.
"Order whatever you like, Claire. It's on me," Claire smiled at him. She never, in her wildest dreams, would have thought she would ever get to go on a date with the insanely gorgeous, not to mention world famous, Pro-duelist, Aster Phoenix. I mean, just a glance into those beautiful blue eyes and she would be lost, just a wave of those perfectly manicured hands and she would squeal.
"There's no one else here. Why's that?" She looked up at him and asked.
"I reserved it just for us. Please, you think I'm gonna let the media snap photos of us along with some ridiculous comment? They'll say we're engaged before I can ask you your middle name!" Aster sighed and put down his menu. "Sorry. Being the center of attention twenty four/seven isn't all it's cut out to me. I don't mind the compliments, it's just...If I were ever to date someone, there'd be twice as much pressure as a normal relationship. And I like you, Claire. I think we could make things work," She beamed.
"I like you too, Aster. And not just because of your fame, money and good looks. I know about your past. Boy, that must have been tough. I'm so sorry," She reached out and patted his hand in consolation.
"Thanks," He smiled weakly then looked up at the waiter who had returned to their table, notebook in hand, ready to jot down their meal. "Great, I think I'll skip the starter and just have the main course. Could I have the, uh, beef fillet, with veg, no gravy and...Claire, your turn,"
"Oh! Um, Y'know what, that sounds great, same here,"
"And to drink?"
"Water will be fine for me. You?" Claire nodded.
"Ditto,"
"All right, I'll be back soon with your dinner," The waiter finished scribbling in his notepad and left.
"So, Claire. Ever since I met you at HMV (1), I couldn't stop thinking about you. What makes you different from all my other fangirls?" Aster leaned across the table and asked.
"Maybe the fact that I didn't trample you like a million other fangirls would have done," Aster chuckled.
"Maybe it's because you're so cute," He took a chance and kissed her cheek. She blushed and bit her lip. Her night could only get better!
"So, uh, what's it like being a Pro?" Claire asked, sipping her glass of water.
"Hn. I guess I like it. All right, I adore the attention and forever knowing I'm wanted. All the money and my picture plastered over the front of every magazine in the newsagents, along with adoring comments. I love people running up to me, people I've never met before, and congratulating me on my recent victories. I love being able to have whatever I want, material wise but...," Aster sighed. "There is a downside to all this, don't get me wrong. I hate having the paparazzi in my face, no matter where I go or what I'm doing, it's so weird knowing that random people worldwide could be downloading my picture from the internet and doing who knows what with it. Fangirls can get a little too obsessive, declaring true love and actually proposing to me! Then there's the bashing. I try my best to ignore the critics but I can't help let some harsh comments seep through,"
Aster looked down at his lap. Claire looked at him, and saw more than just a successful, handsome Pro-duelist. She saw a person. A sad little boy who was so used to artificial affection that he had no idea what real love felt like. Well...she could show him.
"Aster," She forced him to look up at her with his big blue eyes. "Pretend there's no one else in the world, only you and me. Forget the critics, forget the comments, forget the paparazzi and forget the crazy fans. Just concentrate on us,"
He did as he was told. He closed his eyes and just forgot. Then he opened them and smiled at Claire, ready for a night they would both remember, forever and for always.
-oOo-
For a light desert, both of them shared a slice of apple sponge cake along with a dollop of cream and a scoop of ice cream. Claire licked the tip of her spoon and beamed at her man. He had proved his excellent conversation skills and was someone very easy to talk to.
"I guess I'm technically a student at the Duel Academy but I don't really have time for school with all my work and meetings with my fans. Bet you wish you could say that, huh?" Aster grinned and stuck his tongue out. Claire waggled hers back.
"Wouldn't everyone! I'm just glad it's the mid-term! So, what do you have planned for Valentine's Day?"
"I dunno. Maybe a little...surprise," He let his gaze drift over to the far end of the room.
"Oh?"
"It depends. If tonight goes the way I planned. Not that anything ever does. Like that song: And the only thing we know, is things don't always go the way we planned!" Surprise, surprise, Aster had a fantastic singing voice.
"You watched The Lion King?"
"Of course! Simba and I are twins! Ignoring the fact that I'm human of course,"
"I love that movie. The songs are so inspiring and so dramatic! It's music at its finest!"
"And it's well thought out. I love the animation. Guess the ending worked out well for everyone. Well, except for Scar. I guess you're like my Nala!" He laughed, offering Claire the final spoonful of cake. She swallowed it down, quickly, then rose from her chair. Aster followed suit.
"Wait outside, kay? Paying will just take a sec," She nodded and left him by the counter.
As soon as Claire opened the door, a crisp, cool breeze washed over her. She embraced it and smiled, happily, to herself.
In a matter of minutes, Aster joined her, kissing her lightly on the cheek
"Come on. We'll take a stroll down by the park and star-gaze,"
The sky was a deep, blue color, scattered with tiny, golden specks. They really looked beautiful under the moonlight.
Aster pulled Claire closer to him and asked her how she was feeling.
"Fine, I guess. Why?"
"Because, I...want to ask you something,"
"What?" She replied, heart thumping under her blue blouse.
He said nothing for a few seconds then...bent down to kiss her. It wasn't just a quick peck either. And it really didn't come to her as a shock that he was incredible at it. He was firm but gentle, safe but exciting...everything a girl wanted in that first kiss (3).
"Oh!"
"Did you...like it?" He glanced at her, anxiously.
"Y-yeah. I loved it. Oh, Aster!" He took her into his arms again. Only this time, their kiss lasted much longer. Cliché ending, huh? A long, romantic kiss under the stars and the light of the moon...
(1) Yes, they met at a music shop. What, I'm completely bored and uninspired! PM if you've a better idea.
(2) Nala means gift, doi!
(3) Not saying it's your first kiss. Saying if your boy kisses you on your first date then you want it to be good, right?
Author's notes: Anonymous reviewer. I didn't have a clue how to talk about music interests, family life or how school is going. So I used my writer's license. It sucked, I know. And it was annoyingly short. I'm so sorry, Wildhoneysuckle, but I haven't been able to write anything GOOD recently. Stupid writer's block. And, even worse, I HAVE the story line I just want to write something I support. Like bunnyshipping. Or my Valentine's Day Jewelshipping fi-HEY, WHERE'D IT GO?!
...I'm going to KILL Manjoume. You don't want to read anything he's written, trust me. Stay away from anything with his name on it. (sobs) My VDay fic is ruined!
Well, you win some you loose some. If Jesse can't date Syrus in a story that makes sense, then maybe a fangirl will do. Next up: D. D. Angel's date with Jesse Anderson!
...Envy, get lost. This is for fangirls and fanboys to have fun NOT a place where you can fix your screwed up relationship.
-Star x