The moment they arrived up to their room, Shandi broke away from her friends. The rest of the girls all turned to look at each other before heading to change out of their dresses.
She knew what was coming and she dreaded the moment more than anything. Grabbing a pair of PJ's out of the suitcase laying open on the bed she shared with Sarah, she quickly darted into the bathroom and shut and locked the door behind her.
Leaning against the door, Shandi closed her eyes and let her hands hang limply beside her, her clothes brushing the floor as the dark girls' thoughts ran wild. She wanted things to stay the way they were; for the girls to just continue with their fun on their trip, no cares, no worries, and most of all - no boys. But it was already too late for that. The vacation was already ruined for her. She knew the sorts of trouble boys brought on and she was sure this time would be no different. Why couldn't it have been just a nice trip; just the four of them, having fun without any complications.
More importantly, she knew the girls would ask questions and damn it all if she didn't tell them to mind their own damn business - she knew she'd never, ever have the heart to say that to her best friends. Thus, bring on the argument, like always.
"Shandi, you alright in there?" Lauren spoke through the door.
"I'm fine." Shandi answered as evenly as she could. "Just figured I'd get dressed and ready for bed all in one go, ya know?... I'll be out in a few.."
"Alright." Lauren's voice replied. "Trying not to rush ya but Ali needs the bathroom."
"Don't have to rush her. I told you I can hold it."
Shandi sighed as silently as she could before pushing herself off the door. She didn't reply to her friends but she quickly got dressed into a pair of red boy-cut shorts and a black boy-beater. Pulling her hair back into a pony tail, she headed over to the tap, proceeded with her usual nightly routine and finally turned to leave the bathroom
"S'all yours." She mumbled softly, making sure to force a small, convincing smile towards the two on the other side before walking away.
Depositing her clothes back into her suitcase, Shandi heaved said bag off of the bed, pulled back the covers, grabbed her sleeping mask to cover her eyes and settled in. She pulled the blankets up around her in hopes of convincing her friends she'd dropped into a quick sleep when they came back to bed again. She'd left Alicia and Lauren at the door and figured Sarah was close by. Luckily for her neither of them were anywhere near the beds so if she was lucky she might actually drop into a quick sleep before having to deal with their questions.
Alicia quickly grabbed her pjs, jumping at her chance at the bathroom. Lauren sat down on the bed with her hands folded in her lap. Her eyes trailed over to Sarah who was putting away her jewelry.
"Pst, Sarah."
"Hmm?"
"Should we...?"
"No, we won't pester her. You know how she gets when we ask her twenty questions about her behavior."
"She shouldn't assume so much about the boys." Lauren took off her shoes. "You know?"
"Yeah, assuming doesn't do much but can you blame her?"
"No." Lauren sighed. "I guess we'll leave her be until she's in a better mood."
Shandi could feel the pressure building in her chest and the words gathering on her tongue. Biting her lip she forced herself not to reply. What did they know? They had it all wrong! And besides, didn't they know her better than to think she'd actually gotten to sleep so quickly? She with the terrible insomnia who never slept? Albeit, thinking she was asleep was exactly what she'd wanted, but still...
"It's nothing to do with assuming things!" The girl thought sourly. "Not really... It's... more than that... why don't they ever understand? Why can't they ever see things the way I do?... I'll never understand how people so different could be friends..."
Shandi bit her cheek at that,
"Not that I'm complaining... I've never had real friends before until I met those girls..."
"Bathroom is free!"
"Shh, Alicia, Shandi is trying to sleep." Sarah let Lauren go into the bathroom to change out of her clothes first.
"She can't be asleep already."
Shandi was sure that if she could sweat drop like the anime characters, she would have right then. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to remain quiet - which was a torturous feat for her.
"Don't say anything." She thought in annoyance. "Just keep your mouth shut. If you can make it til morning, they'll have forgotten the whole thing..."
"She had a long day." Sarah sighed. "Probably overcame her insomnia."
"Speaking of today, what was up with her? I mean...first she was happy then she didn't' want to do anything."
"I don't know."
"Well, I have an idea!" Alicia frowned. "But she probably doesn't want to talk about it."
"That's what I told Lauren."
Alicia sighed in annoyance and picked up a pillow from hers and Lauren's bed.
"Well, tired or not, she's gotta talk about it. I know her better than that - we all know her better than that; she'll try to go the night without talking about it then automatically assume we've forgotten everything come morning. But not this time! She always says she hates being the wet blanket and ruining everyone else's fun but if she keeps doing this, like always, she's gonna ruin our fun cause all we'll be doing is worrying about her."
Alicia poised the pillow as if ready to throw it at the "sleeping girl".
"And she's not asleep either!" Alicia growled. "We know her better than that too. Shandi! Get up! We need to talk!"
"Alicia, don't!" Sarah gasped warningly.
Alicia drew her hand back, ready to release when a voice was heard from the other bed.
"Throw that and so help me God, you'll wish I really was asleep."
Alicia smirked.
"Heh. I knew you weren't asleep."
Shandi sat up, looking annoyed.
"You heard us talking..." Sarah frowned. "Sorry Andi but...we knew you didn't want to talk about it."
The bathroom door opened. "Are we in trouble now?"
Shandi sighed and leaned back against the headboard, lifting one leg and tracing random patters on the blankets with her finger.
"Like any of you would care if you were." She attempted playfully, but everyone in the room knew it was false.
Alicia crossed her arms. "Well, what's up? You gotta talk about it or are we going to have to force ya?"
"Ali, we don't have to force her to talk."
Shandi turned her head slightly and gave the caramel-haired girl a small glare through the corner of her eye.
"I think you know better than anyone that trying to 'force' me into things never did work very well." She growled slightly. She then turned back to stare at the bed again with a small frown. "But in response to your earlier comment; I'm not assuming things. I'm just..."
She paused and her frown deepened slightly as she turned away from them all to look out the window a little ways away.
"I'm just trying to be reasonable and realistic..." She smiled slightly thought there was no real spark behind it. "You can thank yourself for that, Li."
"Huh? What did I do?" Alicia blinks, confused.
"What she means is once this vacation is over, we'll never see them again." Sarah frowned, serious as the other girl just shrugged her shoulders. Lauren frowned as well, sitting down on the bed next to Sarah.
Shandi leaned her head back against the headboards and closed her eyes, her face creasing with another frown again.
"Exactly." She said simply, a feeling of deep respect welling up inside her then. It was always Sarah who got her before the others. She was always the quickest to understand.
There was a moment of silence before Shandi sighed and spoke again, though her eyes remained closed.
"I'm sorry again for worrying you girls and for putting a damper on your night..."
"It's no problem but despite that we won't see them again, the least you can do is try to have fun." Lauren spoke up while the other girls starred at her. "It's going to hurt but no regrets...have fun at least. That's what vacation is for."
"Yeah cause acting like one minute you're having fun then the next brushing him off like he did something wrong isn't cool." Sarah eyeballed the Canadian who flinched.
Shandi chewed her cheek.
"I know..." She whispered softly. "I... already apologized for that...To him I mean..."
She took a long, deep breath and when she spoke again her eyes opened and she starred up at the ceiling with a strange expression the girls weren't familiar with.
"What I need you guys to understand is... I can't... be towards them they way you girls are. I mean... I want to be friends with them and I swear, I will have fun for the rest of the trip, just like we've been having, but... I can't get close to them like you guys already have... I can't let myself..."
The girl's face contorted painfully then and she pulled her knees to her chest, leaning forward to rest the side of her face on her knees and away from the girls.
"He's... perfect..." She whispered softly again, barely audible and her voice hitched with the effort. "Demetrio is... everything I ever wanted. Bonus that he's absolutely gorgeous... I never let you guys know it before but.. it's so easy for a boy to... capture my attention and when I do fall, I fall hard... And the horrible thing is; I can already feel myself falling for him and... I don't want to! Not when we're only going to spend such little time together. And let's face it, we all know, even if we keelp in contact for a while after, we'll never see from them again and eventually we won't hear from them either. You girls are so much stronger than me in that way. You could move on and enjoy the fact that there was that one moment but... I can't handle that kind of goodbye again."
Shandi took another long breath but this one was harder than the rest and she mentally cursed herself to feel her chest tightening with that familiar, uncomfortable tension.
"I will have fun..." She whispered softly. "But I won't let them close to me. You have to understand that, right now. They'll be nothing to me. I have you girls with me and when I leave that's the way I want it to stay... okay?"
"That's okay Shandi." Sarah and Lauren both sit on the bed with her with Alicia facing the girl.
"Good." Shandi said simply, her voice cracking slightly again. Her head was still on her knees and eyes still closed, but a small smile graced her lips. "Sides, why do I need more friends when I've got friends like you guys?"
"How about once Sarah gets into her pjs, we'll order up room service and watch some cheesy European horror films?" Lauren dived off the bed. "My treat!"
"That'd be awesome!" Alicia picked up the remote to turn on the TV.
Shandi's smile widened and she finally lifted her head, uncurled her limbs and stretched out as she reached up to remove her mask and place it onto the bedside table.
"I'm in!" The girl cheered with a laugh. "And I vote pizza!"
Sarah quickly changed as Lauren ordered some pizza from room service while Shandi and Alicia tried to decide what movie to watch. The large authentic Italian pizza arrived shortly with Sarah getting it as Shandi decided on some cheesy Italian vampire film.
Shandi glanced up from the TV and grinned wide as Sarah approached with the pizza.
"Great! Pizza! Well there's my munchies." She teased playfully. "What are you guys having?
"Uh-uh!" Lauren grabbed a slice, glaring at the Canadian before laughing.
Alicia starred at the pizza pie warily.
"C'mon Ali, it's nothing like American. You'll like it." Lauren nibbled happily, her inner Italian genes dancing happily in her system.
"I dunno..."
"Just try it." Sarah hands her a slice.
Shandi grabbed a slice and could feel the giddy delight as she caught the hot cheese from falling off.
"Oh god! The person who invented pizza should have been made a saint! Mmmmm!"
The girls watched in amusement as Shandi all but inhaled the pizza.
"You are so not a girl." Alicia teased with a mix of amusement and disgust.
"An' proud of it!" The Canadian said over a mouthful of cheesy goodness.
Alicia hastily tried a slice, finding it much better than any American version. The movie was horribly cheesy with really bad effects but had a good plot. It was a combination of horror, comedy, and very cheesy romance. The girls ended the night off on a high note after inhaling the Italian pizza. Lauren gave a yawn, hopping off the bed to go curl under the covers.
"Lightweight." Alicia teases before yawning herself.
"We had a good day." Sarah tossed the box into the nearest trashcan.
"Agreed." Shandi replied softly. "Had some hitches but..." She shrugged as she crawled under the covers again. "Nothing's perfect."
"Nothing is."The girls got into their beds and Sarah turned out the light. "Tomorrow is a new day. Good night everyone."
Shandi grinned into the darkness as she put on her mask again and pulled it down over her eyes.
"Speaking of; where do you guys think they'll take us tomorrow?"
"Dunno, let's just hope for the best." Sarah yawned, patting Shandi's shoulder. "Don't worry too much, okay? I understand your feelings. You're not the only one worried."
"I know." Shandi replied, her grin fading to a small smile again. "Thanks girls... You know I love you right? You guys seriously rock."
"We know." Alicia grinned in the darkness. "Night...let's have sweet dreams!"
"Yes, let's," Shandi chuckled.
Confining themselves to their own thoughts the girls settled down in bed and drifted off to sleep, a small smile on every face as they let their thoughts follow them, indeed, into good dreams.
Sunlight poked through the curtains in the hotel room. Lauren tried to get back to sleep but nothing worked. Not even covering her face with a pillow. The brunette girl sat up, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. She looked over to see that Shandi was the only one left in bed. Her eyes tries to focus. Alicia and Sarah were nowhere to be found.
Shandi heard the sounds of movement across the room and tried to ignore them. She was aware that Alicia and Sarah had gotten up hours ago, but she hadn't wanted to get up just yet. Now that Lauren was awake, she knew she wasn't going to get away with staying in bed much longer. So, with a yawn and a stretch, the Canadian sat up and removed her mask, depositing it onto her bedside table before turning to Lauren and giving her a cheerful smile as she stretched again.
"Morning sunshine." She greeted.
"Morning." Lauren climbed out of bed. "Any idea where Sar and Ali are?"
Shandi pushed back the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed. Absently looking around as if she might suddenly see some sign of the other girls.
"Not a clue." She replied simply.
Lauren pondered it as she went through her bag to pick out her clothes for the morning. Shandi stretched again while the older girl used the bathroom to get ready. She pulled back the red curtains, taking in the view of the city below. Her hands moved to open the windows, letting in some of the fresh Italian air. Faint smells of fresh baked bread quickly wafted through the room.
"Mmm...smells good."
The glorious smells wafting up from the bakery across the street made the Canadians stomach rumble hungrily.
"Man... hope those two bring back breakfast." She said thoughtfully.
Turning away from the window she went to gather up her clothes and etc. and moved to sit on the bed, laying back on it and placing a hand behind her head, the other on her stomach as she starred up at the ceiling, waiting for Lauren to finish up in the bathroom.
"Mmmmm... croissants would be awesome for breakfast but... do they even have those in Italy? Hmm... Or herb and garlic bagels or... Ugh. I need breakfast. That smell is killing me."
Lauren came out dressed in a soft blue blouse and white shorts. "Getting hungry? I could hear you in there."
Shandi sat up. "Hoping that Alicia and Sarah bring back breakfast."
"You go change while I give them a call."
Lauren took out her cellphone while the Canadian walked into the bathroom. Lauren took a big whiff of the smells invading the room, smiling as she gave Sarah's cellphone a ring first before trying Alicia's. It was most likely Sarah would have hers charged rather than Alicia. The scents of the morning bread made Lauren's stomach rumble a little. She was so glad they all decided on Italy. It was one of her dreams to come visit the place, not just for the history but family history. The trip was already a good one, and even better since the boys had shown up in their lives. Shandi wasn't the only one worried about it.
Brown brows furrowed as Sarah's voicemail cut in.
Shandi stared at her clothes for a minute then looked to the shower. She checked her cell phone laid on the counter and noted the time. It was still early so she figured she had time for a quick shower. Besides, maybe when she got out the girls would be back and she could finish getting ready while they ate. After all it never took her very long to eat and she couldn't see herself starting a day without a shower. It was like rain without clouds - just didn't happen.
After her shower, Shandi got dressed into a pair of dark jeans, black wedge sandals and a black boybeater with a shorter, red tank over top. She pulled on her usual accessories, applied her usual basic, everyday makeup and finally exited the bathroom running a towel through her hair. Looking around, she glanced at Lauren as she made her way over to the dresser in the room and grabbed her hairdryer and accessories.
"Get a hold of the girls yet?" She asked the older American curiously.
"Oddly enough no." Lauren frowned. "I'll get it a minute or two."
Lauren went over to pull out silver hoop earrings and silver bangles from the small bag on the dresser. She dug through another duffel bag to pull out a pair of white sandals. Shandi threw a pale blue scarf at her.
"Here, wear this with your outfit."
"Thank you." Lauren used it to tie up her hair before grabbing a pair of white shades. "How do I look?"
"Like a regular, cutie-pie Italian girl." Shandi laughed.
Lauren grinned, obviously pleased with that answer and picked up her cell again as Shandi made her way back to the bathroom to dry her hair
She texted both girls twice, before calling Sarah's cell again. Once more the voicemail cut in and this time she left a message. Lauren sighed, trying not to panic. Sarah probably wanted to go out early and explore for a bit and took Alicia with her. Her worried eyes glanced out the window, hoping to see them in case they came down the street. Suddenly, her phone rang. Lauren jumped, grabbing her cellphone. She nearly droped it, causing her to panic as she answered without checking the number.
"Hello? Sarah? Alicia?"
The voice on the other line certainly wasn't Sarah's or Alicia's.
It was very male and very French.
"Nope. Sorry to disappoint you." Adrien chuckled. "Bonjour, Lauren! Did you sleep well?"
Lauren blinked ahead of her upon hearing the familiar voice.
"Ummmm... Morning, Adrien." She paused, a little surprised. "Yes, I slept well thank you... Um.. not to be rude or anything but how did you get my number?"
"Your friends gave it to me."
"Huh?"
Adrien chuckled from the other end of the line.
"Your girlfriends gave me your number... or to be precise, Dem gave me Shandi's number and I texted her earlier this morning to ask her for yours."
Lauren turned to the bathroom door, glaring before answering him again.
"Sorry for sounding frantic, but we haven't heard a word from Sarah or Alicia..."
"Oh. I wouldn't worry too much, Cherie. Demetrio and I visited the bakery across your hotel earlier this morning and saw them at the cafe next door. We were talking to them for a little while and they told us they were going sightseeing after wards while waiting for you and Shandi to awaken. I'm sure they're just in a busy place and simply can't hear their cell phones. Don't worry yourself too much."
"Oh good." Lauren sighed though she did feel odd about having the French guy having her number.
"So, I know it's early and we said weren't going to come until after lunch but.. If you happen to be ready early...?"
Lauren smiled as the Frenchmen trailed off.
"Well I'm dressed but...not sure about Shandi..."
"M'ready!" Came a muffled yell from the bathroom. Shandi poked her head out from the bathroom with her toothbrush stuck out of her mouth. "Ooo ish it? Da girsh?"
"Uh no, it's..." Lauren covered the mouthpiece. "Adrien and Demetrio...they're...well Adrien is wondering if we would like to hang out early..."
The toothbrush nearly fell out of Shandi's mouth.
"They ran into the girls...they're out sightseeing..." Lauren frowned. "So...what do you want to do?"
Shandi pulled the toothbrush from her mouth and chewed her cheek for a moment. She starred at the floor for a minute and when she looked up at Lauren, the expectant and hopeful look on the older girls face made her instantly cave. Giving her friend a small smile she stepped into the bathroom for a minute, spit out the foam and poked her head out again.
"Okay, I'll bite." She agreed teasingly. "Tell 'em to meet us at the bakery across the street from here though, I'm starving and I doubt the girls are gonna deliver!"
"Meet us at the bakery across the street from our hotel." Lauren smiled, finally answering Adrien.
"Excellent!" Adrien cheered enthusiastically. "I'm not sure where Kade and Fabien ran off to, we haven't been able to reach them all morning, so it'll just be Demetrio and I. Is that alright?"
"That's fine." Lauren squeezed her cellphone. "We'll see you in a few, alright?"
"Oui!" Adrien replied. "In a few. Farewell, Cherie!"
"Bye." Lauren replied and with a smile she disconnected the call just as Shandi emerged from the bathroom.
"Ready?" Lauren asked the Canadian.
Shandi walked over to the dresser and grabbed her huge Chanel purse from the top of it. Slinging it onto her shoulder, she took a quick glance at her ebony locks, dried into huge, loose straightener curls and decorated with a thick decorative red band. Turning away from the mirror she smiled at Lauren and gestured towards the door.
"Ready as I'll ever be." She teased playfully. "C'mon lets go."
Lauren grabbed a small white bag, fitting it around her body and slipping into her sandals. She grinned at the Canadian as she slipped on her shades. Shandi grabbed the hotel key while Lauren wrote a note for the girls in case they got back and the other two were still gone. The girls left their room, walking downstairs and out into the busy street.
Shandi pulled her huge black shades down from the top of her head and over her eyes. She turned a smile on Lauren and linked an arm through hers as both girls crossed the street and headed for the bakery. They both took a long, deep breath of appreciation and grinned, their stomachs growling in anticipation.
"I have never smelled anything so good in all my life." Shandi commented happily as they entered the building and approached the counter. Lauren laughed.
"That's cause you're hungry." She teased. "You always say that."
Shandi grinned as they stopped in front of the cashier and smiled at her.
"True." She said simply.
Thankfully, the bakery did have croissants. Unfortunately, the cashier didn't speak English. After a great deal of pointing and laughing on both sides of the counter, the girls finally managed to convey their order to the Italian girl; two croissants and a bagel for Shandi and a sweet bread for Lauren. Lauren bit into it soon enough, grinning at the sweetness. She laughed as Shandi proceeded to stuff her mouth.
"Easy...you're going to choke."
Shandi laughed before stuffing the last of her bagel into her mouth.
"C'mon, let's go sit at a table outside while we wait for the boys."
The girls walked over to a nearby coffee machine, deposited a few coins and got a nice hot coffee - mocha for Lauren - before turning and heading outside.
Sitting at a table near the front gate so they could watch new arrivals, the girls sipped their beverages and nibbled their food while they chatted idly in wait.
"I wonder why they wanted to see us so early..." Lauren mused, sipping her coffee and staring idly at Shandi.
Shandi shrugged as she sipped her coffee. Her curious blue-green eyes were barely visible when she turned her head to absently watch some people walk down the street. She caught sight of a couple and watched them a little thoughtfully, as if observing something greatly intriguing, until they laughed and leaned together for a sweet kiss. She watched them for another moment but eventually looked away and lifted her coffee to her lips again.
"They probably don't really have a reason." She said thoughtfully. "I'm sure they just wanted to hang out. Boys are always interested in foreign girls, no matter where they're from. They're all the same."
"Wow...thanks for the boost there Shandi." Lauren stared at her coffee. "Maybe I just should've said no then..."
Shandi cringed, mentally slapping her forehead for her careless comment.
"Sorry." She apologized simply. "You know me.. Always saying whatever comes to mind..."
She glanced at Lauren's hand, thinking about reaching out to touch it in comfort, but her pride and character wouldn't let her do it so instead she wrapped both hands around her cup.
"I didn't mean anything by it, Lola." She said gently, making sure to produce a warm smile. "What do I know? I've never known any European boys before. Besides, Adr-"
The Canadian paused.
"Ya know... it is just me or... are your really glad their names aren't the same as the anime ones?"
Lauren cocked her head to the side curriously and Shandi continued without missing a beat.
"I mean, I like the anime names but...Demetrio..." She whispered his name to herself, barely audible. She spoke a little louder when she spoke again. "Their names are so much more... beautiful. Demetrio... Adrien, Fabien. Kade."
She turned a smile on Lauren
"Well, maybe not more beautiful but... you know what I mean."
"I know what you mean." Lauren smiled again, staring at Shandi. "You know...kinda glad you won that silly contest...or else we wouldn't be here right now."
The American girl's stomach let out a low grumble, causing Shandi to blink a few times before laughing. Lauren groaned, putting a hand on her stomach.
"Guess I'm still hungry." She whined. "Wouldn't I give for a big bowl of pasta right about now..."
"Wow, and I thought I was a bottomless pit."
"That's only when I've only had a sweet bread for breakfast," Lauren laughed, sipping more of her coffee.
Shandi lifted her wrist and glanced at the eccentric, flashy red watch on her wrist.
"Well," She said thoughtfully. "It's almost dinner time... damn the morning went fast... I'm sure the boys wouldn't mind going out for lunch with us."
The expression on her face was weary when she looked up at the girl across from her again.
"But this time I'm paying for my own food..."
"Oh stop it." Lauren gave her a look. "Before I slap you Italian style."
Shandi frowned slightly.
"Laur." She said bluntly. "Do you remember what happened last time Li's guy friend bought me that ice cream? Now imagine how I felt last night to have them pay for that ridiculously expensive meal for us? That nearly drove me mental!"
The Canadian snorted humorlessly and swirled her coffee around in its cup.
"I'm more then capable of paying for my own dinner." She said bluntly. "I don't need a sugar daddy."
Suddenly something hit Shandi hard upside the head, making her yelp.
"OW!" She cried out, turning to give Lauren a shocked look as she rubbed the side of her head.
Lauren innocently sipped her coffee. Shandi, still rubbing her head and glaring at the American now, looked around to see if anyone saw. Luckily, no one did and the Canadian looked back at her companion as she spoke.
"Oh wow, you let him pay for one dinner. That totally makes that you only want him for his money." Lauren drawled sarcastically. "Aw, c'mon...am I the only one who finds it slightly romantic?"
"Yes."
"Gawd, you and the others are no fun. We're supposed to be having fun. It's Italy! It's Rome! Have a little bit of imagination!" Lauren's hands went wild as she talked, causing the Canadian to lean back just a bit from the normally sweet girl's attitude adjustment.
"Wow." Shandi said bluntly, her eyes slightly wide behind her huge shades. "You're scary sometimes, you know that? You're like the female version of Mitzkuni Haninozuka."
Lauren glared, which made the Canadian grin.
"They better get here soon or else I'm going to die..." Lauren whined again, hearing her stomach growl only louder this time.
"One question."
"Shoot."
"Where do you put it?" Shandi looked around and under the table playfully. "Seriously, you're so small..."
"Like you said, I'm like Hunny-Sempai...I'm full of surprises!" Lauren grinned.
Shandi's grin widened until finally she laughed and shook her head as she lifted her coffee cup to drain it, pausing suddenly with the cup to her lips as something a short distance away caught her gaze. Lauren didn't notice at first but after a while, she figured the Canadian's cup had been to her lips for a long time and she couldn't possibly be drinking all that time.
"What-.. What are you starring at?" She asked, furrowing her brows. She turned in her seat then and starred behind her, trying to see what had captured her companion's attention so thoroughly. When she she saw them her face split into a wide smile.
Demetrio was dressed in a pair of black and white designer sneakers, black fitted jeans, a white t-shirt with some sort of graphic design, a black vest over-top and a black and white pinstripe fedora to complete the outfit. Over his eyes were a pair of expensive looking designer shades.
Adrien was wearing a pair of designer sneakers as well, dark blue denims a white Armani t-shirt and a thin, beige Armani unbuttoned button-down over top, his sleeves rolled casually up to his elbows. His own designer shades were a pair of brown aviators.
Both boys looked like they'd just walked off the set of some designer photo shoot and the girls half expected them to be swarmed by people on all sides at any moment as they scanned the area causally. Finally Adrien's eyes fell on the girls and he smiled, gently elbowing the blonde beside him and causing his companion to grin widely as he turned to see them, adjusting their direction to approach the girls.
"Oh. My. God." Shandi said shortly, her coffee long forgotten as the boys approached. She cursed colorfully in her head upon noting her traitorous heart suddenly thundering in her chest, so loud she expected people to look up into the sky anticipating the thunder.
"It should be illegal for a guy to look that good..." She said in shock, looking from them then down at herself and back up again. "God, we'll look like some movie star's assistants next to those two! How unfair..."
"I know, right?" Lauren was also staring quite obviously. "I mean...almost too good to be true. They're like those guys I read up on in my fashion magazines."
Shandi starred another few moments before suddenly grabbing her bag and rifling through it vigorously. Hearing the ruckus, Lauren turned a bewildered look on the girl.
"What the heck are you doing?" She asked, starring at the girl.
Shandi said nothing as she suddenly produced a pack of green peppermint gum and popped it into her mouth before thrusting it at Lauren.
"Want one? I advise you to say yes; there is seriously nothing worse than coffee breath." The Canadian made a face at that.
"Ew...coffee and peppermint..." Lauren took the gum, staring at it with a grossed out face. "You know I hate peppermint."
"Just do it."
Shandi paused a moment before shoving her hand into her purse and withdrawing, dropping several packs onto the table, gesturing to it hurriedly as the boys were only a few feet away now.
"Gum addict here." She spat hurriedly. "Juicy fruit, spearmint, stride - take your pick just hurry up!"
"Fine!" Lauren picked up a piece of Juicy Fruit and popped it into her mouth, chewing it quickly until flavor erupts into her mouth. The moment the boys were inches from their table, Lauren spat her gum into a napkin.
Shandi rolled her eyes before sweeping the packs of gum into her purse and dropping the purse onto the seat next to her just as the boys reached them, smiling.
"Ciao, bellas!" Demetrio said with a brilliant smile, reaching up to remove his sunglasses from his eyes as he stepped under the shade of the girls' umbrella. "Grazi! I wasn't sure if you'd want to meet up with us so early."
"Oui." Adrien said cheerfully. "Neither did I, but I'm glad you both decided to come out."
Shandi swallowed hard, and forced the most charming smile she possibly could. She too reached up and removed her shades from her eyes, placing them atop her head.
"No big. We didn't really have anything else to do anyway. Why don't you guys sit for a minute?"
Demetrio moved beside Shandi, smiling when she moved her purse and hung it off the arm of her chair, and sat beside her, leaning back casually before turning his eyes to Adrien.
"Pull up a chair." Lauren offered to the one next to her.
Adrien paused, starring back at Demetrio with a slightly weary expression.
"Actually," He began slowly. "We were hoping to get going soon. Have you girls eaten yet?"
Demetrio sat up straight in his seat as if remembering something important.
"Oh! Right!" He said enthusiastically. "Yea, we gotta go!"
The girls blinked at the new arrivals in surprise.
"Um.. actually-" Lauren began.
"Yea, we're done." Shandi blurted quickly. "Where are we going?"
Adrien smiled at her and offered Lauren a hand while Demetrio stood again and offered his to Shandi.
"C'est une surprise." The brunette said with a wink. "Top secret."
"Are we going to like this surprise?" Lauren asked.
Adrien laughed and Demetrio grinned.
"I should hope so." The brunette replied playfully. "Though we'll never know until we get there."
"Alright, we'll come." Shandi said simply. Lauren took Adrien's hand but Shandi stood on her own , took up her purse to put over her shoulder again and glanced at Demetrio to see the same stung look on his face from the night before. Feeling the pairing guilty sting, she smiled at him and reached out to link her arm with his instead. The blonde grinned at her, a one hundred watt grin that made the Canadian's heart thunder wildly in her chest like a trapped bird.
"Okay then!" The blonde said enthusiastically. "Let's go!"
"Alright ladies." Adrien smiled. "First stop, the Spanish steps...then to the Trevi Fountain!"
"Ooo..! I've never heard of those before." Shandi replied excitedly. "But the fountains in this city are beautiful. Lead the way Signori."
Demetrio grinned so wide the others thought his face would crack.
"Do you speak Italian?" He asked enthusiastically.
Adrien and Lauren chuckled as Shandi gave him a half-amused and half-embarrassed look.
"Uh... no..." She said a little awkwardly. "Adrien had to order for us last night remember? ... I was just trying to be impressive."
Adrien laughed politely now and Demetrio mimicked him, smiling charmingly at the girl on his arm as he reached up and placed his shades over his eyes again upon stepping back into the light.
"Well it's the thought that counts." He replied playfully. Shandi smiled back at him and reached up to replace her own shades.
The walk to their destination was nice and along the way, the boys talked with the girls about Italian culture and ancient legends and history, to which the girls hung off of every word. The young men could have been making it all up and the girls would never know, they'd still believe them. Luckily, it was all true. Finally upon arriving, Lauren let out a small squeak as they reached the Piazza di Spagna, absolutely giddy with delight upon seeing a large flight of stone steps leading up to what was the Piazza Trinita dei Monti.
"138 steps..." Lauren mused gleefully. "I can't believe I'm here."
Adrien turned a curious look on the girl holding his hand.
"You've heard of this place before?" He asked curiously.
"I looked up all the places I wanted to visit in Italy." Lauren smiled at him. "This is one of the places. I didn't think I'd ever get to visit Europe, much less Italy. So I'm happy about a historical flight of stairs."
Adrien chuckled slightly and gave the other brunette's hand a gentle squeeze.
"Well they're an intriguing flight of stairs." The Frenchman replied playfully. "Come, let's go take a look."
Lauren was lead by the Frenchman through the crowd to the stairs, finally leaving the crowd behind as they headed up the steps. She paused though, causing Adrien to stop. He turned to see she had turned around to get a view, before pulling out her camera to take a picture.
Adrien smiled up at the girl, watching her watch the people, the view, everything around her. After a few moments and many snaps later, the brunette pulled his hand from his pocket and reached towards the girl again.
"Would you like me to take your picture on the steps?" He asked with a smile.
"Really? You don't mind?" Lauren mentally pinched herself. "Of course you don't...cause you asked...sure."
Adrien reached out to accept the camera being offered to him when suddenly a voice behind them cut them off, making them both turn.
"Better idea!" Shandi said with a grin as she released Demetrio's arm and bounded up the stairs towards the two. When she stopped beside the Frenchman she held out her hand to take the camera from them both.
"How about I take a picture of both of you?"
Adrien laughed and nodded.
"Of course. If Laur doesn't mind."
"I don't mind."
Adrien took Lauren's hand again and lead her a little ways away from where they were to a spot that was a little less crowded. Shandi followed them and Demetrio followed as well from a few steps below, hands in his pockets as he smiled up at the trio above him.
Adrien sat down and Lauren sat beside him. The brunette reached up to wrap an arm around her shoulders and placed the other on his knee before turning towards Shandi and smiling brightly.
Lauren blushed slightly before sending a smile in Shandi's direction. The Canadian took multipe snaps of the two.
"Great!"
Lauren got up to see the picture.
"It's good."
Adrien rose from the stairs, one hand in his pocket as he too leaned forward to look at the screen being held out to him. With a nod of approval he drew back and straightened again.
"Oui. Perfect." He said politely.
"Onto the fountain!" Demetrio grinned. "Remember, you girls have to make a wish. It's only right that you should."
Shandi turned to blink at him as he offered her his arm again. She took it absently and allowed him to lead her back down the stairs, the other two following closely.
"A wish?" She asked curiously. "Whatta ya mean..?"
"It's tradition." Demetrio chuckled. "If you throw one coin into the fountain, you'll be granted your wish."
"The story goes that you'll be granted a trip back to Rome." Adrien spoke up.
"And two coins gets you a new romance." Demetrio grinned.
"What about three?"
"Either marriage or divorce." The Italian shrugged. "It all depends on what you want."
The walk was long but it was worth it as Lauren spotted some old cathedrals on the way there.
Shandi thought about Demetrio's words the entire way. Her mind travelled to the coin purse in her huge bag and she chewed her cheek as she recalled the meanings.
"One coin, a return trip. Two coins... romance." The Canadian flinched at that though thankfully no one noticed. "Three..."
Shandi straightened and forced her thoughts from her head.
"It's just a silly tradition." She thought forcing a smile. "The girls are right; I fuss too much over stupid stuff."
Shandi wasn't the only one pondering over the Trevi foundation coins. Lauren chewed her lip after taking a picture of the last catherdal before their destination came up.
"One coin...two coins...three coins...sounds romantic but all I wanted was to wish for a good vacation...kinda hard to wish for that when I have that handsome Frenchman distracting me".
Her eyes briefly fell on Adrien who was saying something to Demetrio. No matter how hard she tried to deny it, she had to admit that he looked much more handsome then the fictional Japanese animated character she was so fond of. Not only did he look good, he smelled good too. It had been distracting for her when they'd gotten their picture taken on the Steps.
Adrien, no doubt feeling her eyes on him, turned back to the girl beside him and smiled.
"Enjoying the view, Cherie?" He asked kindly.
Lauren blushed heavily and looked away.
"I-I'm s-sorry.." She replied in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to stare."
Adrien blinked at her in utter confusion while beside them Demetrio and Shandi snorted with laughter.
Finally the brunette seemed to realize what Lauren had meant and smiled in amuemement. Leaning down to her a little, he whispered into he ear.
"I was talking about the scenery." He whispered playfully.
"Heh, I knew that." Lauren touched a hand to her cheek. Her face was still very warm. She looked away, feeling awkward, and wondering if she was going to end up doing something else embarrassing. The thought was barely out of her head when she tripped over a unleveled brick in the pavement.
Quick as a lick, Adrien's free hand reached out and grasped Lauren's waist, the hand in hers tightening considerably. When she straightened and looked up to thank him, the words caught on her tongue to see him smiling sweetly at her while he held her close to him, so close she got the full effect of his expensive and intoxicating scent, which made her head swim giddily.
"Careful, Cherie." Adrien whispered softly. "Perhaps it's time you came back to us? Seems to me like those thoughts are taking you too far away and it's getting to be a hazard to your health."
"R-right." She managed to wiggle out of his grasp, blood red now as she tried to hide her face. Shandi and Demetrio watched as the American girl caught up with them, Adrien following close behind.
Shandi grinned as she reached out to link her free arm with Lauren's.
"Smooth move." She teased playfully just as Adrien caught up with them and walked beside Lauren now with his hands in his pockets, a slightly bemused look on his face.
"Uh-huh." Lauren pouted, feeling stupid. The moment she thought she wouldn't be awkward she ended up embarrassing herself not just in front of a handsome guy, but a rich, handsome guy of European aristocracy. She knew once they got to the hotel, the girls wouldn't let her live it down.
Shandi chuckled softly and gently squeezed Lauren's arm as she leaned down to whisper in her ear.
"Relax, will ya." She said softly. "I thought it was cute, and if the look on his face is any indication; so did Adrien. That was like something straight out of a cheesy chick flick! You're always the sucker for those aren't ya?"
"Yeah only in movies does the rich, handsome European fall for the ditzy American girl." Lauren whispers back. "This is real life...doubt he really thought it was cute. Probably more amused than anything."
Shandi rolled her eyes.
"Listen to you, you little hypocrite!" She whispered, thankful the boys were now talking to each other over the girl's heads rather than listening to them. "Here you are dissing me about last night, suck it up, blah blah, blah, and yet you're the one who won't except your own little moments as they come! Did you notice the way he was holding you, looking at you. Personally, and hey, maybe I'm wrong - though I doubt it - but that looked like a lot more then amusement to me."
Lauren flinched, realizing what she'd just said.
"I'm sorry." She whispers before removing her arm from Shandi and walking away, sulking due to Shandi's honesty. The Canadian was right and it was her own dumb fault for saying stupid things while embarrassed.
Shandi frowned and noted that the boys had both stopped talking and were staring ahead after Lauren with concerned expressions.
"What happened?" Adrien asked, looking about ready to bound forward to catch up with her.
"Me an' my big mouth." The Canadian said bluntly. "It's been getting me in a lot of trouble lately... excuse me."
The dark girl bounded forward then and once more fell into step alongside the older girl, looking down at her with a deeply apologetic expression while they talked.
"I don't understand those two." Adrien said with a confused expression.
"Pft. If you're confused then there's no hope for me." Demetrio teased, but the statement was every bit true. "They're so... hard to understand but..."
"But that's what draws you in." Adrien finished for him. "Funny how that works isn't it?"
Demetrio smiled faintly, his hands in the back pockets of his jeans as he starred ahead at the girls thoughtfully.
"I dune if I'd say funny." He replied playfully. "Maddening is more like it... but you're right, I'm hooked."
Adrien's own smile was a mixture of bemusement and comprehension as he continued to watch the girls.
"Much as I hate to admit it." The brunette replied softly. "You're not the only one."
Up ahead, totally oblivious to the conversation behind them, the girls talked quietly among themselves.
"Lola..." Shandi cooed softly, trying desperately to get through to the girl beside her. She was so bad at this sort of thing. "Look, I-... I'm sorry okay? Damn it, this is the second time today... I didn't mean to... I duno... upset you or whatever, just... try and practice what you preach, hey? Make the most of this; be happy... I swear I didn't mean anything by what I said... again... me and my big mouth..."
"Shandi...will you stop trying to apologize for five seconds?" Lauren looked up at her.
Shandi opened her mouth but closed it a moment later before looking forward and reaching behind to stick her hands into her back pockets, unaware she was mimicking a certain blonde a little ways behind her.
"Okay..." She replied gently. "So, talk. What's on your mind? What can I do to help? What will make you feel better?"
Lauren sighed. "I'm fine now. Just had to walk away so I could get some air. Look, you were right. I tend to say stupid things when I get embarrassed. I'm not mad. Just upset at myself for being stupid. In case Alicia hasn't told you, I'm very hard on myself. I get angry when I do something stupid, especially in front of a guy, which results in me putting myself down. All I need was a few seconds to take a deep breath and calm my thoughts. But what you said...thank you for being blunt or else I'd still be in a funk right about now."
Shandi grinned sheepishly.
"Hey, blunt and sarcasm are what I do best!"
Lauren laughed. "Well at least you kept me from being emo around a certain hot European."
She pouted. "I can't believe I actually thought it was because I was staring at him and not the scenery...I'm such a dork."
Shandi laughed heartedly at that.
"I thought that was the cutest thing ever!" She replied honestly. "And I know Adrien did too! The way he looked at you after that! Aweee."
The Canadian reached out to playfully pinch the shorter girl's cheek.
"You so cuuute!" She cooed teasingly.
"Shandi, stop it!" Lauren tried to bat away the girl's hand only to end up laughing.
Shandi laughed too and gestured over her shoulder at the boys.
"So, think you're ready to let 'em catch up to us again?... They looked kinda worried."
Lauren stopped, turning around to see the two Europeans walking a ways behind. "Hey boys...c'mon, everything is okay now!"
The boys stopped for a moment as well and blinked at the girls. After a moment or two, however, they both laughed and jogged to catch up to them. Shandi linked her arm through Demetrio's again, causing him to move a little closer to her and Adrien held his arm out to Lauren again expectantly.
Lauren took it, leaning into him, wanting to be closer.
Adrien smiled and squeezed her hand gently. Feeling eyes on him he looked up and over the girls' heads at Demetrio, who was grinning widely at him. The brunette gave him a warning expression but when the blonde merely cooed at him silently, Adrien's own face split into a grin as he shook his head and looked away from his best.
"So, are we almost there yet?" Shandi asked, trying to hide her weariness. She liked walking but she was getting a little bored, which didn't normally take much.
Demetrio laughed lightly and lifted his free hand to point.
"Yes we are. Look, it's right there just ahead of us."
Lauren lifted her head up, letting out a small excited giggling fit. Adrien turned to look at her. The petite girl stopped, giving him an embarrassed smile.
"Sorry...I...I'm excited."
Adrien's eyes danced with laughter as he starred down at the girl, making her heart sink a little; Shandi had been wrong. He liked her because she made him laugh; not with her but at her.
"Mon Dieu!" The brunette said with a hearty laugh. "You are absolutely the most adorable thing I've ever seen!"
"Heh, yeah..." Lauren looks away, embarrassed still. Forget that last thought...
The Trevi Fountain loomed in front of them along with the immense crowd surrounding it. Fellow citizens of Rome and tourists all flocked together to get a view of the fabled fountain.
A small gasp escaped the Canadian as she stopped suddenly, causing the others to stop too.
"Wooow..." She cooed in amazement.
"I told you." Lauren laughed, taking her hand. "C'mon, we have to go make a wish. If we don't, we'll regret it for the rest of our lives."
The older girl dragged Shandi closer to the fountain.
Pretty water sparkling with thousands of coins starred at the American and the Canadian, begging for another deposit of wishes.
Shandi pulled her purse to her front and unzipped it, immediately rifling through it for her change purse. Lauren knelt down and placed hers on the edge of the fountain, a little more careful as she shuffled through her purse as well.
Withdrawing her wallet with triumphant expression, Shandi opened it and paused, starring at the coins inside. After a slight hesitation, she cautiously drew out three coins and held them in her hand to stare at them.
* Lauren also pulled out three coins. She looks up at Shandi who looks down at her.
"You going to do three coins?"
"Are you?"
"You didn't answer my question."
The two girls had a staring contest. Lauren sighed, zipping up her bag before standing up. Shandi stared at her three coins, closing her hand as Lauren turned to look. Neither girl looked like they wanted to admit how many they had.
Shandi sighed, uncurled her fingers again and removed one coin from her hand, getting ready to toss when a voice beside her made her jump.
"Only two?"
Blue-green eyes turned to see Demetrio starring at her with a small smile, his hands still in his pockets.
"No..." The Canadian said softly. And with that she threw forward the hand with only a single coin and both watched as it fell into the water a ways off with a faint 'plop'.
Demetrio starred at the place the coin had disappeared to for a very long time before looking back to see the girl awkwardly slipping the two remaining coins into her pocket.
"Well, I gotta admit, that was unexpected." He said teasingly, though there was a strange hitch to his voice. "You don't want a new romance? Someone waiting for you back home?"
Shandi smiled a little in spite of herself.
"No, no one waiting for me, and... I'm not so sure I want any new romances right now either but... I do really wanna come back to Italy again someday so..."
Okay so, that was only half true. Of course she wanted to come back to Italy but she also wanted a new romance too. Although, she'd meant what she said to the girls as well; she didn't want a fleeting fling that would only end in distance and heartache. This time she planned to save herself that kind of hurt.
Demetrio starred at the fountain, this time much longer then before and so much so that it made his companion shift uneasily. Finally his gaze shifted to his own reflection before moving to stare at hers. "Heartbreak is a nasty thing."
Shandi started a little in surprise and turned to look up at the blonde with a slightly shocked expression.
"What?" She asked with slightly wide eyes. She was grateful for her dark shades but when the blonde looked back to her again she got the impression of him seeing right through them and the thought made her greatly uneasy.
"You don't come to wish at the fountain and not want to wish for romance. You've either already experienced heartbreak or you're avoiding it."
The Canadian could feel her stomach knotting sickeningly and turned away from the blonde again. She was so not having this conversation with him. Was this almost complete stranger seriously asking her about her love life? And none too gently either!
"I- I-..." The Canadian frowned. "That's a little personal, don't you think? I mean, I only met you yesterday and you're asking me about my love life? And why should it matter to you? It's just a silly story isn't it? I played along and sure I wanna believe it but... why should it matter to you how many wishes I make?"
The girl turned around and starred absently at the people behind her then, trying to slow her breathing and desperately pull herself together. What was all that about!
"Besides..." She whispered again. "It's selfish to ask for so much... Re-visit, romance and... marriage? That's a lot of free things to ask for. I'd rather take my wishes in small doses... better chances of them coming true then."
"Shandi."
"What?"
"You know, most women just tell me it's none of my business." Demetrio was taken aback by what the young woman had said. All he did was ask an innocent question, right?
Shandi clenched her teeth and closed her eyes, cursing herself colorfully in her head. Just what the hell was wrong with her?
"I'm sorry..." She sighed miserably, reaching up then to push up her sunglasses enough to rub the bridge of her nose wearily. "I... didn't mean to snap at you. God, you must think I'm an absolute nutcasel! ... It was a simple question just.. not one I'm really ready to answer... I'm nothing special and my past is no more tragic then the average, love-sick girls. But.. I duno, I guess it's true what that say; to each his own, right?"
She sighed at that.
"That doesn't really make sense but-"
"Shandi." Demetrio interrupted, placing a hand on her shoulder. "It's alright..."
The Canadian sighed silently and turned to look up at the blonde again.
"I'm such a tool." She said, forcing a wide smile. "I'd say you'll get used to it but... you probably won't. Ever. So, all I can say is, ignore my frequent relapses as best you can because unfortunately, they happen quite often."
The Canadian turned back to the fountain only to feel herself slip on some water that had escaped onto the ground. She gasped, dreading the fall, but her head turned to Demetrio as he reflexively snagged her waist and turned her back around to face him, still holding her. She tried to wiggle away but the blonde tightened his grip and leaned down into her face slightly with a tender expression.
"Regarding your previous statement; it's alright...I think I'm... beginning to get used to your frequent relapses."
Blue-Green eyes widened considerably as she starred at Demetrio's chest. Surely he didn't mean that, how could he? But just then, she was willing to pretend that he did. What harm would it do for a little while? It would make her happy and wasn't that what she'd promised the girls to be? So, relaxing and releasing a deep breath, the Canadian closed her eyes and cautiously slipped her arms around the blonde, resting her head against his chest. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, she really needed this. Demetrio smiled lightly and closed his eyes, resting his chin atop ebony locks and hoping to hell his traitorous heart wasn't as loud in his companion's ears as it was in his.
From a short distance away, Lauren was still starring at the coins in her hand, ignoring the scene behind her as she contemplated.
"I never realized wish making was such a tricky business."
The American looked up and blinked to see Adrien standing beside her with another slightly amused expression - Oh how she loved those laughing eyes.
Then again, she did see the expression that Shandi had earlier. Did he find her amusing in a good way or a bad way? It wouldn't be the first time a guy made fun of her awkward, odd behavior. The brunette stared down at the coins. She rolled her eyes. She might as well go all out.
"Just so you know, rumor has it that several famous couples cast three coins into this fountain a long time ago and they're all still happily married." Adrien spoke casually as if he were merely giving her a forecast of the following day. "Just something I heard anyway."
"I'm sure they are." Lauren turned around, making a wish silently to herself before tossing all three coins into the fountain.
A wide grin split Adrien's face as he watched the coins splash into the water and slowly flutter to the bottom.
He starred for a few moments longer once the coins had settled before turning to Lauren with a tender smile.
"I hope your wish comes true." He whispered softly.
"Hopefully." Lauren turned, staring at the water. "Maybe..."
Adrien reached out and took the other brunette's hand in his, causing her to look up at him.
"Three." He mused thoughtfully, starring down into her face. "Do you have someone waiting for you back home? Someone you were thinking about when you tossed? Or are you just hoping for a happy ending eventually?"
Seeing the slightly unsure look on Lauren's face, the brunette's smile softened.
"I'm just curious." He said gently. "Feel free to tell me it's none of my business."
"It's...no, I don't have anyone back home. Wasn't thinking about anyone in particular and I'll cry tears of joy if I do end up with a happy ending." Lauren sighed. "Though I gave up on that idea a long time ago."
She looked at him. "I bet you find this all very amusing."
"I do." Adrien replied simply, causing Lauren's heart to clench painfully. But the taller brunette's smile simply widened and he reached up to gently brush the backs of his fingers along her cheek while the hand cupping hers gently caressed the back of her hand with a thumb. "I find it terribly amusing that someone as beautiful as you are doesn't realize it. It's so strange and yet a very refreshing concept for me. Most girls around here and in Paris are very... self-confident, at least the ones I come in contact with. And in many cases they have nothing to be confident about. So to find someone who's as... timid and unsure of themselves as you are, when you have no right to be..."
The brunette's smile widened again as he brushed her cheek again.
"Yes, it's very amusing. Amusing and bewildering."
Lauren felt her heart clench then respond with a couple of extra beats. She wanted to push him away, call him insane. But she couldn't move. Her face warmed to his touch, it sent shivers down her spine. "You...you have to be insane to find this amusing in a good way..."
Adrien finally laughed and released her. To her surprise, he wrapped his arms around Lauren and moved to hug her - not pull her to him like most people would have. No, he came to her.
"That's one way to put it!" The Frenchman said with a laugh.
"You are so strange..." Lauren rolled her eyes as she let him hug her. She couldn't help but take a breath of his scent.
"I've never been told that before." Adrien said thoughtfully, a smile still on his face. "But I'll take it as a compliment nonetheless."
He pulled back slightly, still holding her and starred down at her with a tender expression.
"Did you enjoy yourself so far, Lauren?" He asked gently. "And, do you feel better now?"
"Yes," Lauren looked shyly away. "And a little..."
"Good." Adrien replied simply. He gave the girl another light squeeze before pulling away from her and taking her hand again. He then looked over at the pair a short distance away who were both sitting on the lip of the fountain now engaged in light conversation.
"Demetrio, I think we should move on, no? It's getting a little late and we've still got places to go."
Demetrio paused in his conversation with Shandi and looked up at the brunettes.
"We-? Oh, yes, we do don't we?"
The blonde stood up and offered a hand to Shandi and to everyone's surprise she took it this time as she stood beside him.
"Where are we going now?" Lauren asked curiously.
"Tiber Island!" Demetrio said cheerfully, happy to see both girls' faces light up.
"Ooo! Okay!" Shandi cheered enthusiastically. "Tiber Island, here we come!"