{Good morning, Angel. Sleep well?'
Skyla smiled at the text from Brandon. She'd barely rolled over in bed and she was already having the best day ever.
'Good morning, Demon. I slept well, thanks}
{Working today?'
'I was given time off, unfortunately} she replied, remembering that Daniel had asked her to get herself sorted out before going back. She thought about calling him for a shift, but decided against it.
{I'm getting ready for work now. I'll text you later'
Putting her phone down on the nightstand, Skyla's hand brushed something cold. Instinctively pulling back, she looked over and saw the bracelet. There was frost all around it. 'It must have gotten colder over night. What the hell is that thing?'
Reaching out a hand, she rubbed against the cold accessory before standing up. Trying to come up with something to do that day, she opened her curtains to check the weather. What she saw was a frost covered window.
"..." she stared for a long minute before closing the curtain again. Staring down at her hands, still gripping the curtains, she thought about where to go from there.
Looking back up, she opened the curtains once more. The frost was already thawing and she nodded to herself, making up her mind. Hurrying back to the nightstand, she grabbed a notepad and a pencil from the drawer and quickly wrote a message.
Grabbing the bracelet Skyla went back to the window and put the bracelet down, the note sticking up inside it so it could be read from the outside.
Lauren was in the couch when she got downstairs, "Good morning" they greeted each other. Accepting the juice Lauren had poured for her, Sky sat at the table.
"I thought you said that guy was a rival or something?" the red head asked after a while, sitting down across from her house-mate.
"Brandon? Well, he was. Still is; on work hours." she tried to explain.
"Oh. And you two are... dating?" Lauren asked, and sky nearly choked on her juice, "Not official yet, huh?" Skyla shook her head in response, "Sorry about that. Jack and I are... The same, I think."
Looking over at her friend, Skyla's face saddened, "Oh, Lau. He's totally old-fashioned, I'm sure he doesn't even know what 'official' means!" she lied. 'of course he knows. Like with the ribbons or the laptop. He knows this stuff, I'm sure of it'
Shaking her head, Lauren looked straight into Skyla's grey eyes, "You would tell me right? If you knew anything"
"...About what?"
"Anything, Sky!" she stressed
"Yeah, of course I would." she lied, again.
Nodding her acceptance, Lauren finally smiled, "Sorry. I was worried. It's great having him back and all but, he doesn't seem very focused when we're together, you know? I could say anything, and he would only half listen. Hey," she added, "You two got along great, right?"
"well we-" Sky tried to explain before being cut off.
"It used to be all about fun but now my idea of fun has changed a bit, right? How do I get him to open up and relax without, say, a snowball fight in the middle of Summer?"
"..." taking her time thinking, Skyla sipped her drink 'I thought today was going to be about me?' she repressed a sigh, knowing she would always help her friend. "Lau, maybe that's the thing. Take him out someplace. Hell, just to the back yard! Let him freeze things, and ask him questions. Questions about him," she added before Lauren could ask.
"...Just let him freeze things? Really?"
"Yeah. Let him be absorbed by his element. tT will relax him, and he'll have fun, too." she smiled confidently.
"Thanks, Sky. Now that I'm dealt with," she winked, "What about your guy? Can I help in any way?"
"No, I think we're fine" she grinned, shaking her head slightly.
Lauren giggled and exclaimed, "I'm so happy for you! We should double date!"
"..." Skyla's smile faltered, "Lau. Jack's invisible to him."
"Oh... Right. Then maybe we'll just-"
"no, it's fine. I can handle him" she laughed and they talked a while longer, neither having anything better to do.
Brandon eventually texted her, asking if she was interested in dinner that night. He agreed to drive, and she agreed not to mess with his radio again.
"Lau," Sky started, grabbing the red heads attention, "I think I have a date tonight!"
Nodding, Lauren commented, "By the end of the date, you two will be official, for sure."
Looking at her, shocked, Skyla said nothing.
Thinking for a moment her house-mate asked, "What was with Jack yesterday? Does he have something against Brandon?"
"...I don't know. Seems like it, huh?" shaking her head, Skyla assured her friend, "He's just protective, I think. But how would I know what's going on in his mind?" she laughed softly.
"True"
"There's nothing you need to worry about, Lau. Really"
Skyla finally made it up to her room. Making sure the note was still at the window, she sat on her bed and grabbed her headphones.
'If I think too much about it, I'll only stress myself out. Some music would calm me down, for sure."
And so she chose a playlist and fell back, feet against the pillows and arms out, just bent so they didn't go over the edge. It was a comfortable position for her.
Eventually, Brandon sent a text saying he was on his way. A small panic set in and Sky hurried to get changed into the clothes she'd picked out. Her best jeans and a tan-colored v-neck with 3/4 sleeves. Checking her image out in the mirror one last time, she grabbed her purse and hurried down the stairs to find Lauren.
"Hey, Lau?" she called, "I'm heading out soon and-" stepping into the living room, she saw Jack there, "Oh."
Turning to her, he grinned, "Going somewhere, Sky?"
"Umm... Sort of. Where's Lau?"
Gesturing to the kitchen he looked her up and down and commented, "Something's missing."
'The bracelet!' "Lau," she called, stepping backwards out of the living room, "I'm leaving!" Without another word, she ran to the door and put her shoes on. Lauren called something back to her, but she wasn't listening.
Opening the door, she glanced back into the house and saw Jack watching her. His hand held a tight grip on his staff, but his face was otherwise expressionless. Closing the door behind her, Skyla just stood on the porch. 'Hopefully he'll see the note tonight.'
Brandon pulled into the driveway and she smiled. Hopping in, she said, "So, do you have a plan this time?"
"If you can believe it; I do." he chuckled. When Sky had her seat-belt on, he backed up into the street and drove off.
"..." Resisting the urge to touch the dials on the car's radio, Skyla fiddled with her phone. 'He did this on purpose' it was on some station she'd never heard of. All-talk, as far as she could tell. Slumping against the seat, she sighed.
Hearing Brandon laugh, she turned to glare at him. He was holding up a CD, though, and she smiled instead. Taking it from him, she put it in. As soon as it was started up, she heard what was probably one of her favorite songs.
"You really think I would make you listen to all-talk radio?" he smirked, "It might surprise you to know this, but I'm not that mean."
Looking back at him, Skyla reached over and held his hand for a moment, "thanks." Letting go, she relaxed into her seat. Keeping up small conversation, it was a good 15 minutes until Brandon pulled into a parking space outside- "Dark Roast? Are you serious?"
Pushing her mouth shut, he grinned, "What? I told you I have a plan."
Shocked, she didn't move. When Brandon came around to her side and opened the door she stressed, "Seriously? Is this even okay?"
Reaching over and undoing her seat-belt, he assured her, "It's okay, Skyla. Boss okay-ed it and everything. Hope you're okay with sandwiches, though. We're not as creative with food as you are at the Nephilim. Don't tell my boss," he added.
Stepping out of the car and following him in, Skyla debated whether she should stick close or keep a distance between them. Opting for something in between, she walked just close enough for their arms to brush every couple of steps.
Outside, Dark Roast looks smaller than the Nephilim but more successful with a classier sign and semi-tinted windows. Inside; it's pretty much the same. It's a mirrored, though more expensive, version of the Nephilim. And, in actuality, it's larger. The windows are what makes it look smaller from the outside. They don't cover the entire front wall of the coffee shop.
More popular than the Nephilim at any time of day, most tables were taken and what employees she could see were kept busy. The owner, though she'd been told he was around, was no where in sight. They'd met before, but only once when Daniel had crossed a line somewhere, and had had to be set straight.
"..." Skyla had never actually been inside Dark Roast. Daniel had warned her against it saying exaggerated things like that they would 'corrupt her'. It was ridiculous, she knew.
"Well, Angel." Bandon said, leading her to a table off to one side, "Welcome to Dark Roast."
Smiling, she sat at the table he'd picked out. There were already drinks set out and a small flower in the center. Looking around, she noticed none of the other tables had anything on them other than small menus.
"Now I'm really in trouble, aren't I?"she joked, "I've come far into the Demon's lair."
He grinned, "Spend too long in here and you'll never want to leave."
"Don't get your hopes up."
A few minutes later, some plates were placed on the table. Sandwiches, like he'd said. Skyla looked up and saw Josh, the owner, smiling down at her. "So this is Angel. How great that you've finally graced Dark Roast with a visit."
"Thanks for... Having me?" she laughed nervously.
patting her on the back, Josh chuckled, "Hey, don't worry about it. I'm just here to let you know you have my blessing. He's been smiling more, you know. You should have seen him today whe-"
Brandon coughed, getting his bosses attention, "She really doesn't need to know that. Thanks for bringing the food, we're fine now."
Putting his hands up, Josh walked away.
"I kind of wanted to hear the story" Skyla pouted.
"It was nothing. Food look okay?"
"Oh, I don't know. I'm not used to such fancy feasts" she mocked. Brandon grinned and they began eating. 'Not bad, actually.'
They kept up the conversation between bites, laughing and enjoying each others company. Skyla was having fun and it seemed like Brandon was, too.
In such short time of being able to hang out openly they'd become even closer. Being close before was from simply understanding each other. Having personas to play at, those sorts of things happen. You get to know who someone likes to be, and how they like to be seen. Are they smart? Creative? Do they have any passions? All things that you can learn before you meet the person behind the mask.
And that's how it was with them. They knew each other before they even officially met; 'Demon' had been on a good will mission to deliver the offer of a temporary truce between the Nephilim and Dark Roast. He met 'Angel' and as soon as he saw her, he'd known how his character would react to hers.
Skyla, as Angel, had been different. IT was a silly feud that she only took on as another job requirement. But she caught on quickly to what he was trying for, and soon enough they, too, were rivals.
When he slipped her his phone number, she had no idea what to think. She took the chance, though, and texted him the same night. It started slow, with some jokes and a couple of questions.
'Demon' showed up a few more times. He was the messenger between the competing cafes. Some times he showed up when Daniel wasn't around and insisted on waiting until he got there. Those were the times when 'Demon' and 'Angel' really played their parts.
Brandon asked her to hang out eventually and, eventually, Skyla had agreed. From there on, they got closer and learnt more about each other; Both their natural selves and their alternates.
They would always have each other, that was certain.
After Josh had taken the plates away, the two just sat and talked for a long while. Things happened beyond their table. People came and went, tables were served and then cleared. Fresh coffee was made. They were oblivious to it all.
They were together, and that was all that mattered.
Then Brandon was holding her hands across the table, and his brown eyes were staring into her cheerful grey ones, "Hey, Sky? Can I ask you something?"
"Yes, of course!" she replied. He looked thoughtful a moment, trying to think of the words. Skyla watched him, a nervous lump building in her throat.
Breathing out and quickly back in he confessed, "Skyla, I like you. I really do. Please. Will you give me a chance and be my girlfriend?"
Shocked, Skyla's eyes went wide, and her heart skipped a beat. Looking around for the first time in a while, she noticed the onlookers. Some of which were employees. Even Josh was watching with an encouraging smile.
Looking back at the blonde across the table, she saw the hope in his eyes. Smiling brightly, she nodded and quickly answered, "Yes! Yes, yes, yes!"
Brandon got out of his seat and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug, "Really? You have no idea how much I was freaking out!" Laughing, Skyla hugged him back as the small crowd cheered.
A minute later, Brandon scolded them, "Hey, some privacy please?" and they slowly dispersed, some saying their congratulations over again.
When the crowd had almost cleared, he took Sky's hand and they rushed out the door. The sun was still out, and it cast a warm glow over everything "Wow, are they always that excited?" she asked.
"No, never," he responded, "It's not every day I ask someone out, you know."
"It isn't?" she joked, climbing into Brandon's car, "I thought Demon was much more of a ladies' man than that. You're telling me I'm the only one?"
"You, Angel, are the only one for me." he responded easily, and she blushed.
"Tha-That's good to know." letting out a sigh of relief, Skyla watched him as he pulled the car away from the curb. On the way back to the house, she kept glancing at him and smiling. She was sure he noticed, but he didn't say anything.
'He looks so happy!' she thought to herself repeatedly, 'Is that really because of me?'
Stopping in the driveway, Brandon turned the car off, "Mind if I walk you to the door?" Skyla shook her head and grabbed her purse. Before she could reach for the handle, he was there opening the door for her.
The smile never left her face.
"..." reaching the door, Skyla turned to him, "Text me in the morning, okay? I would say later, but Lauren's not going to give me a minute to spare."
Nodding, he hugged her. "Thanks, Skyla."
Not knowing what to say, she let go. Brandon looked confused a moment, then her lips were on his and he was holding her. It was sweet, and happy, and perfect.
Not wanting it to end, she put her arms around his neck and held him close, too. Brandon pressed his lips harder against hers for a moment before pulling back and smiling at her. Catching his breath, he rubbed a thumb against her lips, "You're amazing. Everything about you is-"
"Amazing?" she finished for him, returning his smile, "I know how you feel."
"I'm glad you do." he pecked her lips once more, "Don't you have a show tomorrow?"
"You heard? Yeah, it's tomorrow. Same time as the usual entertainment."
"You're not the usual entertainment." As he started to walk away, they held each others hands until he'd gotten too far and they slipped apart, "Goodnight, Skyla."
"Goodnight, Brandon."
Closing the door behind her, Skyla leaned against it until she heard his car start up and drive away. Then she called out, "Lau? I'm home!"
"Welcome back! Come in here and tell me all about it!"
When she walked into the living room, Lauren was painting her toe nails. Collapsing onto one of the arm chairs facing her house-mate, Skyla put her purse down beside her and waited for Lauren to ask her a question. Any question.
The red head barely looked up from her toes and asked, "It went well, I see."
And that was all it took. For the next half hour they giggled about how well it had gone and how, after so long, she and Brandon were together.
"Oh, Sky, that's way better than anything 'rolo-guy' ever did for you!"
Rolling her eyes, Skyla finally asked, "How'd things go with Jack? I want to hear about you two now!"
IF it was possible, Lauren's smile got even brighter, "It worked! All your advice, it worked! Well," she added, tilting her head, "until he flew up by your window. Something there he wasn't supposed to see?"
'The note!' she exclaimed internally. "What would there be in- Oh." she said dramatically, drawing the red heads attention fully, "I might have left my laptop open" she lied.
It had the desired effect and Lauren burst out laughing, not asking anymore. Instead she went on about how much fun she and the spirit had had. She'd done as Skyla had suggested and took him out to the backyard to freeze the small plants growing there, "He was so relaxed! You were right about the element thing."
Happily watching her friend go on about Jack Frost, Skyla's mind wandered. This wasn't the first time she'd done the same thing. Watched as Lauren smiled and laughed while talking about him. The love she had for Jack was always plain on her face at times like that.
She wondered if Jack would look like that while talking about Lauren. If he looked like that while telling Bunnymund about her. What sort of things he said, what sort of memories he included.
If he could look so much in love.
The first time Skyla met him, he was desperate to have Lauren back. What had changed? What could have changed so much that his passion was lessened? Was he still trying, she wondered. They hadn't really talked since the day Lauren's eyes were opened.
'I sort of miss him'
Shaking the thought away, Skyla focused back on the red head in front of her in time to hear her mention that it was getting late. Sky hadn't noticed the time passing so quickly, but looked at the clock and nodded.
Lauren got up first, wriggling her newly colored toes in admiration before saying goodnight and leaving the room.
She'd left a mess behind, knowing full well that Skyla wouldn't mind cleaning it up. She knew how such 'little distractions' meant a lot to her.
Taking her time, Skyla went over all the things she meant to say to Jack. Everything she knew she should ask. 'If I should be so lucky.' she thought, knowing things didn't always go so well when it came to the Guardian of Fun and a 'serious conversation'.
Eventually making it to her door she though, 'Maybe it will be freezing, like the first time he showed up in here. Hopefully my chair is okay'
Turning the doorknob, SKyla opened the door slowly. The cold she'd been expecting wasn't there and she walked inside. Shutting the door behind her and looking all around the room for a sign of him, frustration kicked in.
Then she looked towards the window. The bracelet was gone, but the note still remained. 'No, wait' walking closer, she saw it wasn't the same note.
Her's had said 'we need to talk'. On this one was scrawled,
'Wait for me'
NOTES:
Sorry for always posting in the middle of the night
It's just how it works out.
Like I said; it's the middle of the night
So I'm not entirely coherent
Goodnight
Thanks for reading
Review, review, review!
Love y'all *hearts*
