The Hostile Hookup
Gawd! I finally did it!!! Chapter ten is up! So sorry it took forever! At first I just wasn't in the mood for writting and then when I was in the mood my cousins popped in from out of town to visit (And I can't get any work done with them around)! And then soon after we left on vacation and just got back like last weekened. So I've been typing like crazy to get this thing posted before the month was up. Though I don't think I'll be able to give you guys two chaps by the months end. Again sorry!
Though this may be the longest chap yet. I almost decided to break it in half like I did for the homecoming party (It would make to give two chaps any way) But I decided I didn't want to do that. So if it's any consolation you guys are getting a decent sized chap out of this.
I'll make it up next month.
Enjoy!
A Day of Mischief
"You know what," Asked Ariel through a mouthful of chips, "I really don't care what anybody else says, I think Cody is kinda cute."
Jasmine looked up to blonde, a fleeting smile on her lips, "Really?"
Ariel nodded, "In a geeky sorta way, yeah."
Jasmine watched the other girl closely before looking back to the large flat screen TV that was placed before them, "Would you go out with him?"
The TV portrayed a scene of Cody in a poor and failing attempt at asking out Gwen, the goth girl looking more irritated with each resounding 'no'.
"I said he was cute," Said Ariel, "But as far as dating him goes ehhh…" She made an unsure movement with her hand.
Jasmine reached a hand over to take some chips for her own from the bowl that Ariel held in her lap, "I'd go out with him." She said simply with a light shrug of her shoulders.
Ariel looked to the other girl a light smile slowly making its way on her lips, "You would?" Jasmine made a small yet agreeable sound, "I thought you said you liked Geoff." Argued the other girl.
Jasmine heaved a loud and dramatic sigh before saying, "Yes I do but, alas, he's fallen for…," She paused for effect, "Another woman!"
Ariel grinned as Jasmine stuffed the handful of chips into her mouth, "You're so stupid."
Jasmine tried to keep a straight face but couldn't deny the wavery smile that soon made its way onto her face.
"You just want him because I want him." continued Ariel.
Jasmine made sure to swallow before answering, "I've always had a crush on Cody. And you just said you wouldn't date him so, I'm only saying that, since you seem to think you're too good for him I would have no problem taking him off your hands."
Ariel blinked before looking back to the screen, a slight pout making its way on her features. Then after a moment's time and quiet bluntly she turned back to the brunette to snap,
"Well you can't have him!"
At this Jasmine couldn't help but beak down into laughter, "Oh my god Ariel, I was only kidding!" Her laughter increase as she taunted, "We don't even know him you dork!"
Ariel in turn also began to laugh as she reached over to give Jasmine a shove, "Shut up!"
Their playful shoving and banter continued on as the two sat on the couch in Heather's large living room, the television playing old Total Drama Island reruns still playing in the background.
Making her way down the stairs Heather looked up to the loud laughter of her friends playful fighting on the couch.
Once descended she asked in an annoyed tone, "Do you think, perhaps, it would be possible for you two to act your age for about five minutes?"
Still laughing the two looked over to Heather watching as she claimed her purse from where she had left it on the couch side table.
The dark haired girl wore simple white tank top with the words Coca-Cola in red going across the chest only half concealed by a dark blue wool zip up hoodie, jean pants, and black boots.
Still giggling Jasmine asked, "Is that what you're wearing?"
Blinking Heather lowered her silver eyes down to her outfit asking, "Yeah, why?"
Smiling good naturedly Jasmine said, "Well…it's a little plain huh."
She returned her gaze back to Jasmine, "Really? You think?"
Jasmine nodded her head superiorly, while Ariel gave a light shrug not really a fan of contradicting Heather on any matter but seeing as how she didn't seem to be in to bad a mood she said,
"It does seem a little…drab."
Heather looked thoughtful for a moment before breaking out in a healthy smile, "Perfect!" she said happily.
Jasmine gave Heather a deadpanned look while Ariel gave her head a slight tilt in confusion, "Perfect?"
Smile still in place Heather gave an uncaring shrug saying, "It's not like I have any real reason to get dressed up today."
"Aren't you about to go on your date with-?"
"It's not a date!" Snapped the bossy girl angrily.
Ariel flinched back with a start, "Oh, it's…not?" In all the months that Duncan and Heather had been going out she had never once known them to go on a date. As a matter of fact the closest thing that Ariel had ever seen of them showing affection was when they argued about some minuscule thing or another. And if it weren't for the occasional rumors that floated around school, one wouldn't even peg them as a couple. The newest one being about the two getting caught in a teachers class doing some very amorous activity.
Ariel furrowed her brow, "So then…what is it?"
"I'm…," Heather took on another thoughtful look before replying carelessly, "Helping him with some errands."
Ariel nodded slowly but said no more though Jasmine gave an unconvinced scoff. Heather shot her a glare,
"You got something to say to me?"
Giving Heather a dull look Jasmine said, "This little game your playing with yourself is getting a bit old don't you think?" Then with a sly smile appearing on her face she said, "You should wear that tube top that shows of your midsection. I bet Duncan would appreciate that."
Heather looked away from the other girl with a noticeable scowl and blush, "No way!" Before adding in an almost inaudible mumble, "As if I need to give that idiot anymore reason to assault me."
Jasmine blinked, "What?"
Heather fumed, "Nothing. Anyway it's to cold to wear stuff like that."
"Only at night." Jasmine reasoned, "It's only slightly chilly during the day."
"I'm with Heather." Ariel said before giving an almost regrettable sigh, "It's to cold to be cute."
Heather gave an agreeable nod opening her mouth to add on the conversation before pausing as an annoying degradable voice reached her eyes. A voice she could have gone a lifetime without ever hearing again,
"This ought to do the trick; it's a handmade fire starter I made from tree sap and sage."
Heather then looked to the TV just in time to find an insanely grinning Izzy,
"Stand back you guys, this... is gonna be big."
Heather watched as Owen and Leshawna, along with her and Trent back off in slight fear just before the crazy red head threw the ball into the fire.
Narrowing her eyes in annoyance Heather scowled as she watched half the island nearly go up in flames.
"Seriously? Why are you guys watching this again?"
The two girls also returned their attention back to the screen. Jasmine said, "They're doing another marathon. All the episodes from start to finish."
Jasmine turned back to Heather with an amused grin, "Bringing back any memories?"
Heather glared at her, "Only the ones I wish to forget so, um…yeah all of them."
Moving in front of the TV Heather snatched up the remote which was placed against their coffee table before effectively turning the show off.
"I do not wanna see this on again. It's bad enough that I was there."
Raising her hands up in peace Ariel said, "Alright, sorry Heather!" She then stood up with the bowl of chips, "What do you want me to do with this?"
Bringing her hand up to rub irritably at her forehead she said, "Just leave it here on the table. The maid will get to it later." She then tossed the remote back onto the couch.
"Alright." Said the blonde as she took one more chip before leaving the bowl on the table as told.
Moving around the couch to lean against its backside Heather asked, "So when are you two leaving?"
"Soon as you leave." Said Jasmine also standing to make her way around the couch.
"Are you guys meeting up with Tory and Ashley?"
"Yup!" Said Jasmine, "We're grabbing lunch and then we're going to the movies."
Heather pouted feeling slightly left out before asking, "What movie?"
"The Ugly Truth."
"Hey!" Heather snapped irritably, "I thought we were gonna see that together! Who the hell said you guys could see that without me!?"
Jasmine frowned, "It was your idea to see it this Saturday. I don't know why you chose to go on your date today."
"It wasn't my choice!" Yelled Heather irritably before quickly catching herself and adding on, "And this isn't a date!"
Jasmine raised a brow, "What do you mean it wasn't your choice?"
Heather sighed grudgingly taking her time to answer before saying, "We made a deal that…he'd keep me out of trouble in exchange for me helping him out with something today." She ended in a quick rush hoping Jasmine wouldn't need better explaining than that.
Jasmine stared at Heather with wide and quizzical brown eyes then furrowing her brow she said, "Whaaat? What is wrong with you guys!? I've never heard of a couple needing to make a deal with one another just to go out on a date! Who the hell does that!?"
Heather scowled irritably, "Will you shut up!"
Giving the dark haired girl an incredulous look Jasmine said, "You two have like…the strangest relationship I have ever known!"
Rolling her eyes Heather made to move away from the other girl mumbling, "You have no idea."
"Hey," Called Ariel who had been standing near the window, "Does Duncan drive a red Mustang?"
Heather looked to her, "Yeah." She answered simply.
Ariel smiled, "He's here."
Jasmine grinned, "Then that's our queue to leave."
Heather only gave an annoyed huff.
~*~*~
Duncan's frown deepened as he stepped out of his car to find Heather along with Jasmine and Ariel making their way out the grand house. He moved to lean against the hood of the car as the three girls stood for a moment with their final parting words. He watched as Ariel made to move toward her car and Jasmine (with quite a determined look on her features) telling Heather that she would be sure to call her tonight. Heather only rolled her eyes in exasperation knowing good and well what Jasmine's hot topic for tonight would be.
Heather waved the two girls off and the delinquent watched as the girls entered their car, backed out from the driveway, and pulled off down the road. When he returned his gaze back to Heather she was already making her way toward him.
"You know," Drawled the delinquent once Heather stood before him, "I could have sworn I reminded you yesterday that you were supposed to be helping me out with something today."
"I'm standing right here." Said Heather with a dull though annoyed look.
Duncan smirked, "I really hope you didn't have plans today babe. Far be it from me to feel like I'm imposing."
"Far be it for you to care." Heather retaliated breezily, "But since you seem to be feigning sympathy for the moment, yes, I did have plans." She fumed, "Me and the other girls were going to go out before seeing going to see The Ugly Truth."
Duncan snorted before muttering, "Chick flick."
Heather rolled her eyes, "Whatever." Then pausing she took her time before looking up to the delinquent, "Sooo?" she trailed of in question.
Duncan raised a brow, "Sooo?" He asked in return.
Heather raised a quizzical brow, "What exactly…do you have in mind by errands?"
A slow grin formed on Duncan's face, "It's November." He stated obviously.
Heather waited for a moment obviously expecting more, "And!?" she snapped impatiently.
"Christmas is right around the corner and I don't know how you like to do things, babe, but I like to get my Christmas shopping done before the Holiday rush." He finished with a grin.
Heather stared before giving an indecent scoff, "Yeah right, that's a lie."
He raised a brow.
Heather glowered, "If that were the truth then why not just say that to begin with!?"
"What the hell does it matter?" Duncan asked his grin becoming amused, "An errand is an errand and a deal is a deal. I got two weeks detention while keeping you out of trouble." He stood then towering over the raven haired girl, "You owe me." He stated with finality before moving to open his car door.
Heather scowled but said no more as she moved to the other side of the car.
The day was already looking promising.
~*~*~
Heather watched with uncertain curiosity at the many booths that crowded the streets of busy down town. Duncan drove slowly being careful to mind the people that flooded the streets,
"Where are we?" Heather asked. A nice change to the annoying, 'Are we there yet?' Duncan had been forced to endure for the past hour.
For a moment Duncan considered ignoring her again but in the end he answered with a simple, "Somewhere downtown."
Heather shot him an annoyed look, "I know that! But where in downtown!?" She looked back out the window, "And what is all this?"
"Is that a parking space?" Duncan asked looking ahead to the crowded parking lot.
"Is this where you plan to get your Christmas shopping done!?" Heather cried giving the delinquent an incredulous look.
"Shit." Duncan sneered turning to look out the back window, "I hate parallel parking."
Heather blinked looking around them, "Hey wait a second! What the hell do you think you're doing!?"
Duncan paused to regard the girl warily.
"There's a fire hydrant right there!"
"So!?" He snapped.
"So!? That's against the law! What if there's a fire or something!?"
"What are the odds of that happening!?"
Heather sneered, "Find another spot." She said lowly.
"First of all, there aren't any other spots. Second no one likes a side seat driver." He finished with a smirk.
Heather glared leaning back in her seat and crossing her arms irritably as Duncan backed carefully into the open spot between two cars.
It took him a while to squeeze in just right and by the time he was done Heather was extremely irritant.
"Took you long enough." She grumbled unbuckling her seat belt and making her way out the car.
Duncan shot her a dull glare, "I'd like to see you do better." He muttered.
Heather made sure to be careful not to hit the car door against the red hydrant as she stepped out onto the busy sidewalk. Closing the door behind her she took in the scene of booths that littered the city streets, some big some small and all of them selling things from cell phones to the strangest miscellaneous items she had ever seen.
She stared, "What is this?"
"It's a flea market, here put this on." Heather looked to the delinquent just in time to clumsily catch the trench coat that Duncan had tossed to her.
"A what!? And what the hell is this for!?" She asked holding out the coat for her to examine more properly.
Reaching in his zip up hoodie pocket Duncan pulled out his lighter along with a pack of cigarettes before explaining,
"A flea market and the coats to keep you from getting the chills."
He smiled at the unconvinced glare that Heather shot him, "Cause I'm caring like that."
"Don't need it." Heather said tossing back the coat, "I have a sweater, thanks." She didn't sound very thankful at all.
Coat back in hand Duncan heaved a grudging sigh before saying, "So take it off and put this on." He looked to the purse that hung on her shoulder, "And while you're at it leave your purse in the car."
Heather crossed her arms defiantly before demanding, "What for!?"
Keeping the coat draped over his arm Duncan placed a cigarette between his lips before simply mumbling,
"Cause I said so."
Heather glared as Duncan light up the nicotine stick, looking up to her he smirked, "If you like I could take it off for you."
Ignoring that remark Heather sneered, "How exactly does me wearing that stupid coat help you in any way?"
"Trust me it helps." He said tossing the coat back to her, "And need I remind you that you owe me?"
With a loud and irritable groan Heather pushed her way past the delinquent unzipping her wool sweater reopening the car door the dark haired girl yanked of her sweater before tossing it irritably into the car.
Having placed her purse on the hood of Duncan's car she then angrily began to pull the trench coat over her slim form. Turning back to Duncan she said,
"There, are you happy now!?"
"Very." Duncan smirked as he looked the brooding girl over; finding it almost amusing how the large coat seemed to nearly swallow her whole.
With a roll of her eyes she turned back toward the car to grab her purse but looked back to Duncan when he called out,
"I said leave the purse in the car."
"Why!?"
Breathing out a stream of smoke Duncan explained, "Places like these are magnets for pick pockets and purse snatchers. You'd be better off leaving it here."
Giving a bitter smile, Heather tossed her purse carelessly back into the car, "Oh, well that's just perfect!" She slammed the car door close, "I feel so much better now knowing that-" She paused her face slowly taking on a look of realization.
"Wait a second." She said watching him closely, "When you say pick pockets and purse snatchers…are you talking about yourself?"
"Of course not." Duncan said taking his cigarette between his fingers, "We both know what an outstanding law abiding citizen I am."
Heather glared placing her hands on her hips, "I knew that Christmas shopping crap was nothing but a bunch of BS! Whatever you have brewing in that twisted mind of yours you're on your own!"
Duncan gave an annoyed glare Heather glowered,
"I am not going to jail over some deal, got it!" She stated with finality.
Duncan continued to glare at her before taking one last final drag then throwing it to the ground he then made his way toward the angry girl. Heather lifted her chin up in slight defiance though her glare faltered slightly when Duncan grabbed a firm hold of her arm pushing her back against the side of his car.
"What are you-!?"
"If you want," Duncan replied in a low tone leaning in just barely keeping himself from pushing up against her, "I can come up with another way for you to hold your end of the deal."
Heather looked up to him her silver eyes widening slightly at Duncan's penetrating gaze. For a moment her breath was caught in her throat as a familiar heat made its way across her cheeks.
She watched the conniving smirk that began to curl on Duncan's lips. Ever since the…incident last week he seemed to take it upon himself to exploit his newfound ability to make the usually stone cold girl flustered and nervous. To Heather's greatest disdain it seemed to have become Duncan's newest favorite pastime.
Swallowing thickly she fought down the fluttering in her stomach as she shot him a warning glare.
"Don't make me barf." She muttered coldly before moving sideways stepping from between Duncan and his car.
Duncan's amused smirk grew as Heather then said, "Fine I'll do…this." She shot him another fierce glare, "But I better not get into trouble!"
Duncan moved to make his way into the busy streets being sure to take a light hold of Heather's arm as he did so moving her alongside with him.
"You won't. So long as you don't get caught."
Heather quickly looked up to him and he added, "And that shouldn't be a problem as long as you do what I tell you."
Heather jerked her arm from his grasp, "Which is?" She asked grudgingly.
Duncan grinned, "Just smile and look pretty babe."
Heather felt her brow twitch in annoyance but said nothing more.
~*~*~
She didn't dwell to long on her discontent with the delinquent being easily captivated by the hustle of the busy market place.
Vendors calling out bargains for everything stemming from furniture to toys, canned goods to live chickens, nutrition products to fruits, collectable items to the most strangest clothing Heather had ever seen!
Her distraction caused her to bump into quite a few people and Duncan to call her to attention whenever she strayed too far.
Heather paused to watch two kids run by both holding onto the largest balloons she had ever seen both in shapes of monstrous dragons so big it seemed it would swipe the kids of their feet's at any moment. Subtract ten years from her age and Heather would have killed for something like that!
Her wrist was suddenly grabbed as she found herself being roughly dragged along by Duncan as he said,
"Geez I can't turn around without you getting sidetracked! Quite dragging your feet and come on!"
Heather scowled grabbing a hold of his own wrist ready to pry his grip from her, "Wait a second stupid I was looking at-"
She stopped then as her sight caught hold of a large machine rotating in an oval fashion containing a bright bluish stretchy substance. The machine stood next to a booth crowded with kids as a man stood there selling a wide assortment of candies.
She blinked, "What is that stuff?" She asked her tone slightly bewildered.
Duncan looked down to her before following her gaze to the large machine,
"That's one of those taffy machine things."
"Taffy?" Heather asked curiously, "As in the candy?"
"No, taffy as in the candy." Duncan replied sarcastically and uncaring as he allowed his gaze to roam over the busy streets in search of a particular booth.
Heather shot him a heated glare but before she could say anything Duncan triumphantly said, "There it is!"
It was her turn to follow his gaze to find an exceptionally large booth practically filled with people. As they made their way closer toward it Heather was quick to notice that this booth, unlike the rest, was nearly surrounded by cops standing guard. And when they made their way into the shaded tent Heather found out why, this particular booth sold everything from DVD's to video cameras, Mp3's to Television sets, there was even a small section of laptops. Heather would bet most anything that it was in this particular booth that most thefts took place.
As Duncan released her wrist to brows casually through items she gave him a thoughtful look quite curious to see just how he would go about doing this. And with a slow and devious smile growing on her lips she couldn't help but think how righteous it would be for him to get caught in the act. Serves him right for tormenting her so!
She was brought from her thoughts when Duncan asked her,
"Which one do you like best, Slipknot or Disturbed?"
Heather looked up to find Duncan near a rack of CDs flipping through the rock metal section. She was slightly surprised that he had asked her opinion on the matter.
As if she cared!
Yet still she decided to give her honest opinion.
"Neither, who listens to that crap anyway?"
The corner of Duncan's lip twitched up just slightly, "A lot of people. But let me guess you're more of a Brittany Spears fan right?"
She fumed slightly before admittedly mumbling, "Her new stuff isn't that bad…"
He chuckled, "Knew it."
Placing her hands on her hips Heather gave a slightly annoyed look saying, "If you must know, I'm more into the pop rock genre. Not that insane banging your head screaming crap you listen to."
"Right," Duncan said looking up to quickly scan around them, "And when you say pop rock you mean…?"
"What does it matter?" Heather asked already bored with the topic.
Moving closer to the girl he teased asking, "Hannah Montana?"
Heather's brow creased, "No!"
"Then…?" Duncan trailed off waiting for her to continue.
Heather huffed but wracked her brain for an answer to Duncan's pestering questions, "Well I guess-Hey!?"
"Sshh!" Duncan hissed in a low tone as he pulled Heather closer opening the coat he slipped the few CD's he had picked up into a deep pocket hidden within the coat. "Just keep talking." He muttered lowly being sure to keep his eye on a guard who stood not to far from them.
"What are you doing!?" she hissed back almost fretfully.
He answered with, "Yeah Rihanna's not to bad." Before stuffing another small stack of CD's in the coat.
Heather narrowed her eyes, "Why don't you stuff them in your pockets?"
"Hidden pockets plus their deeper." He whispered referring to the overcoat Heather wore.
"Wait, then why don't you-!?"
"Yeah Justin Timberlake and Pussycat dolls are okay." He continued with the conversation.
Heather scowled, "You suck!"
Duncan smirked, "You'll be less likely checked if anything goes down. Relax."
"But I don't wanna-!"
"Excuse me?" Asked a young man with a friendly smile "Is there anything I can help you two with?"
"No!" Heather quickly said.
"Yeah, actually." Duncan said, "You guys keep cell phones around here?"
"Yeah they're back here." He replied moving to lead the two toward the phones.
Heather shot Duncan a mean glare, "Cell phones!?" she hissed lowly as they followed the employee.
Duncan nodded, "I need to pick up a few a cell phones. You got a problem with that?"
"You're not gonna get out of here with a 'few cell phones'! They keep stuff like that under lock and key!"
Duncan snorted but said no more.
"Here we go." Said the young man as he made his way toward a large glass table that held cell phones in it, "You lookin' for anything specific?"
Duncan raised a brow at the selection, "How much for the Blackberry?"
The man smiled, "Those usually go for about one hundred and forty. I can get you this one for a simple one hundred."
Duncan gave a low whistle, "What else you got?"
Giving a light shrug the man said, "Well if you wanna go cheaper we have the G1. It has the touch screen, mega pixel camera, and digital music storage. In stores this one comes at ninety eight dollars, but I can go as low as," He gave a thoughtful look, "seventy five."
Duncan smiled, "That's not to bad…" He trailed off, "Give me a minute will ya?"
He smiled, "Sure take your time."
Duncan looked to Heather, "Heather weren't you telling me you needed a new Mp3?"
Heather rolled her eyes, "No I don't think I was." She said plainly.
Duncan moved his arm to give her a jabbing shove, Heather scowled at him and he returned it for one of his own.
"Then maybe you were talking about an iPod?" He said shooting her a warning glare.
For a moment Heather regarded him with a dull look before turning back to the sale associate, "Sure whatever, show me your iPods."
He smiled kindly, "Sure thing, follow me."
Heather shot Duncan one last glare before leaving to follow him. Once they were far enough Duncan quickly scanned his surroundings, with it being as crowded as it was came as both an advantage and a disadvantage. On the plus side the coworkers were far to busy to pay him much mind as he leaned against the glass table looking as though he were just admiring the phones. But then again it was all that much easier for him to be spotted and snitched out.
He had to do this quickly and carefully. He discreetly pulled out his pocket knife.
~*~*~
From the other side of the crowded tent Heather only half listened as the sales associate told her about the different iPods and Mp3's they had on display. Her gaze flicking toward the delinquent every now and then though he didn't seem to be doing anything wrong, which only meant he was good at seeming innocent. A required skill for any criminal.
"Heather…? Right?" Asked the boy quickly forcing Heather to look back to him.
"What?" She asked, for the first time giving him her full attention.
He smiled sheepishly at her, "Nothing…It's just," He rubbed an unsure hand behind his neck, "I don't know I feel like I've met you somewhere before…"
Heather raised a brow.
He took on a quizzical look, "Actually…I kinda feel like I've met you're boyfriend somewhere before as well…"
Heather blinked before a look of dawning came across her features. Now any other time Heather would be thrilled with the fact of being recognized as a reality show star. She relished in the exquisite attention and autographing, a most conceited trait. Except this time with more than a few unpaid items stuffed within her coat pockets she was not really looking to gain attention right now.
She gave a slight half shrug, "We must just have those kinds of faces. And he's not my boyfriend."
He gave a light chuckle, "Oh, sorry about that. His loss I guess."
A light smile twitched at the corners of Heather's mouth she asked, "How long have you worked here?"
He raised a brow, "Not long. This job is only seasonal. Why you looking for hire?"
She made a face, "As if I'd ever be caught dead working at a place like this." She gave him a dull look. "No offense."
He gave another chuckle, "None taken."
"I was only asking because…I've never seen this place before."
"Well it's only here for a few weeks." He spoke conversationally, "This place rolls into town all the time around the fall season." He looked around making sure nobody was looking for assistance, "And the reason it's so crowded today is cause today's the last day this place is open before they pack it up and move elsewhere."
Heather gave her head a light tilt, "Move elsewhere?"
He smiled down at her again, "Until next year."
Heather looked away from him a slightly grudging look on her features.
"What you've never been to this thing before?"
She took her time before answering with an uncaring, "Nope."
"Well," he said breezily, "You should take a chance to see this place today before it closes up for good tonight."
Heather gave him an easy smirk, "I really could care less."
He grinned before giving a shrug, "Hey, I'm just saying."
Before Heather could reply a sharp whistle caught their attention, Duncan stood looking impatient motioning for Heather to join him.
"I guess you and your…friend aren't getting anything." The sales associate stated.
How far from the truth that was.
"Guess not." Heather said before moving to return to the delinquent.
She moved weaving through the large crowds of people, and when she stood before him she asked,
"Did you get what wanted?" Her accusing tone didn't go unmissed.
Duncan smirked moving to stand closer to her, "I did." He said slipping his hand inside the coat.
Heather looked down to watch him quickly stash at least four cell phones in the hidden pockets.
She looked to him incredulously, "I can't walk out of here with this!" she hissed quietly.
He looked to her with a raised brow, "Why not?" he asked casually.
"Um, maybe because there are police standing every which o way of this place and maybe because of a little thing such as security alarms!"
"We're standing in a giant tent." Duncan said uncaringly, "The only kind of security alarms this place has got are the cops standing around here and as long as you don't give them any reason to check you, you should be fine."
Heather scowled, "But what if I get caught!?" Duncan caught her angry glare with callous look, "If I get caught I'll rat you out!" She threatened in a low whisper.
Duncan smirked in amusement, "And what do you think will happen if you do that?"
Heather gave a dark look, "What do I care if you show the principle those disks if I'm going to jail? I'd rather risk being expelled than being sent to Juvy for your crime!"
Duncan's smirk grew, "Fair enough babe. We'll just have to be extra careful then." He gave his head a light nod toward the door, "You leave first."
Heather scoffed, "What do you think I'm stupid?"
"We can't leave together," He said taking her by the shoulders and turning her so that she faced the exit, "go on ahead, I'll be right behind you."
"Duncan…" she glowered warningly.
She heard him chuckle behind her before saying, "Trust me. I won't let anything happen to you."
Heather didn't believe that for a second. However the almost sincerity tone of his voice didn't stop the slightly pink tint from making its way on her cheeks and the sudden skip in her heart beat.
Her frown deepened but she began to move toward the exit of the tent. She kept a straight face though her insides were twisting in alarming knots as she made to pass by one of the guards. He regarded her momentarily and her breath hitched in her throat when they made eye contact for a moment, but the only acknowledgment he gave her was a slight nod of the head before allowing his gaze to wander elsewhere.
She blinked, how easy that had been!
She moved a little further ahead before pausing to wait for Duncan.
She didn't have to wait long before the delinquent made his way casually out the tent, however when he did the guard which she had only momentarily passed stopped him asking him to outturn the pockets to his hoodie jacket. It was easy for Heather to assume that the reason for Duncan's check was for the mere fact of his cut throat appearance.
Honestly if you were going to dress and act like a delinquent you might as well be prepared to be treated as such.
Duncan gave an annoyed sneer but otherwise did as he was told. Once satisfied the guard told him to move along to which Duncan pushed his pockets back inside whilst saying something sarcastic making the guard give him a warning glare as he moved away from him.
Duncan easily caught sight of where Heather stood waiting for him but didn't make his way toward her till he was sure the guard was no longer watching him.
He grinned once he stood before her, "Not bad huh?"
Heather rolled her eyes but fell into step beside the delinquent, "Whatever. Don't ask me to do something like that again."
Duncan only gave another chuckle.
~*~*~
After a while Duncan asked if she wanted to leave but to his slight surprise she had immediately refused, saying she wanted to walk around a bit more.
But it didn't take long for him to become annoyed with the girl as she seemed to move at record speed from booth to booth to booth, with a need to see whatever they were selling. Every once in a while she would pause to locate him before calling impatiently for him to keep up with her. If the delinquent didn't know any better he would think she was enthusiastic about the large flea market.
Well anyway since he was in this crowded shopping square he found no harm in taking advantage of the situation.
A slightly husky Asian boy with headphones on his ears, a bad acme problem, and thick glasses made his way toward him through the crowd. He wore a simple t-shirt along with a thin jacket and baggy loose fitting jean pants. Baggy and loose fitting being perfect prime targets.
As they passed Duncan made sure to bump roughly past him effectively throwing the boy out of his carefree music induced state.
"Hey!" He called pulling down his head phones, "Watch it kid!" even though he didn't seem that much older than Duncan himself.
Duncan turned a mean glare onto him, "You watch it geek." He said icily.
The boy glared but wisely kept his mouth shut before quickly continuing on his way.
When Duncan turned to continue on his way he found Heather standing not to far ahead a disapproving frown on her features.
"For Christ's sake Duncan what is that like the fifth person you've rudely crashed into?" She placed her hands on her hips, "Have you no proper upbringing?"
"Shut up." Duncan said simply making his way toward the girl who quite plainly offered him an outstretched hand once he stood before her.
He blinked confused looking at her hand as though it were some divine riddle before looking back to her with a dull and questioning look.
"Give me some money." She demanded bluntly.
He raised a brow, "What for?"
(1) She pointed and he followed the direction to a booth that was selling purses, suitcases, backpacks and so forth. One of the items on display was a large black and pink spotted Kuromi messenger tote bag.
Duncan snorted, "You're kidding right?" He looked down to her, "Aren't you a little old for crap like that?"
Heather raised an impatient brow, "Look, I wouldn't even have to ask you if you hadn't made me leave my purse in your car in the first place."
Duncan gave a dull look, "Do you know the main purpose for places such as this flea market?"
Heather began to impatiently tap her foot.
"It's to make chumps like you wanna buy crap that they really don't need."
She glared, "It's this damn lecture that I don't need." Then crossing her arms determinedly she declared, "If you don't buy it for me you're not getting this coat back, or your CD's and cell phones."
Duncan gave an annoyed look, "Really, that's your move?"
Heather glared.
He shrugged, "Fine whatever I'll buy it for you."
The raven haired girl blinked having expected more of a fight. Duncan smiled, "All you gotta do is say please."
She deadpanned, "What?"
Duncan smirked, "Not what: please."
She snorted, "You're so full of it."
"Fine." He replied uncaringly before moving past her to continue on his way.
Heather scowled, before taking in a deep breath and hissing out an unhappy, "Please."
Duncan turned back to her, "What was that?" he asked trying his hardest to hide his amusement.
She glowered, "I said…please."
Duncan's smirk grew, "Now say, pretty please."
"Jackass!" she snapped angrily.
He gave another shrug before moving on his way again.
Heather felt a vein pulse in her temple as she closed her eyes trying to keep her murderous thoughts at bay.
It was just a few words…
She glared at his retreating figure, "…Pretty please…" she called out trying to keep back the feeling of retching.
Duncan didn't move far knowing Heather wouldn't let him down. He turned back to her, "Say what now?"
She scowled, "I said…pretty," she grimaced, "please…"
Duncan moved back to stand next to her before saying, "Say that one more time."
She glared, "No."
"One more time," He grinned, "And I'll buy you the bag."
Heather looked down to the ground her scowl now venomous, she took a breath but before she could say anything Duncan said,
"And this time say it in a sexy tone."
That was it!
She moved her foot swiftly and deliberately to slam into his shin! With a sharp painful intake of breath Duncan took a quick step back from her,
"Dammit!" He scowled bringing his leg up to rub sympathetically.
Heather smirked quite proud of her deed before saying superiorly, "Buy my bag now! Please." Then she grinned at Duncan's scowl.
~*~*~
Later as they walked down the busy streets (Heather's new tote bag swinging merrily at her side) Duncan said,
"I'm thirsty, you want anything?" He nodded toward vendor who was selling snacks such as ice cream, chips, and sodas.
The dark haired girl nodded saying, "I want an ice cream."
He gave a dull look, "I want an ice cream, what?"
She gave a foreboding glare. Duncan sighed,
"What kind do you want?"
~*~*~
Snacks in hand they took refuge at a shaded bench, Duncan with a bottle of orange soda and Heather happily taking in her chocolate and vanilla swirl ice cream.
They sat together comfortably in silence for a while before looking to him Heather asked,
"So whose money did you steal to buy my bag and our snacks anyway?"
The whole thing had been entirely sarcastic and not meant to be taken seriously but after Duncan looked to her he simply replied,
"I'm not sure some guy named Max Drewell or something. I don't know."
Heather blinked, "What?"
He shrugged, "At least that's what I think it said on his driver's license before I tossed it."
She stared, "Driver's license?" A look of realization crossed her features, "You stole some ones wallet!?"
Duncan gave her an annoyed look at the volume of her tone as a few people who passed by them looked to them quizzically.
Heather scowled, "God Duncan you have a problem you know that! You just won't be satisfied till you're sent to prison for life will you!?"
Duncan snorted, "Who the hell get's life for picking some ones pocket!?"
She blinked, "Picking some ones…?" she trailed off before she took on another look of dawning, "Is that why you've been running into people like a retarded blind guy!?"
Duncan gave an irritable groan rolling his eyes as he leaned back against the bench.
Narrowing her eyes she said, "Have you ever heard of a little thing as a job?"
Duncan took a quick drink before muttering to no one in particular, "Maybe I shoulda brought Richard. He'd be the perfect distraction from your bitching."
"Oh, no, no, no, no!" Cried Heather instantly, "If Richard came along then I would have to bring Jasmine! No way am I going out anywhere by myself with you two idiots."
A smirk quirked on Duncan's lips, "There would be no problem there. I'm sure Richard would love it if Jasmine tagged along."
Heather paused mid lick of her frozen treat, "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Call it my excellent attention to detail. They're a little sweet on each other huh?"
Heather blinked before smirking with a slight shake of her head, "You're so wrong."
He raised a brow, "Am I?"
Heather opened her mouth but then closed it taking on a thoughtful look, "Well, partially wrong." She smiled at him, "They're just really cool with each other cause they used to date."
Duncan blinked, "Why am I just now hearing about this?"
The dark haired girl shrugged, "It's old news. Maybe two…no three years I think…?" She gave a deeply thoughtful look, "Yeah that's about right cause I think it was during freshman year…" she then gave a dismissing shake of her head saying, "Anyway it was against my better judgment. And it only lasted about four maybe five months."
"No kidding." Duncan said a grin growing on his features, "So what did Jasmine do?"
"Hm?" Heather said taking another lick.
"What'd she do to make Richard break up with her?"
She blinked before furrowing her brow, "What the hell makes you think it was Jasmine's fault? It was that jackass Richard who screwed things up."
"Noooo," Duncan's grin grew, "Not sweet, loveable Richard?"
Heather felt her brow twitch, "'Sweet, loveable Richard', was messing around with two other girls the same time he was dating Jasmine!"
Duncan laughed at that, to which Heather rolled her eyes and continued on with her ice cream.
"Well it was freshman year right? He was still a growing boy; he was probably just testing the waters."
Heather scoffed, "Right 'testing the waters' that justifies everything!" Heather glared, "He's lucky I didn't kill him right then and there the day I had found out!"
Duncan who had continued laughing slowly eased up at that, when his laughter ceased he asked, "What are you like Jasmine's guardian or something?"
Heather sighed, "Jasmine's way to nice sometimes and it's easy for her to be taken advantage of, so many times I have to help her out. I mean, seriously, who stays friends with an ex-boyfriend that cheated on you anyway!?"
Duncan stared before giving a slight nod, "That sounds about right." Heather looked to him, "You usually go for the ones who are easy to take advantage of. They're easier to control right?"
Heather watched him for a moment before lowering her gaze back to her ice cream, "I wouldn't do that…not to Jasmine at least. I couldn't…I owe her way to much."
Duncan raised a brow, "How so?"
Her silver eyes narrowed slightly as she stared at her treat, "She helped me out of a bad place once."
Duncan watched her closely furrowing his brow, he decided he didn't like the look of misery that crossed her features, so he decided to do the one and only thing he could think of to snap her out of it. Annoy her mercilessly.
Leaning in he took in a large bite of her frozen treat.
"Hey!" Cried Heather angrily as Duncan pulled away licking his lips with a satisfied look on his features. "What the hell Duncan! Why don't you get your own, creep! Gawd, what if stupidity is contagious!?"
"Aw shut up, I only took a small taste since you were letting it drip all over the place."
"I was not-oh crap!" She cried looking down to find that her ice cream was indeed dripping from the cone over her fingers disappearing under the coats sleeve as it continued on down her arm.
"Shoot, well why didn't you just say something then you jerk!?" She cried out irritably being careful to try to slip off the coat without making any more of a mess or getting it on her clothes.
"Well if you had been paying attention it probably wouldn't have happened in the first-" he stopped mid sentence his blue eyes widening slightly as he watched the raven haired girl begin to slowly lick the melted substance from her arm. He watched as she trailed her tongue up her arm and over her wrist her silver eyes half hooded as she watched to make sure she got every drop. Pulling away she licked her lips effectively wiping the creamy substance from existence.
Duncan frowned suddenly feeling very…frustrated with the situation as certain thoughts began to cross his mind. Thoughts of…a different substance she could be licking up right now.
Once done licking her fingers clean Heather looked down to the coat which now sat in her lap,
"I don't think I got any on the coat…or my clothes." She mumbled distractedly yet pleased.
Duncan continued to watch the other girl closely before saying,
"Hey Heather," The raven haired girl looked to him as she once again began to dine on the frozen snack.
The next words he spoke came out both blunt and to the point,
"I'm feeling a little horny."
It was both instant and highly predictable as Heather splurted out the remainder of her ice cream before coughing and choking quite uncontrollably. If Duncan hadn't been entirely serious he would have found it highly hilarious.
"Duncan!?" she coughed out wiping some spilt ice cream from her chin, "What the hell is wrong with you!?"
Duncan frowned irritated as he said, "What's wrong with you!? Have you forgotten our little proposition we made just last week!?"
Swallowing thickly and finally calming her choking coughs Heather said, "Um, I remember denying that proposition!" She glared, "For Christ sakes, Duncan, how can you even think about things like that during the day!?"
He moved closer to the raven haired girl before replying in a smooth and low tone, "I'm thinking about you."
Heather was quick to get to her feet glaring at him through a heated blush, "Cut it out you goon, we're in public!"
"That's what I'm saying!" explained Duncan, "Let's go someplace a little more private."
"As if that would ever happen you pig!" Cried Heather angrily before moving toward a trashcan, "Dammit, I can't even enjoy this anymore!" She said angrily before tossing the remainder of the ice cream into the bin.
"Geez," Duncan sighed before pushing himself to his feet, "All this emotion over a little suggestion. You virgins are so uptight."
Heather, "Humphed!" quite indignantly, moving to walk ahead of the delinquent.
The heat from her blush still staining her cheeks.
~*~*~
Later on Heather stood near a booth which sold diamond figurines; she stared admiringly at a ballerina sculpture wondering if she should force Duncan to buy this for her also. But her attention was instantly stolen by two teenagers running past her one of them saying,
"Come on, it's still showing now!"
She looked after them to find a huge crowd gathering at a certain booth not to far off. Her curiosity was instantly caught as she made her way to where the crowd was gathered.
On her way she passed by Duncan who had been at another booth talking to a man about a watch,
"Hey, Duncan I'm going to be over here!" She called to him offhandedly as she passed.
Duncan looked to her only for a moment before continuing his conversation with the sales man.
When Heather reached the crowd she began the chore of pushing her way quite rudely toward the front. She wondered if perhaps it was a street performance or something.
But her thoughts were instantly interrupted as, for the second time that day; she was instantly hit with a voice she could easily live without ever hearing again.
"Who cares?! At least it's not here with you!"
Gwen!?
"I'll trade you my egg in exchange for a ride."
Returned Duncan's voice.
Then the sound of TV fuzz and then Gwen's voice again,
"Riding with him was the last thing I wanted to do. But I was starrrrving!"
By then Heather had pushed her way to the front of the crowd to find that the booth that everyone was crowded at was nothing more but a booth that sold TV's on display in front of the booth were a multiple sized flat screen TV's all showing the same show of Total Drama Island! The crowd which Heather stood in was watching the show with high amusement and rapt attention all big fans of the show! And…now that Heather thought about it…this was the same marathon that Jasmine and Ariel had been watching just earlier today!
Heather frowned as her part in the confessional showed on screen, her heartfelt apology to Lindsay and Beth showed on screen in her moment of fear and abandonment.
Her brow twitched as she ended her confession with,
"Miss you guys, bff's forever!"
She scoffed with a roll of her eyes, "I so didn't mean any of that." she muttered irritably.
Her attention wasn't held for long before she turned ready to push her way back out the crowd.
That was when it happened,
"Heather!?"
She looked up to see an astonished young girl staring at her incredulously this in turn caused just about the reminder of the entire crowd to turn to her with astound and amazed features.
Heather didn't have a chance to get one word out before,
"OMYGOD!!!! It is you!!!" The girls voice raised, "Hey everybody Its Heather from Total Drama Island!!!"
Heather blinked as for the moment an immense fear overwhelmed her as it seemed that everyone from the crowd to the crowded streets stopped to look to the raven haired girl.
She grimaced…, "Oh…crap…"
~*~*~
"Come on man." Said Duncan exasperated, "Let me have it for one hundred."
The older man sneered, "Do you not know how much Rolex's go for if store bought? You're lucky I'm offering this to you for one seventy five!"
"Yeah right," the delinquent sneered back still examining the golden watch in his hands, "How do I even know this is the real thing?"
But before the man had a chance to reply they were both startled by the loud screaming that passed quickly by them. Duncan looked up just in time to see Heather fly past them he raised an incredulous brow before calling out,
"Aye, Heather where the hell are you going!?"
It had been his fatal flaw, for as soon as he called out to her he had instantly drawn attention to himself. And it was then that Duncan heard the sound of what seemed to be a stampede! Turning to look in his opposite direction he was met with a huge crowd of TDI fans just as someone screamed,
"Look, Look! Ohmygod It's Duncan too!!!"
"Holy shit!!!" Cried the delinquent before he took off in Heather's direction Rolex still in hand!
"Hey wait a second!!!" Cried out the sales man, "You still need to pay for that!!!"
The rest of his angry obscenities were cut off though as he along with his tent was trampled to the ground by the mob of fans!
The delinquent raced down street and it took him no time at all to catch up with Heather.
"Hey!" He called after her, "You coulda told me that there was a mob of TDI fans right behind you!"
Heather looked to him as she continued running, "I thought," she breathed heavily, "That it would become apparent before long!"
Duncan scowled, "When we get to this next building," He breathed, "Make a right into the ally!"
Heather huffed giving Duncan an irritated look, "That's a dead end!"
Duncan breathed, "It opens up to that street not to far from where I parked!" He glowered, "Or do you want to be torn to bits by your billions of loving fans!"
Heather looked to the mob of huge fans behind her and was instantly aghast to find that the crowd had grown considerably larger!
She breathed, "Okay! This building here right!?"
"You got it!" Duncan called up as they neared the buildings end.
Simultaneously they turned accordingly into the ally way only to come up short in an instant stop!
Before them was a metallic chain fence with a large sign on it reading:
'KEEP OUT!'
Heather looked to Duncan with an irritable glare. He raised a brow,
"Uh…whoops."
"Well, what the hell do we do now!?"
Duncan furrowed his brow as he quickly scanned his surroundings his blue eyes moved quickly scanning the empty ally way before stopping on a sudden possible scapegoat.
He grinned.
~*~*~
"They turned in here!" Cried someone at the head of the mob the large crowd instantly turned into the dead end alley to find…nothing.
Except for a large dumpster the ally way was completely empty.
"Awww!" Cried a girl wearing a T-shirt with the words 'I Love Chris McLean!' and a picture with the hosts face upon it, "Where'd they go!?"
With loud complaining the diehard fans took their time looking for the TDI teen's one of them even opening the top of the dumpster to check to see if perhaps they had taken up hiding in there. But alas the dump was empty.
"Hey!" Cried out another fan, "They must have climbed over the fence!"
At this the fans talk became once again excited as they all fell into agreement! It was the only explanation!
A couple of guys took up climbing over the fence whilst another guy said,
"If they went through there, they'd probably come out on the ally at Storm street!"
"Ohhh! We can probably still catch them!" Cried another girl wearing a shirt which was a complete replica of the long sleeve shirt Duncan had worn on the island complete with the skull design.
The mob was quick to stampede out the dead end no doubt headed toward Storm Street.
~*~*~
Heather and Duncan stood still in the large darkened room as they listened to the many departing footsteps just above them.
It was only from immense luck that the many fans had failed to notice the small basement window attached to the bottom of the abandoned building near the large dumpster. It had been left partially opened and therefore hadn't taken long for the delinquent to pry further open and slip both Heather and himself in.
The room was pitch black with the only light being from the soft rays casting through the small window. From what they could see there was nothing within the building but empty space and dust letting on that it had been abandoned for quite some time.
After a moment Duncan spoke in a low whisper, "You didn't drop anything did you?"
Heather blinked, "What?" she whispered back.
"When you were running you didn't lose any of my stuff did you?"
Heather rolled her eyes, "No, all the stuff you stole is safe. Don't worry."
They once again fell into silence.
"I can't believe how well known we've become." Muttered Heather.
After she had returned from TDI the main recognition she had received had been restricted to school. Which was understandable since the entire school had known about Heather's acceptance into the show even before she had left for Total Drama Island. Everyone had found it both amusing and predictable when Heather showed up on screen instantly labeling herself as the conniving bitch of the show.
And sure there had been the occasional recognition from a fan or two randomly off the streets but never before had Heather ever been chased by a mob! It was both flattering and intimidating at the same time!
"Did they just suddenly recognize you from the show or something?" Heather looked to the delinquent and he explained, "We've been walking around this place all day and no one's said anything till now."
Heather blinked before saying, "They were looking at the show."
He raised a brow.
Heather said, "There was a group of people watching reruns of the show at a booth I went to." She looked away tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, "Apparently there's some big marathon of the entire season or something."
Duncan snorted, "Geez again!? I swear they have a seasonal marathon like every other week! Isn't anyone tired of that crap yet!?"
Heather sighed with a dismissing shrug, "Guess not."
"Hm. Which episode was it?"
Heather looked back to him before taking on a thoughtful expression, "Uhmmm, the episode where we got stranded somewhere after a flood and um…Mr. Coconut was voted off." She finished with a deadpanned tone.
Duncan blinked before giving an amused chuckle, "Oh yeah…that was…that was kinda weird."
Heather scoffed, "Yeah, no kidding."
After a moment Duncan sighed saying, "Well we can't stay here now. Not with insane mobsters after us."
Heather blinked before her expression saddened slightly, "We have to go?"
It was Duncan's turn to blink as he looked to her with a slightly incredulous look, "Yeah, unless you want to spend the rest of your day looking over your shoulder to make sure you don't get ambushed with autograph books."
For a moment Heather was silent before saying, "But we…" Then quickly changing her tone she said, "You know what…whatever its fine."
Duncan stared at her curiously for a moment before asking, "No, 'but we' what?"
Heather looked a little ways of to the ground before quietly admitting, "We didn't get to see the entire flea market."
Duncan rolled his eyes with an annoyed snort, "Sooo!?"
Heather shot the ground an irritable glare, mentally chastising herself for having told the delinquent anything. But seeing as it was out in the open she haughtily countered with,
"So I…I had never been to a place like this before!"
"It's like a mall Heather! You've been to one of those before right!?"
She fumed, "No it's not like a mall! They sell things here that I've never seen before and there was guy selling knives who did tricks with them like throwing them up into the air and catching it in his throat! And then-"
"And then what!?" Snapped Duncan irritably.
Heather pouted then furrowing her brow looking extremely miffed with the situation. Duncan frowned, she was angry, no surprise there, but at the same time she seemed sheepish and in a low and upset tone she admitted, "And some lady told me that there was a guy selling Sugar Gliders further down the road."
She paused before saying almost bashfully, "I wanted to see them."
Duncan stared incredulously…at this moment…Heather almost seemed…childish…
He looked away from her, "Well we're not sticking around to see them." He replied simply doing his best to sound uncaring about the situation.
She glared angrily, "Duncan, you ass you can't-!?"
"But I'll bring you here again some other time." He muttered not really looking at her, Heather blinked, "What?"
Duncan took his time before saying, "I'll bring you here another time...and you can see the stupid Sugar Gliders then."
Heather fumed, "You're lying…" She muttered crossing her arms irritably, "Today's the last day for all this. It closes up for the season after today."
Duncan nodded before saying, "Yeah I know that. I meant next year." Heather blinked staring unsurely at the delinquent, "When this place comes back into town I'll bring you back next year, alright."
Heather again lowered her gaze to the ground before shaking her head saying, "Ah, no that's alright."
Duncan was looking out the small window before cautiously pushing it open, "Why not?" He asked distractedly.
She gave a light chuckle that was almost bitter before saying, "Come on, Duncan, in a year we won't be… going out like this and you know it." The delinquent turned to give her an irritable look as she continued, "You don't have to say things just to make me feel better. I'm a big girl." She smirked, "As a matter of fact I'm already over this."
She was used to disappointment.
She then moved toward the delinquent knowing she would have to be hoisted up out the window first but Duncan stopped her by grabbing a soft yet firm hold of her arm.
Duncan's gaze was unyielding as she looked to him and he told her in a firm tone, "I don't like to waste my time on empty words. If I say I'm going to bring you next year, I'll bring you."
For a moment Heather stared at him with an unreadable gaze, she didn't believe him…not for a second. But she found in the end she couldn't stop herself from asking in a low and almost inaudible tone,
"You…swear?"
A slow smirk made its way on his features as he released his hold on the girl,
"Swear." He repeated before moving closer to the window and linking his hands together in a way done for Heather to step into his hands so that he may hoist her up.
She nodded slowly moving her leg up to step in his hand and as he hoisted her up he heard her say,
"I might just hold you to that…"
His smirk grew as Heather pulled herself out the window and he moved ready to hoist himself through as well.
"I'd expect so…"
~*~*~
The walk back was cautious and slow and by the time they made it back to the parking lot the sky was already darkening into evening. A sudden gust of cold wind forced Heather to wrap the large coat tighter to herself secretly glade that the delinquent had forced her to wear it.
She was the first to notice something amiss before quietly asking,
"Where's your car?"
Duncan looked around disinterestedly before looking to Heather with a raised brow,
"What are you talking about? This isn't where I parked."
Already realizing what had happened Heather's gaze turned into a slow scowl,
"Yes it is." She growled, "Because there's the fire hydrant. The one I told you not to park by."
Duncan blinked before shoving his hands in his pockets to fish out his pack of cigarettes,
"Hm." was his only response.
Heather's scowl became more pronounced as she slowly said,
"My purse was in there."
"So," Said Duncan lighting up the cigarette, "What you think the people who towed my car is gonna jack your purse?"
"My phone was in there!"
"Chill out." Duncan said uncaringly, "If you need to use a phone just ask me."
She glared, "I think it's obvious don't you!? We need to get home!"
Duncan snorted a puff of smoke escaping his lips as he once again began to dig into his pockets. After a moment he gave an irritable grunt before mumbling,
"I don't…"
"Don't!" snapped Heather daringly, "Don't. Even. Say it!"
"I coulda sworn I had it…" He muttered around the cigarette still hanging loosely from his lips.
He then checked his hoodie pockets though he already knew it wasn't in there.
He gave a light chuckle, "Ain't that the damnedest thing."
Heather closed her eyes tight bringing her hands up to rack frustratingly through her hair before giving a loud and irritable groan.
"I told you not to park there!" Turning to him she gave him the hardest punch she could muster to his chest, "What do we do now!?"
Duncan sighed, "The old man is not gonna like this."
She gave another punch this time to his arm, "Hey, I said what are gonna do now!?"
Duncan gave her a bored glare, "Chillax babe, I've already got it figured out."
~*~*~
Wide silver eyes stared incredulously at the large metal train that was parked in the underground station.
"You're kidding right!?" Heather turned to glare at him, "Tell me you're kidding! I am not getting on that! Are you completely unaware that weirdo's and freaks ride the subway!? Especially at this time of day! You can't possibly expect me to-"
Duncan tried his best to tune out the rest of her whining as he paid for their tickets via machine.
(2) "And people urinate in there and-Ohmygod! Did you not see the subway scene in 'The Brave One!?'"
Taking their tickets he then grabbed hold of the angry girls arm before dragging her quite roughly toward the subway.
"Will you shut up! We're only gonna be on this thing for a few stops alright!? This will take us to a place where I know a pay phone is located. Then we'll make a call, get someone to pick us up, and everything will be alright."
Heather gave an incredulous glare, "Who uses pay phones anymore!?"
As they moved closer toward the train Duncan leaned in close to mutter against her ear,
"You're causing a scene."
Heather fumed looking to see that she was indeed catching a lot of strange looks.
"And the last thing we want is to be recognized again right?"
Heather didn't answer but only continued to fume irritably as Duncan pulled her onto the (to her great disdain) crowded train.
There were no empty seats and it was all they could do to move to claim a spot where they could comfortably stand while holding onto a hand rail. Well Duncan did anyway while Heather took to grabbing quite roughly to the front of Duncan's hoodie once the train jerked to motion.
He gave her an annoyed glare though it went unnoticed by the other girl as she was far to busy scanning her surroundings both cautiously and warily. Sighing he looked to the windows which displayed the quickly changing scenery of dim lighted graffiti stained tunnels.
A deep frown graced his features as he realized he would most likely be missing his daily call from Courtney tonight. He would need to call her as soon as he got home.
He furrowed his brow as he busied his self on trying to see if he could recall her number by memory alone.
It wasn't until after their first stop that Heather spoke to him in an upset and alert whisper,
"Duncan! That guy is watching me!"
Duncan blinked looking down at her, "What? What guy?" He said turning to look in the direction she was discreetly looking in.
"Wait, don't look!" She cried out in an urgent whisper, "Then he'll know we're on to him!"
He looked back to her with an amused grin, "On to him? What are we in a stake out?"
Heather gave him a look, "Okay…" she said slowly, "look slowly behind you. The guy sitting at the back corner by the window."
It was curiosity that caused Duncan to give a light nod to his head before discreetly doing as he was told.
His blue gaze moved to fall on a scruffy looking long legged man with messy dirty brown hair hidden underneath his cap coming down to form an untamed beard. He could range from mid to late twenties. Once Duncan caught his eye he quickly redirected his gaze out the window. Duncan looked back to Heather with an amused smirk.
"He's checking you out." He stated teasingly.
Heather grimaced before heaving a dramatic sigh, "This is what I get for being far to beautiful!"
Duncan gave an annoyed look. Heather shifted before lowering her gaze to the ground, "He's looking at me again." She murmured irritably.
"Don't dwell to much on it."
"How can I not!?" she hissed, "He's creeping me out! Can't we…I don't know, catch another train or something!?"
"That would take to long." Said Duncan clearly amused, "But if you want I could tell him you don't put out. That should get him to back off, no problem."
Heather scowled at him, "This isn't funny stupid. He could be a rapist! Or…one of those psycho guys who kill people just for fun and use their skin to make furniture…or something…"
Duncan furrowed his brow, "What? What low budget horror films have you been watching?"
"Oh shut up!" Heather glared at him, "Why don't you do something!?"
He raised a brow, "Like what!?"
"I don't know, something! This is all your fault you know! We wouldn't even be here if you had just listened to me in the first place!"
Duncan scowled rolling his eyes irritably, for a moment he had made up his mind to just ignore Heather for the remainder of the ride but with a sudden idea he returned his gaze back to Heather with a mischievous grin.
Leaning in he whispered against her ear, "Maybe you should move closer to me."
Heather blinked before looking to Duncan warily with a sideways glare, "Why," Her tone was laced with suspicion, "What for?"
Duncan's grin grew, "Maybe he'll back off if he thinks we're together."
She scoffed, "Yeah as if!" her glare became intense, "I don't think so."
It took everything he had to keep from laughing at her obvious unease, "There's nothing sexual about you standing closer to me."
Heather fumed before saying in a low tone, "I'm already standing close enough to you as it is, you perv, any closer and I would be pressing up against you."
Duncan cleared his throat, "Fine by me."
Heather scowled as a pink tinge made its way on her cheeks in a low and dangerous tone she said,
"Now you listen to me, jackass, if you think for one second that I-Eeek!?"
With a sudden jerk the raven haired girl found herself suddenly crashing against the delinquent as the train came to a sudden halting stop.
Pressed flushed suddenly against Duncan's chest Heather quickly attempted to righten herself up from the delinquent, though she didn't get very far as she found his arm suddenly wrapped around her waist.
Flustered Heather glared murderously at him as he gave her a smug grin raising a brow he asked,
"Now was that so hard?"
Her tone was venomous "Let. Go."
Instead he pulled her closer leaning in this time to brush his lips teasingly against her ear,
"You know that guys watching again. You wanna give him more of a show?"
Heather jerked back, her face now in flames, "S-stop it! Stop saying things like that!"
Duncan chuckled, "Relax, babe, I'm only kidding."
Heather fumed irritably at the delinquent, wishing her face would cool down and her heart would stop slamming against her chest. For a moment she regarded him with a light glare before lowering her gaze back down to the ground and saying in an almost inaudible tone,
"No, you're not."
Again Duncan chuckled his blue eyes piercing as a rouge grin split across his lips and he took his time before muttering lowly,
"No, I'm not."
Heather's blush intensified as she continued staring at the filthy subway floor, she said nothing more to him.
But she didn't move away from him and as Duncan, once again, distracted himself with the uninteresting scene that flashed past the subway window he didn't remove his hold from around her waist.
And it was then that Heather decided that had this had been a date, (which it had most certainly not been) but IF it had been, she decided she would not have expected anything less from the delinquent.
As they approached their stop to where they deported Heather unknowingly leaned her head down to rest against Duncan's chest, fatigue from the day taking the better of her.
Duncan tensed lightly, looking down to her with a slightly raised brow but it was only momentarily before he returned his gaze back to the window.
He made no words to correct her.
~TBC~
(1)For those who don't know Kuromi is like the evil little anti Hello Kitty I figure she'd be Heather's favorite of the Hello Kitty characters.
(2) The Brave One: awesome movie nuff said.
If anyone can guess the names of the two episodes of TDI that I was hinting at I'll give you a cookie!^-^Till next time!
Peace)-AR