chapter eight - the first move

It was cold oddly this morning. I cracked my back... And my neck... And so on, as I normally did. Fed the dogs and then sat outside for a while, eating rolled oats and vanilla yoghurt in a teacup.

I gazed out at the neighbours gardens and smiled at the little blooming flowers erupting from every plant. I should draw some of them... Draw.. That's right!

This week I would have to write up that proposal to have the art club started. But of course that might have to wait a while. I flicked through my purse sitting on the porch with me and then pulled out my phone.

Violette had lost my address and forgotten it so I'd have to text it to her, but since I also conveniently didnt have her number because she didnt know it either I would have to get Izzy to talk to her for me. Izzy gave me her notes right before school finished and I'd already incorporated that into the proposal.

I was about to text her when I felt a buzz. I had a new message, but from an unknown number.

I checked it curiously, and then frowned.

"Meet me at the school. I want to talk. 12 noon today. Thanks."

Who the heck? Well whoever it was was dreaming. I don't respond to crazy meeting proposals that sound like stalkers who are probably ten years older than me.

I ignored it and began to text Izzy..

BUZZ!

Ugh... Who was it now?!

Same number.

"Ignore the creepy prev message! It's me Nathaniel I want to talk to you. Don't ask how I have your number, I'll explain later. Don't be late!"

It said. Whaaaaat?! My heart stopped beating and I felt a sudden heat engulf my being. I stared at the message longer and then didnt even blink when a new message appeared beneath the second one.

"pardon me. I didnt send that last message, but it got my point across... Albeit in a blunt fashion. Please understand..."

I checked the time; 11: 38

I'd make it to the school just fine.

Nathaniels POV

I cringed as the third message went through. I rocked nervously in my car seat, sitting in front of the school like a lifeless loser.

Amber started filing her nails in the passenger seat and the sound of it grated on my nerves even further. Why was she helping me? Was it to free up Castiel so that Voaz was out of the way? Did she actually care about me?

Was this really just to make it appear that her brother isn't just some socially incompetent idiot who can't get a girlfriend?

Whatever it was against my better judgement I had entrusted me reputation to my sister... Well not really. All she was doing was forcing me to do things I wanted to do but naturally wouldn't. She hasn't really helped at all...yet.

"Ugh, my god its been fifteen minutes and she hasn't answered. Your little flame is a freaking flake." Amber complained.

Urrrgh...

"Just shut up amber. Why are you tagging along by the way?" I asked exasperatedly.

"So that you don't get cold feet. If you bail out then YOU'LL be the flake, not her." She said as if it were a matter of fact.

I slid down in my seat and sighed heavily. This was agonising.

Suddenly a bell sounded... My phones ringtone.

Me and amber both smacked each other reaching for it, her cursing loudly afterwards.

I answered it,"hello...?" I cringed as my voice broke.

"Is that you? Were are you? I'm in front of the gym." She spoke to me. I felt warm and grinned stupidly, "I'm in my car... Uh... Let me get out and meet you there..." I tossed my keys to amber and she didnt say a word.

I got out and then after a quick look over of the area I spotted her.

I hung up and then I ran for it.

Voazs POV

I saw him running up to me... Why was he running? I wanted to laugh but didnt because I was too nervous. He finally came within a close enough range that I could speak to him.

"Hi... What did you want to talk about?" I asked nervously still.

He looked at me, his eyes beautiful as usual but a look of insecurity was there. I cocked my head and stepped closer to him as he had stopped.

He backed away a bit as I got closer and so I stopped.

"Um... I..." A loud honk from his car made us jump, and accidentally bumped into him, and he held me so I didn't trip and fall. I melted at the contact and instantly lost myself...

I always knew it would feel this way to hold him. I looked up at him, my hands against his chest and his arms around my shoulders and waist. His frame was lean but strong and his out of school clothes looked so cute on him, the way they were so loose and free and less constricting than his usual 'presidential getup'

I slid my arms unconsciously around his back and held myself there, and despite the red mad blush invading his face and ears, the warning signs in his eyes, I stood there still, gazing up into them. How long had it been? Did it matter?

His body heat kept off the slight chill still left over from the morning and he didnt seem to let go of me. He laughed nervously and I smiled. He pulled me closer but I'm not sure if that was on purpose or not.

"Are you okay Voaz? Ignore Amber... She's just impatient and waiting in the car..." He sa-

Wait... WHAT?!

I regained consciousness and I pulled back a little, completely dumbfounded. He had brought his sister here of all things? AMBER WAS HERE?!

"Why the heck is she here?" I cried not thinking about it before it tumbled out.

His arms still hung loosely at my hips and he looked away...

"S-sorry. She forced me to come here and talk to you. Trust me, knowing myself, I needed her to... So... Uh... You can thank her I guess."

Oh? I looked over at the car to see the bored little fashion princess, arms crossed and scowl planted firmly on her face in our general direction.

I sighed but then realised he hadn't let go of me. Wow... I never felt quite like THAT when Castiel held me... It was so, so, verbally indescribable!

Sort of.

"Well... What did you want to talk about?" I asked, lacing my arms around his waist again, nervously. He was responding so positively to my offers of affection. It made my heart beat faster as I anticipated what he was going to say.

"I... Well, I just wanted to um..apologise. You know, for what I did last week." He said finally, looking away, his blush still ever present.

"You what... OH! You mean the fight... Yeah, it's okay." I responded. I had totally forgotten about that by now, save that one day Castiel showed up at my place.

Nathaniel was only trying to protect my rights, and although I don't mind Castiel touching me, it was so, I don't know... It made me feel so important that he cared for me so much that even my best friends would have to respect me.

Then again that could later translate to possessive and other negative behaviours but I think Nathaniel must have actually thought I was in an uncomfortable situation. He wouldn't pick a fight for no reason.

"I've already forgiven you! I was a little embarrassed, after all Castiel really isn't as bad as you think but..." I paused and then searched his face for a reaction...

"I'm really happy that you care so much!" I giggled out extracting a look of ever lasting relief from him.

Another loud honk from the car and we both yelped and glared at Amber. We'd have to appease her patience soon I guess.

"Should we... I mean, is that all you wanted to talk about, or am I welcome to join you... Um... Two?" I asked cautiously.

Nathaniel grinned in that way that I loved so dearly and took my hand leading me towards the car...

"Its worth having to buy her lunch if it means I also get to take you out!" He exclaimed...

And in an indirect and totally oblivious way... He'd just asked me out!

He actually really did!

...indirectly but yes...

I ran to catch up with his long strides smiling heavily and leaning into him. I tightened my grip on his hand and we kicked Amber out of the front passenger seat, much to her displeasure and our amusement.

This was... Amazing!

...

Ambers POV

It was irritating and I groaned as Voaz giggled at a flat-as joke that Nathaniel threw at her. My god her my-little-pony laugh was going to drive me up the wall. I'd offer her a bridle next time she whinnies like that.

So I got them together finally. It didnt take much, which was both pathetic and a relief. Now all I had to do was sow the seeds of vicious lies and see what little Voaz's rock star bestie thought of this little arrangement...

Hahahaha ha ... SHOOT! I'm starting to laugh like her! Darn little.. URRRGH!

To be continued...