I am so sorry for the late update. I have been very busy with college and stuff like that. I fear that once I officially start college, I will be updating chapters really late, so please understand.
If there are grammatical errors and weird sentence structures, I apologize.
Enjoy and don't forget to review!
As the unconscious Vincent was being treated by Flora, the Winx and the Specialists encircled around him. Heidi, on the other hand, remained by the dock and gazed at the beautiful scenery. After falling into the lake, she replaced her wet dress to her casual attire. Initially, she pondered at the reason why Vincent became unconscious; however, knowing that he will recover, she shrugged off her curiosity. While the amnesiac was being treated, the fairies and heroes looked at him in concern, confusion, and curiosity.
"How unexpected," commented Tecna, holding her chin with her index finger and her thumb.
"It was uncalled for," said Musa.
"Wow, that was so intense," stated Sky.
"My god, that was the most epic nosebleed I have ever seen in my life," laughed Nabu, "It spurted out like a fountain!"
The Specialists bursted into laughter after hearing Nabu's comment.
"Ew, he got blood all over the dress!" said the upset Stella, holding the bloodstained wet dress in her hands.
"Flora, how is he?" asked Bloom.
"Just like what Brandon said, he'll be fine," replied Flora.
Layla turned and faced Brandon. "Hey, what exactly happened? You seem to know the cause of all this."
Brandon replied, but with suppressed laughter, "Oh, you're not going to believe what I'm going to say!"
"What is it?" asked the curious Musa.
"Okay, here's what happened. After Vince caused Heidi to fall off the dock, her dress became totally drenched. Then, Vince looked and noticed that the dress became transparent. Through her dress, he saw Heidi's bare figure. Also, because of that, he saw her tits!" said Brandon, ending his explanation in laughter.
The Specialists immediately threw their heads back and guffawed. The majority of the heroes collapsed on the ground and rolled in uncontrollable cackle. Riven pressed his lips together to suppress his laughter, but ultimately failed. Helia covered his mouth with hand and chuckled. The Winx watched their boyfriends in confusion. They did not understand Brandon's explanation.
"Oh, that was so epic!" said Nabu, trying to catch his breath.
"That was a great ab-workout," joked Sky.
"Hey, I don't get it. What's so funny?" asked Tecna, tilting her head in puzzlement.
Brandon recovered from his painful laughter and looked at the fairy of technology. "You don't get it? After seeing what he saw, he suffered a nosebleed and went unconscious."
"Why would he get a nosebleed and fall unconscious from that?" asked Musa.
"Because he was turned on!" shouted Brandon, causing the boys to erupt in more laughter.
"Don't guys usually get erections when they get sexually stimulated?" asked Layla, brazenly.
The Winx blushed and giggled after hearing Layla's bold question.
"Er...in most common cases," answered Nabu.
"There are some cases where boys suffer nosebleeds when they get sexually aroused. When males get sexually excited, their blood pressure changes and it can cause nosebleeds," explained Timmy, slightly blushing.
"Wow, I have never heard of such thing. That is so bizarre," said Musa.
"I heard it's really an unpleasant feeling," said Nabu.
"Of course it's unpleasant! Who the hell would think nosebleeds are pleasant?!" shouted Riven.
"People with screwed up fetishes," chuckled Sky.
Stella turned to Brandon and narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "You didn't get turned on after seeing Heidi's boobs, right?!"
Brandon violently shook his head and hands. "No, not at all!"
"Are you telling me the truth?!"
"I swear to god that I didn't get turned on! I only saw them for a split second, that's it!"
The Winx and the Specialists laughed at Stella's accusation and Brandon's reaction.
"Okay, everyone! Let's just move on to photo selection so we can hit the lake," suggested Bloom.
The Winx and the Specialists agreed with Bloom. After Tecna and Timmy edited the photos and printed them out, they neatly organized them on the table. Once the images were laid on the table, the selection began. With the help of the Specialists, the process was much more faster yet colliding. The girls and the boys had different opinions about which pictures were the best. However, the photo selection ended in less than an hour and the finest images were entered in the portfolio. After completing this task, the Winx and the Specialists stripped their clothes, revealing their swimwear underneath, and hit the lake.
The supine amnesiac slowly awakened from his unconscious state. The moment he opened his eyes, he saw haziness. Quickly and gradually, he regained his clear vision. Vincent got up from his back and groaned. With his eyes closed, he faced down on the ground and massaged his temples. He wondered why he was so groggy. Suddenly, he felt something blocking his nostrils. Using his index fingers and thumbs, he pulled out two cotton balls from his nostrils. This discovery led him to confusion and curiosity. All of a sudden, he gasped and enlarged his eyes. He remembered what happened: the accident with Heidi at the dock. When he finally remembered, his face blushed in embarrassment and he covered his nose with his hands. He did not want to suffer another massive nosebleed. Vincent desperately hoped that the Specialists didn't know what caused it. After he violently shook of those stimulating thoughts, he got up on his feet and looked out at the sight. The majority of the fairies and heroes were out by the lake as couples. Underneath the shady tree, Vincent watched the lovely pairs in silent secrecy. He noticed how intimate and energetic they were. In the crystalline water, they playfully fought by splashing water at each other. Then, if they pushed or dunked one another by surprise, they would chase and catch each other. Their lively nature made Vincent feel delighted yet envious. Deep down, he coveted romantic intimacy.
"Hey, Vincent's up!" shouted Timmy, announcing the news to everyone.
"Yoo hoo, Vincent!" called Stella, waving her hands up high in the air.
Vincent smiled back and waved modestly.
"Vincent, are you okay now?!" asked Bloom, checking his condition from afar. The amnesiac replied to Bloom's question with a nod. "Glad to know!"
"Did you have a pleasant 'wet' dream?!" Brandon asked loudly, with a mischievous grin on his charming face.
Vincent's smile immediately disappeared. His face lost its natural vibrance and turned pale. The immature yet cunning joke made it very clear that everyone knew the truth. The Specialists cackled at both Brandon's joke and Vincent's reaction. Helia, the most mature member of the group, failed to suppress his laughter and bursted. The Winx shook their heads in either disappointment or amusement. Vincent glared with a reddened face and keen eyes. He felt very embarrassed and slightly angry. After the Specialists got a hold of themselves, they stopped laughing. Everyone came out of the water and came over to Vincent.
"Sorry about that, Vincent. We didn't mean to laugh," apologized Sky, with a smile on his face.
Vincent continued to glare. He didn't believe in his words.
"Oh, come on, Vince! Lighten up! It was only a joke," said Brandon, patting Vincent in the back.
"Ignore what happened. They're just immature," said Tecna.
"I realized that fact a while back," murmured Vincent.
"Now, shall we start a campfire?" questioned Flora, changing the subject to ease Vincent's tension.
"Definitely," said Sky, with a nod, "Bloom will teach us how to make s'mores."
"S'mores?" questioned the curious Vincent.
"It's a traditional nighttime campfire treat back where I'm from. You'll like it," said Bloom, confidently.
The Winx and the Specialists walked past Vincent to get started on the campfire. Brandon placed his hand on Vincent's shoulder and pointed his thumb over his shoulder. The amnesiac looked over to the direction where the squire was pointing at. Immediately, his eyes became fixated on the towheaded beauty at the dock. Brandon patted him in the back and joined the others. Vincent continued to stare at Heidi. She was sitting at the edge of the dock, looking at her portfolio. The amnesiac took a deep breath and approached her slowly. His heart began to race quicker as he came closer to her. When he reached over to the dock, he became very nervous. Suddenly, a mellow and neutral voice spoke.
"Why have you come here?" questioned Heidi, without turning her back.
Vincent jumped back after being startled. "H-How did you know I was behind you?"
"I can sense your distinct presence from all the way over here"
"Oh, I see."
"Why have you come here?" Heidi repeated her question.
Vincent heavily sighed and replied, "I came here to apologize for what happened. I didn't mean to make you fall into the water like that. It was an accident. I'm really sorry for getting you drenched."
"You came here for forgiveness?"
"Yes."
"What if I do not wish to forgive you?"
"I'll do anything."
Heidi looked at Vincent from the corner of her eyes, without turning around. She noticed how determined yet frightened he was. Then, she turned her attention back to her portfolio.
"If you are too willing, you will be taken advantage of. Water is harmless, nothing to apologize about."
Vincent stared at Heidi in surprise. He did not expect her to forgive him. After he received her forgiveness, Vincent relaxed the muscles of his body and sighed in relief. Then, he carefully sat down on the edge of the dock beside her. The distance between these two was three feet. Vincent faced down at the crystalline water and looked at Heidi's reflection. She viewed her portfolio with focus and composure. The amnesiac didn't lift his head up one bit. He was too engrossed in the towheaded beauty's reflection.
"How are you feeling?" asked Heidi, without taking her eyes off of her portfolio.
Vincent finally looked up at Heidi. "Huh?"
"Have you fully recovered from your sudden injury?"
Knowing what she was referring to, Vincent felt embarrassment and appreciation. "Oh, yeah! I'm fine now. Thanks for asking."
"If you are ill, you should go get a diagnosis."
The amnesiac nodded his head and gave her a subtle smile. "I don't need to get a diagnosis. I'm just lovesick."
Vincent looked at Heidi's portfolio and noticed that the new images have been entered.
"Hey, when did those pictures get in the portfolio?" asked Vincent.
"They were entered in while you were unconscious," replied Heidi.
"Oh, I see." Vincent looked down at his lap and indulged in awkward silence. Secretly, he peeked into the portfolio in the corners of his eyes. He wanted to get a closer look at it, but he was afraid to ask. Several seconds later, he mustered his courage. "Uh...if you don't mind, may I take a look?"
Heidi looked up at Vincent with her periwinkle eyes. There was a hint of uncertainty behind her stoic expression. After a brief moment of silence, she closed the portfolio and handed it over to him. Vincent was surprised again. He didn't expect her to accept his request so easily. The amnesiac gently grabbed the portfolio from her and opened it up. As he flipped through the chic pages, he was amazed. The polaroids exposed her natural beauty, and the black-and-white photos revealed her tough and provocative side. After looking through those pictures, he moved on to the newer ones. Heidi resembled a porcelain doll, ethereal and romantic. The hair, makeup, and outfit were neatly and beautifully done; however, the expression of her face and the movement of her body were lovely and exquisite. She appeared so peaceful and liberated. When Vincent reached to the last two pages, the smile on his face disappeared. The last two images were of him and Heidi. They were photographed together in close proximity. The two of them appeared very amorous with each other. However, he sadly knew that the towheaded beauty deceptively appeared intimate for the sake of the shoot. After he finished looking, he closed the portfolio and gave his opinion
"These are absolutely beautiful," commented Vincent.
"You believe so?" asked Heidi.
"Of course! As I went through these pictures, I saw you transform into these different characters. They were stunning to look at that."
"...Thank you."
"You're going to be a very successful model. I'll be rooting for you."
"Thank you."
As the orange sunset glowed down at the lake, Heidi and Vincent faced each other in silence. They stared silently into each others' eyes. The amnesiac was mesmerized by the periwinkle orbs that gazed back at him. They emitted allure and intensity; however, they also contained mystery. Vincent squinted his eyes and keenly looked into her eyes. He discovered anger and sadness hiding behind her eyes. There was darkness which Vincent was unable to interpret.
"You've...been through a lot, haven't you?" questioned Vincent.
Heidi displayed a hint of startle after hearing his question. After receiving a subtle reaction from her, Vincent knew he was right. He gazed at her with curiosity and patience. A moment later, Heidi regained her stoic composure. Just before she was about to speak, a loud voice thundered in between them.
"CAMPFIRE'S READY!" yelled Brandon.
Vincent jumped in surprise and screamed. Due to fright, he loosened his grip on the portfolio and accidentally threw in the air. Vincent gasped in horror and tried to catch it. Unfortunately, his fingers slipped off of the portfolio and allowed it to sink into the water. Vincent leaned towards the water and gaped in shock. Heidi's stoic demeanor transitioned to subtle shock after seeing her portfolio thrown into the water. The Winx and the Specialists, who witnessed what happened, had mixed reactions: shock, horror, and laughter. Vincent rolled up his sleeve and tried to find the portfolio; however, the water was too deep.
"Oh my god, I am so sorry! I didn't mean for this to happen!" Vincent frantically apologized.
Without facing Vincent, Heidi closed her eyes and sighed in subtle anger. She stood up and stared down at water. Vincent got up on his feet and continued to apologize and explain. When Heidi finally turned and faced Vincent, the amnesiac stopped talking. The periwinkle eyes that looked back at him displayed annoyance and frustration. The intimidating look in her eyes silenced him. Heidi turned away and began to strip. Vincent shyly and immediately turned around the moment she lifted up her top. She took off her cropped black tee, high-waisted denim shorts, and her black sneakers. Underneath her clothes was her swimsuit. Once she finally undressed herself, she slowly dipped herself in the water and sank in. Vincent finally turned around and looked down from the edge of the dock. Heidi triggered her enhanced vision and looked for her portfolio. She pierced through the darkness and quickly found her portfolio. Once she found it, she grabbed it and swam up to the surface. First, she carefully threw her wet portfolio up on the dock. Then, she pulled herself out of the water and got up on the dock. Without giving Vincent a single glance, Heidi walked away with her clothes, shoes, and portfolio.
The Winx and the Specialists encircled around the campfire. Bloom demonstrated how s'mores were made to everyone. Like fascinated children, the fairies and heroes watched attentively. After Bloom finished making her s'more, she showed it off to everyone and took a bite into it. Without further ado, the rest began to make their own. Once they perfectly roasted their marshmallows and stacked them with chocolate and honey-glazed crackers, they indulged in the warm sweetness.
"Oh, this is so freakin' good!" moaned Brandon, rolling his eyes in exhilaration.
"Foodgasm in my mouth!" exclaimed Nabu, with his mouth full.
"Bloom, this is amazing," said Musa.
"Seriously," agreed Stella, "I never knew that sweets from Earth would be this good."
Bloom chuckled, "I'm glad that you guys like it."
After eating one s'more, Heidi stood up and isolated herself to somewhere quiet.
Bloom turned and faced Vincent. "Vincent, do you like your s'mores?"
Vincent replied in depressed silence. He sat idly and sulked in humiliation. He didn't even finish making his first s'more. The amnesiac didn't realize that his marshmallow was on fire.
"Vincent, you're burning your marshmallow!" shouted Timmy, snapping the amnesiac back to reality.
Bloom took the metal stick away from Vincent's grasp and put the fire out. The white marshmallow now turned coal black.
"Geez, Vince! What's going on in your head?" asked Nabu.
"Oh, it's nothing," lied Vincent.
"Vincent, we know what this is about," said Helia, "You're still embarrassed about what happened today, right?"
Vincent looked down and nodded his head.
"There's no need to feel embarrassed, Vincent. It's okay," assured Flora.
"I tripped her into the water, saw something I shouldn't have seen, suffered a humiliating case of nosebleed, and threw her important portfolio in the water. Does that sound okay to you?" asked Vincent, staring at the fairy of nature pessimistically.
"Vince, I told you that I'm sorry," Brandon apologized again for scaring him with his yelling.
"Also, don't worry about the portfolio. I have a saved file that will restore some of the images," said Tecna.
Stella came over to Vincent's side and wrapped her around his neck. "This is only the beginning, Vincent! You'll win her heart very soon!"
"Wh-What?! Who said anything about winning her heart?!" questioned the shocked amnesiac, trying to conceal his emotions.
"Oh, just quit it! The way you behave yourself around Heidi is so obvious. You're like an open book." exclaimed Stella.
The Solarian princess was right. He was too easy to figure out. No matter how hard he tries to lie and cover up his feelings, he will be figured out.
Vincent rested his chin on the palm of his hand and sighed, "It's no use. I'm too hopeless."
"Hopeless? Why?" asked Musa.
"I made too many stupid mistakes in front of her. She thinks I'm annoying," explained Vincent.
"Did she say that you were annoying?" asked Layla.
"No, but I know that she feels that way about me. The way she looked at me said it all," said Vincent.
"Don't give up, Vincent. Like what Stella said, this is only the beginning," said Flora, sweetly.
"Not a great way to start," mumbled Vincent, still feeling pessimistic.
"Heidi's not the type of person who would hold grudges," said Bloom.
"Are you sure about that?" asked Riven, staring skeptically at the fairy of dragon fire.
"Er...she doesn't hold grudges on things that are trivial," corrected Bloom.
"What I did wasn't trivial. I screwed up big time!" said Vincent.
"Oh, stop overreacting!" shouted Stella, "What you did isn't even half as bad as what she went through. She-"
Before Stella could reveal the truth about her, Bloom and Brandon covered her mouth. Vincent tilted his head in curiosity and confusion.
"Just be patient. Establishing a mutual relationship takes time and trust," reminded Helia.
Vincent understood and nodded his head.
After completing the photoshoot and hanging out at Lake Roccaluce, the Winx and the Specialists departed separately.