Alright my lovelies! Here is the next chapter!
I would like to thank Miss Random Person XD, Akemi Tatsuyoshi, AhhMyLife, Half-Angel-Writer, and EbonyPrincess22 for reviewing my story! Thank you all so much!
I'd also like to thank ARavensWhisper for favoriting AND alerting my story. You are wonderful, my darling, for adding this story to your lists so late! I thank you so very much!
So, I know I'm taking a little longer to update than usual. I have a reason for that! My sister just bought Sims Life Stories for the computer...and my computer is the only one in the household that can actually successfully run computer games. So I have been letting her play it, and suddenly my other sister wants to play it too. Needless to say, the only time I get my computer back is when my sisters go to bed. Why did I get a laptop with more harddrive space than I know what to do with...?
But that may change soon if my mother buys them a new desktop. It would be great to have my computer back.
So, the point of that is, updates will be slower. Probably two or three days, maybe longer, before I get a new chapter out. For some that is probably really quick, but I like to be prompt lest I get lazy and not publish at all for a long time.
Thank you for listening to me ramble and here is the next chapter!
{A Few Days Later}
"Um...Maria?" I hear my sister's voice at my doorway, and I look up at her from my math book.
"Yeah?" I ask her, rubbing my eyes and setting down my pencil. How long have I been sitting here?
"You told me to let you know when it was almost six, and it's almost six. What's happening tonight?" I stand and stretch, popping my shoulders, neck and back.
"I'm going out for a bit, that's all." She smirks at me.
"With Kyoya, no doubt." I flush a little but shrug it off as best as I can as I start to look through my closet for something to wear that's suitable for 'fine dining'.
Why do I feel like I have to impress? I'm not dating him yet...but we are going to a fancy restaurant. The equivalent of the average person's dinner and a movie to a blue blood, I guess. But I should at least look nice.
"And if I am?"
"Well, it's a little more like a date. Though he does like to take you out to eat a lot."
"Yeah, I guess that is true. I wonder why that is?" I ask aloud, pulling a dress that's very nice. I haven't had the chance to wear this dress yet...hopefully this will impress a little bit.
"You're going to wear the little black dress? Good choice!" Tori says, rifling through my vanity. I give her a look.
"Tori...what are you doing?"
"I'm picking out some of your jewelry. You're curling your hair, right?"
"Actually, I was thinking about straightening it."
"Well, scratch that. You're curling it." I roll my eyes as she piles my makeup and jewelry on the vanity.
"Tori, I'm not going out for prom. I'm going out to dinner with Kyoya."
"Yeah, but don't you think this night ought to be special? I mean, you guys aren't dating yet, but it's clear he wants to."
"What gave you that indication?" I ask her as I strip down and put on my dress. She sighs.
"You haven't been to the club lately, but Kyoya's been ultra chipper compared to how he usually is. And I can just tell...he wants you to be his. He's possessive like that." I laugh a little. She has a point...I could see him as the possessive type, though I haven't seen it yet.
"...Maybe. Who knows."
"Why else would he take you out, Maria? I mean, really? He's going out of his way tonight to take you to a fancy restaurant, which means a reservation and formal dress and God knows what else he has on his mind. He's trying to impress you." I say the next thing without thinking.
"He doesn't have to try and impress me Tori...he just has to stand there." She gapes at me, and I realize what I've said. I blush and she giggles.
"I think you like him a lot more than you let on. I guess you two have missed each other a lot more since you've been so busy. I have a feeling it won't be too long before you two are schmoozing all over each other and making out at every corner." I face-palm at this.
"Is that really necessary, Tori?" I ask her, curling my hair. She hums about my room as I do so, and it's an awkward silence between us as I do.
"Tori...I'm really nervous." I finally say. She turns to me and smirks.
"The truth is revealed! Why are you nervous?"
"Because I don't know what I'll say if he asks me out." She gapes at me in awe into the mirror as I finish my hair and start to apply my makeup.
"You're going to say yes, of course. You shouldn't even have to think about it." I shake my head.
"Tori, I can't just say yes. I haven't figured out what I'm going to do about—" She groans at this.
"You're still bringing that up? When are you going to see that Kyoya isn't like John?"
That stings. I haven't heard that name in a while...I guess it still hurts. Reason enough to still say no.
"Tori, it's not that Kyoya's like him or anything...I'm still dealing with it. I don't want to hurt Kyoya by having those memories weigh me down in our relationship. I want to fix it first before I just jump into another relationship." She smacks me on the back of the head.
"Ow!" I say, and she puts her hands on her hips.
"Part of a relationship is trust, Maria. Kyoya isn't going to be scared off by your 'scary monsters', alright? You need to hurry up and deal with it, because he's not going to wait forever."
"...Tori, he's known how I felt for only a few weeks now. It's not that long..."
"Long enough! You two, I swear, are prancing around each other like middle school kids with their first crush." I shake my head and pull my black, strappy heels from the closet. It's time to show off the nice manicure and pedicure Tori and I went and got today. It was nice because we also got a massage and full body waxing, minus the bikini. I don't think I could have handled that and walked normal, in all honesty. It was basically a spa day for the both of us, and I thoroughly enjoyed it after all the crap I've gone through the past few weeks.
The bright red that I got stands out among all of the black and silver, and they match my bright red glasses. I matched them all up because I thought it would be cute. I grab my black leather purse, which is small, and fill it with a couple of things before looking myself over in the mirror.
"You look scrumptious, dear sister. Don't worry, he's going to be making out with you by the end of the night." I face-palm.
"Tori, you're ridiculous. Just stop, please? No one is going to be doing any mouth-to-mouth tonight." She gives me a sly look.
"You might change your mind if he looks as good as you do." I spritz a little bit of my perfume—brought over here from America, called Beyonce's Heat Rush—and then fluff my hair before strutting out to the living room.
"Maria, you're all legs. Just saying. They're, like, a mile and a half long." I notice that she's right. My dress is form fitting and stops at just above my knees. The rouging of the satin helps to hide the ever-present love handles I seem to be unable to get rid of. It smooths it out and give me a nice shape to my wide hips.
"Does it look bad?"
"No, there's just a lot of leg. And cleavage. You might want to do something about that, unless you want him to be staring at your boobs all night." I notice that she's also right about that. So I adjust the dress—and my bra—to make the cleavage much more discreet.
"How about now?" She grins at me.
"Sexy, conservative, and sophisticated. It fits you. You should dress like that more often." I roll my eyes.
"If I wasn't a painter, Tori, I would. But I am a painter, and that's what I do all of the time. It doesn't allow a lot of room to ruin good clothes." I say. She peeks out of the window and then squeals.
"Oh, he's here! He's going to come up to the door! Oh, and he looks amazing, by the way. If I didn't have Tamaki, I'd eat him alive." I roll my eyes, but inside my heart is racing.
I can't help wondering if this is too much, not enough, or if I'm just going to look so strange to him. Is there anything wrong? Am I too flashy with my legs and chest? Is the dress right for the occasion?
Sometimes I envy Kyoya for being male. I wouldn't have half of the problems I do now if I was, too.
"You stay in the living room. I'll answer the door so that I can make him come in and see you in your full glory." I bolt past her as there is a knock on the door.
"Maria, no, wait! I have to make you have a grand entrance!" I throw out my nervousness and open the door. I quickly shut it behind me and cling to the doorknob so that she doesn't open the door. I'm standing face to face with Kyoya.
"Problem?" He asks, and I shake my head.
"No, not at all. My sibling is just trying to embarrass me. Nothing new." I say, and then he chuckles and takes a step back. I see his eyes sweep over me and I avert my gaze. I don't want to know what he's thinking or what his face is saying. I'm really nervous, but of course, I keep telling myself that's normal. It does nothing to slow my racing heart.
"Maria, look at me." I manage to look up, and I see his hand extended to me. I take his hand and walk with him, and he leans close to my ear.
"You look beautiful. Don't be embarrassed." I flush at this.
Beautiful? That's such a powerful word. It sends my heart and stomach into a fluttering frenzy. I focus on putting one foot in front of the other instead, hoping to let the nervousness die a little bit. We get to the car, and I maneuver myself into it without giving Kyoya one of those corny anime panty shots.
When we arrive, he helps me out of the car, we make our way inside, and already I know that this is really expensive. I feel bad for even walking on these carpets and setting my eyes on all of the crystal and silk that are surrounding me. This is definitely fine dining.
"Ah, Mr. Otori! Please, come this way. Your table is waiting." Kyoya extends his elbow to me, and I take it and walk with him. I have to try and avoid looking around, but it's just so tempting to do. I manage to let my eyes wander but refrain from turning my head to look around. We're led all of the way back to the very back of the restaurant, to a private dining room with a table set for two.
He really went all out. Why do I feel so awkward and stupid right now? I'm in utter shock. This is...quite a bit to be doing for someone you're mildly interested in.
I'd say this is maybe fourth or fifth date type stuff, but for Christ's sake I've never kissed this guy before and already I'm being taken to a really nice restaurant. To say that I am shocked beyond words would be an understatement.
When we sit down, Kyoya says something to our waiter, who then leaves. I look around, and once we are alone, I can't help freaking out a little.
"Fine dining, you call this? Oh my God, Kyoya, really? This place is..."
"Beautiful, yes?" I nod, then sigh.
"That's not my point. This is date number one! First date ever! Don't you think this is...excessive?" He gives me a smirk that I can only describe as sexy and devious. As much as it makes my heart race, I still want an answer.
"Not at all. It's not every day that I get the pleasure of seeing you dressed so nicely."
Oh...so that's your motivation. To stare at my legs and cleavage all night. Okay, sounds good.
I give him a look, which he returns with a smirk.
"Really?" I say with a voice that's sarcastic and apathetic all in one. He takes my hand and kisses it gently over the table.
"Yes, because, to put it bluntly, ever since the spring gala I haven't been able to stop thinking about you in that beautiful violet gown. You still leave me breathless every time I think about it."
I flush at this. What do I say? What do I do? This is definitely not something I expected from Kyoya. What is this...new person? Is it just me? Is this a front? Or is it...that he treats me special?
No, no, don't get ahead of yourself, Maria. Just calm down and think rationally. What would the normal you do in this situation? What would the normal, calm, intelligent, witty part of you say?
"Well, it seems you're still breathing. I guess that's a good sign, if what you said is true." I say, giving him a smirk. He just chuckles.
"Always sarcasm with you. Use it too much and I'll be forced to think that you use it to hide things from me." I blink and then stare at him through half-lidded eyes, my head in my hand, my elbow on the table.
Yes, I'm trying to be seductive. Just leave me to my attempts, alright?
"And if it's true?" I ask him. He leans forward and mimics what I'm doing.
"Just another puzzle for me to solve, nothing more. I've become quite good at it, in fact. After all, I have managed to successfully grab your attention. For a while I was beginning to wonder if you were always going to hold some kind of grudge against me." I laugh. He's even mimicking me in my speech, or at least, in that moment he was.
"You bring it on yourself, Kyoya. After all, when I first met you, I honestly thought you were nothing except crooked and dishonest. Always getting with the good and dumping the bad." I confess. He shrugs.
"Well, it's certainly true." He admits, his face returning to something a little more stoic, a little more normal.
"Yes, but there's more to you. So much more. And that's what got my attention. You know so much about everyone else yet keep as much about yourself and your family hidden from others. I still want to know why. I'm still trying to figure it out. But regardless of that, I feel that there's just...something about you that drew me to you. I couldn't just ignore what I felt. But it was like we connected in some way. So of course, curiosity got the best of me and...well, here we are." I say, fidgeting with the empty wine glass with the hand that's not occupied while speaking. Fidgeting stimulates my thoughts and relaxes me. It's what happens when you're a painter. Your hands always want to be busy.
"It almost sounds like you have done your fair share of analysis on me, Maria." I smile.
"Yeah, well...I'm an artist. I tend to notice the details first before seeing the big picture." I say, and he chuckles in response to this.
"And that, I think, is one of the few things we have in common. Similar though we are, I find myself a little more reserved than you are at times." I nod.
"I've always been a bit emotional and quite a hothead. As much as I try to hide it, it's the truth no matter how you look at it." His hand comes to hold mine across the table, and though I look at it for a moment, his eyes bring me back up to gaze at him.
"Why try to hide it? Though your negative emotions may affect those around you in a darker light, certainly the positive ones will help bring out the best in others. I've found that to be quite true, especially when it comes to you." He says, kissing my hand yet again. I manage a shy smile at this.
"Well, growing up with my father, showing emotion meant showing weakness. I didn't want to be weak or helpless. I only ever wanted to be strong. I'm the oldest child, and I've always worked the hardest and been the first one to do everything...I'm the one everyone leans on. I want to be that rock for my sisters and my family. I want to be the shoulder to cry on for my friends and the people I care about." I say softly. He caresses the top of my hand softly.
"Yes, but you also need to have someone who does all of those things for you. No one is impervious, least of all you. Someone who supports so many others needs another person to support them." I smile and nod.
"But hey, that's what I've got you for, right?" I ask him, and he chuckles.
"I certainly hope it turns out that way." He says as our meal arrives.
Why did I ever think at one point in my life that I was going to be forever alone? Kyoya is...he's really a thoughtful and amazing person. I can't help but trust him because he is sincere.
Where the hell have you been all of my life? That's all I can manage to think when it comes to you, Kyoya. Where have you been and why didn't I meet you sooner?
As much as I hate to believe in such metaphysical and superstitious things...I really think it was a stroke of luck, a whim of fate, that brought me here. It must be, otherwise I would never be doing what I'm doing now. I just hope that it continues on like this and doesn't stop. I've worked too hard in my life to have everything come crashing down on me. The last thing I need is an end to the good and a reintroduction to the bad.
I guess we'll just have to see what the future brings, won't we?
As we climb the steps to my apartment, I'm laughing hysterically.
"I can't believe Tamaki actually made you take him all over Japan! Are you kidding me? I would have killed him!" I say, and he chuckles as I regain my breath.
"I nearly did. He tested the limits of my tolerance at that stage of our lives. Now I've become used to the idiocy." I laugh a little more, then sigh and concentrate on walking.
"Yes, but you freaked out on him. I can't imagine you doing something that uncouth and wild. I don't see you as the type to lose your cool." He pulls me close and rubs my back.
"Sometimes, my dear, even the best of lose it. It just depends on who it is that's pushing our buttons." He says, and I nod. He embraces me, and I do the same. We stand there like that for a moment...and I really like it. He smells amazing as usual, and his arms are particularly warm and inviting tonight. Dinner was amazing, and I'm full and happy. However, my heart is racing, and I can feel that his is racing as well. What is he thinking right now? Is being near me just as nerve-wracking for him as it is for me when he's this close to me?
He pulls away and runs a hand over my face. He has this look in his eyes...what are you thinking right now, Kyoya?
His hand gently cups my cheek, and of course, my heart rate speeds up and my stomach is doing flips. This is attempt number two...and I have to think about this one. I don't want to think about it, just let it happen, but...I'm scared. If he kisses me...he's going to ask me out. If I back out of it, then I can escape with more time to spare.
As much as I like this guy, I don't care what Tori says. I don't want to deal with my past yet. I just...can't. As safe as I could be with Kyoya, I'm just not ready yet.
But...his eyes, they...they're saying something. What are they saying?
He leans forward, and my hands run up his chest to his shoulders. I'm going to push him away, but...
As I feel his breath on my lips, I feel myself gasp a little. He leans in a little quicker, but just as his lips graze mine, I turn away. He kisses my cheek a couple of times, then my jaw.
"...Maria, what did he do to you?" I hear him whisper as he leans closer to me.
"...Kyoya, I...he just...I-I...I'm so sorry. I just...don't feel comfortable talking about it yet." I say, looking him in the eyes. I try to say sorry with them, and I hope it comes across. He sighs.
"I understand. I just...want to know. Forgive me for prying." I shake my head.
"I understand that you want to know Kyoya, and in time you will. Just...not right now. Believe me, when I'm ready to talk...you're the first person I'll tell. Until then, things have to stay the way they are now. Okay?" He looks at me, a little surprised. But then his face softens and he nods. He clears his throat and lets his face go stoic.
"I suppose I'll bid you good night, Maria. Thank you for allowing me to take you out tonight. It was a nice way to see you again." I smile.
"Thank you for taking me out. You certainly didn't have to." I say, leaning in and giving him a small kiss on the cheek. I turn and open my door and walk in, closing it, my face red hot. I didn't want him to see the embarrassment on my face.
I walk back into my room, strip to my pj's, and almost as soon as I'm done taking off my jewelry Tori walks into my room. She's got a look on her face that tells me she's a little upset.
"So, how was your date?" She asks, and I nod to her.
"It was fine. We just talked a lot. About nothing, really." I say, and she gives me a look. I look back at her.
"What?"
"I saw what you pulled. I feel so sorry for Kyoya. You won't even kiss him? A good-looking guy wants to kiss you and you say no? Are you crazy? Do you know how many girls at Ouran would give their left arm just to do that? And here you sit pushing him away. What is wrong with you?" I look away from her, removing my makeup and ignoring her. I don't want to hear it.
"Tori, I did what I was comfortable with, okay? I'm not going to sit here and force myself to be so uncomfortable just because you think I'm doing something wrong. Whatever I do in my relationship doesn't involve you, okay? So...stop interfering." I say, standing and shutting off my light. I close my door and crawl in bed, snuggling with Ginger and wanting to fall asleep. I sigh, looking up at the ceiling.
I remember what it felt like, being in his arms, being pressed so close to him, feeling his body heat radiate with mine...it was bliss. And now I regret not letting him kiss me. Before the date I wouldn't have minded, and during it I wouldn't, but as it came to an end I just...chickened out. I got scared. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself.
God, as much as I hate to say it, I really am nothing but a tease sometimes. Poor Kyoya. He's going to go through so much crap just to be with me. I feel so bad for him.
Aww, poor Kyoya. And poor Maria. Those two are never going to get a break. You'd think I'd make things easy now that they're interested in each other and they know it. All I have to say is: hell naw. Because relationships are never easy. :P
Thank you all so much and later days!
~B-chan
