"You ready to go?"
"Yeah," Flora said, snapping shut the lid to her suitcase, "I think that's everything."
Clive reached over and grabbed the handle on her suitcase.
"I can carry it." Flora also placing her hand on the handle.
"But a true gentleman always helps a lady in need."
Flora rolled her eyes, pried his hands off the handle and lifted her suitcase off the bed, "Well this lady doesn't need a gentleman."
Flora promptly walked out of the room in a confident stride, Clive following behind her. She had always acted this way towards him. Ever since they had first meet when Professor Layton introduced them to each other, Clive had instantly fallen for her. Flora, on the other hand, didn't seem to reciprocate those feelings.
The pair, or at least that's how Clive imagined it, walked out of their building and onto the early morning streets of London. Thankfully, the air was not as humid as yesterday and the sun was out and about, shining its light on the people below. It was a perfect morning by Clive's standards.
While they were making their way to the bus stop, Clive spotted a café, a tiny lightbulb in his head turning on.
"Hey," He began, walking to Flora's side, "wanna get some breakfast before we go?"
"We can eat when we get on the train," she said, not turning to face him.
"Come on. I'll pay." Clive then stepped in her path, "Plus, I hear their coffee cakes are really good." He stared into her dark eyes.
Flora's cheeks turned pink and she shifted her gaze away from him. She was silent for a moment, then sighed, "Fine."
A huge grin spread on Clive's face as his heart fluttered in his chest.
"But we can't take too long or else we'll be late for the train, Clive!" Flora said as they strolled across the street to the small café.
"Of course. I know that."
Clive's nose filled with the chilly morning air as his heart pulsed in his chest. Still, the cool air could not lessen the warmness he had felt within himself. He could tell she was starting to warm up to him, just a little. It didn't matter to him; any progress was good enough for him.
The station platform wasn't relatively packed that day, however there were still a few people. It was a Tuesday after all; not many people traveled during the week. Of course, Flora and Clive were the exception. As the two boarded the train, Clive noticed Flora frantically searching the cabins.
Her shoulders drooped, "Looks like we have to share."
"Not a problem." Clive placed their luggage opposite the seat and rested on the comfortable blue seat, sacrificing the window seat for Flora.
"How long is this ride?"
Clive pulled out his train ticket, "About an hour and thirty."
Flora groaned, "I guess it's nap time then."
She plopped herself on the seat and got as comfortable as she could.
Clive looked out the window as the train slowly began to leave the station. The train's whistle bellowed its nostalgic sound and the familiar sights of London passed the window until it became only a barrage of red and yellow landscape. The images of the blurry fall trees calmed him. Suddenly, he felt something warm on his shoulder. His eyes moved their focus and looked down to see Flora resting on him. It had only been a few minutes and she was already out cold. Clive studied her. Her naturally rosy cheeks and pale, smooth skin made her look so delicate. Almost like an angel. He averted his attention back to the beautiful blur outside, cherishing this moment for as long as he could. Or at least until Flora woke up again.
Finally, the train began to slow in speed signaling that the train was reaching its destination. Clive gently tapped Flora on the head, who was surprisingly still asleep. She flinched and half opened her eyes, looking around. Her attention focused on the mass her arms had been attached to. She looked up at Clive, her eyes slowly widening and a deep scarlet spreading on her face. Flora jumped to her feet, grabbed her suitcase and zoomed out of the cabin faster than you could say Professor Layton.
Clive hurried after her, "Wait for me."
When he caught up to her, he saw her standing in the doorway, silent. He watched her hesitate, her hands showing a tremor. She took a deep breath and stepped off the train, Clive following behind. As they made their way to the platform station, a mousy voice called out to them, "E-Excuse me!"
It was a woman. Her indigo ringlets flowed down to her waist and her eyes were a comforting brown. She held her hands politely in front of her, her lips forming a pleasant smile, "We've been expecting you Mr. and Mrs. Dove. Welcome."
Clive grinned, wrapping his arm around Flora, "Ah, yes. Me and my wife are glad to be here."
"What?" Flora quickly broke away from him, "No, no, no. We're not married."
"Oh. My apologies. I just assumed. You two look like such a cute couple." She laughed to herself, "Anyway, my name is Mergery Eiseman and I'm the assistant mayor of St. Mystere. I will be your guide for now. If you could follow me, I'll show you to your hotel."
A sudden burst of pain shot through Clive's arm. "Ow."
Flora walked ahead, sticking her tongue out at him.
The sights and sounds of St. Mystere were new to Clive. It was in fact a quiet town where not many cars were to be seen. There were also many small storefronts proudly bearing the seal of the town. Despite the confident tone of the town, Flora seemed uneasy.
"Here is the hotel you will be staying in."
The hotel was three stories and had a resemblance to French architecture with its railed balconies.
"If you need me for anything, just let the receptionist know and I'll get back to you as soon as I can."
"Will do. Thank you Mergery." Flora said, waving her goodbye.
"Welcome to Hotel Mantra," the receptionist flashed a huge smile at them, "How can I help you?"
"Two jointed rooms, please." Flora said.
The receptionist flipped through a small book, a frown slowly creeping on her face, "My apologies. All our joint rooms have been booked."
"Looks like we have to share. Again." Clive said, nudging Flora with his elbow.
"Do you at least have a room with two beds?" Flora said.
"Yes, Room 209 is available," the receptionist turned and grabbed a key from a key holder, "Room 209 is on the third floor."
Flora nodded, taking the key.
"I was thinking," Clive adjusted his grip on his suitcase, "Later tonight maybe we could—"
"My, my," A mysterious voice called out, "Am I going mad or is that Flora Reinhold I see?"
Before Clive could react, Flora let out a gasp and ran across the room into the arms of another man.
"It's been so long." Flora said.
The man wore a sleek charcoal gray blazer with a black vest underneath along with a maroon tie peeking out of the vest. As if there wasn't enough black, his raven black hair rested on his shoulders, one chunk covering his right eye. Clive sneered at his charming appearance, walking over with caution.
"Who might this be?" the man said.
"Oh. This is my partner, Clive," she touched Clive's arm briefly, "Clive, this is Crow."
"Pleasure to meet you." Crow said, extending his hand.
Clive was silent and shook his hand.
"What are you doing here?" Flora said.
Crow gracefully flung his hair over his shoulder, "I was invited," he rested his hand on his hip, "the mayor asked me to conjure up a special costume just for the occasion."
"Oh that's great." Flora said.
"Indeed," his eyebrow furrowed, "though as much as I'd like to stay and chat, the piece is not completed and I must attend to it," Crow placed his hand on Flora's chin, "I hope to see you soon."
Clive's chest stung as he watched Flora's cheeks grow darker, wishing she would look at him like that. His grip on their suitcases tightened, his gaze falling to the ground. Drowning out the sounds, Clive walked towards the stairs.
"Hey, Clive," he heard her call out, "wait for me."
He ignored her, a fire burning in his chest.
"Are you okay?" Flora said after finally reaching him.
He swallowed, "I'm fine."
Their ascension on the stairs was a silent one. Clive's face burned as the fire grew in his chest. Flora unlocked their room, Clive placing their suitcases down and walked out again.
"Where are you going?"
Clive stopped, studying the other end of the hallway, "I'm going for a walk. Is there anything else you want to ask?"
"No, I was just—"
"Good."
After a tense silence, Clive continued on his way. Already, he regretted this. He knew she didn't deserve this, but he couldn't help it. He knew that she knew he had feelings for her. Yet, she still manages to avoid his efforts. Why must she torture him so? Clive took a deep breath as he strolled down the street, the sting of the fall air temporarily subduing the fire in his chest.
"Please, calm yourself, sir."
"Not 'til I see that lyin' son of a bitch mayor."
Clive looked up. He saw Mergery trying to fend off a beer-bellied man dressed in an ill-fitted vest and stained pants.
"You little wench. Let me through." The man raised his hand, preparing to strike. Clive instantly rushed over and swiftly blocked the attack and exhibiting a counterattack with a blow to the man's gut. The man stumbled back, clutching his pot belly.
"It's rude to strike a lady, sir."
The man looked up at Clive, gasping for breath, "Oh," cough, "got a pretty boy tryin' to act tough huh?"
"I'm warning you sir," Clive adjusted his blazer, "If you attempt to strike again, I'll come back with twice the force."
The man growled, wiping saliva from his cracked lips. His glare refocused on Mergery, "I'll be back. Watch yourself you pretty little thing." The man laughed, walking away still clutching himself.
Clive turned to Mergery, "Who was that?"
"I-I don't know. H-He said the mayor owed him money, so I told the mayor. He told me not to let him in so I just, then he," her eyes filled with tears. Suddenly she wrapped her arms around him, her tears staining his blazer, "I can't thank you enough."
Clearing his throat, he hugged her back.
"S-Sorry," she released their embrace, "I-I should get back in there." She furiously wiped her face of her tears and fixed her clothes. "Um…thank you. Again."
Clive nodded, opening the door for her, "Be careful on your way home."
She gave a forced smile, waving as she passed, entering the building once again.
The streets at night were truly mesmerizing. With every warm light, all Clive could think about was Flora. He treated her unfairly and it tore him up. He decided he would let her make her own decision, no matter what he thought of it. He only wanted to see her happy. Of course, it wouldn't be unfair to persuade her a little. He laughed to himself, wondering why he was so stubborn. However, so was Flora. Nevertheless, he looked past that. Besides her natural beauty, she had a tender heart. She didn't show it to him, but whenever she's around the Professor and Luke, it's plain as day.
He entered the hotel, making his way to their room, feeling of apology dwelling in him. He took a quick breath and knocked on the door.
"No room service, please."
"It's me, Flora."
A pause. A series of clicks. A squeak of the door opening. As soon as her image came into view, Clive kneeled, lowering his head, "Please forgive me, Flora."
She let out a sigh, "Clive," He felt her hand on his shoulder, "It's alright."
He looked up.
She helped him up, "I forgive you."
Her energy was…different to say the least. Her eyes were warm and welcoming. Even her smile seemed genuine.
"Are you sure?"
She chuckled, "Do I have to say it again?"
He felt his cheeks burn, "I guess not."
She raised a brow, "You sure?"
"Yes," He said, forming a nervous grin.
"Okay then." She turned and walked back in the room, "it's pretty late. We should get to bed soon."
Clive nodded, a sense of relief washing over him as he shut the door behind him.
Finally completed chapter two. Currently working on the draft for chapter three. Unfortunately, the school semester will be ending and I will no longer have access to a computer. However, I will be continuing my stories on paper. In addition to this one, He Who Howls to the Flower and Letters of the Past will be worked on as well. I do not know when I will return, but when I do, I will have much to deliver for you. Until then, I wish you to stay with me for as long as you can. I greatly enjoy writing for you, the fans, as well as myself. Your support is what keeps my pen writing. Thank you.
-Lady Mystere