13 Shades of Grey
Chapter 13: I Know You're Out There
Yes, I know. This update was long overdue. I've been busy with revenge plots for people I dislike to the extreme. Oh, and I have a job as a cashier at No Frills so I have been busy. I get to weigh things and push buttons and scan and shit, and it's very much fun. -grins- Anyways, enough babbling, enjoy then tell me whatcha think, okay?
-Arcada/Parminder
Blue collared crystals, made purely of sugar, fell on Arista's tongue. She sucked happily at the sugar. Her saliva mixed with some of the powder and hardened into a slightly wet solid-like substance.
Scowling in annoyance, Arista squinted with her left eye, peering into the cylindrical straw. Only to realize too late, she shouldn't have when the semi-wet sugar poured out , splashing her face and hair in a wave of blue.
"Shiznit!" Arista cursed rather loudly.
She was alone in the dorm, and was glad for it as this way no one would see her sticky situation. Growling in annoyance she shook her hair, spilling crystals all around her on the carpeted floor.
A sigh escaped her mouth and she frowned. Her face was sticky and blue in spots. Great, this was just like the time she'd gotten gum over herself. She'd only gotten rid of it with help from Oliver. He'd put something in her hair and it had smelled rancid, but it cleaned the gum out of her hair. Arista was glad to have a friend who knew about hair. If it was up to her she'd rather just shave off all her hair. It would be less hassle to brush it in the mornings anyway, she mused.
The knob twisted, and the door opened. An agitated Amber came inside looking cranky, while mumbling idle threats under her breath. Arista quickly stuffed her stash of pixie sticks under her bed and pretended to fix her bed.
Amber stopped when she noticed the other teen cleaning.
"What are you doing?" Amber raised her brow, staring in the direction of her Russian friend.
"What does it look like?" Arista huffed, untangling herself from the mass of sheets.
"You playing tug-of-war with the sheets?"
"No." Arista exclaimed. She fell down, tripping on her comforter.
Amber snickered at the other females misfortune, then walked over to her and held out a hand. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad, she thought.
"So what are you really doing?" Amber asked again, sitting down on her bed, slinging her bag off her shoulders only for it to land in a heap on the bed.
"Breathing?" Arista replied nonchalantly.
The look on Amber's face was of mild annoyance and confusion mixed together. Her whiskey eyes closed, long lashes fanned out. She had a headache coming on, one thing she didn't want was to take meds. They just had the effect of making her feel off about everything.
"You know we have practice today, right?"
Amber eyes shot open. "We do?"
Arista nodded much to Amber' dismay.
"What's that on your face?"
"You mean my skin?" Arista quipped.
"No." Amber replied sarcastically. "I meant that purple shit on our face."
The Russian female's eyes widened quizzically. "Er, I don't know what you mean."
No matter how smooth the lie sounded, Amber didn't buy it. She walked over to her comrade and looked around at the panicking teen.
"Okay, where's the pixie sticks?"
"What pixie sticks?"
Playing dumb wasn't one of Arista's strong suits because she generally knew what was going on. Amber smirked and pushed stray bangs of hair out of her eyes, pausing only to stare up at the slightly taller female.
An array of colour sticks poking out from under Arista's pillow caught the ochre-eyed teens eye. She side-stepped around Arista and darted for the sugar, managing to successfully grab a handful of Arista's treasures. Without thinking, Arista tackled Amber onto her bed, trying desperately to wrestle the pixie sticks out of Amber's hands.
The two rolled off the bed, landing in a tangled heap on the floor. Panting for air, they both got up slowly, and stared at the other.
"That was fun." Amber muttered sarcastically, dusting off her clothes. Arista followed likewise, pushing her hair away from her face so she could see clearly.
"You can say that again."
"Okay, I will." Amber gave a small smirk. "That was fun. Now can I please have some?"
Having to think about it for only a split second, Arista nodded heartily.
Amber's lips curved into a feline smile as she proceeded to open a stick and let the sugar drop onto her tongue. She hadn't had any caffeine and she was tired as Hell. If there was one thing she needed in life, it was good cup of coffee. As sugar entered her system she felt immediately better, if only somewhat.
Arista looked around the room, trying to figure out where she'd last left her equipment. It wasn't under he bed, Hitoshi and Amber had helped her clean that out a few days ago. Was it in the closet? She doubted it. The girls' closet was a landslide waiting to fall on whoever who was dumb enough to open it. So where could it be?
Deciding to take action, Arista began her fated search for her hockey bag. Amber, who had remembered to put her bag somewhere where she'd remember it, walked over to the window, where sunlight streamed in through the glass, picked up her duffel bag from the spot she'd last left it; under the window ledge.
After much searching, Arista had found her stuff shoved in a corner covered with clothes and books. She made a mental note to put it under her bed where she'd remember it. With sugar in their systems, the two female's darted out the door, shutting it after them. They sped off towards the arena at a timely pace.
Brooklyn sprinted down the hallways, narrowly missing collisions into other students or teachers. He cursed the time and continued running, going to fast to slow down. Without watching where he was going he slammed into something solid, or rather two of his fellow team-mates.
The red-headed male fell backwards from the impact an landed on the floor.
Arista and Amber having been in the same predicament, were on the floor, nursing their brand new injuries. The contents of the duffel bags were strewed around on the hallway around them because they hadn't been closed properly in their haste.
Amber's jersey, knee pads, elbow pads, and other safety equipment was strewed around all over the floor. Her companions equipment was in the same position. Brooklyn's however, was still tucked away in his zipped-up bag. He was careful enough to run with a closed bag unlike the two females, who were oftentimes forgetful of such details.
A faint tingling in the Irish teens temples reminded her that she was on the verge of a headache. She scrunched her eyes together, knitting her eyebrows in annoyance and massaged her head in a carefree fashion.
"We won't disappear even if you try hard enough."
Amber looked up and met the blue eyes of Arista, who had hastily stuffed everything back into the padded bags, not caring if it was in the right bag or not. Coach was always telling them that if they got late again, he'd start making them write lines. Arista thought this was degrading and childish. She didn't want to write lines like she had to in grade two or something. She wanted to play hockey and standing around here wouldn't do her any good.
Extending a hand outwards to Amber, she helped her get to her feet and gave her her duffel bag. Brooklyn who was watching the scene with mild amusement was knocked back on a face-first dive to Reality, as the two girls tore off towards the arena, leaving him in their dust. A thin smile flirted with his lips, damned if he'd have to write lines.
Tala watched Ruin glide across the ice, literally flying as she accumulated speed, skating towards the net, handling the puck with her stick, not missing a beat. Turquoise eyes watched with avarice as the puck was sent sailing through the air with a 'whoosh' before settling in the back of the net, to lay motionless. Ruin, a small smirk on her face, made another goal against the invisible goalie seeing as Arista was missing in action. Feeling that she was being watched she looked around and squinted, sweat glittering on her pale face. She swivelled around and let her eyes rest on the red-head coming towards her.
"You know, your slap shot could be a lot better."
"Oh yeah?" Ruin read the challenge in his voice causing her smirk to grow.
"Yeah."
Before she'd even begun to register what Valkov was about to do, he'd stolen the puck from her and set a swift shot into the net, a small ping echoed in the arena because of the sheer speed. Ruin's eyes watched those of the Russian male in front of her.
A smile cracked on Tala's face as he locked his gaze with the chocolate brown one of Ruin. The tension was there, barely noticeable because the two were so comfortable with each other, having been best friends since childhood.
"Here, I'll show you how to master the technique."
Ruin nodded her head very slightly, Tala's grin widened and he moved closer to the female, wrapping his arms around her waist and guiding her hand higher onto her stick.
Ruin felt heat creep into the back of her neck and shook her head to soothe her fraying nerves. It was so unexpected how she could change from calm and collected to confused and disoriented from being held or touched by Tala. She loved that feeling. That she had someone for herself, someone who cared about her and wanted her just as much as she wanted him. Her heart fluttered dangerously close to her rib cage, as Tala moved their bodies in unison, guiding her to perfect her slap shot. Ruin's lips curved in a felinic smile, while small shudders ran up and down her spine.
Arista rushed to put on her jersey while trying to untangle her hair from the silver chain around her neck. Somehow, as expected, she had managed to get herself caught in her hair and equipment. Brooklyn and Amber hadn't suspected anything different from the ungraceful teen.
In fact the only time when Arista didn't entangle herself or drop one or six things, was when she was in net. Her mind would be calm and focused on one mission; to stop the opposing team from scoring. She wasn't easily distracted from her objective, so scoring on her was a few pegs down from impossible. It was the same with Amber, Brooklyn, or anyone of the team. They were focused and collected individually, they just some minor issues when it came down to teamwork.
They would argue all they could, and try to out do each other on the ice. But when it came to injuries, it was a whole different perspective. A low blow or a dirty tactic to one the of team would mean serious revenge. It didn't matter how much they argued off the ice, it was what happened on the ice.
Ian and Amber for example, bickered constantly, but they would stand up for each other in mutual respect, however much they had.
Brooklyn watched as Amber almost fell down while applying her elbow, and knee pads to their respective locations. He'd already changed, but felt that he'd rather be late with others than be a spectacle to Coach and the others.
"You've got it backwards." Brooklyn pointed out to the Russian female.
"Huh?"
While trying to untangle her silver hair, she'd ducked her head inside so she could see better. Brooklyn smirked as her head popped up through her jersey.
"Your jersey." He said monotonously.
Amber marvelled at Arista's situation, having successfully gotten her equipment on, currently tying the laces to her black and silver skates.
"He's right, you know."
Arista looked down at her torso and sure enough the numbers '03' were there along with Belyaev stitched in black chunky letters.
Her lips curved into a frown. "And you only tell me now?"
Amber snickered at her comrade, then stood up, leaning against the wall.
Arista pulled up her jersey, unknowingly pulling up her t-shirt as well. Her black sports bra was visible to the naked eye, but she didn't notice or didn't care.
Amber snickered again, then unable to contain herself, fell down on one knee, eventually falling on her back.
Brooklyn smirked, his arms crossed over his chest in amazement at the Russian's folly. His gaze unintentionally raked over the smooth creamy skin that was taut while Arista struggled to get her jersey off in order to put it on the right way.
She stretched her arms high, exposing her lean frame. She groaned when her arms were stuck in mid-air with her head stuck in the jersey. Amber was no help to Arista's pleas as she was miserably failing to contain her mirth.
After a quick glance at his watch, Brooklyn noted that they had missed half of practice already, and not wanting to waste any more practice time, he walked over to Arista and pulled her sweater, along with her t-shirt, off.
Exposed, Arista could feel goose bumps rise on her skin as she felt the a/c cool the room.
"Thanks." She mumbled, then snatched her clothes from Brooklyn. She slipped on her t-shirt, a red blush creeping on her neck and serenading her cheeks. She slipped on her jersey the proper way, then brushed past the red-head to get her skates.
She did up the laces in a rush, having to retie them several times in her haste. Once they were securely fastened, she walked out in a huff, leaving an amused Amber and a curious Brooklyn behind.
Kai sat on the school rooftop, watching the world below, feeling alone. Disillusionment circulated around him, engulfing him. A sigh of confusion was the only sound that was heard from his pale lips, aside from the irregular flow of his breathing.
Last time I talked to you
You were lonely and out of place
You were looking down on me
Lost out in space
What was wrong with him? Why couldn't he just get over Amber? What was so different about her? Mahogany eyes stared off into the bright blue sky and the wisps of clouds as the world spun around, turmoil settling into the pit of Kai's heart. A gentle breeze ruffled Kai's hair, royal blue flicked across his eyelids.
We laid underneath the stars
Strung out and feeling brave
I watched the red-orange glow
I watched you float away
Knowing someone for practically your whole life left an indent in your own life, Kai had come to realise that long ago. What he hadn't counted on was falling for Amber. If you'd told him it were to happen, he'd have started crying from laughing so hard. Somehow over the years, the course of his feelings had changed courses, doing a 180 flip. He's struggled to deny it, to divert his attention away from the Irish female, but to no avail.
Down here in the atmosphere
Garbage and city lights
You're gone to save you're tired soul
You've gone to save our lives
Amber had undeniably grown on him. How had it come to this? Shaking his head, as if to release his head of all the thoughts swimming around, doing hi-jumps from the board, Kai ran his fingers through his hair.
I turned on the radio
To find you on satellite
I'm waiting for the sky to fall
I'm waiting for a sign
Leaves fluttered around the empty yard below, trees blowing along to the soft howling of the wind. Snow glistened with sparkles, the occasional chirping of birds was audible. Kai paid no attention to the world around him, all that mattered Amber. He was assured that she had climbed into his head and made herself comfortable, nestling in there for all to see. What was so repulsing about him?
You're falling back to me
You're a star that I can see
I know you're out there
Somewhere out there
His mind groggy, he leaned back against the cold bricks, closed his eyes, falling into an uneasy slumber.
Defying gravity
I know you're out there
Somewhere out there
He basically loved Amber, so why didn't she reciprocate his feelings?
Bryan understood how Kai felt the way he did about Amber. She was likeable, and he felt the constant need to protect her, though she would say she was capable on her own. One time when they were younger, Bryan had left Amber alone in the kitchen alone for just a second and she'd burnt her arm out of forgetfulness. Since then he'd been wherever she was, save for the washroom.
He loved Amber in the sense that she was special to him because of a mutual bond they had. They were the best of friends, having their share of memories that revolved around the two of them. He walked around on the snow-covered terrain in the school courtyard.
It was unusually warm out today so he was wearing his team blazer. His lilac hair blew gently with the refreshing breeze. His cheeks, normally pale, were the shade of fresh-picked strawberries as snow fell from the Heavens to land on the ground. After practise he usually liked to take a walk to cool off and regain himself.
What he was worried about was Kai hurting Amber. But now that he thought the situation over, he considered that Amber may unintentionally hurt Kai himself. This thought scared him because he knew that Amber would never purposefully hurt someone, no matter what her feelings were about them.
He had wanted a word with the two-toned bluenette to tell him to keep away from his cousin, but when he'd seen what a wreck Kai had been, he didn't have the heart to add insult to injury.
The situation was complicated because of the history the two shared. Amber and Kai had basically known each other since they were in diapers. Amber would usually blame Kai for pretty much any of her misfortunes. Kai would tease her relentlessly. It was when they were growing up that the two had discovered their sharp tongues, often squabbling at something or other.
Not knowing what would happen when the two next confronted each other, he turned his gaze towards the sky. Much to his surprise he saw Amber sitting watching Kai on the rooftop.
Without thinking he called out to his favourite person.
"Amber?" It was more a question than a greeting.
"Huh?" Amber spun her head around to scan the landscape, searching for whoever had called her.
Bryan's lips curved the slightest bit. "Over here."
Ochre eyes followed the voice and met the icy blue of Bryan.
"Hi." She greeted him with a small smile.
Amber frowned internally, she didn't want Kai to wake up and see her there. Couldn't Bryan see that Kai was sleeping? She moved closer to the side of the school roof to get a better view of Bryan.
"Why are you up there?"
The Irish teen didn't know how to respond to his question. Just exactly why was she up here? She didn't even know herself. Okay, well maybe a little bit. She wanted to give Kai a letter that she'd written via Miyami's suggestion.
Mimi had given her the idea to write what she felt or wanted to tell Kai. Amber remembered that trying to explain something she didn't understand had always been awkward for her. Thus, Miyami had helped her to write the letter to Kai. She was grateful that she had at least one friend who knew something about something.
She crossed her legs underneath after sneaking a quick glance at Kai to check he was sleeping. She was a bit nervous to give the letter to him. She'd even put it in an envelope too. Why though, she didn't quite know.
Bryan's brow furrowed, he moved closer so he wouldn't have to raise his voice so much. "You didn't answer my question."
"Yeah, while I wanted to see the snow from above."
Amber's lips fretted into a grin. She stuffed the white envelope into her pants pocket, clasped her hands together, habitually wringing them together.
"Benson?"
Amber's head spun around so fast that her hair whipped her cheek in a non-too-pleasant manner. Tawny eyes stared into twin pools of crimson, an awkward silence was the only proposal of emotion that could be felt.
Cokey: Dude! Okay, so Brooklyn will kiss Arista in Don't Say A Word, kay? That way you can get inspiration, although I'm pretty sure you usually give. I'm watching Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory sometime soon. I rented Saw and I watched it over and over and over again. It is the best movie ever. It's just brilliant. Anyways, HPHBP comes out in a few days, with GoF the moviecoming out in november. I am totally stoked. I miss you loads. Hope you're welll and stuff.
Beyblade-gal:Gladyou likedit. This one time when I was at my friends place, I wasin her balcony and she lived on the 12th floor, and I was blowing bubbles and mygum fell out of my mouth and landed on a tree. Aww, how can you not like Bryan? Hum, well I'll have a scene with him being wonderfully himself. Lol, hope you enjoyed this chapter too.
Alex: Hey-dee-ho to you too! I haven't talked to you since ages. Mostly cause I don't like MSN and you're never on if I ever decide to go on when I'm bored enough. I wonder how long that'll last, the not getting drunk part. Dude if penguins are taking over the world, I'd be so happy. Penguins are my favourite animal. Preps suck. Amen. LOL. You're a worst updater than I am. I'll take up your offer, if it happens anyways.
eMiLy06: Hi, glad you liked the last chapter. Happy reading.
SewMyHeartUp: Hello, glad youlike itlots. Hope you enjoy this chapter too.
xInfernal: Yay! You liked it. Feedback is nice, I appreciate it.
flurobandaid:Glad you thinks so, I like writing about the characters. Theyjust become so real, I love them all to pieces.I'm promising! -happy dance- Is that fic still up? Cause I think it sounds really cool. I'd love to check it out sometime.Hey, no biggie. Great minds think alike, remember? Lol, I thought of that all by myself. -grins- Happy reading.
Grey Messiah: Thanks for the review, happy reading.
Me: I'm glad you think so. I have so many ideas it's hard to choose what to write about. Flamers are funny. They make my day. Aww, that's really sweet of you. No way, cliché's are way overrated. -grins-
Koyoru: I have a fan, I have a fan, lol. If it makes you squeal it must be decent. Hehe. Happy reading, ne?
And last but not least...
YouSuck: Although you are free to have you opinion, I think it's rather hilarious what you've stated. First of all, please have the decency to use your actual name or something. Well, I have to assume you're bald then because I use spellcheck, and there are only about two or three mistakes. Besides, no one's perfect, but I guess you already know that. When you talk about they, do you include yourself? It's a shame if you do because you have many faults from what I can read. Another thing, if you 'hate' me writing so much, why on earth did you choose to read it then? You have no self-control. Hurling insults with no real motive? Pathetic. If I rot in hell, you'll surly be there rotting with me, hmmn? You're extremely close-minded, in my opinion. Judging you would be stupid, because I don't know you and stereotypes suck. I hope you can express you dislikes in more detail to me sometime. Think about it at least, won't you? If and when I die, I will come back from the dead so I can haunt you, and torture you some more by reading you my writing. Have a nice day, now.