AH CHA CHA CHA CHA! Wassup wassup? :D
I am just PUMPED today! How bouts you? Well, some of you might be broody today, but hey, what would I know? I'm as oblivious as they get!
...
Not really. I'm actually pretty observant, if I do say so myself! :3
*runaway train explodes into wall and people set ablaze screaming in background*
Yep, these are the eyes of an OBSERVER! :}
Review Time! :D
-Lulu: Why thank youuuu! I promise you, Van isn't going to try a thing with our maiden angel. Rest assured! :}
-Little Sweety Pea: Oh, you have no idea how things will turn out. Sorry, my friend, but even this story is going to be such a surprise. I cannot have anyone knowing or else there would be no fun in that, now would there? x)
Anyways, I hope you've enjoyed the previous chapter! Our little blonde girly is in pretty deep. You think she can pull it off? You'll soon find out! xD
Oh, and I think Van is totally OOC in this chapter, but who cares? :p
.Twilight's Sun.: Hello, My Name Is Stupid
The Date
Even though the first day had gone pretty slow, I somehow pressed the fast-forward button and it was already Friday.
Vanitas seemed unlike himself this week. The only girl he seemed to be flirting with was me, and that was pretty abnormal for a player like him. Although I enjoyed his attention and flattering just a bit, I couldn't help but think what I would have to say if Kairi opened our door to see Van standing there instead of Roxas.
I was seated on top of the desk right in front of Zexion's- I mean, Mr. Saito's desk that afternoon. It wasn't really a detention, per se. The schemer used this as an opportunity and an excuse to talk and catch up with me without making me look like a complete teacher's pet.
"So..." I spoke up awkwardly, seeing as his eyes never left mine.
"I apologize. It's just that I haven't seen you in the longest time. You look so mature. You've grown so much."
"I wouldn't be surprised if I become taller than you, like everyone else," I snickered, smiling with harmless intentions.
"Oh, ha ha," Zexion said dryly. "I guess your personality needs maturing, as well."
"Hey! I was only poking fun!" I whined.
He smirked. "So was I."
"Do you even know how to smile? You know it takes more muscles to frown than smile," I added.
"Does it seem like I am frowning to you?" he asked sincerely. "Anyway, back to the topic at hand, it's nice to see how well you've accomplished academically. The residents are able to attend the school as they wish, but the students out of town or from other worlds have to pass recommendations. Is the test still as difficult as it was years ago?"
"Actually," I trailed off. "There was no need for a test. My parents and I moved here..."
He quirked a brow in interest. "You don't say? Was it strictly business?"
"As always," I lied partially.
"How are things with your brother? Is he carrying himself well after our band dispersed?"
"Well, he's South Destiny College's new music teacher, given with his reputation and all."
"Huh, so he's followed a teaching career, as well," he stated just to point out the obvious. "Are you enjoying yourself here? If not, I could always make arrangements for you to be sent to another school. How about Radiant Gardens University? I have connections there and-"
"Zexion, I'm sixteen..."
"That never stopped me," he added with a smirk.
"No, no," I waved my hands frantically. "I'm enjoying my stay at Twilight Town, I assure you."
Besides, I don't think I'm ready to head off to a university posing as an intellectual prodigy because my brother's ex-boyfriend managed to hack into the school's database to alter my academic files...
"But you can always ask me if things get too complicated here. If I may ask, is there anyone that you're interested in here?"
"U-Um... As in-"
"As in, whose affections are you trying to obtain?" He pressed further; he must've been curious.
The room felt slightly warm even though it was a given that Zexion's classroom was as cold as a meat locker. It only took one look from the inquiring book worm to get it all out of me.
"My love life is a complete failure, if you ask me. It's too embarrassing to say that I'm slightly interested in a boy, but I'm actually flirting with his cousin all because I couldn't keep my damned mouth shut. The worst part is, my friend thinks I had slept with the boy I'm truly interested in and that I'm going out on a date with him instead of his cousin, who I'm really going out with," I inhaled deeply. "And God forbid she find out like the rest of our friends did because the boy who I'm going out with has a twin brother who cannot keep his fucking mouth shut, either!"
Zexion was silent, processing everything I had just told him, while I was panting quietly.
Long and stressful explanations can take a lot out of you.
"Lies are such folly things," he stated flippantly, waving his hand to the side. "They're like women. Innocent at first, but then they become overbearing and annoying and they just end up screwing you over in the end. A true bitch, as you would say."
I really didn't take offense to that, knowing Zexion was a mild misogynist. I actually found it agreeable, nodding off to his analogy.
"It would be best to keep track of your lies. Make them believable as long as possible. I would suggest to not develop feelings for this boy's cousin. It would only make matters worse for you and what you really want. And as for your friend, pray to some higher authority in the skies that she will take this as lightly as you are at this moment. She will find out sooner or later."
The clock on the wall ticked loudly in the room, reminding us that the hour had begun anew. I jumped off of the desk and wrapped my arms around the genius I was lucky to call a best friend and a brother.
"Thanks for the advice, it was truly helpful. Sadly, I have to leave so I can prepare myself," I trailed off nervously.
"It was my pleasure, and by the way, who is the boy of your interest?"
I paused, confused by his question. I honestly don't know. Sure, Roxas had caught my eye and he seemed overly appealing, but I never really got to know him as well as I wanted to this week. He's too reserved, he isn't so open around most of our friends. It's as if he's been betrayed and let down too many times to be himself around others. Although he has let down some of his walls around me, I just feel like it would be unjust to invade the sanctuary of his mind. Plus, he acted like a complete douche when I met him, so I'm still not convinced that he could possibly be any different.
And Vanitas has yet to prove me how attractive he can be, but he has made some effort in keeping his name clean. When it comes to messing with a girl's head, he's a total expert. He may be perverted, but he can be kind and caring, as well. He knows when he's pushing too far or when he's being carried away by his acts, so he knows when to quit. Apparently, the horn dog actually has limits regarding the well-being of the woman he's after, but who knows? He could probably just be taking things slow with me just so he can get what he's been wanting since he had met me. In the end, all boys want something.
"I... I'll let you know within the month, and I guarantee you'll be the very first to know."
My outfit for tonight was already laid out on my bed. I sat next to the articles of clothing, my body and my head was wrapped up in a towel, as Xion painted my nails, also clad in nothing but the absorbent fabric.
When she finished, she sat next to me, sensing my anxiety.
"If it makes you feel any better, I went out with Van a few years back."
"Really? You and Vanitas?" I asked as I put on the clothes that were given to me. I didn't mind if Xion was there. I wasn't really self-cautious about my body or anything. She was my friend.
"Mhm, but don't worry! He only went to third base with me, so he won't probably take things too far," she consoled me with a wink.
"Probably? I can't afford probabilities, Xion!" My voice raised slightly with panic as struggled to put on my top.
I seriously felt like jumping off of the mountain then and there. Maybe if I did, I wouldn't have to suffer the consequences of my own stupidity.
"It's okay, Naminé, nothing too intimate will happen. I promise you, if he lays a finger on you without your consent, I'll cut off his— Oh, excuse me. That's not really a nice thing to say," she giggled.
"As if he can hear you," I commented. "Anyway, are you sure Van will like what I'm wearing?"
Xion was the one who actually picked it out for me when we went to the shopping district at the beginning of the week. Since Olette was tossing me clothes that were more to Roxas's taste, I couldn't rely on her.
I was wearing a violet, long-sleeved shirt, unbuttoned to reveal a black, lacy-trimmed tank top underneath, and a black skirt that reached mid-thigh. To my surprise, the skirt had black spandex shorts that were hidden well under the ruffles of the skirt.
My cleavage was completely covered and the skirt revealed not even a glimpse of the shorts, even with all the jumping and moving around I did just to make sure.
"Oh, yeah, just an unusual fact you would want to know. Van actually likes his girls modest and reserved. It was a no brainer that he would go for me, so it must have been what attracted him to you at first, I suppose," she contemplated, tapping her chin with her finger.
"That doesn't sound like him at all," I countered, putting on the matching sandals.
"Trust me when I say there are a lot of things you don't know about Van that would never sound like him at all. Remember, he is a Strife boy. And Strife boys know chivalry like they know how to breathe."
I gave her a questioning stare before moving on from the subject.
"So, um, I couldn't help but notice your friend... Is he your boyfriend or something?"
She blushed harshly from my assumption, not even looking at me as she tucked my shirt in. "The skirt's meant to be worn at the waist. You would look better..."
The bathroom door opened, steam pouring into the room as Kairi stepped out, dressed not so modestly. She wore a tight red strapless dress that hugged her curves nicely, riding dangerously up her legs. One wrong move, and her panties could have probably been visible for the world to see. The heels of her matching stilettos were fearfully tall. It was more likely for her to twist an ankle than to embarrass herself by exposing the most private parts of her body.
"Off to church this wonderful evening, I presume?" I inquired sarcastically, making her roll her eyes as she put on her earrings.
"I suggest you bring some condoms with you," the redhead shot back. "I don't want to contract something from you just because we shared a drink."
I laughed at her effort. At least she tried. Too bad.
"Don't worry! I'll make sure to protect myself," I carried on her little tease, making her silently boil with annoyance. "So, where you heading?"
"This was supposed to be a whole group thing. All of us, and I mean all of us, were supposed to go clubbing tonight, but apparently, you and Roxas just decided to exclude yourselves." She checked her phone and placed it in her purse. "Come on, Xion. Olette texted me that she's waiting for us in the garage and she's afraid that some creep is going to pop out of nowhere and get all 'touchy-feely' on her."
"Oh! I need to get ready," Xion squeaked excitedly, scurrying into her closet, coming out only seconds later, looking exactly like Kairi. However, she chose to wear everything black instead.
"You have got to teach me how to do that!" I gasped at the raven haired girl, truly awestruck.
"You have my word! See you in the morning, Naminé! Good luck on your date with Va—Roxas!"
Her slip of the tongue was too much of a close call. Kairi shot her a calculating look.
And with that, the identical girls walked out of the room. I sighed in relief, knowing that Kairi wouldn't stay long enough to see Van arrive to pick me up.
I sat back down on my bed, staring at the picture frame that was placed face down on my nightstand. Lifting it up from its hiding place, I was revealed a certain memory. It was the day we all went to the beach, Axel, Xion, Olette, Kairi, and I. The picture was taken by Olette; Xion was to my left and Kairi was to my right, our arms over each other's shoulders as we smiled brightly at the camera Olette had borrowed from Kairi. Axel was in the background, being attacked mercilessly by a flock of seagulls in that exact moment.
Taking the picture out from its frame, I flipped it over to see Kairi's handwriting in pink ink.
"Naminé's first day at the beach! LMFAO! 07/14/10"
This picture was a gift from her. I still kept the ribbon that was now laced into the frame. Kairi was sometimes a little over the top with, well, everything, but she would always be my friend, fight or no fight.
But I wasn't ready to admit that just yet. I still felt like I needed an apology from her for overreacting about something that wasn't true. She was like the boy she crushed on. Too stubborn, oblivious, and always jumping to conclusions.
I returned the picture to its frame and replaced it on the white wooden furniture, leaving it standing up once more. My eyes veered to the alarm clock, which read 9:08 pm.
A few minutes had gone by, then ten, then twenty and thirty. When my alarm clock buzzed curtly, reminding me that a new hour had began, I was upset and livid, concluding that I was being stood up. I pounced on my bed, clutching the throw pillow in my face as I did so, exhaling a frustrated groan.
I couldn't believe that jerk stood me up. I dressed myself up all pretty and nice and dolled myself up for nothing! The nerve of this fool!
Then, Xion's words echoed in my thoughts.
"Remember, he is a Strife boy. And Strife boys know chivalry like they know how to breathe."
Chivalry, my ass! He probably suffocated and died from the lack of oxygen in his lungs.
The only light that was on was the lamp on my desk; I was pretty much wallowing in shame, surrounded by darkness. The lamp light was dim, but bright enough to let me see my surroundings.
"Vanitas, you are such a prick!" I screamed to no one in particular, sitting up grumpily and pounding my fists on the cushiony bed. I thought I heard quiet laughter but I excused it as the person from the room next door.
I was such a smart girl for asking him out. He was just like I thought he would be when I first met him, rude and careless when regarding a girl's feelings
Out of the corner of my eye, I thought I saw something move within the shadows where the lamp's light couldn't reach. My senses had instinctively become more aware of my surroundings, which usually induces fear or curiosity. For me, it was more of the latter than the first.
I saw the movement again, becoming irritable at how persistent the unknown thing was in trying to hide itself. I turned on the lights for the room, my eyes widened in surprise to see...
Nothing.
"Huh, I just might be paranoid," I mumbled to myself, turning the light off again.
"Are you sure?"
I jumped at the voice, whirling around to face the darkness once more. I spotted the moving shadow once again; it was leaning against a corner of the room that was shrouded in complete darkness.
Please don't tell me this is some sort of reenactment of some stupid suspense/horror film!
"Uh, maybe? I don't know." I shrugged. Am I really having a conversation with my own shadow? I must have lost it.
"How funny. Usually, I wouldn't have such a rational reply. Just an annoying twat screaming in my face or threatening me." The voice chuckled at my unexpected answer. The shadow revealed itself within the light. It looked like a-
"A heartless? You're a heartless?" I asked in disbelief, staring down at the small creature right in front of me. I recognized it to be classified as a Shadow.
Even though it had seemed as if it had no mouth, it laughed and said, "Actually, no, I'm not. I find it adorable that you're not afraid of me."
I crouched down to keep eye-level with it. "Well, how could I be? You're so small. And cute," I teased, pulling on its antenna gently.
Suddenly, the darkness around it seeped into its skin, the small creature growing in height and size. It almost touched the ceiling now, looking like a more intimidating version of itself. Its claws were larger and sharper, and there were veins popping out near its eyes. It looked like a Neoshadow.
"How about now?" It challenged, extending its claws.
I stared up at it, amused. "No, not really," I answered undecidedly, shrugging my shoulders once again.
"Huh..." I was taken aback by the sudden change in its inflection. He sounded like a boy, so I assumed him to be.
"What are you exactly?"
"Oh, where are my manners? I'm here to pick you up!"
"E-Excuse me?"
The dark creature shrunk, now only a head taller than me. The shadow took a different form and his new features became strikingly familiar. His inky black skin started to peel away like a severe case of sunburn, revealing slightly tan skin. The only thing that remained the same was the color of his glowing amber eyes.
I think my chin had touched the floor when I saw him standing right before me. Was I really hallucinating this whole time?
"Tada~!" Vanitas sang, striking a pose to compliment his grand entrance. "Pretty cool, huh?" The room fell completely silent, the only movement occurring and reoccurring was the incessant twitch in my eye.
"AUGH!" I struck him upside the head, making his eyes dilate. "You-! You jerk! I thought you actually stood me up!"
He looked as if he had taken offense. "What? I would never do such a thing! Do you know how uncool that would be for a dude to just leave a girl there, wasting her efforts to look pretty for him?" He halted his rant and gave me an elevator glance. "By the way, you look beautiful, this evening."
"Th-That... That still doesn't compensate for a decent apology!" I turned away, my face warm as I crossed my arms.
"Well, I did say 'be ready by nine,' not 'I'll be there at nine, right on the nose.' Besides, I was held up by some... Distractions on the way here, and if that doesn't cut it—" He turned me around to look at him and took my hands in his. "—then please forgive me, Naminé, for being so rude and thoughtless of your feelings. I truly and sincerely am sorry— No, make that ashamed! I am ashamed of myself for making you feel as if you weren't as important as you already are."
Whoa... What happened to the douchebag who stood me up? Is he even here?
"Um... W-Wow, I— Apology accepted." I looked away bashfully, removing my hands from his grasp.
"Sweet—! I mean, uh, thank you," he scratched the back of his neck nervously(must've been a guy thing). So, you're ready?"
"Of course."
He took hold of my arm and we left my room.
Surprisingly, the car ride to where ever Vanitas was taking us wasn't filled with an ounce of the awkwardness of "first date" silence.
"So, I wasn't hallucinating? That was really you?" I asked him, amazed.
"Unfortunately, yes, it was. I'm a Shadowcastor. I can use the darkness to my liking. Sure such a power is tempting, but sometimes it can be a burden. "
"And yet you must still enjoy your abilities to an extent," I chided. "Do you use them often?"
"Well, yeah," he piped. "But not around the normies. I would have some serious problems if I did..."
I stared at him, confused by the unfamiliar word.
"Normies—?"
"You know, the humans that have it easy. The humans that can live peacefully without being subjugated by their whim. To them, we're monsters. Creatures that cannot be accepted because of the very reason why they can never stand even the shadows of our presence. Fear, hate, and jealousy."
His usually flirtatious grin turned into a snarky frown as his hands tightened on the steering wheel as he continued to control the mechanical beast that suddenly roared. He was speeding.
"Van," I mumbled softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "They're not even worth a thought in your head."
He took his eyes off of the road just for a second to look at me. The car had slowed to a crawl. Parking the car, he turned off the engine and leaned back in his chair, giving me his full attention.
"So, miss nobody, what are your powers?"
Honestly, having people's attention was a new experience for me. Before I moved to Twilight, kids my age never gave me the time of day. I think the only kind of attention I had ever gotten were from the people who despised me too much to just ignore me. I was considered a bully magnet.
"Uh, well," I looked down at my clasped hands that rested on my lap. "I can see the future, like Xion, but in my dreams. I read the thoughts of people and manipulate their memories, whether it be to create new ones or wipe away their existence. I can also control people by using my mind..."
I heard him shift in his seat slightly, thinking he was becoming uncomfortable in my presence.
"Well, I think I can control people. I don't know if I really can. I only did it once! It was a long time ago. I was young and I didn't know any better! The kid stole my damned Halloween candy! I—"
"Whoa, calm down," he laughed out, his hand caressed my burning cheek. "You must have been very cruel to the boy... Halloween candy—?" He began to chortle delightfully before he could even finish.
"Hey! I can be very threatening to the well-being of others when I want to," I argued, my face heating up in embarrassment. "Do I have to demonstrate it to you again?"
He continued with his laughter."What? No, no. It's just... You're so—" His eyes widened as he quickly retracted his hand. "—N-Never mind..."
My blush continued to burn my face with a new fuel.
I was also not used to Van's change of attitude. It was like his personality made a one-eighty. It must've been how he acted around certain people, especially the girls. I'll have to keep note of that.
"Oh, and speaking of such sweet words. I couldn't help but remember that you called me cute."
"I called the Heartless cute! I didn't know it was you!" I reasoned, the damned color in my cheeks just wouldn't fade away.
"That doesn't change the fact that you still called me cute," he chuckled once more.
"I bet you also heard me call you a prick too," I shot back, sticking my tongue out.
"Hey, you're not hungry, are you?" He asked curiously, ignoring my last comment.
I shook my head to say that I was fine, but, as if on cue, my stomach growled loudly, crying desperately for some well needed attention. I felt like my whole entire body was against me tonight. I never felt so betrayed (and embarrassed) in all of my life.
"Good, because I didn't like your answer, anyway."
He opened his door and stepped out of the car. I followed suit, standing by his side and taking in my surroundings. We were on a quaint street, which was paved in cobblestones. The black, ten-foot streetlamps dimly lit the streets, giving the nightly atmosphere a warm and homey touch to it. The corporate stores and home businesses extended past the next intersection and were lit up by neon signs. His car was parked next to a curb behind us.
"Where... Where are we?" I looked around, mystified by the whimsicalness of the unfamiliar place. I faced him, seeing the grin on his face.
"Traverse. It's a small town that I came across a while back. Come on, I know a great place that I always go to when I get the munchies."
I didn't want him to suspect that my feelings for him were a farce, so I clung onto his arm while he had his hands shoved into his pockets as we walked down the street.
Even if it was all a lie, I felt nervous. I never had a boyfriend before for obvious reasons and I really wasn't the dating type, so I was completely new to this. It's a good thing Kairi was an avid chick flick fan. Because of her being a total sap for romantic comedies, I was forced to watch them with her and her sister. At least I wasn't totally lost on how to have a decent date with someone.
We stood in front of a staircase that was oddly built within the ground at the end of the street, in front of a bookstore. It reminded me of the stairs people would go down to get to a subway station. There was a guard railing that prevented pedestrians from falling in and hanging from it was an animated neon sign that looked like a Chinese takeout box with steam rising from it. The words "EAT EAT" occasionally flashed at the bottom of the sign.
"Chinese food? Really?" I giggled.
"Like I said, it's a great place. You'll never know until you try~."
I huffed in compliance and let him lead me down the dark, suspicious staircase. The heavenly aroma of fried foods wafted in the air, causing my mouth to water as we stood in front of a tall, burly man who had his arms crossed. I could tell that he was staring at me through his dark tinted sunglasses, but I paid no mind when the man struck up a conversation with Van.
"It's nice to see you here tonight, as usual. Selphie's been dying to see you since last Tuesday," the man said gruffly, relaxing from his guarded posture.
Wait, Selphie as in Selphie Tilmit? I remember Kairi mention her before school started. She told me to avoid her at all costs, even if it meant jumping into a janitor closet full of zombies. Drastic, I know, but if it's that serious, then I should do whatever it takes to keep her out of my life.
Kairi's history with her is pretty iffy. The two used to be the best of friends until Kairi moved from South Destiny Islands to Twilight in the seventh grade. She thought it was a wonderful coincidence that Selphie moved there as well, so they continued onto becoming closer friends. Then, Kairi started to feel smothered by her, and when she ended their friendship, Kairi's parents (who were still alive at the time) had to file for a restraining order because Selphie had attempted to assault her a few days after. Most people at her school weren't really bothered by the fact that Selphie had attacked Kairi and was possibly deranged because they still liked her. She was pretty popular then as she was now.
"Tell her no thanks. The offer would have seemed tempting a couple of weeks ago, but she isn't really that important to me anymore. I'm here with my date," Van snaked his arm around my waist and pulled me closer.
They both smirked when they saw the rosy color of my cheeks glow in the dim lighting. The man opened the door and finally let us through. Van hollered his thanks before guiding me to a secluded booth in the back. I was trapped between the wall and Van, who was too close for comfort even though he kept his hands to himself.
"I'm not going to do anything to you," he finally spoke after the prolonged silence. "I just don't want to sit anywhere near the door. Selphie handles the customers up front."
My eyes widened at the fact. "She works here?"
"Now she does. She's been trying to get my attention since I made the terrible mistake in meeting her this year. She took a job here last week. Now, every night I come here, I always cross my fingers and pray that Lucy or the other new girl will be serving me. And tonight's no different. I wish for the same."
"Wow... She must be some obsessive, deranged girl."
Just then, a girl who looked our age waltzed to our table. She wore a slightly unbuttoned white shirt and a black mini skirt. Her heels clacked hurriedly as she made way for her next customer. Her dark, wavy hair that was pulled back into a loose bun bounced as she walked, some loose strands framing her face, which was caked with makeup. Her caramel eyes lightened when she only noticed Van.
From the moment I saw her, I knew things weren't going to be looking up for me. The sudden presence of her made me livid, infuriated. Of all the people I had to see, I just had to see her disgusting face!
She stood in front of our table, handing us two menus with a forced smile before saying, "I'll be back by the time you're ready to order!"
It's a good thing she hadn't recognized me yet...
As Vanitas occupied himself with the menu, I tugged on his sleeve, desperately trying to get his attention.
"Hm?"
"Van, I want to leave."
"Huh? But we just got here! You didn't get anything to eat," he reasoned in surprise.
"Okay, can we get our food to-go? I don't feel comfortable here..."
"How?"
The restaurant was dimly lit, the many candles and burning incense sticks the only source and provider of light. The soothing sounds of water rushing from the rocky fountain near the entrance bubbled gently in our ears with how far away we were. The fragrance of the scented candles and incense relieved the tension from my body before I saw who was serving us tonight. Van had every right to give me a confused stare. This place and the atmosphere was almost as relaxing as one of the finest oriental massage therapy spas in all of the worlds.
It's just that she had to ruin it with her ugly face and her fake smile.
"I feel like we should be eating outside, don't you think? Y'know, because this place feels to stuffy for me."
He stared at me before giving in, sighing. "As you wish..."
We made our way to the front counter, requesting our meals instead and to have it packaged. The one who had handed us our string-tied packages was an old, short woman with gray hair wound tightly into a bun on top of her head. She smiled crookedly before tossing two plastic packets on the counter.
"Here, have fortune cookie! Read fortune now, yes?"
Van and I gave each other a glance before grabbing the packets with uncertainty. Suddenly, the knuckles of my hand burned in an annoying, sharp pain. The old hag had the nerve to strike our hands at lightening speed... With a celery stick?
"OUCH! What the hell, lady?" I yelled out, rubbing my throbbing hand profusely in pain as Van continued as if he had not just been attacked by a small, old Chinese lady.
"Ugly words for pretty girl. You pick wrong cookie!"
This time, both of us grabbed the opposite packets, opening them. We both cracked our cookies in half, gently pulling out the flimsy paper.
The hag held up her celery stick slightly, as if threatening us she wouldn't hesitate to strike again. Van quickly volunteered to read his aloud.
"You may be the moon, but she is your sun..." He grinned widely at the words he reread, making me feel a tinge of guilt. He waved the paper around in his hand.
"Your turn, pretty girl," the lady shrilled.
I turned my paper over and over, both sides of the paper were blank.
"What's the meaning of this?" I thought I had lost my mind, trying to look for the words of wisdom that never revealed themselves. I saw that batty old woman smile her crooked smile again. "What are you trying to pull, lady?"
She whacked my hand again with her cruddy veggie staff of terror.
"YOU LITTLE BI—!"
"Nothing to pull!" she shrieked. "Magic fortune undecided. Keep it safe, pretty girl. It come when ready."
Psh. These stupid fortune cookies aren't magic. The old bitch is just getting a kick out of hitting her customers, that's all. She probably drank too much sake or whatever the hell Chinese people drink.
"Naminé, you should probably keep it. You never know..."
Without a word, I agreed with him, stuffing the paper in the pocket of his jacket, zipping the opening closed.
"Would you like one more cookie?" This time, she placed them in our hands, her smile still as unsettling as it always was. Van paid for our food and drinks and the lady spoke quickly before our departure. "Don't read cookie, yet! You know when time comes!"
We hastily made a bee line towards our only means of escape, already relieved from distancing ourselves from that witchy woman. But then...
"VAN~!" We were just about to step out of the restaurant when we heard the scream.
"So close," Van ground out shaking his head in annoyance as his hands balled into fists. "We were so damn close."
I heard the clacking of heels, a lot more different than the heels of our waitress, getting closer with each second.
"Oh my gosh, Van! I thought I wasn't going to see you at all tonight! I was waiting for you," a brunette with jeweled eyes giggled as she pulled him into a one-sided embrace. So this must've been Selphie...
Van gave me a pleading look. If he wasn't restrained by the girl at the moment, he probably would have been groveling at my feet to take him away from this place. I never seen him in such a moment of weakness.
Then, with some ballsy courage, he aggressively shoved her away from him.
"You saw me. Happy? Now, leave me alone," he growled.
The dumb broad was truly not phased by his behavior. It looked like she was those kind of girls who just can't take a hint.
"Who's she?" She pouted, pointing a manicured finger at me. I felt slightly offended.
"No one for you to know, that's for sure. Don't you have a job to get to?" he snarled, glaring daggers at her. Vanitas only had a long withstanding temper for only a few things. I guess Selphie wasn't one of them.
In fact, I really wasn't having the patience for her, either. For some reason, I felt threatened and angry. She was ogling him and I could feel something dark manifest in the back of my mind. I wanted her gone. Out of my sight.
Selphie ignored me as she clung onto his arm once again.
"Why don't we talk about it over a few drinks? I'm sure the boss won't mind," she tugged the collar of his jacket forward. "Besides, the dumb blonde looks a bit boring. You should be around someone more wild and fun, like me!"
She disgusted me. She knew she was in the presence of a girl who had him first and she still had the audacity to come onto him? Oh, hell no.
Honestly, I don't know what came over me when I punched her, but it sure felt great!
"YOU BITCH!" she screamed, holding onto her cheek.
"Look who's talking. If I'm such a dumb blonde, I wouldn't have the common sense to be the crap out of an annoying girl like you. And with what you're packing in those thighs, I suggest working at a restaurant isn't the safest place for a girl who probably eats Weight Watchers all day on a sofa crying about how fat she is. I'm not surprised the old bat at the front counter who's apparently your boss didn't mistake you for a cow, since she was insane enough to hire you. Have a nice evening~!"
I looked at Vanitas before walking through the doors and up the stairs. I walked back down the street and stood waiting in front of the car after realizing Van had the keys. Van jogged to the car shortly after with our food, unlocking the car for me.
"What was all of that? I'm not trying to say that I didn't appreciate it, but seriously are you okay?"
"I'm fine. She just got me angry, that's all..." My hands gripped onto my skirt as I sat stiffly in my seat.
"It was the waitress, wasn't it?" I gasped at the sudden assumption. "That's why you wanted to leave, right?"
"How would you know for sure?" I told him haughtily.
"Well, one, you almost threw the knife that was placed on the table at her, and two, she was glaring at you the moment she saw your face."
Oh my— How did I NOT notice that?
"Um..."
"No use trying to walk out on this one," he pushed, eager to know my rival.
"Her name is Anaida Ramos. She's not really on my good side..." And I left it at that.
We drove off from the whimsical town, the car was completely submerged within the darkness of the trees that towered over the narrow, one-way street. The dark, eerie feeling made me unusually comfortable. I wasn't really the kind of girl who feared the darkness. I actually accepted it, embraced it. If I hadn't, I would still be running away from it all. Vanitas told me that the drive would be a bit long, so he put on some music. It was only good five minutes of silence before we burst into song when a particular song began to play. By the end of it we were laughing and giggling out of breath.
"You sounded terrible," I teased, poking his cheek, making him swat my hand away with his own, grinning.
"Quit it! You're gonna make me crash and we'll both burn in the flames! That is, if you're willing to take the wheel for now?"
I shook my head, my playful mood deteriorating slightly, being replaced with some excitement. "Wait, are you serious?"
The car had been parked once again, but in the midst of the still eerie woods.
"Why not? I can just give you the directions. The seat's all yours, babe," he said with a wink and a smile.
I crawled onto him before he maneuvered his way out from under me so that he was sitting in my place while I in his. I giddily gripped the steering wheel with both hands, waiting impatiently while I grinned. Then, my smile faded in realization as I remembered the little, insignificant detail buzzing in my head.
"Well, what's wrong?"
"I uh..." I pouted sadly as my head pressed against the steering wheel, mumbling incoherently.
"What?"
"I don't know how to drive yet..."
"Stay in your seat," he commanded as he left the passenger side. Soon afterward, the door to my left was immediately opened and a hand pulled me out. Then, within a blink, I was back in the car, but not the way I intended I would be. We were both in the driver's seat; I was seated on top of his lap instead of the black leather chair. He placed my hands on the wheel, his hands covering my own.
"I'll teach you," his breath tickled my neck as he rested his chin on my shoulder. I felt completely embarrassed by the fact that I was quivering from the uncomfortable position I was forced into, but I pushed those feelings aside when I saw his smirk in the rear-view mirror and revved the engine.
"There you go," he exclaimed in encouragement. "Now, put the car in drive and don't press the gas pedal too hard or—"
I slammed on that damned gas pedal and cleared it. After a few minutes going seventy in a forty, I relented the pressure I applied to the pedal and slowed down, driving calmly. I felt him lean slightly on me as he took control of the wheel now.
After that, I didn't pay attention to him because I remembered my dad and I used to do the same thing when I was little. I would sit on his lap with my feet dangling off of the seat as he pretended to let me drive. I recall that he told me I'll be a famous race car driver when I grew up. I found it weird that Van and I were reenacting a father-daughter moment, but it was too intimate to be called so. My left hand was pulled off from the steering wheel, meshing with Van's while it lay on my leg, while the other was still covered by his as we drove. The music continued to fill the beautiful silence of the car, and I felt unsettled with him slouching over me, so I pushed him back on his seat and leaned against him.
"Where are we going next?" I mumbled curiously.
"You have poor hearing," he replied. "We're gonna be making a right soon."
The car had a smooth success in a sharp right turn and the metal-plated beast continued its journey down the road. All I could see was darkness and nothing more.
The car stopped a second time. Van stretched to grab something from the back seat, making me remember the food when he held in his hand.
He offered me my steaming food without question and I took it gratefully, opening the white box and breaking my chopsticks in half. Van was right, the food was exquisite! I gave it my best efforts not to look like a pig when I greedily ate the food I was supposed to have in my stomach hours ago, but the food was just too scrumptious! Our position seemed more overly awkward now because I turned around to sit cross-legged on his lap, facing him.
What can I say? I was a petite girl.
Vanitas gave a slight chuckle, making me pause and peek at him from my takeout box. Skillfully with his chopsticks, he picked up the end of the noodle dangling from my lips and put it in his mouth. The damned noodle connected us by the lips and in a matter of seconds, the length of the noodle began to shorten. In panic, I bit down on the blasted wriggly thing, successfully separating our lips from an impending fate to press against each other. His frown was the last thing I saw before looking down at my nearly finished meal.
I wasn't that hungry anymore...
"You still didn't tell me where we're going," I stuttered, detesting the way I sounded so perplexed at how intimate he wanted to get with me- Okay it was just one little kiss, but the thing is...
I never had a first kiss, and I mean NEVER!
"Oh! Well, before I tell you about that," he trailed off, his lips gradually forming a smirk. "How afraid of the darkness are you?"
"Not even," I replied without hesitation.
"Good." He got us out of the car and began dragging me into the forest that paralleled the road. I felt the skin of my neck prickling with slight fear as I tried to balance my footing on the undisturbed ground. He challenged my endurance the further and faster he trekked through the woods, dodging the obstacles of low tree limbs and roots that stuck up from the ground.
We finally stopped near a deserted chateau of sorts, the shadows of the dark night and tree canopies making it look ominous. Its ghostly beauty held my eyes for the longest time. I had to be resurrected into reality by my companion from how dazed I had become from staring at it.
"We're going... In there?" I asked nervously, clutching onto the hand that held mine. He said nothing as he dragged me once more, opening the rusted gate, and then, ushering me into the house. I could hear my footsteps on the hollow wooden floor echo within the darkness, not knowing how far the sound traveled. The relic was already as unpredictable as it was with the lack of light.
"You scared?" I felt his hot breath burn the skin of my neck, making me shudder from his malevolent tone.
"Ahah," I scoffed, luckily with no trace of fear as I regained my sanity. "It's gonna take a lot more than some stupid, scary-story-telling impersonation to make me jump into your arms like some helpless, frightened school girl."
I could feel strong arms constrict around my waist, forcing me further into the darkness. At one point, I felt I was drowning in nothing but the very thing that shrouded my vision. Then, two playfully gleaming eyes shined unnaturally in the darkness, like topaz gems reflecting the light of the sun.
"Wanna bet on it?"
AH! xD For some reason, I LOVED this chapter! :3 Vanami, Namitas, or however you want to call it is probably like one of the most adorable couple ever. I'm surprised there's not that many fanfics for them. Sigh~ );
Lol anyways, I hope you like this chapter and here are the updates for my stories' next chapter if you'd like to know! :D
Twilight'-Remade: I'm going to start working on the next chapter as soon as possible. And don't think their lovely date is over yet. You'll see... :3
Ocean Waves: (WHOOO!) Lol the chapter is almost COMPLETED! YAY! xD Like it's been what? A year maybe? I don't remember probably haven't updated since the beginning of the school year, but I guarantee it'll be making its appearance once more! :D
Balance Your Morals, Hun!: (OMFG!) Yup~! I'm giving this bad boy another chance! I'll probably do the second chapter within the next month. ^3^
Last, but not least~
Secret Tree House: Chapter 6 will be up in a while, so hold onto your rolly chairs! x)
And watch out! There might be a new story coming out soon! So, be sure to look out for the latest catches, okay? ;D
Well, ta ta my beautiful children! Muwahhh! ;*
~Grace