Chapter 5: It Keeps Getting Worse
Valentine Town…
The image of Puck and Will shaking hands froze. Eros reached into his pocket and pulled out a silk handkerchief. He blew his nose, trying not to become too emotional again. "Oh, I can feel the love in this arrangement as though it were but yesterday," he sighed, drying his eyes.
"It was yesterday, you dolt…" Valentine grumbled. "I don't see how any of this is relevant to the situation."
"Oh Vally, are you sure you're wearing the right glasses." Eros pouted, pointing at the screen. "How can you not see it! There, in their eyes! The blossoming of a romance unlike any other!" Suddenly, Eros grabbed another tissue as tears streamed down his chiseled cheeks. "Oh, how could such a beautiful and vibrant affair be cut down before its prime! IT'S JUST NOT FAIR!"
"Come down, Love," Psyche crooned, rubbing her husband's back. "We all know you're upset, but we're just a little confused. What does Will and Puck's date have to do with why you're so discomposed?"
"Haven't you figured it out already?" Eros whined.
"I apologize, Eros, but we haven't," Jack spoke up. Admittedly, he had felt rather guilty for watching one of his friends in such an intimate setting. It felt a lot like they were intruding. However, this was part of Eros and Valentine's job.
Eros bowed his head with a big dramatic sigh. "Very well… I suppose you'll just have to keep watching," he said, "but the build up to the final climax just breaks you."
"Skip to that part then," Valentine hissed, already trying to keep from throttling his partner. "I'd like to be finished before the next century"
Eros jumped and with a wave of his hand, the image changed to show a moonlight sky and two youths walking along a sandy shore.
XXX
The waterfront…
Puck and Will were walking along the beach, not too close to the water but just enough. Things had been going well since their talk at the restaurant and due to their agreement, the evening had been much more pleasant. They talked about some of their interests and found they had a few things in common. Will only excused herself one more time, but her absence was brief to rinse her mouth. She had felt guilty about ordering extra garlic—partly because the aroma was affecting her sensitive nose as well. When they finished, Puck had tried to pay for the whole meal, but Will beat him by asking the waiter for separate checks before returning to the table.
After dinner, Puck and Will rode downtown. Puck had a special surprise waiting, but it had been put on hold as Will dragged him toward an ice cream vendor. After the cold treat, Puck led her off to his surprise: a horse-drawn carriage ride through the park. Will laughed and noted it was a bit cliché, but the thought was still sweet. They talked more and halfway through Will asked the coachman to let them out. They were close to the beach and Will wanted to walk long the shoreline. Puck was happy to oblige though he was rather curious when Will took off her shoes as they reached the beach. For some reason, she insisted on walking barefoot through the sand.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Puck asked, watching his date with a curious eye. "You're not too cold or anything?"
"You got a problem with bare feet?" she replied, giving him a teasing smile.
"N-No no, not at all. I was just wondering why do it at night?"
Will paused in their walk to dig her toes deeper into the sand. "Eh, just felt like it. It feels great and saves me from being dragged off to the nail salon."
"As long as you're happy…" Puck smiled back. So far, things had gone much better between the two of them. It almost felt like he was guiding her through the Hinterlands again. Just talking and not having Will completely hate him. If things kept going at this rate, then there was a chance he could change her mind about dating him.
He had to make a move.
While Puck was thinking, Will had moved toward to the water's edge. The waves lapped against the sand, and she was slowly inching her way closer. When she finally got close enough she squeaked at the coldness, laughing as she continued to splash about.
Hearing her, Puck thought she had somehow cut her foot on a broken shell, but when he turned to see her wading in the water, he starting laughing with her.
"Think that's funny, huh, Bats?" Will asked. The moonlight reflected in her eyes poised with mirth and a hint of mischief.
Catching this, Puck took a step back. "Don't get any ideas…" But it was too late as Will cupped her hands and plunged them into the water.
SPLASH!
"AAAH!" Water ran down the front of Puck's shirt, making him gasp and dance about as it penetrated the material and touched his skin with its icy chill. Will only laughed, bending to wrap her arms around herself. That is, she laughed until Puck turned and charged into the water after her. She had started this war and he was not about to let her get the better of him again. Will squealed and raced through the waves to avoid Puck. He only laughed, stopping occasionally to try and splash her. It seemed pretty sound payback for the embarrassment at the restaurant. He managed to hit her legs and her hip, but she retaliated transforming to use her wings and spray more water at him.
"Hey! That's cheating!" Puck yelled, using his arms to block his face from the onslaught.
"No rules!" Will shouted, shaking the droplets from her wings. "You're just mad you didn't think of it first."
"I was trying to be a gentleman," he replied. "However… You did make an excellent suggestion just now." Puck smiled so his fangs glinted in the light, his eyes narrowing like a wolf about to pounce on a helpless rabbit. He moved slowly, stalking his prey with a hunter's precision. He started to remove his jacket.
Will's eye widen and she stepped back. She knew she was taking a risk with the water. Heck, she remembered her dad had once dunked her older brother in the sink because he wouldn't stop using the water gun in the house. Her wings might have gotten Puck drenched with sea water, but Puck's wings were much larger, and stronger than her own. There was only one thing to to.
With a swift shift, Will transformed into a bat and flew off into the sky.
Puck chuckled, watching as she flapped away. "Oh, you won't get away that easy, my little bat," he said as he tossed his jacket aside. Luckily, Puck had two large slits down the length of his shirt to allow his wings freedom. He flapped them twice, un-cramping the muscles after having been folded against his body nearly all day. Then, he waited for Will to have a little more of a head start before jumping into the air after her, shifting to a bat so it would allow him more stealth. Puck chuckled as he quickly caught up with her. Her new vampiric abilities may have given her wings, but he had had centuries to practice navigating the air. Will was moving purely on instinct. He was an active hunter of the night.
Far ahead, Will looked over her shoulder. She had seen Puck take off after her but then he had shifted again, fusing with the night. Darn it! she cursed to herself. Forgot he blends in when all bat. She looked around for a place to hide. Luckily, some dark clouds were approaching. If he was not already among them, she could easily maneuver through them and throw him off track. It was risky but Will went for it. She bolted for the clouds, feeling the moist air brush through her fur. When she felt far enough in, Will hovered at the center. The air was misty, indicating she must have flown into a rain cloud. As she waited for any sign of her follower, Will started to think over the evening.
Things had been much easier after Puck agreed to back off. It was nice to just hang out without him trying to be Mr. Romantic, or wherever act he was playing. He even behaved himself on the carriage ride. Sure she had been skeptical but Puck had already paid the guy, so why not. It was kind of fun touring the city in a horse drawn carriage. And if she were to be honest, Will was having a lot of fun with Puck. It reminded her of their first talk through the Hinterlands. Even tonight had been great. They talked like a couple of friends and nothing felt awkward or uncomfortable. She even had fun at the ice cream shop and she somehow gotten ice cream on her nose. Puck had laughed but she paid him by tipping his own cone as he ate, giving him an ice cream beard. Even splashing around in the water and starting this chase was fun.
However, thinking about all off it, Will started to wonder what had come over her. She had gone from hating the guy to acting like he was one of her closest friends. When had that happened?
Ouch! Something sharp had hit her in the back. Will shrieked and looked around. There was no one there, but something definitely hit her. And it was sharp! It felt like she had been stuck by a large needle. Well that was weird, she said aloud. I definitely felt something, but…
Surprise!
Aaah! Will shrieked as a large, leathery wing folded around her, trapping her against a solid form. She turned her head to find Puck grinning at her.
He chuckled, flapping his right wing harder to keep them balanced in the air. You really should be more quiet if you're trying to hide from a hunter, little bat, Puck teased. Declare me the winner of this chase and I shall release you.
Not a chance, Puck! She laughed, squirming to get free. Now let me go!
Not till you admit defeat, Puck said. Surrender, fair lady, tis your only chance.
Will continued to try wriggling herself free. Nice try, Shakespeare, but thou art a fool to think I name thee victor.
Care to wager that? I can fly one-winged and hold you simultaneously for a very long time.
Think so? Will leaned in closer, her gaze never leaving Puck. Her eyes became half-lidded and she flutter her long lashes. His eyes grew wide, lowering to discover her head was tilted toward him, her lips parting as she smiled. Puck gulped. He tried to breathe but the breath caught in his throat. He could not pull his gaze away from her. It took nearly all his concentration to keep them both airborne, though the task became increasingly difficult with her warm breath brushing his skin. All he could think was what she was going to do next.
There! His guard was down! Will smiled before angling her neck and releasing a curt breath she had been holding right into Puck's large bat ear. The soft wind was enough to tickle his sensitive ear, making Puck instantly release her to shake off the sensation. When he stopped, he looked at her with puzzlement.
Will just laughed before diving through the clouds, yelling, Catch me if you can!
Puck stared after her only a moment. Then, his pulse began to race. He could not believe it. Will was flirting with him! All night he had been trying to win her affection, and by taking Zack's advice and just being himself, she was flirting with him. She was even making him chase her again, taunting to see if he could capture her once more.
Well, Puck thought aloud, as you wish. There was no chance he would about to back down from this.
Without further hesitation, Puck dove after her. It was not long before he spotted Will's retreating form. Her light coloring made her an easy target in the dark. Puck drew his wings closer to his body to gain more speed. As they dove, Puck could feel tiny droplets splash against the side of his face. Ignoring the signs of impending rain, Puck focused on getting closer, readying to wrap his wings around her the moment he was close enough. Soon enough, he was right on top of her.
Then, just as he was ready to grab her, Will turned and smiled, unfolding her wings to create a parachute that pulled her back. As he watched her rise back up, Puck realized too late that he was past the point to catch himself before he plummeted into the water with a loud splash.
Above, Will giggled impishly to herself. She was quite proud for letting Puck get so focused on her that he forgot they were flying above the water. She glided down to hover over the surface. She could still see the ripples where Puck crashed through the water, yet there was no sign of him anywhere.
Puck? Where are you? she called, scanning for any hint of Puck. She hoped to find him soon, it was starting to rain. Droplets of water were already splashing on her head.
Suddenly, two wings burst from the water, snapping up Will before dragging her beneath the surface. All was still but only for a moment. Then Will came bursting through the water in her human form. She gasped for air and struggled to get back to the beach. When she was in enough that the water only reached her knees, she stood still for a moment, trying to catch her breath. The rain had already made her damp, but now she was soaked to the bone.
Will turned just as another body broke through the surface. Puck chuckled, hair and clothes plastered against his skin as he walked up beside her. "I believe that makes us even," he chuckled, grinning sheepishly.
Will rolled her eyes. Then, with a smirk, she pushed Puck back into the water. He landed with a thud and looked quite comical sprawled out, his large wings nearly dominating his form.
"Touché."
"S-Serves you r-r-right, j-je-jerk…" Will stuttered, shaking from the cold. Her arms were hugged tightly around her and she was shivering a bit.
Seeing this, Puck got up and was instantly at Will's side. He put his hands on her shoulders and brought his wings over top of them to keep the rain off. He was feeling the chill, though he knew Will was much colder. Puck had demon blood to keep himself warm, but Will was still technically human. she could get really sick.
"Oh man, if I'd known the weather would be this bad I wouldn't have… Oh, I'm so sorry, Will," Puck apologized.
"W-W-Would you st-stop," Will interrupted. She was trying not to shake but the chill in the air was making it very difficult. "I-I s-started it. I-I'll t-t-ake th-the bl-blame. L-Let's just get b-ba-back."
"I'll fly you back to your apartment," Puck suggested. He began to reach for her when Will blocked his hands. "Will!"
"I-Idiot…" she scolded. "W-What if yo-you're s-seen? B-Besides… Y-You told th-that guy we'd be b-ba-back. D-Don't you think it'll look s-suspicious if w-we d-don't show up?"
"… Do you always have to be right," Puck stated. He led them back onto the beach, grabbing his jacket before racing toward the shelter of the trees. Once under cover, Puck folded his wings back into his shirt until they lay tight against his back. He then held his jacket over his head.
"Come on." Puck gestured for Will to join him under his jacket.
Will only laughed and rolled her eyes, but she joined him, ducking under Puck's arm to escape the rain. Together they ran back to where they had parted from the carriage. The driver noted their soaked appearances and gestured to a box in the back. There were a couple towels and a thick blanket. Puck grabbed them and piled them into the back so he and Will could dry off. Once they dried, Puck wrapped the blanket around them to keep Will and him warm until they got back to the bike. By then the rain was hinting at turning into a downpour, but Puck tried to keep the ride slow.
By the time they got back to the apartment, the rain had started to pick up again. Puck parked the bike and let Will get off before moving to grab her things from the storage compartments. Then he walked Will back up to her apartment. Things were quiet as Will search for her keys. The only sound came from the pitter patter of the rain on the roof and walkway.
Puck felt his pulse race watching Will. Now that they were out of the rain, he got a better look at her. The raindrops were caught in her hair, which had turned from gold to red because of the rain. Her skin was flushed from the cold and her wet clothes were clinging to her like a second skin. Puck had to remind himself that they agreed to a truce, but that did not stop him from wanting to kiss her right now. He had to say something, anything to break the silence.
"Hey," Will said, making Puck snap back to attention. "I just wanted to say that, well, I actually had fun tonight."
"Really?" Puck asked hopefully.
Will nodded. "Really. You're a pretty fun guy to hang with…once you stop acting like an obnoxious jerk."
Puck chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. "I guess I was a little forward, wasn't I?"
"Why do you think I had this?" Will smiled, pulling a small green vile from her bag. "It's garlic oil from the Witch Shop. I would have worn it tonight if Kat hadn't grabbed it from me," she added. "She practically doused me in sweet pea perfume afterwards, but I pocketed the oil before you and I left. Just as a precaution." Will gave him a wink.
"Oh come on, I wasn't that bad now, was I?" Puck asked. He could not help eyeing the vial cautiously, his nose wrinkling slightly. "You'd really go as far as to poison me?"
"No, just made sure you kept a reasonable distance," she interjected. "After New Years, you really can't blame me."
"Yeah, I want to apologize for that too," Puck said, bowing his to the side. "I got some bad advice but that really is no excuse. A gentleman asks a lady permission. He should never force her."
Will smiled and clapped. "That's right! He can be taught!" They both laughed.
From across the street, Eros was on the edge watching his young couple. He was under a dark purple umbrella and using binoculars to watch Will and Puck. The smile he had would split his face in two if it got any bigger. Even if he had not managed to get the two of them on the dance floor, things had progressed rather well. And all because he had given Will that extra little nudge. Oh, she had just been so cute splashing Puck with water and getting him to chase her. Now they were alone. He could not have asked for a better set up: the starstruck couple, caught out in the rain; huddled close together to stay warm, so close that they would look into each other's eyes and come together in a kiss.
Eros squealed like a school girl. "Oooo, I can't stand it!" he squealed, returning to his binoculars to watch his plan come together.
Back on the porch, Will had finally gotten the door unlocked. She turned back to Puck and smiled. "Well, guess this is goodnight," she said. "Guess I'll see you around?" She turned to walk into the apartment.
"Uh, Will…"
"Yes? Did you need something?"
They stood there for several seconds. Will waited for Puck to speak while Puck stood completely frozen. He was not sure what to say. He thought about inviting himself inside. After all, their deal was that she would remain at his side until sunup. However, do to the rain it would be better if he let her go inside and warm up. He did not want her catching a cold, and they were both soaked to the bone. Yet, part of him wanted nothing more than to have Will tell him to stay. They had such a wonderful evening together. Will had even said that she had a great time. That meant something, right?
Will continued waiting for Puck. She could see it in his eyes that he wanted to say something, but she just did not know what.
"I-I was just, well… I was w-wondering if, maybe…" Puck struggled not to stutter but he was getting more nervous by the minute. He looked down at his feet.
Will bit her lip, feeling a little nervous herself. Puck was acting very strange and she was not sure what to do, or say, to break the awkward silence. Then she got an idea.
"Hey, did Zack tell you he's seeing a movie with Al and me Thursday?"
"Uh, he mentioned something but no specific details. Why?"
"You could come if you wanted," Will suggested. "That is, if you're not too busy."
Puck looked up, completely shocked. D-Did she just say what I think she said?! he thought to himself. His pulse began to quicken, and he swallowed a lump that had built in his throat. "You… You mean that?" he asked.
Will smiled. "Well sure," she said, laughing a little. "I mean, Al and Zack will probably be making out the entire time, and it'd be nice to have someone to actually watch the movie with."
I can't believe it! She really wants to see me again! Puck thought. "I… I'd like that. I'd like that a lot," he said calmly, trying not to overwhelm her. "Sorry. I'm just surprised is all."
"Well, I admit, I didn't like you very much before," Will said, "but now that I've gotten to know you, the real you, you're not such a bad guy."
"Then, you mean…"
Will smiled. "Yeah," she replied. "I have a feeling we are going to be really great friends."
It felt like his entire world had been shattered in that one single moment.
Friends?! After all that, she just wants to be…friends? Puck felt like his heart had dropped down into his stomach. After all that, she still only saw him as a friend. A friend! He wanted to crawl into a hole in a dark cavern. He just could not believe it.
Completely ignorant of the blow she had given him, Will shivered and focused her attention back on the door. "Hey, let's call it a night," she suggested, looking back at Puck. "I know our deal was till sunup, but I'm freezing my butt off and looks like the rain isn't letting up. Can I raincheck you for a coffee or something?"
Seeing her offer was only for a casual get-together, Puck sighed in defeat. He gave her a friendly smile and said, "Yeah, coffee. Sounds great."
"Okay. Night Puck." With that, Will slipped inside her apartment and shut the door, leaving Puck standing alone on her porch, utterly defeated.
XXX
Valentine's Town…
Slowly the image of Puck leaving the porch and walking back to his bike in the rain rippled and returned to the steady flow of the waterfall.
Everyone was silent. Jack, Sally, and Psyche were all staring at the waterfall, trying to absorb all that they had seen. Eros had managed to grab another box of bonbons and was stuffing his face, tears building in his eyes. Valentine, on the other hand, was trying his best not to strangle his partner.
"All this fuss, all the whining and moping…" Valentine began to say. He look pointedly at Eros. "All this because you persisted in making these two a couple!"
"It just doesn't make any sense!" Eros pouted. "I even went as far as shooting her with a love arrow, and she STILL rejected Puck. How did this happen! HOW!"
"Eros, darling, I know this is upsetting for you, but there is that one percentile that isn't effected by your arrows," Psyche said.
Eros did not respond. Instead, he just continued to stuff his face. Valentine groaned, rubbing his aching temples, while Psyche moved to try and take the chocolates away from her husband.
Meanwhile, Jack and Sally were at a complete lost. Watching all that Eros had done to bring Will and Puck together was a little unsettling. For Sally's part, she had thought it was very sweet gesture, but at the same time, it was obvious Will had no romantic feelings for Puck.
Jack was having similar thoughts of his own. Sure, he had only recently thought about things like love when he realized his own feelings for Sally, but even he could see the obvious. Eros was trying to force a relationship that just was not there. What was worse was that someone had gotten hurt in the process. Jack could see that Puck deeply cared for Will, yet the same feelings were not reciprocated on Will's part. By now Jack was wishing he had not agreed when Valentine asked for his help. This was a much bigger problem them either Sally or he had anticipated.
Jack walked up to Valentine, placing a boney hand on his shoulder. "Valentine, I'm not sure Sally and I will be able to help you in this matter," he apologized. "I'm sorry."
Valentine sighed. "No, Jack, I should apologize," he said. "Had I known Eros really had used a love arrow on Will, I would not have asked you to come."
"Mr. Valentine, I don't understand," Sally interrupted, walking up beside Jack. "From what I understand, the arrows Eros shoots cause people to fall in love. If that's the case, then why didn't Will fall in love with Puck after she was shot?"
"Well, it is rare, but there are few humans like Will that can resist the effects of a love arrow," Valentine stated. "Over the centuries, I've had Eros dull down the potency of his arrows so that people would not be falling in love with the first thing they set their eyes on. Even the one Eros used on Puck was only meant to be temporary. Though, come to think of it, his infatuation should have worn off long ago. The only way it wouldn't have would be…"
"What's the matter, Valentine?" Jack asked, noting the sudden pause.
Valentine was deathly quiet. Without a word, he turned and walked over to where Eros and Psyche were still talking. He then grabbed Eros roughly by the shoulder and turned him around to face him. Both hands clutched the collar of the robe Eros wore. Psyche made a small yelp of terror as Valentine actually lifted Eros off the ground, anger causing the leader's body to shake as he tried not to snap Eros's neck in two.
"YOU'RE A DEAD MAN!"
"W-Why Vally? Why so cold all of a sudden?" Eros squeaked. His eyes were shut and he was trying to laugh, but his whole body was trembling with fear.
"You know very well what I'm talking about! Are you a complete moron!" Valentine shouted. He dropped Eros and his hands clenched. "I thought I forbid you from ever using those cursed arrows of yours again. But do you ever listen to me? NO! You've gone too far this time, Eros!"
"Now now, Vally, be reasonable…" Eros said. He quickly dashed behind his wife, placing Psyche between him and the enraged saint. "After all, it was the only arrow I had that day, r-remember? You sent me to help the young groom who was about to dash from his wedding."
"That does not excuse you to use it on another. Dammit Eros, the effects of that particular arrow are permanent! You may as well have used one of those lead arrows on the boy!"
"Valley, don't even go there," Eros argued. "I despise those horrid things. I only use them in emergencies, and that hasn't happened since that one night after we went to that tavern a few decades back."
"Wait a minute!" Psyche removed herself from her husband's grasp and moved to Valentine's side. Her arms were crossed over her chest and one eyebrow was raised. "You mean to tell me this is all because of a TLA?"
Meanwhile, Jack and Sally felt as though they had been forgotten completely. They had been watching the display but neither of them had a clue as to what was going on. Jack knew there was more to this story and they needed answers. He stepped forward.
"Pardon me but could someone explain what is going on?" Jack asked, hoping he had not caused any further distress.
Taking a deep breath, Valentine composed himself before addressing the Pumpkin King. "Forgive me, Jack, but I am afraid this has become more complicated than I thought. When I said that the love arrows Eros uses were reduced in potency, I meant that the majority of them are less potent," he explained. "We cannot completely delude the love from the golden arrows, only transfer that feeling into another source. Those we call TLA, or True Love's Arrow, an arrow so infused with the essence of love that once a person is hit with it, they will never stop."
"We only have a small handful because a few of the arrows can be misfired and hit the wrong person," Psyche added. She crossed her arms and sighed. "That's how we end up with stalkers and the obsessed. It's a royal nightmare, and not even a lead arrow will undo the effect."
"And now Eros has just so kindly told us he used one of those on Puck," Valentine continued. He was becoming increasingly more annoyed with each passing moment. "I'm sorry, but this problem has just become more serious than I thought. Jack, I'm so sorry to have troubled you and you fiancé, but I'm afraid this matter will have to be dealt with myself."
Eros suddenly turned white as Jack's skull. "N-Now Vally… Let's talk about this, like civilized gents…"
Valentine turned toward Eros, his back to Jack and Sally. "Psyche, my dear, would you be so kind as to escort our guest back to the Holiday Doors. I must have a word with your irresponsible husband in private."
"Anything you say to me, you can say to my wife," Eros protested.
"Not true," Psyche interjected. Eros gave her a look but Psyche only shook her head. "Don't even try it, Eros. You made this mess and now you're gonna clean it up."
"But…"
"Let's go," Psyche said, already pushing Jack and Sally towards the door. They last thing any of them heard before the door closed was the sound of Eros begging for mercy.