Author's Note: Last time I left you guys at the cliffhanger of what Ricardo was asking Heather.. well now you guys get to find out! Enjoy C:
Heather:
I wonder what's wrong? Heather thought curiously as Ricardo nervously played with his necklace fearing she may already know the answer. He then took a deep breath, probably to help him speak more clearly, and asked hesitantly "Heather.. you know Esmerelda right?-".
Heather rolled her eyes and sighed with relief as she thought This is what he was so nervous to ask me? In truth Heather feared that Ricardo was going to ask her out. Which would have been painfully awkward since Heather never liked Ricardo like that, and of course she would have to go and break Ricardo's heart too, which would be no fun. But it didn't hurt that Alejandro was a little jealous from all of it.
Smiling at Ricardo, Heather knew exactly why he was asking about Esmerelda so nervously. So she stated knowingly "You love Esmerelda don't you?" raising an eyebrow. Heather watched Ricardo, feeling very amused as his face went from nervous to shock in matter of seconds as he tried saying "W-What? No that was not.. I..." until he fell silent for a few minutes thinking of an excuse. Sighing he gave up and just accepted defeat saying "Okay you got me.. yes I love Esmerelda..".
Ricardo then went on telling Heather how they had first met, and he almost instantly fell in love with her. She didn't seem to know how much she meant to him so he was just her "friend" helping her get the guys she liked. And eventually getting hired as their gardener so he could be even closer to her.
Laughing Heather smirked saying "Well well, looks like someone is in love" making fun of Ricardo. "Eh!" Ricardo exclaimed, and then realizing that he had just told Heather everything, practically started begging "Promise me you will not tell Esmerelda what I just told you alright?!".
Heather just evilly smiled saying "Well when you're an ice queen... you can never be too sure, right?" loving that she was messing with him. "I take that back! You aren't an ice queen okay?! Just don't tell Esmerelda.. please!" Ricardo pleaded almost getting on his knees.
"Okay okay! Just get up, I don't need people staring at us.." Heather muttered pulling Ricardo up on his own two feet. This is a lot of fun Heather thought. She hasn't been able to (possibly) blackmail someone since TDWT and she missed the feeling of power and fear.
God, the way Ricardo talks of Esmerelda reminded her all too much of a certain short, brown-haired guy with a chip in his tooth who was obsessed with Gwen.
When Ricardo got up on his own two feet again, Heather said "Okay so you love Esmerelda, what's the problem?". Looking at Heather with disbelief Ricardo said "You're kidding, right? Have you forgotten that she and Alejandro are getting married?! And plus you're the one making the wedding!" exclaiming the last part.
Ooo that's right.. Heather thought. How could she get Esmerelda and Ricardo together? Heather started grinning as she thought of a perfect way. "Ricardo.. how would you like to attend to the Christmas ball?". Ricardo clearly confused went "The what now?" not too sure what Heather was asking.
Really? Heather though sarcastically. For someone whose always around the house, he sure didn't get news of anything fast.
"The Christmas ball is going to be a dance I'll have to host for Alejandro and Esmerelda" Heather explained. "You think you might be interested in going?" Heather asked. Heather couldn't go and tell Ricardo what the ball was for or else he might not come and there is no way she was letting Ricardo chicken out.
Ricardo realizing where Heather was going with this, nodded grinning but after a minute of thinking, he frowned saying "Yeah but shouldn't I go with a date? And I can't very well go with Esmerelda".
Heather began to think, That would be a problem.. but there is no way we could find him a date so fast- Heather paused, and unfortunately knew the answer. Oh god the nice things I do for some people.. Speaking up Heather suggested "Well then I guess we'll have to go together..". Ricardo understanding what Heather was saying went "Oh, uh I guess so yeah.. but this is not a date date okay? We're going as just friends.." trying not to be awkward, he certainly wasn't crazy about the idea.
"Yeah.. well then, but don't worry I'll figure out a way for you and Esmerelda to talk privately later" Heather reassured. If Alejandro finds out.. Heather began to think before shaking her head, trying not to think about it. The rest of the walk was a little awkward for both Heather and Ricardo. They both made occasional small talk but couldn't keep it going for long enough and eventually just walked silently together.
When they made it into mansion property, Heather and Ricardo said their goodbyes as Ricardo headed towards the tool shed and Heather headed towards the front door. As Heather used her key to unlock the front door, she could hear people talking from inside the house. I guess they came back early.. Heather thought.
When Heather walked in she could see that Alejandro had bought Esmerelda at least 40 pieces of clothing. Of course Esmerelda would do nothing but shop at a mall Heather thought as she rolled her eyes. After a few minutes of just standing in the kitchen with everyone, no one seemed to notice her there so Heather started to turn around and go up to her room.
But Esmerelda noticed Heather walking away and practically shouted "Hey Heather! Where have you been?!". Noticing her dress Esmerelda also said "I really like that sun dress! Yellow is a really good color for you". Heather felt a little embarrassed now that everyone was looking at her in her stupid dress.
Before Heather could say anything, especially that she hated the color yellow, Esmerelda pulled Heather away from the others. Surprised Heather followed Esmerelda as she turned the corner. When it seemed like no one could hear them Esmerelda went "Okay Heather, I know you're planning our ball and everything which is great but you really should to get a date! I mean you deserve to have fun. Maybe I should call up one of my guy friends or..?" Esmerelda asked waiting for Heather's answer.
Before Heather could speak, she could see out of the corner of her eye, Alejandro sticking his head into the hallway raising his eyebrow at her and Esmerelda, clearly interested. Thinking, Heather knew that she couldn't say that she had gotten a date now.
Esmerelda had noticed Heather staring at something from behind her and turned her head asking "What are you looking at-?". But Alejandro's reflexes were surprisingly fast and he ducked out of sight before Esmerelda had even turned her head.
Turning her attention to Heather again, Esmerelda went on saying "I know you don't need a date though, and I really don't want to make you but I can't just leave you all alone the entire night!". She actually started choking up as if she was feeling sorry for Heather.
Heather would not have any of that, so to make Esmerelda's sniffling stop, Heather went "Actually yes I did get a date for the Christmas ball" feeling better that Esmerelda stopped her sobbing but instantly regretting it as when Alejandro popped his head out again, he looked hurt and shocked.
Heather then mentally slapped herself. Why did I say that?! Heather thought as she could see Alejandro tense up. "Really?" Esmerelda asked excited, "That's great! Who is he?". Heather was too busy still looking at Alejandro and unintentionally said "Ricardo".
Time seemed to slow down when Heather realized exactly what she had just said and thought Please tell me that Alejandro didn't hear that! hoping he hadn't been paying attention. But as Heather continued watching Alejandro, she could see the he had definitely been listening, look angrier and more hurt realizing who her "date" was.
Alejandro was already jealous of Ricardo for just talking to me! And now he knows I'm going to the ball with him too.. Heather thought as she looked at Esmerelda again.
What Heather saw came as a complete, and utter shock to her. Instead of Esmerelda's usual happy face, she looked too stunned to speak, eyes wide. Esmerelda was actually too shocked to speak for once. Heather fearing something had happened to Esmerelda started going "Uh? Esmerelda? Are you okay?" waving her hand in Esmerelda's face. Esmerelda snapped out of whatever trance she was stuck in and hesitantly muttered "R-Ricardo? That's.. that's really great".
If Heather didn't know any better, she would say that Esmerelda was actually faking a smile. As Esmerelda walked away looking distracted Heather still stood there completely shocked at Esmerelda's negative reaction.
Esmerelda didn't seem too happy when I said I was going to the ball with Ricardo.. Is it possible that she loves him too? Heather thought. A smile creeping up her face, if that was true, then did she have some good news for Ricardo.
Heather was about to turn around and start looking outside for him when she felt a strong hand grab her wrist firmly. She gulped nervously even though she knew exactly who it was.
Heather was then spun around, and she found herself too close to a pair of glowing green, emerald eyes with a angry squint to go with them. Holding her by her shoulders firmly, Alejandro stood right in front of her. Oh no Heather thought nervously as she was now face-to-face with a very jealous and angry spaniard.
"What?" Alejandro growled pausing for emphasize before angrily saying "Why on earth are you going to the ball with him?".
Heather felt scared and weak staring into his eyes and all she could muster out "W-Well because uh.." until she just fell silent, not looking at him. She can't say why! It would ruin everything for Ricardo. So in hope of leaving Alejandro speechless, Heather swallowed her fear, as she said as confidently as she could "Well everyone whose going has a date right? No way I am going to be left out.." almost unable to say the last part.
Heather could see Alejandro's angry gaze turn into.. was it regret? Heather couldn't tell for sure but before Alejandro could reply to Heather's answer, Ricardo knocked on the door. Heather realized that Alejandro was distracted for a few seconds, and was able to wiggle herself free to open the door.
"Hey!" Ricardo said as Heather opened the door for him. When he noticed that she wasn't looking too happy he said growing worried "Hey Heather? What's wrong?". "What? Oh nothing just..." Heather said as she turned her head back to look at Alejandro, he just stood there looking dumbly at her. "Can I talk to you outside real quick?" Heather quickly said as she pushed Ricardo outside before he could say anything.
When they were both outside, Heather let out a sigh of relief, one more second of looking into Alejandro's eyes and she would have probably been kissing him. She was so glad but a little irritated Ricardo interrupted them. Yet something was bugging her now. Why did he look like he regrets something? Was he going to ask her to the ball? What am I thinking? That would probably never happen.. she thought secretly hoping that last part wasn't true.
Ricardo then asked "Okay what did you want to tell me Heather?". So Heather went on explaining how unhappy and shocked Esmerelda seemed when Heather had told her that she was going to the ball with Ricardo.
Grinning like crazy Ricardo asked happily "Really? She didn't like that we're going together?". Well Esmerelda's not the only one.. Heather thought as images of Alejandro's hurt look filled her mind.
"This is great!" Ricardo said completely happy. "Hey, maybe let's keep playing the jealousy card and who knows! Esmerelda could finally be mine!" Ricardo said triumphantly, raising his arms up.
"Whoa there flower boy, we can not play the jealousy card!" Heather exclaimed. "..Why not? It's working isn't it?" Ricardo asked frowning curiously as why Heather wasn't ready to cooperate.
Shuddering Heather remembered how Alejandro had acted that first time, and this time he was very angry. She really didn't want to play to jealousy card, but Ricardo was her friend and he loves Esmerelda. Plus Heather wouldn't mind if Esmerelda blew this whole wedding thing up too.
Sighing Ricardo said "Okay fine we won't play the jealousy card okay? But how I am going to get Esmerelda's attention?..". Heather then said "No, we'll play the jealousy card but not too much okay? Let's not go crazy here." hoping Ricardo wouldn't ask why.
Ricardo surprised that Heather was actually going to help, grinned stupidly and said "Oh Heather you have just made me the happiest man alive!" getting on one knee like he was proposing.
Laughing at Ricardo for being a idiot Heather replied with "But of course! Now.. get up! You look so stupid.". Laughing out loud Heather smiled evilly, it was fun that she could insult Ricardo without him really caring.
Maybe this won't be as bad as I thought.. and having Alejandro pay attention to me wouldn't be so bad either if he didn't get so.. ugh Heather thought. To think she was actually scared of Alejandro.
Alejandro:
When Esmerelda had tried to take Heather away from the others, naturally Alejandro had to follow. As he crept closer and closer to Esmerelda and Heather, he could hear Esmerelda start talking to Heather about getting a date.
As Esmerelda suggested calling one of her friends to go with Heather, Alejandro was foolish enough to reveal himself in front of Heather. Heather unfortunately saw and stared at him. When Esmerelda had noticed Heather wasn't paying attention Alejandro quickly pulled his head in. After a few minutes of listening, he heard Esmerelda talking to Heather again, but now Esmerelda was actually crying as if she pitied Heather.
Alejandro didn't like that one bit, he couldn't believe that Esmerelda was pitying Heather, if anything, it should be the other way around. Heather needed no pity! She was strong and beautiful. And there was no way he was going to let Heather get a date either. Alejandro had been planning on taking Heather out to see Barcelona with him the night of the ball. It could very romantic and maybe they could finally share a kiss..
Pulling his head back out into the open, he heard Heather say "Actually yes I did get a date for the Christmas ball". It felt like a punch in the stomach when she spoke those words. She is going to the ball? She has a date?! And just when he didn't think it could get any worse, that was when he heard Esmerelda ask who it was.
No He thought Please do not say it is- "Ricardo" Heather blurted out. Alejandro could feel rage and pain take over his body as he just stood there, showing his face. He could see that Heather regretted saying that and when she looked at Alejandro again, her eyes went wide and she looked away, trying only to focus on Esmerelda.
Alejandro was now feeling angrier and jealous as he stared more and more at Heather, thinking about that Ricardo was her date and not him.. Ricardo didn't deserve Heather, not as a date. Obviously there had to be a reason why Heather would ever go on a date with him. Heather in love with Ricardo? Ridiculous! But then again he wasn't too sure.. and it was that doubt that made him angrier still.
Why couldn't he be able to tell?! Heather should only love him! As doubtful as he was, his arrogance helped him calm down. Heather must have another reason for attending the ball with him. But even so he didn't like it at all.
When Esmerelda had walked away, he saw that Heather was quickly turning around and trying to escape outside. You're not getting away easily mi amor.. Alejandro thought. In two short strides, he managed to grab Heather's wrist with ease, he could feel Heather tense up.
When he had spun her around in his general direction, Heather was looking at him with big, beautiful yet frightened eyes. He could hear her slightly whimper which made Alejandro feel bad. But that feeling only last for a second as Alejandro said in a almost animal growl. "What?" he then paused trying to form words in his mind.
Looking into Heather's eyes wasn't helping him think straight, yet he was still able to spit out a sentence with so much emotion and force in them as he said "Why on earth are you going to the ball with him?". Heather started gulping as she tried to muster "W-Well because uh.." until she just fell silent. Swallowing, Heather said confidently, which surprised Alejandro "Well everyone whose going has a date right? No way I am going to be left out.." almost mumbling the last part.
Of course! Heather isn't going to the ball with Ricardo because she wants to. She just didn't want to feel "left out" so she was taking a friend. But that didn't reassure the fact that Heather had called Ricardo her "date".
Alejandro looked regretfully at Heather, Heather noticed and stared right into his eyes and possibly into his soul. Alejandro was about to say "Why not go to the ball with.. me?" suggestively even though he knew that couldn't happen. But Ricardo knocked loudly on the door distracting Alejandro and making him lose focus as Heather had escaped his grasp for the second time.
Alejandro felt hurt when Heather just glanced at him one last time before closing the door behind her and talking with Ricardo outside. Alejandro then suddenly felt weak and almost fell to his knees. He couldn't believe it, Heather was actually making Alejandro feel insecure and weak.
He choked up as he tried to get up, regaining his posture. He did all that just for Heather to look at him. Is there no limit as what she makes Alejandro do for her? Alejandro didn't care though. He would do anything for Heather as much as he hated to admit it. But.. Alejandro had no weakness! He was indestructible! ..Wasn't he? But why does he feel so weak and helpless? Alejandro cringed as he knew the answer: she was his weakness.
She made him do things and feel things he would probably never actually do in his right mind. But then again.. she made him lose his mind.
Alejandro brushed dust off his shirt, and when he felt strong enough, he was about to reach over and turn the door knob. But he could hear someone on the other end start to turn it instead. I swear if it's Ricardo I am going to- Alejandro angrily thought. But Heather's smiling face walked into the house instead.
She immediately stopped smiling when she saw Alejandro still standing there. Alejandro felt disappointed that Heather stopped smiling, she look quite lovely. And he didn't like the fact that she stopped smiling because of him just standing there.
Before Alejandro could say or do anything, Heather quickly ran passed him and up the stairs. Alejandro stood there dumbly for a few more minutes as her face filled his mind.
Alejandro then sighed and walked up the steps, up to her door. Knocking, Alejandro went "Heather? Please just come out I need to talk to you.." almost painfully mustering out that sentence. There was no reply, so Alejandro impatiently swung the door open. Heather wasn't in her room.
Raising his eyebrow, Alejandro wondered where Heather was. If she's not in her room.. where could she have gone? He wondered. He thought as logically as he could and he suddenly remembered the one other room that she was very interested in.
Has she gone mad?! The last time she went in there she had a crazy allergic reaction! He grunted as he took off into the east wing. In a matter of minutes he could see the doors of the ballroom, opened.
The first thing he noticed was a draft coming from the room. Was Heather actually able to get a window open? Alejandro thought starting to panic. But as he got closer and closer to the entrance, he could see that some parts of the ballroom were actually clean. As he looked down towards the center he could see that Heather had changed into shorts and a t-shirt. Her hair was tied up into a bun.
Heather was watching Maddie on both knees wiping something up. She looked very uncomfortable watching Maddie struggle, arms crossed and her eye twitching. Alejandro then saw Heather stamp her foot frustrated and help Maddie up.
Still looking mad she made Maddie take a break on the couch that they had brought in. Heather then made sure Maddie was comfortable before she grabbed the mop and starting wiping the floor. Heather wore a sour look on her face as if she was being made to do this even though she voluntarily did it.
Perhaps Heather is not as evil as I thought she was.. Alejandro thought surprised that Heather would help Maddie like this. As much as Alejandro loved Heather for being evil, he found himself very attracted to her being nice and helpful.
He then threw on a cocky smile as he made his way down the stairs towards the dance floor. He stood back for a few minutes, arms crossed, still wearing his cocky grin as he watched Heather still mopping up.
When Heather looked up, she saw his cocky smile and rolled her eyes as she started mopping in a new area. Interesting enough, she didn't look up as much she she previously had.
So she thinks working hard will distract her from me? Alejandro thought very amused at Heather's attempt. Maddie had seen Alejandro walk in so she had left in a matter of minutes to give them some privacy.
"There" Heather said looking up, body turned completely away from Alejandro. She looked quite satisfied with the work she had made and spun around beginning to say "How does it look Mad-". Before realizing Maddie had left her alone with Alejandro. Heather then rolled her eyes and shook her head, as she made a attempt to leave.
Alejandro wouldn't allow it though for he grabbed Heather's hand spinning her into his arms. Heather looked shocked as she found herself in his arms and was trying to wiggle free but no avail. Alejandro had a strong grip on Heather and wasn't going to let her go so easily.
Smiling at Heather, Alejandro began to lead Heather into a waltz on a dance floor. "What are you doing?" Heather asked almost growling, looking very annoyed. Innocently Alejandro replied with "What's the matter Heather? I'm merely trying out the dance floor" watching Heather glare at him, not speaking.
Alejandro had made a good yet unnecessary point much to Heather's dismay, or Heather just liked dancing with Alejandro. Either way Heather just bite her lip as Alejandro continued to dance with her in hand.
Alejandro was enjoying himself extremely, Heather was such a graceful dancer, and Alejandro liked having her so close to him. He just stared into her beautiful gray eyes as his body already knew how to dance the waltz perfectly. Heather's body already knew the waltz as well as Alejandro did and soon it didn't even feel like dancing anymore. It was so natural for both of them, it felt as simple as breathing yet felt as complicated as the mind itself.
But they both eventually grew tired and had to stop dancing which disappointed both of them. As they both just stood there catching their breath, Alejandro thought of how amazing it felt dancing with Heather. Her body fit with his body as well as a puzzle making things very pleasant.
Alejandro's heart was racing rapidly, and he could feel a drop of sweat glide down this face. Even his breathing was heavy and quick. How could something like dancing tire Alejandro out so quickly? It seemed that whenever he does anything with Heather, it made him feel more tired than it should.
Heather though was just as tired as Alejandro, and was breathing heavily and quickly. When Alejandro could breath more normally, he said "You are quite the dancer" smiling at her longingly. Heather looked up at Alejandro and muttered "You're not so bad yourself.." almost blushing.
Alejandro was very pleased that Heather enjoyed their dance as much as he did. Looking around the ballroom, Alejandro was very impressed that Maddie was able to clean up so much in mere hours.
Looking back at Heather, Alejandro said "Maddie did a great job cleaning up most of the dust in here..". Suddenly what had happened when Alejandro first looked in here entered his mind again.
Clearing his throat, Alejandro asked "So why did you suddenly make Maddie rest on the couch while you go and mop?" trying not to sound interested when he really was curious.
Heather taken back by his question, went "You saw that..?" cringing a little. "Yes I did Heather" Alejandro answered, "Why did you? I thought you cared for no one and would never help someone" meaning every word of it.
Heather frowned a little while stammering to say "W-Well Maddie was taking too long! I could probably clean it faster if Maddie just showed me how.." not looking at him anymore.
Alejandro raised an eyebrow at Heather and chuckled saying "Come now, it's okay if the great and evil Heather helps people in need once and a while. That doesn't make you any less of the evil person I know you to be. You were being nice and polite, which I think is cute of you to do. Unless you like to help people now..?".
He watched very amused as Heather started blushing, while raising her eyebrows as if to say that was the most ridiculous thing she had ever heard. Heather then said in response "Hey now! I am still a evil person, remember that Alejandro. I was not being nice because I like to help people!" trying to glare at Alejandro. But Alejandro could tell that Heather was clearly lying.
Almost laughing Alejandro said "So Heather has gone a little soft has she..?" enjoying the look of disbelief that spread across Heather's face only confirming what Alejandro said was true. She is so cute when she tries to lie to me.. Alejandro thought.
Watching Heather try to lie about something that was obviously true was fun. She looked adorable blushing and acting frustrated. Chuckling Alejandro then picked up a mop, surprising Heather and helped her clean the rest of the floor, enjoying her company.
But after a few minutes, the question he had been thinking in his mind was itching at him. Eventually he gave in and huffed out a tired sigh as he said "Why are you going to the dance with Ricardo..?". Alejandro watched as Heather tensed up, gripping the mop handle harder. She clearly didn't want to answer the question.
But she let out a sigh and replied with "It's no big deal.. we're only going as friends.." carefully saying each word. In his mind he was relieved, that was as much as Alejandro needed to know so that he wouldn't have to worry about something happening.
As the rest of the day continued, they talked and laughed together while mopping. Alejandro was surprised he was enjoying working like this, he Alejandro Burromuerto was working though it was all just so he could talk to Heather.
After about 2 hours or so, Heather had fallen asleep on the couch. Alejandro didn't want to disturb her slumber so he just picked her up and carried her out of the ballroom.
Walking down the hallway, Alejandro stared at Heather's face as she slept. Her features weren't forced glares or fake smiles. Nothing but a peaceful look on her face. Then she started stirring in Alejandro's arms, surprising Alejandro as she just nuzzled into his chest smiling.
Alejandro felt explosions of happiness, and his heart began to flutter again as Heather just nuzzled more and more. He hated that he would have to put her to bed, too soon as he had already made it to the west wing.
Could he just take her into his room..? No. I am a gentleman! I can't do that.. especially with Esmerelda living here.. And how would Heather react being in a bed with me? All of these thoughts filled his mind as he just gave up.
Shaking his head, as much as Alejandro wanted to, he couldn't bring himself to do it. He would have to let Heather sleep in her own bed tonight.
So with regret weighing him down, he placed Heather into her bed and placed the blankets on top of her. And of course, he kissed her on her forehead all the while staring at her face. Only this time he knew that Heather was asleep for sure. Last time he knew that Heather was still awake, yet she still let him kiss her forehead all the while blushing.
As a joke and because he wanted to, he snuck in once in a while on Heather to check up on her and to kiss her on the forehead again. And each time she would blush in her sleep. It was muy lindo..
Chuckling Alejandro snuck out and closed the door behind him. Knowing that he and Heather could dance so beautifully together, he was suddenly very excited for the ball to arrive..
Author's Note: Well here you go! I'm pretty sure a lot of you guys knew that Ricardo and Heather would "go out" somehow. I think that making Ricardo in love with Esmerelda was an interesting touch. But I have to admit Heather is a little OOC, but I believe she isn't as cruel as she was in the game so.. she's slightly nicer (still trying to hide it though) I do believe this is the biggest chapter I've made so far.. so Happy New Years everyone!