Copyright stuff.
School, writing non-fanfiction, and life got in the way. Hopefully there's a good increase in my writing ability, I'm taking a fiction writing course this semester.
Warning/my-ass-saving: There's a scene in here that works for this character because super powers of love and stuff, but is never okay in real life. I don't condone it in real life. It's terrible in real life. You shouldn't think that it is alright to do this or have this done to you in real life.
I left the island without looking back. Sandy wasn't back yet and Jack had fallen asleep long ago. It was a simple flap of my wings, and off I took. I checked my schedule book and took off for Tahiti. I had four days for a vacation with a single stop while there.
Ripping off my torn shirt, I had a tight, dark red V-neck planned. Pants were also torn off to show similar jeans, though tighter than the previous ones specifically accenting certain assets that weren't before. Shoes and belt remained the same, but running a hand through my hair changed the style. Instead of falling over my brow, it was brushed back with a part a little off center, still a chestnut brown. I ran my hand from my left temple, down across my chin and mouth and created a hint of stubble. It was vacation, time for me to dress in lazy cliché college student.
Tahiti was nice and warm for a vacation. I flew in during the middle of the day into an alley, gladly sinking into the hustle and the bustle of the city. I scanned the merchants for one who could see me, and I found a nice elderly one that definitely could. She had been married for fifty three years and believed in me with a full heart. Soon enough we were discussing her life and her marriage, telling her how I wished to get married in an old-fashioned ceremony similar to hers. I was walked away with a new friend and a new pair of fake designer sunglasses. She was a lovely human.
After my objective was complete I went to the beach and wandered for a while. Kicked off my shoes and left them somewhere to feel the sand on my feet. It was Punaauia, a tourist city just far enough away from the Tahiti airport to be bustling and not too crowded. The golden sand was nice and warm and all the people were cheerful and relaxing, neither of which I were doing yet.
I pulled off my pants and knee length pink swim trunks fell from the place that should be underwear. I folded the pants in half lengthwise and shook them a bit, and soon a white towel was taking their place. I chose a free spot on the beach, took of my shirt, and I start getting a tan that I wish I could. Occasionally someone would come by, a man, a woman, but I just pretended like I was asleep and they left. So I was left alone, but I watched people go to and fro, noticing the names and dates upon each of their heads and wondering why she couldn't let me decide. It was a thought I entertained once a century, but I knew it would be a futile attempt that would leave me motionless for a few hours.
Again I was back in the garden. But I saw her clearly this time, her raven hair and perfect smile. The way she walked was graceful and she spoke with strength. Her actions were powerful and her body language showed her intelligence. And I loved her. What she did I could never forget, and what she gave me I will always cherish.
I snapped back into reality and the sun was setting. A child had noticed I was staring off towards people instead of the sunset and started staring back. I turned towards the sunset, removed my sunglasses, and sighed. I poked my chest and abs a few times, trying to see if the still-pale skin had changed hues. It didn't. Either spirits can't get tans or I didn't know how to get one. I checked the time on my watch and got up, grabbing the towel and shirt, and walked along the beach. I had an appointment to keep here, so I strolled until I saw a resort and quickly ducked into a bathroom to change. I shook the towel and it became the pants they once were and put on the shirt. Luckily the place I was going to was a bar and the two who were getting together were college students.
It was a nice bar, especially since we were at a resort, and I was early. I ordered some wine, a nice Syrah, and talked to a nice woman, Sally, about a fake life I had made up and her own. I asked about her work, family, and vacation. Which she responded in full force. I even asked her thoughts on love at first sight, but they were a bit flustered and she deflected. I looked closer at her names and dates and found that our very own bartender was on that list. I kept that in my head for later. We chatted about how it sucks to be single and she asked me if there was anyone. I said no, but I had hesitated.
She pushed for more information (and it was my third glass) so I spilled generic things about what had happened. Two friends tried to make it work, but they instead pulled each other down into a situation they couldn't even see. I was the one who broke it up and one party ended up hating me. Of course I had smoothed things over, but now I think he really likes me. And I really like him. She smiled of course, there was a hint of dejection though, and she probably thought I was at least one-night material. She asked what the problem was when I spied the two walk in from across the room. I thanked her for listening and informed her I was waiting for some friends. First I got up and ordered my wine and a scotch for Sally. She thanked me again, but I had lied to her and said it was complements of the bartender. What she didn't know was that I had spiked the drink with a little oomph of love. She sat there and sipped it as I walked over to the two in the booth.
"Hi there! Sorry!" I said, walking to them, "I thought I saw you guys at this resort. I was walking today and saw you drop your glasses miss. I picked them up but couldn't find you again when I looked around, are these yours?"
"I did, but these aren't mine. Thank you though!" I figured I'd fail, but I have a backup plan. I sat near the bar and when the guy came up to the bar, I was ready for him.
"Hey man, I'm sorry about interrupting your date. Let me get the next round." I turned to the bartender. "Whatever their next round is, it's on me!"
Sure enough the guy went back and told his girlfriend. I stared at my wine glass for a little bit before glancing at the couple. She seemed happy and when they both were looking my way, I tipped my wine glass in their direction and turned back to staring at my glass. A moment later she tapped me on the shoulder.
"How would you like to join us? We've been here a few days, another person to talk to would be nice." She was just as kind as I thought she'd be.
"No, I don't want to intrude any further."
"You won't be, after all it looks like you could use some company." Soon I was almost dragged to their booth and I spent the night with Robert, not Bobby, and Catie. "What brings you to Tahiti?"
"I needed a vacation and there was a bad break up."
"Really? That sucks!" Robert chimed in. "Who's the jerk?"
"Me."
"Robbie!" Catie hissed, hitting him in the side.
"Don't worry, I actually didn't break up with anyone, I broke the two up."
"Oh." They both said.
"No offense by this, but were you the fun-on-the-side?"
"Robert!" She hissed even louder. Robert wasn't one to ask nicely, I suppose.
"No, I just broke them up. It was... Complicated." We sat for a moment looking around. "How about you two?"
"We're just college students on a vacation!" She beamed.
"Tahiti? While in college? Who's the rich one?" I joked, knowing all too well just which one was.
"I am." Robert lied, good tactic too. He's more imposing with his black hair, height, and muscles. Compared with Catie's light brunette, short stature, and petit frame, he'd be the harder target to kidnap or threaten. "My family has been doctors, but I'm not going for that. I'm in college for business."
"Mhm! But I'm going to be a doctor! So that balances that out!" Catie gave him a quick peck on the cheek; they've rehearsed this a little too much.
"I never went to college, just found myself with a job and now I travel a lot. How's the experience?" I really was curious about this; humans are odd beings with some strange social structures.
"Well, we are both juniors, she's in a sorority and I'm in a fraternity."
"Lots of parties?"
"A good amount," she chimed in, "but nothing too wild. Have to keep those grades up!" I noticed our drinks were almost empty again.
"Another round?"
"Sure, if you're buying!" Robert was mostly drunk already but Catie was holding her alcohol pretty well. At the bar, I had to fight for the bartender's attention. It seemed Sally had worked up the courage to talk to him, and they were hitting it off well. She smiled at me and asked the bartender to put my tab on hers. She must have found out the drink wasn't really from the bartender. Man, I'm good at what I do! Back at the table, our small talk continued.
"You guys seem to really like each other, how long has it been?"
"Two and a half years." He said, making sure to look at Catie the whole time. She nodded and laughed to herself.
"He forgot our two year anniversary. I was pretty angry."
"Understatement of the century!" We all laughed at his outburst.
"No more drinks for Mr. Lightweight." I chided, taking away the half-finished beer I had gotten him.
"No! Nonononono!" He quietly cried, "I'll beh good, I promise!" He pleaded with Catie. She rolled her eyes and nodded and I handed him back his beer.
"It seems like you two really like each other." I made it look like I was trying to figure out their relationship dynamic, but I already knew it all. "Did he fall hard?"
"We both did." She took his had that was resting on the desk. "But with grad school coming, everything's just going to get harder." Robert wasn't paying attention, he and finished the last of his beer and was practically asleep. "Excuse me honey, I'm going to go to the bathroom." She gave him a light push and he tried getting up. I stood up and helped him move over to my side, sitting down before he had a chance to sit.
"Yu're relly cute fir a guy." He said, making sure Catie went to the bathroom.
"No, don't you dare do anything." I backed into the corner of the booth.
"No, no, no. I love Cady. Bu' yu're cute. Wha'r yu runnin' 'way from?" His slurred speech was only helped by his poking on my chest.
"I-" I paused. Why was I running? I was scared about Jack falling in love. Now that he most likely has, what am I to do about it? Is it alright for us to be in a relationship? Would it be betraying Jamie's trust? Do I actually love him? "I don't know."
"Don't know what?" Catie asked, returning from the bathroom. It must have been longer than I thought.
"Just a, uh, question Robert asked me." I came up with an idea.
"Well, it seems like your answer almost went to waste." Robert had taken the time that I stalled and fallen asleep with it. "I guess I need to get him up to bed!"
"Hold on a sec. Robert? Robbie?" I patted Robert on the back, "Catie's still in the bathroom, what do you want to do to her again?"
"I wenna merry 'er!" Jackpot. I smiled at her and put my finger to my lips to keep her quiet for just a little longer.
"Are you sure you want to? It could just be the alcohol."
"Nah, not alcohawl. I lorve 'er. I lorve 'er sah much!" Catie squealed a little and kissed him into partial consciousness. My plan had worked and without any use of my powers.
"Alright, get to your room lovebirds." Catie made a quick stop at the bar, downed a clear liquid, presumably water, and returned to get Robert. I helped him on his feet and then Catie insisted she had it from there and left me with a last few sips of my wine. I smiled to myself, two in one night and only one scheduled. Plus I got to meet three of the four people involved, which never happens. I finished my wine and checked in with the bartender, seems he and Sally have a date later in the week and that Catie had picked up part of my tab from Sally. I never even got to tell them the fake name I worked up.
I exited the bar shortly after, a new gallop in my gait after the success. I was delighted to have met three people whose lives are altered for the rest of their lives. I danced through the streets, aware of those around me, but ignoring the gazes from a few. Night had already already set in by a long time and those that were out probably guessed that I was drunk. Not that I wasn't feeling it a little, but it'll take a bit more than a few glasses of human wine to get any spirit buzzed.
I boogied back down to the beach, kicked off my shoes and tore off my socks. I felt free again, running. I closed my eyes in order to focus on everything I could feel. It had been a long while since I had done so but along the beach it was really enjoyable, really fun.
"You know, you should really try flying." I should have known he'd find me.
"Is that why the night's colder than expect? A little bit of unseasonal snow scheduled?" I didn't need to open my eyes, I had thought of his voice more than once this night.
"If you wanted to hide, you shouldn't have had fun while doing it." He chided.
"Impossible! I always have fun while working. You should try it sometime!" I finally turned to look at him. "I," I made sure to taunt him, "just took more pleasure in it today."
"Sounds like it!"
"How did you find me? No way can you track people based off of fun." I slowed down to a walk, savoring the sand on my feet.
"Nah, MiM told me." He pointed to the now-looming moon.
"Oh, you're talking. That's good." He was just lounging on his staff while I wandered the beach. "Why're you here?"
"I wanted to make sure you were back to normal."
"You don't even know what normal looks like for me."
"I'm sure it's not acting like a frat boy at a bar and getting free stuff." His face was a bit more serious than usual, like was going to start lecturing me.
"Sure, it's a different approach than usual, but there are two couples that will be happy from it." I may have jumped to being defensive, but that didn't bother me.
"Alright, alright. I just wanted to check up on you." It had been less than twenty four hours and he felt a need to see me.
"Listen Jack, we need to stop."
"Then why are you still going walking?" He halted his momentum though I still hadn't.
"That's not what I meant." I kept walking but heard some slight objection from Jack behind me. "You're just out of a break up, I broke you guys up. Sure, I helped you out of your anger, but I-" I hesitated on what to say. Would I stop him nicely or would I crush-
Jack, the mischievous devil had taken this moment to swing around in front and plant a kiss upon my lips. I guess I'd be crushing him.
I made a noise and pushed him off his staff and onto the ground. "No! Stop it!" I wiped my mouth and feigned disgust. I was close to screaming at him. "You can never do that again. If you do, I'll never speak to you again. I will remain civil out of respect for the Guardians, but this will never happen." And I ran again. I ran twice as far from Jack with every step I took.
Heart's pretty terrible with feelings.