Sugar Comes with Spice
College Dorm-Mate (Part One)
Douxie X OC
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Oc= Pixela.
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“I don’t know, Pix… What if I embarrass myself in front of everyone?” My best friend --Jane Kikaz--- frets.
Right now, she’s freaking out over the school talent show. Our other friend --- Luke Klint--- signed her up without her knowing, and now she’s gonna have to sing in front of the whole school.
“Oh, relax, Jane. You’ll be amazing!”
“No, I won't be!” I’ll crack! And cry! I’m gonna cry right now!!”
“Don't cry.”
“Ok.”
Jane wipes her fingers across her cheeks, trying to hold it together. I playfully roll my eyes and grin.
“There you go, deep breaths.” I ease.
“Yeah. Yeah… Thanks, Pix.”
“What else am I good for?”
“Heh, oh don’t say that! You’re super brilliant and really talented.”
“Talented? At what?” I gulp.
“Don’t look so nervous! Remember, I’m the one who’s having to sing in front of everyone!”
I click my tongue.
“And besides, I meant guitar. You can rock that thing!”
“Because of practice. Years of practice.”
“No. Because you’re talented!!”
“Alright. Whatever you say, jane.”
She puffs a breath, her long bangs rising for a moment in her face. She brushes them back and smirks.
“Hey! I have an idea!”
“Huh?”
“It’s not too late to sign up for the talent show! You should totally do it too!”
“Wha-- ah, no.”
“Oh, why not? You have, like, zero stage fright!”
I sigh, as I feel an arm wrap around my shoulders from beside me.
“Yeah, Pixela! You SHOULD join the talent show!”
“Wha? Luke!”
“Wow, you have some nerve showing your face to me right now, Luke Klint!!” Jane scowls.
“Oh yeah, tough girl? What are you going to do to me?”
“I’m gonna rip you apart for signing me up, dip!”
“Tch. Yeah right. And you know that the only reason I signed you up is because I know you can do it better than the others. I’ve heard you sing. You’re damn good.”
“Luke.” Jane crosses.
He rolls his eyes.
“Whatever. But they won’t let you bail out.”
“I know. I checked.”
I chuckle as the school bell rings, and I shut my locker. Holding the books to my chest, I bid the two goodbye and head to class.
>>>>>>>>>
(Time Skip)
(After School)
Ugh. Another day of college done and out of the way… Another day spent learning stuff I already know… It’s always the same things, just taught differently. (Especially math.) I groan and run my fingers through my hair, heading to the dorms. I wonder if I can catch my favorite show on TV. If I make it in time. I guess it’s a good thing I live alone. Slip out of these clothes when I get home, eat some ice-cream for dinner, and relax in front of the Tele for the rest of the night.
Sounds perfect to me.
>>>>
I make it to my dorm house and stumble up to the front door, when I notice through the front window that a light’s on inside. I have my keys in my hand, but as I look back over my shoulder, I see a new gray car parked on the street.
I mean… I don’t have a car because they cost too much and school’s around the corner… But if it’s not my car, who is it? I reach for the door knob and give a twist. It’s unlocked. I gulp and open the door, stepping in. I swear, if I’m benign robbed, I’m gonna teach this burglar what’s what with the power of---
“Hello?” I call out.
I peek around the corner at the stairs, peeking up. No lights are on upstairs. I jump when I hear dishes clattering from in the kitchen. Making my way slowly into the eatery, I grab a pillow as a weapon. (Which sounds worse than it is.) I can manage to kill someone with a pillow-- not that I’m gonna.
I guess it just depends.
I turn the corner to find a guy in a black sweater and jeans in the kitchen, with his back to me. He has blue tips in his dark raven hair and a strand of something around his neck.
“Who are you?” I ask.
The guy jumps in surprise, spinning around with a wet dish in his hand. His amber-yellow eyes meet mine and he sighs in relief upon seeing me. I keep my guard up though.
“Oh! You’re finally here!”
“Yeah? Well, let me ask you again. Who are you?”
“Oh, my name’s Douxie. I’m your new dorm-mate.”
“My new what?”
“Dorm-mate.”
“No. I have special terms with the school, I’m not supposed to have any dorm-mates.”
“Oh, right, the letter.”
Douxie is his name? Well, Douxie puts the plate back in the sink and reaches into his pocket, pulling out a letter. His watery hands wetten the envelope, but I take it.
“They told me to give you this. Said it’d explain everything.”
I look to him and then the letter, before opening the casing.
“Thanks…”
I read it over and find myself in disbelief. I shudder a breath and look up into Douxie’s eyes as I finish reading it.
Douxie wraps his arms around my waist, pushing my back onto the table and leaning me back. The taste of raspberries on his lips as he makes the kiss more passionate. His hands travel down my back, memorizing my body. I place my hands in his hair, gripping his locks as he lets out a groan.
His body presses down on me, making me feel the heat of him. I push myself into his body, wanting-- needing more. His hands wander down farther, onto my thighs and slowly moving up. A shiver dances across my nerves as his finger tips glide across my inner thighs. The farther he goes, gasps start escaping my lips.
He parts from the sloppy kiss to go to my neck, kissing and nipping at my skin. I wrap my legs around his hips and groan as he leaves a few dark marks along my neck.
As the heat burns more, there’s the sound of keys jingling coming from the hallway outside the apartments. Douxie pulls back and our gazes lock--- our faces going from hot red and flustered to ‘oh-shit’ pale. He backs up and I instantly jump up.
“Quick! Hide me!” I whisper-shout.
Douxie looks around frantically for a place to hide.
“Quick! In the closet!!”
I run to the closet and jump inside, as Douxie slams the door and stands in front. Just in time, too, as Krel walks in, carrying a backpack and his Serator.
“Heyy Krel.” Douxie nervously stammers.
I peek through the door blinds (since it’s one of those closets) and watch Douxie try to pull off a casual stroll over to the couch. My heart is still racing from everything that just happened. On the table. Right. Over. There.
Krel looks at Doux, confused and slightly concerned.
“Um, are you alright? Your face is super red and pink. Are you sick?”
“Haha, what? Sick? Why would I be sick?”
Krel shrugs and heads towards the closet, the closet I’M IN. I start to panic.
But then Douxie leaps in the way and clings onto Krel’s arm.
“You’re right!! Actually, I might be sick!! I suddenly feel really, um, bothered!!”
Yeah… me too.
Krel swipes Douxie off of his arm and pulls out his phone.
“Should I call you a doctor?” Krel suggests.
“M-Maybe! But you should call one in your room, just so you don't risk catching whatever I may have! Hehe…”
“Uhh, ok?”
Krel starts to dial as Douxie rushes him off to his room.
Ugh. I completely forgot that Krel was Douxie’s new roommate. That was too close!! WAY. TOO. CLOSE.
I huff a breath of relief as this crisis is BARELY averted.
I slowly open the closet doors, peeking out to see if the coast is clever. I hop out, walk over to Douxie and whisper yell, “That was too close! Way too fucking cose!”
“Well, then get out of here!”
“But what about---?”
He pecks me on the lips for a long moment.
When he pulls away, he’s ushering me out the door.
“I’ll pop by later. Just go for now.”
“Yeah… Fine. But you better pick up some ice cream on your way over, buster!”
(Douxie X Oc )
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“You can be SO stupid, you know?!” I shout, directing my anger at Douxie.
This is another fight. And it’s not a pretty one either. Started over how Douxie wasn’t paying any attention and spilled some enchanted copper I had set aside into my latest brew. And, what do ya know? It. Exploded. And melted. And sizzled. And did SO much damage to the Apprentice Study Hall!
“Don’t call me stupid!! You’re the one who never tidies up!!”
“What does that have to do with smarts?!”
“Tidiness!! It has to do with tidiness!!”
I scoff, pushing the broom into his hands.
“Whatever. I’m leaving. And I suggest if you don’t want a black eye, you don’t follow me.”
“Wait, hold on, where are you going?”
“Why do you care?” I snip.
“Who says I do?”
I glare at him and make way for the door.
“Courtyard. Now leave me alone.”
I walk out of the hall and head outside.
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I have to admit. It’s a beautiful day. Too bad it got squished out with that fight, now having zero significance to me. I sigh, leaning up against the wall of the well. The courtyard is bustling and people are passing by. I can't help but notice a pair of friends walk by, paying no attention to me whatsoever. I sigh. Why do we have to fight so much these days? I mean, I know we both have a lot going on--- especially with all of Merlin’s assignments--- but still. And ever since that … girl has become Morgana’s Handmaiden, we’ve been seeing a lot of her. Correction: Douxie has been seeing a lot of her.
What was her name again? Rylee? Riar? Oh, right. Her name’s Rose. Miss small and innocent never leaves Doux’s side, it seems. I sigh, realizing that I may just be a tad jealous.
“If you don’t mind me asking, but what’s a cute dame like you doing out here, all alone?”
I look up and see a handsome looking lad in knight’s armor, staring right at me with a common smile-- the casanova smile. I mentally groan and smack myself upside the head.
‘Maybe coming out here wasn’t such a good idea after all….’
“My gorgeous? If you could answer, I would much appreciate it.”
Ugh…
“It’s nothing. I just needed to get some air today, that’s all.”
“What a coincidence! I happen to be in the same boat! Mind if I keep you company?” He winks at me.
I try not to gag.
“Uh, no.”
My abrupt answer --- and rejection--- takes him back a bit. I quickly go to recover.
“I mean-- uh-- No thank you, good squire! I was just heading home anyways.”
“Hmm. Well, I can walk you home if you like?”
He takes a step closer to me, narrowing his eyes and smiling.
“No thank you.” I play it pretty… for now.
“But I insist!”
He takes a hold of my hand and tries to pull me along. I snatch myself free of his grasp.
“I said, no thank you!” I shout,
By now people are starting to look.
“Now, my sweet, don’t make a scene…”
“I’m not your anything! Now you’re going to let me leave or else things are about to get ---”
“Or what? You’ll kick me in the shin?”
I glare at him,
“Try where the sun don’t shine.”
I give a sturdy kick to his groin. He doubles over in pain.
“Why you little--- agh! You’ll pay for that!!”
“Humph!!”
I turn to leave but he forces himself to stand up. The squire takes my wrist and grabs me harshly.
“I was trying to be a gentleman, but clearly that approach isn’t working.”
As I start to fear the worst, I turn my head away. But his grasp on my wrist suddenly lets go. I look over and see the squire laying in the dirt, a good five feet away from me. And guess… who’s come to my rescue…
“Doux?” I utter.
He turns to me with a worried expression.
“Are you alright,love?” He asks, cupping my cheek with his hand.
He gently turns my head, checking for injury. But I’m caught on the term he used to refer to me with.
‘Love.’
Douxie looks at my wrist and sees a slight bruise forming.
“Son of a…”
Douxie turns to face the squire with a nasty scowl on his face. The squire stands up-- somehow-- and meets Douxie’s gaze.
“You listen here, got it? If I EVER catch you near my friend again, you’ll be in for more than a bruising. Understand?”
His tone is dark and serious-- so much so that it sends a chill down my nerves. The squire opens his mouth to reject, but is cut off.
“I mean it! I’ll show you what wrath really looks like! So. Stay. Away.”
The squire gulps, and nods.
“Better.”
Douxie turns to me and wraps a protective arm around my shoulders.
“Come on, Vin. Let’s go.”
I hum in response and we leave.
````````````````````````
Back at the Apprentice Study Hall, the both of us sit in silence, staring out the window.
I feel bad. Guilty even. Even after all those nasty things I said to him, he still came to help me… I’m such a bad---
“I’m sorry. For not paying attention and ruining your potion.” Doux says suddenly.
“What?”
“You were right. I don’t pay that much attention.”
“No, Douxie, I should be the one apologizing. I went too far, I was just being stubborn and jealous!”
“Jealous? Of who?”
Shit…
“Uh, d-did I say ‘jealous’? What I meant was, um, overzeal..ous?”
I let out a great big sigh.
“Yeah. OK, I meant jealous.”
Douxie turns to me and holds out his hands. I put mine in his, feeling comforted by the gesture.
“Who are you jealous of?”
“Does it matter?”
“...Yes.”
I look into his eyes and instantly cave in. So full of sadness and at the same time, intrigued. It makes me curious.
“That girl. Morgana’s new handmaiden.”
He chuckles, “Rose?”
I shrink.
Douxie smiles ever so lightly and leans a little closer, but now much.
“You think I have eyes for Rose?”
“...”
“Of all the people I know, why her?” He clicks his tongue and bends over to meet my gaze, as it is fixed on the ground.
“I actually find it hard to believe that you haven't noticed yet.”
I grip his hands a bit tighter.
“Noticed what?”
“That .. I have eyes… for you.”
My jaw drops.
“For… ME?”
He nods, blushing brightly.
He quickly leans in and places a kiss on my cheek. Which completely stuns me.
So he continues to talk.
“Vin, all these years and you’ve always been there for me-- who else was I going to fall for? You have helped me. You have made me laugh. Shown me a great trueness to what it means to be friends.”
He lowers his head and huffs a content breath.
“So now… I ask you something that is very important to me.”
“A.. ask away.” I say, voice hushed.
“Will you… be mine?”
I can’t believe my ears. Is this really happening? In the flesh, like literally reality??
Douxie smiles mischievously and pinches me.
“Ow! Hey, Doux!!”
He laughs,
“Just making sure you knew.”
He squeezes my hands.
“But seriously. Be mine?”
I hum an devious note.
“Weeelll,”
“Heh. Cheeky,”
I giggle, “Yes. I’d love to.”
As the sun sets out the window, we lean in and close the gap between us, in a soft, and forgiving kiss.
Episode / Chapter 2: [Arcadia’s Most Wanted]
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Episode Two (A Filler)
[STA: Arcadia’s Most Wanted]
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(10: 23 AM)
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He’s late. How dare he. I have snacks and everything set up already for our hang out, and as long as Jake stays in his room-- which he probably will, playing video games– – we can eat our snacks and play our guitars, enjoying the down time we have together. Let's see, I have set out dips, dip chips, some sweets, and popcorn.
The music equipment is set and ready to go. Now all I’m waiting for is Douxie to arrive and set things into motion. As I hear a knock on the door, I set down the TV remote and get up to answer it. As I open it I find Douxie on the front porch holding up a skateboard in his arms.
He waves to me with an awkward smile, which I politely return.
“Hey, Douxie. You’re late.” I smirk.
He rubs the nape of his neck awkwardly and chuckles.
“I had a hard time getting here. Let’s just leave it at that, yeah?”
I shrug, “If you say so.”
Welcoming Doux inside, he carefully takes off his guitar case and takes out his electric instrument. I look at mine, sitting perched against the wall in the corner.
“So what do you want to do first?” Douxie asks.
I shrug my shoulders and motion to all the snacks.
“Did you bring your appetite?” I chuckle.
He rubs his hands together excitedly, staring at the amount of snacks and food.
“You're darn right I did! I rushed straight over here and didn't have time for breakfast!”
“I thought you said you were going to set an alarm?”
“Didn't pull through…”
I sigh, pushing the bowl of popcorn closer to him.
“Eat up.” I say.
Douxie looks at me gratefully before digging his hand into the popcorn.
“You're a real lifesaver, you know that?”
I laugh softly to myself, perking my hands on my hips.
“Yeah, it's kind of my thing.” I joke.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time/Skip)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
As we're tuning our guitars, we are both trying to come up with a song we can play a duet with in each other's company. We've had a few good ideas, but none that’ve really stuck.
I fix the flat note on my string and tighten it into the right cord.
“There we go, that should do the trick.”
"It really helps when we have a lot of time to practice, doesn't it?”
"Yeah no kidding. But at least I'm good at something now.” I laugh.
I stand up my guitar after being done with all the tunings. Looking over to see how well he's doing, I find that Douxie is just about done tuning his as well. We share a glance, but only a quick one, before we turn our heads away with flushed cheeks.
“It's really good to see you again.” Douxie admits softly,
I twirl my finger through my hair, sort of sinking into my chair, feeling mushy and goop-y inside. Don't know why though…
"All right, dove, what song do you think we should do first?”
I strum the notes on my strings, playing them in harmony as I hum a note, trying to think of what to play. It's been a long time since we've seen each other. Lately, I've developed a taste for AC/DC. I think it's just me though, hah.
"Do you like any rock?” I asked.
"You mean like bands?" He asks, confused.
It's kind of cute. When he gets flustered, or confused, or grumpy grumbly. He squints his eyes and puffs out his cheeks like a toddler would. The occasional nibble of the lip. But if you ask me, I like it. It’s cute.
And it's the face he's making now. I can't help but laugh, giggling at the sight of his goofiness. As Douxie continues to face his hunger, stuffing his face with popcorn and dip and chips, I plop down beside him on the couch, letting a yawn escape me. It's only 10:30 in the morning, cut us some slack!
“Yeah. I like a couple.”
“Which ones?”
“Let’s see… Papa Skull, obviously. Kiss, I guess. String-Time, and AC/DC.”
“Wait, so you like AC/DC too?”
He hums a yes. Douxie smiles and points at the bowl of popcorn, "This is delicious...!”
And then he proceeds to try all of the other snacks. I reach my hand in for a cookie from the jar and he lets me take two. Just. Two. A heavy sigh escapes me, as I try to get in some bites too before it's all gone. But he wasn't kidding. He is starved. I guess I should change the subject now. I go back to thinking of a song we could duet.
“Well, how well do you know Back in Black?”
“By AC/DC?”
He shrugs, “I’ve played it a few times.”
“I know it’s not really a duet song, but nonetheless, it’s fine if we’re just switching off.”
“Right.”
The corners of his mouth lift up into a smile. We put on the background instruments for the song and get ready to start. Douxie takes a breath and closes his eyes. The music starts to play and he waits for his cue.
*Tap* *tap* *Tap* *tap* *Tap*
When Douxie starts to play the music, he flows in so rhythmically. It’s… actually quite impressive. I tap my foot against the floor, nodding my head to the beat, breathing perfectly in sync with the melody and tempo.
I hear my cue coming up and place the pick against the first note. I support back up shredding where it’s needed and he strums it out in the zig zag pattern. I take the switch, quickly jumping in at my point and playing through the rest of the song. I catch his glance as the finale requires a bit more shredding. He plays the background notes and I own the song. Well, at the most, I rock it. I end on that final shriek and strum it off.
Looking over at Douxie, we share a smile and let out a cheer of triumph as the song ends. I reach over and we high five, laughing together. I notice Douxie scoot all the way down the couch, sliding up on right next to me. He puts his guitar aside and rests his hands in his lap.
“Man, I forgot how good our duets felt!”
“Yeah, we used to do them back when… With your lute and my harp. Haha.”
“Hah! Yeah, though back then our duets were a lot softer than they are today.”
“Oh, by far.” I snicker.
After putting my guitar aside, I rest my head on the back of the couch, and let out a content sigh. When Douxie’s hand rests on my leg, I look over at him and see his eyes beaming with happiness. He smiles and places his hand on top of mine.
“You know, I really missed you.” He says softly.
“I… missed you too.”
He scoots a bit closer, now my leg is pressing against his. He lets out a breathy chuckle and gently bites on his bottom lip. He looks away from my gaze and runs his fingers through his hair.
“You know, I’ve waited a long time to see you again. All this time we’ve been… ‘apart’, there’s been something that I realized.”
My cheeks dust a faint pink as he captures my curiosity.
“Oh? And what’s that?”
“That the last time I saw you, I should have done this.”
He looks me straight in the eyes before leaning in and kissing me. I tense up out of a natural reaction-- a million thoughts running through my head. I think of why I’m feeling my heart racing with joy. I think of how Mary and Darci are going to react when they hear about this. I think of how I should be reacting.
So many thoughts run through my mind that I don't even realize that I’m kissing back until he nibbles on my bottom lip. That snaps me out of it real quick. I hesitantly pull away after enjoying the kiss for a moment longer. But then, a heavy confusion kicks in at my center.
I press my fingers to my temple as a bit of a headache starts to form.
“Wait, wait, wait… You like me?” I steer.
“‘Like’ is a bit of an underrated word for it…”
“So… you love me then?” I ask, not getting it.
He squeezes my hand firmly, as to reassure me.
“That I do.”
My eyes widen as it all starts sinking in.
“Oh no, I am never going to hear the end of this from Mary…” I mumble to myself.
“What’s that?” He questions.
“N-Nothing!”
Douxie sighs and lets go of my hand. He reaches for the guacamole and tortilla chips and goes back to eating.
“Doux? Are you… Ok?”
He shrugs, “I’m starting to think that I just … had my hopes up a bit too high.”
“What? Why would you say that?”
“Because I’m not getting the vibe that you like me in the same way that I like you. It’s ok if you don’t honestly…”
I click my tongue, making up my mind.
“Douxie.” I say firmly.
He looks at me and I take the guac and chips away from him, setting them aside. Then, I meet his gaze and slowly lean in, that way we can both process it as I land my lips on his.
I reach my hands up and cup his cheek, as well as his neck. There’s enough time for us to both enjoy what’s happening. He lets out a heavy breath as we continue to share the kiss. But I start to pull away, now that I have his attention.
“If we decide to start dating, I have one condition.” I note.
“So, you would want to date me?” Douxie asks, winking at me.
“Don’t start getting cheeky with me, mister.” I titter.
“Ok, ok. What’s your condition?”
“We keep this under wraps for now. I’m really not ready for Mary and Darci to blab to the whole school that I do actually like you.”
He chuckles, giving me a sly smile.
“I think I can live with that.” He says in a hushed tone.
I grab his hand this time.
“Then that’s all I got. So, Douxie? Do you wanna be my boyfriend?” I ask, smugly.
He laughs, “Shouldn’t I be asking you out?”
“Eh, screw tradition.”
He brushes his thumb over my knuckles back and forth, before giving in.
“Yeah. I’d love that, Arya.”
“Ok. Then it’s settled.”
I smile something goofy and we both lean in once more, sharing a third and tender kiss on this day.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time Skip) |
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I’m sitting with my back to the couch arm … in Douxie’s lap. He really insisted with all them happy hugs or whatever. And then-- well, and then… --- and then he scooped me up and laid me in his arms. I know. It looks worse than it actually is. It really is nothing! But … with his arms wrapped around my back, and me sitting in his lap sideways, it looks really really bad.
I sigh, which Douxie notices.
“What’s wrong, Arya?” He asks.
“It’s only been two hours… And you’ve already imprisoned me in your lap, locked within your arms.”
He gives a mockful laugh, “Imprisoned you? Is that what we’re calling it now?? Hah! I’m not forcing you to stay put you know.”
He smirks, resting his arm around my waist. Giving a rather challenging gaze, he starts leaning closer, until our foreheads press up against. He chuckles before kissing my cheek. He’s very affectionate, that much I’ve figured out by now. But I suppose having to wait just about as long as a millennia will make one really … expressive towards the one they fancy.
I hum a soft note and bring my hand up to cup his cheek, gazing into his wonder-filled amber eyes.
“You’re such a goof.” I mark.
“I suppose I am.” He grins, “Do you like goofy?”
“I like you for you.”
He looks over at the guacamole and chips and stares at them. I scoff and reach over, passing them to him.
Episode 4 -
[So I’m Dating A Sorceress]
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(The Next Day) | (School)
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I’m walking with Darci through the school-- since apparently nothing serious enough happened to shut the place down. But thankfully, yesterday at lunch went great. It was amazing to eat lunch with both my friends and my boyfriend.
“You’ve got that ‘dream-boat’ look on your face again, Arya.” I hear Darci say.
Glancing over at her as she snickers, I ask her what she’s talking about.
“You’re daydreaming face! The face you make when you’re thinking about your boyfriend, you know?”
“How did you…?”
“Oh, trust me, I get the same look when I’m thinking about Tobes. My dad’s always calling me out for it, too.”
“Hmm..”
Darci suddenly gasps, grabs my wrist, and hauls me off in the direction of a group.
“Claire! You’re back!” Darci exclaims, letting my wrist go.
She goes to hug Claire but instinctively pulls back before they do.
“You’re not sick anymore… right?”
“Nope!”
“Awesome!”
They hug, as my presence is noticed by Toby and Jim.
“Hey, Arya.”
“Sup, Lake.”
He frowns.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
“Nothing. I just,-- you know you don’t have to call me ‘Lake’, right?”
“Oh, sorry. Just a habit, I guess.”
I turn to the duke.
“Hey, Tobes.” I smile.
“Sup, Arya.” He waves.
When Darci and Claire pull away laughing, all eyes fall on them.
“That was one killer cold!” Darci stumps, “We gotta celebrate now that you’re back!!”
Toby balls his hands up into fists excitedly.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Darci squeals, looking at me and Claire and Jim.
“Double date!”
“Triple date!”
Toby and Darci look at each other, Toby being confused.
“Triple? Who else do we know that’s dating?”
Darci looks at me, pleadingly.
Toby gasps.
“No way! You have a boyfrie--”
Darci quickly covers Tobes’ mouth.
“It’s a secret!!!” She whisper-shouts.
Claire’s face lights up and she realizes the news.
“No. Way. Who is it??”
Darci looks at me, begging me with her expression for permission to tell. I cross my arms and scoff.
“Fine. But this information does NOT leave this circle!!”
“Got it!”
“Understood!” Pipes Toby.
Everyone looks at Jim.
“Why would I want to tell? Your secret’s safe with me.”
I nod at Darci, giving her permission to tell.
She squeals like a fangirl-shipper.
“It’s Douxie!”
The dust I feel on my cheeks comes to life, painting my face with pink and red blush. Toby and Claire gasp.
“You’re dating HIM??”
“Keep your voice down, Claire!!!” I hiss.
Toby snickers, “I told you that you were gonna wanna swoon.”
I grumble under my breath, “Tch.”
“Ok, you have a lot to explain later!”
“Fine, fine. But I think he has to work tonight.” I mention.
“Who, Douxie?”
“Yeah. So, let me text him and see what’s happening. I’ll tell you guys what times work best for us.”
“And Toby and I will text you what we’re planning on doing for the date.” Darci nods to me.
I return the gesture.
“Yeah. It’ll be good to get out.” Claire pips.
The bell rings and we all split.
“See you guys tonight~!”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
As I’m sitting in history class, half-listening to Ms. Lilinud teaching the class, I’m holding my phone underneath my desk and texting Douxie about what his work schedule looks like for tonight.
__________________
Arya: Hey, love, so our news of being together may have reached out just a bit to Darci, Claire, Toby and Jim. Though, for now, they’ve promised not to tell anyone.
Arya: But they’ve invited us out to a triple date tonight and I was wondering how long it looks like you’ll be on the clock?
Douxie: Well, my shift’s over at 5:30 tonight, and I’m going in at 3:30.
Douxie: What were they thinking of doing for the triple date?
____________________________
I text him all the details and then go into my contacts and text Darci what I learned.
I tell her that he’ll be working until 5:30 and she tells me that they were thinking of catching a movie at the theater. Toby’s pick. (And he’s keeping it a surprise, apparently.) Something tells me it’s going to be a scary movie… The cliche. And that we’d be going to a fancy steak place, too. Sounds great, and I really look forward to it.
I sigh, putting my phone away to listen to the class lecture… boring.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time Skip)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
It’s 5:53 right now, and I’m finally done getting ready for the date. I hear a knock at the front door and go to get it. (It’s really helpful that Jake’s over at a friend’s house tonight…) When I open the door, I find a very casual -- yet charming -- Douxie waiting on the front steps. He sees me in my attire and sort of just melts in his stance.
He shakes his head, snapping out of my ‘magical’ trance. I laugh softly to myself and notice the flowers in his hands. They’re lilies, my favorite kind. He chuckles, rubbing the nape of his neck nervously, as he holds the bouquet out for me to have.
“For you, love.” He says,
I smile, thanking him as I take them and quickly rush them to a vase. (After letting him in.) Once I add some water and put the lilies into a golden-clear colored vase, I turn to Douxie and we head on out. (Quick stay, but still.)
I lock up the house behind me and we start walking for the restaurant. On the way, idle chit chat is made.
…
“You look beautiful.” He tells me.
My cheeks turn pink as our hands brush up against each other while we walk.
“And you look… charming, in the best way possible.”
“Why thank you, love.”
“Love?” I quote him.
“What’s wrong? Don’t like it?”
“No, no, I like it! It’s just sudden… Is all…”
“Hmm.. You know, you’re actually quite adorable when flustered.”
“Douxie!” I giggle.
“Ah, come on, you know you like my flirting.” He nudges into me,
I sigh contently, “I suppose you’re right.. I cannot deny a good liking to puns and flirts.”
“Yeah, that’s the Arya I know.”
I lean closer to him and take his hand in mine. We walk the rest of the way, which isn’t very far, admiring the town at sunset.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
When we arrive at the restaurant, we find Toby and Darci, and Jim and Claire sitting at a round table outside. It’s nice out, so I don’t really mind. But by the looks on Darci and Toby’s faces, we just missed an awkward moment. (Which I think is dodging a bullet, so whatever.)
“Hey guys!” I greet them.
They all look to us as we approach -- Toby and Darci smiling like children on Christmas morning. Stupid but adorable. Douxie helps me into my seat, pushing me in, before taking his place right next to me. I pick up my menu and notice that a lot of the prices are through the roof.
“Yikes! This place IS fancy!” I joke.
I earn a few laughs, before Toby brightens up and turns to Darci.
“Only the best for my Darci.”
“Aww, T.P.” She swoons.
Everyone goes to their menus.
“Ooh! I heard the Duck Confede is stellar. I think I’ll get that.”
“Same! O-M-G, when I went to Paris with the fam, the duck was amazing!”
“Aaah, Pari~! Ze city of love! Tell me more?” Toby leans in closer to Darci, as I continue to browse the selections.
I hear Claire talking about Paris in the background, but I don’t really tune in. I look over at Douxie and see him browsing the food, too.
“Hey, have you been here before?” I ask.
“Yes, but not as much as you’d think.”
“What’s your favorite thing to order here? I could use a recommendation right now, haha.”
“I really like the stew and the steak. And their mashed potatoes are rather good too.” He leans in to whisper, “It’s a secret recipe that I have yet to slip out of the chef, haha.”
“Hah. Well, you are always looking to improve your cooking!”
As the table shifts suddenly, and Jim starts repeating the word ‘ow’, Douxie and I turn our heads to the two best friends, suspiciously…
O...Okay? Well, anyways…
Darci turns her attention to both Claire and myself.
“So, Claire, Arya… You two both saw the first Danger House, right?”
“Isn’t that a horror movie?” I ask.
“You guessed correctly!”
“I don’t do great with horror movies…”
Douxie chuckles from beside me, to which I roll my eyes-- smirking.
Darci turns to Claire, narrowing her gaze,
“I haven’t seen it.”
“O-M-G, well, where do I start?”
As I listen to Darci explaining the movie’s basic plot, I notice Toby and Jim whisper-fighting behind their menus. ...Weird…
I notice one of those familiar faces approaching our table in the restaurant uniform.
When she gets to our side, she looks up from her notepad and sees Douxie and I, and we instantly recognize her.
Zoe sighs and narrows her dagger-like glare onto Douxie.
“Welcome to Minty’s Dining, where everything is perfectly in place. What can I get you on this lovely evening..?” She asks, as if she hates it here.
I wouldn’t blame her if she has to greet people like that everytime. ‘Where everything is perfectly in place’? That’s weird. Really weird.
Darci looks at Zoe and points to her menu.
“Ok, level with me,”
As Darci is asking her food question, Toby turns to Douxie and I and starts making conversation.
“So, how long have you two been dating?” He asks,
“Not very long. Just since Saturday.”
“Really? You two are being so… couple-y. It’s like you’ve been together longer than that.”
I shrug, “Well, we’ve been friends since practically ever. You could just say that we’re really close in bond.”
Douxie chuckles, laying his gaze on me, adoringly. I smile back just as strongly.
“You two are such a cute couple.” Clarie notes.
“Thanks. I could say the same of you and Jim,” and I turn to look at Toby, “And you and Darci.”
“That’s awful sweet of you, but please, don't stop.” Toby jokes.
It earns a chuckle out of me.
As Zoe explains the ‘duck feet’ meal isn’t all that is says, Claire starts to sway back and forth in her chair, as if she’s really dizzy. She grabs her drink of water and takes a drink from it….
Toby whispers-shouts at Jim, something that I don't catch, but it clearly affects him.
He takes his own menu and passes it to Zoe.
“Steaks all around! Thank you, Zeus. I’m sure you’re busy.”
“My name is Zoe.” She sighs, “Whatever. How do you want your steak prepared?”
“Well done.” Jim answers,
“Well done~!” Toby says, followed by the same answer from me and Douxie.
Zoe hardly even looks at Claire before…
Claire lets out a roar?
“Raw! Dripping with blood!”
I lean back in my chair instinctively, all sorts of freaked out. Douxie does the same.
Everyone else looks at Claire, like she’s gone psycho.
Claire realizes what she’s said and quickly covers her mouth, shocked. Zoe gives Claire an impressed look, before writing that down.
“As you wish.” She smirks, “Six steaks, one extremely raw.”
“I’ll be back with your orders shortly,” Zoe walks off.
Douxie’s voice is slim, and quiet, but I still hear him when he asks me,
“Tell me you saw that too…?”
I nod.
Claire stands up, suddenly freaked out with herself, and looks to Darci for help.
“Darc’? Bathroom?”
Darci gets up to go with her and Toby starts panicking.
Douxie looks at me, questioning if I’m going to go with, which I probably should, but probably won’t.
Claire looks back at me with sad eyes and I cave in. I get up and go to go.
I hear a thud, and a whimper and look back at Toby, wincing in pain.
“The other… rule three…!” He squeaks.
Dunno what that’s about, but it makes Darci freak.
“T.P! Are you OK? What happened?!”
She clicks her tongue, looking to me,
“I’ll be right there.”
I sigh, looking at Douxie with a reassuring, and hopeful smile.
“I’ll take care of Claire until you get there.”
I follow Claire to the bathroom.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
We open the door to the lady’s room and walk in. I turn on one of the sinks and motion for Claire to come closer.
“Here, try splashing your face with some cold water.” I suggest,
She nods and does what I say.
“Come on, Claire, pull it together!” She tells herself.
She looks in the mirror and sighs, before splashing her face again.
“That was quite a show you pulled out there. Any idea what happened?”
“No. I just don't know what came over me.”
“Well, I think I might know…”
Claire splashes her face again, and the lights here in the bathroom shut off. My suspicions are only confirmed when Claire’s reflection doesn’t follow her actions in the mirror. Instead, her face freezes in view.
When Claire comes up and wipes her eyes, she sees her frozen reflection and questions it.
“Uhh…” She hums.
Claire reaches her hand to touch the glass but her image comes to life. -- Which is enough to freak anyone out, really.
“Helloo~, darling!!” Says a harmful voice, “Claire, is it?”
Claire backs up into the sink behind her.
“This. Is. Not. Real!”
I sigh, biting my nails, “I’m afraid it is, actually.”
I step into view of the first mirror.
“Hello, Morgana.”
“Why, if it isn’t little miss Arya Sithers. My little ‘experiment’ from way back when. You were fun all those years ago~.”
“This isn't a game, you know.” I snap.
Claire, now breathing heavily, grabs onto my arm and hugs tight, confused.
“Arya? What is going on?!”
“Can’t say. Don’t know. Not yet anyways.”
“Oh, there’s that daring spirit of yours! I always did adore that part of you. You might even say that you got it from me~.”
“Bullshit. Now, this is how this is going to go--”
“Ah, ah! Now, now, spirit. Be a good little pet and play nice.”
“You do not own me.”
“ARYA WHAT IS GOING ON!!?”
“Claire, be quiet for like, two seconds, ok?”
Claire’s ‘reflection’ in the mirror looks at the original.
She tries running for the door, but gets held up by an invisible force… Or not really. More like… Magic.
“Claire!!” I cry out.
“Morgana, release her!! Now!!”
“That’s funny. It almost sounds like you’re telling me what to do?”
“I did! Let her go!”
Morgana puts Claire down inside the restroom, slamming the door shut lock.
“And you,” She says towards Claire,
I grab the maiden and pull her close. I will protect her.
“You think I’m just a reflection that you can run away from? I am under your skin.”
What?
“No. You didn’t!!”
Claire looks down at her hands, horrified.
“Get out of me!”
She slaps herself, hard.
“Claire!! Don't! That’s not gonna work!”
“She’s right, you know~.”
I glare daggers into the mirror, which reveals now Morgana’s form instead of Claire’s.
“Give me one good reason to not tear you apart! Right here! Right now!”
“Because. You don’t want your date to end so soon, do you?”
“Is that a threat?”
“A threat for you? No. It’s a threat meant for HIM. Your precious Hisirdoux.”
“Shut up!!”
Morgana’s laugh echoes through the stalls. Now really freaking out, Claire starts walking backwards in between the line of stalls,
“Stop it!” She cries.
She starts running herself into the doors.
“Claire! I just told you! That’s not going to work!!”
I try to go to her, but a physical magic grabs me and hauls me back-- right into the wall. I grunt, my vision going hazy. A yellow light crawls out of the mirrors and approaches Claire. Morgana… No!
“My! You are strong! Strong enough to wield my weapon. Strong enough to be my gracious host. You open up a big enough door and something’s bound to escape.”
What… is she talking about?
“The portal… The sickness… The signs under my bed!”
“You already told Gunmar all he needs to know, but since I’m out and about, I thought we kill Merlin’s Trollhunter! As soon as we get him alone!”
“Claire…! No!!”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I black out for a second. But it’s not long before ‘Claire’ is waking me up, aside Darci.
“Claire? What happened!!”
“I don’t know. She just… fainted.”
“Arya!”
I feel water splash me on the face. I open my eyes, a heavy pain all across my backside. Darci lets out a breath of relief and helps me up.
“Arya are you OK?”
“More like … K.O.ed.” I groan.
I glance over at Claire as Darci is checking me for bruises or broken bones. But her eyes glow yellow, and I know it really happened. Morgana… took Claire.
Douxie opens the door for me as we enter the skating rink building. I thank him and we rent out our blades from over the counter. I grab my size in skates from the guy and head over to one of the benches to put them on. Douxie heads next to me, sitting in the spot beside me. We slip off our shoes and put on the skates. I hear Douxie chuckle and look over at him while I tie the laces.
“What’s that snicker for?” I ask.
“Heh. It’s been a while since I’ve been to one of these.”
“How long’s a while?”
“Ehhh, about twenty years?”
“Oh. Well that’s not that long. For you anyways.”
He laughs a breath.
“But I’m not so sure if I’m still as good as I once was.”
“Guess we’ll find out.” I laugh.
We finish putting the blades on and get up, wobbling in our stand. I quickly try to find my balance and miserably make my way over to the wall. We look at each other and laugh. This is … challenging, to say the least. I gruff a breath and scoot along the wall to the rink entrance-- Douxie scooting behind me. I feel nervous when it comes to leaving the wall, but as a ramp sort of flooring slides us down, we pick up too much speed.
I accidentally let go in trying to lose speed, and fail. Douxie laughs and holds his hand out for me to grab. I --- while flailing my arms for balance--- reach out and grab his arm. He pulls me to him and props me up against the wall. I smile brightly and thank him. He shoots me a wink and grins.
“You’re welcome, dove.”
“Haha, ok, mr. charming! Let’s just focus on surviving the rink.” I play, bopping him on the forehead.
We inch along the wall, holding each other’s hands for more support. I start becoming a little more courageous and start moving a little farther from the wall. I start to get the hang of it, pulling Douxie out with me by the hand. I look over my shoulder back at him and smile widely.
But it’s too soon when some idiot comes barrel rolling down the ramp for the rink, and slams right into my back, sending me down. I keep my grip on Douxie’s hand, thus pulling him down with me. Douxie lands with a thud on top of me, both his arms either side of my head. I gaze up into his eyes and find myself holding my breath.
“Umm… hey.” I can feel the heat building up in my cheeks.
Douxie clears his throat, “Hey… I need you to forgive me for this…”
Before I can begin to ponder or ask what he means, Douxie stands up and pulls me onto my feet, before he leans in and kisses me. My eyes open wider as he closes his, embracing me with his arms wrapping around my waist. I push away with my surprise, making Douxie turn a bright blush beat red.
“I- I’m sorry!” He spouts.
I reach my hand up and touch my lips--- heart racing quicker than a thump and a bump. I can’t help but run the actions over in my head on loop.
“You… kissed me?”
“I didn’t mean to! Please, I’m so sorry!”
“Douxie…” I utter, stepping closer.
My mind is locked, now in acceptance with what he just placed to me. But he’s too stuck in his apologetic rambles to notice.
“Douxie?” I say again.
“I don’t k-know what came over me, and I just--!!”
“Douxie!”
“Y-Yeah?” He stutters.
“You talk too much.”
I grab him by the hood and pull him down to my height,being careful not to fall again, and landing my lips on his in a firm kiss. He tenses, but quickly returns his feelings in the embrace. I hum a happy note and we pull away.
I skate a bit back and hold out my hand for him to take.
“Now, care to join me in the rink?”
“Heh. I’d love to, dove.”
He takes my hand and we attempt to make it into the ring-- (almost falling every four seconds).
It was a long night last night. Study is a total pain in the ass. But hey, at least I had my best friend to help me out. We had a study-over. (Practically a sleepover, but only involving academics. Not our idea, I want to add.) Her name is Darci.
But now that I’m walking back into the school, I realize just how tired I really am. The school bell rings as I notice a crowd gathered in the courtyard. After that I notice Jim, Toby, Claire, Darci, and Mary gathered on the sidelines. I take a breath and approach them.
“Hey guys.” I say.
“Oh! Hey, Arya.” Jim waves.
“Sup, Lake.”
I look at Claire and instantly wince.
“Whoa! Claire! What is up with you?”
“What do you mean?”
“You do not look good, girl. You look sick as the plague.”
“I keep telling her to take a break.”
“You probably should.” I note, agreeing with Jim.
Mary walks up to Claire and grabs her wrist, pulling her away from the group.
“Look at the hot sauce that showed up at our front door, C-bomb! He’s from Arcadia Oaks Academy!” She squeals.
I cross my arms and roll my eyes. A second later, I notice Toby, Jim, AND Darci looking at me.
“What?”
“What? Aren’t you single?” Darci asks, “Shouldn’t you be over there, swooning?”
“Ok, first of all, just because I am single doesn’t mean I want to get out of that status. Secondly, he can’t be THAT much of a ‘hot sauce’, as Mary put it.”
I glance over at the big crowd of girls and watch Claire get pummeled. She falls and I roll my eyes. She should really take a break. I turn my head back to Darci and go to talk about last night.
“Hey, thanks for helping me with my Algebra.” I say.
“No problem! Thanks for helping me with my Spanish.”
“De nada.”
We laugh. Jim gets a sudden scowl on his face and quickly dismisses himself, going up to Claire.
Toby snickers.
“You sure you don't wanna swoon? He’s even making Claire swoon.”
“Ugh, Toby, did you not just hear what I said?”
I turn my head and gasp upon who I see talking to Claire and Jim. He hands Claire a flyer of some sorts and I am suddenly filled with happiness.
“Oh-shit!!” I say, running over to him.
Toby and Darci watch me run away and I hear Tobes say…
“Wow, she sure changed her mind fast.”
“I know right? Weird…”
I run up to him at full force and jump at him, pulling him into a hug.
“Douxie!!”
He grabs me in his arms and slightly holds me back, to see who it is who’s just charged him.
Once he sees that it’s me, though, he smiles widely and gives me a tight hug.
“Arya!! Whoa, blast from the past! I didn’t know you went to this school!”
“Wait… You two know each other?” Claire questions.
I link arms with Douxie and pull myself out of his grasp.
“Oh, totally! We go WAY back!”
The goof next to me snickers.
“You can say that again.”
And Darci and Mary appear out of nowhere, noticing the -- now clearly-- Battle of the Bands poster in Claire’s hands.
“Claire! We should enter!” Darci suggests,
“We could be a cover band! Call ourselves…”
“Oh! Oh!”
They cheer the name together, “Mama Skull!”
They high five, but then I notice a familiar look on Jim’s face. He pushes past the girls and takes the flyer.
“I don’t know… you know, really? Mama Skull? I don't know. I don’t know…”
I look up at Douxie, our arms still linked, and we share a shrug.
“It’s the end of the school year, and we’re already pretty booked up with all those ‘after-school activities’.” Jim gives a nervous laugh.
But Claire snatches the flyer back out of his hand.
“Actually, a friend of mine told me I needed more balance.” She looks at Darci and Mary,
“Count us in!!”
“Kaboom!!” Darci cheers.
“Shotgun on vocals!”
Douxie nods to Claire, “I look forward to seeing you again, fair lady Claire.”
Claire laughs. I start to go with Douxie, but Darci and Mary clear their throats, as if I was just volunteered to enter their ‘Mama Skull’ with them.
“What?”
“What? Aren’t you coming with us?” Mary prods.
Oh no. I know that look in her eyes. She thinks this-- the linked arms thing-- is something between me and Douxie. Oh geeze. If I don’t go with them now, they’ll take that as confirmation-- which it is NOT! We’re just really close friends!
I give a noticeable sigh and undo our arms. I hug Doux one last time and bid him goodbye.
“We’ll catch up later, Ok?”
I pull out a pen and small sticky note and write down my number.
“And since I’m pretty sure our contacts have changed, here. My number.”
A slight squeal comes from Mary.
Nonetheless, Douxie takes it and shoots me a wink.
“Of course. Talk to you later then, Arya.” He walks backwards, giving a dismissive two finger salute.
I watch him disappear around the corner and a hand goes on my shoulder. It’s Mary’s. Typically…
“Ok. You have some SERIOUS explaining to do.”
“Yeah!”
“Definitely.”
I click my tongue.
“Two things. Why should I explain anything to you guys when we’re just friends? And two, when did I sign up for Mama Skull?”
“Just now.”
“And I’m not mad. I believe you’re just friends. But I’m mad that you never told us you had some SERIOUSLY HOT SAUCE friends!!”
I deadpan. Oh boy, here we go.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Lunch)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I’m sitting down at our usual lunch table, quickly joined by the trio -- Darci, Claire, and Toby-- and Shannon and her best friend, who’s name I believe is Lauri.
Darci sits next to me on the end of the table--- on my right-- and Mary on my left. Mary practically slams her tray down on the table and looks at me with an expectant smile.
“Ugh. What now?” I groan, trying to get in my english notes from last period.
“Screw what you're doing! It’s time for gossip!!!” Mary shouts, practically announcing to the whole cafeteria that I have tea.
….
Which I do not.
“Do I even have a choice?”
“NOPE.”
Shannon looks at us, confused.
“Wait, what’s going on?”
Mary lets out a dramatic giggle, cupping her hands together.
“OK, so here’s the sip. You know that total cutie that was here this morning from Arcadia Oaks Academy?”
Shannon and Lauri nod.
“Well, turns out!”
Mary grabs my arm and shakes me back and forth violently. I know she’s excited, but there’s really nothing like that to be telling.
“It turns out that Arya here and the cutie KNOW EACH OTHER!!”
“Quit calling him that.” I grumble.
“Oh, come on, you don’t think he’s even a little bit cute?”
“Wha--!? Mary!”
“She’s blushing!!” Darci teases.
“Shut up!!” I stomp.
“You guys… You should really respect people’s love lives.” Shannon says, before looking at me.
“BUT HE’S NOT IN MY LOVE LIFE!!”
The girls all start cracking up. I swear them out in hawaiian.
“You guys are all lolo.”
“Yeah yeah.”
I sigh deeply and go back to my notes. But before I do…
“And could you please not call him ‘Cutie’? He has a name…”
“Ooh, I’d LOVE to know hot sauce’s name! Tell us!”
I glare at Mary.
“Jeesh, you said you’re just friends. That means he’s free game.”
“MARY!!! I SWEAR!”
I’m gonna strangle her…
“His name is Douxie.” Claire answers.
We all look at her, surprised as she fiddles on her phone.
“How do YOU know that?”
“I looked up his band. He’s the lead guitarist, and he sings.”
“Pft. I could’ve told you that.” I mumble.
“Douxie, huh? Douxie….”
Ok. That’s it.
I go to tackle Mary but Darci grabs me and holds me back.
“ARYA-- NO!!!”
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
<Time Skip> <After School>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I walk out of the school through the front gates. Dropping my skateboard down on the ground, I step up one foot on the board. I plug in my earbuds and put on some good ol AC/DC for a play back home. I’m about to get moving before I hear someone call my name--- lucky them.
I turn my head around and see Claire leading the trio out of the school. I take out one ear bud.
“Hey girl…” Mary greets me, cautiously.
“What’s up?” I ask casually.
As far as I’m concerned, what I did at lunch was justified. So it never really happened.
“Well, we were thinking about meeting up to start Mama Skull tomorrow. If you’re free we could all get together and decide who does what?”
“I’ll do lead guitar, if that’s ok.” I shrug.
“Wait, you play guitar?”
“Excuse you-- I rock the guitar! But I’m gonna be in lockdown at my place tomorrow. I have to watch my little brother and stay home while my parents aren’t.”
“Oh, bummer.”
“Eh.”
Claire rests a hand on my shoulder.
“I’ll text you the final details.”
“Thanks… I guess. Oh! And I want at least one guitar solo!”
They humor me as they walk away. In truth, I’ll probably just end up signing myself up to go before them. I know it’s not really FAIR, but I don’t wanna just be in the background. If I’m gonna shred, I’m gonna SHRED. That better make sense.
I sigh, plug my earbud back in, and get home before mom calls me and chews me out.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
(Time Skip) | (Late at night.)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
I just finished studying for Senior Uhl’s Spanish exam in a few days when I hear my phone buzz. I check the screen and see an unidentified number’s text, and it’s a warm hello. Bet I know who that is.
I pick up my phone and reply.
___________________
???: Fair Lady Arya, how are you on this divine night?
Arya: I was expecting Douxie, not Romeo.
Douxie: Nope, you caught me. Douxie at your service, m’lady.
Arya: M’lady? That’s sappy, my guy.
Douxie: I thought you liked Sappy?
Arya: I do.
Arya: So what’s up? You’re lucky to catch me. About to go to bed.
Douxie: Perfect timing then.
Douxie: So are you going to be in their ‘Mama Skull’ band?
Arya: Hey, you’ve done this stuff before.
Arya: Can I be in a group and on my own?
Arya: Because I was thinking of playing a solo shred on my guitar.
Douxie: Eeeehhh. It’s tricky. Some competitions forbid that- since if you happened to win solo and your group wins, well, it’s unfair.
Douxie: But I’m pretty sure this time you can shred solo and with a group.
Arya: Ok cool. That’s what I’ll do.
Douxie: So, got any plans for tomorrow?
Arya: Staying home. Gotta watch my lil’ brother.
Douxie: I see.
Arya: Buut, you’re welcome to come over if you’d like. To hang out, catch up, play some guitar together.
Douxie: I’d like that. And that’s a ‘please do’ on bringing my guitar?
Arya: Hells yes.
Douxie: Cool. What time do you want me over?
Arya: umm. If you want you could come over at as early as 10. Am.
Douxie: Sweet. Even though I’m not much of a morning person, I’ll set an alarm.
Arya: What time do you usually wake up?
Douxie: Late.
Arya: Funny. Ok, Doux. See you tomorrow. Heading to bed now.
Douxie: Sweet dreams, Lady Arya.
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(End Chapter One / Episode One Time.)
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I dont know if you guys couldn’t tell, but this is an oc-insert. Some episodes won’t be happening with what’s going on on screen with the show, so those episodes will be ‘filler’ eps/chaps.
