Pierre stared at the man before him.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡludxaAPRIc
"Parker." The name felt foreign on his tongue, even more so when he hadn't seen the man who was his half-brother for years. "What are you doing here?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡVsg0hsZoDT
Parker, whose only similarity he shared with Pierre was the stubborn chin – which happened to be a dominant trait in all of the Lachlan men – chuckled, though one couldn't be sure whether it was in amusement or with hidden motives.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLo1WOX42M
"I live here." He simply said. Parker raised a brow. "Aren't you going to come in?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡMnhZVrzKii
Pierre frowned, before realising that in his shock of seeing them all here, he had taken a step back and out of the threshold. He shook his head. "I think I'm fine here."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeKde2Feri
Parker raised his eyebrow and breezily said, "Is that so? Well, the rest of us prefer to stay warm than freeze so you can either come in or just leave."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7U4vV0kS5m
"Parker." Katya blurted out, her tone alarmed as she eyed the tall man warily.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRKXRForpH
He only looked at Pierre in a challenging manner.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡJmVuz9xfnY
Pierre wished he could just leave, but they had piqued his interest when they mentioned his mother. All those locked up memories of the past came crushing down on him, and he gritted his teeth, damning the curiosity within him. There was no way he'd come back to this place later.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡyvSC0ODlHI
"That wasn't so hard, wasn't it?" Parker flashed a pearly teeth at him in a mocking voice.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnAskr7JTx
Pierre didn't bother replying. He appraised the man before him, ignoring the other occupants watching them silently.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCTm7tvFIT
They had been close, he remembered.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhoxUplxK3
His older brother may have had a knack for teasing and annoying people but he didn't remember Parker being cynical and full of mockery. He thought the air felt heavy with bitterness and resentment, though he couldn't be certain if it came from him or them.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsqQULi2ub
He felt like a stranger. All of them did. Pierre resist looking at the person who was the most closest to him then, no doubt was watching his every move like an invisible spectator now.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVOthWWNBF
Everyone had changed.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfX5MRv8og
But Parker seemed to change drastically in the last eight years, and Pierre felt a dull stab in his heart.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡcEJDvDoOFT
Before he could drown in the old sentiments, he cleared his throat and said, "Well?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fOOI5LESm
Katya moved forward and said, almost wearily, "Just take a sit, Pierre. We haven't seen you in years and the least you could do now is listen."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡkzChFp9axx
He stared at Katya's pleading face long before nodding briskly.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJcamIOLwt
Parker smirked and Pierre narrowed his eyes at him. His eyes scanned the room towards the other occupant, and he said, "What are you looking at? Got a problem with me?" Pierre's accent had thickened with irritation.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡEwJslrx66q
Max had been looking at Pierre, and he found it a little unnerving. The other boy only smiled at him, his tone condescending. "You sound like those ulichnyye panki. What do they call it in English?" He wondered out loud before saying, "Ah, yes. A street punk."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡtqZ5IEuRP2
Pierre glowered and he took a step toward him, but Katya stepped forward and put a hand to his chest. To Max, she said, "Dostatochno! We didn't ask him to come here so you could fight like ten year olds."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡpgMCr9kfUR
Max shot his gaze at her and Pierre could see a quiet fury in his eyes. "Ten year olds? He acts like he knows and owns everything. Besides, I didn't ask him to come here, you did."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡJzos2JTAQ0
Katya pinned him with a hard stare. "That's beside the point." Then, she soften her gaze. "Pozhaluysta, Maksimillian."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0jrZp9EU1u
Max stared at his pleading cousin, before glancing at a confused but wary Pierre. Finally, he looked away and sighed, sweeping his arm in a gesture that meant to 'get on with this' to Katya.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqLJ3cSnrN
Parker, who had been quietly watching the exchange with a barely concealed amusement on his face, finally spoke. "Alright, now that we're done with the introductions, let's get some dinner, shall we?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡfamDDpnxZd
They all stared at each other for five seconds before moving towards the dining room. On the marble table were various dishes, all steaming hot and looking delicious. There were pizza and spaghetti, and some others which made Pierre feel a stab of homesickness for Russia, one that he hadn't felt in a long time. There were borscht, pelmeni, black bread, beef Stroganov, pirozkhi, and even medovik.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZwYZV7EP9
It reminded him of home. Of the time when they were all together. Of his mother.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MATvD5n1x
Again, all of this reminded him of why he was called to this place and he felt his frustration rise.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgIyTlXgSW
He wondered then who prepared all of this. Did they do this on purpose? He eyed them all; Max seemed to hate him so it couldn't be him who was thoughtful enough to get all of this. And Pierre didn't know Parker anymore to gauge whether he would do something like this. His best bet would be Katya since she seemed to show effort in pulling him into this family feud, even though he tried to avoid her.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡupV0oVWwzM
And if she did, where did she even get all of this at this hour? He didn't see any shops on his way here.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡFIyfB3SHrT
Despite his annoyance that she wouldn't leave him alone, he also felt grateful enough that she seemed to be considerate and thoughtful towards him. Pierre hadn't felt comfortable being with a family – even though they're his family, except with his cousins in Scotland – due to his parent's separation. He was completely detached from them all, and he loathe to admit it, but Pierre had no clue of how to behave with them now.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡeC9Xa3j8kb
Thoughts came and went while Katya volunteered to bring the dishes around, but one did stuck in his mind. It seemed as though Katya and Max were both staying with Parker in this grand place, and for a brief moment, he couldn't help the stab of jealousy at the thought of them eating these familiar food together – the food his mother used to make for them all.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4OB0PZVMvv
Even Parker, whose parents were Scottish American, but were raised by Pierre's mother seemed to resonate more with his Russian family.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡybd6qP9jwB
I feel like I don't belong anywhere.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLdmIoq1wL
"Tea or coffee?' Katya asked him, snapping him out of his thoughts. He realised both Parker and Max were looking at him oddly.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBAPBqOxck
He ignored them but managed to catch a smirk from Parker and a frown from Max. "Tea."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3KvgQW60fC
And so the strange family of four ate in silence. For about five minutes.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsnPO6ef8L
"Isn't this nice?" Katya broke the silence, smiling widely and sipping her tea while looking at them all.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lmBbY10wd
Parker returned her smile with a grin, and for a miniscule moment, Pierre recognised that familiar boyishness he remembered of his older but half-brother, several years ago when they were younger.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAXQRNNXO2
"It is. I believe the last meal we all had together was years ago, when we went for a picnic on the beach. Isn't that right, Pierre?" Parker turned to look at Pierre.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpvXfj3tzc
He remembered that day and nodded slowly, continuing eating the first food he chose, a piece of the black bread quietly. He thought Parker would stop at that, but it seemed his older brother was only warming up.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAyBbJAcJ7
"What's with the little portion, little brother? Go on and help yourself, Pierre. We all know how much you love borscht and medovik, besides that bread." Then he chuckled. "Milena loves to spoil us all, especially you two." Parker grinned at both Pierre and Max. Katya smiled fondly at the memory.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡp4HnVybIvZ
Max tried to suppress a genuine smile but it seemed strained on his face.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡL4og2EA689
Pierre couldn't take it anymore. He couldn't sit there and pretend like what happened in the past didn't matter. His jaw ticked and before he knew it, he blurted the words he tried to forget.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡinJQZUAz7j
"What, you mean the woman who abandoned me?" He shot at them, words leaving a hot trail behind them.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwooUjW51s
Parker's expression changed and Katya looked at him in disbelief, but no one expected Max's outburst.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Mxt3z7DFf
"How you dare you speak of her like that! Ty nevezhestvenen – "copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYDvPCqpcx
"That's enough!" Parker roared and the air stilled. He shot them both a steely gaze before saying quietly to Pierre, "Is it really hard for you to see us again, bràthair beag?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡIT47iYqf4r
Even in his anger, Pierre recognised the hurt he heard in Parker's voice, and suddenly he felt like a nine year old. The little boy who hadn't built a wall around his heart, the kid who still saw everything through rose-coloured glass. And if he hadn't already missed both Scotland and Russia, hearing Parker called him that in Gaelic suddenly made him feel very lost.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8eeBhOJUu
"I don't know," He answered wearily. He was tired of feeling angry all the time, and he was confused as to why they suddenly wanted him back in their lives. "Why are you doing this?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHsCdhfDHr
Pierre looked at them in frustrated helplessness. And just like that, the other three occupants glanced at one another with a sharp steel of determination. The looks on their faces as Parker asked him the next question further pushed him into an abyss of confusion.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡbplgxDeXSi
Katya looked at him almost pitifully, Max shook his head at him with clear hurt in his eyes, although Pierre didn't know what or who caused that sudden look in them.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡpArEP3WEMQ
Parker, whose jaw was tight earlier ticked again, before he asked, "What have athair told you?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MyBoLTDpA
Although the date happened three days ago, December still couldn't believe it happened.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5A0qQx45uX
That she had actually went on a date with Zachary Wong. It had felt surreal as though she was still on the cloud and hadn't set foot on ground.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTyPxnTt2F
It was wonderful, and she had thoroughly enjoyed it, especially when they talked through the night at the ice cream parlour.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡkasTLQEFu4
The movie had just finished and the both of them were still in town, walking side by side in a mindless stroll. They still had two hours before their curfew.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAEf1vM5Ag
"Can you believe that she was three hundred years old? Maybe more! Oh, I love the movie. And the song." December gushed about the new movie they had just seen.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZaBPIZIc1
Zach chuckled and nodded. "Yes, that was awesome. And the whole fighting scene was just..." he made a mind-blown gesture and sound, and December's eyes lit up more in excitement. "One of my favourites."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxcQqYH5Dc
"Yes! That was definitely one of my favourite scenes, too. Great minds think alike, eh?" She grinned at him, nudging his shoulder twice before she reminded herself to be more proper.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9SMN7NjUTU
While she knew she was not elegant and gentle such as girls like Serena, she still wanted to be on her best behaviour. Possibly, because Zach reminded her of those noble lords and ladies in the books she'd read. Of genteel men and women she'd seen in movies and books.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡaXTkzI3zqf
She also felt like shaking herself into reality, because she needed to stop referencing her life with those romance novels already.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPMNFcMnhq
The point she was trying to make to herself was that, she felt an urge to make him see that she was more than an archery board committee, than just a girl. She wanted him to have the best impression of her.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqileq9yk3
"Indeed," He replied, sounding thoughtful but delighted at the discovery.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡsv0lQA4T9v
There were still people milling around, on the streets and in the shops as cars and other vehicles wheezed past them, each minding their business as the night grew on.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8KkUy07kno
December noticed the proximity of their hands touching; it was so close, that she wanted to just give in to her urge to brush her hands with his. But she didn't want to seem eager.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWP3i4trCO
But you are eager to hold his hand, her conscious mind pointedly reminded her.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4jvq95u3f
That is true, she mused. She glanced at Zach, looking around and pointing places at her, noting some information that he knew to her and chuckling at some things that amused him. She felt herself smiling softly at him, eyes adoring him.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbZj6xkdSH
She still can't believe that she was going out with her long time crush, Zach. There had been many times she'd looked at him from a far, sometimes paying too much attention to what he was saying when they were in a discussion, and other times – most times – getting distracted by his presence. And now, she was standing beside him, on a date, hands touching one another in any second now…copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡBCErGWvao7
Should she wait? They have been walking for twenty minutes now, and she had been waiting for him to take the lead. But what if he was shy?copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTcipCsv6v
She shook her head and muttered quietly to herself with a grin, "Well, I don't suppose there will be double standards in this date. Who says a girl can't initiate a gesture?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5HKpNiJ0a
Zach chose that moment to turn his gaze towards her and said, his eyes alight, "Hm? Did you say something, December?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡrBN53t2yDq
December shook her head, eyes wide as if caught red-handed. "Mm? Oh, nothing!"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCkTVKvnfC
Instead of braving herself to speak the words she wanted to say to him, she pointed to something that caught her attention and said, "Oh, look! There's an ice cream shop. Should we get some?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡT0IAK8n2Rn
He smiled, she beamed, and in they went, all thoughts about double standards and courage being lost in her happiness.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjZ0o2uqB7
They had gotten their bowls of ice creams; December with two huge scoops of strawberry and vanilla with thick chunks of mango jellies topped with some dribble of syrup and Zach; having the same huge scoops of vanilla with chunks of bananas, and some sprinkles.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiKbcFVH3b
They both looked at one another, smiles spreading on their faces before attacking their desserts like kids in a candy store. It was one of the things she loved about tonight. She had even forgot to be prim and ladylike in that moment, which didn't seemed to bother Zach at all as he was immersed in his ice cream. She felt herself relax in the moment and not care about anything else.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWb3xWbUZ3
"I know I've said this before, but I really think you look beautiful tonight. I mean, you've always looked beautiful but you know, tonight…" He was beginning to feel flustered and December noticed not only his cheeks were flushed, but his ears too.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡicmhdKkHaW
She had to pipe down the urge to squeal at how cute Zach was and touch his face.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡP1fzdrf89i
Although, she did giggle. Her outfit was a floral but black printed baby doll dress that ended a little above her knee and one that was chosen and fixed by Brooke and Raven – "not too skanky like 'please eat me up' and not too prudish either", Brooke had said with a smug look – and they paired her with her denim jacket and a pair of cherry red combat boots.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtfvwMrIHr
When she saw the dress, she immediately fell in love with it. It was pretty, and December had no clue why she hated to shop for dresses before. It fitted her snugly, the accentuation of her small waist, the flare of the skirt. The design of the heart shape on her neckline wasn't too low or too high, it rest perfectly which allowed a hint of cleavage to show. It wasn't too revealing or too covering at all, and despite Brooke's crude words, she had to agree with it.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0D7iQRCy2
December loved the entire look, and she loved her friends for choosing it.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡzn4OWifcqp
"Well, that's very nice of you to say that. Thank you." She said shyly, tucking a few stray strand of hairs behind her ear.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKSKgpxH7f
Zach looked at her and smiled, his dimple became prominent every time he did that. "So…" he started before his phone rang. Thoughts shifted, he looked at her apologetically before fishing out his device.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8SfM0xDRab
He stared at it and bit his lip before saying to December, "I'm sorry, December but it's Sid. Do you mind if I take this?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡUJyZxvhNHI
"Oh! Sure, of course, I don't mind." She waved him off with a beaming smile.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡcct5XJvvrC
She wondered what Sid needed from Zach. Of course, they were best friends but that also meant that he knew Zach was on a date with her tonight, right?copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡKzvZmvxZnH
She shook the thoughts out of her mind. I mustn't be selfish. He's his best friend, and I don't know what's going on. Best to not make any assumptions.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiqJiYfzMX
The call took about five minutes or less before Zach came back, his face cheery but still a little constrained. "Sorry for keeping you waiting."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZaL57uACW
December shook her head. "Did something happened? You look a little pale."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnwJnSeUSC
He blinked. "What? Oh. No. I mean, yeah. Well… I'm not sure if you know this but Sid had broken up with Fiona," At that, December gasped in surprise. Zach continued with a sympathetic nod. "Yeah, I know. Who would have thought of that, right? They're so good together. It seems like they were trying to get back together now but his parents threatened him or something."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3V2Nd13NO
"That's awful. What did he say?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05NaRTimtV
"It's more like what did he do." This time, he grinned and December felt her heart ease a little. "Let's just say that in his family, there's the line of 'you give some, and you take some.'"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGiOpFHEzz
December raised an eyebrow. "Well that sounds…very strict. And calculating."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbDceqqgtd
"Yes, but Sid's a smart guy, and he was born in the family who upholds that motto. It may be tough but he knows how to manage things well. In some way, I admire that about him."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tjSEaLWxf
She chuckled. "I hope they'll be okay."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡRPV9ElPl0p
He nodded and pocketed his phone. "Knowing him? They will." Then, he said, "Let's talk about something else. Something that we haven't known about each other."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡVhByuPYU5s
She paused to ponder in thought before saying, "Twenty One Questions?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8aWs3ADPxa
Zach nodded. "Ladies first."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4o00yElo0l
She chuckled lowly. "Ever the gentleman. Okay, umm… if you had to choose between Chess and Archery for the rest of your life, which one would it be?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVDot7es2j
He laughed lowly, and the sound made her heart leapt. "Oh, that's easy. Archery." He said with such certainty that December had to raised her eyebrow, her mouth quirked in amusement.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡUbuQDyrgnY
"I'm glad to know that you love our sport so much. Let me guess, got roped in to the club?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡqsnrsW5Ok5
He widened his eyes as if he couldn't believe she had just figured him out. "Wow, are you a psychic or something? That's impressive." He grinned and beckoned her closer. In a voice reserved for secrecy, he said, "By the vice president, to be exact."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡa71NwuVKWY
She opened her mouth in surprise before eliciting a delightful laugh. It was the only sound that resonated in the empty parlour, drowning the quiet thrum of the music in the speakers.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Q9zHM782u
They didn't notice that their curfew was nearing and that the shop was about to close, because they were both in their own moment, slowly basking in the pleasant night that seemed to grow long yet cut short.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6tWuUpq0dK
She followed suit and leaned closer, faces almost close but not to the point of intruding their personal space. "That's very kind of you. But hey, by the many awards your club have received, you can't say you haven't developed a liking towards the game, can you?" She grinned, her eyes twinkled before she rolled them good-naturedly. "Oh, and I wish." She was referring to his earlier comment.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nS7boB79y
He threw his head back, and laughed before looking at her. He didn't think he had ever laugh so much in just a night.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5doeM60Te2
Zach looked at December fondly. "You're cute, you know that? And yes, to answer your question, it would be hard not to. It's very addictive." He said matter-of-factly before breaking into a charming grin.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡolwlQqKgqX
She shook her head and bit her lip shyly. He was intoxicating her and she was getting warmer. December needed to think of something else, and fast before she did something that would throw them both off-guard…like kissing him or something.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wlUDwifEs
"I believe that it's your turn now." She said quietly, her smile almost guarded. Her throat was dry despite the sugary dessert, and she thought she may need some water. She asked for one just in case.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJFcXsjXmx
And at least one of her musings were right, because Zach was caught off guard, as if he had forgotten the purpose of their game and she was glad for that. But he had licked his lips and she tried her best not to glance at it. She really needed to control herself. Another inch closer and they would have breached each other's space.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0KTw5JWQ0n
And maybe experiencing the best kiss of her life.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡN1U9WyGeNk
Okay, no this is my first date, and even though I would love to kiss him, I don't think that's okay for first dates…right? Maybe I should watch out for some cues later.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡHB3nO0P7Xb
"You're right, I forgot." His voice brought her back to planet Earth. "So, what about fears? Do you have any fears?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡFYWyu2irSj
She narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "Everyone has fears, Zach. But I think you meant to ask what, hm. Well…" she dragged the word and just like he did earlier, December beckoned him closer.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡPGlJPhhvw5
Once he did, she said to him, almost in a whisper, "The thing is, a lady never tells her weakness."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡPdHSAvSqCQ
He drew back, shook his head and chuckled. "I thought that applies only to their age?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡChOzQjB9Lu
She shook her head solemnly. "No, it applies to everything. Their height, favourite food, drinks, games, and yes, even their favourite sports."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡtAaOjZ5BvC
He raised an eyebrow disbelievingly before narrowing them into suspicion. But his lips were smiling. "You're a humorous girl, now that's another thing I know about you."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡGkPndqT5Qv
She pretended to be hurt. "I thought you've always known that about me."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtNL2E5DOQ
He winked at her, and she almost fell off her seat. Damn it, December, get it together.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hqi5KibmN
"I guess you know another thing about me, too."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡN37Drk3kqU
She was taken aback by his remark and could only shake her head at him, eyes lit up in immense joy and cheeks hurting from smiling too much. "Touché."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnnD9pie36
"In other words, checkmate."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4bnvttgLEC
She couldn't help it, she lost her composure and laughed. Laughed until there were tears in her eyes, laughed until he joined her.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsFH5629rs
After a while, they sobered up and December eventually relented. "Okay, I'll be fair in this. Well, let's see…one of my fears is...being laughed at. There, I've said it. Now, my turn." She uttered them in a rush and so cheerfully that it made Zach frowned, and December wanted to smooth the frown away, but she swallowed inaudibly and said, "So, what's your fear?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4hQsVZRdeV
His frown eased as he tilted his head at her before nodding. "I guess it is only fair. Alright, Miss Scarborough. Brace yourself now, because I'm going to indulge you in a grave secret of mine. Keep in mind, that should anyone be privy of this information, not only will my reputation suffer, but my pride as well."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡki6HOAb4mP
He sounded theatrical, but December could hear a hint of anxiety as well as she composed a serious and focused look, despite her surprise in knowing that. But of course, even the most flawless seeming person have flaws too. It's human nature.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVinCnuExV
With a seriousness she could muster, she said, "Oh no, we certainly can't have that. But fear not, my kind sir, for your secret shall remain with me for all eternity." To emphasise the point, she nodded rigorously.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BcX38XVlb
At that, Zach's face broke out into a soft smile. "For eternity, huh. That's a long time, December."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGuXniyznU
"But I mean what I said. Can't have the Captain be exposed to danger." She quipped before inquiring curiously, "So, what is it that you fear?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5QGss4W7C
"Flying. Which is ironic, because I've wanted to be a pilot for quite some time. But maybe I'm not cut out for that."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡRed4chc9dy
December stored the new information.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4eP2C8Bbw
It delighted her in a way that she was learning new things about him, to see another side of him only she knew but it also made her feel sorry for him that he felt this way. She was learning new things about him, and him, hers but she didn't like how low he seemed to feel about it.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡwABmg4Ol0V
She wanted to lift him up, to see that beautiful and confident smile on his face.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡXSabWmt9vH
She hesitated at first, but decided to plough on. Her hand were inches away from his, and with a sudden courage, she grasped it. It was bigger than hers and soft, although it had some rough edges to it. No doubt caused by years being an archer. But December loved the feel of his hand in hers.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡHQMVGPxOqJ
"You could overcome it." She said gently.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWjWiA07V0
December bit her lip, unsure if he would subtly take his hand out or –copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3TTd5PAyY6
Zach smiled at her, albeit a little sad, but his hand stayed firm in her grip and she felt her heart soar when he rubbed her knuckles softly. "It's not as easy as it sounds, though December."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡfGX2BDR9ri
She nodded and said truthfully, "I know, Zach. But if it's you, I know you can do it. I believe in you." Just to drive those words home, she squeezed his hand with assurance.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡSMecIxMIFH
They stared at each other long, and December suddenly felt as though she was being pulled towards him. When she realised that both of their faces were coming closer, the store clerk came to their table and mention that they were closing.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJBCXGsxer
At the mention of the time, they both sobered up and left the parlour, albeit reluctantly. Despite that, occasionally they would chuckle at the things they had said and shared in the shop. They walked until Zach's driver arrived to fetch them back to the academy, and they talked through the drive.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡDu7AwJdoSF
Back at the academy, Zach and December were making a quiet journey towards her dormitory. They were certain they would be caught by the guardians of their dorms, but with luck on their side, they wouldn't get caught because they arrived ten minutes earlier before curfew.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLsVXbtKT8
"Sucks that we have curfew, huh." December started, breaking their peaceful walk.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDS3fPJImY
Zach hummed in acknowledgement. "I agree. I had so much fun tonight. If only we have all the night to ourselves, the amount of things we could do would be countless."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Ztgz0ZNpS
He didn't mean for it to sound the way it did, she was sure, but having friends like Brooke and Jethro, December couldn't help the unbidden and traitorous flush that warmed her cheeks and body. She willed herself to focus on the actual meaning of what she thought he meant to say.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5EV0C7um0
Because Zach must not have meant to say something that wasn't filed with innuendos. She didn't think it was like him.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOEuSUjCCG
And sure enough, he froze in his steps and December knew now what would happen next.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLF42f523u
"Uh, wait. That suddenly sounded…not what I intended it to sound like. I hope you know that I didn't mean it in that way, December." Zach looked at her apologetically, his face flushed with embarrassment.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwAzsBcz5y
She couldn't help it. December giggled at the foolishness of the situation. "Of course, Zach. Don't worry about it."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡAInfdf9xSL
He nodded and smiled, looking down at the cobbled steps leading towards the nearing dorm, before looking back at her.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡdtxTyA8DCb
"Thanks for going out with me tonight, December."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8xIJ7bkjKq
They were now steps away from the dormitory, a little shaded by the big tree above them, the lamp post near the thick trunk casting a soft orange glow to their shadows. December halted in her steps.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡSl8gAlvJTn
Did she hear him right? She thought so and if possible, she wanted to melt then.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6R3ZpD83g
She couldn't find the right words at first. She opened her mouth, closed, and opened them again, this time having found what she wanted to tell him.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcO2VVdgfY
With a gentle look, she smiled lovingly at him, "It's my pleasure, Zach. I really enjoyed our date."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8jOoUaUE3
The wind picked up and swept the dry leaves on the ground, the tree leaves rustling, its ancient rhythm of dancing to the wind never changing. The moon was bright, but by the faint scent of the earth in the air, there was the possibility of rain tonight.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡh999c9yQhB
Zach took a step closer to December and her heart skipped a beat. Maybe this is the cue, she thought to herself.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6BNUEJQRZ6
She wanted to move but found her feet frozen. He was getting closer now; close enough that she could see his lidded eyes, and that beautiful long lashes of his, close enough that she could trace the shape of his lips, to feel the ghost of it, close enough to taste the smell of his cologne, to –copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡPFe9uC3EwH
Lighting struck the sky, and seconds later, a loud boom of thunder were heard.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡIORSX41vUj
And just like that, the spell was broken. Surprised, they bumped and hit onto each other's foreheads, looking then chuckling quietly, glancing away from one another. Embarrassed at being startled.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡ71VVWzEMqE
The moment may have been broken, but December was storing the events that happened tonight till right at that very moment in her memory. She wanted to cherish and dream it.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgj6qNJusf
"Well, I think you'd best get in before Hilda finds us out here." Zach said, his voice scratchy and he cleared his throat.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡca442184x3
December chuckled softly. "Right. Well, thank you for tonight, Zach."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF4jA0SfNj
He smiled deeply, and nodded. Then, he leaned in slowly, his eyes meeting hers as he whispered, "May I kiss you?"copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGzdN01wuu
Eyes wide, she found herself in a trance. She licked her suddenly dry lips and when she could not find her voice, she only nodded and mouthed, 'yes'.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGEQKHSTMq
Zach smiled and leaned closer. December's eyes were starting to flutter close, but before she could actually close her eyes, Zach planted a soft yet firm kiss on her cheek and her eyes widened in surprise.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡWa51tG2mWP
A pleasant, warm and full of tingle surprise.copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡFPwe3je5PJ
"Good night, December."copyright protection87ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCqdtbVl4I
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