Archer
As I walked towards the familiar sight of Allan's house, my ears were immediately invaded by the booming pop music in the distance. My heart raced and blood pumped, the feeling was unusual, like I was in a completely new environment.
It has been a while after all.
As soon as my sisters found out Allan was planning a party, they vigorously "persuaded" me to go. After that confrontation with Marvin, they wanted me to loosen up and have fun.
As much as I appreciated my sisters' concerns, I can't afford to take a break.
This feels wrong, I should be working by now...
But for the sake of easing their worries, I planned on staying long enough to confirm my attendance, because Amelia has ways to find out whether I went or not.
The fact she has that ability to do that concerned me.
I glanced around the front yard, people's faces were plastered with the brightest smile, drinking with their friends like there were no troubles in the world.
I wonder if I could be like them, would there ever be a time I could be free from worries? It wasn't like I was envious of their lives, I couldn't be happier living with my sisters, everyday with them is nothing but bliss.
But I couldn't help but feel like something's missing, like a missing note to a beautiful symphony,
a note that unlocks to a perfect melody.
Among the hundred faces in the crowd, my eyes fixated on someone familiar. He had a troubled expression on, frantic as he searched around. He struggled to keep his eyes open, looking like he was about to faint at any given moment.
For some reason details of our encounter remained, refusing to leave.
His face flushed with tears, his hazel eyes begging to shut. Jet black hair was disheveled, like it was being constantly pulled. The sounds of his broken cries pleading the same words over and over again,
it all laid helplessly in my mind.
I stepped forward, unsure of what I was about to do but that didn't stop me from impulsively approaching the man.
I stopped right in front of him, expecting him to do the same. He instead continued mindlessly walking, causing him to bump into me. For some odd reason he started feeling my shoulders, his fingers glided through as far as it could go, as if to find something. I flinched, deeply contemplating whether to push him off or endure it until he stopped.
He thankfully did stop, but not not long after he buried his face on my chest, letting out an exhausted groan.
After staying silent for the most uncomfortable 10 seconds of my life, I finally spoke. "Ummm... Excuse me?" He said nothing but a quiet mumble in return. I sighed out, helplessly trying to communicate with a drunk person.
But before I could do anything else, he reached for his pocket and pulled out a key. Then like a punch, he harshly shoved it on to my chest. The impact caused me to take a step back, but the weight of his body leaning towards me finished the job, making us fall completely.
With a loud thud, my back came in contact with the solid ground. Aargh!" I let out a painful hiss from the stinging pain. I looked up to see the man settle himself on top of my stomach, then reached his hands down my face. Before I could say anything, he beat me to it.
"I'm sorry, you must've been tired... Right?" He cupped my cheeks, icy hands holding them in place, letting me get a better look of his features. His face shone in the moonlight, his jet black hair was tousled all over the place, but it somehow looked as if it was deliberately placed. His droopy hazel eyes managed to stay sharp, staring intently. His red plump lips moved in a careful motion as he spoke.
He's... Something...
"I'm sorry... For leaving you alone, I promise I'll take better care of you from now on."
For some reason, I found comfort in his words. I knew those words weren't for me, but it didn't make it any less pleasant.
His once cold palms were now warm, as if it had gotten used to the touch of my skin.
He grumbled a few more incoherent words before I snapped back to the absurdity of the situation, a stranger who's completely hammered is sitting on top of me.
I grabbed his waist and gently pulled him off. I laid him on the ground, letting out an exhausted sigh as I sat next to him. As soon as his back touched the ground he shut his eyes, drifting off to sleep.
I sat still for a couple of minutes, letting my brain process what just happened. Realization struck, my eyes widened. I couldn't let him sleep drunk out in the open, and I wasn't willing to wait till he fully sobered up. So I quickly shook him awake. It took me a while since he was deeply asleep, but I somehow succeeded.
His upturned eyes slowly fluttered open, looking tired as ever. I felt bad, but he should at least sleep in the comfort of his home. "Hey, could you call your friends to help you out or something?"
He blinked multiple times, narrowing his eyes before giving me a hostile stare and a repulsed look. "Who're you?"
Is he finally sobering up?
He lunged towards me, grabbing my hair tight. "Ow! What the-"
"Why're you in my car?! Get out!!" He pulled my hair, screaming for everyone to hear. I winced, desperately trying to escape his tight grip. I glanced around to see multiple eyes on us. Groaning in annoyance, my patience was running thin. I grabbed his wrists, "Hey! Calm down will ya?!" I gritted my teeth, holding back a yell as I stared him down, challenging his harsh gaze with mine.
His eyes shot open. "Let me go!" He shouted as he aggressively pulled his hands off. I immediately obliged, shifting away from him.
"I'm sorry, that was uncalled for." I apologized sheepishly. "I was only trying to help."
Scoffing, he whipped his head away as he tried to stand. "I don't need your help, I'm perfectly capable of-" He stumbled to the side, almost hitting the ground before quickly recovering. "Helping myself."
He continued onward despite his inability to walk straight, he clenched his car keys and wobbled his way to the first direction he saw.
I followed him, staying close behind in case he fell. "I know it's not any of my business-"
"Glad you're aware." He replied bluntly. I sighed before continuing, "But you're clearly drunk and," I pointed at the car key he's holding. "I can't just let you drive or go around drunk. It'd be dangerous for you and everyone around."
"But I have to go! I need to- Argh!" He stopped in his tracks as he suddenly cried out in pain. He instinctively wrapped his hands around his head. He stood still, not moving an inch.
With a worried expression, I took a step forward. "Are you okay-"
"I'm... I'm fine! I- Gah!" Contrary to his words, he sounded anything but fine. "I... I can h-handle this so just-"
Not planning to put up with his stubbornness any longer, I moved In front of him, blocking his way. "Could you just stop being so hard headed?!" I hissed, holding back a yell.
I rubbed my temples from the headache this person was giving me. "Please just get this inside your head, you're in no condition to drive. If you'll continue to stay stubborn, then I have no choice but to call the police."
"So please, let me help."
He remained silent, staring at me with widened eyes. He must've been shocked when I mentioned the police, but it was clearly effective seeing how he didn't argue back. He stared down, deeply contemplating to the point I could see gears running through his head.
He groaned, visibly frustrated. "Alright, fine! It's too painful for me to think straight!" Sighing in relief, I reached out to grab his wrist but stopped immediately when I remembered. "Umm... Do you mind if I hold your wrist? Just to lead you out of here." I asked, he contemplated again while I nervously waited for his reply.
Without warning, he proceeded to hold my hand. I flinched, completely taken aback. "T-That wasn't- I-" Struggling to find the right words, I cleared my throat. "Let's get out of here now, yeah? Yeah." I gripped his hand as we began to walk, dodging the crowd. I pulled him close to avoid bumping into people. He leaned towards me, the pungent smell of alcohol invaded my nose, but there was a pleasant hint of citrus among the overbearing alcohol.
I couldn't think of anywhere else close enough to Allan's house and quiet enough to get this person some peace.
So this place would have to do.
☄• ☆ . ° .• °:. *₊° .☆•°. *࿐
We walked through a nearby forest, the loud music from the party slowly dissipated the further we went and was eventually replaced with the sound of crickets chirping.
We halted on a large tree that was directly illuminated by the moonlight. I took off my hoodie and placed it onto the ground. I gestured for him to sit, but instead of doing so, he took off his coat before sitting down. He gestured for me to do the same. With an impressed smile, I sat on his coat.
I leaned my back on to the tree and embraced the cold breeze brushing through my skin. Letting out a deep breath, I admire the bright moon before me.
"Who are you?" He suddenly asked, breaking the silence.
Oh yeah I forgot... We don't even know each other's names.
"I'm-"
"Are you Tylenol?"
"What?" I asked, visibly confused with the odd question.
"Because my headache disappeared."
"And you think it's because of me?"
He shrugged and blinked slowly, refraining a yawn. "I don't know, it disappeared when I went with you."
"Then it's just a coincidence." I looked away.
"Hm... Maybe..."
I turned again to speak, "I'm not a headache medication, but I'm Archer."
I stared at him, expecting to introduce himself as well. He seemed to have gotten the memo as he began to part his lips. "And I'm... Christopher... Christopher Holt."
A smile crept across my lips. "Christopher, huh? Nice name."
"I can't say the same with Archer." He remarked nonchalantly as he shifted his eyes and pursed his lips.
"Pfft!" I threw my head back as I let out a small laugh. "So I guess you're sober enough to make jokes, but are you sober enough to take a taxi home-" As I turned to him, he was on the brink of falling asleep. Struggling to keep his eyes open, he probably wasn't listening to me anymore.
Sighing, I whispered, "I guess not."
As soon as his eyes shut, I stood up slowly trying my best to make the least amount of noise as I could. Walking away, I pulled out my phone to call Abigail. I stood far away where he couldn't hear me but close enough I could see him. After a few rings, she answered.
"Hey Abbie, are you guys at Naomi's house? Is everything alright there?"
"Yeah we got here just now, everything's fine."
I pulled the phone closer to my ear with a hand on my hip. "Just now? Why just now? Did something happen?"
She chuckled over the line. "Nothing happened Archy, Amy just kept getting distracted."
Sighing, I replied, "I figured, is Amy there with you? That boy isn't there either, is he?"
"Amy and Naomi are upstairs- Ah Archy! Annie wants to talk to you!"
"Abbie I asked-"
Before I could finish my sentence, an adorable voice took over. "Archy!!" With that, a smile instantly spread across my face. "Hi angel! Are you having fun there?"
"Yeah! I'm making origami with Abbie! I made you a swan, so you have to get home quick okay?" She demanded, trying to make her voice sound deep.
I laughed knowing she was copying me. I cleared my throat, "Yes ma'am, understood."
"Are you having fun too Archy?"
I paused for a moment, recapping the events that happened not too long. Was I having fun? Does taking care of a drunkard count as having fun?
I looked over to Christopher, he was surprisingly a peaceful sleeper. If I hadn't known better I would've assumed he was a nice docile guy. Of course in reality he's anything but docile, he's stubborn as heck.
A smile crept up on the corner of my mouth. "Yeah, I guess so..." I replied softly.
"But Annie..." I started, my question from earlier still not answered. "Who's there with you?"
She hummed as she pondered hard. "I'm here with Abbie and Amy is with Mimi and Lebby."
"Annalise!" I could hear Abigail squeaked in the background.
My eyes twitched from hearing that scoundrel's name being said so endearingly by my little sister.
I thought I already told her to stop seeing him! How could she bring him there with her sisters around?!
My chest tightened, Amelia was the one who first suggested I should go out. Is that why she went to her best friend's house? Did she do that to see him? Was she really not worried about me at all?
Letting out a sharp breath, I spoke as gently as I could. "Annie angel, hand the phone to Amy please-"
Out of nowhere I could hear rustling, sounding like the phone's being snatched. "Sorry Archy but my phone's almost dead! I gotta charge it quick, love ya!"
"Abigail Clint! Those two better not be together!! Do you hear me?! When I-" I yelled as fast as I could before she hung up. "Urghh!" I groaned out in frustration, gripping my phone strong enough it could break.
The boy she had been seeing goes to my school and I've heard awful rumors about him. Although it's still likely to be false because on the outside he's perfect. I've heard nothing but good things, Amelia couldn't stop singing him praises.
That's the problem, he seemed too perfect, I couldn't help but suspect something off.
But what really hit the nail in the coffin was his relation to one of the most notorious people in school who's in the same year as me. He was just another product of nepotism, apparently getting into the varsity hockey team thanks to his parents, but he rarely showed up and only practiced whenever he felt like it.
Though he was engaged, he had been seen hooking up with different women. He constantly gets drunk at parties with his best friend who's just as bad if not worse. I may not know the guy personally, but I couldn't risk letting my fourteen year old sister be associated with someone like that!
Blinded by my thoughts, I looked back at Christopher who was now staring at me drowsily. I didn't know how long he had been awake. My anger instantly vanished as I looked away, embarrassed for waking him up to my loud yelling. I slowly made my way towards him.
I had to tell him that I had to go. I knew it was wrong to leave him drunk after offering help, but I couldn't fight my worried mind from swallowing me whole if I don't get Amelia out of there myself.
I obviously wasn't planning to leave Christopher in the dark forest, I'll just call Allan to see if he could have a spare room to stay in. It's embarrassing to ask him this sort of favor since I haven't spoken to him in a while, but I was too desperate to care about that right now.
I sat next to Christopher, ready to break the news. "Hey I-"
"Did you know pigs can't look up because of their short necks?" He blurted out all of a sudden as he stared blankly ahead.
I sat in silence, not knowing how to respond.
"Spam is a combination of the words spice and ham"
Even as I was still bewildered by the random trivia, I wasted no time calling Allan.
"Did you know there's a fungus that can control insects?"
I lowered my phone, giving him my full attention. "Really?"
"Yeah, it's a tropical fungus called Ophiocordyceps. It infects ants' central nervous system, forcing them to climb trees, then fall on to the soil where fungi thrive. Once there, the fungus waits until exactly noon to force the ant to bite a leaf, leading to its inevitable death."
"Woah... Does it infect humans?" I asked, completely engrossed in the conversation.
"No, in fact it can actually be used for medicine."
"Hell no! I don't want some zombie fungus in my body!" A sudden voice spoke, I glanced down to my phone. Allan had already answered and had been listening the entire time.
"Allan! Crap I forgot you were there!" I blurted out, but immediately regretted it as soon as it left my mouth.
"Wow man... You've ignored me for weeks and this is the first thing you say?"
I panicked, mind scrambling for words. "No no no I don't mean it like that!" I sighed before continuing, "Look, I know this isn't a valid excuse but I've been really busy and I'm sorry for that. I don't mind if you stay mad at me but I just really need your help right now. I need a room for this drunk person to stay in until he sobers up."
I panted as I spewed out words in desperation. "So please man! Help me out just this once!"
He stayed silent too long for my liking before finally answering. "Oh Archer... Sweet angelic Archer! You never change!" He cooed.
I rolled my eyes, smiling. "Yeah yeah... Is it a yes or what?"
"Is it for fungus boy?"
I held back a laugh as I turned to Christopher. "Yup, it's for fungus boy."
He flashed me the repulsed expression I was familiar with, clearly not liking being called fungus boy.
If it's for fungus boy then of course it's a yes!" Allan exclaimed.
"You can use my room, just don't make a mess." He demanded, suddenly sounding stern before hanging up.
I shoved the phone to my pocket as I stood up. I then held out my hand to help him up, he ignored it and in result he stumbled forward. Instinctively, I wrapped my arms around his waist, catching him. Once I've realized the position we were in, I quickly let go after he was settled.
I held out my hand once again and he took it this time without question. He held his other hand on my arm, pulling himself close, he buried his face onto my arm. My body tensed up at the unexpected gesture, lips trembled as it tried to utter words that weren't there.
"Wha- What's wrong?" I managed to mutter out.
"I just don't want to be seen." He replied as calmly as ever.
Without needing to say more, I handed him my hoodie. "Wear this."
He obliged, then slipped himself back into my arm. Hearing his heartbeat, I held him tight before walking back to chaos that was Allan's house.
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Omggg this is my favorite chapter so far! I was so excited to write this since day 1 and the time has finally come to share this with y'all!!♥️
I loveee Christopher and Archerrrr!! I was really trying not to make them kiss in the second meeting, who knew writing a slow burn was gonna be this hard...
What do you think bout the story so far? I'll be happy to know your opinions! Thank you for continuing to read this, I appreciate you so much♥️♥️♥️
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