*HELLO, EVERYONE. HOW HAVE YOU ALL BEEN? THIS IS A FAIRLY LONG CHAPTER, AND I FEEL LIKE I SHOULD LET YOU ALL START YOUR READING RIGHT AWAY. I HOPE YOU ALL ARE HAVING A WONDERFUL DAY OR NIGHT. c: *
Stay Creepy, My Friends!~
Chapter 65
Ao's POV
[Two Months Later]
Kayla enveloped me in a big hug as soon as I had opened the front door to the estate. I giggled excitedly as she shook me a little, announcing proudly, "Happy birthday, Ao!!"
Once she let go, I finally saw Craig and Xavier walking in too. The both of them gave me hugs and wished me a happy birthday.
"Ahh! You're finally sixteen," Craig proclaimed happily, "My Blue-Boo is growing up!"
"You're sounding like a parent," I remarked.
Kayla chimed in, "Ooh, who's the mother in the relationship?!"
"Craig," Xavier stated immediately, making Craig flash him an irritable glance.
"I like the sound of Mama Craig," I joked.
"Papa Xavier?," Kayla suggested.
Xavier shrugged. "Sure."
"Your contact names are so getting changed," the blonde girl said as she pulled out her phone. Craig groaned loudly.
Entering the foyer, my mother put a hand on my shoulder and held up a camera in her other hand. "Let me take a picture of you all," she said with a warm smile.
After gathering together and staying still for a few moments, we all checked out the pictures that Okaasan took.
"By the time you all come back, these will be ready," my mother said. "Please come back safely and have a nice time!" She turned to me and stated, "Remember, no later than seven P-M, or else we'll miss the dinner reservation your father and I made for eight o'clock."
"Okay," I said, and nodded. I turned to my friends and said, "Let me just get my jacket and we'll head off." Everyone waited in the foyer while I rushed upstairs to my bedroom. Upon entering it, I grabbed a blue jacket and checked myself in my mirror. With a big smile, I inhaled and exhaled, ready to start the day.
It's been a long time since we've been to an aquarium. I wonder if they have new creatures and exhibits...!
"Possibly," I chirped as I adjusted my blouse. I heard Sam chuckle contentedly.
You look beautiful, birthday girl.
I blushed and giggled. "Thanks, Sam.."
Don't forget the keys to the estate. Just in case.
"Right." I walked over to my nightstand and pulled out a drawer to grab my keys. Just as I was about to close it, my eyes shifted to the black box that lay on top of the nightstand. I stared at it for a few moments in silence.
It's been about two months since I was given the box by Jeff, who said it was something only meant for me. I was able to open it, but all I had found was another small black box. It couldn't be opened, though, but it did have strange, metal prongs at the back of it. On its side were tiny bulbs, letting me know that it could run by electricity. What confused me more was that there was no port to connect it to anything, as well as no manufacturing engravings. It was practically useless, but I'm supposed to do something with this. I just don't know what at this point..
Despite this, everything has been stagnant. There was trouble with a few Corrupted but they were minor creatures and easy to take care of. My training has paid off well to help me discard whatever Corrupted I run across. Still, my magic isn't enough. All I can do is work harder, though... But not today.
"Let's get going," I said as I turned on my heel and walked out of my room.
Once I made it downstairs, my mother came up to me and told me, "Be careful, honey. If anything happens, call me or your father."
I nodded and said, "Okay. It sucks that he has to work today."
My mother shrugged. "Yes, it does. But when you come back, he'll be back from work and we'll all spend time together. For now, enjoy your time with your friends."
"Thank you, Okaasan.."
She gave me a smile and hugged me. "Happy birthday, my little rairakku. I love you."
Hugging onto her, I squeezed her close and murmured, "I love you, too, Okaasan."
When she let go, I returned to my friends. "Ready?," Craig asked me, tossing the keys to his truck in his hands.
"More than ever!," I chimed with eagerness. All of us walked out of the front door and into the chill air of the open. We all exited the gate, and before we filed into the truck, Craig stopped us all to grab something from the backseat.
"This is from all of us," he said as he handed me a small, blue bag with white tissue paper inside. Excited, I carefully took out the tissue paper and found a small box inside. When I opened it, I was greeted by the sparkle of a silver necklace. The pendant was a treble clef and a bass clef put together to form a heart.
"Ah," I gasped, "this is beautiful. Thank you all! Thank you!" Without warning, I dragged everyone together and we shared a group hug.
"Anything for you, Blue," Craig said, slightly choked from being squished.
I put the box back into the present bag and put the necklace on. It lay against my skin, next to the treble clef with a gem in it--a gift that Jeff and Elizabeth had gotten for me months ago. I've never taken it off since.
We finally got into the truck to start our trip. "We'll make this a birthday you won't forget, Ao. Promise," Kayla said.
I smiled and replied, "Don't worry. I won't forget a single thing."
...
Jeff's POV
"It's her birthday today," Jack muttered, "I need to do something for her."
I sat next to my motorcycle as I spruced up some parts. "What did you have in mind?," I asked him.
Jack thought for a moment before snapping his fingers and stating, "I have no idea."
"Don't snap your fingers like that if you can't come up with anything," I said to him. I huffed and took a break for a bit. Even though the whether was chilly now, I still broke into a sweat.
"I don't know how to celebrate birthdays," he grumbled.
"Obviously," I remarked. I got up to take a seat next to him at the edge of the mansion's porch. "What does she like?"
"Me."
"Well, besides you, hot shot," I chuckled.
"Ummmm...," he murmured.
"Wow. How long have you been together again?"
"Shut up," he said, "I'm hesitating because she likes a lot of things. It'll be a chore to name them all."
"List basics," I told him.
Jack scratched the side of his face as he started, "She loves music, playing violin, reading books, talking, drawing, watching her favorite shows, laughing, singing, sleeping--."
"I said basics, Jack."
"These are basics."
I sighed and stifled a laugh. "Don't try to hard, alright? It's not like you can do a whole lot to get her a gift. Besides, she seems like the type of girl to cherish experiences more than objects."
"What kind of experience should she have for her birthday, then?," he asked.
I pursed my lips as I thought. "Well...you could--."
"Give her the ol' razzle dazzle with the wonder down under," Ben interrupted as he suddenly showed up next to Jack.
"What?," the eyeless man grumbled.
With a sly smirk, Ben added, "Ya know what I'm talking about, Jacky-Boy, you're smart!"
"I'd rather not stoop to that thought.."
"She's totally into you, she wouldn't mind," the blonde man stated nonchalantly.
"Ben, she's barely sixteen," I reminded him.
He raised his arms in the air, saying, "Hey, if her age isn't on the clock, she's ready for the--." He was suddenly interrupted by a subtle smack to the face by Jack. The elfin wraith went tumbling off the porch and onto the ground below. He didn't move for a while.
"I think you knocked him out," I said.
"Good," Jack deadpanned.
"Well, back to what we were saying--."
"Give her a birthday cake!!," Ben suddenly shouted as he shot up from his brief unconsciousness.
"How am I going to do that?," Jack asked. "I don't know how to bake."
"I'll steal one for you!," Ben suggested.
"Eh...I'll pass."
"Aw, but why?"
"You've been getting stuff for me to give to her for a while now," Jack said, "It's her birthday so I should at least try to get something on my own.."
"How? You're not exactly normal looking. Ben always gets things because he can blend in," I commented.
"Yeah!" he tweeted.
"Mmmm...no...," the eyeless man grumbled.
Ben and I groaned in unison. I lay back onto the porch with my hands behind my head. "How about this...," I proclaimed, "Why don't you invite her over to the mansion? You can spend time with her and everything." Jack stayed quiet.
"We can all do something special for her," Ben said, "and have our own little weird party. But you and her will get to spend a lot of time together."
"I'll think about it..," Jack murmured, "I'll have to visit her later tonight to talk to her. If I recall, she's busy with her friends and family today."
"Sounds good," Ben chimed. "Now if you excuse me...I'm off to clean my room!"
"You've been here for two months, how is it that you're barely cleaning now?," I questioned him.
"I am lazy as fuck! See ya!" He suddenly pixelated away, most likely to his room. This left Jack and I alone again.
"Don't worry too much about what to do," I told him. "What matters is that your intentions are to make her happy. If you keep that in mind, she'll love whatever you do for her. Just do what you think is right, okay, buddy?"
He nodded and mumbled, "Yeah.."
I clapped his shoulder as I sat up again. "I'm headed inside for some grub. You should come, too."
"Sure." He was slow to get up but he followed me back inside the mansion, away from the cold.
After I had eaten, I went to visit Ellie upstairs. I knocked on her door to see if she was awake yet. When there was no reply to come in, I entered anyway and found her lying around in bed. Her blanket was halfway hanging off the bed and her pillows were scattered. She hugged onto her giant shark plushie as her legs were sprawled out awkwardly. I chuckled and sat at the edge of the bed. Gently, I nudged her shoulder, but when that didn't work I just fell on top of her. She groaned and muttered to me, "You're heavy.."
"Are you trying to tell me I'm fat?? I've worked hard for this body," I replied in a valley girl accent.
She cracked a smile and started to sit up. I picked myself up and gingerly gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Good afternoon, Sunshine," I said.
"Did I really sleep for that long?"
"Uh, yeah," I retorted.
"Whoops," she mumbled, then yawned. I couldn't help but find it cute.
"I'll go get you some food," I told her.
She smiled. "You don't have to, Jeff."
"No, no, no! I'll do it. Anything for my love!," I chimed, and a blush made itself apparent on her cheeks. I rushed out of the room to head downstairs to the kitchen. Once I had some food for Ellie, I went back upstairs to serve her.
Her room was empty and I stood at the doorway for a moment, confused. Suddenly, I heard the sound of gagging and set down Ellie's plate of food at the nightstand. Her bathroom door was wide open but the light wasn't turned on. Still, I saw Ellie's figure crouched over the toilet, trembling as she threw up. I turned on the light and kneeled next to her. "Hey, what's wrong? What happened?," I asked her, worry clear in my tone.
A few moments passed before she stopped, flushed the toilet and she only went over to the sink to rinse out her mouth. I thought she wouldn't tell me what was wrong until she turned to me with a haunted expression on her face. My worry grew worse.
"What happened?," I questioned her again, this time more softly.
She grabbed onto my arm a little too tightly and said, "Jeff, I need you to stay near me.."
"Why?"
She glared down at the floor as if it committed murder and answered, "Just do that for me."
"Ellie, you're not making any sense right now..."
She looked back up at me and I saw tears in her eyes, along with some anger. "In the time when you left," she started, "I saw you get torn apart. I saw you shatter. I saw you die, and I wasn't there to stop it. Whether it's real or just some outside force messing with me, I will not risk it. You're staying by my side at whatever cost...!"
I was dumbfounded yet disturbed at the same time. The look on her face told me that she was completely serious. I didn't want to delve into the matter. If it is something fake, being by her side will calm her down. If it is real, being by her side will keep both of us safe. A part of me didn't want to take her too seriously, but I knew better.
"Okay," I agreed to her without question. Her mood seemed to ease considerably after that.
"Do you think you can still eat?," I queried.
Ellie shook her head slowly and I sighed. "I figured," I said.
"Thank you, anyway," she replied, managing a smile. I grabbed her hand, squeezed it, and leaned over to kiss her forehead. She took this opportunity to hug onto me and I let her have the moment. I rubbed her head as she released small, delicate sobs into my shirt. I wondered what she had seen, and how, but now didn't seem like a good time to ask.
Nothing strange or threatening has come up over the past few months. Only Corrupted here and there that terrified citizens. We were always there to eradicate them. But with this, I can't help but feel like there's more coming. It's been two months. I'm sure Zalgo is getting impatient. Actually, he had a lot of patience for waiting two months with more than Corrupted on his side...
He's waiting for something, and it scares me not to know what it is.
...
Ao's POV
"Awa! The jellyfish are so beautiful!," I sang as I practically pressed myself up against the glass of the tank. A transparent moon-jellyfish squiggled past me and I cooed.
"Ah, but not as beautiful as me," Kayla remarked narcissistically.
Craig looked at her and stated, "Boi."
"Are you assuming my gender?," the blonde girl hissed, then the both of them laughed.
"Hey, look, Craig," Xavier called him, "it's you." At another tank, he pointed at a big fish that swam by. It was a sunfish.
"Aw, you ass," Craig whined as he turned away dramatically. Kayla and I laughed.
Hey, how do you think the otters are doing?
"Let's check the otters out," I said, and led the way to the next room where the otter enclosure was.
When we got there, I immediately ran for the glass case to see the cute animals. An otter swam past me on its back, eating a mussel. I swooned at how adorable they all were and came across smaller otters that slid down on a little otter slide. They were babies.
Ahhh! I'm dead.~
I giggled at Sam and tried waving hello. The otter that was eating the mussel finished it and swam near where I stood. It pressed its nose against the glass and licked at it. I squealed at the adorableness and took a quick picture before the moment was gone. "Thank you, otter friend," I told it when the picture came out perfectly. It yapped and paddled away after a few seconds to join its fellow companions.
"No way, I'm not touching a stingray!," Kayla's voice rang clear behind me. I turned to see the others near the stingray enclosure. Craig was trying to persuade Kayla to pet one of them while Xavier casually had his hand in the tank.
"No! They're weird! Their mouths are at the bottom and it's weird!"
"You're weird," Craig argued jokingly.
I walked up to them and immediately Kayla told me, "Tell him I don't wanna touch one!"
"Why not?," I asked.
"They're all floppy and gross," she replied, wiggling her hands around as an example. I chuckled and stepped past her to stand at the tank. Pulling up my sleeves, I reached into the water to pet a stingray. Soon enough, one glided against my fingers and I got to feel its soft and slimy back. When I turned to Craig and Kayla, Craig was giving her a smug look.
The blonde girl huffed and grumbled, "Alright, fine. Only because it's Ao's birthday." She stood next to me, rolled up her sleeve, and dipped her hand in. For a while, the stingrays wouldn't swim near.
"Maybe they don't like you either," Xavier quipped and Kayla smirked. She turned to her cousin and said, "See, Craig? Even the stingrays don't want me to pet them! How about that--?" Her sentence was cut off by a high pitched shriek as she reeled away from the tank. One of them apparently touched her and had even flapped against her arm. "I felt its mouth! I felt its mouth!," she whined. She waved her hand around in disgust and frantically searched for a hand sanitizer dispenser. Despite how bad she felt, I thought it was really funny.
"I'm heading for the restroom," I said as I received some hand sanitizer from the dispenser. I rubbed my hands together as I walked to the restrooms at the other side of the large room. A few mothers and their children were inside but luckily I didn't have to wait for a stall.
Once I was done, I washed my hands, dried them off, then checked myself in the mirror. I leaned over the counter, moving my bangs around and such.
Something flashed in my vision and I stood there, confused. I shook my head and finished up, but then suddenly it happened again, only I could see what it was this time. It was a momentary flash of Ben in the mirror in front of me. He punched one fist against the glass, as if he was trapped behind it, and I could see wires inserted into his arms like hospital tubes. His usual sly expression was gone and replaced with one of panic and fear. Before I could analyze what I saw any further, the image had disappeared once again.
For a moment, I thought maybe Ben was messing with me. He wouldn't do something like this, though. Besides, I don't think he's ever been to the aquarium, so it'd be hard for him to teleport here on his own.
"Sam, did you see that?," I whispered, trying not to let other people hear me.
See what?
He couldn't see it..?
"Never mind, I'll explain later..," I murmured and left the women's restroom.
When I came back out, Kayla, Craig and Xavier were waiting for me. As soon as I came up to them, Xavier stated, "You look pale. Are you alright?"
"Yeah, you okay?," Kayla asked.
I nodded and gave them a smile. "I'm just getting a little cold here. Let's get going..!"
All of them eased up and we walked to the next room to see more sea creatures.
...
Having finished exploring the aquarium, we all went to get some lunch. While we waited at a restaurant to order, a familiar red headed boy came up to us at our booth.
"Babe!," Kayla sang and slipped out of the booth to hug onto him. They clung onto each other and shared a quick kiss. The red headed boy turned to me and smiled. "Ao," he said.
"Aaron," I repeated after him. I got up and gave him a hug as well.
"So, Kayla told me you were into drawing and art," he started, "so I got ya a little something for your supplies."
"Ooh?"
He held out another birthday bag for me to take. I set it on the table and took out the tissue paper. Inside, I found an art bag with beautiful blue and black swirling designs on white. The strap and front of the bag had my name embroidered on it.
"This is amazing," I awed and checked out every inch of it. Everything was designed from the giant pouch in the front to the smaller pockets inside.
"Glad you like it," he said happily.
A little while after, we were all hanging out at the booth, chatting about little things and such. I didn't participate in conversations all that much but I loved listening to everyone. Having them with me makes any day amazing.
Our food came eventually and we enjoyed our lunch. While we ate, somehow the topic of exercise came up and Craig went on to say, "Who has the stronger muscles here? I'm immediately out so don't ask me.."
Everyone sat in silence for a few seconds before looking at me. I stared back, midway into slurping up my pasta. "Show us your muscles," Kayla egged me on.
I chuckled and responded, "They're not that impressive."
"C'mon, Blue Boo! Mu-scles! Mu-scles!" Craig cheered, and everyone else joined along.
I shook my head at all of them and took off my coat to reveal my arms. I folded up part of my blouse sleeve and flexed my arm. They all 'awe'd and I laughed out loud. I guess I should thank Jack for all of the training he's done with me.
"Do you think you could beat Xavier in an arm wrestle match?," Aaron challenged. Xavier and I shared glances and I nodded. He smirked and said, "Own up to it, Ao."
"I will!," I said proudly. Craig and him switched spots so we could sit straight across from each other. Aaron, Kayla and Craig made room on the table for us to arm wrestle. We clasped our hands together and held our free hands behind our backs.
"Ready?," Kayla started, "Three, two, one! Go!"
Immediately I could feel Xavier try to force my hand down but I pushed against his strength, thus making our hands stay in the same spot for a few moments. The others cheered for me and whooped in excitement. In my head, I could hear Sam doing the same.
Kick his ass, Ao!!~
I couldn't contain my laughter but kept resisting Xavier's strength. Our hands went back and forth for a while, until his hand started to reach closer and closer to the table.
"Babe, our cinnamon roll is kicking your ass!," Craig stated.
"I know," Xavier groaned. Even though I was winning, my arm was getting tired.
"You've got this, Ao!," Aaron and Kayla exclaimed.
Finally, I pinned Xavier's hand against the table and screamed in victory. Everyone else did too, and Xavier had a proud smile on his face. Groaning, I slumped back against my seat and flashed a tired smile.
"That's my girl!," Kayla said as she wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
"That was awesome," Aaron commented as he helped put everything back. Kayla scooted my drink back to me, but in the process it tipped over and spilled onto me. Luckily, it was only water.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!," she gasped as she grabbed napkins.
"No worries," I assured her. I glanced back down at my shirt where the water was spilled.
The shrilled sound of my horrified scream rang clear throughout the entire restaurant as I stared down at a huge stain of blood on my torso. For whatever reason, I saw bone and torn flesh.
Kayla grabbed onto me, asking panickedly, "Ao! What's wrong?!"
I looked up at her, tears brimming in my eyes. When I tried speaking, I only stuttered. Her expression, as well as the boys', was a mix of concern and confusion. Terrified, I looked back down at my stomach, only to find a transparent stain on my blouse. What..?
It was then that I realized that the entire restaurant was absolutely silent, save for the background music and a child fearfully sobbing at the table across from ours. People stared at our table and a waitress immediately showed up, asking what was wrong. All of my friends stared at me, wanting an answer to my unwarranted outburst. Even Sam was worried.
What was that? What happened?
I didn't know.
"I-I'm so sorry. E-Excuse me," I stammered quickly as I tried to brush past Kayla and Aaron to exit the booth. They both moved out of the way but I still rushed and squeezed out between Kayla and the table. Hurriedly, I raced past the waitress to go to the restrooms. I barged through the woman's restroom door without any regard for anything that might've been in the way, though thankfully there was no one. Alone in the restroom, I panted and clutched at the sink counter. For the first time in a long time, I was hyperventilating again.
Ao, calm down and breathe. Breathe.
"I'm trying," I wheezed. My body was trembling and tears stung my eyes.
You're alright. Follow after me, okay? Breathe in, then out. Ready?
I nodded and tried my best to sync up my breathing with his words. This went on for a few moments, until my body finally stopped trembling and my throat was at ease from my erratic gasps.
Are you okay?
Reluctantly, I nodded.
What happened back there?
I didn't want to think about what I had seen and how much of a scene I made, but I explained as best as I could anyway. Sam listened to every word, but when I was finished, he was too quiet.
"Please say something, Sam," I murmured sadly.
I wish I knew what...
Looking up at the mirror in front of me, I shuddered from the shaken expression on my face. I remembered the image of Ben in the mirror earlier and looked away. "What's wrong with me? Why am I seeing terrible things? Why today?"
Despite that I couldn't blame him for his answer, I was still upset at Sam's words...
I don't know, Ao. I don't know...
I wanted to cry, but even that didn't feel like the right thing to do. I checked the time on my phone to see it was only a couple of hours until I had to get back home. Along with that, I saw several text messages from Kayla and Craig asking if I was okay, if they needed to come get me. I left the messages alone and washed my face, before mustering up the courage to leave the restroom.
When I came back to the table, Craig hugged onto me and said, "Ao, are you okay?"
"You looked like you saw a ghost," Kayla remarked with equal concern.
I gave them a reassuring smile and replied, "I'm okay right now. I just...I don't know, I freaked out.."
"Have you been...taking anything? Or not taking anything?," Kayla asked.
I stared at her, wide eyed. "What? No, of course, it's nothing like that..! I just...I don't know what happened."
"Let's not dwell on this," Craig insisted, "we should get going.."
"Yeah," the blonde haired girl agreed.
"Okay, that sounds good. I'm really sorry about the huge scene," I apologized.
"Don't worry about it," Kayla said, giving me a warm smile. "Let's get out of here, huh, Blue?" I looked at her, then Craig, and Xavier and Aaron, who waited patiently behind them. They all looked so gentle, calm and caring. For some reason, I started to cry and I giggled to cover my sniffling. "Okay," I murmured, wiping away my tears.
After we paid for food and tipped our server, we left the restaurant. Aaron had to go in his own car, but he met up with us later at an ice cream parlor, where we enjoyed delicious ice cream to make me feel better. Even though I could've gone without seeing such terrible things, I was still happy with my birthday. At the parlor, we talked and laughed. Craig hugged me close as I ate chocolate ice cream and Xavier sat on my other side, occasionally patting my head. They really were like parents. Kayla and Aaron sat together and goofed off, looking like the cute couple they were. Everything felt so nice, and I had to contain tears of joy more than once when I was at the parlor. Without a doubt, this is one of the best birthdays I've had.
...
Jeff's POV
"Ben, did you finish all the Pringles?!," I shouted from the kitchen.
"Shit, maybe," he shouted back and I rolled my eyes.
"Profanity!," Sally yelled from the living room and I laughed.
"Quit trying to snack before eating a proper meal," Ellie scolded me mildly. One thing that I've learned over the course of the past couple of months is that she's a decent cook, thanks to Clockwork. She stood at the kitchen counter, peeling a potato with a peeler.
Stepping next to her, I joked, "Why must you cut up my people?"
"You were about to eat your people just now," she countered with a smirk.
"That's different. They're already dead when they're in the can."
"Wow," she muttered, "creepy much, ya cannibal?"
"What?," Jack said as he was passing by the kitchen entryway.
"Not you," I replied.
"Oh," he deadpanned and continued on.
I chuckled and shook my head. Turning back to Ellie, I watched her finished peeling the last potato and set it on a cutting board. As she threw away the scraps, I asked, "Could I help?"
"I don't know...," she murmured.
"I'm good at cutting things, remember?"
"Yeah, but for the wrong reasons," she laughed.
"Still!"
She sighed and muttered, "Alright, you can help. Wash your hands."
"Sweet," I chirped and tied my hair up before washing my hands. Before handling any food, I took off my wedding band and put it in my pocket.
"Cut them into thin slices," Ellie ordered me as she demonstrated how she wanted the potatoes cut. I repeated what she did and let her handle other foods.
While she was washing other vegetables, Sally ran up to her and tugged on her shirt. Ellie turned around and smiled down at the small child.
"Ellie, look! I was messing with my doll and did this," Sally started as she presented a doll to her. It wore a pink dress and had glossy red hair, but it's right arm was drawn over with a marker, making it look like Ellie's metal arm.
"Does she look cool? I feel like it's not cool. It's probably not," Sally murmured, shifting in her place with flushed cheeks.
Ellie checked out the doll and smiled. Rubbing the little girl's head, she said, "She looks awesome." Sally's face lit up and she grinned wide.
"Maybe we could put something on it to make the marker last longer, how 'bout that?," Ellie offered as she returned the doll.
"That sounds great! Thanks, Ellie!" Without a moment's hesitation, she quickly hugged Ellie, then scampered out of the kitchen.
Ellie turned back to the sink and glanced up at me. "What?," she murmured.
I chuckled and replied, "Nothing.."
Smirking, she replied, "I know that look on your face. What is it?"
"Mmmmm, it's nothing important, really," I drawled, grabbing another peeled potato to chop, "I just think, ya know..."
"You think what?"
"You'd make a good mother."
Ellie continued washing vegetables as she cocked an eyebrow at me. "Oh yeah?"
"Mmm hmmm."
"You're already thinking about stuff like that?"
I couldn't suppress the mild blush on my face and grinned. "Well, not exactly. The thought just came to mind. That was a very motherly moment back there."
"Uh huh," she responded tauntingly.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say you're thinking about that stuff, too, Sunshine," I teased.
She scoffed and replied, "Sally, Ben and the pets are enough."
"That's what they always say," I spoke under my breath. She shot me a playful look and turned off the faucet.
"But...ya know...I wouldn't really mind having more than enough...," I added. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Ellie's expression of awe and the redness of her cheeks. She tried hiding it by turning away to tear off a paper towel from its roll. Before she turned around, I leaned over and whispered into her ear, "Or...at least I wouldn't mind the process in which we make 'more than enough'..."
Her ear had a shade of pink on it and I chuckled. Suddenly, Ellie smacked the damp paper towel in my face and said, "Cool it, horn dog, and cut the potatoes."
"Horn dog?," I repeated, laughing.
"I don't know!," she stammered, obviously flustered.
"You're cute."
Quietly, she murmured back, "Yeah...you, too."
I gave her a kiss on the cheek before returning back to the chore she gave me. She started chopping up the vegetables she washed, and the both of us stood together at the kitchen counter, side by side.
...
Ao's POV
I sat in front of the vanity re-doing my hair for the dinner reservation my parents made. Kayla, Craig and Xavier came back to the estate with me and enjoyed some birthday cake that my mother made. Aaron had to go home after we left the ice cream parlor, but I promised him I'd give him a piece of cake when I see him at school. The pictures Okaasan took earlier were done and everyone got one. As I stare at the mirror in front of me, I can glance at the photo of my friends and I from earlier today pinned to the side.
They've all gone home now, leaving the rest of the evening to my parents. My father is already back from work and he gave me happy birthday kisses when I came back. It's good to see him so light hearted today, as well. Not that he's been grumpy lately, but his work has been keeping him busier than ever. On the days he used to be off, he's at work the entire time. My mother once started crying one night because she was worried for him, but I comforted her by making warm tea and watching her favorite TV drama with her. They've had a few mild arguments due to my father's schedule but they still remain humble.
"I hope ChiChi has a good time today," I commented.
Why do you say that when its your birthday?
"Yeah, it's my birthday, but I still want everyone to be happy," I answered Sam.
You're too sweet.
"Is that a bad thing?," I giggled.
Sometimes. But it's admirable considering how terrible the world can be.
"I know... That's why I try staying happy."
I bet you could coax Corrupted to not hurt you by how sweet you are.
"I wish. Too bad they're too blood-thirsty and primal for pacifism." I pinned up my braids into a bun, almost making it look like a chestnut colored flower was at the back of my head.
I'm glad you're so happy. You've come a long way to get to here.
"We both have...," I added and Sam stifled a gentle chuckle.
There was a knock at my door and I announced, "Come in!"
My mother entered my bedroom wearing a neutral colored yukata. With her hands behind her back, she sauntered in.
"Wow...! You look lovely, Okaasan," I complimented her.
She smiled and said, "Thank you, darling. But I don't want to be the only one going dressed so eccentrically, so I brought you one as well." She pulled out a neatly folded blue and white yukata for me. I grabbed onto it with eager hands and marveled it.
"Hurry and try it on!," she told me as she excitedly exited my room, closing the door behind her. Doing as she said, I changed out of my current attire and slipped into the yukata. Looking at myself in the mirror, I was impressed by the floral design, and the gradient from blue to white going up the outfit. I stared back at myself and noticed my eyes sparkling with delight. It was absolutely stunning.
When I walked out of my room to show my mother, she waited for me in the hall. Along with her was my father. They saw me and smiled. "You look beautiful! I knew the yukata would go perfectly with you!," Okaasan chimed. She patted my father's arm and said, "Don't you think she looks pretty?"
"Kanojo wa gōjasudesu," (she is gorgeous) he stated.
"Thank you, ChiChi," I said to him.
"Your father also has a gift to give to you," Okaasan said. He pulled out a small, black box from his coat and opened it. Inside was yet another necklace, but this time it had a white lilac pendant. I smiled and told my father, "Sore wa totemo kireidesu!" (It's so pretty!)
Without even asking, ChiChi took out the necklace from the box and placed it around my neck. It fell against my collarbone along with the others. Compared to the lilac pendant, the two others were much smaller in size.
"This pendant is very thick, isn't it?," I remarked as I twirled it between my fingers, "But it's lovely. Arigatō..!"
"Anata no tame no nandemo, dārin," (anything for you, darling) my father said and hugged me tight. I hugged my mother as well, and thanked her for the yukata and everything she has done for me today.
"Let's get going, shall we?," she said, giving me a warm smile. I nodded and went back into my room to put on flats. With a handbag at my side, I followed my parents down the stairs and out the front door to enjoy a nice dinner together.
...
By the time we left the fancy restaurant, it was already dark out. The stars shined brighter the closer we got to home and looking up at them brought a sense of content to me. My parents and I had a great time together. Not only was my father much more happier but so was my mother. Seeing them smiling and laughing together was one of the best things I've seen.
We got back home and I didn't realize just how tired I was until I sat at my bed. It's been a long day, but a great one. Something still felt missing though. My thoughts were interrupted when I suddenly got a text from Ben telling me that there was a surprise waiting for me outside.
"I hope it's not something illegal," I murmured.
It might be considering...him.
I laughed and shuffled over to my window. Not wanting to leave the room to head for the backdoor, I grabbed my house keys, opened the window and slipped through. I never thought I'd find myself doing this, but stuff just happens.
I jumped off and Sam "caught" me a few feet from the ground. Placing my feet down, I adjusted my yukata and walked towards the backyard.
I finally realized just what I had been missing all day when Jack's familiar figure stood under the gazebo. Smiling, I made my way to him, being wary of where I stepped. As I got closer, I began to recognize something he had in his hand. My heart jumped upon finding out it was a cupcake with a lit candle on it.
"So, I heard it was your birthday..," he started.
"Jack," I murmured, "you didn't have to."
"How could I not?"
I chuckled and stared at his blue mask that was faintly illuminated by the birthday candle.
"I know it isn't a birthday cake, but I hope you still like it," he added.
"It's better than perfect," I assured him. Staring down at the burning candle, I asked, "Should I make a wish?"
"That's what you do on birthdays, right?"
Excited, I took a deep breath, then blew out the candle. The space between us grew darker after that.
"What did you wish for?," Jack questioned.
Gingerly grabbing the cupcake, I answered, "If I tell you, then it won't come true...!"
"Oh," he mumbled. Holding his hand, I continued, "But, it pretty much already came true. I have you."
He stifled a wry chuckle and commented, "You're so sappy."
"Eh, that's not the worst I can do," I jested. Being careful with the cupcake, I hugged onto him. His arms squeezed me tight and, in a low whisper, he told me, "Happy Birthday, Ao." Afterwards, I lifted his mask and we shared a kiss. All of my tiredness from earlier seemingly disappeared.
We sat together at one of the gazebo's benches and Jack told me to describe my day. I didn't hesitate to jump in and tell him everything I did. From seeing otters at the aquarium to the arm wrestling match I had won, he listened to every bit. Joy gushed out of me as I spoke about my friends and my parents. Even the little things that made me happy. He listened like he always did and would bear a gentle smile on his face. That was one thing I definitely wanted to see today...!
"I'm sorry I didn't get to see you and the others today," I retorted at one point.
He shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Tomorrow, though, you are coming. You have to."
"I will," I chimed. "I take it you missed me?"
He grabbed my hand and placed a gentle kiss against my knuckles. "Of course I did.." My heart skipped a beat.
Taking bites out of my birthday cupcake, I remarked, "This is super delicious. It's too bad you can't eat it."
"I can smell the sweetness from here. Even if I could eat it, I'd pass," he muttered.
"Can you smell how sweet I am?," I chirped.
He groaned and shook his head. "So much cringe.."
I laughed and bumped his shoulder playfully. Once the cupcake was all gone, I sighed and gazed across the yard. "I wish I could stay forever out here with you, but I'll have to go inside soon..," I stated solemnly.
As he grabbed a hold of my hand and intertwined our fingers together, he said, "There's always tomorrow."
"Yeah...always," I murmured, looking up at him. Even after all of this time, it still baffled me to know someone as amazing as Jack. He was perfect in every way. The perfect painting. My perfect painting. "I'm so happy I have you in my life...," I said, my voice wavering due to getting emotional.
He smiled down at me and leaned over. Tenderly, he kissed my lips and pressed his forehead against mine. "Me too," he started, "I'll always be here for you, Ao... This time I'll keep my promise..."
"Your promise?"
He nodded. "To hug you, and make you smile, and be there for you everyday. Remember?"
Laughing joyfully, I nodded and murmured, "Yes, I do." We sat there leaning against one another for the longest time and I never wanted it to end. There was no denying just how badly I love him, which made the thoughts of immortality even harder to bear. Every time I feel so happy, those thoughts come to remind me that it'll come. Even with that, I still try to live in the moment and cherish every second with everyone.. Someday it'll all be gone and I'll only feel regret when I look back on this. I don't want that. So I'll love everything as much as I can until my heart can't take another second.
Tears started slowly falling down my cheeks and I hugged onto Jack. He wrapped his warm arms around me and I dug my face into his hoodie. "Why are you crying?," he asked me in a whisper.
"I'm a crybaby, Jack, we've already established this," I whimpered, and he chuckled.
After a few seconds, I sniffled and mumbled, "Koishiteru.."
Hugging me closer, Jack didn't say anything and I didn't mind that. The words still stuck and my heart raced because of it.
"I'll see you tomorrow," I told him once I calmed down. We got up front he benches and stood in the center of the gazebo, where we've danced so many times.
"Have a good night, Ao," he murmured and kissed my lips. Warmth reached my cheeks as he pulled me close by my waist and held me. My heart fluttered and I let myself go in his arms. When he pulled away, I grumbled, "Stop making me not want to leave."
He gave me a dashing smile that showed off his dimples and replied, "Stop letting me kiss you then."
I whined to myself and he chuckled. He brushed a thumb against my check and whispered, "Good night."
Holding the hand, I said, "Good night, Jack."
Finally, I began to walk away from him towards the backdoor. With the house keys I took, I opened the door and quietly walked inside. When I glanced back at the yard, Jack was gone.
The estate was quiet and dark. My parents are probably in bed by now, judging by how long I stayed outside. Tiptoeing, I made my way up the stairs to my room. I succeeded in sneaking back in, and as soon as I closed my bedroom door I sighed with relief.
Only a few minutes until your birthday's over.
Checking the time, I found that Sam was right. I started taking apart my bun as I replied, "It was fun while it lasted, wasn't it?"
Yeah. You should get some sleep for tomorrow.
"Right," I agreed and started changing out of my yukata. Once I changed into pajamas and let my head hit my pillow, sleep wasn't hard to achieve. In a quiet tone, Sam spoke to me for one last time tonight.
Good night, my Queen. Happy birthday.
I closed my eyes feeling loved, and with thoughts of today and tomorrow. Holding eagerness for all of the things to come, I drifted off with a smile on my face.
...
Jeff's POV
"Do you feel better after what happened earlier today?," I called out to Ellie as I dried my hair with a towel in the bathroom.
Sitting in the bed and holding a book in her hands, she answered, "Yes, although the thought of what I saw still nags me.."
I stopped shaking my towel against my hair and looked into the mirror to see Ellie. "Slender said that was First Sight. How long do you think we have until something actually happens?"
She sighed and replied, "I don't know. But, we're safe here at the mansion. Even if Zalgo tried, he won't be able to overtake this place with Slender and I here. To even find this place would be a lot of work for him."
"That sort of makes me feel better," I said. I hung up the towel and brushed my hair back. Tiredly, I walked over to the bed and laid down next to Ellie. She set down her book and ran her metal fingers through my hair.
"Are you nervous?," she asked me.
I pursed my lips before answering, "Yeah, kinda. But I've been nervous for a long time now. I don't want to let my guard down now, though."
She gave me a kind smile and said, "As long as you're with me, we'll be okay. Whatever happens, we'll face it together. Just stay by my side."
I chuckled and retorted, "I should be saying that to you. You used to be the nervous one. But...I do feel better having you with me."
Ellie closed her book and reached over me to place it on the nightstand. I took this opportunity to wrap my arms around her and hug her close. She smiled at me and kissed my jaw.
"I hope I'm not making you annoyed with all of my hugging," I murmured. Ever since we started sleeping in the same bed about a month and a half ago, I've always hugged onto her. Despite that I love it, I don't want it to bug her.
"Of course not," she told me. She caressed the side of my face with her left hand and added, "It would be troubling if you didn't."
I placed my hand on top of hers and felt her diamond ring press against my palm. Just thinking about her wearing it now made me unbelievably happy. I'll miss her ring hanging around my neck, and playing with it, but its new place was much better.
"Get some sleep," she told me. I nodded and we shared a quick kiss. I reach over to turn off the lamp then leaned back into bed to hug onto Ellie. She rested her head into the crook of my neck and I brushed her hair behind her ear. "Goodnight, Sunshine," I whispered.
"Goodnight," she mumbled back and squeezed me tighter. Holding her in my arms made all of my worries disappear and made sleeping easier. It felt good to have her back again. I just hope I can make up for the two years I had without her by my side. For now, I'll stay with her and wait for whatever comes, knowing everything is whole again.