Lyfers: Amnesia

Chapter 27 - Fairytale

 – E-excuse me Mister, a-are you perhaps single? Can I have your number?

– Fuck off, I'm busy. Move aside.

The young man's grumble made the two girls flinch, squeaking of surprise and leaving his side in a rush. Sphinx sighed, checking yet again his appearance into the cafe's window. He did his hair differently, for once, parting it in the middle and making one of the side of his bangs curl inwards onto his forehead, and this carefully-brushed style was utterly different from his usual, messy one. His immaculate shirt was brand-new and ironed with care, and so were his black jeans. He made sure his white tennis were pristine, and took a deep breath; it was going to be okay. Nevertheless, waiting felt like a torture. Sitting at a table near the entrance, he couldn't stop tapping his fingers onto the table, nervously, under the bothered glares of the other clients. I'm looking just fine, he thought, all will go well.

– Sorry I'm late!

This out-of-breath voice got him out of his thoughts, and he instantly woke up, a bright smile on his lips. Dove entered the cafe in a hurry, nearly slipping onto the tiles floor as she arrived in front of him. She was wearing the black, sport-style dress Blaze bought her, along platform sneakers of the same colors. Her long hair was untied but put onto the same side, resting on her right shoulder, and the make-up that completed her look made her appear like an idol. At this sight, Sphinx blushed; she was prettier than ever. Her too noticed his style change, and she nearly gasped from it.

– I-it's okay, he stuttered, you're not that late!

– ... Yeah, just twenty minutes late.

– It's fine, really.

They chuckled, embarrassed, and took a seat in front of each other. Some seconds went by, in an awkward silence, until they decide to break it... In the same time.

– Your hair looks great!

– Your dress is pretty!

They hesitated, eyes widening and cheeks reddening, before they shared another laugh, amused by this situation and finally eased from their previous anxiety.

– No first one winner, this time, he said with a smirk.

– Yeah, but just that once.

– Just that once.

She smiled, looking around the small yet comfy place he invited her too; the white, golden and pink hues made it seem quite chic, and the flowery decoration along the relaxing music playing in the background added to it. He lightly pushed the menu towards her, leaning one of his elbows onto the table.

– What do you wanna order? He asked her.

– Wait, let me take a look at that.

She grabbed the paper sheet, which was detailing the different drinks and desserts being served there, examining it. During this time, he kept eyeing her, joyful; he still had a hard time to believe they were on a date, but it was very real. He was glad he found the bravery to ask her, and even more than she accepted. He got out of his thoughts when she put back her brown eyes onto him.

– What are you going to take? She questioned him with a pout. Everything sounds delicious, I don't know what to choose!

– An Irish coffee and some apple pie, he replied in a giggle, I'm old fashioned.

– Then I'll go for a vanilla latte with a piece of blueberries' cheesecake.

– Alright, I'll be right back then!

He got on his feet and left the table to head to the counter, while Dove observed him from afar; although she managed to hide it quite well yesterday, she was actually blissful he asked her on a date. Maybe I can have a bit of a fairy-tale, too, she thought, happily. However, another man approaching her forced her to think about something else for now.

– Hey Miss, he began with a grin, are you a thief? Because you stole away my heart!

At this overused pick-up line, she almost cringed, and looked down at the black-haired guy with a disconcerted expression, unsure of what to answer to that. Him, on the other side, seemed particularly full of himself.

– So can I have your number? You're just so beautiful, I could kiss you all-...

He abruptly stopped, sensing some kind of threatening presence behind him; Sphinx was back, holding a tray, and was quite irritated of this intrusion.

– And I could kill you all day, he growled. Back off.

– Y-yes sir!

The man ran away, too frightened he would get beaten up if he stayed any longer; and that idea did come across Sphinx's mind. He put down their food and beverages, taking back his place, while the young woman was chuckling.

– That's the second time it's happening, she remarked, amused. Thank you again, Sphinx.

– Don't thank me, I hadn't been fast enough to save you from that lame joke.

– It's fine, I'll survive!

After this event, their hour into the cafe went without any other incidents, and they enjoyed both their orders and each other's company. They shared laughs, talked about school and training, and in general bonded some more, cheerfully.

When they exited it, the chilly air onto her arms and legs surprised Dove; she didn't feel it earlier since she was running, but now, it made her shiver. Sphinx noticed it, and took off his long black coat to place it onto her shoulders, delicately. She looked up to him, blushing.

– Here, don't catch a cold.

– T-thanks!

– You're welcome. Should we head back?

–...No.

Her negative answer caught him off-guard, and he watched her with widened eyes. She showed him a smile as she held onto his arm.

– Accompany me somewhere, first.

– S-sure. To where?

– This is a surprise.

– Line stealer.

– Sore loser.

They giggled as they left the cafe, Dove forcing them to hasten their walk.

Quickly, they reached the young woman's objective, and when he saw where she leaded him, Sphinx started to laugh wholeheartedly; they were back to the same spot as yesterday, stopping right in front of the river. The sunset was reflecting on Dufferdale as well as on the water,

– I'm sorry, she said with an amused smile, I didn't know where to go. I just wanted to stay a bit longer.

– Hey, Dove...

Softly, he grabbed one of her hands, the other running across her cheek, and answered the smile.

– For now on, when you don't know where to go... Just come to me.