arcade

vi

"Baby, come here."

I turned my head and meet the baby blue eyes I've come to adore. A childish smile grew on my face, and I can barely register my actions. My arms are stretched out, the midnight wind blowing at my hair. It's peaceful.

"Okay." I whispered. With a laugh, I step off of the ledge of Nancy's balcony. I faintly remember hearing gasps and shouts, but I focused on the steady arms that caught me.

A whiff of hairspray and pine wood surrounded me, and I took it all in. My eyes are still closed, but I can feel the burning blue ones so clearly. Vance let out a sigh, his arms clutching me closer. He held me tightly, but I didn't complain.

"What the fuck were you thinking?" He scolded me. I opened my eyes and laugh as if it were the funniest thing in the world. He looked at me like I had two heads, fueling my amusement more.

"Because." I said in a matter-of-fact tone. "I knew you would catch me."

"Baby, you can't just do that. I mean, I always will, but it's dangerous."

"But, it feels so good up there. Like, I'm flying." I extended my arms again to make my point.

"Okay, pretty bird, let's get you some water before you fly away." I was still in Vance's hold as he led us to the kitchen. I took the time to scan his outfit. Vance and I were wearing matching costumes; I was an angel, and he was the devil. Pretty basic, but we didn't care.

"You're so hot." I stared at him in awe. He chuckled, briefly looking at me. By now, he had placed me on the counter, while he searched for an unopened bottle of water.

"Thank you, princess. You're hot too."

"No, but you're super hot. I can't believe you're real." He found the water in the fridge behind a bunch of lettuce. Vance returned to me, standing in between my legs. Our chests were against each other, but he didn't move as he watched me drink the water.

"Good girl." His voice was husk as he closed the bottle and wiped my lips with his thumb. Without wasting another second, my arms were around his neck, and I pulled him into a kiss. Usually when I'm sober, our kisses tend to be gentle and slow. Now, with my adrenaline on high, it was demanding and needy.

Vance sucked my bottom lip, and I fought back a sound. He began kissing down my jawline, and I closed my eyes, getting lost in his touch. His hand was gripping my thigh, the other holding the back of my head. My skin was on fire, both from the hormones and the alcohol. Right when he got to my shoulder, Vance did the worst thing he could ever do. He let go.

Vance gave me one quick peck, before moving his head back. He had an awful smirk, but his eyebrows were still furrowed. My mouth was still opened, quickly morphing to a frown.

"What are you doing, baby?" I asked. He laughed at my expression.

"Let's get you home, you need sleep."

"All I need is your lips on mine." I argued. My fingers found the loops of his jeans, and I pulled him back to me. "Come on, baby." It was my turn to pepper him with kisses, causing him to groan.

"No, my love. You're too drunk. Let's go." He didn't give me time to speak, and he pulled my hand to the door. I bid Nancy a farewell, laughing at her suggestive look.

On the drive home, we didn't have the radio playing. Vance drove slowly, either because it was mom's car or because he didn't want to explain to the cops why I was intoxicated. I had my arms wrapped around his free one, and my head against his shoulder. It wasn't the most comfortable position due to the middle console, but I didn't notice.