The Last Architects

Chapter Twenty-Four.

 I didn't know what to say or do around Ema anymore. And for that, I resented myself and him. If I had just never opened my mouth... And him for not giving me any answer but a confusing one. Normally, a kiss was positive, but with him? No.

Groaning, I looked at Jane who was completely in la la land. "... Heidi is doing well?"

"Yes, she's perfect... And, Skyler, if I play my cards right, she might want to date me!" He beamed, "I- Skyler, I am literally so happy."

"I can tell. I'm happy for you, you two seem like you could hit it off well." I rested my head on my hand, "I better be your best man at the wedding."

"Oh, of course! I wouldn't have it any other way." Jane laughed, and I watched him, wondering how he had been so sure of Heidi, so sure that that kind of woman was for him...

"Jane?" I sighed, and he met my gaze with a curious one.

"Yeah?"

"How did you know Heidi- or just, that kind of girl was your one? How can you be so sure?"

"... Hm." He bit his lip, tilting his head back. "Ever since I was twelve, remember? I told you about a girl in my dream, and she had strawberry blonde hair and the brightest smile I felt I had known for my entire life. I knew that was the girl I had to look for, that I wouldn't be the most fulfilled with any other. So, I learned to be happy alone for her, then, I picked up as many hobbies as I could so I could impress her whenever she came." I smiled slightly at the memory of his sudden rush of inspiration. "And when I saw Heidi... that smile, Skyler, I felt like I had known it for a thousand years or more. I knew, she was the one. So now that I have the chance to win her over, I won't lose it." He relaxed into the bed, grinning like the lovesick buffoon he was.

"Such a fairytale." I chuckled, "your parents will love the fact you are marrying another musician." I rolled my eyes sarcastically.

"My parents don't know true love. I don't care. I'll elope with her." Jane scoffed and I stood with a nod.

"I'm going to see my brother, with a less perfect love life than you, for some advice."

"Huh? Why can't I give you any?"

"Because you are all positive currently, and won't see any negatives." I walked to the door, "which is great! Don't get me wrong, but I need the honest truth right now."

"... Come to me after. Get both sides." Jane scoffed lightly and I nodded.

. . .

"Long time no see!" I blinked at the large mass of a man in Cameron's living room, who stood to offer his hand, towering over me. "You probably don't remember me, I met you when you were just a little thing." He laughed warmly when I took his hand. "Vladimir."

"Skyler... I do remember you, a little." I remembered his pale blonde hair and the smell of his fancy cigars, he used to come over constantly when we lived in Russia.

"Oh! You made it!" Cameron walked out from his kitchen, bringing me into a warm hug. "You've bumped into Vladimir, you remember him, yes?"

"A little." Nodding, I looked back up at the man, to which he grinned back charmingly.

"He came to visit me, it's been ages since we saw each other. Both of you, come, we can open a bottle of wine." Cameron led us to the kitchen, though I didn't specifically feel the most comfortable with his friends.

Cameron took me to get the bottle, giving me a gentle smile, "do you mind I catch up with Vladimir? I'll be sure to give you my full attention after."

"I don't mind, don't worry." I shook my head, to which he ruffled up my hair affectionately before getting the glasses.

"How has your partner been, Vladimir? I do hope you both smoothed over the last argument?"

"Oh, we are just perfect now. He's come around. I do say though, that guard is rather meddling though." Guard? Just how rich was this guy?

"How's that?" Cameron handed us both a glass, which I took but I didn't feel like drinking, swirling the alcohol instead.

"He keeps meddling with our arguments since he is allowed to stay in the room when they happen. He makes them worse, since Ira is so easily influenced." Vladimir sighed, "but Ira is fond of the guard so I haven't fired him."

"Oh dear," Cameron frowned sympathetically, "speak with the guard, I am sure you could explain how you feel?"

God. I was in the middle of a therapy session. Lord help me.

. . .

Ema had started getting back to the dorms late, so I was surprised to see him there when I returned, him not being there helped us ignore the incident that had happened. "... Good evening." I murmured, walking past him to my bed.

"Hey." He waved a hand as he texted someone, laying half off his bed. "I ordered Chinese, if you want some it's in the fridge..."

"Thank you." I set my bag down before walking to the bathroom, undressing to shower. It felt odd. Both of us were too unsure to be mean or nice, it was a feeling I wanted gone.

After my shower, I found him getting ready to leave, fixing his hair. "Leaving?" I adjusted my glasses.

"Sorry-? Oh, yeah. Is that fine?" He looked over at me with a tilt of his head. "I'll be back in the morning but I'll try to be quiet."

"That's fine, as long as you don't come back drunk." I shrugged, getting my sleep wear. "Be safe."

"Promise," He adjusted his scarf with a sigh, "uhh, sleep well or whatever, you can use the record player while I'm gone." He opened the door, stepping out and I nodded, having that distinct feeling in my stomach. He probably was seeing someone...

Falling into bed with my chest tight, I battled with a feeling I had only felt with my first relationship; jealousy.

After relentless hours trying to sleep, I finally managed to fall into a restless slumber.

Only. to be woken by a blur who I thought was Ema till they handed me my glasses with a 'tsk'. "What-" I paused at the sight of an uptight lady staring at me expectantly. What in the fuck was this?!