The Game Before the Fall

Chapter 19: Awkward. (Part Bonus)

Aria Friend: Before the date.

"You're looking pretty sharp today," I looked at Ardy who was wearing a neat blazer. "Do you have a meeting today?"

"Ah no," he replied, purposefully ignoring me. "I'm just heading out."

"Heading... out?" He was being a bit to suspicious for just heading out. "Not meeting up with friends."

"Well kind of," he still didn't look my way.

As he moved towards the door I blocked his way, "Fess up, my sister sensors are tingling."

"Aria I'm going to be late," he eyed me.

"Not till you tell me the truth," I firmed my stance.

"Don't make me go through you."

"You wouldn't hurt me."

He chuckled, "I wouldn't need to."

"I'll have you know I've been taking lessons from Zen," I readied myself.

"If you insist," he shrugged and stepped forward. I tried to block his way, but his hand reached my shoulder and suddenly I was off balance. Before I knew it, he had spun me to the other side.

"How did-." I stared at him confused.

"Practice," he smiled. "I won't be home till late. Tell Dad and Zen to have dinner without me."

As the words left his mouth the door he was approaching opened. Zen stood together with Dad, several bags of shopping between them.

"You're not having dinner with us?" Zen asked, obviously hearing through the door despite its sound proofing.

"Ah... no, I'm heading out," Ardy replied.

I saw my chance, "Zen block his way! He's being suspicious."

"Suspicious?" Zen narrowed her eyes, keen to play. "Try to get past me."

"Oh, that's not fair," Ardy complained as Zen blocked his way. Dad took the shopping bags from her hands and easily passed by everyone, quite used to our antics by now.

"So, what is it Ardent?" Zen smirked at him challengingly.

I skirted Ardy to stand beside her, "I think he's going on a date."

"A date?" Zen perked up. "Good for you Ardent."

"I-well," he sighed. "Yes, I am. Could you please move?"

Zen laughed, "I won't get in your way."

"W-wait Zen, I can't stop him by myself and we don't even know who it is!" I tried to get her back on my side.

Zen however shook her head, "Let your brother go." Ardy tried to pass again and I tried to stop him, but somehow even easier than Ardy had, Zen propped me away from him.

"Darn it," I watched him close the door and leave.

"Are you good now?" Zen asked me.

"Yes...," I retreated, for now at least.

A few minutes passed and as Zen and Dad made themselves comfortable on the couch I chose the opportunity to attack.

"I'm heading out for a bit," I waved and quickly headed to the door as the two were in their own comfortable world.

"Be safe," Dad called and waved goodbye.

"I will." As soon as the door closed behind me, I shot off down the hallway. Ardy wasn't carrying much so his date would be close. If I quickly scanned the area around us I might just be able to catch him. I made it the elevator just as it was beginning to close, someone else already inside. "Hold please! Thank you."