ᴮᵘⁿⁿʸ {ᴹʸ ᴵⁿⁿᵉʳ ᴰᵉᵐᵒⁿˢ}

C h a p t e r S e v e n t e e n

-The last chapter was short cause I didn't know what to do. It's kinda hard to write the tension while also keeping their feelings for Ava. Also last chapter has 420 words when I got stuck and I thought it was a sign, so I left it that way.

-I went back a couple of chapters to remember a character and realized 'you' sounded so much better.

    Sighing, eyes staring at nothing as the warm water washes over her hands. For one of the most popular cinemas in town, it was surprisingly empty. Though it was an early showing, so that could be why. It just feels weird seeing this place that desolate. 

  "This is too dangerous!" 

      She glanced at the green silhouette, freaking out. her hands in her hair as she lay on the ceiling. 

     "Calm down!" The red one snapped, her arms crossed as she stared at [Name]. "Not only did you run into one, but five. Including royalty- and you consummated with one- making that thing!" 

    "Well excuse me, at least I can interact with the real world and not just her." The blue one rolled her eyes- if she has any? "I'm probably the best to protect her, you should be happy I exist now." 

     "Doomed! We're Doomed!"

    Rolling her eyes, [Name] dried her hands off, leaving the slivers of herself behind to argue amongst themselves. "Such a headache..." She walked off, looking for Ava and Lorelai. Turning a corner, she slammed into something sturdy, crushing her nose.

    "Fuck- what the hell?" You groaned, grabbing your nose as your eyes watered. You looked up to see what it was as a hand settled comfortably on your hip. Another lifted a strand of your hair and twirled it. "Sorry." 

     You looked up confused, your eyes landing on a faint but heavenly smile. "Pierce?" He nodded, tugging her lightly in a specific direction. His hands fell away, physically distancing himself from her as the group came into sight. Unable to help your disappointment. You wondered if he regretted it. 

     As she approached the group around the posters, Lorelai suddenly walked past, already dragging Ava she grabbed [Name]'s neck, turning her around and leading her to whatever hell she had in store for Ava. 

    You rubbed the back of your neck in the bathroom- a different one than you were in last time. Moving your hair aside to check for bruises considering Lorelai had one painful grip. You thought you were going to pass out originally. Barley having the time to recover, Lorelai grabs [Name]'s wrist, dragging her out of the bathroom.

     "Okay, so here's the plan-"

     "What have you done with Princess Ava?"

     [Name] Sighed heavily, rolling her eyes. What was even happening today? Were they watching a movie or being Austin Powers?

     "Wait- Wait- Wait- have you guys never kissed a girl before?"

     With that, Peirce and [Name] made eye contact. The feeling was cold, sending discomfort down your neck as his face remained unreadable. There wasn't even the smallest flex of muscle to portray what he could be feeling. Was he even breathing? 

     The more Lorelai spoke, the colder his gaze became. What is his problem? One would think someone would think fondly of a time like that, maybe he's disappointed?  She isn't Ava, a beautiful and 'powerful princess' from a faraway land... Oh god, he regrets it, doesn't he? Regrets it so much he's going to kill her. 

     His face twitched, making him look pissed off before it relaxed when he looked at Lorelai. Nodding to herself, [Name] took a few steps back before going to wait in line at the vendor. Large extra buttery popcorn is to be expected... Maybe You can even get candy though...

     "[Name]?"

     You hummed softly, turning around. It was Val? "Hey.." You said softly, walking up to him and accepting his hug. "Been running into you a lot this year, I didn't know you were still in town."

     He laughed, Joining you in line. "Yeah, a few more weeks until I have to go back. Just hanging out with my sister." He stands a little close, his side touching yours as he looks down at you. "Oh? How is Suzie? It's been forever!" His smile widens and he chuckles. "Would you like to join us? I'm sure she'd love to see you!"

     You glance over at your group, now that Ava has rejoined them, they seem to be moving on, Lorelei bought tickets and they entered the movie... Without you, they didn't even say what movie they chose. Turning back to Val, you smile. "Yeah! That sounds great actually, I haven't picked a movie yet." He puffed up slightly as you accepted, reaching the desk he pulled his wallet out. "Get whatever you want, I'll pay." 

     "Oh! I couldn't!" You threw your hands in the air, reaching for your wallet. "I insist!" He snatches your wallet, holding it out of range as he starts asking for things he wants. You crossed your arms, your jaw falling slack as he ordered your favorites and paid. "ready?"

     As you walked up to two people, the boy unrecognizable but the girl very familiar, you felt yourself relax. "Zie!" The girl twirls, her blue-dyed pigtails twirling around her quickly. "[Cute Nick-Name]!!!" You hug the girl tightly, she has grown taller than you and you are unable to pick her up like last time. "Are you joining us?" She grins, practically bouncing. You nod and she squeals loudly. "Oh yeah! This is my boyfriend, his name is Pheonix!" Cool name. She turns around. "This is my old babysitter, my big sister from another mister!" You wave, and the boy seemed kinda anxious, but he was polite. 

     The four of you eventually settled on a horror comedy, Val buying all the tickets. Just before you entered the showing room, you felt an intense hatred burn into your soul. Looking around fearfully, you saw nothing. Nothing out of the norm anyway, there were lots of people but no one particularly suspicious.  Swallowing your nerves, you entered the showing room. Val waving you over.

     The movie was pretty good, but by the time it was over, the room you saw Ava and them go into was having another Showing already. You messaged Ava, telling her you'd be staying at a friend's. She sent you a thumbs-up and a kissing emoji. Then the pleading eyes and a bunch of hearts?