The Forbidden Manual// Denis Stoff

t w e n t y - f o u r

The afternoon had arrived and the sun was beginning to hide in some point of the sky as we went back home. It had been incredible having spent all day with Denis when it wasn't in my plans. I felt bad for having used Chris various times just to see Denis with that serious face and his furrowed brow. 

"Uff! What a magnificent day today", said Chris, laughing satisfied. 

"It was", I agreed. "Thanks Chris".

I kissed his cheek slightly blushed with a beautiful pink touch and I crossed my fingers for Denis furrow brow to appear on his beautiful face. I looked at him from the corner of my eye when I pulled away from Chris and I saw him with his hands in his pocket and his gaze down low, like if he was trying to avoid looking. The creature was disappointed.

"Laters, Chris", I said.

"Laters, principessa", he laughed, timidly, then he turned around and entered his apartment.

I looked at Denis who now outlined a nice smile, had my pathetic attempt to make him jealous not work?

"How rude is Chris, he didn't even say bye to me", he said, but maintained that smile.

"He's a bit distracted, don't take it to heart", I smiled.

I opened the door and he followed behind.

"It's seven thirty in the afternoon, what do you want to do?", he asked.

"I've been walking all day in the plaza, I don't think I have energy to do something else", I muttered, throwing myself on the couch and leaving the red rose on the center of the table.

"Do you want to play cards?", he suggested, sitting beside me.

"No, you always beat me", I pouted and he laughed lowly.

"Well, what about...watch a movie?".

"I've watched all the movies Dasha has, and I'm too lazy to go to the movie club to rent one. I'm sorry", I muttered, denying.

"It's okay, why don't we play twenty questions?", he insisted.

"Well I believe we could do that sitting here", I laughed and crossed my legs over the sofa, moving so I could be face to face with Denis.

"Alright, you start", he said.

"You told me you liked music. Have you ever written a song?".

"Yes, I have a couple songs, but they're not good", he smiled and lowered his gaze.

"I'm sure they're great", I cheered him.

"Next question", he laughed.

"Will you ever show me one someday?"

He looked at me and laughed again at my insistence.

"Alright, someday", he promised.

"Good. Lets see...", I thought. "Where are you most ticklish?".

"Umm...the neck", he said.

"What is there to your future?", I asked, curiously.

He shrugged his shoulders, elegantly. 

"Well I'm for sure in one thing. I will not be an administrator like Kir", he laughed. "Maybe, a composer".

"Composer? God, that'd be phenomenal!".

"Thanks".

"What are the songs you write about?".

"Of life, about me, love...", he shrugged once again.

The creature moved around and it encouraged me to ask:

"Have you ever written a song for Dasha?", I inquired, fearful for the response, because the creature not only was stubborn, it was sensible as well.

He was serious for a couple seconds, with an inexpressive face. The creature moved curiously and impatient. 

"I'm ashamed to admit it", he lowed his gaze. "But no", he muttered.

"Why not?", I frowned but the creature smiled joyfully.

"Its just...", he lifted his hand up to his head and scratched ruffling his short hair, " I tried, really, but the words that came out and the phrases that formed...I simply didn't like it. They weren't good".

"But at least you tried, and you know what they say 'the intention is what matters'", I smiled, relieved and happy.

"I guess", he nodded laughing. "Next question".

"Okay, let me see..."What did you think of me the first time you saw me?"

He smiled, letting me see those nice and pearly teeth.

"That you were Kenadee, Dashas friend", he said.

"Not that, you already knew that. I meant as in first impression",

"Oh, well. I remember laughing because you were fighting with the door", he smiled "and thought you were funny; then you went along with the conversation, then I knew you were sociable; to then conclude you were cool because it was easy to laugh with you.

"Oh, wow. Thanks", I muttered, lightly blushed.

"Next question".

"What do you miss most of Arizona?".

"I'd say my family, but they live here so...", he thought "maybe my old university: I liked the parties", he laughed "next and last question",

"Are you counting them?".

"Of course! The game is called 'ten' questions, right?"

"Alright, alright", I waved my hand.

I thought very well about my last question, and only one came to my mind the one I had been thinking about since the beginning of the game, including before that. But I didn't know if making it was a good idea, however the creature insisted until the words came out of my mouth.

"Why did you leave Arizona?", I muttered, shyly with my voice barely audible.

He stayed silent once again and lowered his gaze. Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! My internal voice told me; if he didn't tell Dasha, why did I have the chance of him telling me.

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I AM ON A ROLL!