This is Euphoria

-17-

an: ^ ignore the black hair, but this is what I picture athena to look like sans her face ok ok

[PLEASE CHECK OUT MY HS FANFIC "lavender" it's only got two chapters so far so please give it some love :) OKAY SORRY FOR THE SELF PROMO]

June 27/ Athena

I pour the buttery popcorn into a large, glass bowl. I set it down on its seat next to mine and throw a handful into my mouth. I grab the remote and flick through channels. I decide on a show about vampires and high school, or something along those lines.

I try my hardest to engage in the show, but tv's not something I particularly enjoy.

A knock on my door jolts me to my feet. Thank God. But who could that be? Vera is working and I haven't talked to Kai in over a week and a half. It's because of that night I was drunk, I know it is. Maybe he was weirded out? His dismissal was harsh, but I wasn't mad, I'm just confused as to why.

I crack the door open a little, sticking my head out. It's Kai? First, I notice the pressed, sleek suit in place of his usual attire. His tattoos are entirely covered, and you could have never guessed what was under the black sleeves if you didn't know.

I'm so wrapped up in the suit that it takes my eyes a second before they depart from his body and land on his face. His usual unruly curls are no longer. I loved his hair, it was always messy but somehow intact. He cut it.

The top still looks long, just significantly less curly. It's pushed back neatly, and one curl is visible atop all the hair in the front. The sides are groomed, they aren't shaved or anything, but they aren't as long as the top and the familiar curls are gone.

My eyes linger to his handsome face, and the growing stubble around his mouth and along his jawline is noticeable. How fast do beards grow? It's been a week!

"I've been thinking of growing it out," he says, watching me very closely.

"You cut your hair?" I utter.

"Oh, yeah," he acknowledges by running a hand through his hair and the curl falls forward, "I was beginning to look like a lion."

"It's nice," I say. It is nice. It's better than nice. The curls were familiar and sweet, but this, this was dangerous. It made his looming presence much more nerve wrecking. He looks unapproachably attractive, and I wouldn't question someone who told me he was a male model.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, completely opening my door.

"Taking you out on a date, like I said I would," he says with a growing smirk.

"What!" I shriek. I'm still in my pajamas. Thank god I took a shower this morning.

"I'll wait. I'm patient," he renders. It wouldn't be that bad. It's only 7 o'clock.

"Fine," I give in. I immediately go into the bathroom and turn the straighter on. I haven't dyed my hair for a few months, and now my natural golden brown is starting to show at my roots.

I grab my makeup bag and start applying my foundation. By the time I'm finished, my freckles are completely gone. I take out my powder and from the corner of my eye I see Kai removing his jacket. Oh dear. I dust the powder all over my face and move onto my eyeshadow, choosing matte nudes and browns. I hear Kai's footsteps, and when I look up he's leaning against the doorway. He doesn't say anything until I finish applying a sharp wing of eyeliner.

"You're good at this," he says, paying close attention.

"Thanks," I chime, pulling out an eyelash curler and mascara.

"I've never seen you in makeup," he says.

"Yes you have," I laugh.

"Oh. I couldn't tell," he reveals quietly.

I do wear makeup sometimes, usually just mascara and eyebrows, never a lot because it's hot.

"Aren't you scared you're going to poke you're eyeball out?" he asks.

"No," I laugh. I choose a soft mauve color for my lips. Once I finish, I check the mirror one more time to make sure everything is blended.

I stand up and begin straightening my hair. It takes about 15 minutes, and I make small talk with Kai. What I really want to ask is why he went MIA for a week, or why he cut his hair.

I finish my hair and makeup in a record time of 40 minutes. My hair is sleek and shiny, and you'd never be able to guess it was curly beforehand.

I walk into my room just across the hall and Kai switches doorways.

"I have nothing to wear," I complain.

"I can help," Kai offers. I open my mouth to decline, but why? I want to see what he picks out. Plus, he knows how fancy I should dress.

He looks through the items in my closet, constantly stopping to look at them up close.

"How about this?" he holds up a horrible pink dress with sequence and a big, puffy skirt. I make a face and he rolls his eyes but puts it back.

I still on the back, rejecting everything he says, even though I bought it.

"What about this? It's still got the tag," he holds up a red, cotton two piece dress. The skirt is a body con and the sleeves are long. I actually love it, I don't even remember buying it. I take it from him, beaming.

"I'll be outside, then," he says and closes the door. I change my bra and put on the clothing. It looks good, the skirt is flattering, and the top is sexy without being too much. The red isn't too overwhelming either. I spray perfume on my wrists and behind my ears. I put on strappy heels and check the mirror again before opening my bedroom door.

A large smile meets Kai's face, making him look less intimidating, "You look good," he nods approvingly.

AN: LONG CHAPTER FOR THOSE WHO LOVE EM