Revival: Of Cethore ✔

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Four: Blushing in The Rain

Zoran brushed past Mirabella as she scurried away from the fireplace. The timing on his return from his dance was impeccable--or, perhaps, he was far too late.

The smile on his face disappeared when he saw Samari. "Is everything alright?" he inquired.

Staring at him, she grinned as she answered, "Better than okay. We, uh--I'll tell you about it later."

He nodded and sat beside her. "Sorry about that. We came together and I left you."

"It's fine. I know that...you have...friends here, " she shook her head.

"Heh, yeah."

A silence hung between them at the strange response. The listened to the fire crackling in front of them, distracting them from when the Earthern returned. She sat on the bench across from them, near where Mirabella had just been.

"Ah, dat was such a delight! Really, I wish dere were more men like you in dis city. It's a shame when you 'ave to leave, " Jackie mentioned.

"Ah, I don't know if you would like me as much if you had to deal with me all the time, " Zoran remarked.

She laughed. "Oh, I am sure dat even your guildmates can tell me dat you are good to 'ave around, no?"

Her eyes flicked to Sam, giving her playing messages in their gaze. The mina nodded her head, uncomfortable from the sudden attention. Jackie's lips parted in a gasp, a mischievous smile growing.

"Don't fret, dear girl, I am only a friend and supplier for Zoran. 'E is ripe for de takin', " she said.

Sam's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion, her mouth opening and closing in her uneasy. She waved her hands frantically in the air as she struggled to find her words.

"I only tease, my dear, " Jackie chuckled.

Since her presence had been totally forgotten, Samari jumped when Adeline breathed, "He is kinda cute. You might have a rival."

She turned to the redhead, only for the girl to shift her gaze to the floor. Judging by her reaction, she seemed shocked that she had spoken out loud.

As usual, Sam didn't really know what to do. Her hands shook as she defended, "It's not like that! I mean, um, it-s not...like I dis-like him. He i-is cute, b-b-but, I wouldn't want to intrude, and, and we just, uh, met...recently, and I don't know if I like him or not. I mean, I like him, b-ut, uh, I don't know if I like him as more than...as more than a friend..."

Her cracked voice trailed into a nervous chuckle. She took a peek at Adeline only to find that they were all gazing at her.

What are you blurting out?

After a few stunned seconds, Adeline replied, "Sorry, Samari. I didn't mean to make you say all that right in front of him."

Her words slowly sunk in as Samari became increasingly aware of who was sitting next to her. The thought made her cringe.

Stupid, stupid, stupid! Now he'll think you're a weirdo and not want to hang out with you anymore!

Turning to Zoran, she started apologizing to him. She didn't get past the first few words as he flicked her forehead.

"Deko. So you don't know what our relationship is. There's nothing wrong with that. I'm in the same boat as you, " he admitted to ease her.

His reply made Jackie gasp. "T'ings sure do get spicy by de fire!"