Kids In The Dark | Aarmau AU Fanfiction

14/27 - Quietly Caving In

“You did what?!” I shout. Melissa and I were sitting at the dinner table eating plain pasta because had nothing to put on it. Melissa had decided to put cinnamon on hers, claiming it made the taste better. I wasn’t bothered. She’d decided to mid-mouthful tell me that she set up a date between the waitress and I. She didn’t really look like she cared much, she was focused on eating as much as possible.
   She started smirking while she chewed. This time she actually finished and then spoke. “You heard me.”
   “Why would you do that?! You know I hate going out!” I said, now standing with my hands on the table.
   “Because you need to get a love life.” She said, head bowed to look at the plate that was ¼ full. “You can’t just lounge around all day with only a dog to keep you company, Aaron.”
   I glare at her. “I don’t see you trying to do it.”
   “Excuse me, for all you know I could be on Tinder.” She crossed her arms and finally looked at me. “I have one the same time as you tomorrow. A witch.”
   “Of course.” I tipped the leftover pasta into the trash can, slipping a couple pieces into a piece of kitchen towel for Alexander. It wasn’t good for him, but I always gave him a little whenever I had it even so. “Why aren’t I surprised?”
   “Why aren’t I surprised my brother is an isolated and noncommittal jerk?” She asked.
   I left before I could continue the argument. I went straight to my room and locked the door so she couldn’t get in, growling under my breath. Alexander woke up and looked at me, head tilted cutely to the side. One of his ears was flat, the other standing proudly; it was so cute I had to bite my cheeks to not ‘aw’. Smiling briefly, I opened the kitchen towel and poured the small amount of pasta into his dog bowl. At an instant he jumped down and ran over, eating it. I rolled my eyes and put the kitchen towel in the trash can, then fell back on my bed.
   My phone buzzed in my pocket after maybe five minutes of laying still. Alexander looked at me with the same confused look because he heard it. He whimpered in question. I sat up and took it out, turning the screen on. It was only on 12% battery so I grabbed the charger that came with in and quickly pugged it in. Alexander ran over and jumped up, laying on my back since I was on my stomach. I rolled my eyes but didn’t make him get off and tried to stay still. I checked my messages and saw Melissa had texted me an hour ago so that I had her phone number. There was another, with a number I couldn’t recognize.
   Is this Aaron? It read.
   I rose a brow and sighed. Alexander decided to rest his head on my shoulder and lick my cheek, asking for attention. “Not right now.” I mumbled as I typed a response. Who’s this?
   Aphmau, the one who your sister was talking to. She gave me your number.
   “Of course she did.” I said aloud. Alexander bit my ear so I groaned and stroked his head. He smiled triumphantly and his tail tagged fast, ears completely perked up. Oh.
   Oh?
   I don’t know what else to say… I replied, blushing.
   Ah. She said you were extremely shy. Then again, you were the one who was staring and not bothering to say anything to me. Why should I be surprised?
   My face got hotter. Sorry.
   It’s okay. Are you going to turn up tomorrow or leave me hanging?
   Honestly, I can’t give you a straight answer. I’ll text you in the morning.
   She didn’t reply for another three minutes although she’d been doing it within seconds before, so I turned onto my back. I made sure the move Alexander first because otherwise I’d smother him. The second I was laid down he climbed back onto me, curling up somehow on my torso. He was in a playful mood so he rubbed his back into me then stopped, eyes wide. “Goof.” I mumble.
   He barked for a second then got up and ran to the door. I must’ve not heard the doorbell ring. However, I never heard Melissa’s bedroom door close. Another thing I must’ve not realized was her going into her room. She tended the slam the door too when she was in a bad mood. I called for Alexander five times and he eventually came back and laid on my torso again, now horizontally so that I wouldn’t be able to get up.
   My phone buzzed finally. I held it in one hand and pet Alexander with the other until he fell asleep. His head would shoot up whenever he heard somebody walking down the hall or voices getting suddenly louder. I checked and saw she’d texted back.
   Do you know where we’re meeting?
   No. I didn’t ask where she’d been because I wasn’t one to pry.
   Your sister said the café in town but we can go somewhere else if you want. I’m honestly not that bothered.
   I started biting my lip. Didn’t waitresses get poor pay? Why would Melissa ask us to meet at a café? Do you have work tomorrow?
   Half day. It’s a bank holiday so the restaurant is only open for the first four hours; we’re doing a 70% off all meals.
   I can meet you there if you want. We could just wander around town.
   She didn’t respond again for a couple of minutes. Will you bring your dog?
   Do you want me to?
   Yep, he’s a cutie.
   Chuckling myself, I grip Alexander’s fur for a split second. It was a sign off appreciation and he knew it so he relaxed and didn’t suddenly jolt his head anymore, laying completely still and falling asleep for good. Fine. What time does your shift end?
   Five.
   I’ll be there. Where do I wait?
   Eh. The car park is fine, I’ll go straight there. Anyway, hope you have a good rest of the day, I have to go job-hunting with my brother. See ya!
   My hands suddenly gripped the phone when I read the last few words. I then dropped it. “Oh god, she has a brother.” I mumble under my breath, questioning going on the date even more.