california here we go (sequel to gas)

chapter ten

When Shania woke up, she noticed that quite obviously Natalie was nowhere to be found. She was scared, they had a good night. Did she do something wrong? Was she going to leave her again? 

"So you're awake?" Gus asked, approaching her from the restroom. Shania nodded her head. She tried to remain calm, but she knew Gus noticed. 

"Where's Natalie?" Shania asked, looking down so she didn't have to meet his eyes.

"She went to go get some food for us. We talked before you woke up. Why? Are you worried she's going to leave or something?" His facial expression quickly changing from neutral to very concerned. 

"Yes, of course. It's already happened before. Why wouldn't it happen again?" Shania asked. She remembered all the hurt she had felt when she thought Natalie died. She remembered how difficult it was for her to live her own life afterwards.

"No matter what, you'll always have me. Always. When she left you, I was there. I'll always be there. So what if she leaves again, I'm right here." he said in that comforting tone of voice he always used. It sounded like being enveloped in the most secure, warm hug. He went to where Shania was sitting on the bed and wrapped his arms around her. 

No matter what happened with anyone, Gus was always there. She really felt true appreciation for him at that moment. Gus would never leave her. 

"Lets get dressed, and go out today. I'm sure by the time we come back, Natalie will be here again." Gus said as he went towards his suitcase. 

"Yeah lets go" she nodded her head and started deciding what to wear.

She decided on a rather simple outfit, a pink turtleneck sweater, black high waisted jeans, a black belt with a heart shaped buckle, and chunky Doc Martens. (the doc Martens were a gift from Gus for her 18th birthday)

Gus's outfit was all primary colors (except for his black jeans). His shirt was a blinding yellow, and his shoes were blue and red. Somehow, he managed to make this a streetwear look, but usually it would've looked quite the opposite. 

Shania looked in the mirror as she brushed her teeth,  she began to laugh. Her blue-green hair was something she would've found atrocious not too long ago. Here she was, doing almost everything she never thought she could, or would approve of doing. Gus wrapped his arms around her from behind, and she sunk into the warmth of his body. 

"Are you ready yet?" he asked. It was obvious she wasn't, it pissed her off that he even asked in the first place. She pointed at the toothbrush in her mouth and rolled her eyes at him. 

"okay, okay I'll let you get ready" he kissed her forehead and pulled away.

When she was finally finished, she looked at Gus. He looked from his phone and he look mesmerized. It was a lovely sight to say the least. The gaze of a lover that is so in love with one's very entity that the thought of losing that person hurts. 

She extended her hand for him, and they exited the room. 

Once they stepped into Gus's vehicle, it was time for their real journey in Los Angeles to begin. Shania grabbed her phone and put on some music for them. The first song she chose was one very dear to her, it reminded her of all the pain she felt when it came to loving someone. It was the cursed song, whenever she seemed to want something successful in love. It never worked like that with Gus. The song was Time (Clock of the Heart) by Culture Club.

Prior to Shania, Gus had never heard of Culture Club. They were a forgotten 80's band that gained/lost the fame and glory all too quickly. Shania hoped that this wouldn't be the case for Gus. He deserved to be remembered for the rest of human history. He was the most beautiful person she had ever encountered.

"Hey, we're here." Gus said as he turned off the car. They were at Target. Shania sighed, "Target? We have those at home." 

"This one is cooler, it has different stories, and it has escalators!!!" he enthused. 

"Gus, I'm afraid of escalators" 

"I'll carry you up, just don't look down" 

"ugh okay"