24 Hours GF Challenge (Granevere AU)

Chapter Twelve

Nobody wants to hurt anybody. It is a simple logic that rules all actions. After all, the universe spins around this primal law. Same goes for the two innocent teens just messing around in the ice skating rink. Yet, fuckery began when one girl dared his date to catch her.

Granger skated at his full speed, yet the little maiden was much more agile on ice. Her skates were curving and making sharp turns, making it tough for the poor boy to catch up.

He felt his skates groan in protest, shaving a thin layer of ice each turn he makes. God, was this difficult. Curse words spilled out of his potty mouth as he almost body slammed several people. Not for long, he also body slammed his target.

"AH!" They both screeched in panic, the camera went flying off of Guin's hand. "oof."

They fell on the ice with a painful thud while he was trying to not crush the girl under his weight by supporting himself on his arms. The young Baroque's eyes widened, like it was 9 in the afternoon. She felt a chill run up from her arms, legs, and a part of her face.

They couldn't help the blooming blush on their cheeks in this very strange predicament.

They sat up and laughed. "That was a stupid idea."

Granger placed his jacket on her shoulder as a shiver ran down her spine from the coolness of the ice. "Here you go. I'm really sorry, I am."

"Thanks." She rolled her emerald eyes. "Even though you body slammed the shit out of me."

"Sorry 'bout that."

He stood up and picked up the camera that slid a few feet away from them, then offered his free arm to help Guinevere stand back up. Another stupid idea popped into his head, looking at the girl gripping his arm for balance. Granger muttered a few words that made Guinevere officially lose her chill, despite standing on literal ice.

"Tag, you're it!"

Her eyes widened then turned into slits at what she just heard. "GRANGER!" Her middle fingers raised at him. "Fuck you!"

———-

"I'm tired." Guinevere complained. "My legs are cramping."

Granger wanted to say the same as well. They sat in silence inside the car, just the humming of the engine to be heard. He suddenly let out a peaceful sigh.

"Anything wrong?"

"Nothing at all."

"So...what's with the sigh?"

"Just happy."

She smiled to herself. Her eyes scanned his face that was currently leaning on the steering wheel, his eyes also drifting to her face. It made her feel self-conscious as she thought there was dirt on her face.

"Anything on my face?" She whispered, sure that he would hear her in the silence. He let out a chuckle.

"Beauty."

"So corny." She rolled her eyes and flipped her auburn hair. "I do already know that, for your information."

"I'll admit. It was a great 12 hours spent with you, Guin."

"I can say the same to you as well."

"We still have 12 hours more."

"That's ample time." She smiled. "Let's just enjoy the sunset."

"Ooh, romantic." He mocked, chirping up his voice. All he received was a soft punch to his toned shoulder.

"Hush, Granger. You're ruining the moment."

Even when she said his name with a hint of annoyance, he still can't help but hang on to the words she said. Those were the perks of having a British accent. All that comes out of her mouth just sounds expensive, like how Midas' touch would turn anything to gold.

When the darkness settled in, they decided it was best to send Guinevere home. Once nearing the Baroque residence, they did an outro for the video and waved goodbye at the camera. They sat there for a moment, just admiring the stars and talking like friends.

Granger couldn't wrap his head around the fact that the day was over. Even though he was sad, part of him was glad that he got to spend time with a new friend. To top it all off, it's all sponsored by Top Tier and he gets a big fat bonus for having fun.

Guinevere was raised in a household that gave cheek kisses and hugs to guests; thus, she couldn't help but thank her guest in such as way. As he opened the door for her to get out of the car, she bumped her cheek to Granger's and gave him a loose hug. Her hands were careful to not embrace the man too tight as he might thought that she was just trying to get a feel of his toned physique. Guinevere gagged at the thought.

"Thank you, Grange."

Granger stood like an idiot, frozen on his spot. Yes, he definitely wasn't used to this type of behavior. Alucard and the boys don't kiss each other's cheeks or hug, unless it was satire. He wasn't used to the feeling of genuine physical affection and sheer proximity to the opposite gender, yet Guinevere just stood there staring at him like a dummy.

"Get over yourself. It's a courtesy for guests." She waved her hand nonchalantly.

"O-oh." He stammered helplessly. "You're welcome, Guin."

"Goodnight, Granger."

"Goodnight." He replied. "We can still play ML when I'm back home if you're not busy."

Guinevere tapped her chin to consider it. "Yeah, sure. At least I might be able to get better at it."

There was a million dollar question on the tip of Granger's tongue, threatening to spill out. He knows that this was just a company collab and nothing more, but the boy can't help but ask as he already enjoyed the company of his new friend. With pockets deep in his hands, he shyly asked Guinevere.

"Are we having a second date?" He smirked, but his facade was slowly crumbling. "I–I mean it c-can be a normal hangout, not a d-date. You get the point right? No cameras, no nothing."

"I do." She lifted her head to meet his ruby orbs. "I'll think about it."

Granger gave her a careful nod, unsure on how to react to her answer. He didn't want to seem pushy but Guinevere deep inside didn't want to seem like she was desperate to hang out with the boy. They both have their own lives to lead,but it would be a shame to have a 'one day friendship'.

They were both being genuine. Both acted comfortably themselves and didn't push a romantic narrative just for the cameras.

"Bye Granger."

"Bye Guin."