Chapter 12
Kara
Aspen comes down after a few minutes, in a new outfit, with a new hairstyle, and a bit of a different feel about her. Not as puffed up and stuck up as she seemed before.
“Where’s-”
“Probably with that no good August.” Iris sighs in a motherly fashion. “On that awful motorcycle, smoking grass.” She wipes away a nonexistent tear.
“I think you mean weed-” Aspen pipes up.
“Don’t sass me young lady! I know what the kids are into these days!”
“Can everyone just be quiet!” I say, pacing.
“Kara, are you okay?”
“Fine.” The door opens and a much calmer Blaze walks in. She sets down the helmet and walks to the bedroom upstairs. Seconds later I hear a knock at the door and rush to see who it is.
“Kara!” He says as I fling open the door
“Dustin.” I sigh as he pulls me into an embrace. He presses his lips to the top of my head I breathe in the smell of burgers and fries. “Oh my gosh Dustin you brought food!”
“Obviously.” He says nonchalantly, though he’s clearly proud of himself.
“And who is this?” Aspen inquires from behind us.
“Oh, guys, this is my...uh... Dustin.”
“At least you're better than August. Much prettier eyes too…”
“I heard that!” Blaze yells from upstairs. “August’s eyes are perfect!”
“As if!” I retort and grab the bag of food from his hand.
“You don’t know! It was too dark when you saw him! And you were wearing a mask!”
“It’s called cat eye vision numbskull!”
“OKAY! Lets calm down a bit shall we!” Dustin strokes my hair and massages my shoulders nervously. He leans down and mutters in my ear “What was that all about?”
“I’ll tell you later.”
“If anyone needs me I’ll be...outside.” Aspen shies away. I notice she grips her bag tight, as if she’s hiding something.
“I swear if keeping a secret as well, I’m going to scream.” I grumble. “Especially if it has anything to with the prophecy, or me, or the Drage, or anyone.” Dustin leads me into the kitchen and stands in front of me pacing. I wolf down a hamburger and begin munching on fries as he questions me.
“Did she find out?” I nod. “Did she try to kill you?”
“Tried, and failed.” I smirk and toss another fry into my mouth.
“No duh.” We stand in silence for a moment before he pulls me into another hug.
“What’s this for?”
“I’m worried about you.” He mutters
“Don’t be.” We sway slightly, in a sort of slow dance, as my arms snake up around his neck and pull him closer to me.
“Don’t distract me, I’m trying to be worried.”
“Oh, I’m distracting you? Huh, didn’t mean too.” I say sarcastically. He stares at me, examining every inch of my face.
“Do you ever?” Then he’s kissing me, his hands dance to my hips. He wants to lead the kiss, I can feel it in his breaths, but I won’t let him. He pushes me back against the counter and lifts me up by the waist. A chill runs down my spine as he winds his hand through my hair while cupping my face with the other. He’s the one who wants to pull my lips wider to make our kiss passionate and exciting, but I do. This makes him spiteful and he presses hard into me.
“Little competitive aren’t we.” I pull away then, his answer comes before I go back to his lips.
“I would say the same to you.” he smiles and pulls me in again, this time I let him lead. His hands meander along my shoulders before cradling my head in his arms, I can feel a smile on his lips as he presses them to mine. “I love you” he mutters between kisses. Tears prick my eyes at the three simple words. He pulls back, looking at me. “What’s wrong?”
“I just...haven’t heard those words for a long time” I sob as he pulls me into a long hug. We stand there for awhile, just hugging, before he pulls me into the living room and lays me on the couch.
“My guess is you don’t want to be in the same room as Blaze right now?” he sits on the end of the couch by my feet
“Not unless she promises not to kill me” I sit up indignantly.
“You tried to kill her first”
“Yeah but...ugh”
“You should apologize.” I pause, looking him up and down
“No way.”
“Why?”
“I can’t”
“Why not?”
“I just can’t Dustin! Okay?” He looks at me, heartache etched all over his face. I reach out and take his hand.
“I’m sorry I snapped,” I sigh “You’re right, I need to apologize. Not that it’ll do much good.”
“Atta girl!” he smiles and kisses the top of my head “This is why you’re my favorite.”
“Aww shucks” I tease and curl up in his arms.
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