Fables/Fairytales Fan Fiction / Romance Fan Fiction ❯ HOWL ❯ Party ( Chapter 4 )

[ Y - Young Adult: Not suitable for readers under 16 ]

Etruria finally gets to see Xak after four days without him, but seeing each other still doesn't cool their tempers... Somehow, Zeno lightens the mood... But how do Xak and Zeno know each other?

Originally Posted: March 29, 2008.

DISCLAIMER: This story is a work of fiction. Any references to historical events, real people, or real locales are used fictitiously. Other names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author's imagination, and any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Copyright � 2008 by Annalee, whenpigsfly8992.
Any retranscription or reproduction is prohibited.

Miscellaneous: Fables/Fairytales Fan Fiction / Romance Fan Fiction | Genre(s): Romance / Horror / Fantasy / Adventure / Action | Type: Other | Uploaded On: 07.08.2008 | Pages: 19 | Words: 11.9K | Visits: 188 | Status: Completed

Party

I woke up and felt too lazy to get out from under the covers. Mr. Wolf had taken to

sleeping beside my bed. I turned over and reached for my phone to check the time. My

stomach lurched and my heart leaped. There was one missed call — from Xak's number —

and one new voicemail. I brought the phone up to my ear and played the message.

"Hey, Ru. Sorry I haven't been at school for a couple of days. Uhm… I might be

there during lunch. I've been a little under the weather, but I'm starting to get better. Have a

good day, I'll see ya later."

I was too excited about seeing Xak later, and time wanted to stand still today. I was

bouncing my knee and twirling my pencil between my fingers in every class, urging the clock

to move faster. I was impatient and eager to see those turquoise eyes.

Finally, fucking finally, after three grueling hours, lunch started. I walked outside with

my purse and checked the time on my phone. A text popped up and read, /Where do you

wanna go? -X/ I looked up in time to see Xak's Cadillac stop in front of me. I opened the

passenger's door and climbed in.

"Hey, Ru." Xak said, "Long time, no see."

"Yeah," I laughed, "What did you have?"

"Plain old cold. My fever has been really high for two days. It's been hovering

around normal today, but I don't want to actually go to school today. I wasn't really planning

to leave the house, but then I heard your message."

"Oh… Uhm… Sorry." I replied, staring intently at my feet.

"Don't worry about it. I'm actually happy that you called. How'd you get my number

anyway?"

"Oh… Got it from Ben."

"Gotcha. So, have you decided where you want to go to eat?"

"I don't really want to eat anywhere. I'm broke at the moment."

"Heh, I am too." Xak laughed and kept driving.

His fingers brushed against the back of my hand and pulled away quickly and his

hand sat beside mine. I, in turn, ran one finger along each of his. He visibly relaxed and

made a quiet throaty noise. The car was parked suddenly in front of a house. We were

distracted, though.

Xak's hair was sticking out in every direction. He watched me as I reached up to

tame his hair. My mind was numb and I didn't feel in control of my actions. He pulled my

hand down to his cheek and turned his head into it. His lips pressed against my palm and

then he breathed against it. My eyesight swam a bit and I felt hot. He leaned over and he

rested his forehead against mine.

"Ru?" He breathed.

"Hmm?"

"Do I have a fever?"

"W-wha—?"

Xak's eyes slid out of focus. He shook his head a couple of times, "Sorry…" Xak

said, breathing harder.

"Are you okay?" I asked, with rising panic.

"No… I just need to lay down." Xak said, "I just suddenly felt like I was about to

pass out. I think my fever came back."

I helped Xak into the house — which I now knew was his — and sat down with

him. I guided his head onto my lap; he did not object.

I looked around, observing the dark navy wallpaper and cream carpet, the black, soft

leather furniture. I subconsciously petted Xak's forehead and cheek.

"Mmm… That feels good." Xak mumbled.

"Huh?" I asked, looking down at Xak. His eyes barely opened to look back.

"Your hands are cold. It feels good."

I smiled and continued stroking his face.

"Are you hungry?" He asked.

"Nah, not really." I replied. My stomach protested and let out a loud growl.

"Not really sure what all we have… I'm sure you'd be able to get something." Xak

said sitting up.

"Maybe you should just lay down." I said.

"No, I'm feeling better again."

"Xak, lay down."

"No, Ru. I don't need to—"

"Damn it, lay down!" I said forcefully.

"No! I don't need to lay down!"

"You're only going to get worse if you don't get some re—"

Xak pressed his index finger against my lips, but what really made me stop talking

was the way his eyes flashed — in a way I had never seen them do before.

"You should really learn when to give up and be quiet." He said, huskiness lacing the

edge of his voice. His hand moved from my mouth to my chin. He pulled my face to his.

This time he didn't tease me. His hot, moist lips were moving against mine and I found

myself reacting to him. My blood drained from my limbs and went to my very core, where

all I felt was my heart slamming against my ribs and my breathing becoming faster. I was

aware of his hands leaving the skin they touched warm and tingly. It was too much for my

mind and it gave up control. I writhed in his arms.

Xak backed away, breathing laboriously. As much as I wanted to continue, I was glad

to be able to regain control.

"You're much more fun when you're not arguing." Xak said, standing up and

swaggering into the kitchen. "What do you want to eat?"

I couldn't move. I just sat on Xak's sofa, staring down at my feet. My lips were warm

and numb, as was my face and waist.

"Ru?" Xak called. I heard him sigh, "Look, you don't have to be quiet anymore." He

peeked in from the kitchen. I looked up at him an his eyebrows knitted together. "Ru, what

are you doing?" He stopped in front of me.

I went with my first instinct and smacked his arm. Xak burst out laughing.

"What?" He laughed.

"Why did you…?" I started asking exasperatedly.

"Calm down, Ru. It was just a kiss."

"Just a kiss? You could have at least warned me, you jerk!" I jumped up.

"Where's the fun in that? Spontaneous kisses are the best and you get a stronger

response from the person." Xak explained, playing with a lock of my hair.

I didn't reply. What sucked was that I couldn't reply because I had no good reply. I

had no choice but to say the only thing that came to mind.

"Screw you." I turned and stormed into his kitchen. I could hear Xak laughing

behind me. I stopped short and looked curiously at the pot of boiling spaghetti sitting on the

stove.

Xak's hands rested on my hips and his lips came near my ear. "Hope you don't mind.

It's pretty much the only thing I can cook."

I smiled. He was getting better, I had to admit. He wasn't as much of a smartass as

he was when I first met him.

"Ru…" He started, but after a few moments said, "…Nevermind."

"What is it?" I asked, leaning back into his chest.

"Did I scare you?"

"What, by kissing me?" I asked.

"Well… yeah."

"No…"

"I thought it would, but then you reacted instantly. I'm… I'm glad that you did

react."

"Xak? On Friday, what did you do when you checked up on me?"

"Found out about that, eh?"

"Yeah, Sadie told me."

"I'll tell you some other time."

"Xaa-ak!" I said impatiently.

The timer went off then, and Xak leaned forward to turn the stove off.

We drove up beside the sidewalk and I gathered my purse and hesitated with my

hand on the door handle.

"What is it?" Xak asked.

"Thanks for the lunch." I said quietly, glancing at Xak. His expression was solemn at

first, but his mouth curved into a warm smile.

"I'll be at school tomorrow. I'll see you tomorrow." Xak said. He took my hand and

gently pulled me closer to him. "By the way… Last Friday, I…" His other hand rested on

the back of my neck as Xak closed the gap. It was brief and ended quickly. "Did that…

Bye." Xak smiled.

"Bye." I replied shyly. I climbed out of Xak's car and headed toward the school. I

met up with Sadie just inside the door. There was still ten minutes before the bell rang.

"How was it?" She asked.

"I'll tell you after school. I've still got to let everything sink in."

"What happened?" Sadie pleaded.

"After school, okay?"

"Fiiine…" Sadie was silent for a moment, "…PLEASE?"

"Ugh! Okay! Ekidmeh…" I mumbled.

"What?"

I leaned closer and whispered awkwardly, "He… kissed…me…"

Sadie's eyes grew huge and her jaw dropped. "We will talk more later." She

said excitedly.

It was one of those rare girlish moments. It was almost two in the morning, Mr.

Wolf was sound asleep, and Sadie and I had been talking since eleven. She made me go over

each detail of the lunch period for one hour. Now, she and I were analyzing Xak's actions

and words he had given me.

"I wonder… You know, I bet that when he comes back tomorrow, he's not going to

act like that. No offense or anything. Guys suck that way. They're rarely the same in public."

Sadie said.

I switched the phone to my right ear and said, "I know. I'm still trying to let it sink

in… Either that or he's trying to hide something again."

"What? Again? When was the first time?"

"Friday. He dragged me into the school and was acting really strange. I asked him

what was wrong and he distracted me by… by… charming me. He promised he would 'tell

me everything', but he hasn't told me anything."

"Very interesting…"

"Hey, I've got to go to bed. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Okay. See ya. Night!"

"Night."

Sadie and I sat on the cement picnic table just outside of the school doors. She sat

on the opposite side, leaning against my back. I spotted Xak approaching and gave a small

wave. He returned it and smiled. Swiftly and without missing a beat, he leaned down and

kissed me, tongue and all. It wasn't forceful, though. It was gentle, with ease — an intimate

greeting.

I heard a small giggle from Sadie, but when I turned, she was still facing the opposite

way, though sitting straighter than before.

"Are you feeling better?" I asked.

"Sort of. I'm still kind of drained." Xak said, sitting on the table as well, leaning

against our sides. The three of us sat silent, nothing to say, perfectly content. Xak stroked my

hand with this forefinger. I bit my lip and intertwined our fingers.

I felt weight pressing on my other side, and whipped my head around.

"Zeno," Sadie said, surprised.

At the same time, Xak and Zeno tensed up. Xak's muscles flexed. I rubbed the back

of his hand with my thumb and he relaxed slightly.

"Hello, Xak." Zeno said stiffly.

"Hello, Zeno." Xak replied — more like growled.

Ignoring him completely, Zeno said, "So, who's up for a party Friday night?"

"No thanks." Xak replied sharply. His hand tightened painfully around mine and I

pulled away quickly. Xak gave me an apologetic glance.

"Who's having it?" Sadie asked.

"Grace Smith. She told me to invite whoever I wanted."

Grace Smith: one of the more popular girls in the school, but unlike others, she

could accept most people. Sadie and I were good friends with her throughout middle school,

but because of having separate classes in high school, she became distant.

Sadie and I had a braintwin moment and without even glancing at each other, we

said in harmony, "Sounds good."

"Ah, good. I'll let her know. You can come too if you want to, Xak." Zeno finished

reluctantly.

Xak was silent for a moment, then replied, "Whatever."

"I'll see you all Friday night, then. Have a good day." Zeno said.

"Where are you off to?" I called as he walked toward the parking lot. Zeno waved

behind himself and kept walking.

I felt Xak sigh beside me. "Let's go in." He said, sliding off the table. "What have I

missed?" He asked, opening the door for Sadie and I.

"Not much. Mostly Algebra II notes and a worksheet." I replied.

"All right. Thanks. I'll have to ask someone about Latin."

"I gotta run to my locker. I'll be right back, okay?" Sadie said, sifting through her

binder, "I'm running out of paper."

Once she was out of hearing range, I said, "Xak, what was it you were going to tell

me on Friday?"

"I can't… tell you right now."

"Bullshit! You weren't planning to tell me at all, right?"

"Ru, give me some time. Look, I'm only going to feel secure telling you when it's just

you and me."

"It's just me and you right now—"

"— Not in public!"

"Why not?"

Xak covered my mouth and whispered, "Because I'm not even allowed to tell you,

but I'm promising to tell you anyway. Because I shouldn't even be in contact with you, but I

am." His hand dropped as the bell rang. Without another word, he turned and left.

Sadie sprinted up to me with her binder open and attempting to get paper on the

rings.

"A little help, please." She said, holding up her binder. I straitened her paper and put

it in the binder and snapped the rings back together. "Thanks, Ru." Sadie said breathlessly.

With that, we walked to English together.

The same old routine for the rest of the week was getting tiresome. Xak was

becoming distant again, he hardly noticed me and there were no kisses or flirting. At lunch

on Friday, he was ignoring me. I exhaled sharply and stood up.

"I'll be back later." I said, walking away. As I neared the doors, I glanced over my

shoulder. Sadie was looking between me and Xak. Xak was staring down at the table, his jaw

and fists clenched and his knuckles were white. I walked outside into the heavily clouded

day.

I followed the sidewalk around the school, taking in the humid air.

"Boy troubles?" A voice cut through the thick air. I glanced around and saw nothing.

I was about to respond to the disembodied voice when I felt someone tap my shoulder. I

whirled around and found myself face to face with Zeno.

"Oh! It's you." I said, relieved.

"M-hm. The one and only me." He responded, gesturing at himself. "So, was I

correct or was I misinterpreting the expression on your face a moment ago?"

"Yeah, you were right. It's Xak." I said.

"Ah, the boyfriend… Do tell."

"He isn't my boyfriend, Zeno…" I corrected him.

"My apologies. I suppose what I saw Wednesday morning was just a friendly kiss and

friendly tongues." Zeno said, with the slightest bit of sarcasm. I rolled my eyes and told him

about Xak's behavior.

"It sounded like you knew each other." I said.

"We had a class together last year… We… didn't get along very well." Zeno

explained.

"Ooh… Why not?" I asked.

Zeno's jaw tightened and I knew I shouldn't have asked.

"We're just different. Different styles, different ways of life. That kind of stuff."

"I just don't get it, though. He should be over it and cooled off. It's pissing me off."

"Maybe he's jealous." Zeno blurted.

"What? But… How? Why?"

He held my chin with his thumb and forefinger and his eyebrows arched up.

"Because he now knows that you've come in contact with me. He hates me, I hate him…

The thing is, I have some tolerance for him, but he's never had any for me… But," he added,

"it seems he'd do a lot for you, so give him some time. Maybe he'll get over it by tonight."

I stared at my feet thinking everything over. Zeno was right. He knew what he was

talking about… At least, I hoped he did.

"I'll catch you later, then… Ah… Don't be too angry with him if he gets upset."

Zeno said, walking ahead of me. I stayed put, my expression puzzled. I had easily followed

what he said up until that last statement. Why did he say that?

Burning hands rested on my arms and my skin tingled. As quickly as they were

touching me, they were gone. I heard Xak's deep breath and exhale. I turned on the spot and

brought a timid grin to my face, but Xak wasn't looking. His eyes were hidden under his hair

as he looked down. His shoulders were trembling and his fists clenched again. Oh shit. He

was fuming. His eyes, visible for a fraction of a second, flashed viciously.

"Xak…" I said in an I-can-explain tone. I rested my hand on his forearm, but he

simply brushed it off. "Xak, why are you so angry? Is it… Zeno?"

His head twitched and his nostrils flared.

"Xak! What is wrong with you? You're jealous of him even though I'm not even in a

relationship with you! It pisses me off so much!"

Bull's-eye. I struck a nerve. Xak's head snapped up. Anger, hurt and confusion

floated in his eyes.

"Get it together, Xak." I finished quietly. I lightly brushed by him and back toward

the school doors.

Mr. Wolf padded into the kitchen for his afternoon meal. I wondered around my

house in a daze, picking out an outfit, applying make-up, fixing my hair. I heard the

thumping of Mr. Wolf's tail against the doorframe. I looked down and smiled at the big,

shiny black eyes staring up at me. He was a massive creature, yet he acted just like a puppy. I

led Mr. Wolf back to my room and made sure he would stay put for the rest of the night.

I left a note for my parents, letting them know I had all ready left and I would be

home later. Then I left for Grace Smith's house. The typical giant house that belongs to the

typical rich, popular people. Loud, pounding beats pulsated from inside as I neared the door.

It was open and I saw Sadie inside, waving me over.

"Here you go." She said pushing a beer bottle in my hand. Ugh… I had to admit, I

preferred classy alcohol — usually with a sweet pineapple flavor, like rum — but since it was

the only kind there… I had no choice. I took it and popped the lid off.

"Ah, you're here!" Zeno's voice rang from behind. I looked over my shoulder and

smiled. Zeno's hair was spiky in random spots and he wore nearly skin tight, black jeans, and

a looser, black long sleeved shirt. It looked as if the collar had been sloppily ripped off. He

seemed different, though… There was something slightly… off… I couldn't put my finger

on it.

I took a swig and cringed at the bitter taste. Zeno looked over my shoulder and said,

"You've come. Everyone I invited is here." I turned around and Xak stood there. Carefully,

watching for my reactions, his hands rested on my waist and he hesitantly kissed me. My

temper had cooled and the alcohol was now bubbling happily in my stomach. I kissed back,

silently telling him he wasn't in trouble anymore. I held up my bottle to his lips and he tipped

it back, taking a long drink.

"Come on. The music is calling us." Zeno said, tugging on our sleeves. Xak picked

up a bottle of his own. Sadie was ahead of Zeno, walking into the living room, where

hundreds of other people were grouped together, dancing to the rhythm, moving as one.

Zeno took the lead and led the three of us to the center of the group. The dim lights in the

room limited my sight. I saw flashes of Sadie and Zeno, but Xak was behind me and I leaned

into his burning body. The music pounded in my chest, vibrating up to my head and ears. I

took three more swigs. It wasn't much, but it was enough to make me all fuzzy-warm feeling.

I looked down and Xak's bottle was empty.

"Heh, heh! Another round, then?" Zeno yelled over the music. In a flash, he was lost

in the crowd. Sadie whirled around and grabbed my hands to dance. The way girls do when

they know they have no dance skills. They hold hands and shift from foot to foot with the

beat. That was how Sadie and I danced. I heard Xak chucking somewhere behind me.

"Cheers, everyone!" Zeno called, thrusting drinks into our hands.

After a third bottle, we were all in party mode. The alcohol wasn't the only thing

clouding up my mind, though. It was Xak — his hands on my hips, fingers tracing where the

top of my jeans started, his body grinding against mine, listening to his heart pump with the

beat. Xak, Xak, Xak… I couldn't focus on anything except Xak.

"Ru…" I heard him murmur in my ear, "Let's take a quick break." He began pulling

me out of the crowd while pausing to tell Sadie and — reluctantly — Zeno. The four of us

made our way into a smaller and empty room — Grace's family room.

"You're such a light weight, Sade." I said, watching her stagger over to the sofa.

"Whaddya mean?" She slurred.

"Anyone need more to drink?" Zeno asked. Only Xak and I said yes. Sadie spread

out on the couch, leaving the floor for me and Xak.

"Ru," Xak began, "I want to tell you…"

I perked up, "Really?"

"Yeah… After this, come with me to my house. I want to tell you everything."

"O-okay."

"Whaaatcha talking about?" Zeno said with two bottles for us. He was acting playful

all of the sudden.

"Nothing," I replied just as playfully.

"Secrets don't make friends." Zeno shot back in a singsong voice. "I want to dance

more." And he wandered off to the living room.

I sipped my drink until Zeno disappeared.

"You hate each other, right?" I asked.

"He's kind of like…"

"A mortal enemy or something?" I joked. Xak laughed and ruffled my hair. "I'm

happy, though. You're trying."

"Good." Xak said, in an I'm-really-glad-you're-happy tone.

I was officially drunk after my fourth bottle. Everything was blurry around the edges

and I was rambling aimlessly to a dozing Sadie and a dazing Xak.

"Hey… Sadie, who do you love?" I asked, looking over my shoulder. She was asleep.

Something must be done about this. I thought. I lightly slapped her arm. "Sadie!"

"Huh? Hrmf…" Sadie mumbled.

"Who do you looove, Sadie?"

"Johnny Depp… He's a sexy beast." She said with a groggy voice, "Oh… Ryan

Reynolds too. Damn sexy."

"What, and I'm not on that list?" Zeno said, returning from the 'dance floor.'

"Mehh…" Sadie mumbled.

"Zenooo! Who do you love?" I asked.

Zeno chuckled, "Oh, dear… That's not something I enjoy talking about, because it's

quite personal for me."

"Awww. Maybe later, 'kay?" I said. I turned to Xak, "Hey, bitch, who do you love?"

He looked up and sucked in a breath. "You wanna know who I love?" He asked

teasingly.

"Yeah!" I said excitedly.

"Secret time!" Zeno exclaimed in a singsong voice. He sat, Indian-style, on the floor

next to Xak. "Tell us, tell us!"

"Yeah, tell us, Xak." I slurred, taking Zeno's still full bottle of beer.

Xak sputtered, not expecting the strong reaction, and wiped the trails of beer off of

his chin that he had dribbled.

"Uhm… Well…" He started, suddenly nervous, "There's a… erm… someone… I've

had my eye one ever since I met them."

"Ooooh!" Zeno and I said.

"Are they here now?" I asked, looking at the crowds in the surrounding rooms.

Everything spun and I held my head. I had turned too quickly.

"Yeah…" Xak said quietly, taking another swig. "I… I think I love h — erm,

them… But it wouldn't be right. I shouldn't risk it. I'm just not right for… that person." His

hand felt for the pack of cigarettes he had forgotten to bring. He fell silent and looked down

at his beer bottle.

Sadie's deep breathing mixed with the music playing in the background. I watched

Xak dazedly, finishing off the rest of Zeno's bottle.

Zeno was staring intently at Xak as he began talking again, "They have the most

beautiful eyes… They are just… perfect… Everything is perfect about them…"

There was a tiny gasp from Zeno and in a flash, Zeno was in Xak's lap, holding his

face in his hands. Zeno dipped his head down and his lips crashed against Xak's. His tongue

darted out and opened Xak's mouth and Xak responded for a moment. Suddenly, he

snapped out of his drunken stupor and pushed Zeno off.

"I wasn't talking about you!" Xak exclaimed, wiping his lips.

Zeno pouted and his eyes were wide and hurt. "Oh… Sorry…" He muttered.

I sat, staring in shock at what just happened. As it sunk in, it seemed so… fucking

hilarious! I started laughing, and it got stronger and stronger. Xak and Zeno were staring at

me incredulously. I kept laughing and it started hurting, but I couldn't stop.