Original Stories Fan Fiction ❯ Ai no Natsu ❯ Vol. 3, Chap. 16: Paint Job ( Chapter 16 )

[ T - Teen: Not suitable for readers under 13 ]

Monday.
The apartment needs a little work. Choko assigned the chores.
Hal- Pool
Evie and Jack- Chill Lounge
Don and Reggie- Kitchen
Choko- Dining Hall
Hallie and Dustin- Lobby
Wait! Hallie and Dustin in the lobby? Oh boy! Plus there’s paint too?
First minute
Awkward silence. They can’t even look at each other. He wants to speak, but can’t. He starts, but stops.
Oh… Dustin glanced at her.
“Hey,” he said. Hallie glared at him. Not her usual cranky one either.
“Die!” her eyes screamed. “Die, mother fucker, die!” Dustin shuddered as he dipped his brush.
This is bad, he thought. I have to say something.
“Uh…” he said. “Good party yesterday.”
“The food was great.”
“Uh-huh!”
“The pool was good.”
“Uh-huh!”
*Sweat drop on Dustin’s head* This isn’t working. He painted another coat on the wall.
“How is she?” Hallie asked.
“Who?” he asked.
“How is she?”
“Who?”
On went more paint. “That little bitch.”
Dustin blinked for a moment. “Huh? Oh, Heather?”
Hallie gritted her teeth. “Yes!”
“Oh… She’s fine.”
“Uh-huh!”
“She’s really nice.”
“Uh-huh!”
Dustin pressed his lips together. Still brutal. He dipped his brush again.
Tenth Minute
Still not talking. Dustin’s stomach turned. I hate how this is turning out. Quick! Do something.
“Uh…” he said. Hallie looked at him. Dustin drew his mouth closed. His crush groaned and rolled her eyes.
“What?” she asked. Dustin tried to look away. Hallie threw down her brush.
“What?!?” she snapped. “What the hell do you want?!? Speak!”
“Hallie…” Dustin mumbled.
“What?!?”
He shut his eyes. “I like you! I like you! I like you, okay?”
More silence followed. Hallie stared at him.
“Whatever,” she mumbled.
“No, it’s true!” Dustin barked. She sat back with big eyes.
“Wow… Okay…” she mumbled. Dustin looked at the unfinished green-painted wall. Well, it’s out now. Dustin looked up at the ceiling.
Now what?, he thought.