Ace
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Okay so I apologize ahead of time for making Ace kinda such a huge jerk in this... xD I hope you like it anyway. And sorry it's so long! :)
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How could I ever hope to explain how I felt at that moment, the moment Solana, my angel, confessed her tragic past to me? I could try, but, alas, I fear I would never accurately portray the emotions that swarmed through me.
But I could try.
My heart pounded inside of my chest, beating against its protective cage as if trying to escape, and, at the same time, it felt as though my lungs couldn’t find enough oxygen in the fresh air surrounding us. Though my mind was racing, I found my thoughts sluggish and choppy, the experience unusual and new yet incredible. As my arms encircled her small form and found no resistance, they grew numb, cold, but confident. Her sorrow moved me, her pain became my own, and her trembling subsided in my embrace.
What was it? If anyone asked, I’d deny it or try to explain it, only to fail in the end.
My whole life, what I could consciously remember of it, I’d spent dancing the night away with girls whose names I didn’t bother to learn. I’d thought that was the life, but... after meeting her... I wasn’t so sure. I wasn’t sure how I could be certain of anything, anymore.
With a sigh, I closed my notebook, laying it down on the coffee table in the living room, and leaned my head back against the armrest, shutting my eyes.
My own room, as well as everyone I had spoken with’s, had become unbearable cold. For someone who owned a mansion, Akira lacked the common sense to hire a maid or technician of some sort. Then again, having a human waltz into a house filled to the brim with abominations might not have been a good idea.
Twitching, my ears picked up the soft padding of feet against the hardwood floor, as if someone were sneaking about, and, in a flash, my eyes were open, only to meet the frightened, pink eyes of Karin.
“Oh, hey, Karin,” I murmured, relaxing. The rabbit girl didn’t pose a threat, and she certainly wouldn’t pry into my thoughts as some of the other, less sensitive members often tried to do.
“H-hi, Ace,” she answered, swaying on her feet and staring at the ground. Puzzled, I kept my gaze locked on her, wondering what her intentions were.
“Is there something I can help you with?” I’d somehow lost the enthusiasm I used to possess when around... anyone of the opposite gender. Not counting Vevila, of course. She kind of gave me the creeps.
“Well... ah... not really,” she muttered, clearly lying.
“Karin.”
With a sigh, she lifted her eyes from her feet. “I was wondering if you’d like to...” She drifted off, clearing her throat as she tried again. “It’s not really important... but... would you like to come to tea?”
I blinked.
“Uh... what?” I questioned, unsure if I’d heard her correctly.
“Well... Colette wanted to have another tea party thing today, and she realized that she hadn’t met everyone in the club yet... Meaning you. There’s just going to be a few of us girls there. I just thought... you know... maybe...” Blushing, she cowered away, embarrassed.
I slid my feet off the couch and onto the floor, tossing a quick grin at her.
“I’d love to spend time with you, all of you,” I confirmed, a bit of ardor flowing back into me. With the invitation to what I assumed would be an otherwise all-girls activity, I was starting to feel like myself.
Hey, you can’t blame me. I’m a fox; ‘tis my nature.
Karin smiled gratefully, her cheeks still a precious rosy hue. “Oh, I’m glad. Um... it starts in a few minutes. One o'clock.” A nervous giggle escaped her lips. “I hope that’s alright.” Rising to my feet, I nodded, grabbing my notebook and stepping around the couch.
“That’s fine. It’s not like I have anywhere to be,” I grinned, coaxing a smile from the rabbit-girl. “Would you care to lead the way, m’dear?” With another smile, she nodded, spinning on her heels and heading for the stairs with a bounce in her step. Amused by her excitement and innocent cheer, I followed with long strides, climbing the stairs two at a time until we reached the second floor, Karin hurrying to knock on one of the closest doors.
Within a minute’s time, the vampire epitome of manners opened the door, her vintage dress reminiscent of an early 20th century doll’s. Her fanged smile was luminescent as she waved us inside, eyes bright and full of zeal.
“Good day, Ace. I’m very pleased you decided to join us,” she mused, closing the door politely behind us and gesturing for us to sit at the table. A few others occupied the chairs: the green girl, Acacia; the water nymph, Kateri; the circus vampire, Alice; the fox-girl from the airport, Riley; and... Solana.
I felt myself pale a shade as we sat down, but, apparently, she didn’t notice. At the moment, she was too wrapped up in her conversation with the sour apple to even spare a glance up. I couldn’t decided if I should be relieved or disappointed.
Why was this so confusing? Why couldn’t I comprehend what was going on? And why did I care?
“So... ah... Acacia,” Solana was whispering, pulling at her hair as the other woman stared at her levelly. “I know we aren’t exactly... best friends, but—”
“You eat what are essentially my family members. No, of course we are not bonne amies,” Acacia cut in, her words sharp enough that Solana flinched.
“Ah... sorry about that...” she murmured, swallowing. “A-anyway... I was wondering if you’d... ah... be willing to... help me write a song?” Acacia and I blinked simultaneously, taken by surprise.
“Why would you request my assistance?” she queried, skepticism obvious in her tone.
“Well... I... I wasn’t spying, but I... ah... saw your journal open on the desk outside your room one day, and... ah... your poetry... was... beautiful,” my angel whimpered, eyes wide and fearful. Before I could hear Acacia’s response, Colette interrupted as she reached near me, her arm stretching past my face.
“My sincerest apologies for keeping you all waiting so long,” she began, resting an ornate teapot in the center of the table along with a plate of gourmet pastries. “I do hope you’ll forgive me.” As soon as the words left her mouth, Solana’s gaze lifted away from Acacia and toward Colette, her eyes meeting my own. Within seconds, her face was a bright, becoming pink and her eyes were wider than ever. I couldn’t hide my grin.
“Miss Colette, your work is tremendous,” I complimented, dragging my stare away. “You can take all the time you need to prepare such wonderful hors d'œuvres.” Her crimson lips tilted into a grateful smile as she took a seat next to me.
“Why, thank you, Ace.” As she smoothed out the folds of her skirts, she reached for the teapot and poured us all a cup with expertise. “Everyone. Enjoy.”
A few minutes passed in silence as we all indulged ourselves with Colette’s fantastic cooking (excluding Acacia who, apparently, never needed to eat), but, once those few delicate moments passed, Kateri was the first to speak.
“So, Ace, how are you liking it here? I think it’s nice and big and everyone is just so awesome well for the most part,” she blurted, her words fast and energetic.
“Well, I love the company; that’s for sure,” I laughed, locking gazes with Solana for a few moments and making her cheeks flush.
God, why did I find that so... so......
“I bet you do,” Kateri agreed with a knowing grin. What? She winked. In response, I felt my eyes widen.
“Kateri, why do you have to tease him?” Alice sighed, offering an apologetic smile. I covered up my confusion with a chuckle. Next to Karin, Kateri giggled.
“Because,” she chimed. “It’s because I actually know what’s going on! And he doesn’t even know. And the rest of you don’t but I’m sure you will eventually because, I mean really, how slow could news travel around this club when it involves a co—” To my surprise, Solana laid a hand over Kateri’s lips, eyes wide and frantic, effectively cutting her off. With all eyes on her, she swallowed, slowly taking her hand away and receiving a critical glare from the other nymph.
“Um... let’s not gossip... if... if that’s alright,” she suggested, tapping the tips of her index fingers together.
“But gossip can be so juicy!” the fox girl laughed, her golden eyes reminding me of Vevila’s. They lacked the predatory hunger that the fairy’s expression always held. However, now that I looked at her for more than the few seconds I’d glanced at her in the airport, I realized...
“Do I know you?” I blurted, silencing the small talk that had surrounded me and drawing the girl’s eyes to meet mine. Her brows furrowed as she fingered the silver bow tie on her neck, seeming to contemplate something as she did so.
“No, silly. Of course not,” she answered, forcing a grin onto her lips. There was something strange about the action, as if she was uncertain. She’s lying. Even if she doesn’t know it, she is. I wasn’t sure why I made that assumption, but... I couldn’t deny it nonetheless. Was it the way her eyes darted around, how her nine tails flicked as if twitching? “I don’t even know your name!”
“Ace.” My reply was short, unintentionally so, but short either way. Judging by the way her expression stayed stagnant, I assumed my words hadn’t affected her.
“I shall call you... ACEY!” she exclaimed, beaming. “Oh, and the name’s Riley. We’re kinda the same, you know? Foxes? But I bet you can’t control fire. And you only have one tail.” Is shetrying to make me feel inferior?
“Riley...” Solana interrupted, shaking her head, a faint glimmer of a smile visible on her lips. “You don’t... um... have to brag.” Pursing her lips, the fox fluffed her hair, offering a coy grin.
“But Acey seems like he’s so much fun to mess with!” she whined, stifling her giggle.
“I can assure you I’m not,” I answered, keeping my expression stoic and my tone monotonous. Solana’s inquisitive stare bore into me, but, averting my eyes, I refused to meet it. She was curious about my behavior, how different I seemed; that much was obvious. But I couldn’t tell her that, oh no. I couldn’t accept the fact. And I refused to try.
“So, Ace,” Alice began, her red eyes glinting in the dim light, “Solana tells us you write?” Surprised, I dared to glance at her, doing so in time to catch her embarrassed blush.
“Ah, yes, I do,” I replied, distracted. Why is this so casual? It’s forced. It’s stressful. I need to get out of here.
“Poetry? Novels?” Kateri blurted, bouncing in her seat.
“Short stories.” I began to tap my fingers against the wooden surface, a sliver of anxiety growing within me. It’s coming back. How can I escape?
“Like what? Can we read so—?”
“Maybe another time,” I interrupted, rising to my feet, the room spinning. “I... Please excuse me.”
Ignoring Solana’s concerned gaze, I turned on my heel and left the room, running a hand through my hair. It shook as my fingers tugged at the roots, and, trembling, I was forced to stop near the stairs, leaning against the wall and letting out a shaky breath.
“Why?” I whispered, closing my eyes and tilting my face heavenward. “Why is this happening now?” My nails dug into my palms, the only rational thing in the throes of my insanity. Pain. My own personal torture and therapy. I couldn’t handle this... these emotions. After nearly twenty years of hiding them, of concealing them from the rest of the world, I’d forgotten how horrid it could be when others saw.
I couldn’t do that, not to anyone. I couldn’t force anyone to endure it with me. It wasn’t right.
“How can I keep this under wraps this time?” I murmured, shaking my head. “I can’t... I can’t just lie...”
“Can’t you?” a familiar, esurient voice questioned, urging my eyes open. Who else could it be but Vevila, currently reclining against the bannister, her stare unwavering and alluring.
“I’m not in the mood for your sh*tty games, Vevila,” I snapped, pushing off the wall and brushing past her. She sighed.
“It’s a good thing I wasn’t playing one,” she countered, freezing me in my tracks. Slowly, I turned around to face her, maintaining my steely glare. “Actually, this may come as a surprise to you, but I want to help you.”
“Why? What’s in it for you?”
“An accomplice, a partner in crime.” She was serious. Dead serious.
“I don’t understand.”
“Of course you don’t, darling,” she groaned, stepping toward me and resting a gray hand on my forearm. How peculiar it was that, while she was undeniably beautiful and seductive, her hands were disgusting and gnarly. Perhaps that was her only physical flaw.
“Would you care to explain?” I queried, growing impatient.
“I joined this club for one reason and one reason only,” she began, running her nails down my arm and leaving pink scratches. “It wasn’t to make friends or to experience new things. Those pursuits are idiotic and pointless.” As she flipped her hair over her shoulder, she leveled her stare. “I want my comb.”
“A comb.” I wasn’t sure if I’d heard her accurately.
“That is correct.”
“You’re here because of a stupid comb?” I laughed unable to believe it. Sure, the laugh was forced, but it distracted me for a few moments from the terrible trembling in my hands.
“You don’t understand, foolish mortal,” she hissed, grabbing my wrist and halting my laugh. “Call me materialistic or selfish, but I need my comb.”
“Sure you do.” Shaking my head, I yanked my wrist from her grasp.
“You’re a thief.”
“What else is new?”
“I need a professional’s help.” While her tone was sharp, her words were sincere. “Someone stole it from me long ago, and I. Want. It. Back.” Why it was so special, I didn’t understand, nor did I wish to.
“Say I did help you,” I offered, earning a pleased grin from the woman. “And only as a possibility. What would I get out of it?”
“Love.”
“No thanks,” I barked, shuddering.
“Not mine, idiot. That little weakling, Solana.” Fury burned inside of me, and I couldn’t fully understand why. “You can’t keep lying to her. She told you her story.”
“How do you kno—”
“Word travels through this club like wildfire, dear Ace. Now don’t worry. I don’t know any specifics. I just happened to overhear the little pixie gushing to her nymph friend about how you were so sympathetic. And, you know, I’d like to believe that about you. Men who are genuinely nice and kind are always a challenge to break. However, I’m inclined to believe otherwise.”
“Why? What makes you doubt me?” I stuffed my hands in my pockets, unable to control the tremors, digging my nails into my palms even harder than before.
“You’re a pathological liar, dearie,” she chirped, tugging me back toward her. “You’ve lied since day one. I didn’t realize it at first, but, now that I know, I have so much more respect for you. Not enough to like you, but enough to be willing to work with you. You’ve lied to everyone, haven’t you? Maybe you haven’t realized it yourself.” Blanching, I swallowed hard, keeping my eyes locked on her and steadying my breathing as best I could.
“What do you propose?”
“For starters, I can help you gain trust. You and your... attempts at flirting... may do the trick sometime, but, with how you’ve been acting lately,” instantly, the words “rude,” “selfish,” “cruel,” and “stupid,” flitted through my mind, “I’d say it won’t work for much longer. I know how to get on people’s good sides. I hate doing so myself because it only creates a liability, but I know you won’t mind.”
“Why should I believe you? Why should I even trust you at all?” I snapped, setting my jaw.
“There is the slight matter of blackmailing you,” she purred, laughing at the terrified expression that crossed over my features. “I’d hate for it to come to that, but... one day, it might just slip out.” While I doubted anyone would believe her, the fear that someone might was enough to drive my actions.
“Fine. I’ll help you. I don’t know exactly what you want me to do or how you expect me to help, but I’ll give it my best shot.” I paused, her satisfied smile meeting my words. “What I want to know, though, is how you figured out I was lying.” At that, she laughed.
“That’s what’s the best part of this whole ordeal,” she smirked, standing on her tiptoes to caress my ears. In a hushed tone, she answered, “I was basing it all on a theory. You told me. You confirmed it. You sealed your own demise.”
“You b*tch!” I cried, slapping her hand away, earning a feral grin in return.
“Oh ho ho, Ace has got a temper. Yet another asset to my plan.”
“You cold-hearted, manipulative, conniving little—”
“While I’d love to listen to all your compliments, I really must be off. Ta ta for now, my dear, sweet acquaintance. I look forward to working with you.” Dancing away, she laughed, the sound mocking and musical.
As soon as she was out of sight, I backed into the nearest wall, sliding down and resting my elbows on my knees, my eyes closed and breathing even.
I’d let myself be used, deceived. How could I have been so stupid?
Exhaling through clenched teeth, I scraped my nails from the nape of my neck to my throat, damaging the skin and emanating a sharp pain I couldn’t help but react to.
As I struggled to keep myself calm, the floorboards nearby creaked, the footsteps slow and cautious. Seeing as I wasn’t thinking clearly, my mind didn’t review the words my lips formed before it was too late.
“Vevila, I don’t have time for any more of your mind-f*ck games. I am tired of this sh*t, and I don’t need to deal with you anymore. Do you understand?” My words were sharp and cold, and, as soon as I’d spoken, the footsteps stopped.
“‘Vevila?’” a timid, sweet voice questioned, sounding meek and hurt. Immediately, my eyes flashed open, my hands dropping from my neck. Swaying, Solana bit her lip, eyes wide.
“Solana, I—” I began, rising to my feet, but, with a shake of her head, she stopped me.
“No, it’s... it’s alright. You can talk to whoever you want. I just... the way you said that...” She swallowed, averting her gaze. “It made me worry a bit. What... what happened?”
“Nothing. She’s just not a nice person,” I replied, no hesitation showing in my voice, causing her to flinch.
“That’s putting it mildly,” she concurred, a half smile gracing her lips. I forced an identical one onto mine. A few moments of silence passed, her pale face tinted pink with a faint rosy blush. The way she stood, rigid yet mobile, hinted that she had something to say.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, reaching for her hand. It was habitual, the motion, and, as I realized what I was doing, I faltered. In fear of offending her more so than I already had, I continued, but, even without glancing into her eyes, I knew she’d noticed.
“Oh... ah... nothing.” Her pupils dilated, her lips parted, as she lied. When I only stared back at her, she sighed, hiding half of her face with her hair. “I just... it’s really silly.”
“Hey, I’m here to listen.”
“I just... I wanted to know...” she started, her breathing quickening. “How do you feel about me?” Stunned, I blinked in her direction, unsure of how I could respond. “I mean...”
“I know what you mean, angel,” I cut in, stretching a hand to her face to brush away a few strands of hair. Out of the corner of her eyes, she watched, her cheeks flushing brighter. “The truth is...”
Don’t. Don’t do it. It’ll end badly.
“The truth is that...”
You tell the truth and you’ve killed her. Tell her the truth and you’ll ruin her life. She doesn’t deserve that.
“Solana...”
Lie. If you want to keep her safe, you can’t subject her to what plagues you. Do it for her.
“You’re a great friend.” I hated myself for saying that, and, when the light in her eyes dimmed, I hated myself even more. “I’m glad we have such a good, mutual relationship.” Moisture glistened in her eyes.
“Ah... yeah. Yeah, I’m glad, too,” she murmured, keeping her voice low. “Um...”
“Were you expecting something different?” Why can’t I even censor my thoughts?! The pain in her eyes was agonizing.
“Well... no. I wasn’t expecting anything different.”
“Good. I’d have hated to disappoint you.” God, the look on her face was enough to kill me, shatter my heart and burn the pieces.
“Right... ah... right,” she murmured, swallowing hard, hiding the tears in her eyes. I wished I could comfort her, but everything would be easier if she didn’t know the truth. “I... ah... I have to go.”
“Where?”
“Anywhere but here,” she muttered, shocking me with her abrasiveness.
“Why are you acting like this?”
“Like what?”
“As though you’re upset with me.”
“I don’t know.”
“Well, stop it.” A single tear slipped down her cheek. “Don’t act like you’re surprised or hurt.”
“What if... what if I am?” she queried, her eyes wide as she hastily wiped away the droplet of moisture.
“You have no right to be that way.” Her brows furrowed. “You shouldn’t have hoped for anything different.”
“Ace...”
“Solana. Just leave me,” My voice faltered, “alone.” Wrapping her arms around herself, she nodded, turning on her heel and striding away, her breathing ragged.
“What the h*ll is wrong with you?” I muttered to myself as she disappeared, grabbing the roots of my hair.
I’d had an opportunity to force myself to accept the truth, but, instead, I had driven away the one person who’d ever shown genuine interest in me, the only person who had been genuine and sincere in a world of lies.
I’d ruined everything. And I could never redeem myself.
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I'd be glad to hear your comments and critiques! Thanks, you guys! :D
