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Post by whisp. on Apr 20, 2008 18:11:59 GMT -5
ooc: I love all of you, I really do, but... This is Ara and Dorian at the tea, sorry. It'll just be easier for this, since it's a big event and all. sorry!
bic: Staring at herself in the mirror, Ara let out an exasperated sigh as she turned once again, letting the ends of her baby blue dress twirl. This was parent day after all, and she had to look good, just for the sake of her parents. She ran an unsteady hand through her hair as she exhaled, not at all ready for the day ahead of her.
Her footsteps were light in the hallway and it wasn’t long until the clatter of parents meeting up with their children echoed off the old stone walls. She searched the faces, until she saw two familiar ones making their way towards her. “ARA ELIZABETH!” Victoria’s arms were around her before she could see the disapproving look she had given her mother at the screech of her name. “Hello Mother, Father.” Charles sent her a warm smile, the kind where his eyes crinkled on the sides and the warmth filled them.
Victoria let her out of her grasp and allowed enough room for her Father to embrace her in a hug of his own. “You’ve grown so much.” He said and for a moment Ara was worried that he might get all mushy from his statement, but he remained as calm as ever as he stepped back and Victoria stepped next to her daughter, looping her arm with Ara’s.
“We’ve missed you so much.” Victoria said as they made their way out doors, the sun blinding Ara for a moment with its brilliance. “I’ve missed you too.” It wasn’t a complete lie that she told, but there were many times during the day that she was glad her parents were no where around.
A tent had been set up for the event and for once, Ara was glad for Florence’s ability to plan ahead. Tables were set up, and she figured, by how many families were attending. It was only then that she noticed Victoria flagging someone down. “Mother, whose attention are you desperately trying to get?”
Her mother seemed to ignore the tone in her voice, and kept her eye on the crowd, obviously trying to make sure she didn’t loose them. “The Crictern’s.” the tone her mother used was a bit unfocused, Ara could tell that she was still following them with her eyes. “The Crictern’s? Why on earth would you be-“ “You know Dorian, correct?” Ara nodded and her mother finally turned from the crowd to look at her, a smile gushing on her face. “What do you think of him?” “Uh..” Ara stammered, not sure how she would answer that one. She shot a glance at her father, who seemed to absorbed in his own thoughts to notice the conversation she and his wife were having. “He’s alright I guess.”
It wasn’t like she was going to tell her mother how much she actually despised the boy’s guts, and what was the worst that could happen? She had to spend less than an hour at the same table with him? Ara figured she could live through that.
This news seemed to make her mother quite happy and Ara was almost half afraid to know why. “Isn’t he gorgeous?” “MOTHER!” Ara hissed, Charles didn’t seem to notice, his own eyes trailing someone else. “What?” Ara sighed, looking away from her mother and the –oh so not innocent- grin she had plastered on her face. “Ara, love. Just be on your best behavior.” “Aren’t I always?” Her mother sent her a look that was half amused, but didn’t say anything as she ran off to go get Dorian and his parents. Ara inwardly cringed.
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Post by Yuki on Apr 20, 2008 18:12:58 GMT -5
ooc: Ooh, very secretive Whisper, xD
bic: “Oh Dorian dear, we’re so happy to finally see you, it’s been soo long,” Gloria’s sing-song voice pronounced loudly. Dorian inwardly cringed, trying to keep his normal posture on the outside. Oh gods, how embarrassing. Truthfully, though, he knew that this was going to happen, which was why he wasn’t really looking forward to this day. Sure, it was great to see his parents… but not in front of all of Florence! His mother was a bit… well, exaggerated at times, and Dorian of all people knew that exaggeration could lead to downfall.
David seemed to have been able to tune Gloria out, only patted his son’s shoulder. “I know what you’re thinking, but trust me, everyone is probably like this.”
At this, Dorian couldn’t help but to smile, nodding at his father. “You’re right, I suppose…” Gloria had seemed to be a bit preoccupied with something at the moment—was she looking for something?—so she wasn’t paying any attention to the conversation her husband and her son were holding.
“Your mother is right though, we’ve missed you terribly, this school really should think about holding these events more often,” David mused to himself. After a quick second, he snapped out of his small trance and turned back to Dorian, a smile on his face. “How have you been, Dorian? Still getting good grades, or are you falling behind in class?”
“I’m doing fine, Father, and my grades are still fine,” the Handsome Eye stated with a smile. “What about the company, still in good business?”
“Of course.”
In the Crictern family, it always seemed as though it was the father and son that were much closer together than the mother and son. Dorian just seemed to ‘click’ with his father in ways he never could with Gloria. First off, David had also been the Best Friend in the Handsome Eyes—it could easily be said that Dorian inherited the position from his father—and he had taken the company from his own father, or Dorian’s grandfather. So it was obvious that Dorian would be much more closer to his father than his mo—
“Ah, Victoria! Over here!” Gloria suddenly exclaimed, rushing over to her and leaving Dorian with a confused expression on his face.
“Father,” he asked quietly, “who is Mother speaking to?”
“Mrs. MaCarther, of course. You know Ara, right? Her family—you don’t mind, right?”
Ara? Oh god. Why did Dorian’s day have to be almost ruined?
Of course, he didn’t show this horrid emotion on his face, only nodding to his father. “Yes, I know of her. She’s… nice,” he said. With that lie, his father nodded, pushing Dorian a bit ahead as they began to walk.
“We’re going to be spending the day with them, alright? You can handle it, right Dorian?”
An hour or two with Ara? Hell no.
“Of course Father, I don’t mind at all. But, what made you and Mother so interested in the MaCarthers, may I ask?” All Dorian had gotten from his dear father was a smile, and another pat on the back.
“You’ll see.” This couldn’t be good.
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Post by whisp. on Apr 20, 2008 18:51:24 GMT -5
Ara followed her Mother with her eyes as she weaved through the crowd of parents until she reached, who she presumed, to be Mrs. Crictern. Victoria embraced Gloria like they had been long friends, but Ara had no memory of her ever in her past. Ara started in the direction but her Father stopped her. “They’ll come in a minute.” He said gently, a sad sort of smile on his face. She wondered what it meant as she returned her gaze to her Mother who was laughing like a school girl.
It was then that she saw Mr. Crictern standing not too far beyond. She immediately knew who he was, simply from his looks. Dorian resembled him in more than just one way, the same hair, build, face. There were only a few things that she picked out being from his Mother.
Victoria’s laughter caused her to look up from her thoughts and see that they had practically reached the table. “And this is Ara.” Victoria said, practically glowing. “How do you do?” Ara said with a smile and a curtsy. “Ara, this is Mrs. Crictern.”
Ara examined Mrs. Crictern, the stern yet gentle look on her face, and the features that were, without a doubt, Dorian’s. “Shall we sit?” Her father said, disrupting the awkwardness. “Lovely to see you again Gloria.” He said with that charming smile of his. The one that made every women swoon, even if he didn’t mean too. She noticed Victoria lean closer to her husband. “Ah, David.” He said, reaching and shaking hands with the man.
It was then, suddenly that Ara noticed Dorian’s presence. She turned to look at him, some fake happy face plastered there. Natural enough to pass for her parents, fake enough that Victoria would pick up after a while. “Dorian.” She said, her voice as calm as ever. She wouldn’t blame Dorian for the incident that had occurred, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t play it safe for the time being. She still wasn’t sure what he knew.
“Well.” Victoria said, clasping her hands together. “Let’s not stand around shall we?” Everyone took there seats, and did a horrible job at hiding the fact that they left the last two empty seats next to each other, open. And she and Dorian were the last two standing.
Shooting a glance at Victoria, Ara gracefully took her seat. Her face was void of anger, instead replaced with some content one. It was strained though when she overheard her mother whispering into Gloria’s ear. “How are we….should you...I mean I could…what’s that?” More giggling here. “No I didn’t tell her either…it’ll just be a surprise.” “Mother…?” Victoria’s head shot up, “Yes dear?” There was an amused glint to the sparkle in her Mother’s eyes and it worried Ara. The last time she had seen that look was right before she had been shipped to Florence. “Is there something you would like to say?” Victoria’s mouth opened to respond, but Charles interrupted. “Yes, actually we do.” He glanced over at the Crictern’s, waiting for the approval or for them to speak.
Either way, Ara braced herself for a bomb of an announcement.
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Post by Yuki on Apr 20, 2008 19:57:00 GMT -5
Dorian had watched in slight disturbance as his mother and Ara's mother exchanged hellos as he looked towards his father. "I didn't know they were so close," he told his father quietly, but David had only shook his head, beginning to walk to the table.
"They aren't, you know how your mother is, though, always be a bit... well, exagerrated," David explained. "But, I think she might just be excited for... well, you'll see," and with that he began to walk away, leaving a frustrated looking Dorian. He quickly followed after, catching up with his father and looking at the two new MaCarthurs in front of him. He could barely make out the similarities in her father, but could see that her mother was almost an identical clone of Ara.
How... splendid.
Gloria smiled at Ara, pleased to finally see her in person. "It's wonderful to meet you, I've heard so many wonderful things about you," she said with a smile. "And Mr. MaCarthur, as handsome as always," she said bashfully, and at this point David and Dorian had arrived. "Ooh, Dorian," Gloria started, "I would like you to meet and Mr. Mrs. MaCarthur!" Her words had come out in jumbles, as if she was trying to get every word out into one giant sentence. She was obviously excited, and was showing no signs of holding it back.
Dorian had smiled at Victoria and Charles, nodding his head towards both of them before having his gaze fall on Ara. He restrained the urge to just glare at her, but he merely smiled instead. "Ara, what a pleasent... surprise." Ah, those were the right words, a surprise. Not one of the best surprises in his life, but certaintly one big surprise. And it was about to get bigger, wasn't it?
David and Gloria both sat down when asked to, but Dorian wouldn't budge. He was... reluctant to, but after getting a stern glare from his father, Dorian had no choice but to sit down as well. Adjusting himself to make himself more comfotable, he couldn't help but to notice his mother and Ara's mother discussing, and he was almost afraid to ask what. ANd finally, the two giggling girls had finished, and Gloria looked to Dorian with a huge grin on her face. "Is there something you... um, wish to say, Mother?" Dorian asked, trying to conceal the worried look on his face. To do this, Dorian had picked up a glass of water that was near him, putting it to his lips before listening to his mother and taking a small sip.
"Oh yes, of course! You see, sweetie, a few weeks ago, the MaCarthur's and ourselves were talking, and we thought that it'd be a wonderful idea to... well... you two are getting married!"
Dorian almost spit the water he had drunk right back into the glass, instead swallowing it down and glaring at his mother. "WHAT!?"
"Oh Dorian dear, I know it's a bit too early to think about marriage, but think about it: Ara's a lovely girl, and--"
"Mother, I don't... I can't..." He looked towards the MaCarthur's, and knew that it wouldn't be smart to just blurt out that he really disliked Ara in front of them. So, he turned away from them, only facing his parents now. "Don't we get any say in this? I really think it's too--"
"Don't be silly, you two would make a fabulous couple, and soon you'll be happily wed!" Dorian sucked in his breath at this, taking a glance back to Ara before looking back to his parents. Really, this was just wonderful, to marry Ara?! He'd rather spend the whole day with Cicily than to marry her! Oh god, what would everyone think if they heard about this? What would Iris do? Celeste? Oh, if Celeste knew, he'd be dead meat for sure.
And if Dante found out? Well, let's just not think about that worst case scenerio.
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Post by whisp. on Apr 20, 2008 20:31:44 GMT -5
Ara busied herself while she waited, pouring some tea into her cup and taking a sip as they all sat down. “Why thank you.” She said to Gloria, surprised by this. Once again, she had no idea Victoria had known her, much less talked about her daughter with her.
Her Father continued to smile, throwing in some comment about how she was surely just saying that. But Ara knew her Father thought he was an attractive man, and she knew he used to flaunt it. Everywhere they went heads were turned and each time Victoria’s grip on her husband tightened, almost afraid he would leave her.
Both Victoria and Charles nodded back at Dorian, and Ara caught her Mother gazing a bit too long, whether from the news or it being well…her mother. “Lovely to meet you as well Dorian.” Victoria said, smiling genuinely. It was around then that she turned to talk to Gloria and rushed to their seats.
“A surprise is the least thing I would have thought.” She said gently as they sat down. “But I’m not sure if ‘pleasant’ would be the right word for this little get-together.” Charles sent a look for them to be quiet and Ara sent a silent prayer that he didn’t hear what she had said.
The table seemed to silence as Gloria started with her news. Ara listened closely, looking at her Mother who was practically beaming. There was a short silence and then the words spilled out of Dorian’s Mother’s mouth. Marriage.
Ara sat very still for a moment, digesting the words in her mind. Surely this was some joke they were playing on them. She looked at her Father almost expecting him to burst into laughter any second now, but when her eyes traveled back to Victoria’s, she knew. This was a nightmare.
Dorian’s reaction only whirled her back into a more sickening reality. “Marriage?” Her voice was shaky, trying to hold back tears and anger, and she wasn’t sure which would reach her first. In her veins she could feel the magic brewing and she now had to fight that back too. Now wasn’t the time to turn the tea cup into a kitty.
“I can’t…Mother….Father…” “Ara it’ll be great. You and Dorian.” Her mother said, sending a wink her way. “I don’t want to get married!” She exclaimed, anger piercing her words. “At least let us have some word in it. Maybe we have different options.”
At this point her mother’s face grew cold and Ara almost cringed at it. “Well, seeing as you have brought no other options to the table, your Father and I decided to act for you.” The tears started to flow then, hot and angry, her frustration almost overwhelming. “Act for me?! You didn’t even give me a chance!”
She didn’t dare look at Dorian during this. She didn’t think she could bring herself to even glance. “I don’t want to mar-“ “Ara.” Her Fathers voice was stern throughout it all and she stopped to look at him. “Please take your seat.”
And she listened.
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Post by Yuki on Apr 20, 2008 22:43:29 GMT -5
Dorian had seen Ara's reaction, which was much... more quiet than he expected. Truthfully, he wouldn't be shocked if she had jumped up and ran, or at least slapped someone. But... he could understand it, though; neither Dorian nor Ara wanted to make their parents upset, especially on this day. Oh god, why did it have to be today of all days did his life have to be almost ruined?
Calm down, Dorian. It's fine, you know that you will get out of this... you get everything you want, right? So just tell your parents that you aren't comfortable with this marriage at all, and they'll probably listen... they have to, right? I mean, I'm their loving son, they should listen to me!
Proud with his little peptalk, Dorian turned to his parents and told them, "Listen, Mother, Father, I'm happy that you too are trying to make my future a bit easier for picking out a wife already, but this is ridiculous. Don't I get a say in--"
"Dorian, listen to me," Daivd said strickly. "The MaCarthurs and ourselves have already decided, and you are not getting out of this marriage, alright?"
Well, there goes your peptalk down the drain.
Dorian glared at his Father, but had nodded, understanding. He didn't fight with his father, he knew that would only lead to... well, he didn't like to think about it. He remembered the first time he had angered his father, things had not been too pretty... let's just say he would never try sneaking into his parent's room when they were out again.
But nonetheless, the Best Friend would have to find a way out of this situation. Thoughts sped through his head like a bullet, until finally, something clicked in his find. Standing up, he got another stern look from his father, but Dorian merely shrugged, saying, "I feel as though I should speak with Ara, you know... about our marriage? It's always good to speak with your new fiancé alone, right?"
Thankfully, both David and Gloria seemed to have agreed, and Dorian smiled before walking over to Ara and lightly pulling her up from the table. "Come on Ara, let's go for a little... chat." And with that, he swiftly pulled her up from the table and walked, hoping that she would get message soon enough.
ooc: sorry if I powerplayed a bit, it kinda was the only way for the post to work. =3
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Post by whisp. on Apr 21, 2008 15:59:10 GMT -5
The table was one long silence as they all sat looking at each other. Both mothers seemed equally pleased and both fathers easily frustrated. Then to their children, both of whom seemed to want nothing more than run away from each other as fast as possible. She snuck a peak at Dorian as he and his father bickered.
Ara wouldn’t lie, he was an attractive young lad, but she saw his other side. The part of him that she could never fall in love with, much less marry. They had to figure a way out of this fast before it got too far out of hand. Perhaps she could use a bit of magic, convince them it was a silly plan. Her idea was crushed though when Victoria said, “Almost everything is almost planned. You’ll just have to check to make sure you like them for the wedding.”
Shoot.
Now there was surely more people involved than she could fix. If she was going to get out of this one, it was up to her and Dorian alone. No magic helping them, but what if… ‘Cause a little trouble? Maybe she could make their parents despise each other enough to cancel, but as she heard her mother laughing she wasn’t sure she could bring herself to do it. And the magic only lasted so long.
It felt like only mere seconds and Dorian was standing beside her. “Are you sure you two want to talk by yourselves? Surely we can answer any questions you have.” Victoria said smiling, and practically screaming with her eyes for them to stay, but Ara was already up next to Dorian. “It may be best if we discuss it privately.” And she was gone, walking quickly away leaving her mother flabbergasted.
Though she wasn’t fast enough to hear, “I’m sure it’s just their initial shock. They’ll warm up to the idea soon enough. Oh Gloria do you think…” And Ara was practically running from the table and from the tent, Dorian step and step with her. Her tears by this point had dried and she was about ready to scream with anger. She didn’t even realize where they were going until they were there, the lake.
The pain of the magic beneath her skin was almost unbearable and Ara knew she had to get it out soon. Leaning against a tree she tried to shake away the power and the anger, but she felt the tree strain behind her, and she knew if someone were to be watching the top of the tree they would see it grow a few feet more. Hope Florence didn’t mind a bit more shade.
“What are we going to do?” She said, her voice having a bit of an edge to it. This couldn’t get out and had to end now before their parents did even more damage that they thought was right for them.
“Dorian, I’m not going to marry you, and you don’t want to marry me. Whatever we do has to be some logical explanation that our parents will have to listen too and believe.” She sighed, racking her brain for ideas. “The only thing I can think of is if we find someone else to marry in the next, oh I don’t know two, maybe three months.” She shook her head, hissing in anger.
This was all her mothers fault.
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Post by Yuki on Apr 21, 2008 16:47:12 GMT -5
As soon as they arrived at the lake, Dorian had sat down, still looking up towards Ara though. They'd need to think fast about this; he didn't want to marry Ara! No, he couldn't marry her! He disliked her, and Ara disliked him, so marrying them wouldn't be the smartest thing to do. Too bad his thick-headed mother couldn't realize that; no, she was too preoccupied with becoming friends with Victoria. The thought of the two of them soon being sisters-in-law sickened him, and it was something he didn't want at all.
"I think we shouldn't tell anyone," he said quietly, not breaking his gaze from her. "I mean, imagine if anyone found out... Celeste, for instance. We'd be murdered. If anyone found out, we'd be... well, I bet you get the point, right? We can't let anyone know, that means not telling Cicily or Dante. If we're lucky, we can end this soon, and no one will suspect a thing. We just need to... figure out how exactly we can stop the wedding," he said.
At this, he put his head on the grass, thinking. Alright, so maybe they could just tell their parents that they don't like each other? No, they'd just get a lecture on how they'll 'learn to love each other.' Ugh, even the thought of loving Ara made Dorian sick. Maybe... maybe they could act horrible towards the other pair of parents! But then they'd know that the two engaged were trying to fake it...oh god, it seemed as though nothing was coming to his head. With an angsty sigh, he turned his head towards the lake, watching it shimmer underneath the burning sun. Funny, how the lake and the sun can be total opposites, yet work to make something gorgeous. But then, when the sun isn't completely out, the lake could be manipulated into a horrible thing, waves crashing and water cold, as if the lake was punishing all for what the sun didn't do...
Bingo.
"Got it," Dorian said, sitting up. There was a large grin on his face as the answer just fell out of his mouth: "We pretend to be okay with it. We laugh, act happy, and all will go well. But then, something... bad can happen, we get into a huge fight, our parents realize that we won't bode well together and presto!" Dorian snapped at the word 'presto!' before continuing. "We'll be out of the marriage in no time. The only thing we'd need to do was to pretend we were actually... happy with the marriage, but I think we could fake that for at least today, right?" he asked her.
Ah, Dorian's genius was showing for just the perfect moment.
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Post by whisp. on Apr 22, 2008 18:31:02 GMT -5
Ara could feel his gaze on her as she peered out at the lake, finally sinking to the warm earth below her. This whole situation was frustrating and getting more and more annoying by the second. What force had compelled her Mother to befriend Gloria and decide ‘oh, our children would be so perfect for each other! Let’s make them get married!’ Did her Mother even have the right to define who she should marry or like? Victoria knew nothing about her, nothing at all.
She had been wrong about Phillip, and so many others after. Did Victoria honestly not think that Ara was capable of finding her own husband? It was infuriating how much this situation was ridiculous. Worst off she couldn’t just get out of it.
Turning her attention back to Dorian she nodded. “No one should know, and don’t worry I won’t say anything. Cicily and I aren’t…on speaking terms at the moment.” She bit back a retort about how horrible it would be for him if Celeste got word of this little…union. Ara herself wouldn’t be pleased with it, but Celeste was Celeste, Ara could put spiders in her bed if she really wanted too. A true rumor was maybe worth Celeste’s reaction to that.
They lapsed into silence once more and in the distance Ara could hear the screeches of little children and the laugher of adults. What could one do to get out of such a predicament? It seemed pretty clear that saying they did not like each other wasn’t going to work, and misbehaving was out of the question. Victoria could always tell when her daughter was acting up. It would take nothing more than an amused glance and a teasing bunch of words to realize their efforts were worthless.
The only other thought Ara had was for each of them to find another partner to wed before their own set date, and Ara knew that wouldn’t be the easiest task. She didn’t want to spend the remainder of the year dating all the boys in Florence just to see if one would be willing to make her their wife. Thank goodness Dorian seemed to have an idea.
“Pretend I enjoy it?” The thoughts rested with her for a moment. “I suppose we could…but what if they decide to check up on us? Victoria is very…” She sighed at this point. “She expects things. If she comes back in a week she’ll want us to be…a serious couple already.” Her eyes lingered on his face for a moment before playing with a small flower sitting in the grass. “It is worth a shot, though we just have to be careful. If anyone were to overhear or see us being a ‘couple’ it could be disastrous.”
The thought of being caught fake cuddling up with Dorian was appalling. Not to mention the scandalous rumors that would fly, another knife to her back.
Standing up, Ara wiped pieces of dirt that had splattered her dress. She took one last look at the lake before gazing back at Dorian. “Ready to be my Fiancé for the day?” She said, almost teasingly.
She just had to keep her spirits up.
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Post by Yuki on Apr 23, 2008 10:54:36 GMT -5
Never in Dorian's entire life would he ever imagine Ara actually listening to one of his ideas. Never would he think that he'd be working with Ara do actually do something worthwhile for both of them. Never did he ever think that his parents would be idiotic enough to marry him; to Ara, of all people!
But he did know he was getting out of this.
Smiling at her, he stood up, dusting some grass off of his pants. And even better, it seemed as though Ara would also do a good job of keeping the marriage quiet. But the reason for it was a bit... strange. "You and Cicily aren't on speaking terms?" Dorian frowned, something wasn't right here. "But you two are best friends, what in the world could've..." His voice trailed off and he sighed, shaking his head. "Ah, nevermind, you wouldn't tell me anyway, would you? Of course not, just forget I asked."
The frown turned into a smile again, beginning to walk back towards the tent. The smile, of course, would be on his face until the day was over. He'd have to be careful to make sure that no one would really see him this happy, though, cause then they'd know something was up. Then again, as long as he stayed by his parens, he'd be fine. Dorian would just have to make sure to stay by his parents all day, making sure that Gloria didn't go babble the news to every person in sight, and make sure that David wasn't suspicious of their plan. Everything was much too complicated than it should've been for today. Oh well.
As the two approached the tent (and with one quick look to see if anyone was looking), Dorian lightly grasped Ara's hand, much to his dislike. Just deal, Dorian, he told himself. Only one day with her, and then you're done. At least until your parents come back, but this is much better than spending the rest of your life with her, right? So just... deal with it. By this time, they had reached their table, and Dorian was pleased to see that neither Gloria nor David had run off to brag about their son. They both looked up at their return, and the first thing that Gloria noticed was the fact that her son was holding hands with his fiancé.
God help him. "Oh Dorian, it looks as though you and Ara are happy, right? You two are just so cute together!!"
Dorian held back an annoyed sigh, instead continuing to smile and nodded. "Of course we're happy Mother, why wouldn't we be? You're happy, right Ara?" he asked in a singsong voice, turning his head towards her and smile widening. Although it really did look as though he was happy, it was all an act. He knew how to act happy and merry, all thanks to Dante. Thankfully, Dante had taken the time to tell his dear friend how to act, since his whole life was practically an act himself. He'd always have to act nice, happy, fake a laugh here or there... yes, of course Dorian would pick up on some things as well.
So why should that wonderful talent go to waste at a precious time like this? Just one day.
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Post by whisp. on Apr 23, 2008 18:25:21 GMT -5
The moments at the lake were few and she smiled softly at him as they stood, silent for the moment.
“Even best friends argue.” She said solemnly, sighing despite herself. “And no, I probably wouldn’t.” She chuckled lightly. He really had no idea how much she would avoid telling him. After all, the argument was something that involved him in more ways then one. Ara wouldn’t be the one to flat out say, ‘it’s about you’. If she were to do that she would just as bubbly as a Pretty Face.
Though she wouldn’t tell him that she did plan on venting to someone later, someone he shouldn’t know and wouldn’t, even though this stranger did know him, sort of, Bryce. The Guardian would know what to do and would surely comfort her, or at least let her scream her frustration to him. He had this knack for being good at that…
The seconds seemed to go by in slow motion as they made their way back, and each time someone turned their way she almost expected them to scream, ‘YOU TWO DON’T LIKE EACH OTHER!’, but no one did and her nerves seemed to relax for the moment. Then he grabbed her hand.
It wasn’t that she wasn’t used to guys holding her hand, but just the fact that it was Dorian seemed to make her stomach scrunch up in knots. The feeling was almost overwhelming, this was a boy she despised, she shouldn’t be holding his hand, it was so wrong.
So with a smile plastered on her face and Dorian’s hand in hers she prepared herself for one of the most difficult tasks on hand, making her mother believe it was real.
She had been in so much thought she almost missed the question that was thrown her way. “Of course I’m happy!” Ara said to Gloria before turning her face in his direction, smiling like a lover does to their partner and scooting herself a little closer to him. “What a beautiful girl you have their, Dorian.” The voice was unfamiliar to her ears. She turned to look at the man more closely. He was handsome with dark hair and light blue eyes, and a facial expression that seemed to ping resemblance. She caught Victoria gazing.
“Logan, this is my daughter Ara.” Her mother said sweetly, and Ara saw her Father wrap an arm around Victoria’s shoulders.
“Pleasure to meet you.” The man said with a little bow in her direction. “If it may not be too much to ask, are you two a couple?” There was an expression on his face that Ara couldn’t quite make out. Anger? Sadness? Amusement? Happiness?
Ara knew one thing; he had to have been a Handsome Eye.
But before Ara could reply with a ‘no’ her mother’s shrill voice interrupted. “Yes, engaged.”
Oh for the love of…
Then there was that flash in his eyes again that Ara couldn’t quite make out before he smiled, his words nicer than she thought they would be. “Congratulations.” Turning back to the table he bowed to David. “I will have to check up on that piece of business. I’m sure we’ll keep in touch. Gloria, Victoria, Charles.” He turned to Dorian and Ara. “Best of luck to you two.” And with one last glance he was gone from the table, slinking off into the other direction. “Who was that?” She said gently into Dorian’s ear. “It’s imperative that little news doesn’t get out to his children. Dorian who is his child?”
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Iris Laila Smith sat at her table, stirring the tea in front of her absentmindedly. Logan had disappeared to God knows where, and she had better thoughts to think about than who her father decided to catch up with. It wasn’t until a pair of people entered the tent did she sit up straight trying to get a better view.
Was that…Dorian? With…Ara? She blinked for a moment almost unbelievingly, and was dumbstruck when she saw him reach for her hand. What the hell was he thinking? A Handsome Eye shouldn’t be with an Unloved, not him anyway. He loathed Ara with a blazing passion.
Her eyes focused in on the familiar figure of her Father and watched as he slowly made his way back, sitting without a word. “Talking to David again?” “Yes, he had a piece of advice to offer me.” A sip of tea, a bite of a finger sandwich. “Who’s Dorian with?” “Aza? I think that was her name.” “Ara?” “That’s right.” “He’s with her?” “Engaged, actually.” Iris froze, the sip of tea she was about to take making it only half way to her mouth. “Engaged?” “Yes, getting married. Do you not comprehend?” “No, I understand. It’s just…” “I know, he would have been right for you.” “No, not that Logan.” An almost sinister smile curled on her lips. “Not that at all. Excuse me.”
And she was up from the table weaving herself through the groups of people until she spotted one dark haired beauty. “Celeste, I have the news of the season.” Iris said leaning closer to her friend’s ear. “Ara Macarthur is engaged.” One smile and she was gone, almost if she had dropped something and had to pick it up. Now, now, no reason to make them think that the Pretty Faces were ahead of them now.
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Post by Yuki on Apr 23, 2008 20:34:40 GMT -5
Dorian continued to smile at Ara, sitting down at the table. It seemed as though everything would go well, and hopefully it would all end up nicely. No one would know, and this would be over very soon, if they were lucky. Things were going to be... okay. Not.
Dorian almost froze at the familiar voice booming above him. Normally, he would've stood up and shook hands with Logan, but not now. He barely even had the strength to look up at him, never mind standing up to shake his head. Thousands of thoughts raced through his head, and solutions came flying right behind. Make sure the parents don't talk about the marriage. Don't act as though you really like Ara. Change the subject. Don't act as though you really like Ara. Make sure Logan doesn't stay with the parents alone. Don't act as though you really like Ara.
"Yes, engaged."
Oh god no.
If Dorian were a serial killer, the next one on his list would most certainly be Mrs. Victoria Macarthur. Oh, how dare she?! How dare she just babble on as if this marriage was no big deal!? Dorian grabbed his glass of water again, taking a sip to calm himself. No, everything would be fine, he'd have to keep Logan here before he told-- Where'd he go?
Dorian whirled his head around, only to find that he was halfway back to his table. He held back an angered cry of frustration from this, how did he even let Logan leave the table! He already knew what was going to happen next, and what would follow. The fall of Dorian Crictern and Ara Macarthur as they knew it, how joyous. "Dorian dear, are you alright?"
Dorian turned back to his mother, nodding and placing the glass down. "Yes, of course. It's just... I haven't seen Logan in such a long time, and I barely even got to speak with him. A bit of a pity, really." At the question, Dorian looked back at Ara, trying to keep his composure but his eyes showed fear. "It's Iris," he whispered quietly, and with that he turned back to Logan's table. Hopefully, he wouldn't mention the marriage, but that was a hopeless dream. Of course Logan would tell, why wouldn't he? Dorian would just have to keep his eye on Iris to make sure that--
Looks like she's gone. This really wasn't Dorian's day. "This can't be good at all..."
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Post by whisp. on Apr 24, 2008 16:56:16 GMT -5
Ara could feel Dorian tense when Logan had spoke and the way he kept looking forward, she knew the man wasn’t good news. Though she was confused, Logan seemed to know the Crictern’s and they seemed to get along, unlike her family who smiled and stayed quiet when he had been around. Who on earth was this mystery man?
Dorian seemed like he could kill her mother when she mentioned the marriage, and as much as Ara wanted to hate her for it, she couldn’t. The news was bound to get out sooner or later and it just happened a lot quicker then anyone could have planned. Victoria seemed to be unbothered by the disruption and took a sip of her tea, eyeing Logan has he made his way back to his table.
Iris The name almost burned her tongue, just at the thought of her. Iris was the rumor mill along with Celeste, usually finding it, telling Celeste who spread it like wildfire. Ara knew that if Iris decided to spill the beans it wouldn’t be long now. In fact, she wouldn’t be surprised that by the time they left it would be out already, ruining their lives for a period of time. Well, at least hers.
She truly doubted that the Pretty Face’s would mess with a Handsome Eye’s business, especially the Best Friend. Not to mention Iris happened to be friends with Dorian, which explained Logan’s presence. Would Iris scoop to the level of betrayal against her friend, just to spread a bit of news? The thought was more than possible.
“Oh dear lord…” She whispered and her Mother shot her a glance. “Are sweetie are you alright, you look a little pale.” Sitting up a bit straighter Ara cleared her throat. “I’m feeling a little light headed, it should pass in a moment.” Another weak smile and Victoria was off of her case mentioning something to Gloria, taking all the attention off of Dorian and Ara for the moment.
There were whispers of course, and Ara could feel the stares on the back of her head. Yes, it was being fired at her and simply her. She didn’t bother to turn around to see who the faces were, but by the time tea was over she would be the most talked about person in all of Florence. Fame that wasn’t wanted.
“I’ll deal with her.” She said flatly to Dorian. “Iris won’t be bothering us again.”
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Post by Yuki on Apr 25, 2008 14:00:27 GMT -5
Dorian sighed, looking towards Ara with a slight nod. Of course there was the possibility that Iris wouldn't tell Celeste exactly who was marrying Ara, or who was marrying Dorian, but he couldn't bring his hopes up too high. He knew the nature of the Pretty Faces, they'd tell anything about anyone, even if it was someone in their own clique. The only people who were safe were themselves, which was why Dorian was just feeling a bit nervous. But he couldn't let that show; he was a Handsome Eye, the Pretty Face 'equal'. But they weren't; the Handsome Eyes were more caring about their career, while the Pretty Faces were only concerned about their looks, status, and who they were married to. What a shame.
So, maybe it was a good thing that fate brought himself and Ara together, a taste of two cliques for a short while. This would be... interesting. Right? Dorian, what the hell are you talking about? Gloria's getting to your head, you can't marry an Unloved. Thank god for his Conscious. At least something in Dorian's mind was making sense today. At least something was making sense today.
He was in his own little world until David had stood up, and Dorian glanced over to him with a look of puzzlement on his face. "Are you going somewhere, Father?" he asked, trying to keep the worry down. If his Father was leaving, then he was probably going to tell someone about this marriage. He couldn't have that, David would have to stay here, or at least in Dorian's sight.
"I'm going to see an old friend of mine, Zachary. I won't be too long Dorian."
Zachary? "But don't you want--"
"I'll only be a minute," and with that David had walked off to this... Zachary. Oh, the name sounded so familiar! Where had he heard this name before? Well, who else would David be seeing today? Probably a Handsome Eye... Well, if Dorian was in his father's shoes, then who would he go to visit? Dante... well, Dante was the Leader, so this Zachary must've been the leader as well if the old Best Friend is seeing him. But then, who is Zachary's son?
The answer hit him like a baseball with spikes on it.
Dante. Shit.
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Post by whisp. on Apr 25, 2008 17:01:00 GMT -5
The table went until an almost uneasy silence as Victoria and Gloria chatted away and her Father got up to talk to someone he had spotted. This whole get together was turning out to be a nightmare of some kind, for her at least. The whole concept of marriage wasn’t the problem, it was the arranged part. If only her mother had given her more time, she would have found the right guy eventually.
Then, without a word, David had stood up and she could practically feel Dorian’s tension. Would his father, really tell anyone about it? Well, her mother had why wouldn’t he? Biting her lip she sat silently, not wanting to interrupt Dorian’s conversation with his father.
Zachary.
The name was unfamiliar to her, just like everything in Dorian’s world was. Everyone he knew, befriended, loved, appreciated was a complete mystery to her, and Ara wasn’t sure that in the whole time that they would fake being engaged if she would try to pry into his world anymore. ‘Cause if she did, he would certainly want to know about her.
She offered Dorian a sad smile, watching as his Father made his way over towards Dante and she could feel her own face grow pale. No, not Dante, not now, not when she barely got to know him. She didn’t want him to get the wrong idea before she even got the chance to explain to him the situation. She didn’t want to loose her chance.
Ara was about to mention something to Dorian when a stern voice behind her spoke. “Ara, may I have a word?”
Her mother turned from her conversation with Gloria, offering him a warm smile. “Why, hello Phillip!” “Hello Mrs. Macarthur, pleasure to see you again.” He offered her a dashing smile and Ara thought she might have seen a bit of color rise to her Mother’s cheeks. “Might I talk to Ara for a moment?” “That would be fine with me. Ara?”
But her Mother didn’t have to ask, for Phillip practically had her up out of the seat and away from the table and Ara barely managed to get out, “Be back in a moment,” to Dorian.
They were outside of the tent now, Phillip pacing for a moment, holding the bridge of his nose with his fingers. “What the hell are you thinking!?”
This surprised her, simply due to his tone and his reaction. Phillip was one to rarely listen to the rumors that the Pretty Faces put out there, much less investigate them. “What do you mean?” “You know perfectly well what I mean.” His gaze was burning into her and Ara felt ashamed. “Well…” She bit her lip, “Dorian I didn’t mean for this to-…” “IT’S DORIAN!?” Ara’s eyes widened as she jumped when he exclaimed the name. “Shut up!” “You know, I thought you were against him, that you wouldn’t have anything to do with him. How wrong I was...” He rolled his eyes, frustration practically vibrating off of him. “It’s arranged, okay? I don’t like him, and won’t ever!” “Then get out of it!” “I can’t, and stop yelling. We don’t want or parents to know we are unhappy with it.”
At that he gave her a look like she was some crazed lunatic running the streets naked.
“Why not?!” “Phillip, you know how long it took us to get our parents off of our backs. This is marriage-“ “I know what it is.” She sighed, trying to not let the tears return. “We’re just trying a different approach, okay? Please don’t say anything.” He was silent for a long moment, thinking. “I wont. I care a lot about you Ara and I don’t want you to get married to...” His face grew dark and Ara was afraid of it. “To him. If you need my help let me know.” He gave her a quick embrace before walking her back to her table, pulling her chair out for her. Then as he went to push her in he whispered into her ear, “The Elite has your back.”
And he was gone, but not without a glare in Dorian’s direction first. Ara sighed, taking a sip of cold tea, her mind filling with too many thoughts for her head.
The Elite has your back
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