;;Nothing to do{Ara&Dante}when you do everything;;

[Tsubasa]

It was breezy, but not cold. Though a particularly frosty breeze swept through Dante, and he used his arms to shield himself from the attack. Shudder. Arms encircled around his thin frame; he should have at least brought something to cover better. The student was usually more prepared. He was always prepared, for just about anything. But lately... lately he had been spacing out a bit, not up to his usual self. The brunet didn't know why, he just was. Maybe that was why he had stumbled out her in a daze, looking for some sort of peace that would allow him to explore this uncertainty a bit more. It helped...sometimes, that is. At times these days, Dante grew worried, afraid he would lose himself in this confusion. But then he realized that he was Dante, Dante Yerami, the Leader of the Handsome Eyes? Had he forgotten this amazing person? The student that ruled over all the others? How foolish.

The 'amazing person' closed his eyes, letting out a slight chuckle. This was silly, stupid even. Why was he acting so melodramatic? There was no reason for any of this really, he probably was just bored and needed something new to do. Thad must be it. Dante wasn't just some girl or some forty-year old during his mid-life crisis. Christ, he was only eighteen, way too young to think about these 'purpose' kind of thoughts. He had a purpose, he was mother-fucking Dante. That was all that needed to be said.

He needed to snap out of this phase, it was unsightly. Only nobodies had confusing thoughts in life, he knew where he was going. He was just so god-damned bored. Girls, boys, they were all the same. Dante tasted just about every kind of person he had wanted to taste, and fought with everyone he didn't like. So predictable, so uneventful, so lifeless. God, the boy needed something different in his life.

So. Why was he hear sulking about it? Dreaming about it? He was a leader, he always got what he wanted, so he should just go out and fucking get it already. The Handsome Eye was sick and tired of just sitting there and waiting for things to happen, to fall in to place. He was sick of his complacent life where everything was already planned. But that was fate, he was to marry a beautiful obedient girl from a high class family and become the governor of London like his father. Probably become even more than that, considering who he was.

Dante took a breath. He was go and do all of this, he really would. He just wanted to stay, leaning on this tree, shielding by the branches thick with crisp leaves, just for a little bit longer. Just a bit.

(mer. SHORT. Because I've learned that I just can't write long posts. Also, I really need to get to that apple store >>)

[whisp.]

Ara McArthur was not afraid of the bitter wind or the not-so-warm pond. She was also not afraid of being caught out in the water as the sun slowly started to dip behind the trees. At that moment, she was free to think her own thoughts and to be who she wanted to be (not that she pretended to be anything but). Her body felt numb on the inside, resistant to the cold. As Ara spread her limbs out, she allowed every nerve to capture the moment.

And as the air slowly left her lungs, she dug her toes into the rich muddy sand and kicked off, sending her floating to the top. The moment that her head came above water, she took in deep breathes and smiled to herself. It felt so good to be left with ones own thoughts and experience. The rush of the water around her body was electrifying and fresh.

Allowing her eyes to take in her surroundings, Ara became aware that she was no longer alone. For a long time she simply studied the leader of the Handsome Eyes. He seemed so much different…alone--when he didn’t have to have the face to put forth to everyone. He looked…sad. Running her hand through her hair, she shook it out a bit before she ventured a little closer to shore.

“Mr. Yerami I didn’t think you’d be the type to wander off by yourself.” She commented, using the constant paddle of her legs to keep her afloat. “You should come and swim. Once the initially shock of the cold water wears off it’s quite lovely.”

The breeze that flew past her caused a shiver to run up her spine and she dipped her head back, allowing the water to soak through her blonde hair. Despite her position in the Unloved, she definitely was one of the most care-free. Lately there had been much talk about all sorts of dark spirits around the school, but Ara didn’t seem to be aware of such danger. The way she saw it, if something wanted her that much…it would find a way to get her. There was no use hiding in her room. If she was going to meet a sudden death, she would much rather have it happen while she was enjoying herself rather than cowering in fear.

Her blue eyes studied the leader and she wondered what could possibly have him so terribly troubled. To her, his life seemed pretty easy—everything in his path was laid out for him. All he had to do was reach out and grab what he wanted and no one would bat an eye. But Ara suddenly wondered maybe the boy wouldn’t want that lifestyle.
I suppose it’d be time for his rebelling. She thought to herself, but after reviewing how Dante treated others, that didn’t seem plausible.

Honestly, Ara read too much into these affairs.


ooc: this sucks. D: isry.

[Tsubasa]

He was just making excuses. Take a breath, shake off the thoughts, wait till the sun goes down, till it's so cold he'll be forced to leave, etc. They were all just excuses that he was making so he could stay longer. Why was that? Dante figured he didn't want to back to the school, to put his facade on for the show, ready for a eager audience. It was tiring sometimes, and at times he just wanted to break that mask in two and leap off the stage, give the audience a fright. Would they think it was part of the show? Or realize the truth? Dante wasn't ready to find out. And as much as he tried to prevent himself, he had to go back.

The boy retracted himself from his position against the tree, ready to head back, when he heard noises. Splashing noises, coming from the lake. He looked to his right, surprised that in his daze he hadn't even noticed that another person had been present. You're losing your touch. His body tensed, froze in the few seconds he had to determine friend or foe. Brown eyes settled on damp blond hair floating in the center of ripples. Arms stretched out - light skin, delicate, woman's arms. Then, sparkling blue eyes peered from under the yellow mop, filled with curiosity and... interest.

“Mr. Yerami I didn’t think you’d be the type to wander off by yourself....You should come and swim. Once the initially shock of the cold water wears off it’s quite lovely.”

His caution melted away instantly. This girl was no threat, that much was obvious. Dante was intrigued, to say the less. She seemed daring, not at all afraid of consequences. An unloved? How brave though, for one from a lesser clique to approach the leader of the Handsome Eyes with such familiarity. His face warped into a smirk, which in seconds warped into a kind smile. She was interesting, and by the looks of it, very attractive. He reasoned that he had not yet had a girl from the Unloved clique, and the idea of a forbidden taste seemed to good to resist. He did love that word - forbidden. The Unloved and the Handsome Eyes were not meant to mix, they were too far apart in the social scene. A secret broken rule could ignite excitement - that is, as long as nobody found out. Dante would make sure of that.

The boy had found his new excitement, his turn of events. Now, life didn't seem so boring. Dante stepped out from under the shade of the tree, moving towards direct sun-light that would help to enhance his features. He scanned the girl, liking the way her clothes clung to her when she was wet. Of course, he made sure to not let her notice that bit. He presented her with a smile, one that was neither too excited nor weak. It was a kind, interested-seeming smile.

"Well you see, I would love to but I'm afraid to get my clothes wet. I'm supposed to be back at school soon." He grin widened, but not too much. "Mind if I ask you your name, Ms. Siren?"


(see? how could yours be horrible compared to this thing?) [/size]

[whisp.]

Ara lifted her arms above the water, allowing the muscles to pull underneath her skin. The soreness in her limbs was welcoming to her, it let her feel alive. She would much rather be doing this all day than sitting at tea parties and making light conversation or gossiping about the neighbors haircut. She supposed that’s what made her and the Unloved so much different than all the other cliques. They were the girls that didn’t care what society said about them. They didn’t care what they were supposed to be doing or what they were supposed to wear or act or say. They were the rebels and although they never said it aloud, many of their actions proved other than the status quo.

Perhaps that is what she found most interesting about Danete Yerami. He was the classic example of a young man who was fixated on his future and what he had to do, not what he wanted to do. But maybe that was all rumors. Of course Ara had heard of the leader, who hadn’t? There was quite a bunch of buzz around his name and as he stepped out to allow her to see him better, she quirked an eyebrow at him. Perhaps he did want what he had to do. And if he did, who was she to judge?

The young woman absently started to braid her hair as she balanced on the soil of the pond. She was in simple underclothes, enough to cover all that needed to be covered and light enough that she didn’t drag in the water. If it had been in the dark of night she would have opted to wear nothing at all, but it was encounters like this that made her glad she had chosen to keep something on.

Ara studied his facial expressions and wondered what he must be thinking. Surely he was surprised that an Unloved would speak to him. That’s how all those cliques reacted when she spoke up and acted like a human being. In all honesty, in the outside world, her family had just as much status as any other. Both her father and grandfather had been great generals and were famous for the work they had done. She knew her family had already gotten many engagement requests from dashing young men, but something arranged wasn’t for her. But, with her mother in charge, she never knew what she’d end up with. Despite that, it didn’t seem to change the fact that at Florence she was still treated with as much respect as dirt.

“Awh, what a pity. I think you’d enjoy a quick swim.” She shrugged slowly, letting her braid rest on her shoulder. There was a pause before she let herself answer his last question. “Ara MacArthur. And you’re Dante Yerami. Lovely to finally meet you.” But honestly, Ara didn’t know if it’d be lovely at all.

(yours is fineeeeeeeeeeeeee. i swear. <3)

[Tsubasa]

Dante thought it over. To swim or not to swim? He had at first rejected the thought due to his pressing obligations, but now the prospect might be a quick tool for a step towards the relationship he pined for. Letting out a deep sigh, as if saying very well..., the student put a hand through his hair before removing his vest.

"Alright then, Ara," he smirked at her, "I suppose a quick swim wouldn't hurt."

Following the vest, he hastily unbuttoned his shirt and slid it off with ease. He turned his attention towards her, before moving at an increasing speed and plunging into the water. At first the hit of flesh on liquid left him dazed for a second, as one usually is, but he managed to open his eyes underwater and shoot back upwards towards the surface with a exasperated breath. He laughed, moving the soggy strands that blocked his vision.

"I'm hoping you'll keep to your word about the water warming up, because right now it is pretty damned cold."

Hoping to heat his shivering form and warm up the blood, Dante made through the water, not going but a few feet away from the other. He went back under the icy surface, gliding through and peering at the black emptiness that was the lake. Once finding himself less cold then he previously was, and in need of air, Dante dove back up. He gasped for breath once again, then smiled, feeling at ease somehow.

"Hmmm, I haven't swam in the lake in a while. I should do this more often."

The water had this tendency to calm him down, helpful being that he was such a bottle of rage underneath his calm and collected display. He couldn't remember the last time he had drowned his thoughts in the refreshing ripples of the lake, though. Really, there were some things Dante needed to revisit.


(TOO SHORT BUT I JUST CAN'T WRITE NO MO)

[whisp.]

Ara watched him as he mentally debated with himself. Absently she began to swim around the pond to keep her joints and muscles warm and to keep them from becoming to stiff. The last thing she needed was to suddenly start drowning with him around. She would guess that the boy would save her if need be, but if anything around here wanted her dead, it would be the perfect opportunity to impose.

There was always something peaceful about being in the water this late at night. Of course, she was here for other reasons. She had sent Lillian Black into the woods and with all this talk about dark spirits, Ara didn’t think that being far away in the school would do Lillian any good if she needed help. And so here she was, swimming and trying to act like a nice little normal student.

”I don’t think it ever hurt anyone.” Ara commented as she floated on her back while he stripped down. She supposed he’d want her starring at him and ogling, but Ara hadn’t seen much personality in the boy that made her want to cling to him and let him have her. Right now, she was testing the waters.

As he warmed up, however, she let her eyes stray to him to watch curiously. ”I’m surprised you hadn’t come out here before. It’s rather lovely. To come and live deliberately. I always try to get a swim or two in a day.” As she talked she bobbed above the water, and her underclothes clung to her wet skin creating a see through effect.

”If you don’t mind me asking, but what were you thinking that had you so troubled?” Ara asked curiously. She wasn’t the type of girl to skip around the point. And this leader was definitely someone she didn’t want to skip around the point with.

[Tsubasa]

He stopped swimming around and merely kept himself afloat in the cool waters, paddling his feet as to not sink down. As he stopped, he let his eyes wander towards the girl, appreciating what he was seeing. Dante wondered why he hadn't noticed such a pretty girl before - probably though, he reminded himself, because she was in the Unloved.

But he really didn't think that clique was so bad. Sure, he despised the Pitty-Parties, the Suck-Ups, and the Bookworms, but as lower cliques went the Unloved really intrigued him. The boy didn't know why, maybe he liked their sightly rebellious nature that wasn't as bad as the Misfits; a boring girl would do no good.

They weren't vain like the Pretty Faces, or as loose as the Heartbreakers either. And the Bookworms, Penny-Pinchers, and Suck-Ups were just pathetic. Especially the Suck-Ups.

His eyes made contact with hers, and he found himself staring. There was something about her eyes that just... he didn't know how to describe it. But Dante quickly shook it off and took his gaze to some vacant spot.

"I used to come here a lot, before. I suppose I just got busy, is all."

The boy took his gaze back, careful not to stare again. Though, her next question came as a bit of surprise to him - he wasn't used to girls asking such insightful questions. He didn't really know what to respond with. Hell he didn't even know what had troubled his mind so.

Dante supposed he should come to some sort of conclusion though. Balancing himself on his back, floating on the water, he stared up at the sky, all the while keeping his attention still on Ara.

"I'm not sure, to tell you the truth. I think... well, maybe I'm just a bit tired is all." He took a breath. "Bored really, with the same routine in life. Not saying that my life isn't great and all," he chuckled, "just... I'm not sure I enjoy the 'routine business'."

He turned back to her, his eyes thoughtful and soft.

"You get what I mean?"

Dante caught himself. He found that he had been a little bit too open towards this stranger. Sure he was interested in her, but he knew nothing about her. Why was he spilling this all out? Sure he hadn't told her the exact whole truth, but he wasn't lying either. Today was very strange indeed... Dante moved back to a normal position in the water, smirking and shaking his head.

"Sorry, got a bit melodramatic there. Tell me if I'm boring you."

[whisp.]

Ara tilted her head back into the water, trying to keep her body adjusted to the temperature. With the wind blowing against her damp face, half of her felt cool and the other half content. Every now and then she’d dunk under quickly to refresh the feeling, but she was never gone for long. She was curious about Dante and she didn’t want him to think she was attempting to avoid him.

It was sometime when she came back up did their gaze meet. The young woman tilted her head slightly, taking him in too. There was a part of her that wanted to believe that he was being sincere, but another part of her tugged at the idea that he was just putting up a face. After all, he did seem to be fighting with himself over something complicated. Yet, he was captivating and complex, and something about him made her want to tug at the layers.

”You should always make time to enjoy yourself.” She said absently. ”I’m supposed to be doing things, yet here I am. You need it to level yourself out.” Ara wasn’t trying to lecture the man, but she hoped to make a point. There were things in Ara’s life that she felt firm about…things that she wished others could see. Sure, there was a lot in this life that they’d never know about or even dream about. Maybe they’d read it in a fairy tale some day. But her world would never be real to anyone else, and that’s why she felt she needed to get things across, for people to believe her, because she knew what else the world had to offer. How little their worries were if they could only see hers.

Thinking of all that was out there, Ara let her eyes drift to the woods that surrounded them. There were so many things that could be watching her, waiting. Would they make any move when Dante was right there with her? She doubted it. It seemed as if these creatures wanted to wait until they made their revelation to the whole world. For now, it was safe.

”I know what you mean.” She said honestly, turning her full attention back to Dante. ”Perhaps you should find something that will add spice to your life. If everything is planned for you and set, you might as well enjoy the free time you have.” She didn’t sound as if she was criticizing his life, and she wasn’t. She knew that with society, certain people were chosen for certain things. Ara herself just enjoyed breaking all those rules.

”Why do you do that?” She asked suddenly, not afraid of the boundaries he seemed certain to keep. ”Why do you act like everything you have to say has to come out right? I don’t bite. I won’t go running off to tell the world how you’re feeling.” She chuckled lightly. ”No, you don’t bore me Dante. In fact, you make me curious.” Ara let her eyes trail over to his once more. ”Very curious.”

[Tsubasa]

The Handsome Eye took her words into consideration. When did he enjoy himself? When he was putting on a show? When he was fooling around with students who soon would have their hearts broken? When he was instilling fear into those that crossed him? Dante didn't know. He didn't know if that was what joy really was.

His mind went back to his early childhood. Dante vaugely remembered days with Peter, playing around like kids. Was that considered joyful? Maybe. Until that bitch betrayed him.

The brunette turned his thoughts back on Ara, listening again to her words. Yes, everything really was planned in his life. Maybe that was why he went and fooled around with so many people, secretly breaking the rules. Doing things that normal people shouldn't. That was his way to 'spice things up', he supposed.

But was it enough? Now it just seemed to be a boring old routine. Plus, the school only had so many willing participants. Maybe this blond girl that was speaking so intimitely with him now knew what to do. Knew what could make his life less predictiable and boring. But hey, he didn't even know her, why was this talk getting so intimate? Why did he feel like she was so special? Hell, they just met! This was getting a little crazy.

”Why do you act like everything you have to say has to come out right?"

Excuse me?

Dante blinked once. Twice. A third time. Just what kind of words were coming out of this girl's mouth? No one ever asked him questions like that. They were either trying to piss him off or get on his good side, never in between. Well, except for Dorian. But Dorian didn't count. He was Dorian.

Could she... could she see through his act? It was started to seem like she didn't exactly believe everything he was telling her. Did he slip up? No, no way. He was perfect. Maybe then she was just... different was all.

Dante raised an eyebrow, letting a short silence come between them. Then he smiled.

"Well you see, when I first meet a girl who I deem interesting, I like to make a good first impression. Sorry if I seem... a bit fake."

He chuckled, to make things seem a bit easier.

"I'm glad then that I don't bore you. The same can go for you."

[whisp.]

Ara allowed the silence to surround them. It wasn’t uncomfortable and it wasn’t unwelcome. It was a peaceful day and with all the other noises to fill the air, there wasn’t anything awkward about their situation. In fact, if Ara could really describe their conversation in one word it’d be entertaining. She did not know what the leader must think of her, but she knew she probably wasn’t falling into any category he’d had before. She’d been told she must come from a different era, that she was too forward for a woman, but she didn’t care. She was who she was. If Dante couldn’t accept that, than he wasn’t worth her time.

Every time he seemed to get lost in his thoughts, Ara would use the chance to study his face. The man was definitely attractive to the eyes, and his body was desirable. But she’d heard so much about him. It was hard to trust a stranger, though she could see why many would trust him right away.

Her thoughts drifted to Lillian and Bryce. She wondered just how much danger they had put each other in just by loving one another. Ara didn’t know if she could put someone in that same amount of danger. Even if something came from this…get together, Ara wasn’t sure if she could even put her whole heart into it. At least, not with all the darkness. She wouldn’t risk someone else’s life just because she wanted a boyfriend. Shaking her head, Ara ran her hand down her braid and took a deep breathe.

And then she realized just how much she had surprised him. Ara had to smuggle a smile on her face and attempted to not look too amused by his reaction. Yes, she had definitely taken him by surprise by her question. There was just so much about Dante that she was sure couldn’t be real. She was friends with enough people who put on an act but melted it away around the right people. Dante just seemed like he could fall into that category.

”Impress girls, I see.” She said, pacing slightly in the water. ”Mr. Yerami, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I think it’s how you act all the time. I’m sorry if that may sound offensive. I just…read people well.” She said in all honestly. Her blue eyes met up with his again and she held his gaze for a long time. There was a feeling that bubbled up inside her, and it was something new. Not terrified, but scared. Not ecstatic, but happy. Not paranoid, but anxious. It just all came to her at once and she took a deep breath as if she’d been holding it.

”I’m glad that I don’t bore you. I’d be upset with myself if I did.” Ara said softly before she glanced back to the forest again. It seemed as if Lillian had been gone for some time and Ara was beginning to worry. ”where was it that you had to be later?” She asked curiously as she turned back to Dante.

[Tsubasa]

This girl was just full of surprises. She never ceased to amaze him

Dante wasn't wrong, he was being perfect, she just was very perceptive. A little too perceptive. Wait a second. The brunette started to worry, what if she saw through his entire act? What if she realized how much of a fake he really was? It might not be SO bad. That is... unless she told people. She was an Unloved after all, a 'rebel', she might find this as a way to get back at the so called nasty Handsome Eyes.

Think Dante, think. You're jumping to conclusions, this Ara doesn't seem the type to snitch. Of course, he hardly knew her, but she just seemed that way to him. Well, he had to hope for the best. For now, he could just try to at least not seem like a terrible guy... Was he a terrible guy? The leader guessed he was. It's not like he meant to be, it's just how he was raised. Er, not the best excuse though, he supposed.

Breathing out a sigh, he looked Ara straight in the eyes with a sense of seriousness. He supposed she couldn't be so bad.

"It's difficult to be the leader of the Handsome Eyes, there's expectations you have to fulfill. I can't slack off, I need to seem perfect or 'bam', it's all over."

He lay his head on the water. It was starting to get a bit cold, he probably should get out soon.

"You don't seem the type to snitch, Ara." He lifted his head, giving a slight worried smile. "You won't tell, will you? After all, it's not like I'm not great as well underneath." He chuckled, realizing how narcissistic that sounded.

God, when did he get so personal? He was being so nice with this girl that he hardly knew. He was telling her a lot. This probably wasn't going to end up so well.

"Ah, well, I was going to go meet with Dorian about something." He shifted his gaze. "But that can wait."

He hoped this girl would be the nice person he thought she was. Otherwise, there would be trouble.

[whisp.]

Ara could sense the tension that rolled off his body as soon as her words went piling out of her mouth. There was so much about this young man that sincerely interested the Unloved. She supposed she had definitely found someone who had secrets to hide and a story of his own. Perhaps he wasn’t the boy she had thought he was all along.

She’d have to find out more.

The young woman turned herself around in the water slowly and squeezed water out of her hair. By now her fingertips were wrinkly and numb and she wondered just how long she had been dipped in the freezing water. Probably too long to be healthy. It’d be about time to get out now, before the conversation turned too sour. Before Dante completely regretted slipping into the lake with her.

And just like that, they were holding each others gaze. ”no, I understand, Dante.” She said truthfully. ”It’s about status. If you do a good job here, you’ll impress the people out there. It makes sense to me. I just…don’t want to live that life.” She admitted to him. Hey, if he was going to spill things so should she. It was only fair after all.

When he asked her if she’d tell, the woman laughed slightly. ”Dante, we all have secrets in this world. Some greater, some smaller. I’ll tell you right now, what you revealed to me tonight is not the greatest truth ever told. But it is still something private and I won’t abuse the trust you took in telling me this.” Ara said, meaning every word.

As the comfortable noises surrounded them again, Ara began to drift towards the shore.
”I’m sure you shouldn’t ditch Dorian.” As her feet began to touch the ground she made sure to keep her back towards Dante. Her white underclothes clung tightly to her pale skin and although it covered her, everything was still visible in a blurred version. ”I’m afraid I actually need to meet up with a friend as well. It’s been a lovely time talking to you. I’m sure I’ll see you around.” The young lady said over her shoulder as she slipped a towel around her thin frame and squeezed out her hair. Turning back to Dante once more, she flashed him a smile.

”Take care of yourself, Mr. Yerami.” And just like that, she had disappeared in the thickness of trees, leaving him with the memory of her thin underclothes and smile.