Thread: A Knight without Shining Armor (Google+Velvet Stars)

It was clear on Marisa's face that the little story about the food came as a relief to her, even if it was a small one. So, it's not too spicy? Oh, good...I really can't handle spicy stuff. It doesn't make me sick or anything like that. She wrinkled her nose a little at the idea of someone getting sick from beer. She had never witnessed it herself, but enough rumors and stories had been spread that she didn't think she wanted to know what it was like. But if I have too much spice, I get these horrible stomach aches. It was so bad once that I... Unexpectedly, the statement was completed by both girls in unison. ...burst into tears in front of everyone. Though this must have been an incident they both knew of well, Marisa's face was still tinged slightly pink, and her tone was sheepish. She continued speaking alone, R-right. It's why I only try the things my sister eats, now, instead of trying to finish them all by myself. In truth, the slight flush on her face was not just from embarrassment. She had noticed the moment he placed a hand on her knee, but she didn't pull away, only tensing initially from the unexpected touch. As Jason's hand crept upward, her leg trembled almost imperceptibly. Across the table, Melanie shifted in place as if she had tried to shake off a fly walking on her skin. There was no sign of any bugs about, however, and she only did so once. For a long second, her gaze lingered on her sister then she glanced over at Jason. Your friend had a fake ID, and decided to go out in public to drink too much? Not to be rude or anything, but...that sounds pretty dumb. Don't most people that are underage use those to get into places, or to buy beer they can take home? Most of what she knew was from rumors as well, but sometimes even those were enough when combined with a little common sense. Doing something like that in public just makes it easier to get caught. He'd be pretty lucky not to get arrested, or something just as serious. It was only as she stopped speaking that she realized something. For that short period, she had been part of the conversation. Surprising, especially to her - but then, she knew that Marisa wasn't interested in things like college parties or drinking. Neither was she, really, but that was more due to her age, not a dislike of the subject. With no clue that Jason's story hadn't been the truth, the two of them started talking about other harmless mishaps they recalled, leading to stories of the trouble their own friends had gotten into. And then, Marisa finished, he slid over the rail, down the bottom five steps, and skidded across the sidewalk! Josh would have made it, too, if he hadn't run into the lamp post at the end. Luckily he only had to go to the hospital for stitches, because the trick was really good before that. Melanie spoke up then, adding a bit more information. He's actually working on becoming a pro skater, or at least he was before we moved. Marisa giggled then, a small but playful smile lighting her features. Oh, right...didn't Josh like you, Lani? A look that was a blend of displeased and startled flashed across Melanie's face. Not this again! He and I were just friends! He wasn't even my type... The look on Marisa's face hinted at more teasing to come, but whatever she would have said was stalled by the arrival of the food. Though her twin hid the expression fairly well, Melanie seemed to be the relieved one this time. Though she had no intent of admitting this to either of the two at the table, she didn't like the idea of talking about her own love life - or lack of one - while in the middle of her sister's date. The plates set on the table were steaming hot, and filled the air with delicious aromas. Ooh, this looks really good! Marisa smiled, only for it to turn into a look of concentration as she carefully snapped her chopsticks apart. Melanie had a bit of an easier time with it, though the way they both treated the utensils showed that they had some experience - just no expertise in their use. That didn't stop Marisa from gathering up and taking a bite of food, which led to yet another change in expression. Mmmm! She appeared very much like a happy cat for a moment as she chewed, then swallowed. You were right again, she said to Jason cheerfully. This is delicious! Do either of you want to try some? It's great. She managed to smile and eat at the same time, other little noises of surprise slipping free when she discovered a new detail of flavor or texture that was offered on the plate. With something like this, I guess it's good that I'm drinking diet soda. She giggled, a few strands of hair sweeping across her cheek as she lowered her head to take a sip of the drink. How are you liking yours? The question seemed to be directed to both her date and her sister, but the latter had just taken a bite of her own. Unable to answer, Melanie just nodded. For her twin, this was answer enough Marisa's chopsticks flicked across the table to snatch a piece of chicken, only for it to nearly fall before finishing the trip to her own plate. Oops...that was a close one. Just when it looked like the other girl was about to return the favor, a musical tone sounded very close by. Both sisters reacted immediately, looking for the source. Marisa started to open her purse, murmuring, I thought I turned it on silent...? Before she finished, Melanie gave a slight shake of her head and reached into her pocket. No, it's mine. Her eyes dropped to the lit screen of the phone in her palm, ...and it's Tanya, so I'd better take this. I'll be back in a second. With that, she pushed back her chair and stood, already placing the phone to her ear as she walked away. Hello? Yeah, it's me. What's going on? Melanie was still visible from the table when she stopped, but what she said became more difficult to make out at the distance she chose. Without being asked to explain, Marisa offered details unknowingly. I hope everything's okay... she said quietly, speaking more to herself than her date. Things have been so rough for them lately, too. For a moment, she peered at her sister, trying to guess what was being said through body language alone. Even when it was her twin, though, it was difficult for her to see anything when Melanie's back was half-facing her. Oh well, I'll ask her about it later. Bringing a small smile back to her face, she turned towards Jason. This really has been an odd day, hasn't it? But I'm glad I'm getting to spend time with you after so long. Under the table, her hand drifted slowly over to his, lightly touching it, only to nearly dart away a second later. Then a more genuine smile touched her features, and she carefully wrapped her fingers around his hand again. I...I really like being with you like this. I wish we could do it more often, but I know you have work to do, and I have school, so... Her voice was quiet, and her free hand drew tiny patterns at the edge of her plate with her chopsticks. For all the shyness, there was no question that she meant what she said. Looking a little nervous, but not at all uneasy, she scooted a tiny bit closer to her date. If their time together had to be short, she planned to enjoy it anyway.