Fauzy + Whit Encore~

[Whitney]

Blake

I snort softly, a waft of the ocean air filling my lungs. "Apparently. If this was real, I would remember the process of getting here. And I don't. Do you?" I cut a glance towards her again, but did a double-take. Now that she was closer, my eyes was glued to her. She was wearing a bright white bikini, the kind with strings. Her nice tan giving off a light golden-brown hue to her skin, making her even more beautiful than before I met her. Then it hit me like a ton of bricks; she was beautiful. It was like I was just now seeing it, really seeing it.

[shady boots]

Liv

"I only remember waking up here. But if this is a dream, then who's is it?" I cross my arms over my chest, aware that I'm wearing very little, and my face flushes as I notice that he's looking me over. Honestly, I can't help but look him over too. His hair is deliciously tousled in that cute way guys style them. What do they usually call it? Bedroom hair or something. His eyes now have a warmness to it, and I barely even remember what they looked like when he was Strigoi. He's wearing blue swim trunks and that's it. His skin is perfectly tanned and... Oh God, his chest. And his biceps. My breaths become a little quicker, but I try my best not to let him notice that.

[Whitney]

Blake

I let a smile creep on my face slowly. "Maybe it's both of ours." My eyes were still stuck to her like gum, but I felt her gaze wash over me warmly, giving me a bit of a thrill that she noticed that I, too, was wearing very little. It didn't bother me though, I could care less. She was just so...gorgeous like that. Finally, I gave myself an inward shake, and stood up. I noticed that I was about five or so inches taller than her, which was cute in a way if I thought about it. I always liked short girls, so I could tuck them under my chin. Although, that only happened a couple times. Both disasters in the end. Sighing, I gave the island a glance again, noticing how blue and cloudless the sky was, and out green-blue the ocean was. It was like the perfect getaway. "What now?" I ask out loud.

[shady boots]

Liv

I shrug. "I don't know... I just find it really weird that we're in the same dream." I walk closer to him and narrow my eyes. "You are the real Blake, right? Not just some kind of...dream version?" I could smell his musky scent lingering between the ocean breeze, and I secretly breathe it in.

[Whitney]

Blake

I turn my head towards her, meeting her eyes with mine. "Do you want to find out?" My voice had gone deep without my knowing it. I could feel my eyes ablaze as I looked at her intensely. Without waiting for an answer, I grab her wrist gently, and pull her towards me. With only a couple inches standing between us now, I press her open palm against my bare chest, where my heart was beating strongly. "Do I feel real?" Because, sweet Jesus, you do.

[shady boots]

Liv

My heart is now beating so frantically I'm surprised I haven't passed out. Of all the things he'd do, I never, never, expected him to do this. I'm so tempted to just run my palm down his chest and to his taut abs... But I don't. I'm too frozen with shock. I just nod nervously, looking at nowhere in particular. Anywhere but his eyes. Anywhere but his face. Because if I see his face, if I look up, I'm afraid I will kiss him. And I can't do that. I barely know him. I barely know him, but I want him.

[Whitney]

Blake

I could see it in her eyes that she wanted to kiss me. Damn, I wish she would. That's all my mind was on right now, her lips on mine. But I don't want to do anything she doesn't want me to do. I feel her hand starting to tremble as I held it against my chest. I keep it there a bit longer than intended, relishing in the warmth of her hand against my skin. I take a deep breath, and let her go, taking a step back slowly.

[shady boots]

Liv

It's weird. A part of me is sad that he let me go, but another part of me is sighing with relief. I stand there for a moment before I shake my head, clear my throat and stand upright, turning to look at his face. "No, Blake, we can't..." I take a deep breath. "Yeah. We can't do anything...we'll regret. Okay?" I really hope he won't be hurt by this, but he really should understand that we barely know each other. "Why don't we just...talk?" I offer lamely, doubting he'd want to do that. "I mean...we didn't get a chance to talk much before, and since we're here and stuff..." I trailed off, crossing my arms over my chest again. God, I wish I wasn't wearing a tight white bikini.

[Whitney]

Blake

I mask the hurt that passed through me, as I nod and sit back down where I woke up. Why do I feel this way, when we barely know each other? I had felt this way about Ariella before, but it wasn't this...strong of a desire. "I understand," I say, my voice firm and unwavering. "What's there to talk about?" I avoid looking at her, instead, I look out towards the distance, where the sky meets the ocean. The water was so clearly beautiful, I could sometimes spot a few fish swimming around.

[shady boots]

Liv

"Well..." I sit down on the sand next to him. The tree was quite wide so there's still a little space between us. Our shoulders brushed once, though, and it sent a small tingle through me. I rest my back against the tree and turn my face towards his, smiling shyly. "How do you feel now that you...have your soul back?"

[Whitney]

Blake

That was actually the last thing I had expected from her. But I blanket my slight surprise and dig my feet and hands into the sand. "I feel whole again. Warm. Alive. Everything feels right now." I feel a small smile form on my lips, for no one in particular but myself. "How do you feel now that you brought me back to life?" I knew that she didn't necessarily bring me back to life, but it was basically the same thing. At least for me.

[shady boots]

Liv

"I feel... I don't know, really. I still can't believe I actually did it, you know?" I wrapped my arms around my legs and pulled them to my chest, resting my head on my knees. "All my life, I've only heard my mom talking about it. She convinced me that it was just a myth, but I knew better. I think she did it before. Turned a Strigoi back, I mean." My voice turns into an almost-whisper. "She had a spirit-infused dagger that I found. I'd always just hold it and stare at it, wondering if there'd come a time where I could use it. Or whether if it would work or not if I actually did."

[Whitney]

Blake

I listen to her story intently, drinking it in. "Well, now that you've broken the 'myth'," I say casually. "Your mom should be proud, right?" I glance at her briefly, my limbs digging deeper into the sand. "Hell, I'm proud of you. And very grateful. You saved my life." I look down, at nothing in particular.

[shady boots]

Liv

"Well, she certainly looked proud." My smile widens just a tad. "Thank you. I actually also saved Ariella's life, as well." My face falls a little, remembering Ari's limp body as Blake's Strigoi self drained her blood. "Do you remember anything that happened before I turned you back? Do you have any memories of your Strigoi self? If you'd rather forget about them, I understand," I say quickly. "You shouldn't talk about it if you don't want to."

[Whitney]

Blake

A wave of nausea went over me, making my face contort a bit at the memories. "I remember everything," My voice came out in a whisper. I didn't say anything else at that point, my head had begun pounding in my temples.

[shady boots]

Liv

Ugh, I knew it was a bad idea. I put my hand on his shoulder and squeezed. "I'm sorry for bringing it up," I whisper. "I shouldn't have..."

[Whitney]

Blake

I shrug, barely lifting my right shoulder. "It's okay. I just...have bad memories when I was a Strigoi." I sigh deeply, turning my head to look at her with softness in my eyes. "It's okay, though."

[shady boots]

Liv

I give him a small smile and look away, staring at the waves as they gently lapped at the sand. "So I get the feeling you, Ari and Quin all knew each other before you were turned?" I ask.

[Whitney]

Blake

"Yeah. We were the three best friends back in the day." I snort, thinking back to those good ole days where we were carefree. I missed those days. I was so laid back, then. It sometimes made me wish that I hadn't begged my parents let me go to St. Vladimir's.

[shady boots]

Liv

"I also got the feeling that you and Ari were...more than friends." A wave of jealousy shoots through me, and I mentally scold myself for it. I had no right to be jealous.

[Whitney]

Blake

"We were," I say, a hint of guilt and regret and other things wash over me. I wanted to seriously hurt myself for what I had done to Ari. Which, now that I think of it, I still hadn't apologized to her. Dammit. I'm such an ass. I sigh heavily once more. "We had been together for a while before the Strigoi attack at the academy." I wish I could have given Ari a better relationship. But I was so blindsided with love for her, I didn't know what to do.

[shady boots]

Liv

I nod slowly. "So... Would you and her...get back together?" There was hopefulness in my tone that I hope he didn't hear. Why am I suddenly so interested in him? The fact that we're sharing a dream doesn't help, either. I mean, how often does something like this happen?

[Whitney]

Blake

I look beside me, at her, with almost a stupid drool look. "Haven't you noticed how Quin and Ari were acting? I know love when I see it. But no, I don't wish that. Because it wouldn't be the same." I place my elbow on my thigh, and rest my chin in my open palm, as I looked towards the ocean.

[shady boots]

Liv

"Yes actually, I have noticed them." A smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "I have to admit, I personally find it really cute seeing them squirm near each other." I tilt my head back and rest it against the tree, closing my eyes. "Do you still love her, though?" I whisper, almost afraid of his answer.

[Whitney]

Blake

I pause for a long moment, pondering my answer with great thought. Do I still love her? Well, of course I do. But as a best friend. That spark we had once upon a time, is long gone for me. And I know it's long gone for her. "I still love her, but as a friend." I lift half of my mouth up in a crooked grin. "I don't think we could be anything more, now."

[shady boots]

Liv

"I understand." I was sagging with relief inside. But... I still can't believe I'm already pining over him when it's only been less than 24 hours since we've met. His adorable crooked grin made my insides all fluttery, I can't even deny it. "So, you wanna go for a swim or something?" I say after a long while of awkward silence.

[shady boots]

((in case you didn't get the noti.))

[Whitney]

Blake

My ears heated up as soon as she asked it. But, I was thinking the same thing, but not actually believing she would go with me. That was apparently the only thing to do now. "Sure," I mumble softly, standing up and stretching.

[shady boots]

Liv

I gulp as I see his muscles flex as he stretched, but I try my best to just keep calm and I walk towards the edge of the beach, the waves lapping at my toes. My hair had been pulled up this whole time, and I decided it'd be better to just let it loose. I take off the clip and let my long locks fall freely to my hips. Then I walk into the water, which was absolutely perfect. Not too cold or too warm.

[Whitney]

Blake

I follow her, a couple steps behind her, but keeping pace. I stop just as soon as she did, feeling the ocean water tickle my feet a bit. Then, as she let down her hair, I almost reach out and run my fingers through it. So long... So beautiful... I realized that my hand was half-way outstretched and ready to clasp her hair, but she moved away from me and into the water. So, I decided to follow her.

[shady boots]

Liv

When I'm waist-deep in the water, I immediately jump in and swim farther. God, it's been such a long time since I went swimming. I forgot how good it felt. Even if this is a dream, the realness of everything is incredible. I turn towards Blake and smile as I see him swim towards me with swift movements.

[Whitney]

Blake

Right after she jumped in, so did I. For some odd reason, I didn't want to get lost here, even if it was a dream. I had developed some sort of vulnerability since I had been changed back. It wasn't a weakness of a sort, it was just that weird paranoid feeling in the back of my mind. But as I swam near her, I smiled back. Her hair was swaying and shimmering around her head; it was so incredible.

[shady boots]

Liv

I'm wondering if I should look away or not. Hell, this is only a dream, right? Dreams aren't supposed to be real. Even if this dream did feel real... "Blake," I say softly, swimming closer to him and then pressing my palms to his chest. "I just realized that this is only a dream..."

[Whitney]

((Last post for a few. Gonna go read~))

Blake

"I know," I say back in the same gentle tone. My voice sounded like it echoed off into the ocean, scaring a few fish that were swimming close by. I smiled wide, showing off my teeth. Everything was even more beautiful under here.

[shady boots]

Liv

My smile widens, and I slide both hands up so my arms wrap around his neck. "We'll probably forget about it in the morning anyway," I whisper, leaning closer. "Unless you're hoping...we won't forget.." I blush. I don't know why I'm suddenly so straightforward. I just want him so badly that I feel like I might explode if I try denying it any more.

[Whitney]

Blake

Holy sweet Jesus, was all I could think, when she wrapped her arms around me. The feel of her skin connecting with mine, was just...amazing. Tingles and sparks went up my spine. But I couldn't help it when my arms suddenly had a mind of their own, coiling around her waist to bring her forward. "I hope I remember," I say, my voice had gone deep and husky. If she was going to be straightforward, then so would I.

[shady boots]

Liv

Without wasting another moment, I reach up to kiss him, and God did it feel incredible. I pull him closer so we're pressed tightly together, and I practically devour his lips like they were the most delicious thing ever. They probably were. "Blake..." I breathe against his lips. "I can't believe how badly I want you..."

[Whitney]

Blake

"Liv," I felt her name slide out from my lips in a whisper, without really meaning for it to. My arms tighten around her, making her chest and mine press harder against one another. "I feel the same about you." To prove it, I gently grab a fist-full of her hair with one hand, tilting her head back a couple of inches, and kissed her fervently, almost as if she were my lifeline.

[shady boots]

Liv

I moan and deepen our kiss, almost biting down on his lower lip. I open my eyes once and notice that there's some sort of...blackness closing in on my vision. My kisses became more frantic and desperate, but it was no use. Eventually all I see is the ceiling of my bedroom. But the feel of Blake's lips is so...there. Like that kiss wasn't in a dream. I sigh in frustration and bury my face in my pillow. Why did we have to wake up so soon?

[Whitney]

Blake

I could feel myself falling into this oblivion before I knew what was happening. Liv's kisses grew more rushed and intense. And did it feel good. I kiss her back with as much urgency as she used with me, my tongue sliding all over her mouth and lips. Next thing I knew, my eyes pop open, staring at my ceiling fan. And my lips felt swollen as hell.

[shady boots]

Ari

My eyes flutter open and I see that the sun has already set. My cheek is pressed against Quin's chest, and I smile and look up at him, still sleeping. His face looks peaceful and adorable. I lean close and nuzzle his neck.

Liv

Instinctively, I reach for my phone, but then remember that I don't have Blake's number yet. I sigh again. Part of me is kind of terrified to see him again. Because I know for a fact things will be awkward and weird between us. Maybe... Maybe I'll just pretend like I don't remember. Yeah, maybe that'll work.

[Whitney]

Quin

I wake with a gasp, my head swiveling in the direction that I felt a tickling sensation against my neck. My heart in my throat, I let out a giant sigh of relief. Seeing that it was just Ari nuzzling me, I kissed her forehead gently. "You scared me." I state obviously.

Blake

I felt totally disoriented when I swung my legs over the side of my bed. One thing I did notice, with a huge gasp, was that I was wearing the blue swimming trunks that I used in the dream. But they weren't wet at all. Okay, this was seriously freaking me the hell out. I had to show this to Liv as soon as possible.

[shady boots]

Ari

I start to laugh hard. "Oh my God, you looked like such a sissy." I lean closer and kiss his lips softly, still giggling. "Adorable," I whisper.

Liv

I get out of bed and gasp when I see that I'm wearing the tight white bikini I wore in the dream. The exact same one. I quickly change out of it and shower. My mind constantly wanders to the dream. My face flushes as I remember that I practically threw myself at him. Ugh, I can't believe I did that. I shake my head and let out a big sigh. The dream never happened.

[shady boots]

((*clears throat*))

[Whitney]

Quin

I huff out a tired laugh, and kissed her fully on the mouth. Morning breath and all. "I wasn't ready to wake up yet." I whine, almost child-like. "Go back to sleep." Patting her head softly, a smile on my face, I roll over facing away from her deliberately. Then reaching back for her hand and draping her arm over my waist.

Blake

I stumble hurriedly to get out of the trunks, almost bashing my head over my dresser in the process. Once they were off, I walk to my bathroom and shower vigorously. What's Liv going to be like? Will she tell me about the dream? Or will I have too? All these questions in my head made my mind fog up like the mirror in my bathroom.

[Whitney]

((..<_<))

[shady boots]

((>______>))

Ari

How can I resist that? I snuggle back into his arms and press my cheek against his chest again. "You know you're the only thing that I'd ever miss dinner for."

Liv

I dress in a simple knee-length floral dress and a black cardigan. I let my long hair fall loosely to my hips, and I slip on my comfiest pair of ballet flats. I don't put on any makeup since my mother forbade me to. She always thought makeup "ruined my already gorgeous face". I snort at the memory and walk out of the room, wondering if either of my three friends are up yet. Especially one in particular.

[Whitney]

((<________________<;))

Quin

I laugh genuinely now, giving her a soft squeeze before I drifted back off to sleep for a few more minutes. Completely and utterly content.

Blake

Once out of the shower, towel drying my hair, I raided my dresser drawers for clean clothes. Finding a simple black v-neck T-shirt that was a bit too tight for my taste, and a pair of faded blue jeans, I put them on swiftly. As I sat on my bed, while I was lacing up my favorite pair of black boots--that I always tuck the bottom hem of my jeans into--my mind zipped back to Liv, wondering what she was doing at the moment.

[shady boots]

((>______________________________________>))

Liv

I wander around for a while, not exactly knowing where was where. A lot of the Moroi and dhampir are headed to the main building. "Where are you all going?" I ask one of the Moroi. She gives me an incredulous look, and I quickly add, "I just arrived here yesterday." She then smiles politely and tells me that they're all getting dinner. Suddenly my stomach growls at the mention of food. I thank her and head towards the dining hall, but then wonder if I should wait for Blake or not. He is my guardian now after all, right?

[Whitney]

((D:<))

Blake

Grabbing my leather jacket off the hanger near the door, I sprint out of my room, looking at the watch on my wrist. Dinner time. I was going to be late on the first day of my new job as a guardian. Damn it. As I turn the corner, I spot Liv. She was extra cute today, in her dress and flats. My steps faltered a bit when I first saw her, but they picked up their usual strong pace.