HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE ;)

DOUBLE CHAPTER

Francy's p.o.v

The day went by so fast.

After coming back to the house, we agreed to have Sole come over around 7 and then we'd all go out together for the night.

While I was preparing a late lunch with Remi, the guys said they had something to take care of and vanished.

"They've been gone for some time now. What are they up too?" I asked Remi who was quietly mixing up the salad.

I heard the squeak of the front door as it opened. That must be them.

They were talking about something between themselves and then Elric showed up in the kitchen smiling from ear to ear.

"You have to come and see this. I have a surprise for you."

"Me?" I asked, smiling.

"Both of you." He smiled. "Come on."

Remi and I dropped everything and walked into the living room.

I finally saw what they had been up to.

"Is that a home phone?" I gasped.

Remi ran and kneeled next to it. "You came up with this yourself?"

"We had to fix the no network thing. We asked around and once we found out, putting a phone with a cord was duable, we fixed it up for you." Kai explained.

"Then we can talk on the phone all the time?" Remi jumped into Kai's arms. He returned the hug and caressed her hair.

A bit calmer, I raised myself on my toes and wrapped my hands around Elric's neck.

"You are just phenomenal, you know that."

He smiled proudly and then leaned forward to get a kiss.

***

After few knocks, I ran over to the door.

I opened the door and Sole was standing in a long silk olive green dress that accentuated her thin frame and today's tan.

(the dress is something like this. The straps are different. She wears them normally so the dress is really loose)

"Everyone is almost ready. Come in."

She walked inside and gave everyone a small wave to greet them.

I ran upstairs to get my things and when I came back Remi was next to Sole while the guys were at the door except for Ace.

"Are we going?" I asked.

"Yes, come on." Elric opened the door, rushing us out.

"Ughhh. ahhh." Ace put a hand on his stomach clenching in pain and then covered his mouth. "You know what. You guys go ahead. I'll come later. I think the lunch got to me. I feel like throwing up."

"Maybe it's the sea. You swallowed water." Kai added.

Ace pointed at Kai like he was spitting facts.

"Then you absolutely can't come with us. You have to stay here. Rest until you feel better." Elric said and then nudged me and everyone else out except Sole. "Oh no. Someone should stay with him. You wouldn't mind helping out, right. Just until he's feeling better."

"Um.Sure." Sole nodded and Elric closed the door behind us, before I got to say something about it.

Kai was nudging Remi to walk faster too.

"What is going on?" I glanced up at Elric. "Are you and Kai playing matchmakers for Ace?"

"Keep walking woman." He took my hand and we got to the car. Kai and Remi were already inside.

"Elric.." I tugged him to stop. "Sole is my friend. I don't want Ace using her for his games."

Elric brushed my hair back. "I know. But have a little faith in your brother. Do you think he is a bad person who'd use your friend?"

"No." I answered. In fact, he never ever flirted with a friend of mine.

"And do you think Sole is the type of girl who can't take care of herself?"

I thought back on poor Tim and the rest of the hearts she must have broke. She was tough as a pistol.

"No. She would be okay on her own."

"That's why let's just go and have a nice evening in town and let fate take its course."

I sighed. Okay. For the sake of love then, I'll let Ace have this one

Ace's p.o.v

As soon as they left, I brought my hand down and headed for the kitchen. I found the bottle of red wine and took two glasses.

"Weren't you sick?"

Sole walked into the kitchen after me.

"No. That was an excuse so they can leave us alone."

I turned around and she had not happy about it face on. I guess she was angry.

"I just want to watch you paint. I'm fascinated by the paintings. I want to see you work your magic."

I walked by her, brushing shoulders and went to the painting room. She followed me inside as I placed the two glasses on the table and poured her wine. I handed her a glass and then took mine.

"To your painting." I took a sip and sat down on the chair.

She carefully made her way to the canvas that was already set and picked up a color palette, a brush, and sat down on the ground to paint.

She pulled her hair up and avoided looking at me.

This morning, she had looked at me disinterested, but tonight, something was different.

She didn't even dare to make eye contact. Was she nervous around me?

She was using a small paintbrush to paint the tiniest details on the painting.

The silk dress hung on her body so loosely, I could see her bareback. One of her straps was loose around her shoulder and she kept wiggling it up.

"You said you wanted to watch me paint, but you're not looking at the painting." She said not taking a glance away from it.

The glass of wine in my hand was warming up in my hand.

I slid off the chair and sat next to her. She flinched and then pretended nothing happened.

She took a sip from her wine, and then brought the glass down, wiping a trickling drop on the side of her mouth.

"Why are you next to me?" She asked.

"This up-close look is better," I told her.

She brought the paintbrush up and painted again.

Indeed she painted wonderfully. Her wrists seemed so delicate and her fingers which were long and seemed fragile holding that brush while doing small soft strokes on the canvas. Every movement as she painted the colors, giving life to her painting was calculated and pre-conceived in her head.

Yes, the painting was beautiful. But she...she was art herself.

Her hair was up in a loose ponytail and the little baby hairs on her neck were decorating her neck in soft curls. She didn't even need jewelry. Her whole essence was captivating.

Her lips would slightly part every time she'd concentrate a bit too hard and she'd look at the painting with half-closed lids as if she'd miss the tiniest of details that'll ruin the whole thing if she didn't paint it to perfection.

I leaned my chin on her left shoulder. She instantly tensed and brought her right hand down threatening me with the paintbrush. " I can't focus."

"Is this little thing enough to distract you? I thought once you'd start painting nothing could stop you. I had more faith in you."

She took a deep breath and turned towards the painting again.

I placed a kiss on her shoulder.

The brush she was holding, fell on the newspaper page covering the floor.

"Stop it." She said.

"Stop what?" I asked.

"Taunting me." She replied.

My lips brushed on her shoulder again.  "You hate it?"

She paused and her eyes looked away. "Yes."

I smiled. "See, that little pause wasn't very convincing."

Determined, she turned her whole body to face me. It was the most movement and action I've ever seen her do today.

"What do you want?" She asked in a demanding tone.

"To kiss you," I said glancing down at her.

I wanted to start from her lips and then move my way down until I kissed every part of her, including the fingertips she painted with.

She used to word taunting. Yes, everything about her was taunting me. I craved her to the point it hurt not being able to touch her and hold her the way I wanted to.

I usually could just charm my way out of anything. Smiles always took me far with anyone. But nothing seemed to work on her except this.

I leaned even closer and she looked at my lips for a second before moving her head.

"I don't want to kiss.. You... or anyone.." She turned her head and picked up her brush.  Her hand was shaking."I just want to paint."

"Why not both?" I took the brush away from her and placed it aside.

"Because I only want to paint.." She said breathlessly and faced me. She looked so vulnerable. "I breathe for painting. Painting is my only priority day and night."

She pressed her hand on my chest, slightly nudging me away. Her voice was so sweet and almost weak. "Do you get that?"

I took her hand in mine and leaned even closer, not taking my eyes off hers. "I get that. I..." I lowered my voice. "I get that..but....."

"Please stop being so persistent." Her voice was pleading.

"Why?" I asked taking in the sight of how tempting she looked this close.

"Because.." She looked down at my lips. "You'll wear down... my resistance."

My lips brushed hers. "Then just indulge me for a second."

Her eyelids fluttered for a second as I closed my mouth on hers, before shutting them close.

I just wanted a short sweet taste of her, even if that would earn me a slap. But I didn't expect the surge of sexual tension rushing over me, when she didn't shove me away, and instead, she slightly parted her lips and kissed me back.

It was such a gentle and sweet response that I couldn't stop now.

Her hands gripped my shoulders and replied back with every bit of enthusiasm, breathing heavily as I glided my mouth over hers in a hungry kiss.

My fingers traced down her naked back and touched a point near her spine. She shuddered from the touch, a moan escaping her lips.

I pinned her against me, my lips going down her neck then back to her lips.

"You have me." I told her. "Do whatever you want." I kissed her again.

She was leaning against me, her hands digging in my hair. She wanted me just as much as I wanted her.

There was nothing at all that would have prepared me for how this kiss was. It was passionate and greedy. Sensual and giving.

The moment my tongue touched her lower lips she pulled away and looked down at me confused and breathless. Her hands wrinkled my shirt in her grip.

 I whispered over her lips. "You enjoyed that?"

She looked down at my lips. "Very much so."

Her words run chills down my back.

"What was the point you were making before?" She spoke over my lips, not moving an inch.

I brushed my lips over hers. "Don't you want to have more in life than painting? Isn't it better to experience many things, especially intense emotions? Don't they say, those who experience strong love or heartbreak make revolutionary art.".

She contemplated my words. They were familiar to her, yet she hesitated. She released the grip of my shirt and slid down from my lap to the ground.

The loose strap of her dress had fallen down her shoulder again. She brushed her fingers over her shoulder, bringing the strap up.

"That kiss was insatiable." She said.

The words tied all kinds of knots in my stomach.

She pushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "But it's second in pleasure to painting. So don't kiss me again."

She turned towards the painting and picked up another brush, dipping it in paint.

"Okay, I lost to painting." I smiled defeated and got up . "Give me one of these paintings as compensation."

She started looking around taking me seriously. "Which one do you want?"

"Where is the one with the cat?"

I found it and picked it up. "But there is a problem." I sighed.

"What?" She asked with a serious tone.

"Where should I hang this? If it's in my room it will just look weird for a guy to have a painting up of a cute cat. If I put it in the living room, one of my cats will see it and they'll possibly be very insulted when they see another cat glorified on the wall. Hmm maybe the dining room, but..."

As I numbered the rooms, she broke into a smile and laughed at every new silly excuse I used.

Once I made her laugh, I couldn't stop saying crap, just to see her have that grin on her face.

"I guess I have to just sell it and make some money out of it."

"You pirate." She laughed.

Ah her laughter was even more alluring.

"I'm just teasing." I smiled. "I promise I'll keep it where it can live up to its glory."

"Take that one." She pointed at the one with the tree.

"I thought this one wasn't finished?" I picked it up and brought it to her.

"I never meant to finish it. No one knows which side will have the tree sprouting first. Both sides have a promise of something, but it's up to the tree I guess."

I smiled at her and pointed down at the painting. "Go on, sign it. Make it official."

She dipped her brush in red signing her name on the painting. There was a smile on her face. "It's gonna take a bit to dry."

"I don't mind waiting." I looked down at the strap that fell down her shoulder again. I reached forward and brought it up her shoulder. "I can at least enjoy one of your paintings when I go back home. I'll look at it and think of you."

She stayed silent.

Her eyes followed mine for a second and then she got up in a hurry and pushed her wine glass, spilling wine all over the floor.

"Ah.." She turned around.

I leaned forward to help her, but she just waved her hands. "It's okay. Leave it. I'll paint a still-life with it tomorrow."

She was always this tense when there would be a long silence. She didn't trust herself anymore. The kiss had made both of us aware of the power it had over us.

"I'll go home now. It's getting late." She said and headed towards the door.

"I'll walk you to the town," I told her. "It's dark outside."

"It's okay." She waved her hand.

"There's no talking about it. I'll just go grab my phone."

She waited for me by the door. We walked step by step on the dark road while the moonlight over us provided just enough light to see.

As we talked, I began telling her stories that would evoke any kind of reaction from her. Some she just listened to, keeping her natural expression on. On others, she'd break into a smile. Some stories even made her laugh.

It took me a while to realize she was always listening, always observing and taking in what I said no matter her reaction. When I'd ask her a question, she'd answer calmly and seriously, every time no exception.

She was so consistent in her answers, in her beliefs and in her thoughts. It was like no matter what topic I'd start whether it was about something deep or something funny she always went along with the conversation, unhinged or bothered.

I had never met anyone like her. I wanted her to give me a reaction, she only give me and never anyone else.

"So you're always on your own?" I asked.

"Most of the time." She answered.

"Don't you feel lonely like that?"

"Some days. Not always. I'm too focused on painting to think about it."

Her hands brushed mine as we walked. I took her hand in mine.

"Just until we reach the town." I told her.

"But.." She looked down trying to pull her hand out.

My grip was firm. "I'm a little upset by the conversation."

She sighed defeated and let me held her hand. "Why are you upset for me? I said I was lonely, not that I was unhappy."

"Loneliness is a sad feeling. When you're lonely, you're sad. That's why people like sticking to other people. Don't you feel better now that you are with Francy and Remi most time?"

"I see. I guess so." She answered.

"Don't isolate yourself from people."

"I'm not. They're doing that." She said.

"You're pushing me away, aren't you," I said and she turned towards me.

The soft graceful moonlight shined over her face. It wasn't the beauty of the moon, that got me drunk on this view.

"You're being patronizing." She said.

I held her hand in mine in a tight grip.  Why couldn't she understand I wasn't being mean. I didn't want to hurt her. I just said what I said out of concern. Whatever.

I kept walking in silence.

"Are you mad?" She asked.

I kept walking. She gave my hand a squeeze and tugged me so I slow down.

I glanced back at her and she walked a step closer to me. "You're very honest, you say what you want even if it earns you rejection. But you're not fragile one bit. It fascinates me."

"In this world full of lies, I appreciate honesty. Even if it's not something I want to hear. I learned that early on." I answered.

"How so?" She asked.

"My parents. I had unwillingly hurt them every time I'd shut them out. Out of all my siblings, I'm the only one who remembers my biological parents. Well not like an adult would remember things. More like, as a child, I always had a bad feeling about them. Once, my parents had asked me if I wanted to talk to them about it, if I wanted to know something or see them. I felt rejected, dirty like they didn't want me anymore and they were trying to chase me out with these questions. It's silly I know that now, but they had tried to talk to me and I kept shutting them down. The worst of it was, that I wanted to talk to them about my biological parents and share all the pain that haunted me. I didn't see the rift this had caused until my mom didn't stop talking to me altogether. Out of fear I might lose the parents that actually loved me, I swallowed my pride and ego and sat down to talk to them." I turned towards her.

"I've never lied to myself ever since then. I don't hide my intentions or feelings about others either."

Sole walked quietly next to me. I was wonder what was going through her head.

"And you don't drink wine to talk freely?" She asked.

I let out a deep hearty laugh.  "No wine."

"You're resilient." She smiled, her hand getting warmer in mine. "Since you shared something about yourself, I'll tell you a secret of mine. About why that painting has to remain unfinished. And the reason I was surprised you resonated with that one."

She took a second to gather her thoughts. I could hear the earth and the pebbles grinding under our feet as we walked.

"The tree represents potential. The branches are choices. The blossoms are the results of those choices.I guess part of me wanted to convey my own perplexed views about the world and myself." She smiled and continued talking.

"Art can say a lot about people. This is why I like hearing which painting of mine people like most. To resonate with that particular painting, out of all you saw, means your resolve is never about something physical. It's always followed by strong emotions. By deep desires. See with the tree, having the potential blossoming in any way speaks that you're very confident in your abilities. You have firm beliefs. You trust