Twin fates

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Gabriel felt warmth and comfort as he woke up, he must have been sleeping in some weird position because his left arm was numb. Then he opened his eyes and saw Nicola’s head resting on his shoulder, he short hair a cute mess. He almost started when he realized what was going on but controlled himself, not wanting to wake his sister up. He recalled the night crisis and how he had moved to Nicola’s room in search of comfort. He must have woken her up in the night and seeing him she probably had joined him on the floor. He hadn’t wanted to wake her up. But it was sweet of her to come down to sleep next to him.

Luckily the phobia that had gripped him was gone, his mind was clear and free of irrational thoughts and fears. It was Sunday now and in the air, apart from Nicola’s hair, he could smell the damp air and the scent of mown hay. Right, he had forgotten to rake it so he was in for some obligatory Sunday scolding. Gabriel sighed, trying not to move to much but then Nicola moved herself, rubbing her warm, sleepy body against him in her sleep. She seemed so soft and delicate. He smiled to himself, grateful that he was given such a cool sister.

He was lying there, looking at the ceiling and wondering when was the last time he had been to Nicola’s room for more than a few seconds to ask her something. By general consent they never locked the inner door that lead to their common bathroom in case one needed something from the other. They respected each other’s privacy though, well, as much privacy as the twins who knew everything about each other could have.

Then he noticed she was looking up at him and moved his head to meet her eyes. “Good morning, Nicola,” he said softly.

“Hi,” she replied sleepily. “What happened?”

“I had a rough night and I didn’t want to be alone so I came over.”

“You should have poked me, I’d have made you some space on the bed.”

“Nah, you looked so cute asleep I didn’t want to wake you. Why did you come down anyway?”

“You looked so pitiful when I saw you, all curled on the floor and whimpering like a hurt puppy. I just couldn’t leave you there.”

“Aww, you’re sweet, Nicola, thank you” he hugged her.

“Are you alright now?” she asked tenderly.

“I’m fine now. My head is clear, no nightmares anymore.”

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola felt relieved when Gabe assured her that he was OK. As a kid he had often had strange dreams or ones that desturbed him. But back then they had shared a room and it wasn't uncommon for them to share a bed, much to their parents dislike. Brothers and sisters don't share beds! Her mother had once scolded them, but it had fallen on deaf ears. There had been nothing wrong with seaking comfort from one another...then and now. Snuggling against him, she rested her head against his chest and started up at him. "I bet my breath stinks...sorry."

"Nah...minty fresh always." He teased and she wrinkled her nose.

"Yeah right. Anyway...I had some really weird dreams last night. I don't know why other than yesterday...when you were having your...um...episode or whatever that was at the lake, you called me Nicolas...not Nicola...but a boys name. I can't seem to get it out of my head. And!" She suddenly added, struggling for a moment to get her bearings straight enough to stand, clearing the remains of sleep from her mind. "I've been sketching like a mad woman and with no particular person in mind...so I thought. But look at these."

Bringing back her sketch pad, she plopped back down next to him, oblivious to the careless way her nighty rode up on her thighs or the strap of her nightie decided to stray down her shoulder. "I feel like...I know this person, but I don't...I don't know...it's very strange...sort of like a bad case of deja-vu."

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Gabriel took the sketchpad in hand and looked the characters drawn on the page. When his eyes skimmed the face of the man he felt another painful contraction in his chest and winced. It was like somebody had place an iron ring around his heart and tightened it.

“I… saw him… yesterday,” he panted. “No doubt about it… only he had glasses. This is Nicolas… she was so worried about him…”

“She? She who?”

“I have no idea… I think the old guy called her Gabrielle.” He looked at the picture again. Was that the female figure in the background?

“What old guy?” Nicola questioned him.

“Her old man, I think, I ain’t sure. It’s all so hazy to me.” Gabriel glanced at his sister, noticing the way her nightie was revealing more than it should and the undoubtedly erotic display of her naked shoulder with the strap hanging down. “But… how come you drew him? I mean… why? I mean… oh, damn, I don’t know myself what I mean. I’m so confused, Nicola.”

“Yeah, it feels like I’m dreaming.”

“More like a nightmare I’d say.” He looked at the drawing again. It was strangely familiar, those faces, those people. “You know… he kinda looks like you.”

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

She glanced down at the paper with interest. "Really? I thought he looked like you." Laughing softly, she took the paper and flipped it over, revealing her drawing of Gabe. "I guess considering we're twins, the familiarities sort of blur a little. But look...before we went on our trip, I sketched you...only, for whatever reason, I had made your hair shorter...it's almost like this picture evolved into the next."

Sighing, she sat back, propping her back between his legs and her bed. "Gabrielle...I remember that name from the dreams...she was really pretty Gabe..." A wistful smile played on her lips as she went back to the drawing of Nicolas and traced the figure in the background. "It was strange...the dream was almost like a memory. He must have really loved her...but..."

"What?" He prompted, watching her tuck her hair behind her ears as she thought about everything and tried to peace together the details. "Don't you think it's odd that his name is or was Nicolas and I'm Nicola and you're Gabe and she Gabrielle? It's just weird...do you think we're maybe having some sort of silly duel dream? Maybe this is some sort of stress related problem." She suggested, finally closing up her sketch book after one last glance.

The two fell silent for a moment, until a loud bang from downstairs jerked Nicola out of her thoughts. "Damn...could they be a little louder." She huffed and got up, flashing Gabe miles of leg before her gown fell back into place. "I'm going to shower. I'm sure mother dearest is going to want us to be scrubbed and ready for church soon..."

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Gabriel watched her as she disappeared in their bathroom and got up. Taking a final glance at the drawings he shook his head, clearing it of silly thoughts and speculations and picking up his stuff he went back to his room. In the corridor he almost bumped into his mother who looked at him with disapproval. “I hope you’ll be ready in fifteen minutes? We’re going to the church!” she said.

“I will,” he answered and moved on towards the door to his room.

“What have you been doing in Nicola’s room?” she asked, he voice dripping with suspicion.

“Changing the lightbulb,” Gabriel retorted. “What the hell is this? Spanish inquisition? Soon I won’t even be able to belch without you coming up and questioning me. If you haven’t noticed I’m not a kid anymore and neither is Nicola. We can take real good care of each other, thank you. You can stop your invigilation. Can I go now or do you want to lecture me on the proper way of expressing myself on Sunday mornings?” he asked and not waiting for an answer or scolding he went to his room and prepared his usual set of fresh clothes.

Hearing that Nicola left the bathroom he went in to brush his teeth, shave and shower not really caring about the time limit their mother had set. She was always overeager to be half an hour earlier. In the mirror he checked his face – the bruise still looked ugly. Cursing he returned to his room and put his clothes on. Then he sneaked to Nicola’s room, knocked and entered, hearing a muffled “Come in.”

He sat down on her bed and hung his head. “I haven’t had my breakfast yet and mom’s already pissed me off. She just can’t lay off. I bet it’s because dad ain’t doing it with her anymore,” he joked. “Hey, that’s a nice outfit, sis,” Gabriel said with a wide, mischevious smile. “Careful or you give somebody a heart attack.”

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Dressed in one of her Sunday dresses, Nicola blushed and smoothed the soft material down over her abdomen and plucked at the skirt. "Oh hush...I may as well be an old maid in this thing." She said, but still smiled, happy that he had paid her the sweet compliment.

"Black becomes you." He teased with a wink.

"Well you don't look so bad yourself." She responded and sat next to him on her bed, draping an arm around his waist. "Don't be grumpy...you know how Mom is. She's just uptight. Why, I don't know. They probably would have just been happy with having just one of us...two ruined their plans."

Gabe puffed out air through his nose, making a snorting sound. "Yeah well...tough."

Nicola giggled and let him go, standing up to finish the touch ups on her hair, the long cotton dress gently swirling around her ankles. "You really think Mom and Dad aren't...u know..." she coughed lightly and averted her eyes. "Doing it?"

She heard him choke on a chuckle. "I don't usually think about such things." He said, his voice laced with amusement. "But I'd probably guess not. They are never around each other unless in front of others."

"Yeah...that's kind of sad though." A moment later she pulled a face and made him grin, "We should change the subject. Thinking about them like that is making me feel sick."

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

"Well, I was wondering what we could do today after church. Hoping for a nice family dinner would be too much I guess. The weather seems to have cleared or will later. It would be a pity to spend the day at home," Gabriel said, hoping that Nicola will have some idea.

"We could go to the movies... see what's playing but..." she glanced at his face.

"Yeah, I know... not exactly presentable, am I?"

"Well, it's true. It will be a while before you can show your face downtown and not draw curious glances from everyone. That's why I'm telling you to avoid trouble."

"Come on, sis, give me a break or I'll have to tickle you and I'm not in the mood for that," Gabriel joked. "We could go to the park and see if there's a festival today. Maybe a band will come?"

"Splendid idea!" Nicola clapped her hands and smiled. Gabriel though to himself that she really looks lovely. "We'll check the announcement board on our way back home and see what's what."

Gabriel nodded and rubbed his chin.

"What is it, Gabriel? That thing still bugging you?"

"What? Oh no, I'm trying not to think of that too much. There's nothing I can do anyway and in daylight the dreams are kinda distant. But you know, I was thinking yesterday what to when the summer break comes... Maybe we could go to Aunt Sarah's? See if her fish don't need taking care of? It's been a while since we've been to the big city..."

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

"Oh!" Nicola exclaimed with excitement, "Yea! Good idea! We should call her later! I love her place and that library in the city! Oh...I can't wait!" She beamed and giggled, tugged at Gabe's hand suddenly. "Come on...you had one brilliant idea, but I have another."

"What? What are you going to do?" He asked suspiciously when she tugged him into their bathroom and forced him to sit on the toilet.

"Hey...a little magic never hurt anyone." With a wink, Nicola grabbed her makeup bag and unzipped.

"Hell no, Nicola!" He protested and began to rise when she pushed him back down.

"Hush! I'm not going to make you look like a cross-dresser, Gabe! I'm just going to cover up that bruise a little! The less attention you draw, the less likely Mom and Dad will be bitchy."

He grumbled and cursed again, glowering ahead as she began to dab a little of this and that she was concocting in her head as she worked. The whole process at least braught her close enough to smell her delicate purfume. When she was done, she titled his head up to inspect her handy work. Gently her fingers tapped at the bruised area and made sure everything was blended. "There." She smiled sweetly, "A lot better." Then without even thinking about it, she bent down and pressed her soft glossy lips to his, leaving the taste of strawberries behind.

"KIDS!!!" Their father called and Nicola jerked away with a blush.

Gabriel looked a little stunned and she was suddenly confused. Kisses they had shared, soft little pecks here and there, noise smooches on the cheeks and even the occasional chaste lip to lip kiss, but this one had been soft, sweet and lingering. Nicola blushed and straightened, "Better go!" She quipped and went to slip on her small heels before rushing to join their parents.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Gabriel remained in the bathroom, sitting straight-backed and smacking his lips, tasting Nicola's strawberry kiss. It was... sudden and unexpected and most certainly new. They had never kissed like that before. This one went beyond the usual, regular family kisses. It was more private but Gabriel wasn't sure what to make of it. Was it a joke on Nicola's side or had she been carried away somehow? Whatever it was it certainly wasn't unpleasant. He could steel feel her soft lips on his, kissing him softly. Grunting his embarrassment away, Gabriel got up and looked at his reflection to check Nicola's work on his face. Indeed, the ugly bruise had been covered by some girly stuff which upon closer examination, however, stood out a little against his skin. But one would have to know what to look for and where in the first place.

As he was going downstairs he heard his father shout, "Gabriel, come on or we'll be late, dammit!"

"Chill out, dad, or you'll pop a vein. You ain't twenty anymore. I'm here. We can go," he replied, his mood suddenly good despite their parents' bitchings. Gabriel flashed a grin to his sister and they all walked out.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola smiled back almost shyly and followed her parent's out the door, the four of them piling into their mother's car and setting off. Seated in the back, Nicola stole glances at Gabe, both of them exchanging quiet looks and smiles while their parent's caught up on the latest church gossip. It really was a sad cycle, but they were hopelessly stuck in it until high school was over and college began.

The ride was short lived and the acting began when they hit the parking lot and moved into church. Everyone was all smiles and sugar, hugging and shaking hands. Nicola always stuck close to Gabriel the most around these situations. Crowds always had made her nervous.

"Nicola darlin'! You look so pretty this morning." One of their mother's friends, who was constantly trying to push her son her way, beamed.

"Thank you Mrs. Davidson." She replied softly and politely smiled.

"Excuse us, Nicola and I are going to find a seat." Gabe suddenly interrupted, drawing a scowl from Mrs. Davidson's overly made up face.

Clasping her hand in his, Gabe tugged her along, much to her relief. "Thanx." She said gratefully. "That woman is always after me."

"Yeah, but Jason is a jerk anyway. I don't want him around you."

Nicola couldn't help but grin, "How sweet...my hero." She sighed dramatically and giggled as he slanted her a teasing warning look and pulled her into a pew.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Throughout the mass Gabriel's mind was wandering as he tried to come to terms with what had happened during the last 24 hours including the strange vision, his bad night, Nicola's dream and her drawings and finally the kiss in their bathroom. He came to no conclusion though and decided to let it rest and just tackle whatever comes his way in real time. With the mass done he quickly took Nicola's hand and they were one of the first people to leave the church. Outside a surprise waited for them.

"Father Tully!" Nicola cried and ran to hug the jovial, big bellied priest who used to preach in their parish until he was moved somewhere else for taking too many liberties with the mass wine. He was loved and admired by everyone and he was a real saviour of souls. Gabriel thought that in absence of the real care of their parents he had the most influence on Nicola as a person aof authority when she had been growing up.

"Oh, the troublesome twins!" Father Tully hugged Nicola with a heart and a half and shhok hands with Gabriel.

"Spare us the alliteration, father," he said with a smile.

"What brings you here?" Nicola asked with a radiant smile.

"Oh, I just wanted to see how my former flock is behaving," the priest joked.

"For some of us you still are our priest," the girl said and looked at her brother for confirmation. "Right, Gabe?"

"I couldn't say. I don't talk much with others unless..."

"Unless it's your fists that do the talking, right, son?"

"Yeah, you could say that. How is it that you never preached to me about violence, father?"

"I'm no ignorant fool, boy. I know that not everything can be solved by words alone. Besides, the history of the church is a bloody one as well. As long as you know what you are doing and you are aware of the consequences and are ready to suffer them, just do what you think is right."

"Is that right, father?" Nicola jumped in, glacing from one man to the other.

"Well, that's what I always do, anyway. I wouldn't be fighting if it didn't mean staying true to myself, I guess."

The priest sighed in mock resignation. "O Lord, open Thou the eyen of yon sinner. Gabriel, with your attitude you should have been christened Michael or George."

"Or Bob," Nicola bumped her brother with her hip and they all laughed.

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

As the congregation filled out, people greeted the happy priest with smiles and hugs, but most kept to themselves. Their parents seemed to be the last ones out, too busy socializing to regard the time. Father Tully had never been THEIR favorite because the twins had always talked so highly of him and spent more time away at church helping or learning, instead of at home.

"Father Tully." Their mother nodded at him rather coldly and their father should his hand.

"It is nice to see you all of you on this fine Sunday." Tully beamed.

"Indeed. Unfortunately we have a pressing lunch to attend, Father...." Their father began, only to be interrupted by an understanding smile and chuckle.

Father Tully patted his round belly and nodded. "That is a good idea! I'm always in the mood for good food. Run along then! Run along!" Giving Nicola another bear hug and one for Gabe as well who grumbled, but smiled in the end.

"I will be seeing you two soon." In unison their brows raised in question, but the priest only laughed again, "Go now! We'll talk more later."

"Bye Father Tully!" They called together and waved to him still as the car drove away. Nicola felt strangely at peace again and sighed contently. All was well again until their mother opened her mouth once more. "Lunch is for your Father, myself and some important friends of ours. You two are to finish up your chores. Nicola, there is a pile of laundry that needs to be done. I suggest you finish it soon." She quipped.

"Sure Mom, no problem." She told her softly and felt Gabe's hand squeeze her fingers reassuringly and hold them until they were dropped off on the corner curb to walk home.

"So much for lunch." Nicola said with a little laugh. "It's great to be loved. So! How about I whip us up some sandwiches and then I can become the serving wench once again?" She teased and looped her arm around Gabe's for the short walk home.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

"Well damn, and I was so looking forward to visiting the park today," Gabe grunted.

"Chill out, brother dear. We'll have a breakfast, do the laundry and then we can go out. Our parents won't return too soon, I'm afraid."

"Yeah, I gathered as much. Damn, I hoped to run away after the mass... but it was good to see Father Belly again, wasn't it?" Gabriel joked, twisting the priest's name and Nicola giggled.

"It was. I missed him. He's such a good man."

"Yeah, pity he had had to go away. I wonder what he meant when he said that he would be seeing us soon," he thought aloud while opening the door. "He's gonna pay us a visit or something? Should I tidy my room up?"

"There's hardly anything in there to tidy up. But I'm curious too," Nicola mused. "I'll go change. You fish the foodstuffs out of the fridge," she said and trotted inside.

"Roger," Gabriel mumbled and moved to the kitchen where he took out bread, jam, cheese, tomatos, ham and other stuff. When his sister joined him he was already slicing the bread.

"Go away and let the real pro take care of this. You prepare the cereal, it's hard to get hurt doing that," she shooed him away and continued his work. Gabriel took two bowls, put some various cereal inside and poured cold milk over it.

"Here, eat while it's cold," he offered, putting the bowls on the table. "Oh, I haven't thaked you for camouflaging my face. Great job! Thanks, sis," he snuck his arm around her waist, pulled her closer and pressed a warm MWWWWWWAH kiss to her cheek.

 

[EklectikChik]

Error

 

[EklectikChik]

Error

*grumble* Sorry!

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola groaned and made an "Eeewwww!" Sound, wiping her cheek and grinning at him.

"What?! You love my kisses!" His fingers ran over her sides, making her giggle and squirm.

"GABE!!!" She squealed, threatening him with a butter knife.

He laughed and let go, letting her eat her breakfast while she prepared lunch. "You're welcome. I know it sucks to get stared at. It's bad enough at school, we really don't need it everywhere else." She said, taking another mouth full of cereal before fishing out some chips from the cabinets. "Thinking we should have another picnic? If we go to the park it'll be nice."

He nodded over his bowl of food. "Lets hope the weather holds," She continued, "I have to catch up on my tan or we'll start to look odd." Giving him a teasing wink, wrapped up their lunches in a brown paper bag and put them in the fridge until they were ready to eat them.

"OK. I'm going to go and do the laundry. I don't know what else needs to be done, but if you get bored, you can help me out."

Gabriel pulled a face and shook his head. "You know I hate doing laundry."

"Well, you could call Aunt Sarah and see if we can spend our summer there. It's only a few weeks away!" She suggested, watching him spring off the kitchen stool.

"Good idea!"

"I know!" She laughed, "It was my idea!" And vanished into the laundry room.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Munching on a toast with jam Gabriel picked the receiver up and dialled Aunt Sarah's number. Chewing he waited patiently for the line to connect and Sarah to pick it up. It had been quite some time since they talked last time and even more from the last time they had seen each other. Sarah, Gabriel's and Nicola's mother's sister wasn't on very good terms with the rest of the family but somehow the kids managed to find their way into her heart when they were little.

"Hello?" a woman's voice spoke.

"Hi, this is Gabriel..."

"Gabriel, my sweet! It's been ages!" Sarah interrupted him enthusiastically, machinegunning a dozen questions at him and asking even more before he even got the chance to start answering. "So, whose dog died that you're calling your old aunt?"

"Old? I thought you're only..."

"Uh-uh, don't say that word if you know what's good for you!"

"Well, anyway, me and Nicola were wondering if we could spend our summer break at your place this year. Things aren't looking up here at all and we really need some R&R away from here."

"Of course you can come, loves! I am going to Spain this year so you're most welcome to take care of my fish while I'm away. When will you be coming?"

"As soon as the school ends. We'll call you again."

"Oh that's lovely. I'll be waiting to hearing from you then."

"Yeah, sure. Bye."

"Bye, Gabriel, give Nicola a kiss from me," she said and hung up.

Gabriel shivered, Aunt Sarah's enthusiasm and buzzing energy always made him dizzy.

"Weeeeeeeeeeel? What did she say?" Nicola called from within the house.

"It's fine for us to come!" he shouted back walking in the direction of the laundry room. "We can go as soon as the school ends."

"That's so totally cool!" Nicola exclaimed. "We can get away from this place for a while, get used to living away form home."

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

She had just finished sorting the clothes into piles of colors and pilling one load into the machine with Gabe made it into the laundry room. She squeaked in surprise when she turned and found him leaning in the doorway grinning.

"Jesus!" She gasped, clutching at her chest, "Are you trying to give me a heart attack?"

"Nah...I'd miss you too much." He joked, "Aunt Sarah said to give you a kiss."

Blushing slightly, Nicola clasped her hands behind her back and looked up at him expectantly. "So kiss me." She said softly and turned a soft cheek his way.

Closing her eyes she waited for his lips to make contact, giggling nervously when he got close enough to feather his break across her skin. "Hurry up, I have laundry to do." She complained lightheartedly and then gasped when his lips met her skin gently.

The contact made her shimmer and her mind suddenly swirl. Reaching out, she made contact with the front of his shirt and held on as he tucked his face against her neck and inhaled her scent. A surprised and strangled whimper passed her lips as she fought between wanting to get closer and push him away.

Heart pounding and senses surprisingly out of control, Nicola finally jerked away and laughed shakily. "OK...enough of that, mister. Save that trick for your girlfriends...I told you I don't want any heart attacks." She teased, but her eyes looked a bit confused by her bodies reaction. She had never felt that sort of sexual charge before...with her brother or anyone else...but especially her brother. What was going on? She wondered to herself.

"I'm going to finish up in here and then we can go." She managed to add and smiled, turning to begin the task of stain removals...

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Gabriel too was shocked by his own behaviour but it was like something or someone told him to do that -- a devil of some sort. There had been no malice in his thoughts and he hadn't done that to tease her or hurt her. It somehow seemed to him a natural course of action but it was strange. It was as if suddenly Nicola tempted him to continue, her perfume making his mind spin like some dose of pheromons.

"Yeah, okay," he mumbled and turned to leave. He wiped sweat from his forehead and shook his head. He could still smell Nicola's scent in his nose. This was certainly weird. What the hell happened to make him feel and behave this way? She was his sister, for crying out loud, and even though they were really, really close there was a border there that shouldn't be crossed but he felt like they were dancing danerously close to that border. Was this the natural result of their parents' lack of care and interest? Was this the natural way for the relationship between him and Nicola to develop?

Sighing to himself, Gabriel mounted the stairs to his room and checked his e-mail. Nothing intetresting apart from some spam so he turned the machine off. From the shelf he picked his sunglasses and put them into the shitr pocket.

"I'm all done so ready when you are!" Nicola shouted from downstairs.

"Coming!" he shouted back and trotted downstairs. "We can go," he said and took the bag with their lunches from her. "Let's go before we're intercepted."

Nicola nodded and they left the house. Walking towards the park they didn't speak at all and he understood why. Taking her hand in his Gabriel spoke, "I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I didn't want to scare you... It was... weird. Like I wasn't really myself."

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola stared down at the ground and wasn't sure what to say. She knew he hadn't really meant what he had done and yet she had reacted just as boldly to it. "It's OK..." She said softly, "It was weird...I felt it too." Shrugging slightly, she squeezed his fingers against hers. "I don't know what the deal is...I just, never...um, felt like that before and it was really weird, considering...you ARE my brother."

She saw him nod from the corner of her eye and let go of his hand to tuck hair behind her ears. The sun was pleasantly warm, but not overly hot and a cool breeze washed over them as they walked. "Do you think there is something wrong with us, Gabriel?" She asked worriedly, breaking the prolonged silence between them.

"No!" He replied firmly, the set of his jaw stubborn, bringing a slight twitch of a smile to her face.

"OK." Looking away she let the silence consume them again and tried to forget their little moment. The feel of his lips still made her skin burn with recognition...so much so she itched to rub the spot, but tried her best not to.

"I love you...no matter what." Glancing down at her Gabe smiled at her words and her stomach dipped and fluttered.

"I love you too, peanut."

"Peanut!?" She huffed and jabbed him in the side. "I'll remember that!"

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

"Yeah, remember how much affection I put into that," he joked but Nicola's earlier words still eachoed inside his head: Do you think there is something wrong with us? He had vigorously denied it not to worry her but deep inside he wasn't so confident. Some weird things had been happening between the two of them and some of those weren't really safe.

"Whatcha thinking of?" Nicola asked suddenly.

"Oh, nothing in particular. Just wondering if James will have enough balls tomorrow to finish what he started on Friday. God, I hate his guts."

"There, there," she stroked his shoulder maternally. "Don't think too much of it," Nicola tried to calm him down, hoping he forgot about the little incident in the supermarket.

"I told you, I'm not gonna let him walk all over me. I'll give him a lesson once and for all."

"Easy, Gabriel. He's not worth it to get so worked up about him. Really."

"I know, sis, it's just that there' something about him that really ticks me off. The moment I see him I want to smash his beezer."

"Hey!" Nicola ran a few steps forward and stopped in front of him, blocking his path. "I wanted to go out just with you today. Go out and have some fun. I'm no interested in going out with you and James on your mind, got it, mister?"

Gabriel grunted and shook his head, trying to flush the annoyance out. "You're right. He's not worth it. But hell, I can't help being so passionate about everything, now can I?"

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola shook her head and sighed, throwing her hands up in the air. "I guess not. I just worry about you. I don't want anyone hurting you. Remember in kindergarten, Tommy Mitchell punched you in the nose because you told him to give him bad my candy? I had to show him what was what then...I'd have to have to do it again."

She looked so damn serious that Gabe had to fight his smile back. They had been kids then...now they were practically adults and she was thinking about beating some jerks up for him. Nicola, with her slender body and delicate limbs.

"I'm sure you'd have them quivering, peanut." He teased and broke into a broad, soul melting grin. "MY HERO!"

She punched him lightly in the gut and took off running with a laugh. "You're such a jerk!"

"Oh yeah! Well, you just wait until I catch up and then we'll see what you think!!" He hollered after her, letting her get the head start she needed before he took off running after her.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

Nicola was fast on her legs, he had to give it to her as he caought up with her only at the announcement board when she was studying the event list. She smiled at Gabriel as he approached and continued reading, jumping when he poked her ribs with a finger. She glared at him and giggled when he made an innocent face.

"Well, what's on the menu?" Gabriel asked.

"Nothing much, I'm afraid," she answered rubbing her side. "There's a concert at four on the big stage but before that there's nothing interesting."

Gabriel peeked over her shoulder and skimmed the list. Indeed, this was proving to be one of the most boring Sundays ever. The concert was still a few hours away and one could only sit on a bench for so long. His head drooped and he rested his chin on Nicola's shoulder.

"So, we going in or looking for some other entertainment, hmm? We could always go wherever our folks are having that damn lunch and embarrass them somehow..."

 

[EklectikChik]

Nicola

Nicola pressed her cheek against his and laughed, "Sounds like fun, but I'd rather live to see the ripe old age of 19, thank you!"

Gabe chuckled as she leaned back into him and looked up at the board. "Why does it have to be such a bad day!? This always happens when we need something to do." She complained, "I could be home napping right now."

"Lazy butt." He teased and shifted, searching his pockets. "I think I still have some money on me...maybe we can walk around and see what little shops we can explore?"

Like any woman, shopping was one of Nicola's favorite past times. Even if she didn't do it as often as she wanted. "Really? OK! Lets do that!" Smiling, she grasped his hand and spun away, tugging him along.

 

[Poganin]

Gabriel

"Right, let's do that!" Gabriel grumbled with a faint smile. "It's great as long someone else is doing the paying."

"Ah, stop that, little brother. You love me anyway," Nicola chirped, linking her arm through his as they walked.

Soon they reached a small street filled with curio shops and various little stands selling odds and ends that people didn't need or had too many for themselves and decided to share for a nickel. Nicola's eyes glittered with interest, she wanted to look at everything and go everywhere and Gabriel was forced to tag along, lacking comprehension of female mentality. The remained a little longer at one stand which had a plethora of hair clasps on display. From small to really big, dull to sophisticated, colourful and weird; in short it probably had every item used for doing your hair man had ever created. With patience Gabriel tried to weather his sister's selecting those that she liked more than others and then try them on or even try put them on him to cheer him up too. She finally settled for some and Gabe paid for them sighing with relief.

"I thought you weren't going to move from there," he mumbled and yawned.

"Oh but they were so pretty and shiny. I especially love this one," she twittered and clipped a glittering, small pink butterfly over her ear. "How do I look?"

"Real cute, sis. Really!" he added when Nicola glared at him as if disbelieving his words. "Anyway, where to now... Damn, it's the three stooges!" he exclaimed seeing Curly, Larry and Moe gang on some helpless kid.

"Uh, yes. Gabe, let's just go? Please, before there's any trouble or someone gets hurt?"

No one paid any attention to the kid being mugged even though he cried for help as the trio dragged his away from the crowded area.

"I'll be right back. Wait here," Gabriel growled and followed them.