A & Z

[Aurora]

She heard the dissapointment in his voice and felt bad. But what else could she do? Aurora didn't even know what love was. There were movies about that stuff, but none of it seemed to be...real. She shook he rhead as she pulled out precooked chicken. Chicken ceaser salad seemed good. Healthy.

"Zade...what exactly is love...to you?"

Her large hazel eyes were locked onto the food she was preparing now. The fresh tomatoes and cheese and everything else she was chopping for the salad. Maybe if he could explain it... he could help her understand.

How did she feel around Zade? Well, how they had been. Aurora had blushed, and felt...odd. Always smiling on the inside. Feeling like she could walk on clouds, and as if no one else matter. But then...he had left. And everything had changed. She felt...cold. A little cold on the inside, as if she couldn't trust what he said. That maybe he would just leave again. But she liked Zade. A lot. So...did she love him?!? And was she mad at him for leaving her? Aurora needed his explanation to figure things out. Maybe.

[Zade]

Zade then heard Aurora's question and suddenly, he stopped in what he was doing as he looked up, out the window and at the sky. What was love? Well, it was nothing, really, and yet, it was everything. Zade walked towards the kitchen but stood outside and leaned against the wall beside the entrance. Looking up at the ceiling, he sighed, then started to explain, from what he knew, of course.

"Love is the feeling you get around a certain someone. A feeling of comfort, yet awkward. A feeling that's out of this world. This feeling can lead to other feelings, both good and bad. And finally, when you feel love, you're complete."

Zade closed his eyes. That was what he was feeling, and yet, he was broken. He was complete and broken. Mix that together. Completely broken. His eyes clamped tighter shut as a tear tried to make its way out of his eye socket, his teeth biting his lips so hard that it had turned white. He almost wanted to bang his head against the wall behind him, but that would attract too much attention. The single move he had made had two consequences, after all. One, was that Aurora would realise her own feelings and accept him, or two, Zade had just ruined their friendship.

[Aurora]

She listened...slowly mising together everything needed for the salad. She clutched the bowl it was in, and turned to walk to the table. A smile was back on her lips, hazel eyes happy.

"Thank you Zade. I might be able to figure something out now. You always seem to help me when I need it."

Maybe she did love him. Her sure footed steps took the pale girl to the table, setting the large wooden bowl in the middle of the two plates. Inside was the ceaser chicken salad, whipped up in a matter of moments because Aurora had plenty in the fridge. Just waiting for Zade to come back.

Maybe she hadn't realized it, but all her actions already spoke as if she had made up her mind. The way she had kept his room clean, dusting it every other day, and finishing up anything undone around the house. Keeping food in the fridge, stocked full even though she barely ate anything at all. Every one of those actions spoke of how she loved Zade.

[Zade]

Zade closed his eyes, letting out a smile as her words entered his ears. Yeah. He had always been there, but why wouldn't he? He loved her, right? Though, why did he leave her then? Cause he loved her? Alright, now even Zade was questioning his intention. He let out a sigh, then opened his eyes as Aurora walked past him, placing the bowl of chicken ceaser salad on the table.

Zade followed her, his eyes on her as she set the bowl on the table, a smile on his face.

"Well, shall we eat?"

It was rather obvious now, to Zade, that is. She loved him too. But he wasn't so sure just yet. He'd just have to wait until she said it. Letting out a sigh, he pulled back his chair and sat down, looking at her. Once more, they were back in their little 'trade'. He worked for their money to buy grocery, and she cooked the food for them to eat.

[Aurora]

"Of course!"

Aurora's soft smile was still there as she undid the back of the apron and pulled the pink thing free of her body. Setting it carefully on the back of her chair, the pale girl sat down to eat. It had been awhile since they had last sat down and eaten together like this. She had been cooking for one for so long.

"I'm...glad you're home Zade."

She said again, just because she felt it. He was home, he was safe, and that was that. She piled her plate with food, before slowly beginning to eat. Aurora never rushed a dinner. In cooking or eating.

[Zade]

A smile grew on his face. Semi-forced, honestly, but a well-done one nonetheless. Even Zade thought that he was happy. Grabbing the spoon and the fork, he scooped up a large serving of the ceaser chicken salad and placing it on his plate. He gave Aurora a small glance and a nod, indicating his gratefulness for the food, before taking the first bite, chewing on the small piece of chicken and letting out a soft satisfied hum. Aurora seemed to always cook the best food.

Zade then looked at her, his mouth stopped moving as he did. She was glad that he was home? Zade then couldn't help but really smile. Giving her another nod, he replied after swallowing the chicken in his mouth.

"I'm glad to be back, Aurora.

[Aurora]

She finished her plate, then stood up, gathering her dishes and her apron. The pale girl didn't eat that much honestly, and so she went to go wash off her dishes and put things away. No point in leaving a mess.

Ah, the radio was still on! She had forgotten about that. Setting her dirty dishes in the sink Aurora turned and quickly switched the thing to off. She blushed slightly at the thought of Zade catching her singing. Yup, she was still shy.

The pink apron quickly went back on, her small hands tying the bow on the small of her back before going to clean everything she had used to cook. Hot soapy water did wonders with good scrubbing.

Now that Zade was home...things could be normal. Things would be good again. She wouldn't cry at night because she was alone...after she had gotten use to Zade being in the other room all the time. She didn't have to be afraid. Zade was here.

[Zade]

-=-New Thread. >.>-=-

"Let's go, then."

Zade replied, as he stepped to Aurora's side, putting his arm around her neck as he held her close, walking her out of the school. Surprisingly, those group of seniors that always bothered Zade about Aurora seemed to have disappeared. Looks like they had nothing to say now, eh? Zade chuckled at that, and then turned his attention back to Aurora. Finally, he was home.

"Thank you Zade."

Zade looked at her, then gave her a smile. Then, finally leaving the school, Zade turned his eyes to the direction of their apartment. He was then reminded of the feasts and wonderful food that Aurora always cooked for him. Turning to her, he asked with a tone that was akin to that of a child asking a mother.

"So... What's for lunch?"

[Aurora]

Aurora smiled, she couldn't help it. Zade and food. He always wanted food it seemed. Laughter escaped her as she walked into the apartment.

"Depends on what's in the fridge."

She kept walking, steady for the moment even though her face was still red. It just wasn't as bright red as it had been. Aurora would make him a good lunch, brimming with the happy feelings as she was.

"I'll make you something good, okay?"

[Zade]

As they entered the apartment, Zade removed his shoes, following Aurora to the kitchen. He grabbed his sling bag and removed it from his shoulders, simply tossing it into his room as he followed her into the kitchen, before giving her a wide grin.

"Anything you cook is good to me, Aurora."

Zade let out a chuckle as he turned around, walking into his room. Picking up his bag, he placed it on his table, before sitting on the bed, a wide smile on his face. Falling backwards and lying down on his bed, he looked at the ceiling. Boy, was he happy? He no longer had to look at the wall that seperated his room and Aurora's, thinking whether or not she felt the same way he felt about her. Now, he knew. He didn't have to think anymore.

[Aurora]

Aurora quickly took a look in the fridge. Something simple...chicken Cesar salad? That would be simple enough right? She pulled out thawed chicken, and all the veggies needed.

Her fingers clicked the radio on sitting on the counter...where she had left it. And then there was the biggest shock in her life. Sitting there listening to the DJ's words...

"And now a new rising band's latest single... Pure Indulgence's biggest hit ' Innocent Angel' sang by the wonderful little Aurora Nevin!"

And it started. The music, the drums...the bass...the gituar...all quiet...all so soft in the beginning. Her voice above it all, so sad....so haunting. She had the radio turned up so loud, there was no way Zade couldn't hear it.

She turned on the stove and found the pan needed. Putting a little oil in there the girl softly began to sing with herself. A little in awe that she was on the radio. Didn't happen every day, right?

[Zade]

Zade left his room just as Aurora switched on the radio and he looked at the door. Walking towards it, he turned on his heels and rested against the wall beside the entrance into the kitchen. Our wonderful little Aurora Nevin? Well, what do you know? She was in a band. Then, her singing filled the whole house. Zade closed his eyes as he let the music soothe his mind, a smile coming onto his face. Crossing his arms over his chest, he leaned against the wall, waiting for lunch to be ready.

Wow, her singing was awesome. She was indeed the perfect girl. Perfect personality, perfect looks, perfect cooking and perfect singing. Zade chuckled softly, unbelieving his own luck. He lifted his head, letting it rest against the wall too as he listened closely to her singing. And he was only falling deeper and deeper in love.

[Aurora]

Aurora kept singing softly. She cooked the chicken meat. In between flipping that cleaning the lettuce and cutting up the other things. One large bowl was found in the kitchen cupboards, and soon enough was being filled with everything.

Lastly was the chicken. Cut up in small pieces right after the song ended. Aurora was happy...proud of herself really. She had accomplished a lot, by just joining the band.

Turning around she was shocked to find Zade standing there.

"Oh! Lunch...is almost ready."

A small little smile. How long had he been there? Well, he had always done this to her. So why wasn't she used to it by now? Aurora just kept smiling.

[Zade]

Zade let out a relieved sigh, the smell of chicken being like a stress reliever to the boy. He smiled once more, opening his eyes and looking at Aurora. He pushed himself off the wall just as Aurora mentioned that lunch was almost ready. And then, he lifted his hands up and started clapping. Walking towards her, he spoke.

"That was a nice song, eh, Aurora?"

He gave her a soft chuckle. Then, standing right in the middle of the kitchen, he looked at her, his hands going down to his side as his smile calmed down. His head was tilted slightly, his whole body relaxed as he simply looked into her eyes. Suddenly, he felt this sudden urge to just go to her and kiss her, but no, he shouldn't take it too fast. She was new to this, after all. Yet, so was he. Wow.

[Aurora]

"Uh...I'm glad you like it. I wrote the lyrics myself..."

Which would be kind of disturbing...considered the lyrics. All about a nightmare she had had. An innocent angel, so perfect to her...dying. Lots of talk about the blood mingling with the mud as it rained and how the girl was loosing her grip on reality. Very disturbing from such a sweet girl.

But she it was a nightmare she had often. About Zade. Aurora just smiled at him, standing there as he looked at her. She had no idea what was going through his mind at all, she just knew what she was thinking. Zade was wonderful and that she didn't have to worry anymore. She would be fine.

And because of the band... she wouldn't need to take money from her step father anymore. Aurora wouldn't depend on him any longer!

Oh...wait... the band members....

"Zade, the guys in the band were going to come over today... after school. We're suppose to start writing lyrics to a new song together, because it's suppose to be a duet between me and Steven. I forgot to tell you, I'm sorry! The food's ready though!"

And she turned back to the salad, finishing it up quickly. With a simple turn of her feet she walked past him and set the salad on the table. It was good to be home with Zade.