[A/N: Chapter song recommendation: Last One Standing Ft. Polo G, Mozzy, & Eminem]
This guy is the literal definition of a loose end. If left unchecked, he'll definitely become the bane of my existence.
I need to cut the source at the root if I'm to accomplish anything here.
I didn't expect him to be particularly mature, but I was hoping he would be more helpful. What a pain in the ass.
Aybel sighed. "Fine. Even if I don't trust you, I won't take any rash action. I'll deal with you in my own way and in my own time. For now, we have more urgent matters... Like her..."
He turned back, glancing up again at the girl as she approached their location.
"Hehe." Caine smiled. "I knew it. I knew you wouldn't let her fall. But you know, you had me scared for a second there." He placed a hand on his chest as he heaved a sigh of relief.
"As much as I love to brag, I'm not stupid. I don't want to die just to prove a point."
"Shut up, idiot. I'm glad you realize I'm not one to be trifled with, though."
Caine joined Aybel at the edge of the chandelier, staring at the girl together. Crossing his arms behind his head, he watched her fall closer to them.
"Ahhh... Just look at those mysterious eyes of hers." With a casual grin and a carefree attitude, he waved at her. "Why, hello there, Miss! Mind if we interrupt your fall for a moment!?"
Startled, the girl swung head towards the sudden voice.
She raised a skeptical brow at the amnesiac before silently returning to her previously unbothered pace, closing her eyes and turning her head towards the sky.
What a strange girl...
"I hope you're taking notes, brother!"
"Indeed, I am..."
"Well then, let's not keep the fair lady waiting." Caine said bending his knees, preparing to jump, but then he stopped for a second, turning to look at Aybel. His face full of confidence as he smiled smugly.
"I'm sure you know what to do, brother."
Needing no further communication Aybel understood his role.
He looked down at the chandelier for the first time in a while, blood spattered across its surface and staining the once-elegant object.
"How bothersome." Aybel murmured, his thoughts not on the fact that the blood belonged to those who had collided with the object, but rather: "Now I have to watch my step."
He calmly walked to the opposite end of the chandelier, then went down on all fours.
The plan, simple enough, was for Caine to jump and catch the girl.
Meanwhile, Aybel would be stationed on the chandelier ready to counterbalance any sudden movements from their landing.
Counting down with a smile on his face, Caine readied himself: "Five, four, three, two, one, and..."
On the count of one, Caine rose with an arrogant yet nonchalant grace, leaping from the floating platform, effortlessly plucking her slender form out of the air and into his arms.
The height on that jump... Is he even human?
Without giving up his grip, he landed hard on the chandelier with one knee.
"Done!"
The landing impact caused the entire platform to lurch with a loud CREAAAAKKK!
But Aybel held on tightly to the metal with both hands, as his rather weak muscles tried their very best to balance the weight.
With the girl now safe, he rose to his feet joining them at the center, while Caine carefully released her from his princess carry, placing her down on the glowing ornament...
She dusted off herself in silence, patting down every spec of dust.
Meanwhile Caine smiled at Aybel, looking pleased with the outcome of their stunt.
And then, with a blank stare that could rival Aybel's, she gazed at them, her frosty grey eyes shifting between both boys.
She was quiet, and just when Aybel started to think that she had no intention of speaking... She finally said:
"Fine, you've saved me. Well done and all that... But, could you kindly explain how this helps me specifically?"
The two boys both exchanged glances.
"My, do you have a sharp tongue..."
Taking the lead, Caine stroked his chin as he took a few steps closer to her, a slight breeze causing her hair to flutter.
"Well, I must admit... I was half hoping that you'd start crying and wailing like one of those poor little maidens in distress and then I could comfort you and have you fall head over heels for me... Would've certainly made things easier. But, oh well." He waved his hand in the air dismissively.
"That's not how it's gonna go down, it seems... Don't get me wrong though. I'm not disappointed in the slightest. If anything, I'm overjoyed by how difficult this is going to be~" He looked at her with a small smirk on his face.
"That's not my problem. It's a very simple question. So?"
Caine sighed. "Alas we couldn't possibly stand idly by while such a beautiful girl like yourself hurtled towards her doom."
"...So this is how this goes. You think you have 'saved' me from death and now it is my duty to thank you both for your kindness..." Her eyes shifted to Aybel for a moment, but once again she spoke, directing her words squarely at Caine. "Is that it?"
Leaning in, the amnesiac brought his face close, then he pushed his hair aside looking at her with gentle eyes.
"A little gratitude won't hurt, you know~ You'd have been just another stain on this chandelier by now otherwise." He smiled, eyes darting to the ornament for a split second.
She stared back at Caine with an indifferent look. "Don't look so smug. You took away my choice. You took it upon yourselves to force me on this... this floating thing?" Her hands moved with little energy as she gestured towards the chandelier.
"Bah!" Caine straightened up, his shadow creeping across the chandelier.
"We just saved your life, for crying out loud. I say, you owe us at least a smile or two." He cheerfully poked the corners of his lips up, forming a wide grin.
"Do I look like I care. You should focus your concern on someone who really needs it. I don't need saving..." Her face fell into a solemn expression.
"And I definitely didn't ask for it. Dying here won't make an ounce of difference... You two should really learn not to meddle with the lives of others."
"Is that so...?"
Aybel stepped forward breaking his silence. Her gaze shot up, momentarily taken aback by the sound of his voice.
The atmosphere became tense.
To Be Continued...