Tales Unspoken

Deciding to get dressed is essential and straightforward; deciding what to wear is hard. Of course, because Sterlo is here, the assortment of clothes I am presented with is nothing like the outfit I had arrived in. They are frilly, expensive, and hot pink. Some have white trims or white sleeves; others have pink skirts or pink tops. Every single one is a dress. They all squeeze the chest and bellow out around the hips and down. They all just about touch the floor as I try them on. I'm not sure why he brought me dresses and all terribly similar dresses, but I trust his judgment, for the most part, and I have no idea where we are going, so… I can't complain. It's not like I own any clothing myself.

No matter how much I dislike the brightness of the rosy color that almost sparkles as I walk, I can't deny how fabulously fashionable they are. I feel gorgeous, and I shine elegantly. I can't help but think that Dijack could never have given me something like this, let alone let me go outside in it. He would probably have laughed until he couldn't breathe, and I can hear Steel's voice chiming in, telling me I look like a pretty, pretty princess and I need to go back to my tower.

I walk out into the hall from my bedroom, having decided on one of the frilly monstrosities, and I must say that I look fabulous. The sleeves are long but laced, letting the cool air of the home chill the entirety of my arms. The sleeves connect to the thick straps of the dress, which are pink, and V-necked until the part of my cleavage was visible. Small frills peek out from the edges and, along with the straps, down to the slightly open back. It shows half of my back, where my spine seems tender and feminine. The white frills and sleeves balance out the absurd amount of pink, along with the milky bow wrapped around my waist, having been tied on the side of my body. My open-toe heels peek out from under my dress.

The door closes behind me as I notice Sterlo chatting up a storm. Zero looks pretty intent on the conversation. "Ahem!" I clear my throat loudly.

A burst of excitement protrudes from Sterlo as he twirls around to acknowledge me. "Oh my! Oh my! Oh my!" his hands are shaking with such speed that I get dizzy watching them. He's hopping on his toes, clenching his teeth as he continues to squeal. "Oh my, how lovely you are! You even put up your hair with the bobby pins I gave you!"

He turns to Zero, giving him a hard slap on the shoulder that makes me wince from the sound of it. Zero hisses at the oblivious man, glaring daggers. "I understand that you are elated beyond belief, but why must you slap me?" He growls. He appears less intimidating now, and I can't quite put my finger on it. Zero sighs his usual sigh and crosses his arms. Through these movements, I feel like I know him well. Zero's sigh has started to become a pretty common occurrence. I think that if I went a day and didn't hear him sigh, it would be a memorable day indeed.

"Ah, come on. Come on! We have things to do and sights to see, and now I have a tagalong that will entertain me, oh how splendid this will be! Just look at her, as pretty as the finest cut diamond!" With his hands clasped, he dazes off into his own little dream world with a pleasant expression on his face. For a moment, I wonder what he's thinking. I quickly brush that thought from my head just as suddenly as it had entered. I don't want to ever know what's inside that head of his. Zero turns to me with a serious demeanor that makes me take a step back in response.

"Let us leave him here…" he groans, pleadingly.

I bark out a laugh; that is the last thing I expected from him. "That's surprising; I could never! This is way too much fun for me!" I let out a snicker as I smile up at him, a devilish curl to the inner corners of my lips.

"Hey, do not gossip about me now!" Sterlo winks playfully. "I have excessive knowledge of how stunning I am, but still, you are very rude, my young little sweet. If you have any compliments, you should be directing them loud and proud at me!" He places his closed fists resolutely on his hips and pouts. I snicker, covering my mouth to restrain myself; I wouldn't want to antagonize a man who has every intention of gobbling me up. "Yes, we were talking about how rambunctious you are…" I chime in, giving a slight, apologetic smile in Sterlo's direction. I catch Zero's stare from the corner of my vision.

Zero merely smirks back at me, remaining utterly silent. I don't know if the thought of keeping quiet would hone off Sterlo but jeepers, does it work. "Oh, dear child, do hurry up and give in to my charms already! I am getting quite impatient! I feel the crippling urge to squeeze you and never let go, and my is it quite unsated! I could give you everything you ever desired! Oh, don't make me wait too long, my darling…" Sterlo's giggle sounds ever so slightly satanic this time around as his long, slender legs take wide steps toward me and, in a flash, has closed the distance between us. I throw my hands up to ward him off, but it is inevitable, and a feeble attempt at that, as one surprisingly strong hand, grasps the wrists of both of mine in a grip I know I won't be able to release myself from, and his other cups the back of my neck in a much gentler fashion. His head is soon in the crook of my neck, planting such a loving kiss that makes my lips part in expectation. I force myself to brush past the feelings, the scent of the beautiful man, and the way his plump, luscious, soft lips feel against my skin.

I fail, and soon I feel myself being washed away by him, unable to resist him, his aurora, that scent that I can't pinpoint any specific smell to, and the warmth of those cursed lips. I feel an urge welling up inside of myself, a daring urge, and an unsatisfied craving. It's as if my entire being is being pulled toward it, toward him, and I need to give in to it. It's the only way I can be fulfilled. I desire him.

I feel his hot, musky breath travel up the side of my neck, his nose brushing my chin in tender gesture, his lips following soon after to make a stop at my ear. His teeth nibble at the dangling clump of skin that usually housed an earring, pulling back to let his teeth grind down as he let go. It tingles in ways I can't explain, my spine whirling in pleasure and a thirst growing in my abdomen. "What do you say, hm?" Just to feel him breathing is a gift, how it sweeps against my ear and presents it with a need for more. I need more.

I had unconsciously been drawing him closer, my hands grasping his clothing for dear life, trying to pull him closer to myself, to feel our bodies pressed together. I turn my head away in embarrassment, taking a moment to think, my head foggy and delirious as his scent wafts around me, suffocating me. He takes a step, gently shifting himself to push his lips back into the hollow of my ear, letting out a hot sigh into the chamber. I almost melt into his arms right there, my whole body fighting to have him take me right then and there. I look up then to give Sterlo the answer he had been working so hard for when I see Zero's gaudy stare past the arm of Sterlo. He looks uncomfortable, but there's also a fit of hidden anger behind that expression. The offense he is refusing to release, to acknowledge. He seems upset but remains silent. He's staring at me, his face contorting with displeasure. Is he upset that I have given in to this hunk of a man?

Is he upset?

Wait, why is he looking at me like that? Staring back at him, we lock eyes. The fog starts to clear from my mind as I feel my face heat up. Even with the unappealing look on his face, he is still beautiful.

"… —ong my darl—…."

We stare and stare at one another, and I can't help but not want to look away. He's looking at me, noticing, recognizing my existence. His eyes soften for but a brief second; he looks at me almost lovingly. For whatever reason, he seems pleased and happy. Sterlo's voice chimes in at that moment and reminds me of where I am.

"What has gotten you so dazed?" His voice rings. He had pulled back slightly to gaze down at me, curious as to my sudden lack of reply to his advances. He hadn't noticed the stare-off between Zero and me.

My head is jumbled with what I had just witnessed, and when I hurriedly look back to Zero after having been distracted by Sterlo, he is gone.

He's just going to smile at me like that and walk away?

In a huff, I manage to get my hands between our bodies and push a reasonable distance between Sterlo and me. This movement baffles him completely, and when I finally look up at the man, he looks puzzled beyond belief. His shocked expression is cute, and I smile as I finally answer, "Sorry, you know I couldn't do that. I have my reputation to uphold!"

I shove all the previous events to the back of my mind, refusing the fact that I GAVE INTO THIS MAN without even a second thought. I keep doubting his charisma. I need to be extra careful around him.

Though… it seems that Zero, not only now, but before too, was able to break me from the trance?

Oh god, I can't believe Sterlo just did that… I can't believe this man just molested my ear like that and that it felt good. He's not safe to be around at all! I can't belie—…

"MY, oh my. You really do have such a strong will. But I find that oddly appealing. I haven't had a challenge such a this in too long. I'm much too excited to see how long you can hold out against me, my lovely flower. But don't be fooled, you will cave…" He whispers just loud enough, and low enough, that my ears automatically strain to hear him and flush from the seductive undertone in his voice. His demeanor has changed entirely from flamboyant to erotic and sexy; I don't know if I can handle this. This man is a beast! I need to change the topic or get sucked into that provocative and confident look in his eyes.

"Uhm, why have I dressed so flashily for a day out on the town anyway?" The edge in my voice is evident as I count how many things could go wrong with this situation. His hand had raised up to allow his fingers to clasp around my chin, holding my head firmly in place

"We must always be flashy! I will never be caught dead in such atrocious clothing, like the ones you had shown up in, nor will I befriend ones such as that. Yes, you needed a makeover!" he takes a step closer and squints at me. My inner soul coils at him, closing the distance between us once again, but I hope my topic change has wholly distracted him. I gulp down the annoyance at him having insulted me just then. "Yes, I do think that I did such an amazing job! Maybe I should pick up another hobby!" he squeaks in satisfaction.

His perfume is once again surrounding me, and I keep the image of Zero's smiling face in my mind, hoping that'll help ward off the encroaching, blistering effects of this… wizardry.

"Oh, yes, you really did. I look a thousand times b–!" I mumble out, trying to puff up his ego.

"Oh, my darling! How sweet of you. Well, I do say, if there is any place you would like to go, do tell, and I shall make it so!" He pinches my cheek in encouragement.

Catastrophe avoided?

"Oh, well… I would really like to see some of the other flying states, even if it's just one! I'm truly intrigued by the idea of floating bubbles full of people and towns and cities!" I blurt out without even thinking about it. If there is anything that I want, it is to travel. I have such a want to travel, and badly, even if it isn't that far away. The only thing that seems strange about my passion is that, if you were to ask why, I wouldn't be able to give you an answer.

"My! You seem very adamant about traveling. After giving us that lovely speech about you having no intention of asking anything of us!" Sterlo's face is the furthest thing from seriousness. He seems enlightened that I let my wish spill, that I had opened up to him. "You did not hesitate either. That is excellent…" Gentle… in less than a moment, his eyes become gentle. They are soft, and his smile is sincere and inviting. There isn't a trace of amusement. I almost choke on my breath in surprise; how can he possibly get even more handsome?!

"Huh, wh—… Ye-yeah! I-if you say…so. I guess." I know my face is red; it must be.

"So, you want to travel?" Zero cut in softly. Unlike Sterlo, he didn't speak so heartfelt. A jolt of surprise runs through my system as I realize Zero has come back and no longer carries that personable smile.

"Yes. I was informed…before I met you two… that only the rich of the rich and the powerful can hope to achieve this silly, newfound dream of mine." I let my eyes wander over Zero's body, knowing full and well that he sees me. I glance up at his face to see a full-blown smirk, the exact opposite of the pleasing smile he had graced me with earlier.

"You are quite the lucky girl." Sterlo bellows, taking my attention back to the difference in the distance they now had from me. Sterlo really was too close, and his essence was much too vital.

"What? How do you suppose that?" I ask, completely unmindful. I'm a tad infuriated that he is between the striking block of ice and me.

"Well, other than the fact that Zero and I have replaced everything you once had in your life…." For a moment, my thoughts meander off. He noticed that, too. He barely knows me, and he saw the same thing I did. I've got to give him credit; he's more observant than he appears. "…We are also the rich of the rich and the powerful –."

"I think that is enough, Sterlo." Zero sighs. He doesn't seem upset with Sterlo's admittance, which confuses me; why did he stop him?

"What do you mean? This young lady has not kept anything from us, so why should we –?"

"Shut UP!" Zero yells over the astounded, pink-haired goon. He is gritting his teeth, fists clenching so tightly that they're shaking. I don't know how but I can tell that Sterlo isn't the one that he's mad at, at least not directly upset with.

I'm not the only one who notices. "I understand. You do know that holding all that anger in will not help you. You can at least rely on me." Sterlo smiles tenderly… and miserably. Knowing I am in no position to intervene, I keep to myself,

"I know." He murmurs back, looking up at the ceiling as he wrings his hands.

With a sudden burst of courage, I give a soft shout, "Well? What are we waiting for?!" With the brightest smile and glowing eyes, I burst from Sterlo's captivity and grab Zeros jacket sleeve to drag him to the door. I stop and wait, eyeing the exit with curiosity because of its complex features, and ignoring that glare aimed at the back of my head. I hear a huff in complaint, but nothing more.

"Careful when you open the door! We are on the tenth floor, and the elevator is made of Steel Glass!" he giggles as he catches up with us. The first thing that pops into my head is Steel, one of the people who had called themselves my friend. I toss that image out and wonder out loud, "How can Steel be Glass or Glass be Steel?"

Sterlo chuckles. "I would explain it to you, but I do not think you would comprehend it."

"Hey! Are you calling me dumb?" I huff. These two really like to remind me how much brighter they are compared to me! Well, I'm sorry, I have no memory.

"Oh, no, no, no! Of course not!" he clarifies. "I am just saying that you are not smart enough!"

"Hey, you punk!" I yelp, swinging my fist in the air—zero doubles over, unable to hold back his laughter at the insult. Sterlo gives a small smile as my own face flushes. I give Zero a death glare, but he's laughing too hard to notice. It takes Zero a few minutes to see us and quickly straighten up, clearing his throat and putting on his famous poker face. "Zero! You have such a cute laugh!" I whine sarcastically as I throw myself at him, doing my best to annoy him. His laugh is cute, but I'm not going to tell him that.

Noticeably disgusted, he dodges me with elegance and agility. "Wh-what the…? Would you reframe from doing that?! That is stupendously improper, you commoner! I don't know where those poor hands of yours have been. No, stay away!" he yelps in discomposure. It's hard to contain myself, but Sterlo doesn't even attempt to.

"Ahaha! You sound like a helpless child! Come, come, scream again!" he taunts Zero flamboyantly. Zero's expression shows us his infuriation to this inconsiderate banter.

"Curses Sterlo! Have you not learned your lesson, or do you need another? Your sister is visiting this weekend, is she not?" Zero's smirk is wide and poised.

Sterlo grows paler than white paste.

Standing next to these two blockheads makes me feel comfortable and at home. Watching them converse in a way that's so normal and a habit to them. I feel slightly less frightened of the days to come, knowing I have stumbled upon people that I never thought I would get a chance to meet. To be excepted so openly and willingly takes the burden from my shoulders alone; even if I get insulted along that way, I know that Zero doesn't hate me, or he would have booted me the moment I showed up. Something about their topic as well is familiarly striking me. Sterlo's sister? It's not surprising that he has a relative, but I can once again feel a sense of déjà vu. Did I have a sister? I hadn't learned much about my life other than my mother from Vanterra, which made it harder to feel like this was my life due to only having bits and pieces. From what I had sliced together, I have no family, other than that aunt, to rely on. So, why does it feel so familiar?