[19]: the backyard

________________________ 19 the backyard "Dewy green grass and clear blue pool, remember those moments where even you can't fool?" ________________________ "So," Alexander said with a cheeky grin on his face as he leaned on the backyard's door frame of the Crovers' residence, two hours after Sally and Frank's departure for their honeymoon. "we have a whole month of alone time together." "Yes, and it's only been two hours yet I already want it to end." Aurora replied emotionlessly as she let her feet dangle on the edge of the pool, her eyes trained on the diminutive device on her hands and paying no regard to whatever it is her companion is doing at the moment—not that it would interest her in any way. He let out a loud scoff as he pushed himself from the door frame and made his way towards the pool to take a seat beside her. "Oh please. I know deep down that you're happy you even have an alone time with me." He let out a happy sigh as he stretched his arms. Raising an eyebrow at his words, she c****d her head to the side to take a look at him and quickly put her hand on the space beside her to prevent him from sitting beside her. He narrowed his eyes at her actions, knowing for a fact what silent message it is she’s sending him. However, she thought nothing of it—it wasn't like she's obligated to let her sit beside him. Besides, having his presence near her is just not appealing to her no matter what little bonding time they spent a moment ago. She gave him a small smirk before she trained her gaze on the ripples on the pool that came to be because of her light paddles. She leaned a bit closer to the edge to see her reflection on the warm, seductive water and scrunched up her nose when she saw how untidy she is due to the kitchen fiasco earlier. She was so engrossed and taken by what she's seeing in the pool, that she didn't even notice the stare she's getting from the guy beside her. Despite the scowl on his face because of her childish actions, it still didn't stop him from gazing at her quietly and appreciating what a beautiful sight she is to the eyes. What with the sunlight illuminating down on her that made her features stand out even further and her hair shining and glowing like the sun, it's really hard not to. The scowl on his face slowly lifted and he was left crossing his arms, a serene expression on his face as he locked his eyes on her unmoving form. He was going to take all the chance he can get just to be able to stare at her openly without getting any scowls or yells, the privilege he once had before, because he sure as hell can't do that anymore. He lost his chance to retain that privilege the moment he broke it off with her. He's not exactly sure how long he has been staring at her or reminiscing all the good times they had before him and his family left for Columbia, but it was long enough for him to be able to feel the ache in his legs from standing too long—that definitely snapped him out of the trance he was in. A wince quietly escaped his lips before Aurora gazed at him once more with those vast and soulful eyes with a slow, but sure smirk creeping up on her lips. "You know, I'm taking your silence as a good sign. Did you finally realize how stupid you are for even bothering to suggest that you can't keep your mouth shut?" She scoffed, the smugness rolling off of her not lost on Alexander. Somehow, that irritated the hell out of him. "We both know that's too good to be true." Challenges are one thing and Aurora another. But when Aurora and challenges are put together in the same sentence and in the same scenario, that's most definitely one of the things he can't resist—no matter the circumstance may be. So hearing the underlying challenge in her words and along with the way she said it, she knew that she already had his attention—which she’s slowly starting to regret.  With a scoff and a gaze that always drives her to the brink of madness, he gazed down at her like she's some trivial thing that he couldn't really be bothered to deal with—which they both know is not true. It would be a lifetime from now before that ever happens. He would always bring himself to be ready to deal with her despite all the things that he said and did three years ago. However, it still didn't stop Aurora from feeling anger and from silently seething in her place; a small trace of mischief could still be seen in her eyes though. It was the kind of mischief that would signify that she’s up to no good and the kind that Alexander responds to well enough for them to be able to keep up a long ass banter. "Oh come on. You know me, don't you?" He asked her matter-of-factly. "I love challenges." His eyes danced with the slightest glint of impishness. Taking a few steps closer to her, he crouched down so they would see eye to eye; silver to blue, mischief to mischief. "And you always lose to me when it comes to those." She gave him a smirk as she lifted her hand that was preventing him from sitting beside her, crossing her arms together right after. "I know, which is why I'm playing my cards right." The smirk on her face widened as the thought of her plan ran through her mind. "Want to test out just how right I'm playing my cards?" Without really meaning to, he threw his head back in laughter. Confusion fogged up her appearance but the amusement in his never wavered. A coy grin slipped on his lips as he brought his head closer to hers, ignoring how she froze with their proximity. There’s no need to dilly-dally when it comes to stuff like that. She would have to get used to him being this close to her again anyway since they would be spending a lot more time together. With the nature of their current work, close proximity is definitely an occurrence that would transpire quite often. "I'll take you up on yours, if you take me up on mine."  She scowled at him. "You and your stupid, moronic innuendos." "No," He kept his grin. "you and your innuendos. Do you even realize how suggestive you sounded just now?" The prettiest pink he has ever seen appeared on her cheeks. The embarrassment from it all didn't fully register until Alexander gazed at her with mirth dancing in those luminescent eyes of his. She honestly thought nothing of what she just said, but what she failed to consider was that this is Alexander she's currently talking to: the guy who makes it his life-long goal to make her life a living nightmare. But what she also realized right after his crude comment, was how he only succumbs to boorish comments like that one when he's out of things to say—or not; not really. Either way, she could still manage to find herself a way out. She held her head high as she returned his smug gaze, silently hoping that he wouldn't notice her subtle way of changing the tides. "Already holding your defense walls high up?" She asked, raising an eyebrow at him in the process. "Am I that dangerous to you?" He let out a scoff as he took a seat next to her, his feet dangling in the pool just like how hers are. "Dangerous to me? That's preposterous. But to my heart and soul?" He moved his head closer to hers once more, but this time she came prepared and stood her ground—she’s just not doing a very good job of it though. "Very dangerous." Despite the somersault her heart just made from hearing his charming words, she tried her absolute best not to let it bother her. It's ridiculous; he didn't even do much but just say those words yet here she is, feeling completely flattered. Why does her heart and mind even still react to the stupid nonsense that comes out of that mouth of his anyway? She knows it’s just his way to irk her, so why? Aurora knows that she doesn’t need to search far and wide for her answer. Deep down, she even knows what it is. However, she will bury that down for as long as she can and refuse to acknowledge it until all the denials spouting out of her mouth truly comes to life. "You do know you just told me your weakness, right?" "Who said that was my weakness?" He countered. "It could be my strength for all you know." She honestly was starting to have a loss for words. When she started doing this stupid banter with the one person she always have this banters with, she really wasn't expecting that he would use her feelings towards him against her. It has obviously crossed her minds a few times, but she didn't really think much about it. It's not like it was insanely obvious that she still likes the guy. Alexander may be smart, but he can be absolutely dense as hell when the circumstance calls for it. It used to frustrate her, but right now, she’s just thankful for him being that way. He gave her a smirk as he moved his head away from hers. "Did my words move your ice cold heart?" She scoffed, trying her best to let her hidden feelings bare itself to the enemy silently waiting for her to muck it all up. "Why would my heart be moved by the stupid words you just said? And besides, if anyone were to have an ice cold heart between the both of us, it would obviously be you." "Why wouldn't it be moved?" He retorted, completely ignoring the latter part of her response. That’s not exactly the talk he’s aiming for and addressing that as well would only give her the opportunity to utter more responses with regards to that. "I did tell you you're free to fall in love with me again, right? But then again, we both know that you're still in love with me. You just try your absolute best to deny it." "That's because you're being completely delusional! Who would be stupid enough to fall in love with you anyway? You're rotten." "Didn't stop you from doing just that though." She glared at him. "You really do have an ice cold heart." “How is my heart regarded as such when it’s beating so warmly against my chest as it constantly hollers your name?” He has absolutely no idea what the f**k it was he’s saying or why he’s even saying all those things. It’s completely uncharacteristic of him to do so since he was never one to flirt with her in such a cheesy way, but he just said the first thing that came to his mind.  The way she looked at him like he’s lost his mind didn’t help alleviate matters at all. Still, the superficial confidence he’s sporting never wavered even though he’s cursing himself on the inside. She blinked her eyes at him a couple of times before she finally said, “Excuse me, what?” Alexander allowed himself to widen the smirk etched on his lips when all he wanted to do was cringe at his words and take back all the things he said. But he can’t very well do that, can he? So instead, he merely told her, “That ice cold heart you mentioned. Let’s say your words held some truth to it, but it’s an ice cold heart that only you can manage to thaw." The disbelief written all over her face was almost immediate. The confidence that was oozing from his words didn't miss her attention. If anything, it was the one thing she immediately caught on to. Even if she were probably a few meters away from him, she would still be able to distinguish it. She's not sure if it's because of the fact that she's known the guy ever since they were little or whether she just knows him better than anyone else, but it's definitely one of her unspoken abilities when it comes to the aloof and stoic Alexander Giovanni. How she actually managed to get a hold of those abilities, she would never know. "Did I make you speechless?" He asked after a few minutes of complete silence. It wasn't like he didn't enjoy the short break he was able to snag, but it was exactly because of that that he had to at least say something to make the silence go away. It would only prove Aurora right about him not being able to take the noise and crowd for a whole month. Besides, what's a month, right? After that, he could go all silent if he wanted. Alexander's taunt brought her right back to reality. She let out a sigh as she lied down on the poolside, her right arm covering her eyes to shield it from the sun's blaring light. "Oh please. As if you could actually manage to do that. If anything, I'm the one who can actually pull that off." It took him a moment to gather his wits. The last time she said that, they ended up making out like there was no tomorrow, with her straddling his legs, hands entangled in his hair and his arms wrapped around her, breathing heavy from the feel of her pressed up against him. He gripped her shielding arm and pulled it away from her eyes, his gaze now never leaving her. Despite the inner turmoil going on inside his brain that made it feel like it's short-circuiting, he still gave her an answer to her retort. "I'd like to see you try." He said, his eyes staring intently into hers with the exact same glint in them that Aurora would always be able to detect three years back—until now, apparently. Those were the exact words he told her before that prompted her to kiss the hell out of him. And now, he's just waiting to see if he would be able to get the same reaction from her like he once did before. He’s not exactly hoping for much, but he was just insanely curious how she would take the bait that he has carefully laid out for her in the open. He’s aware that he’s risking much just by trying this, but if he can’t even do this much, then he sure as hell can’t do all the plans that he had prepared. Aurora wasn't stupid; she knows what he's doing. He wasn't the only one that remembered what happened right after he uttered those six words. And this time, she's adamant on planning not to let it happen again—not when everything is still unclear and she still hates him. She snatched her arm away from his grip. "I'd rather not." She breathed out before placing her arm back against her eyes. He saw the determined glint in her eyes before she had the chance to close them and shield it away from the sun's light. If her words weren't clear enough, then her actions definitely are. She's made it pretty damn well clear that she wouldn't exactly like a repeat performance of what happened three years ago—and that's fine with him, really. Besides, he was only teasing her. So instead of coming up with a retort to her rebuff, he merely stared at her for the longest time before he pulled out his phone and took a picture of her. Without him noticing, the flash had been on, making it impossible for Aurora not to know that the guy beside her was taking her photo, what with the way the flash went off and the camera's unmistakable shutter. She sat up in her place, a glare fixated on him as she tried to reach for his phone. "Delete that photo right now." She told him through gritted teeth. He gave her a sly grin. "Be a good girl and I'll consider your request. I am your master after all, am I not?" She scoffed. "No." "Oh I'm pretty sure I am. Last time I checked, you agreed to be my personal assistant." The look plastered on his face was really starting to piss her off more than his presence ever does. She looked at him with nothing but unadulterated contempt, not once bothering to consider what he might actually feel or think should he see that she had that particular look covering her entire appearance. It's not like she cares what he thinks of it anyway since she stopped doing that a long time ago. Feeling the frustration of the whole thing building up inside her, she readied herself for the long argument she was about to throw to his face. Alexander recognizes that look anywhere and readied himself as well, straightening his shoulders in the process. "You know, it's only been a couple of days, but I'm sick and tired of hearing those words from your mouth. And besides, it wasn't exactly written in paper and I never signed anything stating that I really did agree to your ridiculous request, so it's as good as void. And if anything, it's your words against mine." She knew she had built her argument well. Contracts and deals and signatures were always things she learned about her chosen course. Those things were necessary for things to actually take place, and she was no rookie when it comes to that type of stuff—she's learned well from her teachers and her constant diabolical dealings with people. However, for Alexander, it wasn't well enough. He didn't really know how she had easily forgotten that he always had something up his sleeve, but it undeniably became convenient on his part in this certain moment. He gave her a sardonic smirk. "Are you sure about that?" She hardened her glare at him. "Yes, I'm absolutely sure." His smirk widened. "Well who needs papers and signatures and all that when I have something even better?" She looked at him with the slightest curiosity. "Say...you actually saying those words?" It didn't take her even five seconds to understand what he meant; she is a brilliant woman after all. A cross of emotions passed through her eyes, one that Alexander has been able to point out one by one. From horror, to understanding, to irritation until it focused on the current emotion residing in her eyes: indifference. "You recorded the whole thing?" She asked, both voice and expression chillingly blank. "Edward did but yeah, I guess you can say that." All she wanted to do was punch that smug look off his face—again. She could really do it if she wanted to, but she's starting to think that maybe it may not be a good idea to give him yet another punch on the face. Alexander on the other hand seems to have happened to want the complete opposite of what she wants by provoking her even further. A light sound came from her phone, making her break her stare down with the blonde and focus her gaze on the small screen in front of her. When she saw what horrendous thing Alexander had done, she sent a quick glare his way before returning her stare on her phone to read just what monstrosity her friends are saying. BROKE(N) HEARTS Kent: Dex was right Aur does look like a homeless hobo-troll Dexter: Oi! I said no such thing Alicia: I wouldn't actually say that his words are creative But It shows promise Kind of Dexter: Do you seriously believe him? Alicia: Just humor him He might go away if you will Kent: I happen to be on this group chat you know Not really a subtle way of telling me to f**k off Alicia: Who said anything about being subtle anyway? Kent: Fuck you Alexander: Well whether it might be Kent or Dex It doesn't really matter Homeless hobo-troll fits her perfectly anyway Aurora: A homeless hobo-troll??????? How creative Alexander: Isn't it? I like your new nickname Aurora: It was sarcastic, you idiot Dexter: Sarcasm doesn't really suit you Aurora: You're seriously taking his side????? Kent: Why wouldn't he? Alex just made an amazing point Alicia: *sends a GIF of a man eating popcorn as he watched on the scene with poorly hidden interest* Aurora: Wow You're actually enjoying my tragic situation Alicia: It was too entertaining Alexander: You see? I told you your face is funny enough Kent: I ATTEST TO THAT!!!!!!! Dexter: *sends a GIF that shows agreement* Alicia: SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE AT THE BACK Aurora: I seriously don't know why I ended up becoming friends with all of you Alexander: Ohoy This is news to me We're friends now? Aurora: Oh f**k off Alex You're not included Alexander: What am I then? Alicia: An ex who is slowly crawling his way back up into her life Kent: A guy she'd like to fuck Obviously Dexter: A punching bag Aurora: A guy I'd like to kick out of my life Alexander: Nah I like Kent and Aly's answer better And Dex Fuck off I'm not a punching bag Dexter: Didn't really seem like it when she punched you the first time she saw you again after three years Alexander: She was emotionally unstable Kent: And now she's magically healed? Alexander: Well she is with me, you know *sends a GIF of a guy winking, which just so happened to be Niall Horan* Aurora: And you're still delusional Alicia: Alex Alexander: Yeah? Alicia: Thank you for blessing my eyes Niall Horan winking is just aksjskdjdjlsz Kent: And here it is Dexter: Aly's never-ending fangirl over the one and only Niall Horan Aurora: Hey Aly If Niall winking is already making you go crazy Just check this out *sends a GIF of Harry Styles grinning* Alicia: He is damn fine Dexter: Well that escalated quickly Alexander: From making fun of Aur to the both of them transforming into fangirls for some guys in a matter of seconds Kent: Girls Honestly Aurora: Shut up All of you Especially you Alexander Alexander: Oooh I'm so scared You just called me by my full name Aurora: Sarcasm also doesn't you Just so you know Alicia: Ignore them They're idiots Have been ever since the day we agreed to be friends Now look at this fine piece of specimen *sends a random GIF of Adam Levine* Aurora: Oh gosh Behati is one blessed woman JUST IMAGINE BEHATI IS TRYING TO PROVE HIM HER POINT ABOUT SOMETHING BUT THEN HE JUST DOESN'T AGREE WITH IT SO THEY END UP DISAGREEING BUT HE'S WILLING TO MAKE AMENDS SO HE'S THERE LIKE "Come and give me it" Alicia: Well damn girl If I were in her place, I'd say hell yeah Kent: Just because he's musically gifted and has a nice face and body doesn't mean he's that amazing Alicia: Just because you're not amazing, doesn't mean you have to take it out on him Aurora: Yeah Go away Kent Alexander: Adam really is amazing Aurora: Yes!!!! Tell him Alex Alexander: You seem quite happy with my response Want me to make you happier by cooking something for you? Kent: HA! ALEX IS TRYING TO KILL YOU HAHAHAHAHAHAHA Aurora: ALEX STAY AWAY FROM THE f*****g KITCHEN Dexter: I'm pretty sure you should be the one who should stay away from the kitchen Alicia: I SECOND THE MOTION Kent: What a misused response Alicia: Oh f**k off Go and talk to Raine or something Alexander: You know Aur I really don't understand why you have to say your response here When I'm merely sitting beside you Kent: OH SHIT THE BOTH OF YOU ARE STILL HANGING OUT? OI DEXTER STEP UP YOUR GAME STUPID Dexter: SHUT YOUR SHIT Alicia: Ah hell Here we go again Alexander: Step up his game huh? Dexter: I have no intention of "stepping up my game" Damn you to the hell and back Kent Kent: You f*****g pussy OI ALEX YOU ALRIGHT WITH SOME COMPETITION AREN'T YA? Alicia: Oh my f*****g god Kent Are you high? Kent: Were*** And no!!!!!! I'm not high Aurora: Kent Kent: RAINE MADE ME DO IT Alicia: WHAT????!!! RAINE GOT YOU HIGH????? Kent: Yes Yes she did...... Aurora: Oh hell Dexter: And you didn't even tell her no? Fucking unbelievable Alexander: Fuck Wait Isn't he weak to drugs? Alicia: He is!! Ugh Kent you stupid dumbass Kent: .......high off of her love Alicia: KENT FUCK YOU YOU ALMOST GAVE ME A HEART ATTACK Kent: HAHAHAHAHAHA you should have seen your reactions Aurora: We have seen them you stupid jerk We typed them in here Alexander: Son of a bitch I was starting to think our meeting after three years will be in a hospital bed Dexter: I'm going to kill you Just wait until I get my hands on you I'M GOING TO STRANGLE YOU Kent: I'm deeply moved by how much all of you seem to care about me Aurora: Of course we care Who would cry at your funeral and dig up your grave if we don't? Alicia: She's got a point Aurora: I always have a point Alexander: Like how you always have a point in my heart? Kent: You see? I totally saw that coming Of course Alex would flirt with Aur Dexter: Who wouldn't? Alexander: The position is open for that You should take it Obviously Kent: Ohooooy This is getting interesting Alicia: Boys calm down Aurora: It doesn't work that way Aly Alicia: I know, okay?