Extra: Fireworks
Please note that this is a Forth of July special and may contain spoilers of the story up until chapter thirty one: Everyone's Mask. I highly recommend that you read the before posted chapters, chapters one through thirty one, to completely understand the context of this extra. Simply put, There is little correspondence with the actual story but it may contain some information that is included in the chapters mentioned beforehand. You have been warned.
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Though Earth had a holiday to celebrate the liberation of the British colony known as North America, this place has no such holiday. As such I plan on making today a day to remember forever.
It was a Saturday morning that I had decided to wake up early on. Today was July forth of Earth's calendar but an unknown date where I reside. There are still many things I have not learned of this planet yet. Today is also the day of Melody and I's date. In truth, I made special preparations for today such as consulting Vex via earpiece to get reservations for the most pristine restaurant in town. I even went shopping and bought a frilly dress since there was a dress code.
The dress I had bought costed near nothing compared to the money I would be making soon with the sale of earpieces. It was a lavish blue color made of a material that sparkles. Around the waistline of the dress was a snow white bow. I decided to lean off of the heels department. I still don't know how women can walk in those things.
Everything was set for the day plans but I wanted to make sure the night was a blast as well, pun intended. I discovered a substance that was similar to gunpowder thanks to Lionel. Of course this would be bad if word of such substance were to make it to the public so this would be a one time thing. By now you can probably guess what I plan on making, that's right, it's fireworks. Though, making this requires some time, as such I woke up early and before I knew it, it was daybreak.
"Whew, I finally finished and it only took me five hours."
There was persistent knocking outside my door so I answered.
"Melody, could you please stop being so loud in the morning?"
"No way! especially when you're a total mess. look at yourself!"
She was right. Gunpowder is not a great look.
"I guess I got dirty with my work."
"You haven't forgot have you? Today is our date!"
I yawned while scratching my head, "Of course not. I made plans and everything."
"Ooh, I can't wait!"
"You're going to have to wait since I need a shower."
I took a towel from atop my dresser and went to the bathroom to get ready for the day ahead. By the time I was ready I noticed something was wrong. The dress was too large.
'Damnit!' I thought.
I had specifically requested to be tailored for this but somehow the dress was still too big.
"Nova, are you alright in there?"
It was Melody checking on me since I was in here for awhile. There was only one thing I could do in a situation like this and I didn't like it.
"I'm sorry to ask you this Melody, but can we make a quick stop at Vex's castle?"
"It's fine with me but is something wrong?"
"No!" I stopped myself and cleared my throat. "I mean no, nothing's wrong. I actually have a surprise waiting for you there."
"A surprise you say? I can't wait!"
I stepped out of the bathroom with casual clothes on.
"I'll meet you outside. I forgot something in my room."
"Alright!"
Melody cheerfully left the house. As soon as she left I ran to my room and used my earpiece.
"Vex, we have a code red. I repeat. Code red."
There was radio silence but then Vex responded.
"What's a code red again?"
"Never mind that. I need a suit. Particularly one that fits me. Stat."
"I'm sure there's one here in the castle's boutique. Weren't you going to wear the dress though?"
"The tailor measured me wrong and the dress is too large. Luckily though, i'm pretty sure that the dress will fit Melody."
"Ooh. Smart play. It'll seem like you specifically picked out a dress for her. Also regarding the tailor, i'll make sure to fire them."
"Thanks, Vex. I'll be arriving at the castle shortly since I need to hurry if I plan to make it to our reservation."
"Alright, I'll lead you to the boutique once you're here. See you soon."
I met Melody in the front yard and we quickly left for the castle.
***
As we arrived the king welcomed us.
"A pleasure as always, Melody, Nova."
I quickly responded, "Indeed it is, King Vex."
Both Melody and myself bowed respectfully.
"I'll show you to the boutique."
We followed Vex through the castle's corridors and entered what had the aesthetics of a more royal dressing room. Each wall was lined with formal clothing that looked a little too formal for a dinner, but then again who am I to refute a chance to wear a beautifully designed outfit?
I took the dress out of the bad I was carrying and handed it over to Melody.
"I bought the dress for such an occasion as this. I hope you won't mind wearing it?"
She unraveled the dress and placed her eyes on the dress.
"It's... extravagant."
Melody's words were mustered up through immense awe.
I urged her, "Try it on."
She just nodded and entered a changing room. I turned to Vex. "It's showtime."
***
Melody and I arrived at the venue but before we checked in with the clerk I pulled Melody to the side. Her stare became even more entrancing when mixed with the dress's delicate colors and the beauty wearing it.
"It'll look weird if a woman in a suit were to enter so i'm going to put an illusion spell on myself."
"I understand, I'm not that comfortable with it either. To be honest this place makes me anxious."
I cast the spell then took her hand. "Don't worry, to everyone except you, I now look like a handsome redhead with curly hair and luscious beard."
I made exaggerated movements in a low octave of voice and Melody laughed.
"Now, let's head in."
We partook in delicacies and conversed until it was time to head home.
As we arrived home we sat on the front porch and stared at the stars. The touch of her hand on mine made my heart pace to no end.
"If you want to change into something more comfortable, I have one last surprise for you."
Melody chuckled, "You know, you didn't have to do all this for me. I would have been fine with just going into town for some shopping."
My smile faltered, "Did you not enjoy today?"
Melody didn't respond but I knew the answer.
"I went a little overboard, huh?"
Melody put her hand on my shoulder, "I appreciate all the thought and effort you put into the date but I don't want to live like those people in the restaurant. Earning wealth is one thing and letting it go to your head, another. I don't want you to become like that."
As I stared into her desperate eyes I realized for the first time what it was like to have a genuine friend that cared. I forgot that this time there were people who care about what becomes of me.
I sighed then smiled with contempt, "You're right, i'm sorry. I don't know why I thought that money could make this date better. That's why I want to make it up to you with the last surprise."
I brought out the firework canisters from my room and set them down in front of the house. I grabbed a lit candle but before I set it off I created a sound and illusion barrier around the area so that no one will notice.
Melody stared at me with curiosity so I lit the fireworks and they sparked to life. They whistled into the sky with an explosive clap that released streaks of red and green and yellow sparks which illuminated the surrounding darkness.
Though Melody was startled at first she became more and more comfortable with the noise and became hypnotized by the colorful streaks of light that sparkled in the sky. When it finished Melody and I turned our heads to each other. Unknowingly I had moved closer to her, faces a few inches apart.
I lightly spoke, "Am I forgiven?"
Melody closed the gap and placed her parted lips against mine. The soft touch of her hand on my cheek felt similar to the last time. Then at last, she pulled away.
"Does that answer your question?"
I chuckled, "Did you like our first kiss so much you had to repeat the exchanged words twice?"
She smiled, "Maybe."
"You're lucky you look good in a frilly dress."
I leaned in again for a kiss that every feeling imaginable could not compare.
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Happy Forth of July.
P.S.- Sorry for the long wait. Writers block am I right?
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