chapter 3| Caspian
Hibi was right about one thing for sure. My height was definitely a problem.
When we got into the market I had to duck to make sure I didn't get a face full of cloth wherever I walked.
She was also right about the hostile thing. I got guarded glances and most people moved out of our way wherever we walked but other than that no one stared long enough catch eye contact with me.
Is it me?
...Nah
Hibi stopped without mention making me bump into her. She looked back at me with a raised eyebrow and I shot her a sheepish smile. "Okay we're stopping by a friend of mine's, he owns a bar that sells the best chimichanga's in the kingdom, you'll love it" She shot me a smile that was so pretty I couldn't help but reciprocate it.
Out of nowhere, she poked my cheek. She giggled at the startled look on my face "Sorry you just have this really cute dimple on your left cheek". She turned around and continued walking leaving me deep in thought behind her.
I had forgotten about my dimple, the last time I smiled was-"C'mon I want to get there today!" She teased. I smiled to myself before jogging to catch up with her.
We finally got to the entrance of the bar. And Hibi looked like her cheeks were going to split from smiling. She didn't even look back at me before rushing in. I chuckled at her excitement and followed her in.
"Don!"
"BiBi!"
Hibi ran into the arms of the guy who I assume owned the place. He threw her into the air and spun her around before putting her on the ground and bringing her into a bear hug. My arms ached with the lack of physical affection for years but I numbed it by digging my nails into my palms.
"It's been so long" She laughed.
"Relax Don it's been a week" He smiled down at her with a twinkle in his eye before leaning down to peck her forehead. My stomach bubbled with an emotion I'd never felt before as I watched their interaction. Jealousy.
"A week is much too long without you"
All thoughts of them being platonic flew out the window as I saw his hands move from the small of her back to her backside. "I actually brought someone along for your famous chimichangas" She looked over her shoulder and caught sight of me, beckoning me over.
I walked up to them and Don's eyes widened as I easily towered over him. Yeah, that's right bi-"This is Caspian" She gave me a smile that made me melt. "Cas this is Brandon" I tried not to make a big deal out of the nickname but I felt a warm feeling swell in my chest.
Don looked me up and down before looking back at Hibi "Hearts?" She nodded. He smiled at me and brought out his hand to shake mine. I made sure to squeeze his hand a bit to assert dominance which made him let go quickly. He brushed it off with a laugh "Nice to meet you".
"Can't say the-my pleasure" I stumbled on my words as Hibi drove her elbow into my side, what she was trying to say was clear. Be nice.
"Okay, you guys wait out here and I'll bring some Chimichangas and beers out" He shot a wink to Hibi before disappearing off into the kitchen.
She grabbed my elbow and dragged me into a small corner booth before throwing me into the plush but hard seats. She threw her hands up in anger "What the hell was that?!" I leaned back into the uncomfortable cushions calmly.
"What?"
"Look Cas, if this is going to work you're going to have to turn down this I'm better than everyone attitude" But I am "Especially around my friends, they're just here to help you out" My eyes softened at her strict but convincing tone. "And I hope you know I won't tolerate you disrespecting Don".
"I never asked to meet your boyfriend Hibiscus" She rolled her eyes and plopped herself in the seat across from me.
"Ex" She corrected.
I raised an eyebrow "What happened?" She shrugged.
"Different interests, different directions in life, settling down blah" She waved it off.
"Sounds to me like he just couldn't handle you"
She chuckled " No one ever can".
"Four chimichangas! done and ready for consumption!" Brandon arrived, cutting our conversation in half. He slid over 2 plates filled with the steaming hot burritos and my mouth started to water.
"Thanks, Don!" Hibi chirped already biting into it "Greasy and delicious just how I like it" She moaned through a face full of food. I chuckled at her antics before looking down at my food. This was going to be the first time I ate something with my hands and I was more than excited.
Until I took a bite and half of the beans flew onto my shirt. Hibiscus covered her mouth and practically choked on her food as she spluttered bursts of laughter. Brandon shot me an evil smirk. I'm about to beat this bitch up-
"Don't worry Cas, it happens to the best of us" She giggled as she grabbed a bunch of tissues and wiped off the beans. "It doesn't seem to be coming off, but that's alright!" She scrunched up the dirty tissues and tossed them into the bin "I think there's some clothes upstairs you can wear which is good so I'll go grab those and you stay down here".
She gave me a glance telling me to behave myself before shooting a goofy smile at Brandon "Don't touch my chimichangas I'll be right back" And she was gone.
Brandon and I watched her leave and once she was out of sight we looked at each other. Brandon's eye's had darkened and the previous smile on his face had now formed a hostile line.
"Caspian".
"Brandon"
He leaned back into her seat "Lets cut to the chase, Hibiscus is mine".
I raised a brow, "Oh is she? I was not aware Hibiscus was a piece of property". He slammed his hand on the table and leaned in closer.
"Listen here Elsa, Hibiscus is in love with me and I don't need you running around planting thoughts in her head?" I snorted.
"You mean you don't want her moving on?"
"You'll never be able to tame her"
I shrugged "I don't have to, she's fine the way she is".
"Well, either way, she wants me"
"I never said I wanted her".
"You never said you didn't" He gritted "And it doesn't matter because you're just another runaway from Hearts that Hibi felt sorry for. She'll drop you off at the West and never look back as she hops on a vehicle to her next adventure but do you know who she'll always come back to?" He pointed at himself "Me".
"Sounds to me like you're just the person she comes to for food in the middle of these grand adventures" He seethed.
"It doesn't matter, what matters is that you'll be gone before the week is over"
I smirked at the challenge "And if I'm not?"
"I guess I'll have to pull some strings and make sure you can't follow my girl around everywhere". I tilted my head.
"Is that a threat I hear Don?" His jaw ticked with anger.
"So what if it is?"
"It means you've just gained yourself a new enemy".