Chapter 65: The First Actual Date (Part 2)
So, yeah. This is happening.
It was 90% written so it felt like a crime not to finish and post it. At least so the fic doesn't finish with the cliffhanger from the chapter before.
This is so weird. Here it goes.
The tiny digital 3 in my vest blinked and turned into a 2, and then to a 1. I looked at him in shock while Joe just kept grinning widely.
-You shot me… -was the only thing that came out of my mouth.
-Yeah! -he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. -Now we will only have one chance to do it right! -his eyes were glowing with excitement. -Now, you shoot me.
-What?
-So we’ll both have only one life left.
He extended his arms, exposing his chest.
I knew it was just a plastic gun, I knew the infrared beam wasn’t going to hurt him at all, and yet… I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
-I don’t wanna shoot you! -I told him.
-Come on! -He insisted. -I can’t shoot myself, it’s not cool…
-“Not being cool” is not a good enough reason…
-Please!! -he begged, and I could feel my resolution crumbling. -It’ll be fun!
I frowned.
Fun? Joe was risking our chance to win this game to have fun… A few seconds after that thought, I realized I how stupidly rational I was being. It was only a game after all, and maybe shooting Joe was what my inner kid wanted me to do.
I pointed my gun at him and pulled the trigger. Twice.
Joe looked surprised for a second, but then he smiled.
-Thank you! -he said before turning away to look through a small hole on the wall. -Now what’s the plan?
-Um…-I was trying to think of something while my heart was still racing because of this whole situation. -Maybe… -I leaned my back against the wall and felt how it bended a little.
I turned around to check. The thing I had thought of as a wall was actually a kind of plastic fence, and it wasn’t even screwed to the floor. It only had a few brackets that supported its weight and kept it straight.
-Joe…- He looked at me. -Do you think you can lift this thing up? -I pointed at the fence.
He frowned in confusion, but then his face lit up with realization. He had understood my plan immediately.
-Sure, I can! But… -he looked at me like he was amazed I had even suggested such plan. - I don’t think we are supposed to do that…
I smiled.
-I don’t think we were supposed to shoot each other either.
He grinned, with a hint of malice in his eyes.
-Okay, let’s do it… I move, you shoot.
Our scheme worked out perfectly. We approached the other team and went around their hideout while Joe covered us with the plastic fence and I shot non-stop. In less than a minute, the couple had lost all their lives. They didn’t look too upset, though. The girl punched the boy playfully, laughing.
Joe got up and approached me, raising his hand in the air to meet mine in a high-five.
As the couple walked away, we heard the girl talking to her partner.
-See? I told you he was that guy from Disney Channel!
-That guy from Disney Channel?! -said Joe, pretending to be offended. -How dare she?!
I laughed and pulled him down by the sleeve to hide behind a plastic barrel.
-There’s still one team left. -I reminded him.
-Right… -he answered, getting serious and making sure there was no one around.
Soon, I regretted choosing this hiding spot. The barrel wasn’t big enough, so we had to get really close to each other in order to be completely covered by it. I could hear Joe’s breathing really close and feel his hair tickling my ear. It all made me feel a little dizzy.
The voice of Mr. Excited reached us from above.
-Finally! Only two teams remain in the arena! From now on, it’s sudden death!! One shot and you’re out!! Have fun!!
As soon as he stopped talking, the music changed. Now it was in fact a James Bond song.
We stayed ducked for a while longer, until we heard the quick, light steps of two people getting nearer. It was obviously the Halo guys.
My heart was pounding fast and heat was rising all over my body. I convinced myself it was only due to the adrenaline and not due to the really short gap between me and a really sweaty Joe in a very dark room. We waited for a couple of minutes, but nothing happened. I realized that if we stayed in the same situation for another minute, I would probably pass out.
-What should we do? -I asked him, trying to stay focused in the game and not in the way Joe’s arm was slightly brushing mine.
-Maybe it’s time to use your bait-plan… - he suggested.
-That was never my plan, and I don’t think...
But Joe had already made up his mind, so he shushed me.
-Stay here… -he whispered.
And then he was up, taking a few careful steps.
He looked around, but there was no sign of the other team. And I should have known that Joe was not a very patient man.
-Hey! I’m here! -he shouted. -Come on! Bring it on, guys!
I didn’t know whether to laugh or yell at him. He walked to the center of the room and started waving his hands in the air. He looked really silly, so I chose laughter.
And then I saw him. One of the guys, hiding behind a barrier, he was looking at Joe. For a moment, he looked confused, but then got serious and took out his gun, aiming at him.
Everything happened really quickly. I jumped up and shot the guy behind the barrier before he could shoot Joe. But then he shouted “Now!” and his companion appeared out of nowhere. I didn’t have time to turn around and warn Joe when the guy shot me and I lost my last life.
Now there was only Joe and Halo Guy #2. They were many meters apart and aiming at each other. Everyone was holding still and holding their breaths.
And then Joe did it.
Halo Guy started shooting so Joe jumped to the side, avoiding the laser beams, and with a clean, amazing movement, he rolled on the floor and ended up on one knee, shooting the guy straight on his chest. Just like in the movies.
We had won.
-Yes! - I jumped happily.
Joe ran towards me with his hand right up in the air. I high-fived him.
-Did you see me?! -he asked excited. -I was just like Tom Cruise!
-I know! That was awesome!
-And you saved me! Twice! We are awesome together!
-Yeah! - I agreed, trying not to think of what that could imply. -Come on.
I started walking towards the exit, following the fluorescent arrows, and Joe joined me, putting his arm across my shoulders.
I used to wonder how it would feel to be one of those pretty girls in the movies that always get the cool, handsome guy at the end of the day. And right then, for a minute, I thought maybe I didn’t have to wonder anymore.
We took off the equipment and started towards the girl behind the counter to return them.
-Hi, Joe… You had fun?-The girl spoke, brushing her hair behind her ear. I was suddenly aware of how pretty that girl was.
-Yeah! -answered Joe. -It was pretty awesome.
-Are you coming back soon? -she asked batting her impossibly long eyelashes.
Joe smiled at her. I tried my best to look away and hide my stupid rush of jealousy.
-I don’t know…-he answered thoughtful. And then he turned to me. -Are we?
I blushed furiously, scolding myself in my mind.
-If you want to…- I said shyly.
-Great! - He turned towards the girl. -Yes, we’ll be back.- he said before turning around and going out of the building.
I followed him trying to hide my huge smile but failing miserably.
It was almost dark outside. The sun was setting and the sky looked a beautiful degrade of purple, blue, red and orange.
“I love the sunset in L.A” Joe commented while unlocking the car doors. “When I’m driving it feels like I’m at the end of an action movie, with the hero riding towards the sunset.”
I smiled as we got in the car. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“It’s awesome! It feels like you’re John Wayne or something.” He was about to turn the ignition when he stopped mid movement as his face lit up with an idea. I was already getting used to Joe’s light bulb moments. “Hey…” He said turning towards me. “You wanna drive back?”
I laughed. Then realized he was serious so I shook my head frantically.
“No, no. I don’t drive”
“You don’t have a license?”
“Yes, I do”
“Then why don’t you drive?”
“Because…” I looked around trying in vain to find a less pitiable excuse. I shrugged. “I’m kind of… scared.”
I learned right then that that is the worst thing you could possibly say to a boy with a hero complex. Or the best.
“The more reason, then!”. He opened his door and got out of the car.
“Wait… what?!”
Joe walked around the front of the car and opened my door.
“Okay. You are driving us back today.”
I could feel the panic rising in my stomach. “No, no, no. You don’t understand. I get super anxious and jumpy and…”
“ I do understand.” He said. His voice suddenly soft. “I failed my driving test three times before I got my license. The fourth time I had my brothers with me. Turns out I only needed someone to support me through it.” He pointed at himself. “I’m someone”.
I hesitated only for a second longer and then I gave up.
“Okay.” I said, breathing deeply. “Okay.”
Joe’s smile was worth it.
I walked around the car and got into the driver’s seat. Joe was already sitting in the co-pilot spot, seatbelt on.
“Alright!” He said, clapping once and rubbing his hands together. “My name is DJ Danger and I’ll be your instructor today.” He was using a funny, deep voice with an attempt at a Scottish accent. “You’ll have to follow any indication I give you, alright Miss Davis?”
I looked at him, puzzled. “I know how to drive I just…”
“Good! Step one: Put on your seatbelt and adjust your seat and mirrors!” He said, ignoring me.
I had done that already so I didn’t move.
“Good!” He repeated. “Now. Step two: Turn on the engine!”
I smiled and rolled my eyes as I did what he told me.
“Great! Step three: Disengage the hand break!”
I did so.
“Great! Now step four: Prepare mentally for a complicated task that involves four of your senses working in tandem and requires a great deal of coordination just as skate boarding does, which reminds me of that time in Florida when Nick and I were…”
I decided to let him keep telling his story while I pulled out of the parking spot and drove into the traffic.
The unsettling feeling in my stomach was still there and I was grabbing the wheel way too tightly, but I was driving nonetheless. I thought Joe was going to keep instructing me into what to do next, but instead, he just went from story to story, gesticulating with his arms.
The traffic in L.A. was heavy as usual and it made the trip a bit tedious, but I was smiling the whole time as Joe was talking and talking nonsense beside me. It felt oddly right. I kept my eyes focused on the road while his chatter made me feel calm. Slowly, I started to let the tight grip with which I was holding the wheel loose and was able to relax into the seat.
I stopped at a red light and Joe suddenly fell silent.
I looked at him. My chest filled with indescribable emotion.
“You’re crazy.” I said.
He smiled widely.
“But it worked.”
I nodded. “Yeah, it worked.”
The light turned green and I stepped on the gas.
“Thank you.” I said, trying to keep the nervousness under control. “I would have never done this on my own. I, kind of, need that little push sometimes. With this and the clothing and the laser-tag and the whole… impulsiveness. So, yeah, thanks.”
Joe didn’t respond immediately, and when he did, his voice went soft again. “Don’t mention it…” He tapped his foot a few times against the car floor. The only nervous gesture I had ever seen him make. “You know, most people know me as this funny guy who clowns around and makes people laugh and I really love being that guy. But sometimes… sometimes I feel like I might lose myself in it. There is also this other Joe that constantly feels the need to do meaningful things, things that matter. I want to be him as well but, most of the time, I just don’t know how.”
I kept my eyes on the road, trying not to make a big deal of what was happening. I was amazed that he had decided to open up like that to me. I’d never heard him say anything about his own insecurities.
“You constantly do meaningful things, Joe.” I said, trying to sound comforting. “With your fans and the charity work. And now helping me get over my drivo-phobia”.
He chuckled. “Yeah. It’s somehow easier with you. To be that other Joe”.
I nodded, not knowing what to say.
My heart was beating incredibly fast. My mind suddenly becoming aware of an idea that I had been trying to ignore since the moment I met him. There was no turning back now, though. Whether I wanted it or not, the possibility had already been set in my mind. And it was daunting. Me and Joe. The mere thought of it made me want to laugh and cry and jump and run away. Samantha Davis and freaking Joe Jonas. It was something I had dreamed of for years but that always seemed like one of those silly dreams that you never truly expect that will come true, like living in a house made of jell-o or going to school riding a unicorn. But there we were. The two of us sitting in a car, driving under the L.A. sunset. Me and Joe. And my heart was seemed to be screaming with each beat: Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.
And all I could think of was how scary it all was.
I focused back on the road. My thoughts were all jumbled together and driving demanded more focus than usual. I really couldn’t afford getting into an accident. One think was to crash your car alone and a whole different thing was to crash the car with Joe Jonas inside. I could already visualize the mob of fans with hoes and torches willing to chase me until eternity.
Soon, we were back at the hotel’s parking lot. We got out of the car and stood awkwardly in silence, smiling slightly.
“So!” Joe finally said a few moments later. “Not bad for our first date, right?”
I blushed for the hundredth time.
“No. Not bad at all. It was pretty amazing, actually.”
Joe lit up big time. “Of course it was! Maybe next time we’ll drive an elephant or something! Make it a little more exciting!”
“You cannot drive elephants.” I replied smiling.
He winked.
“Well, we’ll see about that.”
It was 90% written so it felt like a crime not to finish and post it. At least so the fic doesn't finish with the cliffhanger from the chapter before.
This is so weird. Here it goes.
The tiny digital 3 in my vest blinked and turned into a 2, and then to a 1. I looked at him in shock while Joe just kept grinning widely.
-You shot me… -was the only thing that came out of my mouth.
-Yeah! -he said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. -Now we will only have one chance to do it right! -his eyes were glowing with excitement. -Now, you shoot me.
-What?
-So we’ll both have only one life left.
He extended his arms, exposing his chest.
I knew it was just a plastic gun, I knew the infrared beam wasn’t going to hurt him at all, and yet… I couldn’t bring myself to do it.
-I don’t wanna shoot you! -I told him.
-Come on! -He insisted. -I can’t shoot myself, it’s not cool…
-“Not being cool” is not a good enough reason…
-Please!! -he begged, and I could feel my resolution crumbling. -It’ll be fun!
I frowned.
Fun? Joe was risking our chance to win this game to have fun… A few seconds after that thought, I realized I how stupidly rational I was being. It was only a game after all, and maybe shooting Joe was what my inner kid wanted me to do.
I pointed my gun at him and pulled the trigger. Twice.
Joe looked surprised for a second, but then he smiled.
-Thank you! -he said before turning away to look through a small hole on the wall. -Now what’s the plan?
-Um…-I was trying to think of something while my heart was still racing because of this whole situation. -Maybe… -I leaned my back against the wall and felt how it bended a little.
I turned around to check. The thing I had thought of as a wall was actually a kind of plastic fence, and it wasn’t even screwed to the floor. It only had a few brackets that supported its weight and kept it straight.
-Joe…- He looked at me. -Do you think you can lift this thing up? -I pointed at the fence.
He frowned in confusion, but then his face lit up with realization. He had understood my plan immediately.
-Sure, I can! But… -he looked at me like he was amazed I had even suggested such plan. - I don’t think we are supposed to do that…
I smiled.
-I don’t think we were supposed to shoot each other either.
He grinned, with a hint of malice in his eyes.
-Okay, let’s do it… I move, you shoot.
Our scheme worked out perfectly. We approached the other team and went around their hideout while Joe covered us with the plastic fence and I shot non-stop. In less than a minute, the couple had lost all their lives. They didn’t look too upset, though. The girl punched the boy playfully, laughing.
Joe got up and approached me, raising his hand in the air to meet mine in a high-five.
As the couple walked away, we heard the girl talking to her partner.
-See? I told you he was that guy from Disney Channel!
-That guy from Disney Channel?! -said Joe, pretending to be offended. -How dare she?!
I laughed and pulled him down by the sleeve to hide behind a plastic barrel.
-There’s still one team left. -I reminded him.
-Right… -he answered, getting serious and making sure there was no one around.
Soon, I regretted choosing this hiding spot. The barrel wasn’t big enough, so we had to get really close to each other in order to be completely covered by it. I could hear Joe’s breathing really close and feel his hair tickling my ear. It all made me feel a little dizzy.
The voice of Mr. Excited reached us from above.
-Finally! Only two teams remain in the arena! From now on, it’s sudden death!! One shot and you’re out!! Have fun!!
As soon as he stopped talking, the music changed. Now it was in fact a James Bond song.
We stayed ducked for a while longer, until we heard the quick, light steps of two people getting nearer. It was obviously the Halo guys.
My heart was pounding fast and heat was rising all over my body. I convinced myself it was only due to the adrenaline and not due to the really short gap between me and a really sweaty Joe in a very dark room. We waited for a couple of minutes, but nothing happened. I realized that if we stayed in the same situation for another minute, I would probably pass out.
-What should we do? -I asked him, trying to stay focused in the game and not in the way Joe’s arm was slightly brushing mine.
-Maybe it’s time to use your bait-plan… - he suggested.
-That was never my plan, and I don’t think...
But Joe had already made up his mind, so he shushed me.
-Stay here… -he whispered.
And then he was up, taking a few careful steps.
He looked around, but there was no sign of the other team. And I should have known that Joe was not a very patient man.
-Hey! I’m here! -he shouted. -Come on! Bring it on, guys!
I didn’t know whether to laugh or yell at him. He walked to the center of the room and started waving his hands in the air. He looked really silly, so I chose laughter.
And then I saw him. One of the guys, hiding behind a barrier, he was looking at Joe. For a moment, he looked confused, but then got serious and took out his gun, aiming at him.
Everything happened really quickly. I jumped up and shot the guy behind the barrier before he could shoot Joe. But then he shouted “Now!” and his companion appeared out of nowhere. I didn’t have time to turn around and warn Joe when the guy shot me and I lost my last life.
Now there was only Joe and Halo Guy #2. They were many meters apart and aiming at each other. Everyone was holding still and holding their breaths.
And then Joe did it.
Halo Guy started shooting so Joe jumped to the side, avoiding the laser beams, and with a clean, amazing movement, he rolled on the floor and ended up on one knee, shooting the guy straight on his chest. Just like in the movies.
We had won.
-Yes! - I jumped happily.
Joe ran towards me with his hand right up in the air. I high-fived him.
-Did you see me?! -he asked excited. -I was just like Tom Cruise!
-I know! That was awesome!
-And you saved me! Twice! We are awesome together!
-Yeah! - I agreed, trying not to think of what that could imply. -Come on.
I started walking towards the exit, following the fluorescent arrows, and Joe joined me, putting his arm across my shoulders.
I used to wonder how it would feel to be one of those pretty girls in the movies that always get the cool, handsome guy at the end of the day. And right then, for a minute, I thought maybe I didn’t have to wonder anymore.
We took off the equipment and started towards the girl behind the counter to return them.
-Hi, Joe… You had fun?-The girl spoke, brushing her hair behind her ear. I was suddenly aware of how pretty that girl was.
-Yeah! -answered Joe. -It was pretty awesome.
-Are you coming back soon? -she asked batting her impossibly long eyelashes.
Joe smiled at her. I tried my best to look away and hide my stupid rush of jealousy.
-I don’t know…-he answered thoughtful. And then he turned to me. -Are we?
I blushed furiously, scolding myself in my mind.
-If you want to…- I said shyly.
-Great! - He turned towards the girl. -Yes, we’ll be back.- he said before turning around and going out of the building.
I followed him trying to hide my huge smile but failing miserably.
It was almost dark outside. The sun was setting and the sky looked a beautiful degrade of purple, blue, red and orange.
“I love the sunset in L.A” Joe commented while unlocking the car doors. “When I’m driving it feels like I’m at the end of an action movie, with the hero riding towards the sunset.”
I smiled as we got in the car. “Yeah, you’re right.”
“It’s awesome! It feels like you’re John Wayne or something.” He was about to turn the ignition when he stopped mid movement as his face lit up with an idea. I was already getting used to Joe’s light bulb moments. “Hey…” He said turning towards me. “You wanna drive back?”
I laughed. Then realized he was serious so I shook my head frantically.
“No, no. I don’t drive”
“You don’t have a license?”
“Yes, I do”
“Then why don’t you drive?”
“Because…” I looked around trying in vain to find a less pitiable excuse. I shrugged. “I’m kind of… scared.”
I learned right then that that is the worst thing you could possibly say to a boy with a hero complex. Or the best.
“The more reason, then!”. He opened his door and got out of the car.
“Wait… what?!”
Joe walked around the front of the car and opened my door.
“Okay. You are driving us back today.”
I could feel the panic rising in my stomach. “No, no, no. You don’t understand. I get super anxious and jumpy and…”
“ I do understand.” He said. His voice suddenly soft. “I failed my driving test three times before I got my license. The fourth time I had my brothers with me. Turns out I only needed someone to support me through it.” He pointed at himself. “I’m someone”.
I hesitated only for a second longer and then I gave up.
“Okay.” I said, breathing deeply. “Okay.”
Joe’s smile was worth it.
I walked around the car and got into the driver’s seat. Joe was already sitting in the co-pilot spot, seatbelt on.
“Alright!” He said, clapping once and rubbing his hands together. “My name is DJ Danger and I’ll be your instructor today.” He was using a funny, deep voice with an attempt at a Scottish accent. “You’ll have to follow any indication I give you, alright Miss Davis?”
I looked at him, puzzled. “I know how to drive I just…”
“Good! Step one: Put on your seatbelt and adjust your seat and mirrors!” He said, ignoring me.
I had done that already so I didn’t move.
“Good!” He repeated. “Now. Step two: Turn on the engine!”
I smiled and rolled my eyes as I did what he told me.
“Great! Step three: Disengage the hand break!”
I did so.
“Great! Now step four: Prepare mentally for a complicated task that involves four of your senses working in tandem and requires a great deal of coordination just as skate boarding does, which reminds me of that time in Florida when Nick and I were…”
I decided to let him keep telling his story while I pulled out of the parking spot and drove into the traffic.
The unsettling feeling in my stomach was still there and I was grabbing the wheel way too tightly, but I was driving nonetheless. I thought Joe was going to keep instructing me into what to do next, but instead, he just went from story to story, gesticulating with his arms.
The traffic in L.A. was heavy as usual and it made the trip a bit tedious, but I was smiling the whole time as Joe was talking and talking nonsense beside me. It felt oddly right. I kept my eyes focused on the road while his chatter made me feel calm. Slowly, I started to let the tight grip with which I was holding the wheel loose and was able to relax into the seat.
I stopped at a red light and Joe suddenly fell silent.
I looked at him. My chest filled with indescribable emotion.
“You’re crazy.” I said.
He smiled widely.
“But it worked.”
I nodded. “Yeah, it worked.”
The light turned green and I stepped on the gas.
“Thank you.” I said, trying to keep the nervousness under control. “I would have never done this on my own. I, kind of, need that little push sometimes. With this and the clothing and the laser-tag and the whole… impulsiveness. So, yeah, thanks.”
Joe didn’t respond immediately, and when he did, his voice went soft again. “Don’t mention it…” He tapped his foot a few times against the car floor. The only nervous gesture I had ever seen him make. “You know, most people know me as this funny guy who clowns around and makes people laugh and I really love being that guy. But sometimes… sometimes I feel like I might lose myself in it. There is also this other Joe that constantly feels the need to do meaningful things, things that matter. I want to be him as well but, most of the time, I just don’t know how.”
I kept my eyes on the road, trying not to make a big deal of what was happening. I was amazed that he had decided to open up like that to me. I’d never heard him say anything about his own insecurities.
“You constantly do meaningful things, Joe.” I said, trying to sound comforting. “With your fans and the charity work. And now helping me get over my drivo-phobia”.
He chuckled. “Yeah. It’s somehow easier with you. To be that other Joe”.
I nodded, not knowing what to say.
My heart was beating incredibly fast. My mind suddenly becoming aware of an idea that I had been trying to ignore since the moment I met him. There was no turning back now, though. Whether I wanted it or not, the possibility had already been set in my mind. And it was daunting. Me and Joe. The mere thought of it made me want to laugh and cry and jump and run away. Samantha Davis and freaking Joe Jonas. It was something I had dreamed of for years but that always seemed like one of those silly dreams that you never truly expect that will come true, like living in a house made of jell-o or going to school riding a unicorn. But there we were. The two of us sitting in a car, driving under the L.A. sunset. Me and Joe. And my heart was seemed to be screaming with each beat: Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.
And all I could think of was how scary it all was.
I focused back on the road. My thoughts were all jumbled together and driving demanded more focus than usual. I really couldn’t afford getting into an accident. One think was to crash your car alone and a whole different thing was to crash the car with Joe Jonas inside. I could already visualize the mob of fans with hoes and torches willing to chase me until eternity.
Soon, we were back at the hotel’s parking lot. We got out of the car and stood awkwardly in silence, smiling slightly.
“So!” Joe finally said a few moments later. “Not bad for our first date, right?”
I blushed for the hundredth time.
“No. Not bad at all. It was pretty amazing, actually.”
Joe lit up big time. “Of course it was! Maybe next time we’ll drive an elephant or something! Make it a little more exciting!”
“You cannot drive elephants.” I replied smiling.
He winked.
“Well, we’ll see about that.”