26. Rivalry

[ Miss Peregrine's Mansion ]

It was morning. Everyone in the mansion was having breakfast now. For breakfast, they had fried eggs and ham, salad, orange juice, and a small cupcake for dessert. Although there was a bland meal on the plates in front of them, the atmosphere in the dining room was quite tense.

Since yesterday, Lapis had been sulking at Augustus. She barely spoke to him. He couldn't figure it out. What had he done to offend her ? Although he decided to ask her about it, but looking at her face now, he quickly changed his mind and buried his face in his plate.

But there was another resident in the house. And she was very tired of it all. It was Miss Peregrine, of course.

--- Okay, kids. I'm tired of it.

He let go of the cutlery and looked at them gravely.

--- You're going to start talking now, or you're going to get out of my house.

The answer is silence

--- I said it now !

They both flinched at her tone

--- Yes, Miss Peregrine !

They quickly finished their breakfast and went to the garden. There was an awkward silence.

--- Lapis

August decided to start first

--- Can we talk ?

--- What did you want ?

--- Why don't you talk to me ?

--- We're talking right now.

--- Lapis, please.

--- Remember our argument with Pearl ?

--- This is definitely not to forget

--- She then said that you kissed her.

--- Is this all because of this ?

--- No

--- Then what is it ?

--- It pisses me off that she's on the same level as me.

--- Level ?

--- Yes. The only advantage I have is that I live with you.

--- You could have told me that.

--- I didn't feel comfortable saying it

--- Wait. According to you, do you want to go to the next level ?

--- Yes ! But I do not know what it is.

--- Date

--- Date ?

--- Yes. Two close people go to different places. They watch movies, have dinner, and all that.

Lapis ' eyes flashed.

--- Date. Right now. You and Me.

--- Without problems. I don't have an internship today anyway.

--- Excellent. After 5 minutes near the entrance.

--- Noticed

Exactly five minutes later, they were both standing at the entrance. They were both dressed in casual clothes. It was a new experience for them.

--- Where do we go ?

--- Let's go to the rides first.

--- Come on, I've never been there before.

--- Everything happens for the first time

They headed for the amusement rides. But before they had even reached the halfway point, an unexpected guest was walking towards them.

--- August ! What are you doing here with HER ?

Of course it was Pearl. Who else would ?

--- None of your business, pearl.

--- I don't stand talking.

--- Ha ! Okay, I'll just tell you what we're doing here.

Lapis smiled triumphantly and raised her hand to point at Pearl with her index finger.

--- We're going on a date !

--- Date !?

--- Yes. So get out of the way and don't get in our way.

--- What if I don't want to ?

--- Ho, ho. Well, come on.

A bolt of lightning flashed between them. It seems that another moment and there will be a fight. But then Pearl decided to take out her trump card.

--- Then I'm coming with you !

--- What ! Why would that be ?!

--- I won't leave Augustus with you ! So, I'm coming with you ! It's my day off.

--- Pearl !

--- Lapis !

Looks like there's going to be a fight soon.

--- Can you calm down ?

--- Never ! [ both ]

--- Then there will be no date.

The atmosphere instantly returned to normal. The lightning bolts that had been between Lapis and Pearl were gone. It seems that the fight is postponed.

--- Ahem ! I think we can do a little truce.

--- Agree. But it's only this time.

--- Well, that's it. Now let's go on a date !

The next few hours will always be remembered by August. It was surprisingly good. He went to different places with Pearl and Lapis on his arm. Attractions, ice rink, vending machines, pizzeria, cafe. It was wonderful. And not without problems. There was still a rivalry between Lapis and Pearl.

It wasn't as tough as it had been in the beginning. Basically, it was like who would eat more cotton candy, who would last longer on the hell wheel, who would hug the Tourist harder, and so on. It made their date a little more lively. They decided to finish it on the beach, watching the sunset.

--- It wasn't bad.

--- Agree. It would be even better if someone didn't follow us.

--- I agree August. That was good.

--- Don't ignore me !

--- August, did you hear anything ?

--- You !

" They still can't calm down. Thank God I share them. "

--- I think we're done here.

When he wanted to stand up, his hand was clamped by Lapis.

--- August.

He turned to her and froze. Her lips covered his in a kiss. It was unexpected. They both closed their eyes and gave in to their feelings. After a while, they drifted away and panted heavily.

--- It...was...fine..

--- Agree

--- You ! Lapis !

Pearl's screams shattered the atmosphere

--- I won't allow it !

Pearl took August's head in her arms and covered his lips with hers. This was doubly unexpected. But it's still nice.

--- You !

--- Do you think you can outrun me ? A dream ! My August !

--- I won't let you !

" Well, they're fighting again. "

Even though Pearl and Lapis started arguing again, there was a smile on their faces. Today, each of them has moved to a different level. They officially became rivals. Now August's personal life will be different. It's going to be a lot of fun !