Chapter 11: Test Two: Trigger Point

"Ah, thank you. It's sometimes frustrating being this short. I don't even know where the stepping stool I bought went to." I said as Aries took the sauce pan from my hand and rearranged it into the cabinet.

He had opt to leave out the common pots and pans he knows I would use and kept the extras. It would seem as if he were the one staying here instead of me.

"Anything else?" Aries asked as he smiled at me warmly.

"As of now no. What do you want to do?" I asked as I turned to look at him.

"Why don't you go through your notes? I'll help you." Aries said as he headed for my desk, pointing at the countless stack of documents sprawled across the desk and it's vicinity.

"That is an option alright." I replied as I glanced at the stacks of paper. However, I feel

lazy to sort through my notes at the moment.

I frowned as I stared at Aries' face, hoping some idea would pop up. Aha! I got it! Something we could do even at home!

"Aries, let's watch a movie!" I grinned, placing my hands on my hips in a show of confidence.

"Hmmm? Has the great developer come up with the idea of a lifetime to watch a movie together?" Aries asked in amusement as he turned to look at me.

"W-what is that supposed to mean?! Are you saying I'm slacking?!" I stammered as I watched Aries break into a wide grin.

"Not at all. So, what should we watch?" Aries asked as he took my hand and headed to the living room so naturally.

"..."

"Sol?"

"... Ah! S-sorry... I was lost in thought..." I stammered as I looked away from Aries. Somehow, the things he does make me think he sees me in a different way... Nah, who am I kidding? I'm just Sol.

"What were you thinking about?" Aries asked as he pulled me to take a seat on the couch beside him. He glanced my way with a gentle smile before turning on the television, opening Necflex.

"I... I was... Uhh... Let's watch whatever pops up in the recommended!" I exclaimed as I tried to ignore the thoughts I was having.

My eyes turned to the screen before my jaw dropped. Why is the recommendation list filled with horror movies?

"Should we choose a different genre?" Aries asked as he watched my expression.

"N-no! I'm not one to go back on my words! J-just pick one!" I stammered as I saw Aries' surprise face before he turned to scroll through the list.

I... Should have said we should watch a comedy movie... And look at his face... He is so serious in choosing a title... Every show looked scary though...

"I found one. Shall I dim the lights to fit the atmosphere?" Aries asked as he turned to look at me with a smile.

"I... Sure!" I replied as I mentally slapped myself. "I-I'll get a blanket ready... I-it's not because I'm scared or anything! This room... Gets cold if you stay in it for long! T-that's right! The air conditioner works a little too well sometimes!" I said in a hurry as I rushed out of the room to grab a blanket.

I hope the movie he chooses isn't too scary... He knows I'm scared of horror movies right...? Actually... if I think about it. Its more embarrassing if he knew.

"I-I'm back. Oh? Where did that come from?" I pointed at the popcorn in the bowl that Aries had placed on the coffee table.

"Hmm? That's a secret.Come on. Sit down. I wanted you to have a complete immersion. It should feel like a personal cinema!" Aries grinned as he patted the seat beside him.

"O-okay." I replied and sat beside him. I truly hope its not a very scary movie...

***

"Ahhhh!" I screamed as I hid my face in the blanket, shivering as the ghost caught the girl, dragging her by her foot back into the house.

W-why... Did Aries select the scariest movie?! M-my hands keep shaking... I feel like my hands have no more strength in them.... At this rate... Even the blanket is going to sl---

"Ahhhh!" I gasped again as my blanket slipped from my fingers right at the part where the girl was face to face with the ghost.

"Sol, are you scared?" Aries asked as he glanced at me with a concerned look on his face.

"N-no... I'm not..." I said as I lied through my teeth.

"Is that so? Well I... I'm a little scared. Can I hug you?" Aries asked as he gave me a puppy dog look.

Who am I to say no? And actually, yes! I'm terrified! At least if he hugs me I'll know my back is safe!

"W-well... Since you're so scared, sure!" I exclaimed, holding my arms out.

"Sol is so brave. Not like me." Aries grinned as he pulled me to his chest, sitting me in between his lap as he rested his chin on my shoulder.

"... I think Aries is braver than me..." I said as I turned towards the screen again.

The warmth against my back made me feel safe and secure. .... ... Wait a second... How am I to study his reactions if I can't see him? Ack! I completely forgot about that when we started watching the movie!

"Sol? Are you feeling restless? You're moving around so much. Do you want to go to the toilet?" Aries asked as he turned to look at me.

"Toi--- N-no! I'll stop moving! J-just look in front!" I stammered as I pushed his head off my shoulder.

Actually... now that I think about it... I do feel like going but...

I glanced towards the direction of the bathroom. The passage towards the bathroom was darker than it was in this room. I didn't dare to take a step there... The movie also seems to end in another 30 minutes.... I can bear it!

***

30 minutes later...

"Sol? Do you want to go to the toilet? I can always pause the movie. You've been fidgeting a lot since earlier." Aries asked as he glanced at my face, leaning over my shoulder as he studied my expression.

"I...."

"What did you say?"

"I do!" I said, feeling my face growing warm.

"Oh, then... Go ahead. I'll pause the movie for you." Aries said as he smiled.

"Alone..."

"Hmm?"

"I don't want to go alone.... Can you follow me?" I asked feeling embarrassed. Its like I'm a girl or something. I'm not even 8 years old. Having to need someone accompany me to the bathroom because of the dark is just...

"Oh! Alright. I'll accompany you. Why didn't you just say so?" Aries asked as he gave me a warm smile, his big hands comforting my head as I turned away feeling embarrassed.

I'll... never forget this day... The day I threw my pride away because of a horror movie.