Divulgence (Song of Sophangence Book 2)

by E. I. McAllistair

  Running through his options, he began to check things off the list. There was no way Dan could afford the executive floor of the Cafeteria, and since he was not in the top of his class or the school, that was out. The regular floors of the Cafeteria had exquisite cuisine, but no one would consider it to have the proper ambience for a date. They could technically go to Haxby, but that would mean more research and planning that he was sure Dan was not up to executing.

  “You can use my room tonight.”

  Dan snapping from his haze, looks up at Anaar hopeful. “For real? What about you?”

  “Don’t worry, that’s what I have a boyfriend for. I’ll just stay with him tonight. You don’t have to worry about leaving at a certain time or anything. I can give you temporary access to my room just in case you two need to leave for some reason. You can think of it as your own private getaway.”

  “You’d do dat for me?”

  “I’d do it for the both of you. If I’m being transparent, I have a vested interest in this not going terribly. I would rather not have things become awkward between my two best friends because of a logistical misstep. Actually… Harston! Could you come here for a moment please?”

  Appearing from just around the corner, Harston, who had heard everything that was going on already had plans to be of use to the cause. “How may I be of assistance?”

  “I know it is a super huge favor to ask, but could you help make Dan’s date night a success? Spare no expense, and make them your finest. If you have the time, can you make the dining room more, I don’t know, datelike? I want this to be special for them.”

  “I have just the thing sir. I will leave now to procure the necessary materials.” Turning to Dan with a small bow, “Master Dan, I am at your disposal tonight. Please do not hesitate to use me as you see fit.” With that he turns to leave. Just before he can disappear, Anaar calls out to him.

  “And Harston, when you are done with them tonight, take the rest of the week off. No objections! You deserve it. Thanks for everything you do.”

  Realizing that he had already been foiled, he simply nods, taking his leave. Dan, shocked by how quickly things were turning around, found that warm fondness for Anaar surfacing again, but it surprisingly felt different. Maybe because his feelings were clearer, or because he knew Anaar was already taken, but now he just felt like family that was dependable and always looking out for him.

  “Well, now that we have the date venue settled, I guess we had better go get you prepared.”

  “What you mean by prepared?”

  “You aren’t planning to show up to the date you asked for looking like that are you? I mean even now thinking about it, you dressed up for me.”

  “Well I was jest gonna do the same thang…”

  Appearing in his vision, quite dapper, in a blazer and slacks, with a button down open at the top, Hobb seems particularly excited. “I believe I can be of assistance. Clearly you cannot be trusted with Mr. Bedacholli’s fate when it comes to wardrobe decisions. All you must do is get him on board, and I will take care of the rest.”

  You don’t trust me to help him by myself?

  Hobb gives him a distasteful look up and down, “Must we really continue to pretend you have any semblance of fashion sense?”

  Hey! I’m not the one going on the date! I’m already in a relationship!

  “Might I remind you that the last dates you went on you were completely oblivious to their purpose, and Mr. Ingraham, thankfully, had the sense to dress you? I believe you are wishing for success, not utter failure.”

  Fine. You can help out.

  “Splendid. It is best you complied, as I was going to offer my guidance regardless.”

  Son of a…

  “Is somethin’ wrong wit dat outfit?”

  Snapping back to attention from his brief quarrel with Hobb, “No, you looked good, but if we are going to do this, we might as well do it right. Come on, let’s go to the Supermarket. What time did you tell Maggie?”

  “I ain’t give her no time…”

  “Well I suppose we will just give her a time when it is closer. For now, we can take the opportunity to prepare.”

  Making their way to the Cafeteria, they take the elevator down to the clothing and apparel floor to find Dan a new outfit. As they perused and Dan picked out things he liked, Anaar found himself being reprimanded by Hobb for his terrible sense of fashion. Listening to him if only to make him stop talking, Anaar had Dan put certain things back at Hobb’s behest. When they had completed a few outfits, Dan changed into them, exiting the fitting room to model each one. Still critiquing each outfit, they finally settled on a look both Dan and Hobb found acceptable, that complimented him very well.

  “Dang Anaar, I ain’t know ya had this kinda style. I don’t ever see ya wearin’ nothin like it.”

  “Let’s just say I had a little help, and I picked up some things from Phavian.”

  “Do make sure he purchases new underwear. I daresay they are in a worse state than yours were before Harston threw them out.”

  What am I supposed to say to him? “Hey Dan, drop trow and let me make sure your underwear is up to par?!”

  “If that produces results.”

  I swear I’m only listening to you in hopes this will satiate you for a while, so you stop bugging me!

  “If we are going for a new outfit, we might as well go all out. We should get you some nice socks, shoes and underwear to go with it. Probably should get a belt too.”

  “I preshate all da help, but I ain’t got da money for all dat. I might be able to swing da shirt at most.”

  Hobb charge everything to my account

  “Will do.”

  “Don’t worry, it’s taken care of.”

  “What ya mean?”

  “I mean it is taken care of. Just get whatever you want.”

  “Aww now Anaar I cain’t be havin’ ya pay for my stuff like dat. First ya room, now dis…”

  “Think of it as a late birthday present. You hit the big 2-0 and all we did was have dinner like normal.”

  Overcome with emotion, Dan pulls Anaar into a tight hug, squeezing his eyes to hold back tears. Anaar had always been there, always believed in him, never once giving up on him. When he was going through his various points where he first thought he had lost to Maggie, and even somewhat when he had been confirmed to have lost to Phavian, Dan could not help but resent everyone involved. Now looking at it, he was glad he refused to let those feelings take over and that he had supported Phavian and Anaar, because in turn he was able to find true clarity. With that clarity, Anaar was doing everything he could to make his feelings manifest, which meant more to him than Anaar could ever know. Though he did not like charity, he felt different when it came from Anaar, so he took him up on his offer.

  “Ya shore I cain’t pay ya back?”

  “Don’t worry, I have a crazy stipend. Even if I didn’t, I have been going on missions out the ass. I am doing pretty well now.”

  “I’ma hafta look into dat next year.”

  “You should. Maybe we can do some together.”

  Leaving the Supermarket, they make their way to the gym, where Anaar gets Dan his first professional haircut and shave. Once it was established that he was paying for it, he wished Dan luck and told him to make sure he tells Maggie when he is picking her up, as it would not do to have a lady going about campus unescorted. He reminds him that he has access to his room, so no need to go back to Rumble to get ready since he had all the toiletries and things he could need in the guest rooms. Leaving him to the salon professional, Anaar makes his way to the Ivory Twin to spend the rest of his night with Phavian.

  Dan was surprised at how long it took the stylist to complete their task. For him he could have shaved his head and face in under an hour. Instead it was almost three hours before he was finished and had left the salon, though he was quite impressed with how he turned out. Since he had left it up to the stylist, he was not sure how he would feel about
it, but in the end, he had made the right decision.

  Having told Maggie he would pick her up at 8pm, he only had a couple hours to get himself cleaned up and ready to go. He realized that Anaar had not been kidding when he assured him everything he needed was in his room already. While he was showering and getting himself ready, Harston even pressed his outfit and laid it out on the bed for him. Just before entering the shower, the older man had handed him a shower cap, no doubt recognizing a fresh haircut when he saw one.

  While he was dressing, Harston informed him that dinner could be ready whenever he chose, and that his clothes would be freshly laundered and waiting for him by the time he got back from picking up Maggie. Anaar never talked about the older man he called his ‘uncle,’ but it was clear that he took very good care of all Anaar’s affairs, just by the small example he had seen. Maggie had told him to pick her up at Tempest Tower, which threw Dan off, but he had no reason to question it.

  Because Anaar had also told Hobb to be of extra assistance to them that night as well, Hobb had not only given Dan alerts that would make sure he would leave at the appropriate time, but also brought him a special shuttle for just the two of them. Dan had simply thought he was lucky, but Hobb made sure to do his duty to make the night a success.

  In the entire time he had been at Sophangence, Dan had never actually been to Tempest Tower. He had passed by it, but he never had reason to get close to it. When he stepped out of the shuttle, he found it simply waited there for him, instead of taking off after a few moments like normal. As he walked up to the building, his nerves got the better of him, because he was distracted by the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Feeling guilty that he was thinking about another woman when he was there to pick up Maggie, he wanted to hit himself for being shameful. When he had gotten up the nerve to continue, he realized the same beauty had walked directly up to him. It took him a moment, but he came to realize that this picture of womanly perfection was none other than Maggie herself.

  Her long, normally bushy curls had been straightened, the top portion of her hair pulled back with a number of braids accenting it, which terminated into an intricate twisting bun. She had two long bangs that swayed in the gentle breeze, and her hair was adorned with a number of glittering jewellike fixtures. The rest of her hair, lightly curled into flowing ringlets that cascaded down her back, caught the remaining sunlight and shone like a brown blaze. She had long earrings of dark purple crystal, and her face was made up so that she had light purple and pink eye makeup with a pastel pink lip. Her lavender dress hooked around her neck, plunging quite low, and Dan could see every curve her body had to offer. The dress, as it stopped just above her knees showcased thin yet powerful legs, wearing heels of all things, that matched her dress.

  As amazed as Dan was, Maggie found herself just as much in awe. She remembered Anaar once saying how good Dan looked when he cleaned up, but his words did not do justice. She had never seen his bountiful blonde curls clipped and coifed in such a manner that gave him a rather stately appearance. The deep mustard shirt paired very well with his ruddy skin tone, and the shirt looked as if it was tailor made to fit him and only him. The chocolate pants and dark brown shoes made his body appear far more muscular than she remembered.

  Walking mesmerized by how good Dan looked, Maggie smiled broadly as she approached him, not paying attention to her stride, and she toppled to the ground just before reaching him. Rushing to help her up, she felt a hand dusting off her backside, which would have normally thrown her off, but she could tell by the concerned look on his face it was completely innocent. When she had finally gotten back to her feet and recovered her balance, she could only give a small embarrassed chuckle.

  “Yeah… Heels… Not my strong suit.”

  “You alright?”

  “I’m fine. I may look like this right now, but I can still take a hit. Are those for me?”

  Peering down at his hands, Dan had totally forgotten about the extravagant bouquet that Harston had given him to present to Maggie. “Oh, yea. These for you.” Still concerned about her tumble, he awkwardly hands her the flowers.

  “Thanks, they are beautiful.”

  “Glad you like ‘em.”

  Unable to control herself anymore, Stefani barrels out of the doors of Tempest Tower, squealing like a proud mother. “You two look so good! I need pictures! Dan! Put your arm around her waist! Maggie! Don’t be so frigid! Get in there! This is great!”

  Once Stefani had gotten her fill and effectively embarrassed them, Maggie hooked her arm in Dan’s for stability as they made their way to the still waiting shuttle. Helping her inside, Dan climbs in after her, and the shuttle sped off, making a loop back toward the Ebony Twin.

  “You look real perty… pretty. No, you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.”

  “You look amazing too. I’m glad Stef got pictures though, because you have no idea what she put me through to look like this. It won’t be happening again any time soon.”

  Laughing quietly, “Still the same ole Mags. I’m glad you not tryin’ to be somebody different just because you dressed up.”

  “I don’t think I have the energy to try to be someone different. I don’t know how Stef does this all the time! I thought it would be fun, and that I would want to do this more often, but it is so much work!”

  As the shuttle arrives at the Ebony Twin, Dan hops out, extending his arm to help Maggie down. Walking slowly to make sure she did not take another spill, Dan supported her with his arm around her waist, feeling the delicate skin where the diamond cutout was in the back. When they finally made it to Anaar’s room, both their mouths dropped open with the spectacle before them. Hobb had taken it upon himself to use the holoprojections of the Receiving Room to create a look like an exotic and romantic scene.

  “It looks like I wasn’t the only one who got a little help from a friend.”

  “A little? Wouldn’t none of this have happen if it wasn’t for Anaar. He still take care of me just like he always has.”

  “We have some pretty awesome friends you know that?”

  “Yeah, we shore do.”

  Making their way to the Dining Room, Hobb made changes to the projections as they passed by, and Harston had made the room quite the grand dining experience. Pulling out the chair for her, Dan waited to help her slide it back in before taking his own seat. As polished as a waiter at the finest of restaurants, Harston appeared to fill their water glasses, and even had a bottle of wine for them. He then went on to explain the courses and asked if they would like to start immediately, or wait a few moments. They told him it was fine to start the meal immediately and engaged one another in conversation while they waited.

  As they went through the courses Harston was providing, both of them tried their hardest to be on their best behavior, using proper etiquette, and for Dan, curbing his accent. They were amazed at how delicious the food was that they were served, and Harston was the perfect host. When they had finished their deserts and Harston had collected their dishes, he asked them if there was anything else they would like, and they both shook their heads no, while thanking him. He informed them that he would then be taking his leave, but they were free to utilize the rest of the facilities as they saw fit.

  When he left the room, Dan looked over to Maggie, mouth poised as if he wanted to say something. “Are we supposed to tip him or…”

  “I was thinking the same thing! I mean with that amazing food and the service it definitely feels like we should have been tipping him!”

  They both laugh, then fall to silence for a few moments. Dan wanted to speak, but he was having trouble formulating the right words. As such Maggie was the one to break the silence.

  “This was a really special night. All the primping and boob tape was totally worth it.”

  “Boob tape?”

  “Ugh, don’t ask. The things Stefani has put me through… Be careful who you ask for help.”

  “Sound like you had a rougher tim
e than I did.”

  “I honestly didn’t know what to expect when you called me. I would have been fine with eating in the Cafeteria.”

  “If it wasn’t for Anaar, we would be. Speaking of Anaar, I know we had our agreement about him, but I realize now that the person I was really thinkin’ ‘bout was you. When he do stuff like this, it is hard not to feel some kinda way ‘bout him, but since I got here, I have always liked you. Anaar is like a drug, of course he make you feel good, but the feeling is temporary until you take another hit. I mean he keep you drugged up, but it ain’t his fault he have that effect. It is just hard to know the difference. With you though, I want you more the longer I’m away from you, which let me know that’s my real feelings. What really got me was in our final when you literally blew me away. It felt like it was more out of love than just wanting to win. I guess I’m trying to say, I’m sorry for mistaking my feelings, but Maggie, you is the one I’m really in love with.”

  Fanning her face, Maggie does her best not to cry, as she was told by Stefani that it would ruin her makeup. “I never thought that anyone would want me, simply because I wasn’t girly enough. My feelings toward Anaar were different from yours, but I thought that was the same reason. That is why I was thinking that maybe if I acted different, or dressed different, someone would actually like me. I don’t know if guys feel the same way, but it hurts being a girl and feeling unwanted. To know that you have wanted me all along, just the way I am, it means more to me than words could express. I never even considered you to be honest, probably because I always saw you as a competition, not a companion. I’m sorry I never recognized my feelings before. I guess we both were blinded by that oblivious oaf that we can’t get enough of.”

  “I don’t think it is a problem we can’t get enough of him. The way I see it, some people are just meant to be loved by people. Don’t mean they the only one you love though. If you will have me, I would like to give you a chance to see that I can give you all the love you been wantin’ Mags.”