chloexquinn

[chloexquinn]

No matter how hard she tried to, Chloe couldn't fight the small giggle that came out after their kiss. Her stomach was filled with butterflies but a grounding warmth at the same time as she felt him tuck a strand of hair out of her face. It wasn't until booth had pulled her out of the moment they were having and back down to reality that she was reminded once again of where they were. Her fingers mindlessly playing with the fabric of his shirt while she saw him take the pictures out of their holder.

Her head tilted slightly to the side when her eyes landed on the photos. The smile that came after seeing them was almost immediate. "Bottom half please." She said reaching out to take them. Chloe was actually planning on using them as a bookmark but locker decorations sounded so much better. "Sounds good to me." She looked at hers one last time before slipping them into her purse. When her eyes landed on Jake's set of photos Chloe chuckled. "Your trying to be serious face is way worse than mine by the way. I think I'm pretty sure I won that one." She joked referring to the bet they made earlier.

Jake was hoping Chloe would choose a romantic kiss for their final photo - something to memorialize their first date. So when she leaned in and pressed her soft lips against his, he returned every bit of affection, even matching her small smile as the photobooth clicks and flashes, letting them know their turn was over and their pictures were preparing for print.

As she pulls away, leaving their warmth, Jake looks up and strokes a delicate curl of hair behind her ear. "I think it probably turned out to be the best one." He smiles, softly tracing the outline of her mouth with his fingertips. He wasn't ready to get up and leave their little shelter of privacy yet. For the first time since leaving the beach, this uninterrupted moment between them was everything he wanted to remember about today.

The booth grumbled and buzzed and then out comes their strip of photos. Jake holds onto Chloe with one arm as he leans forward and detaches the slip from the machine. Then he brings the set of pictures between them to be looked at and awed over. "Let's split them. Do you want the top half or the bottom?" Knowing she would want the bottom because it has the kissing photo, he tears it down the middle and offers her the last two pictures. "What do you think? New locker decorations?"

[chloexquinn]

Normally if anyone was able to put on a cold face in a moments notice, it was Chloe. However now she was finding it a bit harder to access the coldness it was once so easy for her to reach. She wasn't used to having to hold in a smile or hold back laughter but with Jake it was getting more and more difficult. In the best way of course. "Hey!" was all she was able to say before the flash had gone off. Chloe was sure they probably looked ridiculous but she had a good feeling this picture was going to be her favorite out of all of them...Well, this one and the last one she had planned.

"Why don't I." She replied before shifting in closer to Jake. She'd completely scrapped the idea of having a cool look on her face, how was she supposed to when he was this close to her? Letting out a little giggle Chloe threw up a peace sign and was all smiles. Final picture. Oh, she knew what she'd do for this one. "I have an idea. C'mere." Leaning in and cupping the side of his face Chloe planted a soft kiss on Jake's lips for a few moments before deepening it with a small smile, one she was sure he could probably feel. She didn't pull away until a few moments after the flash had went off. Once she did, she looked into Jakes eyes gently stroking the back of his neck with the tips of her fingers. "You think that one turned out okay?" She asked innocently with a smirk.

"Oh, you wanna bet?" Jake laughs, and it becomes painfully obvious once he tries relaxing his face that she's right. He can feel the soreness in his cheeks and jaw, which is proof that he's been smiling for a long time without realizing it. "I can definitely mean mug this one. Loser has to get a gross topping on their first slice of pizza. Deal?" He's practicing his best glower but laughs again when she gives his cheek a little poke. "You said we can't poke, poker!" He pokes her back, tickling her waist as another photo goes off. They would have to wait to see the second print but he was sure they both lost. Meaning, they would both have to sabotage each other's pizza.

"Okay, third picture has to be cute. Why don't you come closer." Jake touches her hip and aids her into his lap so he can wrap his arms around her waist and kiss her cheek before the five second countdown finishes. With one picture left, they'll have to make it a good one. "Okay, Bonnie, final picture."

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Chloe let out a mixture of a scoff and a laugh. Most people could think it was a bizarre joke to make given what had happened earlier that day, but it took Chloe by surprise, in a good way. "Wanted dead or alive huh? Alright, let's do it." Brushing a few strands of hair out of her face Chloe did her best to get her curls camera ready before the camera went off. Leaning in towards Jake and throwing up a peace sign she pursed her lips outwards and winked her right eye. A small giggle fluttered from her lips once they moved out of their poses. She was sure she looked ridiculous but Chloe didn't care. It wasn't often that she could let her guard down and just be silly and have a good time.

"Oh absolutely. We'll have to kick the resting bitch faces into full effect. "Noticing the smile on Jake's face she reached out to lightly poke at his cheek. "If you think you can handle it. I'm betting you won't be able to keep a straight face for longer than 2 seconds." And she was one to talk. Most people didn't know this about her but once Chloe was having a laughing fit it was almost impossible for her to stop. Especially when the situation called for her to be serious.

Once enclosed inside the quaint little booth, Jake slides a few dollar bills into the machine and waits for the screen to light up. He's been in the booth before. A couple times with friends and with Brooke, a detail better left unspoken. His past with Brooke will always be there but he knows how unsettling it is to hear about her every five seconds by everyone in town. It would seem getting her kicked out of school wasn't enough to eraser her completely - not yet at least.

"We get to choose what theme we want. I'm thinkin' the Bonnie and Clyde, wanted dead or alive, posters look pretty fitting." Jake laughs with a smile that doesn't seem to dull or fade in time. There was nothing ( not even the threat of a blackmailing serial killer ) that could ruin their night. "Okay, there's a countdown between each take. We get four." The time begins counting down from five seconds. 3...2...1. Jake has his arm wrapped around her and leans closer with a cheery smile before the flash of light. "Okay picture number two, should we mean mug this one?" He chuckles, finding it increasingly more difficult to get into the character of a criminal.

[chloexquinn]

Nodding her head she felt the last bit of apprehension that was in her stomach settle, finally. At the pizza place and now the photo booth, it was crazy to think that the other people off into the distance had no idea what had happened moments earlier that day. To everyone else they were just two people enjoying their own company and their what seemed to be normal lives. Little did they know just how much danger the secrets these two were keeping had put them in.

Chloe gladly gently jutted her chin upward feeling the softness of Jake's fingertips under it. Closing her eyes and completely getting lost in the moment she let Jake come to her and leaned in when his lips met hers. Suppressing a moan, she found her fingers getting tangled in his hair when she felt his tongue in her mouth. Jake really had no idea of the affect he had on Chloe, honestly didn't understand it either and though she had moments she allowed herself to be vulnerable, part of her still wanted to keep it that way. After he pulled away she gently stroked one of her fingers along the back of his neck. Pressing her lips together in attempt to hide just how big her smile was her eyes fluttered open and met his. She wanted to kick herself for the feeling of butterflies she got in her stomach at what Jake said next. "I like that idea." She said before giving him one last quick peck. "C'mon." Taking his hand she led him into the booth and closed the curtains behind them. She looked down at the buttons of the machine in the booth. "Any idea how we work this thing?"

It's no wonder Brooke loathes Chloe, Isadora thought to herself. Her ego was out of control and she needed to be taken down a peg. For now she'll do her best to lay off until regionals. Unless of course she finds a way to get her disqualified from the competition beforehand. Returning her green eyes to Volchok, she pulls him away to explain the whole ordeal in more detail. Meanwhile Jake cozies up next to Chloe in a corner by a photobooth called: 'Snap That'.

"Yeah, we don't have to go all Bonnie and Clyde again. We can chill out and end this date the right way." With his back facing the arcade, he slides his hands above Chloe's hips and caresses the waist of her skirt with his fingertips. "I know a few ways to get us back on the right track..." Placing a hand beneath her chin, he encourages her to tilt her head back as he leans in for a kiss. This time, he leaves the games behind them and presses his mouth to hers with little to no hesitation. Following the sweet affectionate of his lips exploring hers, he enters her mouth with his tongue, and his hands come up to hold her face. Being a bitch to Isadora wasn't a turn off to him. In fact, it was a turn on. She could be as bad ass as she needs to be, as along as she's sweet with him.

With the excitement building in his stomach and the serenity of a smile on his face, he takes a moment to breathe against the corner of her mouth. "How about we take some pictures in the booth? Something to remember our first of many kisses."

[chloexquinn]

"Poor pathetic Isadora. Brooke's delusion really has rubbed off on you." In Chloe's mind, Isadora really should watch where she stepped in. Brooke also appeared as fearless and carefree when it came to what Chloe was capable off and look where she ended up. Fortunately for Isadora due to the events of what had happened earlier she wasn't sure she had it in her to conjure up another scheme right here right now, however, tomorrow morning would be a different story. Either way Chloe wasn't worried. Words were just words without anything to back them up and what could Isadora really do? Sure Chloe had skeletons in her closet but Isadora wasn't acquainted with any of them and she'd never be. Chloe's hands may not be the cleanest but she always made sure her tracks were covered.

Tilting her head to the side slightly her smirk grew. "Oh, I'm sorry, is that supposed to scare me?" She said with a chuckle. "It's absolutely adorable you think that you and your sorry excuse for a spread eagle could even hold a candle to what my squad and I can do. But hey, if public humiliation is one of your kinks then things might actually work out for you. Maybe that's why you don't delete numbers huh?" Feeling Jake's presence behind her, Chloe released some of the tension in her jaw not even realizing she had it clenched. "Hm?" She asked hearing him start to speak. While he was talking Chloe reached up to intertwine Jake's fingers with hers after he put his arm around her. "Oh, I know we can. And we'd barely have to lift a finger ..But can we worry about that another time?" Turning towards him she placed his hands around her waist and rested her arms on his shoulder pulling him closer. "I'm kinda burnt out. A lot has happened tonight and I was kind of hoping you could take my mind off of it." She said batting her lashes at him as she looked into his eyes. He was free to take that statement in whatever way her wanted to.

For someone who doesn't want to take credit for all their scheming, Chloe certainly doesn't have a problem using her bad reputation as a threat. Isadora wasn't afraid though. What could pom poms do to her? Unlike Brooke she has nothing to lose. Everything she had she already lost due to her brother's carelessness. Her family, her hometown, all the friends she had before moving here, it was all gone. If anyone has a pedestal to fall from it's Chloe. Her ivy league school, her new jock boyfriend, and most importantly that stupid smug look she wears on her face. Isadora will make sure she takes it all away. Maybe then Brooke will forgive her for not being a very good friend when she needed it most.

"I don't delete numbers. That doesn't mean I'm still in contact with him." Honestly Isadora wishes she never brought him up. He was a very angry and abusive person and Chloe was right, she should have removed every trace of him years ago. It was a sore spot and now Chloe could pick at it whenever she wants. "It just sounds like you underestimate me. That or you overestimate yourself. Either way, it'll come back to bite you on the ass. And FYI, I joined Westham's squad. So I guess I'll see you at regionals. It's just too bad Brooke won't be there to watch me take you down." Now that Jake was here, Isadora's boyfriend came over as well. "It's okay. I was just catching up with an old girlfriend." Isadora assures him while patting his arm. Volchok and Jake knew of each other but that was the extent of their relationship.

-

"You know," Jake puts his arm around Chloe to lead her away, his mouth closest to her ear, "You would think Westham trash would stay on their side of town." Despite not being able to hear him, both Volchok and Isadora could be seen glaring at them from afar. "That dude is, like, some dealer on the westside. And the snake tattoo means he's affiliated with the Vipers which is the same gang Tyler O'Neill is in." Even mentioning his name felt like acid on Jake's tongue. "If they want to start with us then maybe we have one last scheme up our sleeve."

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Okay, Isadora did have a point there. Now, when she was in high school, Chloe did have a ton of girlfriends but her circle did become smaller as she moved on from high school to college. One of the things that people got backwards though was the assumption that Chloe wasn't a girls girl. If she was dealing with an actual friend their feelings would come first. If she was dealing with someone like Brooke or Isadora, she'd step on them without even batting an eye to get to the top. It all depended on her relationship with the person and if she didn't give a crap about you then good luck. Whatever she wanted was hers by any means necessary. "For someone who claims not to be obsessed with my life you sure do make a lot of assumptions about it. False assumptions I might add."

Her eyes narrowed at karma has a funny way of hitting you in the face. Chloe took a step towards Isadora, the smirk she was sporting was now much more dangerous. "Be careful making empty threats you can't back up Izzy. If you think I'm capable of doing what you accused me of doing to Brooke without lifting a finger, imagine what I'd be able to do to you without breaking a sweat." No one and I mean no one did revenge like Chloe Quinn.

"One of the numbers in your phone being a man who likes desperate, easy girls, all while you're dating someone else. Yet I'm the sad pathetic one? You do know I saw you once I got here right? And going up to you never once crossed my mind, you know why? Because you're not worth it. You've never been. And I'd have to be delusional to give an ounce of a fuck about what goes on with you in your pathetic little life or even wonder about it. Wish I could say the same for you but I don't need constant validation from others and I actually enjoy my own company. And if your freakishly far apart eyes actually worked, you'd see that everyone else does too. You really think we'd be going to regionals if my own squad hated me or didn't respect my leadership?" Chloe wasn't done. She had much more mean to unleash that was until she heard Jake's voice. Looking over at him and seeing him there her eyes softened. It happened so quickly she didn't even realize. "No, I'm fine. We're done here." Crossing her arms over her chest she gave Isadora a once over and one last smug smile. "I promise you it won't keep me up at night." Was the last thing she said before glaring at the other.

"Its obvious you never had a friend. It's why you're either alone or with a boy. Other girls can't stand you. You have no idea what sisterhood is." Chloe was a formidable opponent for a reason. She knows too much. Having so much ammunition wasn't something the blonde anticipated. At the same time, if Chloe had even one friend she would realize that friendship doesn't equal pathetic dependency. She had a life before Brooke and would have a life after her. Loving someone doesn't make her weak. "No one is obsessed with your life, bitch. You have it backwards. You're the one who went through all the trouble to get someone expelled and then run around town with their ex on your whorish arm. You're probably not used to being held accountable for things, are you? Well karma has a way of hitting you in the face."

Isadora found it funny that she would even try to deny the fact that she was behind the expulsion. Lying, conniving, bitchy princess girls were always up to no good. But Chloe's days of flying under the radar by lifting her skirt and waving her pom poms were over. Isadora will make sure she never gets away with anything else ever again.

"At least I have phone numbers in my phone. You're literally one of the loneliest bitches I've ever seen. It's why you wanted the East Mount cheerleaders. You needed a squad. But they don't even hang out with you. I mean... you're always alone. It's sad. And pathetic. And your jealousy is valid."

As Jake was leaving the restroom, he noticed Chloe talking to Isadora, who's boyfriend was a few feet away with a group of guys. He should have known it would only be a matter of time before running into Brooke's evil twin again. "Well I was hoping you two wouldn't get acquainted. Is she bothering you?" Jake didn't want to assume things, but it was safe to read the room knowing that Isadora wasn't a part of the welcoming committee. "Oh lookee, your knight in shining amor is here." Isadora looks between Chloe and Jake. "Just remember what I said about karma. See you two in the arcade..."

[chloexquinn]

"Aww." Chloe gave Isadora a look that one might give a child when they've failed at something they tried extremely hard to accomplish. "Why don't you just give yourself a break Izzy. It must be hard when the only sense of self you've ever had just up and leaves. Who's going to ghost write your pathetic little persona now?" When Chloe had mentioned moving on to Isadora, she truly meant it. What would tacky little insults accomplish now? It was becoming tiresome, kind of like a bug you have to flick off your shoulder a few times before it finally goes away. How many more times was Chloe going to have to hear Brooke's name before it could finally be put to rest?

"Please, you and I both know I could've done that regardless of if she was here or not." Obviously it would've been a little harder if Brooke was still here but there was no way she was going to give that up. "And getting her expelled? I'd be careful, that's an awfully big accusation to make without any proof." Glancing down at her nails momentarily she made eye contact with Isadora once more, an almost bored expression on her face. "Hun, desperate is a fragrance we both know you and Brooke wear best. Your obsession with my life, which I take you inherited from Brooke, is absolutely adorable, but not necessary" First Tyler, now Isadora...Two people telling Chloe things about Jake she didn't know. Did they have the motivation to talk shit? Absolutely, but part of her was still curious about what else Jake hadn't told her. The other part of her had an extremely long list of things she'd done that she wasn't proud of and prayed no one ever found out about.

"He loves easy girls huh? Well he was with you, so that makes sense. It's so cute that you still have his number. Maybe when whoever you're with now gets tired of hanging around with someone with absolutely nothing to offer, at least you'll have someone to run back to who's standards are so low they'd be happy to settle for someone like you." This interaction was a movie Chloe had seen way too many times. Being a bitch, just like survival, was in her blood and the two went hand and hand. Unless she actually cared about who she was speaking to, verbal assassination for her was a walk in the park.

"You would know a lot about the sewers, wouldn't you? I mean... given your ratty company and all." Jake was a disgusting pig. Was Chloe aware that he stole Brooke's diary with his delinquent friend Stu? Sure the dumb jock has a nice smile but he's one brain cell a way from being an actual Neanderthal.

"You don't know what you're talking about..." Despite Isadora's rebuttal, her wavering tone is a clear indication that Chloe was onto something. She was right. One hundred percent right. Isadora molded herself to Brooke and when they stopped being friends she lost a part of herself. A huge part. More than half.

"Face it, you only got her expelled so you could sink your desperate fangs into Jake. Now she's gone and you're here...with him. But do you even really know him? He had his friend trash her dorm room and steal her journal. Not to mention her mail! He's a complete psycho." She wasn't trying to do the girl any favors, but at the same time, fucking up her relationship and wiping that delirious smile from her face would ultimately be saving her from the likes of Jake Fitzgerald. "I mean, if its because sloppy seconds are your thing, you can have mine. My ex boyfriend is in town and he loves easy girls. Why don't I write his number down for you."

[chloexquinn]

"Because I said so." Chloe replied back giving him a smile. Taking his hand in hers shed almost forgotten where they were until his voice brought her back down to earth. Hearing what he said next Chloe shook her head at the boys antics and reached over to ruffle his hair. "You're somethin' else." After he'd left Chloe leaned against the wall and began to subconscious twirl the ends of her hair in her fingers. A big smile still plastered on her face, one that she wasn't even aware of. Ugh, what was he doing to her? She couldn't remember the last time another person had her genuinely feeling the way she was.

Suddenly, hearing a familiar voice Chloe looked over and spotted Isadora glaring at her. The eye roll that came next was almost immediate. Chloe was in such a good mood she almost thought about just ignoring the other girl. Almost. But Chloe Quinn was still Chloe Quinn, she was never one to back down from any kind of altercation. Just as she was about to lean off of the wall and strut over to her surprise Isadora came to her.

"Aw, look at what the sewers coughed up." She was still in a great mood, but unfortunately for Isadora her bitch switch was now on and in full effect. Chloe threw her head back and let out a laugh. "The only reason I'm lucky she's not here is so I don't have to look at those poorly cut bangs and cheap extensions anymore. What is this, high school? Brooke's ex is his own person who can make his own decisions. Do yourself a favor and get a life, hun. Move on. Maybe make a shrine to Brooke while you're at it. It might help you cope with the loss of half of your personality."

Although Jake was aware that Chloe was only pulling his leg and that she didn't have to really consider it, the suspense still made his stomach feel tight and nervous. Jake was a pro at playing it cool and confident until he's around someone who actually matters. Then his frat boy exterior crumbles and the only thing that's left is who he really is behind the mask - lonely, insecure, and in pain. He's lost everything from his friends pulling away to Brooke ditching him to hang out with Tyler. The only good thing in his life right now was Chloe. They say every dark cloud has a silver lining and she's his.

There's a sigh of relief accompanying his smile when Chloe eventually gives into this being a date. "Hey now." He laughs after she pokes his shoulder. Why should she be allowed to poke?! "I thought no poking, little miss poker." He teased while slipping out of his truck to meet her below the neon lights of the Pizzeria. He reaches for her hand to take so they won't get lost in the crowd but then turns around outside of the arcade section where the bathroom is. "TMI. That wine has made its way into my bladder. The Jake's gotta go wrestle a snake." He laughs - cute and charming, right? "Just wait right here and I'll be right back.." Oh, famous last words, Fitzgerald.

As he vanishes into the restroom, someone else's eyes find Chloe. The blonde knows all about her from Brooke. She was the girl who singlehandedly ruined her reputation at East Mount and got her expelled. "Ew, look what the cat dragged in." Isadora says loud enough for her boyfriend and Chloe to hear. She disengages from Volchok and walks over to East Mount's new HBIC. She was no longer friends with Brooke after a huge blowout but confronting Chloe would be a nice way to let off some steam. "You got some huge pom poms to come here with Brooke's ex. You're lucky she's not here."

[chloexquinn]

"Well, there's the fact that my house was broken into and the prank call thing was my idea. You didn't come up with it alone, but you can't take the blame for the fact that there's some freak running around town threatening people. That isn't your fault Jake." Chloe was also aware of how secretive she was being, and how secretive she must be coming off. There was a lot she couldn't tell him and though that alone might not bother most people but when it came down to her house being broken into due to a secret she was keeping, she would've thought that alone was enough to scare someone else away.

Being in a more public place was starting to dial down Chloe's apprehension. It was nice for now to be somewhere with a little more light that wasn't secluded where other people were equally accessible. Especially if something were to happen again but it seemed like they were safe for the most part. Feeling Jake's finger in her side Chloe giggled and swatted his hand away. "Hey, what did I tell you about poking me?" She asked referencing their conversation on the beach. Jake was right, it was crowded but waiting didn't bother her. Hanging out with him even if only for a little while was enough to have her mind wander away from all that was negative. "I don't mind." She replied with a shrug, her fingers currently playing with one of the brown tendrils resting on her shoulder. Hearing the word date come out of Jake's mouth immediately caught her attention. Did he just say what she thought he said? Chloe found his sudden backtracking endearing. Her smile slowly faded before she replied with "Mmm, I might have to think about that." After leaving a few moments of silence between them she added. "I'm joking. Of course that's okay." Reaching over she gave Jake a soft poke on his shoulder.

Jake was relieved to hear that Chloe wanted to return to campus with him. He can talk a big game but the truth of the matter is, he was a lot more insecure than he lets on. All of his jokes and ego-stroking are just a way for him to protect himself from the inevitable letdowns. "I just can't believe this is happening again." Jake thought he escaped Ghostface and left all that blood behind in Lakewood. But it would seem that sometimes ghosts have a way of following. It's not just the town, it could be the person. And in this case, that person was him - he was cursed.

"Why would I be put off by you? All this...None of this is on you." It was Jake who wanted to make that call against Seth Branson and it was Jake who gathered a small bit of fame after the media-frenzied massacre in Lakewood. Who's to say this new Ghost wasn't just some fanboy? Aside from a few bitchy remarks at school and taking on the throne of head cheerleader (which inspires jealousy) what has Chloe actually done to warrant death?

As they pull up to Poppy's Pizzeria, Jake cuts the engine on his truck and sighs when he sees a line inside the brightly lit restaurant. Poppy's was a rip-off of places like Dave & Busters. It was a no-brainer for birthdays and other celebrations with their full-service restaurant, full bar, and a video arcade. "Damn, its packed, but they have the best pizza. I already got the taste of buffalo chicken in my mouth, no going back now." He teased, giving Chloe's hip a little poke to lighten up the mood. "We can play a game while the line shortens. Take back our night. Fuck the psycho who thinks he can ruin our date." He doesn't realize the words coming out of his mouth until its too late and they're out there. It's the word DATE. "I mean, it can be a date if that's okay? If not, then I blame Dewey for saying it."

[chloexquinn]

When Dewy had finally left Chloe let out a much needed exhale, leaning against the wall momentarily. She could only hold herself up for so long before she'd finally collapsed, and in this case that was meant to be more of a mental truth for her than a physical one. There was still a long list of things to be anxious about but for now it finally seemed like she could breathe. Chloe was still in shock that all this had happened. How did a night that seemed to start off so perfect end in such a disaster? Was it really this difficult for good things to happen to her that stayed good?

Hearing Jake's voice brought Chloe back into reality. She leaned off of the wall and turned to him. Hearing the first part of what he'd said caused her heart to sink. Did he really think they should go their separate ways for the night? Chloe didn't blame him, where she went trouble followed. She really didn't want to be alone yet but she understood at the same time. Thankfully though, she'd misunderstood. Thank God he meant they both leave rather than parting ways. "Yes that would be amazing. I think we both just need to...not be here right now." Getting out of the house was the best idea she'd heard all night. Her hopeful expression turned into a confused one upon hearing what he said next. "Me put off by you?" Chloe scoffed. "You had help with that, remember? Whoever this freak is isn't only after you...I honestly thought it was you who'd be put off by me by now." She trailed off. "But other than all of the crazy shit that happened tonight, hanging out with you is probably the post fun I've had all week."

After finishing his report with the two, Dewey hands Chloe his personal business card before leaving the Quinn residence. If anything else were to happen, or for any reason at all - she can call him and he would come back. Meanwhile, Jake hangs out in the background, looking guilty, and hoping his own secrets stay buried at the bottom of Chloe's trashcan. His anxiety was through the roof after finding one of his old masks on the kitchen counter. What if Dewey would have spotted it? What if the entire police force showed up? How would he explain it? Luckily, he got off fairly easy. However, staying here any longer was out of the question. Jake wanted to get back to his dorm where it was safe.

"Yo, we should probably splitzville, dontcha think? Head back to campus. We can grab a pizza, watch a movie?" Jake's roommate had recently flunked out and the university was still in the process of assigning him a new roommate. Therefore, he was one of the fortunate ones to have a room all to himself. "That is, if you're not totally put off by me now. I mean, so far its been, skipping classes, day drinking, getting someone arrested, and then being chased by a masked killer. Do I know how to show a girl a good time or what?"

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Chloe felt bad for deflecting Jake's question. It wasn't like she was trying to shut him down or anything but Chloe didn't want him to feel that way. Especially due to him opening up to her much earlier about how secretive he'd been. And of course he'd just sprinkle a little humor into the situation. It almost made her want to tell him more but unfortunately once you know something, you can't un know it. If she was going to tell Jake, Chloe would have to think long and hard about this. There was also the factor of this possibly changing how he viewed her. Would he just up and not speak to her again? Completely disappear from her life? Maybe, she wasn't sure.

Pressing her lips together Chloe nodded her head taking in everything Dewy was saying. She felt conflicted. It would be nice to have the comfort of her fathers presence here but at the same time she was knew it was better he didn't show up. There would have been way too many questions. Though no matter how much they fought or had their differences, her father was one of the only people in the world who could truly make her feel safe. Telling him about the incident that night would take an enormous amount of stress off of Chloe's shoulders, but telling him would also pack another pound of stress on. She'd be foolish to think she could just tell him and he'd make it better. Like everything would go back to normal. As if.

When Dewy mentioned Jake and Chloe's hangout situation being a date she wasn't able to stop the light blush that was now creeping up her cheeks. Chloe could always tell when she was blushing, she could feel her face get hot. "Um.." Well, you know what they say, when in doubt, deflect! Her lips stretched out into a small but grateful smile. "Thank you again Dewey. We'll definitely be careful. Get home safe."

"Right." Jake nods, doing his best to be understanding. If Chloe wants to open up, she can whenever she feels comfortable. He learned from dating Brooke that its not best to push things. Even though Chloe already proved to be more rational than his hotheaded ex. He could relax a little knowing there wouldn't be an argument around every corner. "Lucky for you, the Jake prefers non-verbal communication, anyway. I express more in other ways." He chuckles, letting the insinuation sink in as he crouches down to help pick up a few shards of glass. This was the best opportunity for him to throw away the mask on the counter and bury it with the flower's dirt. He just hoped Chloe or Dewey wouldn't find it in the trash before its completely covered up.

As Dewey reaches the kitchen, he holsters his gun and places his hands above his belt. "Of course. Your father would have showed up too but the whole team got another call. Looks like your intruder decided to keep his show moving - a few bodies were found by the river moments after your call. We hope to cut him off and catch him before he gets too far. In the meantime, its advised you two stick together. Use the buddy system." Dewey's eyes scan over the flowers once more and his lips curl with mild interest. "Sorry if this ruined your date. I'll be sure not to tell the detective Fitzgerald was here." He assumed the flowers were from Jake. Even a little wilted. It would be very Jake to show up with dying flowers. Everyone in town knows he's not the most eligible bachelor. Dewey arrested him three times in the past year for misdemeanors.

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Her big brown orbs travelled down to the gun the back up to his face. All she could do was nod and remain frozen in place. It had taken her a few moments after he left to feel like she could move again. At this moment she felt that if she blinked improperly something would explode or burst into flames. All of her secrets would be revealed. There was nothing keeping her from moving freely but she still felt restricted. She turned to look down at the flowers and hesitated for a few seconds but finally decided to crouch down and start cleaning up her mess.

Her head shot upwards to look at Jake when she heard what he'd asked. Chloe's mouth opened and the closed quickly. She was still fighting for the right words to say. "I thought we weren't asking questions." She said softly. Avoiding eye contact she turned her attention towards the broken vase and clumped up dirt. She had no idea what she was doing but somehow she convinced herself piling everything up in one spot was doing some kind of good. She knew she should probably get a dustpan and a broom but frustratingly enough the logical part of her brain seemed to be short circuiting. She jumped at the loud sound of Dewey's voice, still feeling very on edge. "Thank you." Chloe rose up slowly until she was standing again. "-For coming as quickly as you did. "

As a trained officer, Dewey wasn't caught off guard by the vase hitting the floor and shattering on impact. His gun remained drawn but lowered. He couldn't risk having any accidents. Not when he has his own secrets to protect. Jake, however, jumped at the sound of breaking glass. He half-expected to see Ghostface lunging towards them, a merciless blade raised high above their heads. After he realizes it was just Chloe's 'clumsiness', a sigh of relief returns some color to his face. "Jesus." He places a hand over his heart.

Dewey takes a moment to examine all the rooms after checking in on them. Meanwhile Jake and Chloe was advised to wait in the kitchen with the door locked. "Keep your backs to the wall and holler if you even think you notice something." Was the last thing Dewey said before disappearing down the hall and then up the stairs.

"Who's the flowers from?" Jake promised not to ask any questions but his primitive mind wasn't aware it was left by their terrorizer. They could have been a gift to her father from some mistress or maybe even a romantic gesture to Chloe from a secret admirer. Jake was going to offer a second pair of hands to clean the mess when he noticed a carefully placed mask by the sink. White, and painted to look like a skull. It was the same mask he and Stu used to use when robbing people. His own secret. But could it be the same one? With his DNA attached? Jake wasn't sure if he should be obvious about it. How could he get rid of it out in the open?

"The house looks clear!" Dewey calls out from upstairs before making his way back down to them.

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"I'll make sure to keep that in mind." Though now wasn't the time for it Chloe was grateful for Jake's sense of humor. The weight of the situation was so much that without it, she was sure she'd be crushed by the pressure. Gripping the scissors even tighter, she let out a slow exhale before moving alongside Jake making sure to be aware of her surroundings. She'd thought that the night of the hit and run was the most high stress situation she was going to be in this year, boy was she wrong.

Giving Jake a silent nod, she kept moving. Each one of her steps more careful than the next. It was crazy that walking through her own house suddenly felt like a game of minefield. One wrong move and boom, it was game over. Once they'd reached the dining room Chloe couldn't do anything but stare. She looked at the wilted bouquet of threats sitting on the table wrapped up in a few ribbons and propped into a vase. Before she made another move she shot a quick glance over at Jake. Chloe didn't know what she wanted to say or do but next thing she knew the door flew open. Her eyes went wide and she instinctively held the scissors higher up, ready for anything. Thankfully and unfortunately it was only the sheriff. Her hands, now shaking, dropped to her sides and she let out an exhale half relieved and half apprehensive. With the adrenaline still running through her she played it off as if she were walking over to the sheriff but made sure to extend her arms a little to much and accidentally knock over the flowers. The vase now in pieces on the floor along with the flowers. Now she had a reason to throw out the evidence just in case anyone on the force wanted to examine it. It wasn't a sure plan but it was the best she could do. Slightly still shaking she looked up at the man, stunned.

"You definitely need more weapons in your room." There was still a hint of humor in his tone as he observes the scissors in her hand before nodding approvingly. One would think Jake would carry around some kind of weapon himself after the massacre he survived with his friends in Lakewood. It's better to be safe than sorry and right now Jake was feeling sorry. There was an unsettled feeling in his stomach not knowing if they would leave this house in one piece or not.

"So far so good." Jake inches closers to the stairs, keeping his eyes and ears open. The house was quiet. Even quieter as he holds his breath as they take the room in a careful stride. The flowers were on the table, graveyard dirt outlining the wilting bouquet. As promised, Jake wouldn't ask any questions. He stood by, observing the area before a sound made its way across the room. The front door creeps open. Jake feels his entire body freeze before relaxing when the intruder's face is revealed. The Sheriff. "You guys all right in here?"

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Chloe scoffed at herself partly in disbelief at how careless and off her game this was making her feel. This vulnerability and uncertainty of her next mood was uncharted territory for her and to be honest, a little uncomfortable. But thankfully she was with Jake while all of this was happening. She felt better that it was him who was seeing her in this state than someone else she wasn't as trusting of. "Right." She responded shaking her head. Following through the window she gave him the best attempt at a smile she could muster. She needed to get out of her emotions and back into her brain. No more thoughts driven by feelings.

Once they were inside Chloe looked around for a few moments before her eyes landed on her dresser. She walked over to it and pulled out a pair of sharp silver scissors. She then walked over to Jake after closing the drawer shut. "Better than nothing right?" With her free hand took hold of her phone making sure to quickly scan over the hallways and rooms from the security camera app. "It doesn't sense any movement and it looks like the rooms are clear...We ready?"

Jake made sure he climbed back into the house first. Then he put his hands out and guided Chloe inside. He knew she was more than capable of taking care of herself but he was a nurturing person. With his friends and in his relationships at least. Other people receive the snarkier, show off that gets more amusement out being a crude wisecracker. "Pepper spray?" He teased despite their very real and very precarious situation. "His eyes are made of rubber." He reaches for her hand and laces their fingers together. "As far as we know, there's one of him and two of us. Let's just go slow and watch each other's back." Jake was used to doing sketchy shit so he knows how to be stealth and get around undetected. They don't have the upper-hand per se, but they do have an advantage. No one knows the house better than Chloe.

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Hearing him give in made Chloe let out a breath she didn't realize she was holding. It was a slow exhale. She didn't expect for him to give in that easily but she secretly hoped she would. Her lips pressed together and she averted her eyes in thought, taking in what he said next. Yes she'd feel more comfortable if he went with her but there was also the added anxiety of something happening to him. Right now there wasn't much time and Jake's suggestion seemed like the best idea. He did also say no questions asked which would make things easier. After a few moments passed she looked back up at him and nodded her head. "Okay...We'll both go.." She placed her hands over his momentarily giving him a quiet "Thank you." and an attempt at a smile before begining to inch closer to the window.

"Um..I think I have some pepper spray in one of my drawers. We should probably bring that right? Just in case?"

"Okay, fine." He was quick to resign. Despite what others might think of him, Jake was compassionate and understanding. There wasn't anything he wouldn't do for his friends. He was only volatile when he feels overlooked and taken advantage of. There's a quick switch as soon as he feels threatened or disrespected, but only because he's a sensitive person and doesn't know how to handle having his trust broken. "If you want to go down there then at least let me come with you. I'll hold your phone, monitor the rooms as we sneak back into the house and head downstairs. You grab what you need to and then we bolt." It could very well be a trap. The killer could be waiting inside of a closet with a knife - or be standing outside the front door waiting for someone to open it. A quick slash across the throat and then he would disappear into the dark, foggy night like a ghost.

The police would be there any moment. Three cruisers were racing across town, sirens blaring. But the captain would receive a call from an unknown number saying two more bodies have been found by Cold Creek. A couple in a car, stabbed to death while thinking they were alone to be intimate. Two of the cruisers on the way to Chloe's house were forced to redirect. But Sheriff Riley continued towards the Quinn residence knowing the call could have been made as a distraction to buy the intruder more time. This wasn't the Sheriff's first rodeo with an intelligent serial killer.

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Chloe instinctively placed her hands over his wrists. She'd meant to gently take them off but instead left her hands sitting on top of his. "I can't do that. I have to get downstairs before the cops do." She opened her mouth to continue but stopped herself. How was she going to explain this without sounding crazy or exposing herself? She couldn't. Chloe sighed and used both her hands to brush her hair out of her face. There had to be something she could do, some kind of way around this.

Hearing Jake mention going to get what was on the table caused her head to snap back up to look at him. No questions asked huh? If it weren't for there being a small chance this person was still in the house Chloe would have considered it, but there was no way she was going to let Jake get hurt or even take a chance on that. "You can't go down there by yourself." If he was going to put herself in danger he wasn't going to do it by himself. "This is my mess just as much as it is yours. I need to deal with this, I swear I'll be fine."

"Wait, what?!" Was she crazy? Go downstairs? No. Jake tucked his legs underneath himself and sat up on his knees. He needed to recapture her full attention. He placed both hands on her face and looked her straight in the eyes. "I don't know what you saw, but it sounds like he's trying to lure you down there." What was it anyway? Jake didn't get a good look. All he had to go off of was her reaction which seemed pretty mortified. "This is what he wants. You get that, right? He wants you to lose your mind and make irrational decisions. We should wait for the cops." Normally Jake wasn't the voice of reason. He was impulsive, careless, and reckless. But he's been through this once before and it didn't end well for anyone. People died. If Chloe gets stabbed it'll be his fault. He got her to ditch class, go to the beach and drink wine, and then convinced her to sneak into her father's house AFTER they ruined an innocent man's life. All of it was on him.

With that realization in mind, Jake let his hands fall from her face before carefully repositioning himself onto his feet, crouched. "Look, I got us into this mess. I screwed up. If there's something important down there that you need to get pronto then I'll go get it. No questions asked. Just tell me what it is and I'll haul ass." He might not know Muay Thai but he could throw a nice right hook. He'd been in many scraps. Still. The last time he went up against a guy with a knife, he lost. He got stabbed in a bowling alley by someone wearing that same mask.

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"Breaking Bad? Yeah, never heard of it." That was a joke, of course. Though she knew that Tyler's life was harder she still half expected him to catch onto the references and shows she mentioned. Looking back at the road in front of them she began to take in everything that had happened. It had been a long day for her and she was actually begining to feel herself growing tired. Mostly because of the mental agility it took to put on the false innocent mask she'd been sporting all afternoon.

She turned her attention to Tyler giving him a small nod. If Brooke thought she was going to get away with punching Chloe in the nose and cowardly running off, she had another thing coming. But revenge was another mission for another day. Preferably one where she had a little more energy. Maybe you should try to make amends. Why did that sound familiar? She felt a small shiver run up her spine at his words. Chloe didn't know why but it almost made her feel uneasy. "I think I'll stay away from her for now but maybe...Anyways, thanks for the ride Tyler...See ya, Grumpy Bear." She gave him one last smile before unbuckling her seatbelt and opening the door to get out.

"Degrassi? Yeah, never heard of it." He laughed. There were plenty of shows for Tyler to catch up on now that he has the leisure to lay back and watch TV. Care Bears and Degrassi won't make the cut though. He's had it up to here with drama. Watching other people's mountains and molehills would annoy him. "Before you recommend a binge watch, no. I won't be watching. I already have five seasons of Breaking Bad to catch up on." One could argue Breaking Bad was just as dramatic as Degrassi, but not really. Breaking Bad was more relatable to be someone like Tyler who grew up around crime and drugs. Case in point, Tyler offering Chloe pills. Her rejection was interesting. A south sider who isn't in a gang and doesn't want drugs or money...Either her morals were ridiculously high or there was something else going on. No one could be this pure and innocent while living on the south side. Hell has no angels.

"I appreciate it." He sighed, taking her word for it. The last thing he wanted was for Brooke to get wrapped up in more drama. She should have learned from his mistakes. He'd been arrested countless times for fighting. Her father having to bail him out of jail on more than one occasion. "Suit yourself, Frizzy. I'd say see ya around but I don't think Brooke would like that. But who knows - maybe you should try to make amends."