thewritersofdeceased

[thewritersofdeceased]

𝐈 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐎𝐔𝐓 𝐖𝐈𝐓𝐇 𝐘𝐎𝐔.

ᴏʀɪɢɪɴᴀʟ ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs | ᴀʀᴛᴇᴍɪs ǫᴜɪɴɴ & ᴀᴘᴏʟʟᴏ ᴡᴏᴏᴅsᴛᴏɴᴇ | ᴛᴡɪɴs - sᴇᴘᴇʀᴀᴛᴇᴅ

Was this a good idea? Apollo didn’t know. It’d been a long while since he had seen his twin sister face to face, besides in school. And even in school, Artemis never said a word to him. But here he stood, standing at the park, standing by the fountain and having Phoenix next to him, who was just sitting beside him. It wasn’t like he complained, he got the chance to sit with Phoenix as he waited for his twin sister to show up. If she showed up, which he hoped she would. Apollo hoped his twin would actually arrive.

It didn’t take long for the blonde to notice his sister making her way towards him, how her face was pale with dark makeup, and how her outfit was long with dark colors. How their outfit themes always were different from one another, yet how they always seemed to match in a way. “Art!” Apollo sounded so.. Happy to see his twin, yet the girl didn’t exactly reply just yet. Rather, she had made her way up to him, and had crossed her arms in response. Like she didn’t wish to talk to him. “Get talking, baby brother.” She spoke.

Apollo scrunched his shoulders slightly at his sister's tone, holding a frown slightly. “I just-” He went to speak, beginning to rub the back of his neck as he tried to think of the words, or how to phrase them, actually. “I just miss you.” He spoke, avoiding eye contact, but making sure he could still be heard by the darker girl. He took note of how his twin wouldn’t reply, lifting his head to look her over. Her eyes were narrowed and cold, her lips in a thin line. She was dead silent, and Apollo had hated dead silence.

“We used to be inseperable, Art..” He went to speak, looking at his  twin with hope in his eyes. Hope that she would understand what he had been trying to say. He only wished he wouldn’t have to verbally say it. But with the look Artemis had given him, a frown was all he seemed to have. “We were best friends, why did it have to change?” He questioned, looking at the dark haired girl with a look of hope, almost pleading without saying a single word. How he longed for things to be back to normal, it wouldn't though.

Nothing would go back to normal. Their dad was dead, died via suicide. Apollo remembered telling the news to his twin, and the news being brought to their mother. She hadn’t bothered to even plan a funeral, or go to it for all that mattered. Apollo had gotten the money from his mother, sure, but he had to plan everything in order for his father to actually have a funeral and a tombstone instead of just a simple little stick that was dug into the ground. On the occasion, he’d sit at the cemetery for hours and just sit silently.

“We used to be best friends.” Apollo then muttered, watching his twin’s expression. How could she appear so cold? Like she didn’t care? It made Apollo frown, a look of fear slowly appearing on his face. “Art- please.. Say something..?” He pleaded, looking at his twin and taking a slight step towards her. How she hadn’t taken a step back, how she appeared as calm as she could. Cold, yet calm. It was weird. Apollo knew she was processing his words, especially with how her face had scrunched up slightly. “Please, Artemis..” He took another step, just as she did.

The gothic girl stared at her opposite twin, watching him with narrowed eyes, like a hawk's would to their prey.. Prepared to strike at any given moment.  Of course Artemis would have a death glare. Of fucking course. Apollo still didn’t stop with his pleading look, trying to get his twin to say anything. “..art?” He murmered softly, taking a step towards her once more. She only stared before speaking up again. “We only separated because mom and dad. It's not my fault that mom wouldn’t let us communicate.” She was quick to resort, her eyes narrowing much more colder.

Apollo could feel himself scrunching his shoulders up, Art was taller than him considering she was wearing platformed boots. Of course she would wear platform boots. Their styles were completely different. Apollo preferred wearing clothing that resembled the scene style, and Artemis preferred to stick to the much more darker clothing, as she was gothic. It made sense. Apollo’s eyes had partially filled up with tears in them, looking up at his twin with a pouted out lip. “Art-” He went to speak, stopping the tears from genuinely flowing. “You still could’ve tried.. I mean, I did.” He would explain.

Artemis didn’t respond at first, like she was taking a couple seconds to. “...I tried. I tried to talk to you. Mother wouldn’t let me.” She explained, crossing her arms as she watched her brother closely. Apollo was fidgeting, spinning a ring that was shaped like the sun. “We even have matching tattoos, Art..” He pointed out, pointing at his twin's tattoo. Artemis didn’t reply, looking at her tattoo now. They had gotten it done by their father before everything had happened. Sure, they were teenagers, under the age to legally get a tattoo, but neither showed it off, truthfully. 

“...I’m sorry.” Was all Artemis mustered out, looking at her brother before taking steps back. She wasn’t to blame, she didn’t try to be. It took her seconds before she had turned to walk away. Apollo had reached to take her wrist, but it’d been too late. She was already beginning to walk away, Blade quickly following close after. Apollo’s heart was shattered as he watched his twin walk away. Why did everything have to change? Why couldn’t it be back when they were kids? Apollo just wanted his twin back. Was that so difficult to ask for one day?

[thewritersofdeceased]

Me and my friends have a modern!au roleplay server for The Outsiders, so here's how I think Buck and Dally met : )

“ɪ’ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ʏᴏᴜʀ sᴏɴ.” “ɪ ᴋɴᴏᴡ, ᴅᴏ ʏᴏᴜ ᴋɴᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴀᴛ?” || ʙᴜᴄᴋ ᴍᴇʀɪʟʟ & ᴅᴀʟʟᴀs ᴡɪɴsᴛᴏɴ

It was December of 2017. Dallas could remember seeing it on a calendar in the town’s diner. He had run for weeks back in New York, prompting to leave late August. So now, he ended up in Windrixville, Oklahoma after running off from home. Of course. His parents didn’t want him, they abused alcohol and drugs like it was their life supply. Whenever they got money, it never went to making sure Dallas ate or had clean clothes, it was always for booze and drugs. Whatever, it wasn’t like Dallas needed a parent figure in his life. They were pathetic.

So, he had packed his stuff from his parents home, and ran straight for the train tracks. He had recently turned nine, and of course, he didn’t celebrate his birthday like other kids. He spent it getting into fights and bruising his knuckles like hell. He had… decent grades to say the least, whenever he would actually go to school and do the work. He had a small group of kids that would hang around him. He was the “leader” of that group. They already knew his plan, of course they did. He had all their numbers, and their numbers. 

If they needed him, Dallas would take trains back up to New York. He would in a heartbeat. Even if he had to stay awake all night, Dallas cared about those boys like they were his own flesh and blood. Those boys grew up without parents or siblings. Just like Dallas did. So, he took it on his own to take care of those kids. At any call, even if he was busy, he would pick up. If he had to take trains and a bus back to New York he would. He’d drop anything for those boys. That’s something.

When the train had stopped at a train yard, Dallas was quick to get out of it, as sneaky as he could, but when you’re a blond child with the most icey-blue eyes, it’s rather difficult in a scenario like this. It was dark out, of course it was. He didn’t have a place to stay just yet. But where he was, maybe he could find one, and then head down to Tulsa. He’s heard of that place countless times in the books he had been forced to read. That’s when he noticed an abandoned church. Perfect hiding spot there.

The church itself was on top of a hill, not that Dallas minded. He was just ready to fall asleep and get some rest before continuing to move. He was in no rush to get into the church, making sure the bag he carried was secured, and the way too oversized jacket wouldn’t fall off. He stole it from his dad when the guy was too drunk to even be awake. Not that he minded, nor did his father probably care. He also had a comb, some cologne, basic things that a kid would need. Money was something he needed.

He’d probably rob a store or something. Hell, he stole his dad’s old heater, having it tucked in his jeans pocket. He was rather glad it was unloaded, but he brought a magazine in case of emergency. He knew how to work guns, even if he legally wasn’t supposed to have them. But hey, is anyone surprised here? It’s Dallas Winston, when does he ever follow the law? Let’s be for real now, he doesn’t ever follow the law. It’s why he ran from New York. Cause he beat a kid and he ended up in the goddamn hospital.

So, now he’s in Windrixville! Somehow. But he’s not complaining about it at all. He was away from New York, able to fend for himself, everything would be fine. He hoped. Well, he thought everything would be fine. Especially now. Sure, his name would be in the record soon enough, but that’s not a problem! Right? Dallas didn’t know as he had begun making his way up the hill and towards the old abandoned church. He’d have to get food or something to hold himself for the next day, but he wouldn’t worry about that right now, he was tired.

It took a little bit for him to try and get into the church, lighting a cigarette when he officially had gotten in. He just had to be careful in order to not set the place ablaze. Everything would be okay, he claimed, fixing the dark brown jacket that littered his shoulders. He hoped this place wouldn’t hurt his back, especially with how this place looked. He took a couple drags of the cigarette, coughing occasionally as he placed the bag he carried down on one of the benches, making his way outside afterwards to put the cigarette out afterwards. 

He took a couple more puffs of the cigarette, eventually tossing it onto the ground and stomping it out with his boot. He then went inside the church again, taking his jacket off and laying himself down in order to try and get some sleep. He needed the sleep after staying awake in that train for hours on end and constantly switching so many times. That was torture, and he absolutely hated it. He made himself comfortable, taking his bag and using it as a pillow, whilst his jacket rested as a blanket. It didn’t take long to fall asleep.

That morning, the sun was shining brightly into the church, making Dallas squint whilst trying to open his eyes. Well, he knew he had a place to go in case of any emergency. It wasn’t like anyone would come to the church, and if they did, they wouldn’t find anything but old cigarette ashes. Dallas knew he should get going, head to some place and get something quick to eat before continuing his journey and out of Windrixville. He had to be on the move in case of anything.  That’s what he told himself at least. ALways on the run. Always.

By the time Dallas had got up, the only thing that had remained inside of that church was the smell of smoke and old cigarette butts. That’s okay. Dallas looked at the money he had, looking down the hill as he held the dark jacket he wore close to him. He could get something to eat before he ran off down to Tulsa. That’d probably be best, he didn’t wanna starve himself like he accidentally had on the train ride down from New York. At least he got here alive, he thought. No cops, start a life anew, he claimed.

So, he made his way down to the Dairy Queen that seemed to be something he had recalled seeing. His phone was dead by now, but he had a charger somewhere in the pockets of his jacket. He knew it’d be important, especially in a situation like this. He needed a map to get to Tulsa, but if anything, the train would probably stop in the train yards, wouldn’t it? So, he’d be able to get himself down to Tulsa and out of Windrixville. He only remembered one of his older buddies mentioning the old church he stayed in. Huh. 

Dallas was quiet as he walked. I mean, who could blame him? He looked around on the occasion, taking in the views. Oklahoma was much quieter than the bustling and loud streets of New York. He couldn’t complain. Every so often, all Dallas heard was the sound of cops driving, the voices of far too many people, things like that. Usually, the cops driving were because of him and his gang getting into one of many fights, as usual. Can’t be surprised there, sometimes they were skin fights, sometimes they were knives. But nobody died, far as he could remember. 

Well. He remembered one thing that would never leave his mind. His mother. He remembered that day. It’d certainly been something. He was coming home from juvenile detention once, having gone in for about a day or so, since everyone knows Dallas Winston was a troublemaker. He had gotten into a fight with some kid, making him end up in the hospital for whatever reason. What he remembered when he got home though was smoke, the house itself being ransacked, and a load of blood on the floor. And a shotgun with no more rounds in it. He remembered that.

That was when he had fully decided he was out of Tulsa. The ambulance had come, the cops too, and Dallas was already out. Not the point! Dallas was standing in line in the Dairy Queen, just waiting to get his stuff so he could head up to the church, then to the tracks, and then to the town of Tulsa. Made sense, right? It did in Dal’s mind. He hated lines, but he was trying his hardest to be patient. He didn’t wanna miss the next train to Tulsa, he’d be screwed until tomorrow. This line better hurry up.

Eventually, the line did finish! Dallas was already heading back to the church with his food, his jacket secured tightly on himself as he walked. That main road, however, scared the living hell out of him as he walked. Getting to the church, it was getting closer to near afternoon, as far as he remembered after reading the clock in the Dairy Queen. He needed to charge his phone, he didn’t even let anyone know if he got to Oklahoma safely. Whatever, who cared? As he walked towards the church, and then to the train tracks, everything was okay now.

Dallas remembered getting on the train as soon as he had gotten to the tracks, making sure he was hidden away from sight of the train watchers. They would’ve dragged him off the train themself and made sure he wasn’t a runaway or in the systems within Oklahoma or beyond. Sometimes, Dallas was surprised he was never found in the trains. He sat in the darkest corner, using his jacket as a cover up. He could fall asleep and wake up in Tulsa, it was a bit of a way there after all. So, that’s exactly what the boy did.

Getting to Tulsa was tiring, but Dallas slept well upon doing so. Sure, the train ride there was a bit bumpy and very wobbly, but was anyone surprised there? No? Good. When the train had stopped in the yards of Tulsa, Dallas was off and already running towards the town itself, and away from the tracks. It was quiet, Dallas thought so at least. It was different from when he was in New York, so it still felt weird in a way. Nothing was happening. No cars were driving, no yelling, well- at least for a little bit, nothing happened. 

He walked with his jacket pulled tightly on his shoulders, it was getting colder by the minute. But that didn’t stop him from getting to the town of Tulsa. What looked like a stable had quickly caught his attention. He knew about horses, but he didn’t often have the time to see one close up.. That led a thought to pop into his head. Maybe he could steal one.. That’s probably smarter.. Does he know how to ride a horse? No. Is that gonna stop him? Not at all!  Why would it stop Dallas Winston? He’s a wanted kid, man.

He snuck his way towards the stables, looking around for a moment or two. They seemed decently big, nothing like he’s seen in those old cowboy movies his mom would’ve put on for him before he fell asleep as a young boy. Not that he complained. He had a bandana from her secured tightly in his jacket pocket. He tried to be as quiet as he could, but wearing boots made it a bit difficult to. There was a horse with this gorgeous dark brown coat, almost like the jacket he wore. “..I want you..” He would only mutter aloud.

So, what did young Dallas Winston try to do? He tried to steal the horse. It didn’t work in his favor, at all, as the sound of an assumed teenager’s voice spoke  up. A heavy-ish sounding accent, but who’s surprised there? Tulsa folks had specific accents, just like folks from New York did. “What the hell are you tryin’ to do.” He sounded almost annoyed in a way,annoyed that someone was here. Dallas had froze up almost in an instant, but his hands didn’t raise. He had only taken steps back, until they hit the stall behind him then.

The blonde boy didn’t reply as this figure now took steps towards them. Neither exchanged words for a while, more so Dallas didn’t say anything. The older guy did eventually. “What the hell are you doin’ here so late, kid?” He questioned the younger boy, who didn’t reply, only stared up at him. Like he was trying to put up a front. Which Dallas was. He was scared of getting turned in already. “If you ain’t gonna answer verbally, least you can do is come with me.” That made Dallas confused, of course. But he’d slowly nod his head eventually.

The older boy, who’s name he eventually learned to be Buck, led the way, with Dallas following close behind. “What’s your name, kid?” He questioned, looking over his shoulder to Dallas with a partially raised brow. It took a bit for the blonde, and much shorter boy to reply. “Dallas. Dallas Winston.” He prayed that the papers hadn’t gotten all the way down here just yet. “Well, nice ta’ meet ya’ Dallas. Got a reason why you were tryna’ steal one of the horses?” That question made Dallas freeze up slightly, but he didn’t answer for a long while. “No..”

Yeah, Dallas didn’t actually have an answer besides the fact he thought horses were pretty cool. And he thought it’d be easy to learn. He stared up to Buck with the shake of his head before hearing the older boy speak again. “Okay.. I guess.” He shrugged his shoulders, adjusting the top he wore before taking out a couple bucks and seeming to be counting them. Dallas wasn’t that good at counting money, then again, he didn’t have the money to afford going to school most of the time ,so he wasn’t good at math in general, thinking about it.

“Well, are ya’ hungry kid? Got a place to stay?” Buck then asked. Dallas had been confused at first as he stared up to the man. What? Why was Buck seeming to suggest even taking care of him? It felt weird. Dallas didn’t reply at first before crossing his arms slightly. “..Maybe just a bit. And no. I just came ‘ere from the tracks.” He then would explain, continuing to follow after Buck. “Jesus, kid. We got a lot to catch ya up on, huh?” Buck questioned with what sounded like a laugh, holding open a door for the kid.

By then, a couple of weeks had gone by, and Dallas had been accompanying Buck on whatever nighttime adventures the older had been going on. Dallas also just hated silence in the home, it felt too.. He didn’t know how to describe it. Right now, he was walking ahead of Buck, his hands shoved into his pockets and a cigarette placed loosely between his lips. “Hey, kid.” Buck called out, right before Dallas was about to hop off of a random ledge he’d been walking along. “Yeah?” He called out, looking towards Buck only seconds after, definitely a confused child.

Buck had made a c’mere motion, taking a $20 out of his pocket before Dallas had walked over. “Go to the arcade for about an hour, okay?” Buck questioned, looking towards someone who seemed to had caught his attention. Dallas didn’t question it, but had shrugged his shoulders. “Okay? Think I could get a couple extra?” He questioned after, watching Buck then place a $10 in his hands. Free money, Dallas wasn’t complaining! He only held a devilish smirk, more like one of his “normal” smirks before turning to walk away. “Thanks, cowboy! See ya in about an hour then!”

[thewritersofdeceased]

𝐁𝐔𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐁𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐄𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐌𝐄.

Short OC story because.. I didn't feel like writing angst today.

When you think of family, you think of a mother, father, daughter, and/or son. Not an older brother taking care of his younger ones. Well, Sam thought that was what he’d been doing. No. Jack didn’t want to stay with him. After every court procedure he’d been following. After spending all his money on a house, beds for the house, trying to make it feel like a home. What was the point? What was the point of trying to be the best if nobody took notice? For days, Sam slept in his truck, overworked himself almost to death occasionally.

Maybe now it was pointless. Maybe he wasn’t fit to be a guardian. Maybe he wasn’t even fit to be a brother. Jack and Hearts deserve someone better. Maybe if they stayed with Rory, everything would be fine. Sam already lived his short life of freedom to the fullest, there was no point now. Sometimes, he told himself that if he never left, everything would be okay. That if he had just called the cops before, none of this would’ve happened. If he just stayed in the home, nothing bad would’ve happened to Jack or Hearts. Why did he leave?

The house itself was quiet, the moonlight shining through the window and casting a faint light. Sam sat on the couch, head in his hands. He was shaking, his breath uneven beyond normal. He was sobbing. Hiccups shook through his body as tears fell down his pierced face, sobs genuinely escaping him. He knew he wasn’t a good brother, but his mind was forcing him to think that now. “You’ll never be good enough for them, you left them after all.” Phrase after phrase, it didn’t matter now. “They don’t want someone who will leave them again, and again, AGAIN.”

His body shook with each sob, but he didn’t speak a single word. He wanted to go home. Not where he was now. Back to when he was younger. When he could run into Rory’s arms and cry. When everything was okay. In the midst of his cries, his broken out voice spoke. Nobody was there, but he didn’t care. “I wanna go home..” What even was home anymore? His parents hated him. Their father was a horrible person, and his mother.. God, why couldn’t he be brought up differently? Why couldn’t any of them be brought up differently then?

He had stood to his feet for a moment, walking towards where the backyard’s door had been. Yet he paused in the hallway. He stared at a photo. Where everyone seemed.. Happy. He was quiet as he stared at it for a moment or two, before taking it into his hands. Sam was careful to take the photo out of the frame for it, but it didn’t take long for him to gently begin tearing himself from the photos. He did it with every single one in the hallways. He could reprint them later. He had them in his gallery.

“They don’t need you.” His mind would try to manipulate him. It was working. Sam didn’t say any words, locking up the house as he walked around it. Jigsaw was following close behind, of course. Sam didn’t complain. At least someone wanted him. He began to pick at the scabs and scars that littered his arms, even if they were healed by now. They were still there. They wouldn’t go away. The trauma wouldn’t go away. Sam wasn’t needed. He could disappear and everything would be okay. Jack could go with Rory, so could Hearts. Everything would be normal. Right? 

[thewritersofdeceased]

Hello everyone!! Sorry I haven't been replying to requests, school's been on my ass recently as it's getting to that time!

I'll be getting out as many requests as I have within this weekend and next, if I'm not too busy! I deeply apologize :(

[thewritersofdeceased]

ʙᴇғᴏʀᴇ ʏᴏᴜ ʟᴇᴀᴠᴇ ᴍᴇ. sᴀᴍ "sᴘᴀᴅᴇ" ᴄᴀʀᴛᴇʀ | ᴊᴀᴄᴋ "ᴊᴇsᴛᴇʀ" ᴄᴀʀᴛᴇʀ | ᴇᴅᴇɴ "ʜᴇᴀʀᴛs" ᴄᴀʀᴛᴇʀ | ʀᴏʏ "ᴋɪɴɢ" ᴄᴀʀᴛᴇʀ ᴊᴀᴄᴋ, ᴇᴅᴇɴ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴏʏ ᴀʀᴇ ɴᴏᴛ ᴍɪɴᴇ, ᴛʜᴇʏ ʙᴇʟᴏɴɢ ᴛᴏ ᴍʏ ғʀɪᴇɴᴅ ɢʀᴏᴜᴘ. ᴛᴡ: ᴀʙᴜsᴇ, ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ

It was midnight. He hadn’t come back yet. Why didn’t Rory come back? In the hands of a young boy, at least eleven, was a little folded up card. One he’d made in art class only hours before. Sam had hope in his eyes, a large smile on his face. He’d been sitting in front of that door for hours. Even doing his homework there, as his bag laid flat besides him. That’s okay! He’s waiting for his big brother! Oh! Maybe Rory was getting them a surprise gift! Maybe that was it!! He’d come back with gifts! He thought.

“Sam, bedtime.” The voice of a woman spoke, but Sam didn’t pay any mind to it until the second time his name had been called. “But Rory hasn’t come back?” Was all he replied with, turning to face his mother with a tilted head. He’d stay up all night waiting for his big brother. “He’ll be home soon, Sammy. Come on.” His mothers voice was gentle, but her pull wasn’t as she tugged Sam up by the arm. “But-” He went to speak, only seeing a cold glare from the older woman in response. “..sorry Mama.” He murmured, following shortly.

It wasn’t hard to find the room that each child resided in, especially with the heart stickers that littered the door itself. Pushing it open, the gentle voices of two kids caught Sam’s attention. And their mother. “Hey, go to bed you two.” The woman’s voice murmured, resulting in what seemed like a huff from Eden. Neither would say a word to the older woman, especially knowing that Sam was here now. “But Sam didn’t tuck us in!” Eden then pointed out, looking at their older brother with a frown. “I got it, mama! They’ll be asleep soon! I promise!”

Jack raised his brow slightly to Eden’s comment, but hummed something in response. Being on the top bunk, he leaned over the railing slightly, looking towards their mother before giving a gentle-like smile to her. “Okay, mama.” He sounded genuine to the woman. Mama’s boy. At least Sam noted. “Love you.” He then murmured, letting himself turn to lay down. But Sam didn’t lay down yet, going over to Eden to tuck the younger girl in. Their mother watched with slightly narrowed eyes before looking at Sam. “Now get some sleep. All of you. I love you.” Sure she did.

When their mother had left the room, Sam had let out a sigh of annoyance. He wanted his big brother. It felt weird without the older boy on the bunk ahead. That didn’t matter. A soft sigh escaped Sam though, as he slipped off his sneakers. He had changed into more comfortable clothing after school, so it made sense that he was wearing sneakers after he went out to play. “..goodnight you two.” He murmured softly, turning off the big light and turning to lay down on the lower part of his and Rory’s bunk beds. He wouldn’t sleep, however.

Soon as both of his siblings were asleep, he was out of the room again. He was glad the floors weren’t as squeaky as others. A soft sigh escaped him as he snuck his way back towards the front door, a blanket trailing along behind him. Like a cape. That made him think of when Rory would play with him. Play knights or anything with royalty. He still had the swords made out of cardboard, in which an idea struck his mind quickly. Draping the blanket over the couch, he quickly turned to run back towards the room, quietly too.

It didn’t take him long to run back to the living room, grab his blanket and hold the two cardboard swords in his hands. He sat back down where he’d been for hours on end, swaying side to side as he stared up at the door. Rory had to have been on his way home by now! He should’ve brought his phone out here with him, but he was already sitting down on the floor below. Sam could’ve called Rory, but he didn’t think about it until now! But it was already late, and his phone was in the room.

Hours went by without being caught. Where was Rory? The last time Sam had lifted his head to look up at the clock that was situated in the living room, it’d been nearing three in the morning. Now the sun was beginning to rise through the windows, casting a golden light. “...where are you, big bro?” He murmured softly, lifting his head to look up at the door. He was tired. Of course he was. He stayed up all night to wait for his oldest brother. But he didn’t come home. Was he hurt? The hospital would’ve called by now.

The sudden sounds of footsteps had quickly caught Sam’s attention though. Shit, he forgot his father woke up early. Quickly standing to his feet and tossing everything onto the couch, he turned to make his way into the kitchen, going as far as to make his fathers coffee the way the older male always did. The footsteps stopped just at the kitchen’s door frame,e resulting in Sam turning to his father. “Good morning, sir-!” He tried to sound awake, but it’s difficult. The older man’s eyes narrowed in response, looking between his son and the coffee being made now.

“Why the hell are you up?” Sam expected that question, but he quickly shrugged his shoulders as a response. “I woke up to see the sunrise, sir.” He responded, fixing his fathers coffee and holding it out to the man, who took it rather quickly. “Well, if you’re already awake, get your ass ready for school, and make it quick, won’t you.” That just meant that he’d get dropped off earlier than his siblings. That’s okay! “Yes sir..” He murmured, turning to make his way back to the room to find his clothes. Though he overheard something  sad. “Dumb brat.” 

________________

That same day, as soon as Spade got home from school, he went right back to sitting in front of the door, his bag being beside him. In his lap was a folder and science work, his brows furrowed closely together as he stared down at the paper. He’d been biting the top of his pen, trying to figure out this stupid science work. Science was never his strong suit, he was better in history and everything of the sort. He didn’t move from that spot for hours. Again. Waiting for his big brother to come home. He would. Right?

“Sam.” His mother’s voice called out from behind, resulting in the younger boy leaning backwards so his back was against the floor. “Get up. You’re going to get yourself dirty.” Her tone was rather bland, as Sam continued to look up at the woman. “But I’m waiting for Rory?” He murmured softly with a frown forming on his face. He had to wait for his big brother. “He isn’t coming back.” Now the woman’s tone grew colder as she stared down at her son. Sam stared up to her with his frown deepening now. “What do you mean by that?”

Rory was coming back. He had to be coming back. There was no way that Rory would leave him. They were best friends! Right? His mother had to have been lying. Rory wouldn’t leave without a word, would he? He hoped not! “I mean he’s not coming back, kiddo.” Miss. Carter tried to sound as gentle as she could, but she was beyond annoyed that Sam would wait days and days for a boy who left the moment he turned eighteen. “He left us. Such a horrible person, isn’t he?” She spoke, watching as Sam scrambled up to his feet.

“No.. no, you’re lying to me.” Sam denied, shaking his head rather quickly as he stared at the woman with widened eyes. She had to have been lying. Rory cared. Rory would come back. He had to. All of his stuff was here- well. Actually, now that Sam thought about it, he didn’t see the other boys stuff in the room. Maybe blankets and trinkets that's been left on the dressers. Those were still there, of course. But Rory couldn’t have just left out of the blue. “No, kiddo.. It’s the truth. He left yesterday while you were all asleep.” 

No. Sam didn’t want to believe that. “All his stuff’s still here, mama. He couldn’t have left.” This couldn’t be the truth. Rory wouldn’t leave without a goodbye. They always said “See you later” to each other when one would leave. This had to have been a lie. A twisted joke or game. He went to pinch himself, letting what seemed like tears begin to form. “You’re lying to me, Rory wouldn’t have left without a goodbye..” He murmured softly, allowing his mother to pull him into her arms. “But he did, baby. Rory left, he isn’t coming back now.”

He had to have come back. He had to. Why would his big brother leave out of the blue? Without a single word? What sounded like hiccups would escape the boy with blue and green eyes, his chest aching in pain. Rory left him. It had to all have been a dream. He didn’t want to cry. He didn’t want to upset his father. He turned mean. Really mean. Though it didn’t take long for the sounds of footsteps to catch his attention quickly. “Shut that boy up.” His fathers voice boomed out, resulting in Sam covering his mouth afterwards.

Mr. Carter had turned mean when he got older and older, but it got worse when he drank. Physically worse. Sam was glad the older man wasn’t drunk as of currently. It was peaceful in a way. “Rory left. Who cares? If he wanted to take you, he would’ve.” His father spoke coldly, making his way to stand taller than his son and wife. “He abandoned you.” Mr. Carter pointed out, resulting in a choked up sob to escape him. “Boys don’t cry.” Sam heard that phrase a thousand times. Boys don’t cry, but he did. Sam cried to Rory.

His eyes were closed tightly at his fathers words, going as far as to cover his ears. It didn’t take long, hell, less than a minute, for the older man to take a tight hold of Sam’s hands and move them. “Don’t ignore me, boy.” His voice had gone cold as he spoke, moving his wifes arms from the boy to pull him by the collar of the shirt. “You do not ignore me when I’m talking to you.” He then pointed out, shoving the boy to the ground and hearing a yelp of pain only mere seconds later then.

“Be a man, Sammy.” That nickname struck for years. Sammy had always been a nickname his father gave him. But it felt more.. Peaceful whenever Rory would use it. He remembered all the times the older boy would patch up his bruises or take care of him. Especially when he got injured or bullied by the older kids in school. They all sucked. He remembered all the times he’d threaten to tell the kids about Rory. Praising the older boy like he was a god. “My big brother will kick your ass!” He’d say. So damn proudly too, he’d add. 

Sam sniffled as he wiped his tears, lifting his head slightly to look up at his father. He always had the fear that he’d get hurt. That Mr. Carter would target him like he had with Rory. Maybe this was that time. Maybe he needed a punching bag. Maybe. Sam hoped not as he stood to face his father now. His face was red from the tears that fell down, only sniffles escaping him. “Yes, sir.” Everything was okay. Sam’s okay. He hoped. The sudden glance he saw towards his mother however, put a fear in him. Was she leaving?

Vicky, or Victoria, the siblings mother, hadn’t said a word, but lowered her head and turned to walk away. Sam had reached for her at the sight of her turning away, but was only pulled back by his father. The last thing he remembered was a harsh slap. The stinging feeling to his cheek sent the tears to suddenly form again. “What did I say?” Bill’s voice rang out as he questioned his younger son, staring down at him. Sam had stumbled back onto the ground, holding his cheek with widened eyes. “I’m sorry-” He began to repeat profusely now. 

Why? What did Sam do? He just wanted to sit and wait for his older brother to come home. Then he got the news and was told that Rory wasn’t coming home. He was just a kid. Just thirteen. He didn’t even hit highschool yet, he had another year until then. So why? Why was he being put through this? If it meant that his baby siblings didn’t get treated like this, he’d take every hit. Every single one. He could hear his fathers words echoing in his head, the feeling of being kicked in the ribs only seconds after. 

That would bruise. The mark of his fathers hand would be visible. He had to act like everything was fine. Everything would be okay. He hoped. He took the kicks and hits, being pulled up after what seemed like hours. “Go to your room, brat.” Bill’s voice held venom in it before he shoved Sam towards the room, watching his son stumble. The younger boy didn’t reply at all, but limped slightly to the room. Here he only hoped Jack and Eden hadn’t been awake for it all. He’d probably go into the bathroom and sob. Enjoy the silence there.

Pushing open the door and stumbling still, Sam knew he had to clean the room. He’d work on that after. Toys littered the floor, and beds had to be made in order for it to look decent. He’d do that soon. His head felt like a train had just struck him, alongside with his ribs and that aching feeling he had. He could just sleep this horrible dream off. He hadn’t slept all night. Waiting, Praying. Begging for his big brother to come home. How lucky Rory was to get out of the house. Why didn’t he take Sam with?

________________

The next day while walking to school, Sam could remember being pushed to a wall outside by a group of older kids, dirty smiles and expressions that held a violent glare in them. Socs. Rich kids. The kind of kids he had been warned about and even warned his siblings about. Ones that he told Rory about. Ones that picked on him. “Hiya, grease.” The main guy, whose name he couldn’t remember, spoke up. It was five on one. He was just trying to get to school. He took a shortcut this time. Stupid kid. That went through his head.

“I’m not in the mood to fight, please-” Sam murmured, his head lowered. But he had gotten his face grabbed, forcing his head up and to make eye contact with the ring leader. No, no, no. He could see the glimmer of a blade, the shiny silver that one of them held. No. He couldn’t fight back. Or he’d be able to get a battery charge. He didn’t have the money to deal with that. It would’ve even been self-defense, he’d claim. These boys always messed with him, teachers and staff knew that. Yet they wouldn’t do anything about it.

The ringleader held a narrowed eye look, adjusting his rings. “I don’t care whether you’re in the mood to fight or not, Sammy.” Hearing the nickname come out of this boy's mouth made a scowl form on Sam’s face, especially with how the boy said it. “Don’t call me that.” Sam’s voice huffed out as he made direct eye contact with the rather taller boy. Sam hadn’t hit his growth spurt yet, so compared to the boys, he was still shorter. “And why not? It’s not like you have your big brother to protect you this time, freakazoid.” That’s it.

The moment his fist made contact with the ringleaders jaw was the first time Spade got into a full-fleshed fight. He remembered shoving the guy straight down to the ground and pinning him down. Repeatedly punching him straight in the face. To the point his buddies, the socs, had to pull him off. “Don’t ever mention my fucking brother!” Sam snapped at the older boys, his chest rising and falling at a harsh paces. Could you blame a boy for getting defensive? No. “But it’s the truth. He ain’t around to protect-” The bastard got cut off by another punch.

By the time the fight had ended, the two boys looked like they just came from a damn murder. Surely, the soc’s nose was broken and he had a black eye. Sam’s fists were all bloodied and his knuckles were bruised. He stood to his feet finally, being pulled back by the security guard of the school. His expression held beyond anger, his fists remaining balled. “Fucking maniac!” The richer boy shouted, watching as Sam tried to send a kick to his ribs. “Sam Carter!” The voice of a teacher had shouted, but Sam didn’t care. He was beyond pissed.

Nobody got to mention his big brother and get away with it. Especially not a damn soc. Not someone who had good parents. He held a narrowed eyed look as he stared at the boy on the ground, spitting down on him seconds. “Drop dead.” He grumbled coldly, being tugged off by the security guard and teacher. “You, young man, are going to be expelled for a long time.” He recalled the teacher grumbling. Not like he cared. He did it for a reason. A damn well good one, would he add. Never talk shit about someone’s family. Never. NEVER.

________________

Going home after learning about the suspension was probably the worst idea Sam had. Soon as he stepped foot in the house, he’d been shoved against the slammed closed door. “What the fuck were you thinking!?” His father shouted, staring Sam straight into the eyes with a look of violence. The same one that the socs had shared. “They were bringing up Rory!” Sam retorted back, holding his fathers wrists as an attempt to keep the man from practically strangling him. “I had to defend him!” He then snapped at the older man, who scoffed. “He’s not coming back, dumbass!”

“How the fuck do you know!? You didn’t care about him, you damn drunk!” Sam never stood up for himself. Especially against their father. Sure, he was snappy, but he always shut up only a couple seconds after. Not anymore. “You’re the reason he probably left!” He then snapped, feeling his father pull him close before slamming his back into the door behind him. “Do not talk like that to me, asshole!” Bill wasn’t even drunk. No. He was sober. This time. “You don’t get to act like you run this shit now that Rory’s left!” He snapped out. Uhoh.

Sam remained dead silent for a couple of seconds… At least up to a couple minutes. There was a debate going on in his head before he went through with his emotions and the anger he held deep within him. Within those couple of seconds, he bashed his head against his fathers, resulting in the man letting go of him and taking a couple steps backwards. “You’re not telling me what the hell I can or can’t say!” Sam snapped back, watching his father deeply. What was he going to do? And why did it leave Sam beyond terrified now?

Sure, he knew he messed up, but Sam was also angry and scared. No child should have to live in fear, let alone with the people who are supposed to love and care for you. Not be afraid of and prepared to fight. The last thing that Sam could remember fully from that night was being punched in the head. And eye. And possibly kicked in the ribs, he couldn’t remember if he’d gone down with it. He probably did. Oh well. He didn’t recall his fathers words either, but he saw the look on his mothers face seconds after.

Why was she just standing there? Really? She didn’t even try to stop her husband. Sam lay on the ground, clutching where his ribs were before feeling one final kick, this time to his hand. It resulted in only a groan of pain. He hoped nothing was broken, and if it was, he wouldn’t go to the hospital. That place sucked anyway. “Never try standing up to me.” Bill spoke coldly, adjusting his sleeves before turning to walk towards his and Victoria’s bedroom, with her following seconds after. Sam didn’t reply. He just watched from where he’d lay. Dead silent.

That’s when he made up his mind. Once he graduated, he was out of there. He could get his liscense at sixteen with the money he’d been saving up. It’d help him in a way. And even thought, Sam could hold his own. He could hold his own without any help. He didn’t need any stupid adult figures anymore. HIS already left without a single damn word. Whatever. Rory left. Sam didn’t care. At least not anymore. Using the door behind him as a way to get up, he stumbled slightly, hissing out in a sudden pain. “Fucking- old.. Bastard.”

Those were the words that escaped him as he began to stumble his way towards his and the “twins” bedroom. But what if they were doing work? Or playing? He couldn’t let them see him like this. Weak. His fists were still bloodied from the blood of that boy's face, Jacob was probably his name, now that he remmebered it. Not that he cared, really. It wasn’t his problem at this point. Gently knocking, he pushed the door open. No children. They were probably somewhere in the house and he just didn’t notice. Long as they’re okay. All that matters.

He took a couple of shaky breaths in and out, allowing himself to try and relax. He would occasionally look back towards the door, as to keep his younger siblings from seeing him so messed up looking. So.. monstrous, maybe. He searched his drawers specifically, taking out gauze and bandages he had stolen a while ago from the school. Yeah, he broke into it and stole this shit from the nurse's office, sue him. It was better than breaking into a pharmacy and doing it. He remembered trying to break in, it’s difficult with a security guard and K9 unit.

Plus, the Nurse’s had enough money to get more gauze and bandages anyway. It wasn’t like they cared. All they’d do was tell you to put an icepack on it and send you to lay down on those really uncomfortable beds. Now those were actual hospital beds. Leaning forward slightly, Sam didn’t let go of his pained lower chest, trying to ignore that achey feeling he got there. His chest was heavy with every breath he took, making it difficult to breathe. It’s okay. Sam’s okay. Everything’s fine. He’d cover up an eye. At least one of them had to.

With everything he deemed he needed, Sam made his way into the bathroom rather quickly, only stepping out a quick moment to go get an ice pack. He was as quiet as he humanly could be. He didn’t want to get caught. And he sure as hell didn’t want his mothers help. No. She just watched as he got his ass handed to him. Didn’t even try to stop it. She was just as bad as their father, now that Sam was noticing. A low grumble escaped him as  he closed the bathroom door, staring at himself in dead silence.

“...why?” He murmered as he stared. The silence was unnerving. As he stared at himself, he began to nitpick at everythingthat plagued his mind. Why did he even start that fight? Would Rory have done the same for him? Where did he go? All these questions went through Sam’s head, and it was clear they would forever be unanswered. He wasn’t satisfied with that answer.  Pressing the ice pack, that was now in a soft face cloth, against his eye, Sam grew dead quiet again. His mind was racing. He couldn’t explain any of this to anyone. Nobody would listen.

Let alone the school if they found out the truth. Sam didn’t want to deal with child protection servies. They probably wouldn’t even care. He wouldn’t be surprised  there either. If they did come, they’d split up his siblings from him. He didn’t want that to happen. He continued to stare himself dead in the eyes in the mirror, his expression blank and his eyes cold. He wanted to go home. Back when everything was okay. When it’d just been a happy family. Why did everything have to change? Nobody deserves this. Not even Sam’s worst enemy. Not anyone, no.

________________

It’d been about a year since that incident. Now it was the summer before his freshman year in highschool, not that he was complaining. They were supposed to go to the beach. But Sam was scared. As those past two years between 7th and 8th grade passed, so did the abuse he went through with Bill. You could say he turned into a physical punching bag. Whenever Bill needed to lead out anger, Sam would take the punches in order to keep Eden and Jack safe from the pain he went through. He couldn’t let them edal with this either.

As of now, he had bruises that littered his arms. Which… wasn’t fun. Sam sat silently in the shade of the beach, a jacket on his shoulders and a towel over his legs. A girl had looked towards him, in which he hadn’t even noticed. He was reading something, probably a book of mystery or true crime. His father wasn’t around for once, but his mother was sunbathing quietly whilst keeping a watchful eye on Jack and Eden. The girl took a couple of seconds as she stared at Spade, making her way over only a couple of seconds later.

“Hey.” She greeted softly, now standing in the shade. She’d been in simple shorts, a bathing suit top and had a couple bits of jewelry she had to take off. She was pretty in Sam’s eyes, but he didn’t make any comments at first. He had lifted his eyes more than his head, focusing himself back into his book. “..I’m Courtney.. What’s your name?” The girl then asked, watching Sam closely. He didn’t reply until a couple of seconds went by. “Sam.” He murmured aloud, adjusting his jacket so none of the bruises would be revealed to this strange girl. 

He lifted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing at her as he then spoke up. “Why are you talking to me?” He didn’t mean to sound rude or offputting. It wasn’t his intention, but he’d been invested in the book he was reading. Courtney stared down at him, like she was trying to come up with an answer. “Well, I saw you were sitting alone, that’s all.” She then explained, shrugging her shoulders before crossing her arms. Okay, maybe Sam would admit she’s pretty. Maybe not out loud, and sure as hell not right now. Not with his mother around.

“Oh. Well, I’m fine. Thanks.” Sam murmured out as he lowered his head. Courtney grew quiet for a couple of seconds, like she was going deep into her mind to search for something to say. “Say- why don’t you join me in the water?” She then asked, kneeling down so she could sit on her knees. That’s okay. Sam didn’t mind, really. She wasn’t as talkative as he thought she’d be. “I don’t swim.” He’d then reply to her suggestion, letting out a sigh. He was calling bluff, he could swim, he just preferred not to. Not with the bruises. 

Courtney’s brow raised slightly in response, trying to figure out whether it was a lie or not that the boy was claiming. “Come on, I can teach you then!” She then suggested moving to stand to her feet and stretch. “Courtney-” Sam murmured softly, placing the bookmark into the book, letting out a low sigh seconds after. “Why are you set on this? I don’t understand.” He muttered, lifting his head to make eye contact with the brunette girl. Courtney huffed slightly, her arms crossing slightly. “Because you seem cool and interesting?” She then questioned, tilting her head slightly after.

“...Okay.. fair.” Sam murmured under his breath, placing his book down into the bag he had brought and standing to his feet only a couple of seconds later. “Fine, I’ll go in the water with you.” He’d then speak, now standing and making direct eye contact with Courtney, who appeared to be smiling wide, one he had spoken up about going into the water. He could swim fine. Everyone knew that. But he didn’t want to admit to the girl that he was scared of being judged for his bruises. “Here- uh- wait a second.” He murmured, avoiding eye contact.

He had turned to look away from the girl, slipping off the jacket he wore that allowed his arms to be revealed.  The towel he’d been using to cover his legs were now dropped down alongside his stuff, resulting in the bruises being noticeably visible. Courtney hadn’t said anything when she turned to look at the boy, but she did have one thing in mind. Whatever happened, he didn’t deserve it. Though, she called out with a smile before running ahead. “Last one to the water’s a laser!” She shouted before running off, Sam chasing after only mere seconds later.

________________

That hour had been the first time anyone actually listened to him like that. He felt like he could talk to Courtney about anything. Hell, it turned out, they went to the same school and even had the same lunch! He didn’t have to sit alone anymore, that’s a plus in his eyes! So, once freshman year had started, and the two had met up, they discussed scheduling! Seeing what classes they had, lunch, everything of the sort! Sam had a friend that wasn’t his big brother or baby siblings. He had someone his age. Though it didn’t last long.

Weeks had gone by since the first week of freshman year, it had to have been around October, preferably the last week of it, actually. Halloween this year had been on a Thursday, and they didn’t have school the next day. Sam remembered being in the bathroom getting all his SFX makeup off when his phone rang and caught his attention rather quickly. He could remember the call like the back of his hand. It read Courtney’s name, of course. He didn’t hesitate once to pick up the call. Especially when it’d come to his best friend calling around midnight.

“Court, hey! Are you alright?” He was quick to ask the girl, which only resulted in silence for a couple of seconds before her voice rang out. “Yeah- yeah, I’m okay.” She confirmed, allowing Sam to let out a sigh he’d been holding in. “Um.. can I tell you something?” She then asked, which began to set off the alarms in Sam’s head. He took a couple of seconds to stop him from worrying too much before he’d reply to the girl. “Yeah, yeah. Of course.” His voice wavered slightly before the next three words hit him like a truck.

“I’m moving soon.” What? No, it had to have been a joke. Sam’s only friend was leaving town, and during Freshman year? No, it had to have been another joke. He already lost his big brother, he couldn’t lose anyone else. He tried to play it off with laughter, going as far as to pinch himself and see if it was a dream. No. “What?” He questioned, his voice breaking slightly. Fuck, boys don’t cry. Remember that. He was quick to force his voice to not break. “You can’t be leaving. High School just started.” He then tried to explain.

Courtney couldn’t be leaving. Sam couldn’t be abandoned again. “I have to. My dad got a better job upstate.” That made him freeze. Upstate? Like.. “Up in New York.” Motherfucker. Sam should’ve known it was higher up. Of course it’s New York. Of all places. The place the rich folks go. “...Will you ever come back?” Sam would then ask, hearing a sigh from the other side of the phone. That sigh gave him the answer he needed before the girl even could. “Probably not, huh?” He’d ask, earning no answer. “It’s fine. It’s whatever.” It wasn’t fine. He knew.

“Sam, you know I don’t want to leave you. But I don’t have a choice.” Courtney then explained, allowing a sigh to escape her. Sam was losing everybody. He already lost Rory, mind as well lose everybody else. That’s okay. He didn’t blame anyone for leaving. They had their reasons. Rory did. Of course Rory did. He had every right to leave. Especially after everything that happened with their father. He stayed in the bathroom a tad bit longer, but the sudden sound of heavy footsteps scared the shit out of him. Okay, maybe he snuck off to a party.

His eyes went wide almost immediately, quickly hushing his tone before explaining to Courtney. “Hey, hey- I gotta go. I’m sorry- call me later.” He spoke quickly, hanging up before the footsteps stopped. His father was home. Shit. That wasn’t gonna be fun. And with the stomping, it was noticeable that his father was drunk. How much fun was that gonna be. The footsteps had originally stopped outside of the bathroom, making Sam freeze up completely. It didn’t take long until the door was opened and his father stood in front of him with a practical death glare. Fuck off.

“What the fuck are you wearing?” Was the only question that lingered in the air for a couple of seconds. Sam hadn’t worn a shirt with his costume, as all over his chest were very detailed SFX scars that looked almost real. He had a black jacket over them, black and red ripped jeans, and a pair of black combat-platform boots. He had contacts in, white ones specifically, but his eyes were widened even as his father spoke. “You look like a fucking hooker.. Always knew one of you were a fag..” He was drunk. He didn’t mean anything here.

Sam wasn’t a hooker. God no. Though, he understood why some people were. His tone would grow cold as he spoke, making direct eye contact with his father as he took out his eye contacts. “I’m not a damn hooker.” He was getting defensive. Mr. Carter took note of that. “Dammnnn right you are.. Look at you.. Asking for people to try and get ahold of ya..” Mr. Carter’s voice was cold before he spoke again. “What’s with all those scars on ya.. You want them?” He’d ask, reaching into his pockets for a second or so. “Don’t touch me.”

Mr. Carter had raised a brow slightly, but of course, he didn’t listen to his son's words. With one swift movement, he had Sam’s chest pressed against the counter, the sound of whatever had been on the counter falling and landing by their legs. “Don’t tell me what the hell I can or can’t do.” Seems he knew what he was doing. His expression was cold, but Sam couldn’t tell. What he did know, was even with his cheek pressed against the counter, he could see a small blade being taken out from the mirror. “Dad- dad, come on, man-”

“Shut it.” The older man commanded, turning so Sam’s back was against the counter. With the small blade held tightly in firm hands, he slowly began to trace it along his son’s chest, digging deeper and deeper every time. Every cut would only make a sudden sound of pain and the occasional curse. “Dad, dad please-” He begged, trying to ignore the blood that began to drip from the scars his father provided. “Please, please-” He was begging. Sam never begged to be left alone. Mr. Carter moved the knife for a moment, before dragging it down Sam’s chest again.

It wasn’t until about ten minutes had passed that the blade was placed back in his fathers pocket. He was breathing heavily, tears slowly forming in his eyes. Holy fuck did it burn badly. His chest was heavy as it rose and fell with each breath of pain he took in. Sam didn’t deserve this, no. He really didn’t. Bill wouldn’t say a word as he stared down at his son, taking a lighter out of his pocket only mere seconds later. Sam didn’t understand. What did he actually do wrong this time? He wondered, though that did’t last long.

The feeling of the lighter’s flame being pressed against his skin. It hurt like hell, of course. He didn’t scream or cry this time, hell, he didn’t even beg for the older man to stop. There was no point. He wouldn’t stop if his life depended on it. The burning was something new, and so were the scars that were soon to litter his chest. Shit, he didn’t have gauze or bandages to cover it up. Maybe he could with a binder or something. Anything to keep his baby siblings or anyone else from seeing it. This was genuinely horrible. 

His eyes closed slightly as he leaned his head back, trying to keep calm. That calm feeling didn’t last very long before he felt his father grab him by the hair. There were no spoken words between the two, but he remembered his nose aching like hell only seconds after that. You know when people lift their knees and knock their openents face down? That’s what had happened. Sam stumbled back against the counter, even if that’s where he’d been the whole time. His eyes by now had opened once again, staring at his father with genuine fear and hatred.

“What the actual FUCK did I do!?” He then snapped, pushing the older man away. He was genuinely upset now. He had to get out, and he knew he could. Sam had speed and a bit of body strength, especially since he used the highsschool's gym to work out. “Genuinely! It isn’t my fault Rory left!” He snapped out, his tone laced with violence before he pushed his father back. He knew he didn’t have full upper body strength due to the scars that now littered his chest, but he pushed his father back at ful force. “Fucking abusive prick!”

He knew his father would try to fight again, but Sam wouldn’t let the man lay another hand on him. Not anymore. He knew it was his freshman year and everything, but he didn’t want to deal with this shit for another three years. But he had to. To protect Jack and Eden. Just like Rory had once before. Before he had left. Sam’s thoughts were right as his father did try to swing again, but to no avail was contact made. Sam had moved out the way rather quickly, the sound of glass being the only thing being heard.

Crazy to say Sam felt no pity when he’d heard his father scream out in pain from punching the mirror. He didn’t feel any pity or any sympathy. Maybe don’t be an abusive asshole and your son won’t learn self-defense against you. With the older man focusing on the glass that was probably, most definitely in his hand, Sam was quick to slip out of the bathroom and slam the door shut behind him. He saw the look his mother had passed by, but he didn’t say a word. A cold glare was all he had done before walking off.

Sam was cautious to enter the shared bedroom he had with his baby siblings, especially with the fact his chest was all bloody and the cigarette burns. He still had his jacket, so he quickly wrapped himself up, zipping it only seconds later. He wasn’t leaving per say, but he did need to get out of the house for now. He had two spots he could go to in order to take a breather. There was an abandoned school about a 40 minute walk away, and then there was the park. Thankfully, his parents didnt’ care to get his location.

The twins seemed asleep, but Sam couldn’t tell as he quietly entered the room. Good. He turned his phone flashlight on, holding tightly as he got what looked like a bag together. He wasn’t staying out late, but just for a little bit. His keys were attached to his school lanyard, he wouldn’t let them out of his sight. He grabbed his headphones too, letting out a low sigh. He was dead silent as he got everything together, allowing himself to focus on everything he needed to grab. Headphones, check, phone, check, keys? Check. Everything would be fine. He’s okay. 

They’d be okay. If anything, his phone was on and he could get calls. As he pondered whether to go out the window or not, he thought of something. Someone more to say. His head would shake as huffed in annoyance. He could climb back in, it wasn’t like it was difficult. And if anything, front door and keys. He looked between his baby siblings, at least from where they’d laid. Murmuring under his breath, he looked for a piece of paper and a pen. Thankfully, they had tape. So, quickly, he taped a letter to their door. “Be back.”

He promised. He wouldn’t leave them. So, after taping that little letter, Sam was gone. Climbed out the window and down onto the ground below. A noise of discomfort had escaped him upon doing so, resulting in him taking a couple of seconds to make sure he was okay. He was. No broken bones. He couldn’t handle going to the hospital. Beginning to shuffle himself away from the house, once he had hit a certain street, he was gone. Like the wind took him. Once he ran, it was like nobody could catch him. Not even his oldest brother could.

________________

Sam wasn’t lying when he said it’d take about 40 minutes to get to that abandoned school. Between running, jogging and walking, he was still in excruciating pain. His body was ashen, pale by the time he had gotten there. He took shaky breaths, the cold water bottle that’d been in his bag finally being opened. Everything’s okay. He kept repeating that to himself. Maybe he should’ve walked up to Windrixville. Nobody went to that abandoned church, but he’d have to come home eventually. Missing Children cases never often were good for the parents. Not like his would care, right?

Upon getting to the abandoned school. Sam was dead silent. It was dark, but that’s okay. Sam had fixed the lighting one way or another when he came here with Rory. With his big brother. That gave him an idea. Surely, Rory would pick up the phone if he called, right? He hoped so. Hopping over the fence tht blocked Sam off from the actual school, he was careful when hopping down. He landed with a sudden huff, allowing himself to catch his breath before standing to his feet and turning to make his way into the school seconds after.

He’d stare down at his phone for a couple of seconds, like he was processing if he should call his big brother. Maybe. It was at least a minute or two before he clicked the call option, but all it did was ring. Ring and ring. He let it ring for a couple of seconds, but nobody answered. So, he called again! “Come on, Roro-” He grumbled under his breath, running a hand through his hair whilst pacing in front of the stairs that lead upstairs. “Pick up.. Pick up..” He wanted his big brother to pick one. One time.

Maybe just this one time Rory would pick up. “C’mon, big bro..” He didn’t want to beg or plead. He wanted his big brother to pick up one time. Just one! Sure, it’d been a year or so since Rory had left, but- it’s better than nothing, to be fair. It continued to ring and ring. But still, no answer. “Okay.. maybe he’s just busy! Yeah, he’s busy.” He murmured softly, placing his phone into his pockets and flipping on the lights. Everything’s fine. The lights were bright at first, but his eyes adjusted to them seconds after. It’s fine.

Everything is okay. Y’know. Maybe he was just busy! Sam thought so. He looked around the area, trying to keep his cool. This place had bandages, he made sure to stock up on them. So, Sam made his way towards the former nurses office, trying to keep his cool as he tried to keep calm. His wounds were killing him, the scars on his chest now slowly easing when it came to the blood. He was glad nobody came here. He really wanted to make this place a hideaway. The main doors were heavy, but Sam always got it eventually.

Making his way into the former Nurse’s office, he remembered restocking. Hey, maybe he could buy some paint and fix this place up. That’d be pretty cool, he thought. Every so often, Sam took his phone out of his pocket. No call. No message. Damn. He would frown, and then go right back to wrapping his chest with the bandages and gauze. He didn’t mind the silence, but it drove him crazy slightly. So, with one hand still holding the gauze and bandages, the boy would use his partially free hand to put on his music, playing from spotify thankfully.

________________

It’d been years since then. He was finally a senior. Class of 2023. See, Sam was graduating at seventeen, as he was born in July. That’s okay. He didn’t mind it really. He got to spend his birthday at home a lot. Not like he had money to really spend out in the town or even anything of the sort. Not after buying his truck, at least. He’d been working during the afternoon, tutoring some folks and getting paid for it. Sam was a smart kid, it made sense he was getting paid for tutoring some kids after school hours.

But here he was. The annoyingly uncomfortable graduation gown being worn on top of a comfortable, yet formal outfit. He looked decent. The gown was disgusting, an itchy feeling. It was scratchy. He hated it. Everything about it, actually. He was silent as he waited for his name to be called, looking around for any one in his family. But he was looking for one person specifically. Rory. He was looking for Rory. He knew his parents weren’t going to show up.  He was looking for his big brother. Rory had to come. Right? Their parents wouldn’t, so maybe Rory would step up and be the brother to replace those two old pathetic bastards around.

Why did he get his hopes up? Sam should’ve known Rory wouldn’t have shown up. He should’ve expected it. Walking across that stage and hearing not many cheers wasn’t a surprise. So, he only gave a small grin to the principal, who shook his hand and gave him the diploma. He stared at the audience for a couple seconds, trying to figure out if anyone he knew had actually shown up. But nobody. Nobody had shown up. Not his parents, not Courtney, nobody showed up.

That wasn’t surprising in the slightest. He stayed dead silent, continuing to look at the crowd. The worst part was when the whole thing was over, and the caps had been thrown high in the air.  The sound of people cheering and congratulating one another, parents going off to congratulate their children, pictures being taken. Sam didn’t have anyone, really. Sure, he had a couple teachers who’d be proud of him, but otherwise, that was it. Not like he cared. He went into a quiet spot, leaning against a wall and allowing himself to relax. He wouldn’t cry. That’s weak.

It was silent. The area he’d been in was dead silent, and he personally enjoyed it. It was away from the families, away from everyone who had a reason to be happy. Sam didn’t get that same happiness. Moving the gown and allowing it to be almost like a cloak, he tried to remain calm and collected. Though he took his phone out of his pocket, searching for one specific number in particular. Rory’s. He took a couple of seconds to debate if he should actually call the older boy, before all he heard was ringing. “Pick up for once..”

It rang… and rang.. And rang. It rang until all Sam remembered was hearing that annoying buzzing of the phone. “Please leave a message at the tone.” That automatic voice. Of course he didn’t pick up. Why did he always have that hope in the bottom of his stomach and that hopeful feeling in his heart? Rory would never come back. It’d been years and he never came back, not even once.  Fine. Whatever. He stared at his phone, before finally speaking whilst trying to sound as calm as he humanly could. But.. he missed his brother, truly. He did.

“..Hey Rory. If this is even your number anymore.” His words paused for a moment or so before he spoke again. “I graduated. Finally.” He was trying to think of words, running a hand through his hair and biting at his tongue. “I hope you’re proud. Even if you didn’t show up, you're probably busy, right?” His voice broke slightly. Quivering mostly. He wasn’t going to cry just yet. He wasn’t a baby. “I wish you came to graduation. Wherever you are. But it’s okay! Mom and dad didn’t come either. Nor did Jack and Eden, It’s okay! I’m okay.”

He wasn’t. Sam wasn’t okay. He was shattered. His eyes were closed as he felt the waterworks beginning to form. He couldn’t cry. Pshh, no.. He wouldn’t cry. It was May, maybe he could just blame allergies. That made more sense. As a couple seconds went by, he then spoke again. “Hope to see you again. Really, I do. I mean-” That’s when his voice broke. When the thoughts began to pick in. “I mean, unless you left because of me-” The tears then began to fall. Fuck, man. He wasn’t supposed to cry. He was a big kid. Right?

“...miss you alot, Rory. Call back.. Hopefully.” He then hung up, allowing his arms to fall to his side. He remained against the wall, before allowing himself to slide down it. The tears fell and fell until he couldn’t breathe any more. Until his chest had that aching and heavy feeling in them. Why was he crying? Because he was weak. That’s right. Sam would admit he was weak when it came to his emotions. He would cry to Rory, but since the oldest left, he bottled everything up for years on end now. Not even breaking down around anyone. 

If he had to cry, he made up an excuse. “Oh no, It’s just allergies.” Was his main one. Allergies or He yawned and his eyes got all teary. Seemed to work a lot in his favor. He’d then excuse himself and go somewhere quiet, or a bathroom if he was around too many people. Sometimes he didn’t understand why Rory left, but then he’d remember. As a kid, at least when he first found out Rory left, Sam’s only thought was that he had been to blame. Okay, maybe their father had begun implanting that into his mind everyday.

Rory had a fair enough reason to leave. But now that Sam was reaching eighteen, he could leave too. He could run away and nothing would happen. He’d be the legal age to move out if he wanted to. Maybe he would. But he didn’t want to leave Jack and Eden behind. He didn’t want to. But he couldn’t last another day in that household. He would for a couple more months. But as he neared closer and closer to eighteen, he would be gone. Gone and to never look back. Unless his siblings called. Then he’d come running back.

Sam wiped his eyes after sitting in silence for a bit, the sound of cars beginning to catch his attention. People were leaving, finally. So, after getting up and using the wall behind him, he began making his way back towards the field. A couple teachers, upon seeing him, congratulated him. He only replied with a soft “thank you” or a nod of the head. Like he didn’t want to talk. Which he didn’t. He didn’t want to verbally speak to anyone. He searched his pockets for his keys, allowing soft sighs to escape him occasionally. Time to go home.

Like he even wanted to. But his baby siblings were home. Fuck, his baby siblings were home alone. The realization struck him like a truck. His slow pace had turned into a jog, then from a jog to a slow run. Soon as his feet hit the pavement sidewalks outside of the field, it turned into an instant run. His truck wasn’t far, especially with how fast Sam had been running. He wanted to get home quickly now, especially with the fact Jack and Eden were home and dealing with their dad alone. How stupid was Sam to forget that?

________________

After everything that had happened at graduation, Sam had been spending more time trying to keep his younger siblings out of the house. Saving up money from work to take them out to go eat, going to the arcade and drive in, anything that keeps them from being in that house. Right now, he had around $300, splitting it between the three of them. He’d been saving money from work for a while, especially after getting his truck. So, what better time than to take these kids to the mall to get them whatever they wanted? Literally anything they wanted.

He was quiet as he walked in the middle of the two, looking between them both occasionally. He was quiet for a couple seconds, listening to the bustling noises of the mall, kids playing in that little play-place, the smell of the food court, things like that. He had a bit on his card too, opting to use that to order food and keep the physical cash for clothing or anything else his baby siblings wanted. “How about we get food first before anything?” Sam suggested seconds after, looking between the two walking alongside him. Made sense in his mind.

The younger two looked between one another, before Eden had spoken up with a smile as wide as the room. “YEAH!” Eden always seemed to be the more loud of the two, not that Sam would complain. He enjoyed the contrast between his younger siblings. “We all cool with pizza?” Sam then questioned, moving so the three wouldn’t be in the way of anybody before looking at them. He already knew one thing for sure, Jack preferred cheese. So he’d probably get a split cheese and whatever kind Eden wanted. He’d get his own, he could devour a whole one.

“Ooo, ooo! Can we get cheese, can we get cheese!” Eden suggested, tapping Sam’s arm a multitude of times. Now he wasn’t surprised there. So he’d get a cheese pizza for those two, and pepperoni for him. Worked well in his favor. “Yeah, we can. That's alright with you, Jack?” He questioned, looking down at his younger brother, who stared up at him for a couple of seconds. “Yeah. Yeah, that’s fine.” He’d been focused on sketching as they stood. Probably sketching something random or whatever seemed to be in his vision. Sam didn’t mind. He liked seeing Jack’s art.

Sam hummed in response, looking between the two before again, beginning to lead the way to go to the food court. The line wasn’t too long, as most people were probably at the movies watching whatever the hell seemed to have been playing. Not that Sam cared, he preferred older movies anyway that would play at the drive-ins. Movies like Heathers, Clueless, things with cowboys, Grease. Whatever the hell was playing and was older was what he’d sit through. Unless Jack and Eden wanted him to watch something with them. Maybe then would he sit through a different movie genre. 

“Ooo, oo! Sam, Sam! Can we go there after!” Eden spoke, tugging on Sam’s sleeve and pointing towards this store that seemed to be on the richer side of the mall. “Eden, you’ve got $100 to your name. I don’t even think we have the money to step into that place.” Sam commented, looking down at the younger girl as he made his way towards the line, keeping Jack and Eden close to him. He didn’t trust people, especially when it came to public spaces. He’d read enough about people in true crime documents. So, he kept the two close.

After eating their food at the food court, Sam was back to leading the way to one specific store. It was like a build-a-bear, honestly.. It was one. Some malls had build-a-bears, okay? “Here, go make a little bear-thing. But let me do the voices, okay?” He spoke between the two, looking down at them both with a gentle smile. The answer of being able to make a plushie had made Eden grin widely, nodding her head rather quickly as she had already turned to go and choose a plushie. “This store is childish.” Jack murmured, but walked off anyway.

Sam raised his brow slightly, but eh, it’s whatever. He made sure he could still keep Eden and Jack in his vision, but he was looking for a plushie too. It wasn’t for him, he’d claim. He was looking for a stupid little moth. One with reds and whites specifically. Sue him, he was getting something for his big brother, even if he’s not around. Whatever. He was quiet when he was looking, occasionally lifting his head and looking towards where he could see his siblings. Jack was just looking at accessories, whilst Eden was looking for a perfect plushie.

Why was he getting something for Rory? Good question, Sam didn’t have an answer as he grabbed a moth plushie and went to find a worker. This would probably blow his money, but hey, long as the twins were happy and he got something for his big brother, he’d be fine. Whilst he spoke to a worker on how exactly to do this whole thing, he watched his younger siblings closely. He took note of a certain plushie his own eyes landed on, making an idea pop into his head. He’d get Jack a plushie only a couple seconds after.

“Sam, Sam!” The voice of the younger of the twins called out, resulting in Sam looking over. Eden had a large smile plastered on her face, resulting in Sam holding a confused look for a couple of seconds, like he was processing. “You said call you over when it came to the talking stuff!” She then explained, resulting in Sam actually snapping into focus and making his way over quickly. “Right, right. Sorry, kiddo.” He apologized, looking at the worker with a gentle smile. “Cover your ears, okay? I want this to be a surprise for you.” He then explained.

He watched as his younger sister covered her ears, going over to this “Record Your Voice Station” to make a stupid little message. When the hand of the bear was squeezed, his voice would be heard saying “I love you.” Something sweet and simple, especially if he followed through with the thought that ran through his mind 24/7 after graduation had hit. “Here ya go, kiddo. Go do all the stuffing and all that, okay?” Sam spoke, looking to his sister now as the worker held a gentle smile. Sam had to do this for Rory and Jack’s plushies. 

Not that he minded, they were his siblings. Well- he didn’t know if Rory counted seeing as the bastard wasn’t around anymore. Whatever. He’d still make a plushie for him. So, that’s exactly what he went to do. He followed the instructions of the workers, keeping himself calm and collected. Jack was still looking at simple accessories. Maybe after work one day, Sam would come back with the two and let them pick out anything they wanted for their stuffed animal. It didn’t take long for him to go up, pay for the plushies, and start to head back out.

“Where’re we going now!?” Eden asked excitedly, holding her stuffie close to her heart. The question made Sam hum in response, like he was thinking. “Well, how much do you two have left?” That made Eden go quiet. She didn’t have an answer, especially with the little accessories she had bought before they even ate. Jack didn’t seem to have much, still holding his sketchbook and a pencil in his hand. It was like he was looking for something to sketch or even planned to sketch. Something to do, he’d claim. “We can head home and watch a movie, yeah?”

Sam could use his money that was in his bank account and on his card to pay for a movie here, he’d just have to tell their parents. “Or.. we can watch it here..” He then stated, resulting in excitement forming in Eden’s eyes. “Oh, can we, can we!?” She asked, looking up to her big brother with pleading eyes. “If that’s okay with Jack too.” Sam explained, looking between his siblings with a calm look forming on his face. With the slight nod of his head, Sam gave a gentle smile down towards Jack. “Theater it is. Come on.”

________________

That was about a month or two ago. Sam couldn’t exactly remember. It was nearing his birthday. Quite literally a couple minutes before twelve. Sam was getting all his stuff together. Phone, clothes, chargers, headphones, money and keys. He was getting out of this house one way or another. He just hoped he could without his baby siblings finding out. He was dead silent as he grabbed whatever he could, his expression holding guilt. He couldn’t stay here any longer. Not with everything that had been going on. Not with their father being an abusive prick. He couldn’t handle anymore.

His eyes would close slightly, standing tall and trying to appear as calm as he could. He wished he could take his baby siblings with him, but he wouldn’t even have a home for a while. He’d have to work around four or three jobs just to get enough money for it. It took him years to save up for the truck he had now, who knows how long it’ll take him just to get a house? It would take absolutely forever. But if he ever wanted to get them out, he had to figure that out before absolutely anything.

His mind began to tear at him. He hated their father. He still had the healed scars on his chest from Halloween night years ago. He didn’t want to remember it. There were even more from the past two years, up to his Senior year. He had snuck back home this time, opting to look like one of the Ghostfaces in Scream, underneath the mask. But he knew his father would make all the blood a reality if he could, so he snuck out and back in during the early hours. He had gone out with the twins, of course.

But he had snuck out around 12, and then came back around 3 and took a shower to get all the fake blood, his contacts and everything else off. Then he went to bed and slept most of the day away. Thank god he woke up, however. He wasn’t letting his father bitch at Jack or Eden. God no. He wouldn’t let that old bastard do anything to them. So, that day he was glad he woke up early enough to deal with the bitching of their father. He’d fight that bastard every time if he humanly and physically could.

Not the point. Sam was dead quiet as he tried to pack without making too much noise. It was around 11:50, he’d be eighteen in 10 minutes. Then he’d be able to get out of the house. He wanted to get out of here. Guilt picked away at the back of his head still. What kind of brother leaves his baby siblings in a house with a shitty man? Oh right. Rory did. Sam was doing the same thing. Following in his brother's footsteps. Why? Why the hell was he following Rory’s footsteps? Because he was tired of everything.

A low sigh escaped him, his eyes remaining closed. He opened them only a couple seconds after. He was staring at an old photo. One of Rory and Sam at first, and then one with the twins. His eyes had narrowed with an annoyed expression forming on his face. He took the one with his older brother, shoving it into his bag and growing dead silent. He stared at the one with Jack, Eden and himself, his heart aching seconds after. He searched the room for a sharpie, taking the photo out the frame before scribbling his face out it.

He did it with almost every photo, but some were the polaroids he had hanging up on his part of the bunk. Sam waited for the ten minutes to pass almost instantly, picking at his lips as he looked for anything else he needed to bring. Sam had two bags, one for all his clothes and a blanket, the other for electrical things and stupid little trinkets he planned on bringing. The photo of him and Rory fell into the latter. He had a plan with that one. He searched his drawers quietly, looking for something used specifically for self-defense.

It didn’t take long for him to find the flick-knife he had stolen from some little gas-station. He shoved it into the pocket of his jeans, rubbing his eyes and running a hand through his hair. He dropped his bag of actual things down, placing a brush and whatever else he needed in it. He assumed he was gonna have to stay at a hotel for a bit, so he was glad he’d been saving up his money for now. Maybe he could rent out a place, surely some people had to have been renting out apartments right now. Right?

He continued to fill his bags, making sure they weren’t too heavy, thankfully. He was ready to leave. Ready to run and never look back. Ready to leave this house. Well. Maybe he’d look back one day, but surely not now. Sam was never good at goodbyes, you could ask him to write a goodbye note and he’d tell you he physically couldn’t. He watched the clock on his phone, making his way towards the window he always would climb out of. Ten seconds left. Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven. Six. Five. Four. Three. Two. One. He was gone seconds after.

Once the clock everywhere in the state had hit 12AM, Sam was out of the window and gone, running already. Running far from that house. He loved his baby siblings, don’t get him wrong, but he couldn’t last another day in that house. He ran and ran, ignoring how many times his phone would ring. He was free. Sam ran as fast as he could until his legs gave up on him. He ran until it hurt to breathe, until he had begun to get that lightheaded feeling. Where he ran to was that old abandoned school. He was free.

[thewritersofdeceased]

hii do you think you could write about the greasers with a gf who’s a dancer? :)

of course!! I will say, I don't know anything about dancing, so I do apologize if my wording is wrong :(

ᴄʜᴀʀᴀᴄᴛᴇʀs : (not in order!) darry x reader | sodapop x reader | ponyboy x reader | johnny x reader | dallas x reader | steve x reader | twobit x reader

────── ⋆⋅꒰ა☆໒꒱⋅⋆ ────── The Outsider Gang x dancer!reader!

Ponyboy Curtis

★ Pony has absolute admiration for when he watches you dance, there's no doubt about it!

★ on the occasion he gets the chance to sit in the studio and watch you dance and practice, he'll draw you!

★ when you complain to him that you're tired and in pain from working on a certain move, he'll give you a message and help you try to relax!

★ he'll also bring you food if you didn't bring any!

★ might not be the loudest at your competitions but he’s there!

Johnny Cade

★ he may not be the loudest at the competitions, but he is definitely cheering you on!

★ he chills backstage most of the time, waiting for you so he can help you relax from the heat of the stage

★ brings you food just like pony would!! + water because he deeply cares about your well-being!

★ if you ask him to sit in the studio with you while you practice, he will!

★ will ask a lot of questions, mostly things like "what got you into dance", "when did you first realize this was your passion", yayaya!

Sodapop Curtis

★ is probably the loudest during your competitions and brings you flowers because.. it's him..

★ will sit in the studio with you all night as you practice

★ probably asked you to teach him something basic, doesn't work-

★ If you ask him to spot you during something your not too strong on, he'll help you!

★especially will help you when it comes to partner dances though, even if he can’t really dance

Darrel Curtis

★He can dance pretty well, so it works well with you!

★he just prefers gentle swaying most of the times but he will dance with you if needed!

★isn’t too big on the competition side of dance, goes to every single one of yours and drags the rest of the gang occasionally

★like soda and pony, gives you massages if your in any form of pain

★prefers to celebrate your victories(competitions) in the private of a secluded area

Steve Randle

★is the most dumbest person when it comes to dancing

★if you tried teaching him, it's like he has two left feet

★but he goes to every dance of yours no matter what!

★waits for you to come out, and then picks you up and spins

★ he isn't too heavy on giving massages, so he just lets you curl up to him at the end of the day

TwoBit-Matthews

★is the loudest at every single one of your performances.

★ probably sneaks in alcohol and drinks a beer during it

★has no problem arguing with anybody who dares to insult you

★celebrates your victory with chocolate cake and beer, everyone knows this

★brings his baby sister to every show of yours so she can see you

Dallas Winston

★shows up like.. an hour late sometimes.. its the rare occasion he shows up 20 minutes late

★will probably judge everyone else but you

★he will not learn how to dance, god no.

★will threaten your dance partner if its a boy

★celebrating with drinks from buck's or just relaxing for a bit in his room.

[thewritersofdeceased]

"ʜᴏɴᴇʏ, ᴡʜᴀᴛᴄʜᴀ' ᴡᴀɪᴛɪɴ' ғᴏʀ!?" ᴀsᴘᴇɴ ʀᴏᴜɢᴇ, ᴀʀᴛᴇᴍɪs ǫᴜɪɴɴ, ᴀsʜʟᴇʏ sᴏʟᴀᴄ, sᴀʀᴀʜ sᴛᴏɴᴇ, ᴍᴀᴅᴇʟʏɴɴ sᴀᴡʏᴇʀ ʜᴇᴀᴛʜᴇʀs x ᴏᴜᴛsɪᴅᴇʀs ᴏᴄ's (ᴀʀᴛᴇᴍɪs, ᴀsᴘᴇɴ, ᴀsʜʟᴇʏ)

Being friends with the higher ups of the school was weird. Being friends with socs was weird. Of course it was weird. Could you blame this girl? Sarah Stone was a senior who had not many friends in the school, sitting by herself majority of the time. See, she was a greaser, in a way, it made sense that nobody exactly wanted to talk to her. But, she recalled a specific moment in which she had met the three top girls of the school. They’d been in the bathroom, one of the girls vomiting. She remembered it vey, very vividly.

____________________

The bell had already rung to signify class was starting, but in the bathroom stood two girls, applying makeup in the mirror. Well- one was fixing her hair and another was applying makeup. The sound of someone throwing up had caught the attention of Sarah, only as she had quickly entered the bathroom in order to use it and get out. Though, as stated, the sound of someone vomiting had her attention for a couple of seconds. It didn’t take long for a voice to ring out through the air. Who didn’t recognize that voice? The Queen of the school.

“Grow up, Artemis.” The voice belonged to Aspen Rouge, a girl with a temper who ruled this place with an iron fist. A mythic bitch, as Sarah would call her. “Bulimia is so 57.” The oldest girl commented, applying lipstick and lipgloss to her lips. Sarah could tell her tone was annoyed, Aspen always sounded annoyed whenever she spoke to Artemis, who seemed to have been the one throwing up whatever it appeared she ate. Lunch was usually nasty, so that made sense. “Ashley, I need a mint..” Artemis’ voice would call out to the third girl in the bathroom.

It took a couple of seconds for Ashley Solace to even reply. She reached into the grey and charcoal black sidebag she carried out, extracting out a roll of mints before going to where Art had been and holding one out for the ravenette girl. “What you need, Artemis, is to see a doctor.” Even the mention of a doctor made Sarah’s expression even grimace, her eyes closing slightly as she tried to keep her cool. “I hate my doctor.. He smells like Piguet Fracas..” That smell was disgusting. Just the memory itself made Artemis turn and vomit once again.

The sound of heels echoed in the bathroom, making Sarah’s head lift quickly. A teacher. How lovely. The sound of keys jingling too. The voice was all too familiar too. Ms. Rosenberg was.. One hell of a person. “Ah, Aspen and Ashley.” Her voice spoke before being cut off by the sound of Artemis vomiting again. “And.. Artemis. Perhaps you didn’t hear the bell over all the vomiting? You’re late for class.” Whilst Ms. Rosenberg spoke, Sarah remained dead silent as she was rushing to forge a hall pass. Hey, if it kept all of them from getting in trouble?

She’d do it. Aspen by now had turned to face Ms. Rosenberg, Sarah heard it just from the heels that Aspen always wore. Closing the little mirror too wasn’t hard to distinguish. “Artemis wasn’t feeling well.” Her tone went almost complaining and soft before she grew cold-sound again. “We’re helping her.” They really weren’t, but who was Sarah to say anything about it? Ms. Rosenberg didn’t say anything, her brow raising. Of course she didn't say anything for a couple of seconds. “Not without a hall pass you’re not. Weeks detention!” That made an argument almost ensue, and oh boy.

“Um! Actually, Ms. Rosenberg-” Sarah spoke up, stepping out of the bathroom stall and holding a forged hall pass tightly in hand. “All four of us are out on a hall pass. Yearbook committee.” Sarah spoke, holding the note out towards the older woman, who in response, took the slip with a narrowed eyed look. “I see you’re all listed.” Ms. Rosenberg allowed a sigh to escape her before handing the note back to Sarah. “Hurry up and get where you’re going.” Her voice was calmer as she left, Aspen taking the note from Sarah seconds after it was quiet.

The oldest girl read the note, her own eyes narrowed as they scanned the words on the slip. “This is an excellent forgery.” She commented before lifting her head and forcing her eyes to make eye contact. “Who are you?” She’d then ask. Sarah’s face had flushed red in sudden surprise, extending her hand with a cheerful smile, yet Aspen didn’t return the gesture, rather ignoring it. “Sarah Stone-” Sarah would quickly introduce herself, dropping her hand seconds later. “I crave a boon.” Now that caught Ashley off guard as she stood besides Aspen. More confused than anything right now.

“What boon?” Aspen leaned forward slightly, being taller than Sarah as she did so. The girl wore heels, platformed boots more often. She watched Sarah with her expression remaining cold, watching as the brunette haired girl would pick at the dirt under her nails and avoid eye contact. “Let me sit at your table.” Her voice was bold as she spoke. “Just once! No talking necessary. If people think that you guys tolerate me, they’ll leave me alone.” The bold tone made Aspen laugh, as if this was amusement to her. And it was. Aspen found this entertaining at most.

Sarah would lift her head in response as she now tried to stand tall, forcing eye contact with Aspen as she spoke. “Before you answer, I also do report cards, permission slips, and absence notes.” The mention of being able to forge anything had caught Artemis’s attention as she stood up from the toilet she’d been hunched over and now went to stand besides Aspen and Ashley. “How about prescriptions?” She’d ask, wiping her mouth with a paper towel Ashley provided. “Shut up, Artemis.” Aspen then spoke, watching Artemis. “Sorry, Aspen.” The younger girl apologized, growing dead silent right after.

Aspen would take a step towards Sarah, gently brushing the girl's hair back and inspecting her face. Going as far as to tilt her chin up slightly. “Hmm. For a greasy little nobody, you do have good bone structure.” She commented, moving out the way so Ashley could look the girl over. Her eyes lit up only seconds after. “And a symmetrical face!” She commented before beginning to talk a bit. “If I took a meat cleaver down the center of your skull, I’d have matching halves!” She then explained. “That’s very important.” She learnt that in some class. Whatever.

“Of course, you could stand-” Artemis cut herself off for a second, throwing up a little in her mouth before swallowing and finishing her statement. “A few pounds..” She murmured afterwards, watching Aspen take her place in the middle of Ashley and herself. “And ya  Know, ya’ know, ya’ know.” She began to comment, tipping Sarah’s chin up again to make eye contact. “This could be beautiful. Mascara, maybe some lipgloss?” She hummed, looking between all the girls. “And we’re on our way. Get this girl some plush, hey, Ash? I need your brush. Let’s make her beautiful..” Oh boy.

Ashley was quick to get a brush from her purse, holding it to Aspen who took it seconds later. “Let’s make her beautiful..” Artemis commented, grabbing whatever makeup she could from her own little bag. “Let’s make her beautiful!” Ashley cheered out with a laugh, watching Aspen smirk right after. “Make her beautiful!” She continued, looking straight into Sarah’s eyes before she spoke up again. “Okay?” She questioned, watching Sarah nod her head rather quickly. “Okay!” She exclaimed as the girls faced her towards the mirror, each girl taking time trying to make her “beautiful” as they each had claimed.

____________________

And that’s how Sarah had become friends with the most popular girls in the school. It was lunchtime again, and it’d been about three weeks since she actually became friends with Aspen, Artemis and Ashley. Not that she was complaining! In her hands was a notebook, a diary, if you might call it that. She was leaning against the locker behind her, writing down whilst biting her tongue to keep focus. “Dear Diary; It’s been three weeks since I became friends with those girls.” She murmured under her breath, trying to think of a nickname for the girls. Welp.

She crossed something out, tapping the end of her pen against her chin before beginning to write again, “Friends isn’t the right word, exactly.” She began to write again, her back flat against the closed locker. “It’s more like those girls are people I work with and our job is being popular and shit.” The annoying sound of a bell rang out throughout the air, resulting in a sigh of annoyance to escape it. The bell always gave her a headache. The voice of someone caught her attention, but it was clear there was tension between Sarah and her friend.

“Hey, Sarah.” The voice belonged to the girl's best friend, a boy by the name of Madelynn Sawyer. They’d been best friends since diapers. Something that was noticeable was that Madelynn had a good heart. But around here, that wasn’t good enough. “..Hey..” Sarah’s voice was soft as she spoke to Maddy, who tried to sound as genuine as she could, but it sucked not having a genuine friend anymore. “You really look beautiful these days.” Maddelyn commented, holding her tray of food tightly in hand. “Yeah, well, it’s still the same me underneath.” Maddy didn’t believe that at all.

Maddy stared with a small frown, shaking her head seconds after. “Are you sure?” She then asked aloud, looking at Sarah with her expression nervous almost. “Look, I’m sorry I flaked on movie night last week. I’ve had a lot going on-” Sarah went to explain, but Maddy had held one hand up and shook her head. “I get that. You’re with the girls now.” She’d explain, looking towards the cafeteria. She hadn’t even noticed a particular figure beginning to make her way over. “It’s exciting!” She exclaimed after, watching Sarah shrug her shoulders. It wasn’t that cool. But hey-

“It’s whatever. But we’ll hang soon, I promise.” As soon as Maddy had gone to say something, the sudden voice of Artemis had pierced through the air, Maddy being slightly pushed out of the way. “Sarah! Aspen says to haul ass to the cafe, pronto.” She huffed out, watching as Sarah had held a small frown for a couple of seconds, but she did try to give a small smile to Maddy. “How very..” She murmured, turning to follow after Artemis, who walked with a narrowed eyed-look on her face. Leaning against the wall was a boy. An unknown boy.

Sitting at a table everyone knew not to dare think of sitting at was Artemis and Ashley, the older of the two repainting her sharp and pointy nails. She was impatient, especially with how she’d been tapping her heeled boot against the ground. It wasn’t until she noticed Sarah that she got off the table. “Sarah, I need a forgery in Eric Warren’s handwriting.” She began to explain, looking around before speaking up once more. “You’ll need something to write on.” Aspen commented before looking at Artemis. “Artemis bend over.” A huff would escape the sophomore, but she complied afterwards.

As Aspen began to speak, Sarah didn’t take long to begin writing down what the girl was saying. “Hi Honey - I’ve been watching you… and thinking about us in the old days. I hope you can come to my homecoming party this weekend. I miss you… Eric.” Aspen continued to speak, pausing in her words for a second before an idea popped into her head. “Put an XO after the signature.” It wasn’t supposed to be a command, but it surely sounded like one. Sarah finished writing quickly, but held a confused look. “What’s this for anyway?” She then asked.

“You remember how Eric used to hand with Maddlynn Sawtrap?” Aspen asked, going back to where she’d been sitting and sitting with one leg crossed over the other, her hands behind her and keeping herself up and balanced. “..Well, yeah, in kindergarten. We all did.” Sarah remembered all the days of kindergarten. She preferred the good ones over the bad, if she was being honest. Artemis then spoke up, standing up straight after Sarah had been done writing. “We all didn’t kiss on the kickball field.” She scoffed out at the memory. A stupid yet disgusting one everyone knew about.

Suddenly, Ashley seemed excited, even resulting in a little bit of laughter to escape her. “Oh my God, that’s right!” her laughter didn’t end before she continued to speak. “Eric kissed Madelyn Sawtrap!” She then would squeal with delight, looking before everyone. “It was disgusting!” That it was, at least it’s what the other girls would agree. Aspen reached forward to grab the note, holding it with a smirk. “Perfect.” She hummed, watching as two boys, Eric and his buddy Austin, walked in. She held her hand up, like she’d been waving them over. “Eric! C’mere!” She then called out.

The two boys had paused slightly in their footsteps, a confused look on their faces for a second before Eric spoke up. “Whaddaya think Aspen wants?” He asked, looking at his friend with a slightly raised eyebrow. Austin held a smirk as he replied. “I bet she wants you to set her on your johnson and spin her around like a goddamn pinwheel!” Austin replied out with a laugh, leaning his head back. “Hell yeah, punch it in!” The two bumped fists, beginning to make their way over to the table. Aspen had given Eric the note, smiling innocently too.

“Be a sweetie and give this note to Maddelyn Sawtrap for me.” Aspen commanded, looking at the two boys. Sarah’s eyes had widened slightly as she tried to reach for the note. “What!? No-!” Eric had raised a brow slightly, watching as Sarah tried reaching for the note. Wasn’t working, especially with the height difference. “Since when do you talk to that lard-ass?” He asked, beginning to try and unfold the note, but had been cut off by aspen. “Don’t read it. She’s having extra-heavy flow and wanted some advice from my gyno.” She explained, watching the boy's reactions afterwards.

Sounds of disgust escaped both Eric and Austin as the note got snatched out of Eric’s hand, Sarah now holding the note. She got surrounded by the three girls almost instantly as Eric and Austin turned to move out of the way. “Maddy’s had a thing for Eric for like twelve years now, this will kill her!” Sarah tried to retort, looking at Aspen with widened eyes. “C’mon, Aspen. You’re bigger than this.” The sudden answer made Aspen turn cold and mean rather quickly before she spoke up. “Are we gonna have a problem!?” She snapped at Sarah, beyond pissed.

“Have you got a bone to pick!?” Aspen held venom in her tone as Artemis and Ashley remained dead silent, yet still surrounded the other girl with death glares. “You’ve come so far; WHY NOW ARE YOU PULLING ON MY DICK!?” She snapped fully now, pushing the girl to the ground and leaning forward, as if she was getting in Sarah’s face. Which she totally was, look at her. “I’d normally slap your face off, and everyone here could watch!” Aspen motioned towards the surrounding crowd, watching their attention snap to the commotion that she seemed to be planning now.

She leaned down slightly, pulling Sarah up and pushing her back towards the table, but not allowing her back to hit it. “But I’m feeling nice! Here’s some advice, LISTEN UP BIATCH!” Aspen snapped. The trio of girls had begun to circle Sarah, like a vulture would to a deceased corpse that laid brightly in the sun. “I LIKE!” Ashley and Artemis cheered, watching and listening to the chaos that had begun to happen. “Looking hot, buying stuff they cannot!” Aspen explained. If it wasn’t for the trio, Sarah would still be sitting alone, people harassing her all the time.

“I LIKE!” Artemis and Ashley cheered in the back, continuing to be the supposed background vocals for Aspen’s booming voice. “Drinking hard! Maxing dad’s credit card!” Aspen’s father was in the military, so she shouldn’t exactly do much with that, but she definitely used her mothers credit card. “I LIKE!” The girls cheered, holding smirks before turning to stand besides Aspen. Artemis had her arms crossed, and Ashley had her hands intertwined. “Skipping gym! Scaring her! Screwing him!” Aspen hadn’t pointed at anyone in particular, but her expression was cold when she did. “I LIKE!” The two cheered seconds afterwards.

Now this was getting interesting, especially with how Eric and Austin watched with widened eyes and almost dropped jaws. “Killer clothes..” Aspen spoke before the three lifted their legs slightly. “KICKING NERDS IN THE NOSE!” See, the three almost did kick Sarah in the nose, watching as the girl stumbled back in order to avoid being kicked and getting a broken nose. Especially with the platforms Aspen wore? She was screwed right there. “If you lack the balls, you can go play dolls! Let your mommy fix you a snack!” Aspen scoffed. It wasn’t like Sarah had a mother figure.

She knew that much. Ashley told her everything about everyone. Nobody was safe when it came to being hunted down by the trio. “Woah!” Ashley and Artemis exclaimed from the side, little laughter escaping right after. Artemis didn’t exactly like Sarah from the get-go. “Or you could smoke, pound some rum and coke..” Aspen continued, now standing straight in front of Sarah and pushing her back so she was sitting just where Aspen had moments before. “In my Porsche with the quarterback!” She cheered, motioning towards the table of football players. She wouldn’t date any of them, hell fucking no.

“Honey, whatcha’ waiting for!? Welcome to my Candy Store!” The three girls spoke, staring Sarah dead in the eyes before making an L shape with their pointer and thumb. “Time for you to prove you’re not a loser anymore!” They played their index and thumb to their head, having no problem with calling Sarah a loser, so it seemed. Then again, that’s wha the girl was before she joined the three others. “Then step into my Candy Store!” Soft little “woah’s” would escape the three girls as Sarah was pulled back into the middle, now Artemis and Ashley in front.

The two girls had smirks on their faces before speaking up. “Guys fall!” The girls cheered in unison for a moment before Ashley and Artemis spoke up in partial unison, Ashley higher than Artemis’s voice. “At your feet!” They exclaimed, watching Sarah’s nervous expression as Aspen stood behind her now. Artemis made a money motion, rolling her eyes. “Pay the check!” She exclaimed, going to cross her arms seconds after Ashley spoke up. “Help you cheat!” None of the girls could be considered “Cheaters”, but the boys they hung around told a different story. Players, cheaters, same difference by now.

“ALL YOU,” Again, back into unison. “HAVE TO DO-” Artemis spoke out, but had been cut off by Aspen’s booming voice, motioning towards where Maddelyn always sat. Away from everyone and all by herself. Like any of the girls cared. It wasn’t their problem. “SAY GOODBYE TO SHAMU!” Aspen snapped, using her hands to turn Sarah’s head towards where Maddelyn had been sitting. “THAT FREAK’S=” The three girls snapped out, pointing towards where Maddelyn had been. “NOT YOUR FRIEND! I can tell in the end!” Ashley explained, placing a gentle hand on Sarah’s before Artemis and Aspen spoke up again.

They were speaking the truth, at least they thought so. “IF SHE-” Again, Artemis and Aspen. Those two had heavy voices, loud and snappy. If they were to be yelling, anyone would listen at that point. “Had her shot,” Artemis then commented, pushing Sarah after beginning to circle the girl. In unsion, the girls all shouted. “SHE WOULD LEAVE YOU TO ROT!” You couldn’t blame them for thinking like that. Maddelyn probably would if given the chance. Ashley was next to speak, continuing to circle around Sarah. “..’Course if you don’t care, fine go braid her hair!” She exclaimed coldly.

“Maybe Sesame Street is on!” In other words, Ashley was calling the two girls children, which in a way, is exactly what they were. Watching stupid childhood movies and stupid shows like they were actually interesting now.  Spoiler, they weren’t. “Woah, woah!” Aspen and Artemis hummed in the background, watching as Ashley kept the girl in blues distracted. It gave the perfect opportunity to sneak the forged note away from Sarah and to pass it to Artemis. “Or forget that creep,” Ashley spoke, watching the other girls closely. “And get in my jeep,” Artemis then commented. Like she even drove.

Aspen was holding a smirk as she placed her hands on her hips, looking Sarah dead in the eyes. “Let’s go tear up someone’s lawn!” What? Why would they do that? It’s a thought that went to run through Sarah’s mind, especially now. “Woah, woah, woah!” The three girls walked together, walking past Maddelyn as Artemis slipped the note onto the girls lunch tray. “Honey, what you waitin’ for?!” The three questioned, pointing towards Sarah with a confused sounding tone, but not their expressions. “You just gotta prove you’re not a pussy anymore!” Back to square one, some people claim.

“Thenp into my candy store!” The three exclaimed as Maddelyn began to unfold the note and read it seconds after. Her eyes scanned the paper as the girls across the cafeteria watched for a couple of seconds. Aspen then spoke, her hands being placed on her hips as she made eye contact with Sarah. “You can join the team…” She began to speak, keeping her tone filled with venom and hatred. “Or you can bitch and moan!” Artemis and Ashley cheered, letting laughter out seconds later. When it came to mean girls, this trio won that category almost instantly here.

Aspen only rolled her eyes in response to the laughter, motioning towards herself and the other two. "You can live the dream!"  The dream of being one of the most popular girls in the school, who didn’t want that dream? In a childish tone, Ashley and Artemis spoke, leaning in and giving a deadly glare towards Sarah. “Or you can die alone!” They called out, now sitting back where they originally had as Aspen stood with her own deadly glare, pushing Sarah out of her way. “You can fly with eagles,” She started, motioning towards herself and the two girls.

“OR IF YOU PREFER!” Artemis and Ashley spoke, each sitting where they’d been, watching as Madelynn had begun to make her way towards Sarah, her expression holding genuine happiness. “KEEP ON TESTING ME.” Aspen spoke coldly, her ton low and sinister as she pointed at Maddelyn with her eyes narrowed. The way she spoke was almost through clenched teeth, like she was beyond pissed. In which she was. All three girls pointed over at Maddelyn, watching Sarah closely. “OR END UP LIKE HER!” All three of the girls could ruin Sarah’s reputation and run it straight into the ground anyday.

Sarah and Maddelyn met up in the middle of the cafeteria, Maddelyn speaking proudly as she held the note out, her smile wide and proud. “Sarah, look!” She called out, holding the note out as Sarah took it into her hands. Like she didn’t write the note.. A low sigh escaped her as Madelynn continued to speak. “Eric invited me to his homecoming party! This proves he’s been thinking about me!” She explained happily, taking the note back and everything, holding it closely to her chest and letting out a bit of laughter. This wasn’t going to end up well.

Sarah didn’t reply at first as she looked back to where the three soc girls sat, watching as Aspen’s eyes narrowed in a cold glare. Like telling Sarah to choose. To be a nobody like Maddelyn, or continue to be apart of the higherups with Aspen, Artemis and Ashley. Her expression remained narrowed before watching Sarah turn away. “Color me stoked..” She murmured softly, watching Madelynn smile brightly and squeal in excitement. “I’m so happy!” She sounded genuinely excited, which.. Actually, it really hurt. Sarah held a frown for a couple seconds, watching as Madelynn ran off, probably her table.

Artemis had gotten off her spot, a large smile forming as she hummed out. “Oh, woah! Honey, whatcha’ waitin’ for-” It didn’t take long for her to get cut off and shoved to the ground by Aspen. “SHUT UP, ARTEMIS!” The oldest girl shouted, her eyes filled with anger before she pointed straight at Sarah. Eric and his buddy had still been watching with widened eyes, like they were starstruck at the situation. Especially with the way the girls' skirts had swayed. It was a satisfying sight, the boys would claim. “STEP INTO MY CANDY STORE!” Aspen cheered, laughing out.

“Time for you to prove you’re not a lame-ass anymore!” As Aspen did this lovely, lovely sounding riff, the girls sang background vocals, now death glaring at Sarah, who began to take steps back as the girls began to circle her again. Why? Why wouldn’t this just end already? The three would begin to circle around her, like a vulture would to their pray. “It’s my candy store, it’s my candy-” They would repeat thata couple of times,before ending up standing where they’d been sitting before. “It’s my candy store! Woah!” They ended up glaring down at Sarah now.

[thewritersofdeceased]

❝ɪ ᴄᴀɴ'ᴛ ʜᴀɴᴅʟᴇ ᴄʜᴀɴɢᴇ❞

ᴄʜᴇʀʀʏ ᴠᴀʟᴀɴᴄᴇ | ʙᴏʙ sʜᴇʟᴅᴏɴ | ʀᴀɴᴅʏ ᴀɴᴅᴇʀsᴏɴ | ᴄʜᴇᴛ ʙᴀᴋᴇʀ | ᴛʀɪᴘ ʙᴀᴋᴇʀ | ʙᴇᴠᴇʀʟʏ ʙᴀᴋᴇʀ | ᴀsᴘᴇɴ ʀᴏᴜɢᴇ (ᴏᴄ) | ᴍᴀʀᴄɪᴀ

ᴄʜᴇᴛ, ᴛʀɪᴘ ᴀɴᴅ ʙᴇᴠᴇʀʟʏ ᴀʀᴇ sɪʙʟɪɴɢs ɪɴ ᴛʜɪs!! ᴍᴀʀᴄɪᴀ ᴀɴᴅ ʀᴀɴᴅʏ ᴀʀᴇɴ'ᴛ ᴛᴏɢᴇᴛʜᴇʀ, ᴀɴᴅ ᴘᴀᴜʟ ɪsɴ'ᴛ ᴍᴇɴᴛɪᴏɴᴇᴅ :(

ᴡᴏʀᴅ ᴄᴏᴜɴᴛ : 9,500

Cherry never wanted to crash her head into a wall more than now. Well, there’d been multiple times, but right now she was annoyed by all the names in the world. More like in hell. She sat in her car, gently pressing her temples with her eyes closed. Why the hell was she going to help her now ex-boyfriend. Why was she going to take care of him like he would even think about doing the same? A frustrated sigh escaped her, before she’d gently hit her head on her steering wheel, the car only honking seconds after the moment. 

She didn’t move her head, allowing the car to honk for MINUTES on end. Why? That repeated in her head. Why was she going to help and find her ex so he could sober up? And then just go along her life like she didn’t care about him? Sure, Sandy was right. Bob was a bad person, but there was a side of him that Cherry wished everyone knew. A sweet side. A part of him that truly cared. She ran a hand through her hair now, putting her key into the ignition and getting ready to find her ex.. 

As much as she didn’t want to. Starting the car up, she began her drive to find her ex. And oh god did she not want to find him right now. But, she did care about him. Bob may have hated her guts, but deep down inside of her heart, Cherry still cared about him. She kept a calmer… attempt of mood, just driving. He was probably home, and Cherry didn’t know if she really wanted to be near that house again. She could remember every time she would go by. His parents were sweet to her.. But.. who knows.

Bob was raised without their full attention, but- it wasn’t an excuse for him to act out most times. Actually, no. It wasn’t an excuse at all. As she drove, her mind would think back to every memory that had been played in the back of her mind. How badly Cherry wished she could g0 back in time. Back to when everything was okay. When people didn’t need to choose sides. When greasers and socs could get along without fighting. Back then when it was peaceful. As she continued to drive, she avoided Bob’s street like it was the plague.

Cherry would pull over to the side of the road for a moment or two, letting out a soft sigh and allowing her mind to run. “..is this even a good idea?” She muttered to nobody but herself, leaning back in her seat and running a hand down her face. This wasn’t going to be a good idea. Bob didn’t like her. Cherry still cared about him. Of course she fucking cared. Cherry Pushover Valance, everyone. The girl who cared about everyone, but not everyone cared about her. Only a select few, so it seemed. Not a surprise right there.

____________________________________________________

 Cuddled up on the couch had been something Cherry would never forget. Her head on the taller boys chest, some random movie playing on the tv ahead of them. Cherry was listening to his heartbeat, her eyes closed and expression calm. She was in comfortable looking clothing, her hair gently tied back into a neat braid. It was just a comforting motion. In front of them on the little coffee table was a candle, a vanilla one specifically. It was just… Cherry loved it. The two didn’t speak a word, enjoying the comforting silence that was going on between them. 

As the silence remained, it didn’t take long for a three worded sentence to escape Bob. Three words that had caught Cherry’s attention. In soft murmurs, the older boy spoke up. “I love you..” They hadn’t said those words in their relationship much, at least not in public. In the private of their own homes now? Of course. PDA wasn’t something that Cherry was too heavy on, but she did enjoy hand-holding and things of the sort. But kisses and make out? God, no. That sort of PDA she’d rather die than ever do. To her, this was fine instead.

“What was that?” Cherry spoke seconds after, pretending like she hadn’t heard the other. She looked up to Bob now, but didn’t move her head from his chest. She had a small, yet playful and teasing grin. Just for fun, it wasn’t like she was going to cause any playful situations. Bob looked down to her, giving a small smile in response. “I said I love you.” He repeated, gently leaning down to place a kiss on Cherry’s head. It made Cherry smile. Made her feel all warm inside as well. Just those three words. “I love you too, Bob.”

Bob would hum in response, watching as Cherry moved so her head now rested on his shoulder. “No, Cherry. I mean it.” Bob’s tone was serious and genuine, yet soft. No need to be loud in a situation just like this. A comforting one to say the least.. A comforting and genuine situation. Cherry wouldn’t trade it for the world. “I love you.” Bob would then repeat, gently beginning to press kisses all over Cherry’s face. In which she would let out a soft little giggle or so and try to push him away. Playing. Loving. But where’d it go?

____________________________________________________

Cherry’s eyes would open as she stared at the road in front of her once again. Maybe she could just drive around and remember! Yeah.. yeah! It delayed her from having to help Bob. She only hoped the poor fool wouldn’t drink himself to death. Now she’d feel horrible if he did. But it wasn’t like she was to be blamed for it. Putting the car back into drive, as it seemed to have been placed into park, she began her drive once more. Next stop… well- they had gone all over. But Halloween was the best she remembered now.

Halloween.. A gorgeous holiday with amazing costumes and decorations, running around town trying to get to the bigger mansions to get the biggest candies out the block! It made a soft chuckle escape her. One of fond memories, really. She continued to drive, pulling up to what seemed to be a nearby parking lot. Parents would drive here and drop their kids off, then expect them to come runnin’ home once they were done getting as much candy as they could. Then of course, kids with older siblings would go with their younger to keep them out of trouble. Fun. 

Cherry would turn her car off, getting out of it seconds later and staring down each street that Bob and her used to go down every year for Halloween. There was one she could remember for days. Now, she hadn’t been a superhero girl, but there was one character who made her life complete. Starfire. Koriand’r. The Princess of her hometown. Cherry didn’t know many ladies in fiction with red hair, so a superhero with the same colored hair as her? Woah! She remembered Halloween day like it was her birthday, she could never forget how fun it had been. 

____________________________________________________

“C’mon, c’mon!” The voice of a young Cherry Valance called out, at least it had to have been her middle school years!  She was dressed in silvery-greys, especially glittery, purples as well! She was Starfire! And of course, she made Bob be Robin with her. She held his hand tightly, but not like a harsh hold! Just so she didn’t lose him in the crowd. “C’mon! We have to get the bigger houses!” She called out, already beginning to run ahead, whilst Bob followed close behind, They had a third person, Randy, but he was with Marcia, Cherry’s best friend. 

Bob, when getting to the first house, had almost gone in front of a much smaller kid, dressed up as that little dog from the Wizard of Oz, Toto, wasn’t it? Cherry had to stop Bob, gently pulling him back by the hand and looking at the mother with a small smile. “No, no! Go ahead, we can wait!” She’d explain, her tone soft and sure, her voice was high-ish, but she was still growing up and was still just a kid. She kept her smile until it was her turn, holding out her candy back. “Trick or treat, ma’am!”

She sounded so happy. Bob was smiling as Marcia now stood besides Cherry. He and Randy stayed back, making sure nothing would happen to the two girls due to the amount of weirdos that could possibly be running the streets, And greasers. Who his parents had warned him to be wary of. Once leaving the house, Randy spoke up to Bob in a whisper. “You like her, huh?” He asked softly, earning a wide-eyed stare from Bob. “Duude! Don’t- shh!” The masked boy called out, rolling his eyes and gently shoulder bumping randy. Why’d times change from back then now?

____________________________________________________

That was just another flashback. Cherry’s eyes opened once more as she looked straight ahead, a soft sigh escaping her as she tried to relax.  This was all making her mind confused. Why were these flashbacks of old memories coming back now? She let a sigh out, her hands intertwined as she looked straight down the street again. The streets were quiet, house lights off. That made sense, it was late and kids, like herself, had school. But she could be late. It was almost her senior year. Aspen would be graduating soon. Then she’d be with just her group.

That’s if she would even have a group by the end of the year. Who knew if Bob would ruin her reputation and force her to leave the soc group? Marcia would have to deal with Beverly. And god, did Cherry fucking hate Beverly.. Aspen did too. She couldn’t say anything. Bev was known for the group.. One of the ruder soc ladies like before. Not the point- Cherry turned to go back into her car, putting the key in and starting her drive mere seconds again. Where to next? She had an idea. The park wasn’t far from here.

As she drove, the music from the radio gently played in the background. Nothing too comforting to say the least, but it was better than complete silence in the dark night. Her windows were down slightly, enjoying the wind that blew by. She drove all the way to the park, parking on a sidewalk and fixing the sweater that she wore over her shoulders. Oh boy. This one would be something she could never forget. She remembered the confession maybe a bit too well. Parking her car and turning it off, she’d already begun to walk through the park here.

She had a calm look on her face as she hugged herself, making sure she wouldn’t trip on anything in her path. She walked until she’d gotten to a specific area. A gazebo surrounded by a couple trees. During spring, when the trees had cherry blossoms, it was gorgeous. Cherry wished it was Spring already so they’d return. She stood in the middle of the gazebo, looking towards the trees that surrounded it now. It was quiet. She enjoyed it. Minus the cold weather, but that’s okay. She was okay. Everything was fine. Cherry’s okay. Hopefully. MAybe. Who knows anymore?

As she stared, she’d take in a deep breath. She had the petals of the flower Bob had given in a small mason jar, to keep them and never forget them. She never got rid of them. And the plushie.. The fox plushie she treated like her child. She would never get rid of that plushie. And if anyone did? She’d cry. She cherished that plushie. Her eyes closed as her head leaned back, what sounded like a sniffle escaping her. Why did everything have to change? She hated it. She missed when Bob was sweet. The Bob she knew. 

____________________________________________________

Cherry remembered being asked to come to the gazebo. It was the end of the day, and she was getting all her stuff from her locker. That’s when she had noticed a note on the top part of it. The note was addressed to her, obviously. As she read through it, the voice of her best friend, Marcia, caught her attention. “Boo! Hey, Cherry!” This was Marcia. Cherry’s best friend, besides that sophomore who hung around them and taught them the ropes. Not that she could complain! Aspen was nice to herself and Marcia, so there’s nothing mean to say! 

“Marcia! Hey girl! Sorry, I’m reading something.” Cherry spoke to the brunette besides her, which only resulted in a sound of interest. “Ooo! What is it? A love letter?” Marcia then asked, tilting her head and holding a look of pure blown excitement. It only resulted in a laugh from Cherry as she held the note out for the girl to take. Replying, she smiled why. “I don’t know! But seems someone has a little crush on me! Oo, oo! Aspen could help me with my hair!” Cherry squealed out, letting out even more little laughs. “We gotta tell her!”

As the two girls spoke excitedly of the situation at hand, a boy was fidgeting slightly, watching the situation between the two girls from his own locker. Bob wasn’t as confident as he was when it came to asking out girls, but he did just do that before the end of the day. Footsteps caught his attention, resulting in him looking to the left of him. Randy Anderson, his own best friend, had walked over. “Did you do it?” The curly-haired boy asked with a question, his head tilting as Bob nodded. “Yeah..” As he motioned towards the girls now.

The answer made Randy smile before the boy patted Bob on the shoulder. “Nice! Come on, we gotta get Chet and Trip, then we’re on our way to your place to get you looking nice for this!” The younger spoke, letting out a small laugh. Bob would close his locker, nodding his head. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s go get them two.” He muttered, eyes rolling slightly. Chet and Trip were annoying, but they were his friends. He can’t really judge them until they got too annoying and loud. As Randy turned to lead the way, Bob began to follow seconds after. 

Getting outside, Bob would look around the area. Kids were heading home for the day, but he was looking for the group of girls that always seemed to stick together. It didn’t even take him long to find the one he had his eye on. Cherry was within the group of girls, her expression genuinely happy as she spoke to the three girls that seemed to be around her. Bob would watch for a couple seconds, before Cherry’s voice rang out throughout everyone. “Hi, Bob!” She’d call out, pausing her conversation with the other girls to wave at the boy.

Which resulted in a light red blush to form on the sandy-blonde’s face, himself giving a small smile before returning the wave to the ginger-haired girl. He was glad to see Cherry’s smile before she had turned to look away and back to her friends. Bob had quickly turned to go after Randy, not wanting to be left behind- “She said hi to me again-!” He spoke to the dark-haired boy ,who just let out a little laugh in response. “You’re so in love.” He teased, earning an eye roll. “Oh, shut up! You’re supposed to be helping me out!”

As the two boys walked side by side, the sight of three figures had caught their attention. A girl dressed in hues of blue with blonde hair, a boy dressed in greens with dark brown and another dressed in oranges and reds. Just who they were looking for. The two brothers, plus Beverly, their sister. “Hey guys!” Randy called out, waving to the three who would look towards himself and Bob. Chet, who’d been dressed in the warmer colors, looked over with a smile. “There you are! We were thinking you weren’t showing up!” He explained with laughter seconds after.

“He was over there gushing over Cherry, don’t worry! We’re still here!” Randy laughed out, being elbowed by Bob seconds after. The oldest of the group crossed his arms with an eye roll. “Whatever, guys! Come on, I don’t wanna be late for this! I told her six thirty in the note!” That was about a decent time, to be fair. It wasn’t that late, and Bob would ask his mom if she could pick them up, so neither of them had to walk home in the dark and cold. Plus, with greasers in town? Can you blame them now? 

“Yeah, yeah! Come on! This is gonna be so coooool!” Trip explained, beginning to laugh as the three had grabbed their bags and got ready to follow the two older boys. Bev kept quiet as she watched the boys, her brow raised partially before she too began to follow them. Beverly was stuck with her two idiotic brothers, she didn’t have a choice there. But, she followed them anyway, just listening into the conversation. “What’d ya plan on wearing, Bob?” Chet’s voice spoke out, his arm wrapping around Trip’s shoulder after. “Something casual. Maybe a new jacket?” Bob replied blanky. 

“A jacket? Not a leather one, right!?” Trip then called out. None of them liked greasers after all. A lot of the older ones that went to the school were assholes. If not all of them. “Hell no. What do I look like to you?” Bob asked, looking at the boy dressed in greens now. His brow was raised, but Randy was quiet as he walked, hands in his pockets as he looked around the area. He lived here all his life, and yet it always seemed the same. Like nothing would change around here. Maybe one day it would.

As the group walked, the two brothers would bicker back and forth with Bob, playful intentions of course. It wasn’t a long walk to the school, maybe a little bit further to the park though! But if anything, the group would walk there together and then split off. Trip and Chet would probably play football or play-wrestle before they went off, Beverly probably would go to find Marcia and the rest of the soc ladies.. Randy, Bob didn’t know, but he hoped the other would stick around. A soft sigh escaped Bob as he continued to walk, leading the way. 

With the ladies, Cherry was leading the way now, her smile wide as she walked ahead of the girls. The oldest, Aspen, walked behind them, a mean look on her face. It just was so nobody would mess with the girls. Think of a German Shepherd as a guard dog, and that was Aspen. So, she walked behind. “So, what’re we thinking about doing with your hair, Cher?” Marcia asked the girl dressed in pink and whites, resulting in a shrug. “Curls, maybe? Maybe something like Melody’s?” She suggested looking to Aspen. “I can do that for ya. No problem.”

Aspen, to Cherry and Marcia, was the designated older sister.   In a couple of months, the ravenette would be able to drive and bring these two wherever they needed to. Best thing about having upper class friends. “And I can do your makeup. I have an idea and everything.” Aspen continued to explain with the shrug of her shoulders. “Thanks, Asp. Really- and you too, Marcia. For helping me with this..” Cherry’ voice was genuine as she looked between the two dark-haired girls. An idea struck Aspen’s mind before she held a smile. “You’re welcome, Cher.” She confirmed, walking still.

Marcia smiled brightly, continuing to walk besides Cherry. “Of course! It’s our job as your best friends to help you out with this little love letter!” Marcia explained, letting out a small laugh seconds after. These girls were both right. They were Cherry’s best friends. And she would never trade them for the world. Her house wasn’t too far now as an idea popped into her head. “Heyy.. last one to the house has to as the parents if we can go to the diner before it!” She called out, which resulted in results from the two girls seconds after.

____________________________________________________

Cherry didn’t even notice the tears that had begun to fall down her rosy cheeks. She lifted a hand to wipe them away, a frown on her face as she tried to keep herself from being a crybaby. Why was she crying about a man who wouldn’t care if she got hurt? A man who gave up on even caring that night at the drive-in? He wasn’t there when Dallas Winston, Tulsa’s criminal, harassed her and Marcia. No. All Bob cared about was himself. But. she cared about him.Why in the fucking world did Cherry Valance care about him?

She gently began to kneel down, sitting on the ground below her and trying to remain calm in a way. She wasn’t hysterical in tears, no. She was silent as she sat on the gazebo’s grounds. All the flashbacks were flooding back, but she knew damn well there was more to this one that flashed her mind everytime her eyes would close. If Aspen was here, the girl would be questioning her. Even if her girlfriend was here. Everyone would be asking the same question she’d been asking herself here. Why did Cherry Valance care about Bob Sheldon after everything? 

She’d sniffle, running a hand through her hair and pulling her sweater close to her. Her keys were still held tightly in her hands. Maybe she shouldn’t be the one to check in on Bob. Take care of him. It wasn’t like he cared about her anymore. Randy had turned into his best friend. No more “King” and no more “Queen” of the socs. Well, maybe just a king. Cherry was… she didn’t know if she was fine with that. Kings were assholes a lot of time. And Bob.. well, he could be one in general. What was going on..

____________________________________________________

By the time the girls got home, Cherry was the one who had won, and Aspen had to talk to her parents about bringing the two girls to the diner before everything that was to happen. Cherry had a large smile on her face as she now seemed to be explaining everything to her parents. This was before everything between them happened. Before her father had started to drink his problems and her mother actually seemed interested in her life.  Cherry went to her room, placing her bag down by the door and having the girls take over her bed. 

“So! Let’s get this started! Show us the options!” Marcia squealed out, laying on her stomach as Aspen sat on the edge of the bed looking at Cherry. “Alright, alright! Hold on!” Cherry’s soft laughter echoed the room before she went over to the walk-in closet, taking out two dresses. One was a burgundy color, with short sleeves, at least sort of short. “Black or white kitten heels? Or bigger ones. Preferably bigger-” Cherry explained. “And of course, a couple of accessories!” She explained, laying the dress towards the front of the bed, over that little railing that it had.

She held the other dress up seconds after, giving a small smile to the two girls as she began to try and explain her vision. The dress was red with accents of white, mostly towards the collar and cuffs of the sleeves, a white belt to cinch her waist. “Maybe white pumps with it?” She then questioned, tilting her head. She saw the look of disapproval from Aspen, but who’s surprised there-  “First one. Suits you better.” Aspen commented, earning a sound of agreement from Marcia. “Yeah! And the outfit itself is just absolutely adorable!” She explained, all happily sounding. 

“It does match you, Cher. Really, it does.” Aspen then spoke up as she motioned towards Cherry. The redhead had a small smile on her face, a chuckle even escaping seconds after. “Okay, okay! Burgundy one it is!” She laughed out, watching as Marcia got up and gently took the red dress.” Aaaand!” The girl gently took the white belt off of the red dress, holding it to Cherry now. “Here! It matches if you put a white bow in your hair too!” She explained, watching the redhead take the belt and debate whether or not for a bow now.

So, after a couple seconds of silence from Cherry, she let out a soft sigh. “I mean, I do look cute with a bow in.” She’d hum out, earning soft cheers from Marcia, yet just a smile from Aspen. “Alright, pretty girl, go take a shower and then I’ll do your hair and makeup.” The oldest girl spoke as Cherry laughed softly and would nod her head. So, after grabbing everything, minus the shoes, she began to make her way towards the bathroom to take a decently long shower. Gotta get herself all dolled up for this lovely gorgeous night!

It didn’t take long for her to come out of the shower, dressed in the outfit from before and having a towel over her shoulders so the dress wouldn’t get all wet and cold. She stepped out, and back into her room, looking at the two girls who still appeared to have occupied her bed. Aspen was doing her biology work, whilst Marcia worked on history. When hearing the door close, both girls would lift their heads. “Aww!! Cherry, you look adorable!” Marcia spoke, her eyes and expression holding admiration. Aspen didn’t speak, but had given a small smile after. 

“Aww, thank you, Marcia!” Cherry smiled brightly, continuing to keep the towel wrapped around her shoulders before Aspen had gotten up and kept her small smile. “Alright, let’s get you all dolled up. What time is it?” She’d ask, looking at Marcia, who motioned towards the clock. “Around four twenty! Since we got out at three and it’s a short walk, and Cher’s shower was about thirty minutes!” Aspen hated math, so she was glad someone here was decent at it. “Alright, so about two hours left until we walk her there.” Aspen explained to the other girl, nodding again.

As Aspen got to work making sure the girl looked AMAZING for the next hour or so ahead, Cherry would ramble on and on about random things, each of the girls talking about their own little situations. Cherry’s hair, by the end of it, had long and flowy waves that would extend past her shoulders with a slightly tousled texture that would give it a naturally elegant look. The front of her hair featured a beautifully styled side-swept bang, gently curving across her forehead, creating a soft and alluring appearance. God, Cherry was beyond gorgeous to Aspen. So damn pretty.

That wasn’t it though. The bang was complemented by subtle layers that added a delicate movement and a touch of sophistication. The waves themselves are loose and voluminous, cascading down with a graceful flow that adds a touch of romance to the look.  And lastly, her hair was pinned back slightly on one side with a minimalist hair clip. “Here you go, Miss Valance!” Aspen teased, moving so Cherry could get up and look into her vanity, which wasn’t too far from where the girls were sitting. “Oh my gosh!! Cherry!! You look so pretty!!” Marcia squealed, letting out laughs.

“Okay, hair is done, now makeup!” Aspen cheered out, watching as Marcia sat up more to look between the two girls. “We’re not doing too much, right?” Cherry confirmed, looking up to Aspen, who would shake her head. “I promise. We’re not doing much. Just lip, eyeshadow and eyeliner.” She explained, going for eyeshadow first. With palette, given to her by Cherry’s mother, in hand, she gently applied a light pink over the eyelid, blending it well to the crease. She’d go over it with a white, highlighting the inner corner and the brow bone mere seconds after the first.

Aspen would gently begin to do the redheads mascara and eyeliner, giving a small smile before taking a couple of steps back and allowing Cherry to look at herself in the mirror. “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you, Asp!” The younger girl cheered, getting up and quickly hugging the older into a tight hug. Aspen was surprised for a moment or so, but had returned the hug seconds after with a small smile. “Yeah, yeah. Now, c’mon! We can go get milkshakes before everything and then walk you to the park.” Aspen explained, shrugging her shoulders couple seconds after.

“Yeah!” Marcia cheered, getting up and quickly slipping on her mary janes seconds after. “Come on, come on! It’s around five now! We have time and the walk to the diner isn’t too far!” She exclaimed, letting out a soft laugh and looking at the two girls, who’d begun to get themselves ready and prepared to head out and get ready. Aspen would trail behind, just to make sure nobody would think of coming near the three. Then again, she could also just call up one of her greaser buddies.. Yes, Aspen was friends with a greaser, go get bent.

It didn’t take long for the three girls to begin walking towards the diner, Aspen in the back, yet still focused on the area around. Cherry was rambling to Marcia on who the mystery man could be. “Y’know, it’s gotta be someone who admires you, obviously!” Marcia exclaimed, gently nudging Cherry’s arm as they walked. “Well, who actually admires me in the school?” Cherry then questioned, tilting her head and looking at the girl with a confused look. “Well, plenty of people admire you, Cherry. You’re the prettiest girl in the school.” Aspen calmly commented with a calming like tone.

“Still! I don’t talk to many people in the school but you girls and the soc boys. Like Chet and them.” Cherry pointed out, looking between the two girls. Aspen had a small smile on her face, knowing something so it seemed. “Well, Chet and Trip are too focused on football players, and Randy- well, I don’t know. Bobby’s seemed to have his eyes on you for a while now.” She teased, watching as both girls rolled their eyes towards the nickname given about Bob. “Don’t call him that.” Cherry muttered softly, looking at the older girl with a frown. 

Aspen shrugged her shoulders as she walked, seeming to be the threatening looking one of the group. It didn’t take long for the three to walk to the diner, watching as the oldest ravenette held open the door for the other two younger girls and allowed them to walk in. They could be considered regulars, but that was just because Aspen always showed up and she practically worked at the diner. A soft sigh escaped the workers before one spoke up. “Hiya, girls!” The woman had a southern drawl to her voice, giving a gentle smile to the three girls.

“Hey, Ms. Rose!” Cherry greeted, giving a genuine and soft smile towards the older woman before going over to a table, and the older woman would walk over with a pen and paper. “What can you get you ladies? And my, Cherry, don’t you look adorable tonight!” Ms. Rose exclaimed, looking between each girl and smiling genuinely. “Oh, can we get our usuals?” Aspen asked, giving a pleading look. “Three milkshakes?” Ms. Rose asked, earning a nod in response from the oldest soc lady between them all. The woman let out a soft chuckle and nodded her head. She knew.

Writing down the order, Ms. Rose would turn to make her way towards the back, towards the kitchen in order to get everything done for these girls. She did enjoy these girls coming around, they were sweet girls. Ms. Rose couldn’t say anything mean about either of those girls, she loved them all. “Thanks, Ms. Rose!” The three girls called out, earning a small laugh from Ms. Rose seconds later. “You’re welcome ladies, it’ll be out soon.” That was true. It didn’t take long for the drinks to be brought to the girls, each of them having their own one. 

____________________________________________________

The tears by now were falling hard down Cherry’s cheeks. Her eyes tightly closed, mind trying to stop the flashbacks that would disappear out of her mind. She just wished everything was how it was back then. For everything to be back to normal and back to when she was a little kid. Back when the girls would sit in their houses and gush about crushes, milkshakes every Friday after school before going to the drive-in. Girls nights out, the football games, everything about it. Cherry didnt’ even feel like going  to the drive-in most nights now. Not after everything. 

Which was valid. Aspen had begun to distance herself from the girls, Chery had herself a girlfriend, and Marcia and Bev? She didn’t really know. She covered her face with her hands, leaning back and trying to force her breathing to even. This wasn’t a panic attack, no. She’s just- it’s been a long night. Her eyes remained closed as she would hide her face in her hands. She wouldn’t go bother Sandy with her problems, her girlfriend probably had some of her own to deal with. Same with the other girls. She didn’t want to bother them with hers.

She wouldn’t do that to anyone. Her issues were her own to deal with. A couple sobs escaped her, only as she’d cover her mouth and try to relax. This all was driving her insane. Maybe she could just sleep it off! Yeah! That sounded like a good idea. Go home and sleep it off later. For now, she remained where she was, her breathing eventually evening itself out and forcing her to try and relax with the situation at hand. That was just- this was all a lot for her to really deal with. It really was right now.

 This was too much. Way too much. Cherry let out a sigh, leaning back so she could practically lay down where she’d been sitting. “I’m okay. I’m okay.. I’m okay..” She spoke softly, as if leveling herself down with the world surrounding her. Everything was okay. Cherry was okay. She may be alone right now, but she’s okay. Everything. Was. Okay. She’s breathing fine, her mind’s a bit scrambled, but that’s okay. Maybe it would’ve been best if Cherry left. Gone home, gone to Sandy’s. Anyone that could help her out. But people say it's bad to drive while crying.

Which made sense. Her vision would get blurry, that was common with this all. A low sigh escaped her, her expression growing cold slightly as she looked between the area around her. It was still dark, the stars above shining down. Like they were mocking her for crying. That wasn’t a surprise at all. Not at all. She tried to keep her calm, eventually allowing a sigh of relief to escape her. She stared up at the gazebo’s top, her eyes opening slightly as she blankly stared at the top of it. Just a blank and clearly tired death stare.

____________________________________________________

By now, the girls were on their way towards the park, trying to get there in time. It was around six twenty now, and Cherry was beyond nervous. But, she was making her way there as quickly as she could. “Come on, come on! I can’t be late!” Cherry called out, her quick walk turning into a jog. “Go on without us, Cher! Just be careful!” Marcia called out, letting out soft little laughs, watching as the redhead had taken the advice and began to make her way towards the park much quicker now. “Be careful, Cherry!” Now that’s Aspen.

It didn’t take long for the redhead to get to the gazebo in the park, taking in the area. There were dim lights hanging from the corners of the gazebo, and there was one directly hanging from the middle. A figure had caught her attention, and it seemed to have been someone she knew deeply. Taking in the boy’s appearance, at least from the back, her eyes were wide. “Bob?” She called out, watching the boy's shoulders tense up slightly before he had turned away. Sandy blonde hair, blue-ish eyes, the same Bob she really did know. Wait a second..

“Cherry-! Hi!” Bob spoke, his voice cracking slightly, not like Cherry would judge, but a small little laugh did escape her because of it. “Hey!” The redhead greeted before looking down at her shoes. “Were you the one who wrote the letter?” She asked, having not even noticed the boy holding flowers in his hand, and a plushie. A fox, specifically. A pink and white fox. How he got it? Cherry didn’t know. Bob was nervous to reply, but it didn't take long for him to. “Yeah.. yeah.. I did..” He spoke sheepishly, avoiding eye contact with the shorter girl.

This was Bob Sheldon. A boy who always had that sense of confidence amongst the group of socs. Minus Randy. Those two were practically inseparable. That’s okay! “Hey, you don’t have to avoid eye contact with me! It’s okay!” Cherry’s voice was soft, like honey. It made a small smile form on Bob’s face as he lifted his head slightly to look at Cherry. “What did you want to talk about?” Cherry then asked, watching as a blush began to form on Bob’s face. Oh boy. She was the one asking about it. Oh my god.  This wouldn’t go well.

“Uh- right, right!” Bob’s stutter had caught Cherry’s attention, resulting in a small frown that appeared. “Hey, what’s the matter?” Cherry tilted her head upon asking, her expression worried and nervous now. She did have a valid reason to be nervous and worried about why Bob stuttered. “Look- Cherry- promise me this won’t ruin anything?” He questioned, now looking Cherry in the eyes. That made Cherry hold a nervous look on her face. “No, this won’t ruin anything. I promise.” Cherry spoke strongly, reaching down to take Bob’s hand into her own and lock pinkies with him. “Pinky promise, Bob.”

Bob let out a soft sigh of relief at the pinky promise, nodding his head. “Okay.” He started off, moving back slightly to hold out the flowers and plushie. “Firstly, these are for you.” He explained, watching as Cherry’s eyes widened and a bright smile had begun to form on her face. She didn’t speak, but it was clear that she was appreciating the flowers and plushie, just with the way she’d been holding them close to her chest. “Secondly,” Bob went to speak, beginning to pick at any dirt under his nails now. Fixing the jacket he wore here..

“Look- I.. I like you.” Bob spoke, trying not to sound as nervous as he did. But- he wss. Bob Sheldon was nervous. For once in his life, he was genuinely nervous. Cherry was a pretty girl, boys had their eyes on her all the time. But Bob? He didn’t even know if he had a chance. Letting out a sigh, he began to speak up again. “I get it if you don’t like me back, I ain’t that good lookin-” He got cut off by a pair of arms wrapping around him tightly. Cherry was hugging him. Soon returned.

He had grown quiet, his face flushing red before hearing Cherry’s soft voice. “I like you too.. Really, I do.” That brought  a sigh of relief to escape Bob, his shoulders relaxing as he held Cherry in his arms. “I have for a while. Just thought you didn’t have eyes for me.” Cherry began to explain, resting her head on Bob’s chest, hearing his heartbeat pick up. The curly haired boy had to stop himself from laughing, looking down to Cherry. “Really? You thought I wouldn’t have eyes for you? Cher- you’re one of the prettiest girls in the school.” 

“Not really, but thank you.” Cherry had really bad self-esteem, especially with everything that happened. She held a small smile, thankfully, humming as Bob’s chest rose and fell with every breath the blonde boy would take. This was stressful. After a couple seconds of silence, Bob’s voice than rang throughout her ears. “..would you maybe.. Possibly.. Want to be my girlfriend?”  His voice was soft, resting his chin on Cherry’s head, waiting for an answer from the shorter redhead. There was no answer for a couple of seconds, before Cherry had replied with a soft tone. “I would love to..”

____________________________________________________

“Fucking christ..” Cherry finally mustered out, curled in on herself. She forced herself up onto her feet, no more tears left to cry. She was tired. She took in a shaky breath, beginning to force herself towards her car once more. She’d go home, and probably sleep all of it off. If anyone called, she wouldn’t pick up. She didn’t have the energy to even call anyone. Not even her girlfriend. As much as she loved Sandy, she’s just.. Tired. Tired of everything, Maybe she should just- call someone to come pick her up. Drive to a payphone and call. 

…maybe she should call someone. But she didn’t wanna leave her car- she didn’t trust anyone. Maybe Aspen or someone was around. Aspen did enjoy late night walks after all- but then Cherry would have to walk and go to a payphone. Y’know, maybe driving just sounded easier. So, she’d begun to make her way towards her car, trying her damn well hardest not to let the tiredness kick in. But it was. So, she stumbled towards her car, yet was careful as she walked and tried to keep herself awake. Just get to the car and go home. Easy.

Just gotta get herself home. Then everything would be okay. She got into her car, putting the key into the ignition and beginning to drive home now. Randy could deal with Bob. They were best friends after all. So, Randy could deal with Bob, and Cherry would go home. Go home, eat some ice cream, and take a long ass nap due to crying. Everything’s fine. She didn’t think while she drove home, the music of the radio gently playing in the background. All of this was her fault. Every last one of it. She was always to blame now. 

Everything happened because of her. EVERYTHING. As she drove, she didn’t dare to look out the window like she would. She only slowed down when it came to red lights and stop signs. She wondered what it would be like if she hadn’t even talked to Ponyboy that night. If she just continued to ignore Dallas Winston. If she hadn’t told Pony and Johnny to sit up front with Marcia and herself. Everything would’ve been the same. The greasers would still be losers with their destiny’s to fail, and the socs caught the whole world by the tail. Stupid. Stupid..

It didn’t take long to get home, Cherry parking her car in the driveway and carefully getting out after turning it off and pocketing her key. Just go inside, grab the ice cream, and go to her room. Not like her parents cared. They were too busy arguing to notice anything either way. She made her way to the house, using her keys to unlock the door before pushing it open. “I’m home.” She spoke out, hearing no response. Of course. Her mother was probably upstairs, and her father a drunken mess asleep on the couch, Lovely fucking day, right? 

She made her way to the kitchen, looking around. Opening the fridge, just for clarification, she was in the right. On the top shelf was a couple bottles of beer, at least only two left. That’s how often it was. It wasn’t like her father was abusive or anything to her, no. Her father just started a lot of the arguments, and her mother was growing distant from the family. Cherry wouldn’t be surprised if the two divorced by now. She wouldn’t even be surprised. Closing the fridge and then opening the freezer for her ice cream, she kept quiet.

Everything was stressing her out, of course it was. Grabbing a spoon from the drawer and making her way upstairs to her room, she’d use her shoes to close the door behind her. Everything’s fine. She was glad to have a TV in her room, just so she didn’t have to deal with the arguments that could linger between her parents. So, she sat down on her bed and had begun to already eat her tub of ice cream. Which would probably be done in an hour. The perks of being sad and emotional, and even craving ice cream again. 

She kept repeating one phrase in her mind. “Everything. Is. Fine.” She focused her attention on the TV, a random movie playing. Some stupid romance movie. Fuck off. Really? Calling her out? She’d let out a groan of annoyance, but kept watching the movie anyway. Who cares right now? Cherry just wants to be sad and overthink. Plus, she already blamed herself. Y’know, she could move out of Tulsa. Randy left and came back. But what if she decided to stay gone? Maybe that’d be better than staying in this dead-end town. She’d just get up and go far away.

____________________________________________________

Fucking hell, another flashback? This one was… not as bad? Cherry was laid quietly in bed, curled up besides the boy she’d called her boyfriend. Bob had a gentle arm wrapped around her shoulders, focused on the movie that was playing. There was a bowl of popcorn between the two, drinks on the bedside table. Which she’s not mad about. On the screen was a random movie, Cherry being cuddled up into his side and her own eyes closed. She’d been tired, walking all day and stressing out over classes and just dealing with boys trying to flirt with her.

Ick. Automatically. The two were in peaceful silence, besides the movie in the background and the soft breathing between the two. Cherry broke it however. “You’re so handsome..” Her voice was soft, just above a whisper by now. It had caught Bob’s attention. “What?” His voice was soft as well, yet a little bit more mumbled and tired sounding. Of course they were tired. It’d been a long, LONG day at the highschool. It was a long fucking day and they just wanted to sleep it off. Hopefully without interruption. Cherry’s eyes were already closed, just gently humming aloud now. 

“I said you’re handsome..” Cherry’s voice mumbled, hiding her face in the crook on the curly-haired boys neck. Not like anyone could judge. It was only her and him alone. With a side of you that only Cherry knew. “Oh, hush, love..” Bob’s voice never once left that tired sound, just as he began to run a hand through Cherry’s hair. A comforting motion. Cherry would hum in protest, trying her hardest to keep calm. “You are.. Just accept the compliment..” She complained softly, hiding her face in the boy's chest. “Okay, okay.. Thank you, baby.” Bob would the mumble.

It didn’t take long for the two to begin to fall asleep, the movie, by now a different one, playing gently in the background. The lamp light had been turned off a couple seconds prior to fully falling asleep, Cherry having hid her face in the boy’s chest in order to avoid the light. Her parents knew Bob was here, and the two wouldn't do anything weird of the sort. So, they had just cuddled and fell asleep amongst everything. Amongst the quiet, amongst the peace. Everything was okay between them. Cherry wouldn’t trade it for the world. No.

____________________________________________________

As Cherry ate her ice cream whilst something random playing on the tv in the background. At this point, it was just background noise and she wouldn’t dare to complain about it. As her mind had begun to relax from the flashback, more and more would kick in. Ice skating, walking around Tulsa and further to see Christmas Lights, Halloween again, everything. All these memories.. Fuck off. All these memories needed to FUCK. OFF. She sat up in her bed, letting out a frustrated sigh. Why were these memories coming to her? They were over and now fully done with.

No more Cherry and no more Bob. King and Queen of Tulsa, now split up. Who cared? Cherry sat up with narrowed eyes, staring at the tv now. The tub of ice cream still had a bit in it, her sad and tired emotions now annoyed as she stood to her feet. She had kicked off her shoes, making her way downstairs to put the ice cream away and put the spoon in the sink. Her father was still asleep, thank whoever above. She walked with quiet steps, trying to get back to her room as quickly as possible now.

Didn’t want to wake up her father and get bitched at. So, as quietly as she had been downstairs, she went upstairs mere seconds later. The shower was on, but no noise. Her mother. No surprise there. She wouldn’t speak a word upon passing by the bathroom, opening her door and closing it once she’d gotten inside. She locked it, allowing herself to let out a content sigh and try to cool. She’s okay. Everything’s okay. Bob wasn’t in her life anymore. Not after the argument at the drive-in. That’s damn right. No more queen and king of Tulsa. Woo!

____________________________________________________

Cherry remembered that night way too well. The night at the drive-in. That night was when they broke up. Well- when she had broken up with Bob. She’d just been talking to that greaser boy, Ponyboy. He had a funny name, an original one, but still funny nonetheless. A soft squeaking sound had escaped her at the sound of her then boyfriends voice, just as he interrupted the conversation. He’d been clearly drunk. “Cherry! What the hell are you doing hanging around this ignorant piece of shit?” He had questioned, even motioning towards Ponyboy, who stood quietly couple steps back.

“Stop it, Bob.” She recalled saying, trying to keep calm and stop an argument from escalating. Which, it probably would knowing everything that was about to happen. Footsteps caught her attention. She stood with widened eyes, looking between everyone. Two-Bit was here now, as was Marcia and Johnny. Well, Marcia stood closer to Cherry, as Two and Johnny stood closer to Pony. The greasers were outnumbered. Two appeared to be holding a now empty beer bottle. Directed to Bob, he spoke. “Is there a problem here?” He questioned, pausing in his words before holding a dorky-like smile “Robert?” He finished.

Bob held an annoyed expression, holding his flash tightly in hand as he looked at the greasers with such disappointment and disgust. “You greasers don’t know where you’re damn place is.” Bob pointed out, pointing towards Ponyboy after speaking. “Opie Taylor here was movin’ in on my lady.” His tone had grown cold as Ponyboy seemed to be avoiding eye contact. It took a couple of seconds forPony to even speak up. “We were just talking.” He’d explain to the taller boy, watching his movements. Bob didn’t think this was true at all. Not one bit. This was going south. 

“You were just talkin?” Bob started, looking between Ponyboy and Cherry, before speaking up again. “Is that what it was?” He then focused all of his attention on Cherry, his words slurring and annoyance laced in his tone. “Cherry, get in the car.” The redhead would only take  a step back, her eyes wide as she shook her head. “How much have you had to drink?” Good questions. Cherry wouldn’t drive with a drunk. She told him how badly she hated it. There was fear in her voice before Bob spoke again. “Enough to know we’re done here.” He grumbled.

Even Two-Bit could tell that Cherry didn’t want to ride with the soc, peaking up. “It’s pretty clear the lady doesn’t want to ride with you, Prom King.”  He called out from where he stood, continuing to hold the empty beer in his hand. Ponyboy had sent what looked to be an apologetic look to Cherry, his expression holding guilt as Johnny stood besides him. “You wanna fight?” Bob would question, looking Two-Bit dead in the eyes. “Just me and you? Man-to-man?” Bob stepped up slightly, drawling a line in the dirt before pointing at Two-Bit with a dirty look.

“Step up to the line, Sugarbush.” It didn’t take long for a fight to almost start. Two had broken  bottle, handed it off and already had stepped up to the line. Greasers would step forward as the fellow socs, like Chet and all of them, had begun yipping like coyotes would. Mayhem could happen at any second before Cherry had stepped between the two boys. “Enough! I’m nt going anywhere with anyone!” She’d speak strongly, looking between Two-Bit and Bob now, her eyes wide. She hated flights, she couldn’t stand them. They drove her crazy. Every single fight did it.

Her chest rose and fell heavily with each breath she took, trying to remain calm, but she’s not calm in the slightest. Bob would look down to her from where he stood, looking at the redhead. “Sherri Elaine Valance, get in the car.” His tone had grown cold as he spoke to Cherry, looking her dead in the eyes. Though his eyes had widened at the next set of words Cherry said. “Bob, we’re done!” Her tone was serious, growing quiet as she stood her ground seconds later. “..Whattaya mean we’re done? What does that even mean?” Bob then questioned.

That’s how drunk he was. Bob didn’t even know what Cherry was on about. Marcia stood her own ground, looking between the king and queen of socs. “It means she’s done, Bob.” She spoke up, but had gone quiet after Bob gave her  a practical death glare. “Eat shit, Marcia.” He gave a scowl towards Marcia, flipping her off seconds after. Cherry had to try and keep calm before turning to fully face Bob. “Stop it! Just stop! It’s over, okay, Bob!?” She then motioned between the two of them. “This is over!” She spoke, him turning dead silent now.

“....did you just break up with me?” His tone still had that coldness to it. He watched as Cherry crossed her arms, staring up to Bob with an annoyed expression. “Is that what just happened?” There was a tense silence in the air. A very, very tense silence. Cherry would remain silent as she watched the drunk boys movements,  “Cherry.. Get in the car.” Bob sounded almost threatening. She didn’t move, but continued to hold her ground and try to seem heavy-minded against Bob. But she was nervous when the taller boy had crossed over to her. Complete utter fear.

There were no words spoken between the two, before Bob had pointed at Ponyboy with a death stare. “You’re fucking dead, loser.” He spoke, turning to walk past Cherry and head towards his car. Other socs, like Chet, Trip and Brill, had begun to follow. It didn’t take Paul long either to follow. Two-Bit, without a second glance, spoke to Johnny and Ponyboy. “Let’s get outta here.” He spoke up, turning to leave with Ace following after him. And Steve. Cherry however, spoke up whilst avoiding eye contact. “Ponyboy? If I don’t say hi to you at school-” She started.

“Don’t take it the wrong way.” She felt guilty before going over to Marcia, who had her arms out for a hug. Cherry had instantly relaxed into the girl wearing greens arms. Ponyboy felt horrible. That all just happened because of him. He took a couple of seconds before nodding his head and being gently nudged by Johnny. “Come on.” The more quiet boy spoke, turning to lead the way to the Curtis household. This wasn’t going to be fun next time Bob had caught him. He was already late home. But with Bob? He was SO SCREWED. God damnit..

____________________________________________________

Cherry went quiet as she now stared straight ahead at her tv for a bit. She was now dressed in comfortable pajamas, her expression blank. She should just sleep all of this off. She really should. She shed enough tears over Bob Sheldon. Randy could go help him over that hangover. She didn’t care anymore. Everything was over. She wasn’t needed, and damn well, she didn’t want anything to do with Bob Sheldon anymore. She was tired of him. Falling back and laying under the covers now, she had one thing back on her mind. Get herself some good sleep. 

[thewritersofdeceased]

im really bad at writing these little things before the official story thing ain't I? but recently, it snowed in my state so what better to way to get back into writing the outsiders x reader than small headcanons for them!!

The greaser boys x s/o who loves winter!

DARREL CURTIS

Darry prefers summertime all the way, it's too cold to do roofing in the winter.

But with an S/O who loves winter? He just wants to make sure they're warm.

If they're out in the snow too long, he's already preparing hot chocolate for them.

Of course, he enjoys the facts that Ponyboy and Sodapop enjoy being in the snow with them, but he gets worried about all of them getting sick

will take care of his s/o if they do get sick from the snow

SODAPOP CURTIS

Like Darry, Sodapop prefers the summertime! He doesn't own many jackets

But that doesn't mean he wouldn't play in the snow with his s/o! Sure, he'll get sick but he doesn't care!

He has so much fun with you! especially when it comes to snowball fights or even making snow angels!

after a while, he'd make his s/o come inside, mostly at night since he doesn't trust the SOCs to come around and start a snowball war.

PONYBOY CURTIS

Just like his older brothers, he isn't fond of the snow but he'll deal with it.

His S/O and him probably walk to school together, and it sometimes results with a snowball fight between the two.

He doesn't enjoy sitting on the snow mostly, it's way too damn cold.

And just like Sodapop, he doesn't wear jackets or own many so he always freezes..

JOHNNY CADE

Johnny's used to the colder weather so he doesn't have a problem with the snow

He'll sit with his s/o in the snow and watch them play, it'll just take a bit of time for him to actually play in the snow as well!

He'll definitely freeze a bit and complain, but who can blame him?

He also has never had hot chocolate- so, that's gonna have to be made for him.

DALLAS WINSTON

the biggest complainer in the world.

In other words, he absolutely HATES, no LOATHES, winter.

Winter pisses him off because he gets sick quickly and can't wear his leather jacket without freezing his ass off.

Complains ALL DAY LONG. LITERALLY ALL DAY.

STEVE RANDEL

like Dallas, hates it

He doesn't like the feeling of big poofy jackets, he just wants his vest

it also sucks for when he's working on cars, the ABSOLUTE worse.

makes good chicken soup for if you get sick outside though!

TWO BIT MATTHEWS

THE ONLY ONE WHO DOESN'T HATE THE SNOW!!

Becuase he has a little sister, he's used to going out into the snow with anyone!

Actually bundles up and goes out with you, going from snowball fights to snow angels, to making snowmen!

Two's the best man to ask whenever it's winter, doesn't matter how cold he gets!

[thewritersofdeceased]

listen folks, i know we all hate bob here, but i really wanted to write something sappy for him and cherry if everything was different than it originally was. and because this song has been on my fyp for weeks or months now, i wanted to do it. enjoy :3

This all felt too strange to Cherry Valance. Far too strange. Here she stood on the steps of the school’s stairs, having sat on top of them for hours. She was dead silent, staring straight at the ground below her. What was she supposed to do? She didn’t want to go home, her parents were probably in their usual head spaces. Shitty. So, she sat at the stairs of the school, her car not that far away from her sight, for whenever she was ready to go home. Which wouldn’t be soon, that's for sure. Not tonight at least. Hopefully.

Though, it wasn’t long after that the sound of an all too familiar car had caught her attention. A corvette. An all too familiar sounding corvette. What? The corvette belonged to her boyfriend but- he was supposed to be in the hospital. She lifted her head slightly, as if she needed a better view of the car that had caught her interest. It was now besides her own, just… there.. Behind it, so she couldn’t see anyone if they were in it. It took her a couple of seconds to stand up on the steps, grabbing her keys seconds after.

It had been either the hospital or dead, that Bob was supposed to be. So why was his corvette parked besides her own car? She’d walk down one or two steps, keeping all her attention on the corvette and her own car that had been in her sight. It took her a couple seconds to pause upon seeing just who had stepped out of the car. Bob Sheldon. This had to have been a dream. Cherry stared with widened eyes slightly, as if this was fake. But.. this had to have been. Bob was-... What was going on? C’mon, Cherry.

She’d closed her eyes for a second, covering her face with her hands and trying to process everything that was happening beyond her very eyes. This HAD to have been a dream of some sort, there was no way it wasn’t! Footsteps made her eyes open and her hands lower to intertwine in front of her. Which, with one hand, she’d pinch her wrist and let out a soft noise of discomfort upon doing so. To make sure this wasn’t a dream. No, this was reality. She stared at the boy in front of her, her eyes widening once more.

Softly, she spoke up. “Is it you?” She questioned, her expression softening as she looked at the boy. “Have my prayers been answered?” She asked, remaining where she was on the steps on the stairs. Her keys remained in hand, now just dangling in them. She wasn’t religious, no. But she had been praying he was safe. As much as Bob did horrible things, she still cared deeply about him. “Is it really you standing there? Or am I dreaming once more..?” Her tone grew soft, as if she wasn’t believing in herself anymore. Who could really blame her now?

“...you look different..” She commented, looking into the boy's eyes, a frown beginning to form on her face. “Your eyes look tired.. Your frame is lighter.” She didn’t mean no harm with that phrase, but it was something she took note of. Bob remained where he stood, looking at Cherry with a slight… frown. Which was rare from the “king of socs”, as people claimed. “Your smile torn..” She would take a couple steps down the stairs again, now standing eye level with the boy. “Is it really you, my love?” She asked softly, tilting her head to one side.

Bob didn’t answer at first, allowing a shaky breath to escape him. He lowered his gaze, his hands being his pockets. It took him a couple of seconds to even think of an answer, not daring to look Cherry in the eyes now. He didn’t deserve to. “I am not the man you fell in love with.” He spoke, clasping his palms together just on a random whim. Just to keep them somewhere without balling them into a fist or anything of the sort. No. He couldn’t be mad here. “I am not the man you once adored.” That’s true.

“I am not your kind and gentle boyfriend.” He grumbled out, watching Cherry adjust how she’d been standing. “And I am not the love you knew before.” His tone grew soft as he lifted his head to look Cherry in the eyes now. They had shared a look, Cherry’s eyes holding confusion, as if it were a dream, and Bob’s holding sorrow. For everything he had done. It took Bob a while for him to ask something from the red-haired girl. “Would you fall in love with me again? If you knew all I’ve done?” What did he not do..

He took in a shaky breath, standing tall and trying to remain calm. “The things I cannot change. Would you love me all the same?” He asked, lifting his head to meet Cherry’s gaze. She was looking at him, her brows furrowed close together and eyes filled with sorrow and pain now. She waited months for him to be okay. And here he was. Thinking she wouldn’t love him anymore. “I know that you’ve been waiting..” Bob muttered, his breathing uneven, more than usual. “Waiting for love.” He muttered out, rubbing the back of his neck as Cherry remained quiet.

“...What kinds of things did you do?” Cherry questioned, looking at the boy with a now tilted head. Her hands had still been clasped in front of her. The question made Bob’s expression drop. He’d done plenty bad. Way too much. “Left a trail of red on the East side..” He admitted, now watching as Cherry’s eyes had narrowed in response to this confession. “As I ruined friends, like objects I could use.” That just made Cherry stare at him with more annoyance than anything. “Hurt more lives than I can count on my hands-” He mumbled, reaching to her.

He watched as she took a step back, looking at him with disgust almost. “But all of that was to bring me back to you-!” He spoke seconds later, his tone almost desperate as he reached towards Cherry with a hand. “So tell me! Would you fall in love with me again!? If you knew all I’ve done!” He explained, his tone desperate as ever. “The things I can’t undo!? I am not the man you knew!” He spoke, looking down to avoid eye contact. “I know that you’ve been waiting, waiting-” His pleas got cut off by Cherry’s words.

“...If that’s true, could you do me a favor?” She asked, looking at him now with a tilted head. Her arms had crossed slightly. Bob looked at her with widened eyes, as if he was willing to do anything. “Just one simple favor, that would bring me some peace.” She spoke, walking past him and going over to her car to unlock it for a moment. She would unlock it for a moment before taking out his old letterman jacket, placing it on the hood of the car. “See that jacket there?” She asked, resulting in a head nod there.

She looked him in the eyes, keeping a calm look on her face before speaking up again. “Could you carry it over?” She asked, watching Bob’s eyes widen even more than they already were. “Have it over your shoulder, and take it far away from here?” She asked, watching as Bob’s eyes narrowed slightly in response to her question. She had to have been joking. Had to be. He took in a shaky breath slightly, standing straight up but now looking at the jacket for a moment or so. “How could you say that?” He asked, almost ignoring the request.

“I had given you that jacket, throughout every little thing.” He spoke, rolling his eyes slightly. He was here, begging for forgiveness, and here Cherry was. Asking him to toss out the jacket He had given her? He had a reason to be upset. As he stared at Cherry, he continued to speak. “Carved our names into that cherry tree where we first met.” He continued, watching as Cherry just… stared. Not a blank one, but one of genuine interest now. She had all her attention on him. “A symbol of our love everlasting-” His breath was scattered by now.

Cherry didn’t respond at all, waiting to see if the words this boy was saying were truly real. So far, it did appear that way. “Do you realize what you have asked me-?” His tone grew… a bit more harsher, but to be fair, he had himself a valid reason for it. Motoning towards the jacket that remained perched on the top of the car, his eyes were narrowed and jaw slightly clenched. “The only way to forget it, is to cut it apart!” He snapped, but it didn’t take long for the red haired girl to respond colder now.

“Only my boyfriend knew that! So I guess that makes him YOU!” Cherry snapped in response, though she cut off her own words seconds after. She was staring at the boy, taking in shaky breaths and taking a step or so towards Bob. She looked up to him, being partially shorter as she stood facing him. “Cherry?” His voice was soft as Cherry continued to look up at him. A soft look had actually formed on her face now, reaching up to hold his face with one hand. “I will fall in love with you-” Her tone never grew rude.

She looked into his eyes, being genuine here. “Over, and over again. I don’t care how, where or when-” She continued, letting her shoulders relax and rest normally. She’d been tense, not even knowing if he had remembered everything, truly. “No matter how long it’s been, you’re mine.” She explained, before taking a couple steps back and running her hands through her hair. A motion to calm herself down. “Don’t tell me you’re not the same person!” She then exclaimed, looking at him for a couple seconds. “You’re always my boyfriend and I’ve been waiting!” She waited all those months.

She repeated the small phrase repeatedly. She’d been waiting MONTHS to be able to talk to the boy again. Looking at him, her toen then grew soft. “...how long has it been?” She asked, looking at him with a frown before walking down to stand in front of him again. He glanced down at her slightly, keeping his frown. “...four months..” His voice went down a notch, no longer sounding as harsh as it had moments prior. “I… love… you..”

[thewritersofdeceased]

now jason schmidt fanfic OR jason!sodapop fic

[thewritersofdeceased]

Idk if you’ve gotten an ask like this yet but, what about grumpy x event more grumpy Vance x reader headcanons?? 😭 Also idk if you do this (if you don’t ignore this) can I be known as 🕷️🦈 anon?

-🕷️🦈

I don't actually think I've gotten an ask like this, so I thank you for this!! I'm sorry this is super late, I've been delaying all my writings, I hope you do enjoy! These are pretty short because I haven't written Vance in a while, so I deeply apologize :((

grumpy x event more grumpy Vance x reader headcanons

Vance meeting someone as grumpy and annoyed at the world like him is a huge and a rare surprise. 

He’s still a rude individual per usual.

Until he realizes you two are almost the same.

The annoyance and low tolerance for people, the hatred for them?

You two are basically the same person.

You two have gotten into arguments before, no doubt in that.

Vance started them, we all know that. 

Either way, argument happened or not, Vance will always defend you and fight whoever fucks with you. 

[thewritersofdeceased]

Can you do with the the TBP boys if you can with a partner that’s very prideful about the boys? Like they talk about them a lot and overall very boastful about hem?

Getting through all of my requests with an energy drink by my hand and Roblox on my phone! This one is a bit different than the way I write my usual TBP headcanons, but I'm taking inspiration from the stories I've read with the boys! I hope this is well, they're short little explanations!

Finney is surprised that you can speak so highly of him. Like- you? Speaking highly? Of him? Finney’s glad that you can speak of him highly, but he also thinks it’s a bit too much sometimes. Especially if the way you talk about him gets told to Matt, Matty and Buzz. Don’t get him wrong! He loves how you can talk so proudly about him, but he’s a tad-bit nervous about it too. Can’t blame the kid, he’s naturally quiet and prefers to keep it that way. He’ll never stop loving you for it. It brings him joy knowing someone cares about him like that.

Robin’s the opposite of Finney in every way possible. He’s proud that you talk about him, it definitely boosts his confidence and happiness. Sure, people talk about him but only due to his appearance and his fights. When it comes to you and the way you talk about him? He gets happy. Genuinely. If he’s around to hear it, he has a wide smile that’s on his face, even if he’s with Finney and Gwen. He’ll get a wider smile or a smirk if Moose hears it, after all, he did kick that kids ass. Talk shit and get hit. He’s always happy you care.

Bruce, like Robin, genuinely gets happy knowing how prideful you are. As he’s the same way! He can go on for hours and hours talking about you, and it seems almost the same way. It’s mutual. He knows some of the girls in the school or town can get jealous, but he doesn’t care. He’s always with you if you’re ever talking about him, unless he’s on the baseball field. He just loves you so much, and hearing you talk so proudly and prideful of him makes a hint of red show up on his face. He loves you so damn much. Definitely gets you flowers because of it too.

Now, Vance, is an annoying pain in the ass when it comes to hearing about you talking prideful of him. Especially when he’s nearby. If he hears you talking about him while he’s around, there’s this prideful smirk that forms on his face. Let alone if it comes when he’s fighting or after a fight he’s done. It brings him superb joy to hear anyone speak proudly and prideful of him. He’ll cling to you after hearing you speak of him in such light. If anyone tries to butt into the conversation and say something negative about him or even you, you know damn well he’ll punch them right then and there.

Billy’s a bit confused on why you’re talking so prideful about him, there isn’t much pride to him. He’s a quiet kid, just like Griffin and Finney. But he gets it. He talks prideful about you to the boys. They have to deal with him yapping about you and how amazing you are. If he hears you talking highly about his appearance, his face will be red,especially if he’s around. He’s head over heels with you, so hearing you talk highly about him makes his knees go weak and butterflies fly around in his stomach. 

Lastly, Griffin. He’s also confused why you talk so prideful about him, there isn’t really much to be proud of him. As he likes to claim. He’ll accept all the compliments and the words you say, but deep down he’s nervous really. He doesn’t know how people react to your prideful words, so he’s nervous about it. Let alone what people say about him from it. It brings him a weird fear, as he’s the “freak” of the school and the target to bullies. So hearing you talk so highly about him, a kid who doesn’t talk in class, it makes him nervous, but he’s still happy someone speaks prideful of him.

[thewritersofdeceased]

Please write about reader who is extremely sensitive and cries about every single thing like reader scrapes her knee? She's crying for like and hour, and then there's vance who has anger management issues but learns to control it for reader.(it's my fav type of things to read about😋)

I LOVE WRITING VANCE GUYS ITS SM FUN FOR ME!! Now, this was fun for me to really think of and to do! Vance with his annoyance when it comes to pain with a reader who cries and is extremely sensitive!? I fuck with that so heavily, so let’s get this show on the row!! 

1/03/25 - IM SO SORRY THIS IS LATE, IVE BEEN HYPERFOCUSED ON MY OC'S!! :((

Vance couldn’t understand why Y/N was crying. He was more confused. It was random. Did someone hurt them? With his brow raised, the blonde would cross his arms, entirely focused on trying to make sure his lover was okay. “What happened to you? Was it Moose or one of them?” He questioned, gently holding the other's face and keeping his brow raised. There were only tears that would continue falling down Y/N’s face, their eyes closed. “No-, no. They didn’t-” Their voice was breaking as they covered their eyes with their hands. They were crying. Vance didn’t know why, but he’d kill whoever did it. It wasn’t until Y/N would move their jeans in order to reveal such a stupid thing to cry about.

Vance stared with narrowed eyes, looking at his partner with such a blank looking expression. “...your crying because of a scratch.” He confirmed, raising his brow as Y/N sniffled and nodded their head right after. A low sigh would escape the blonde and he ran a hand through his curls, finding this utterly stupid. Here Vance thought he’d have to beat the living hell out of a man, but to find out it was just a scratch? Letting a sigh out and allowing his curls to fall in front of his eyes slightly, the blonde would kneel down slightly, but not fully as to not deal with the small rocks digging into his knees. “It’s just a scratch, you’ll be fine.” He’d grumble aloud, taking Y/N’s hand into his own and pulling the other up. 

He began to lead the way back to the house, hearing the sniffles of Y/N behind him, which only resulted in sighs every once and a while. He didn’t snap at Y/N, not at all. “It hurts..” The other would speak from behind the blonde, watching as Vance kept looking straight ahead. He didn’t reply for a while, keeping his calm throughout everything. “You’re fine. It’s a single scratch.” At least it hadn’t been a knife. That’s a plus. He continued to lead the way, trying his best to ignore the sniffles from Y/N. “But it hurts.” They’d mutter from behind, continuing to hold onto Vance’s hand as he walked in front, prepared to already pick a fight with anyone who would comment, especially with the way this town was set up. 

People already didn’t like him for his temper, so to see him keeping that burning volcano in the back of his mind on the downlow would ruin the reputation he had built. He was a boy who would kill everyone, or beat the shit out of anyone who dared to say a single word about him or his partner. But crying over a scratch was something he didn’t want anyone to harass the other over. Especially those assholes at the school. “...want me to buy you ice cream after we clean that shit?” He’d ask aloud, looking at the other from over his shoulder. Y/N’s sniffles stopped for a second before in a soft voice, they spoke. “...yeah.. We can hang out at the grab n’ go too..” 

[thewritersofdeceased]

Need yall to hear what I meant about Josh Boone not yelling during dally darrel scene with jpc. He was so calm it was terrifying

[thewritersofdeceased]

HELLOOOO EVERYONE! Like I said before, I’ve been on a hyperfixation for The Outsiders and Newsies! So, what better than to combine the two fandoms and write a story based off the songs of the musical?

This is gonna be a long series, and I think some people will enjoy it! At least I hope so.

First song in this is Tulsa 67, and it took me almost like.. two days to finish.. I’m working on Grease Got A Hold as of recent, but I hope you enjoy! I’ll make a google doc with everyone as who they are, or I can put it here but that makes this intro too long already- please enjoy!

When someone had stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, he had only two things on his mind. Paul Newman, and a ride home. He’d already begun to walk towards his home on the east side of town, where the greasers all had resided. He’d never been out of Tulsa before, and he wondered what it would be like. When it came to anybody leaving, he only knew most people would get stuck here for life. All he could think of was family. His older brother could’ve been a football star, many would say.

A lot of people would say Noah had a ticket out. Sparks knew the reason the oldest Blake brother couldn’t go and finish college, to be a football star. A long story. His older sister now had suffered from a broken heart, from a boy she’d loved who up and moved away. Sparks remembered Gwen’s heartbreak, which was 10x worse than a guy’s reaction to it. He had to go to the DX, where she worked, to even get ice cream for her! Which, he didn’t mind. Gwen knew how to express more emotion than Noah could, that way true.

The family only had one problem. They had no parents, they’d fend for themself. To the three, they had nobody to show them the way. Now, don’t get the blonde boy wrong! His siblings were trying, working their poor asses away. It made Sparks feel horrible, knowing he couldn’t help at all. He was only a teenager, a freshman in high school. Legally, he couldn’t get a job. He can’t work at the DX with Gwen, because they sold cigarettes. Not like he didn’t smoke! But laws and everything like that. Maybe she could sneak him in, however. Surely! Hopefully.

Sparks was the youngest of the three, and knew there was so much more to life than what was in front of him. He knew that much, he wasn’t dumb. A soft sigh would escape him as he continued to walk, the sound of the gravel being the only thing he could hear. He kicked a couple little pebbles along the ground just since he’d been bored. Often, he snuck into the movies to glimpse the other side. He’d rather take a risk and see it than to ever even try! His mind would wander as he walked, smiling genuinely.

As he thought and walked, his mind wandered on and on. When he was looking up and Newman had been on the screen, the entire world just seemed to melt away. He didn’t have to worry about a thing, well- minus the other people who’d been going to that theater. They weren’t often fond of the greasers that would walk around the east side of Tulsa, but Sparks wasn’t a bad kid, no. He stuck to himself, quiet and away from everyone. Until they tried to bicker with any of the other greasers. Mess with one and everyone fights. Rules.

He’d just sit back and watch the movie start to play, however. He enjoyed the movies, it didn’t matter what side he was on. Well- it did when it came to the west side. They didn’t exactly like his “kind” around them. Unlike in the movies and books that he’d read, nothing in the town played out the same. He had his hands shoved into his jean pockets as he walked, his mind listening to the world around him. Wasn’t that interesting now that he thought about it. It was the same shit, just always a different day. That’s normal.

Maybe back then everyone could agree. It’d be different. Along the line, at least from when the 1900’s had first started to now, 1967. By this time, they had lost their way. The boy continued to walk, looking at all the different things around the town, his expression unreadable to any. A blank-like stare as he walked, hands in his pockets. People in this town had places to go, and things to do. People had jobs, school, things like that. His older siblings had jobs, he couldn’t really be talkin’ there. He knew one thing for sure. This world changed.

He continued to walk, letting out a sigh of boredom. It was a long walk, that’s for sure. They had taken this town and split it down in two. That was true, he took note of it. The money had gone west, kicked the grease to the east. The train had ran down the belly of the beast.

The tracks separated the two sides of town, thankfully. But the soc’s never stayed on their side of town. All the time, they were on the East side of the town. Just to stir up trouble. He hated it. Everyone did. Every greaser.

Here he was now, talking to nobody. When he got to the end, he wondered what someone would do. Especially in a town torn in two. What was a greaser from the east side supposed to do? Especially in TULSA, 1967. There’d been two important things to keep in mind throughout everything. You’ve got the greasers, and socs. That’s how it’s always been, and it’s probably how it's always gonna go. As he walked, his eyes landed on folks that were dressed much nicer. Clothing with no holes, looking comfortable. Warm even. Sparks would kill for warmer clothing during winter.

As he looked towards the well-dressed, his mind thought. There’s another side of Tulsa that he’d hardly ever seen. To him? It was like a fairytale land. He continued to walk, kicking a small rock a couple inches in front of him. The grass was always greener, and the streets were always clean. Even in his opinion. All the girls on this side were pretty, and all the guys were mean. Now, that was the pure truth about the guys in Tulsa. At least on the West side. They were the ones to come over the tracks onto greaser territory.

Everyone would call them socs, cause they had lived like socialites. With barbecues and graduation days. Better clothes and better cars and better lives- Sparks had to let out a sigh, his hands having turned into a balled fists. Just thinking about the socs made him annoyed. Who could blame him? Especially after the amount of looks he’d get at school. He was a freshman, turning fifteen soon enough. This was just one town with two very different ways. He would pull a hand out his pocket, running it down his face to keep himself cool. Try to keep calm.

As he walked, he was thinking about the differences between the west and east sides of town. Over on the east side, the story would never be the same. Cars weren’t running, and were sitting idle in the yard. Of course they were. Greasers walked almost everywhere. If it was a walking distance, they’d just walk it. No point driving if it's close by, let alone if it’s the DX his sister worked at. As he walked, his eyes landed on his best friend, Battery. He remembered something that would always stick in his mind until the socials left town.

Just the other day, some socs had beat the living hell outta’ Battery. And surely, he hadn’t been the same since. Letting a smile form on his face, Sparks had jogged over to his best friend, wrapping an arm around the others shoulder with his smile wide. “Hey Bat!” He’d call out as the two now had begun to walk together. Better than walking alone. Battery had jumped slightly at the sudden feeling of someone’s arm on his own, but it’s just a habit. “Hey Sparks. Y’know- this town only holds us down.” Battery wasn’t wrong about that. It’s true.

There was judgement everywhere. Sparks thought as he walked in sync with the other, his hands going back into his pockets. “People think they know you by the way you wear your hair.” Battery complained with the shrug of his shoulders, looking to his blonde friend with a slight frown on his face. He had a busted up face due to the stupid socs, and he knew damn well once the others found those idiots, chaos would be held. “If you’re not born into money, then you’re born into despair.” Sparks replied to the other, letting a sigh escape him.

They’d do all that they can to get your poor ass there. Sparks knew that for sure, he knew his brother wanted to leave. At least he thought so. His sister was the opposite. She’d rather stay in town, which was completely valid. They'd give theirself a name cause they didn’t exactly have a lot. They stuck together cause each other was all they got! The greaser gang was a decent size, at least the one these two boys had been in. They took a lot of pride in how they greased their hair. Then again, they really did care.

People looked them up and down, but they didn’t even care! CAUSE THEY’RE GREASERS! Sparks would hum in response as he walked, watching as Battery had given a quick wave and had walked off to his own direction at that point. Probably off to the park, he didn’t know either. But as long as Johnny would be okay. That’s all he really cared about. Really was. They weren’t ever gonna change whether people liked it or not! This is- TULSA 1967! AND THERE’S JUST ONE THING YOU NEED TO KNOW! YOU’VE GOT GREASERS AND SOCS, THAT'S HOW IT'S ALWAYS BEEN!

IN A TOWN THAT’S TORN IN TWO! AND THAT'S PROBABLY HOW IT’S ALWAYS GONNA GO! WHAT'S A GREASER FROM THE EAST SIDE SUPPOSED TO DO!? AND THAT'S PROBABLY HOW IT’S ALWAYS GONNA GO! YEAH, THAT’S PROBABLY HOW IT’S ALWAYS GONNA GO! As the thoughts in his head had begun to wander off, there was one sound that was noticeable throughout everything. The revving engine of a car. A sports car. Sparks knew exactly what was going to happen. He could hear the engine of the corvette before he’d even seen it. The engine would rev again as his walking stopped.

“How many times do we have to tell you to stay out of our movie house?” Bob questioned first, staring down at Sparks with annoyance held in his eyes. “The Rialto is on the west side, and you do not belong there.” Well, Sparks couldn’t be mad at the point made. He really didn’t belong on the West side. Not at all. “You’ve been warned twice, greaser. Three strikes, you’re out.” He’d explain, before hearing the cheers of the other socs in the back. They were tossing a football to one another. Of course they were. With the stupid jackets.

A different boy had slightly pushed Sparks forward, so the boy almost stumbled into Bob. “Got nothing to say?” He’d question. Sparks knew who this was, who didn’t. Phoenix was well known when it came to being a soc. And he knew Phoenix personally. “I just wanted to see the movie.” Sparks would mutter, avoiding eye contact with the boy in front of him. “Cool Hand Luke isn’t playing on the East Side.” He’d grumble out now, lifting his head slightly before Bob spoke up again, his tone colder. “That’s not our problem. Is that your problem, Luka?” He asked.

“Not my problem, Bob!” The boy would reply, tossing the football over to his other soc buddy. “Is that your problem, Trey?” He’d then ask the brunette, who tossed the football back to Luka. “Not my problem!” He’d call out, letting out laughter right after. Bob hummed in response, looking at Sparks seconds later. “It’s a Sparky problem, right, Phoenix? Maybe he doesn’t like being a Greaser..” His voice had gone cold as he looked down at the blonde haired boy, who was shorter than he truly was. “...I think I’m right.” He had seen the way Sparks moved back.

“I think he actually despises… being a Greaser.” His voice grew serious, but there was a smile forming on his face now. “And I’m feeling generous, boys. I think we oughta’ help him out.” As he spoke, he was reaching into his pocket, searching for a switchblade. That wasn’t good. Sparks knew that. He was beyond screwed. His hair would be RUINED. He couldn’t have that happen. “You wanna be a soc, SPARKY?” Bob questioned, taking a step towards the blonde greaser. “Yeah, let’s make him one of us.” Phoenix spoke, letting out a laugh seconds after. He was excited.

“And what’s the first step in that noble process? We gotta clean him up a little.” Bob spoke, now getting awfully close whilst still holding the switch-blade. Phoenix, while behind the boy, had taken the notebook that Sparks had been carrying. And with that, the blonde would try to get it back, to no avail. He couldn’t get it in time. Bob had taken the notebook as Phoenix had grabbed Sparks by the arm, now holding him from moving and running. As Bob looked through the notebook, he’d hold it over a fountain, a smirk formed. “Don’t.” Sparks spoke, quiet.

Bob wouldn’t reply as he dropped the notebook into the fountain. “And I say… I say we start with that hair.” He commented, beginning to make his way back over to the group. His smirk would remain as he then began to repeat a phrase. “Cut that hair! Cut that hair! Cut that greasy greaser’s hair!” The phrase had even begun to be repeated by Phoenix, Luka and Trey. Phoenix and another one of the socs had secured Spark’s head as the blonde would bite into Bob’s wrist, resulting in a yelp and the switchblade being dropped onto the ground.

“That little roof rat bit me!” Bob complained. Sparks would kick Luka and Trey in the chest, trying to escape. It didn’t last long, as the other soc’s would quickly interrupt him, getting him down onto the ground below. Bob stood over him. “SPARKY!” All the socs had called, before everything went dark. Now, Sparks couldn’t remember anything after that. Especially when Phoenix had kicked him in the face. Hard in the damn face, of course. The socs were assholes. He couldn’t remember anything after that, he did remember waking up from his siblings, however, Noah shaking him awake now.

“Sparks!... Wake up, Sparks!” The voice of the oldest sibling had snapped the blonde awake, resulting in him opening his eyes. He was being shaken by the oldest, whilst his sister stood close nearby. “Jesus Christmas, go easy on him, Noah.” The blonde and black haired girl spoke, placing a gentle hand onto Noah’s shoulder, in which the oldest replied; “If I want my kid sister to tell me what to do with my kid brother, I’ll ask you, kid sister.” He stood seconds after. These were Spark’s siblings, Noah, and Gwen. They were basically his guardians now. Since… everything.

As he laid with his two siblings basically hovering over him, he had noticed the rest of the group appearing alongside. “Sparks, what did you do to piss off the Socs?” Noah asked as he gently stood up, helping the shorter blonde up off the ground. “I didn’t do nothin.” Sparks grumbled out, rubbing his arms and eventually crossing them. “You were prolly’ on the West Side again, weren’t you?” Noah questioned, his tone harsher now, but he had a valid reason. “It’s the only place they’re showin’ the new Paul Newman movie.” He grumbled under his breath, remaining calm.

“You and your goddamn movies. You know those bastards’ll be waiting for you!” Noah pointed out, running a hand through his hair and trying to remain calm himself. Battery would sit himself down next to Sparks, offering a cigarette to the blonde, who took it. Upon doing so, Battery would light it for the other. “Was it Bob?” He’d ask with the raise of a brow, resulting in Sparks closing his eyes and nodding. “When you close your eyes do you see lightning?” A strange question, but Sparks nodded his head again. “Ah. Don’t worry.” His tone was calm. Sorta.

“That’ll go away in a coupla’ hours.” He remained seated besides the blonde, before the voice of a boy had been the only thing heard. A boy carrying a baseball bat had shown up. “Spark’s a goddamn warrior, ain’t he, Aspen?” This figure questioned, his eyes narrowed and already filled to the brim with anger. “Hell yeah he’s a warrior.” If anyone had to ask about this boy, Sparks knew exactly how to explain him. Rex Woodstone, originally from the streets of New York City. He’d just gotten out of county lock up for something again. Most likely a fight.

As Noah and Rex had exchanged a charged look, Gwen had spoken up, looking to the black haired boy with confusion. “When’d you get outta’ the cooler, Rex?” She questioned, fixing her bra, as she used her t-shirt to clean the blood from her brothers mouth from the socs kicking him. “Coupla’ days ago. I’ve been stayin’ over at Denton’s. He gave me a room above the bar.” The ravenette explained, continuing to hold the bat tightly in his hands. He looked between the group, his eyes being narrowed slightly. A habit he’d gained back from New York City. Gross.

“What did they nab you for this time?” Another question from Gwen, her head tilted as she stared at Rex. Of course she’d want to know what he was in the cooler for. A low chuckle escaped the eighteen year old before he’d reply. “For bein’ too goddamn handsome.” He’d joke, looking over to where Sparks sat now. “Did they get any of his hair?” He’d then ask, his brow raising. Aspen had taken the bat into her own hands, watching as the ravenette walked over to the two boys sitting down. “Untouched.” Gwen replied from the background. Somehow calm.

Rex nodded his head as he took a couple steps towards where Sparks and Battery had been, now standing in front of the blonde. “They can bust up your face and pull your ears clean off your head, but if they cut your hair?” His brow raised as he spoke, looking down at the other. “You might as well throw in the towel.” Rex basically meant that if his hair had gotten cut, he mind as well accept defeat early. They’d been near a couple old cars, the sound of someone hopping onto the roof of one catching their attention.

A girl with blonde hair had a wild smile, looking between every greaser in the area. In her hands, she held a hubcap. “Got one of their hubcaps!” She laughed out, stumbling her way from the top of the car to making her way towards the two boys, and Rex. That’s Aria Higgins, the resident prankster of the group. You did not want to fight that girl, no you don’t. Aria was a hotheaded lady, nobody wanted to fight her. “Bag of frozen peas. Hold it up to your face until it melts. Ain’t it, Leon?” Her voice questioned aloud.

“Yeah, bag of frozen peas.” Leon replied, leaning against the car with his arms crossed now. “Or lima beans.” Aria then spoke again, looking between everyone before taking steps back, at least to be towards the car. “And don’t touch it too much.” Aspen would then comment. Every greaser had their own fight stories, it was just a canon event you couldn’t change. Battery was next to speak, patting Spark’s back. “You know it’s gettin’ better when it starts to itch.” He explained, motioning towards his own busted up face when he spoke up. Aria eventually moved closer to Sparks.

Aria would take a couple seconds to speak before eventually doing so. “How’s his hair?” She questioned aloud, her brow raising. It would take a moment for anyone to reply, before Rex had with a confident sounding voice. “It’s about to be legendary.” Rex responded, watching as Aria held out the hubcap for Sparks, who then took it. “I look like I got hit by a truck.” Sparks muttered aloud, letting out a low sigh seconds after. “A truck fulla’ pussies.” Aria pointed out, letting out a laugh. “Hey, let’s grease ‘em up!” Rex announced, laughter escaping him moments after.

“I guess that’s your decision, huh, Rex?” Noah spoke up, his voice stern and more serious than ever. It made Rex look at him with a raised brow. “It’s a Greaser decision, Noah. Sparks just notched his first knock out.” The ravenette pointed out, looking at the oldest brother between Sparks and Gwen. The blonde held an annoyed look, looking straight into Rex’s darker eyes. “He’s fifteen.” Noah scoffed out, making Rex look between everyone. “What the hell does age have to do with it?” He asked, holding a confused-like look. Not everyone knew what Rex did at that age.

“Only God and the Devil knew what I was doing when I was fifteen.” The others had laughed, remaining where they were. Aria had moved to lean against the front of the car, her hands behind her to support her. Aspen was leaning with her, both looking at Rex and Noah with looks of interest. Leon was quiet as he watched, leaning against the door, and Gwen was standing besides her brothers, watching the situation unfold. “You ain’t the one payin’ my brothers doctor bills.” Noah pointed out, rolling his eyes to Rex. It wasn’t long until Aria spoke up.

“You used to keep your hair greased twenty-four-seven, Noah.” That was true, Sparks remembered it when he was younger. Before everything had happened, his brother kept his hair greased back all the time. “Yeah, before he almost went soc on us.” Rex pointed out, resulting in an annoyed look from Noah. As he went to speak, he got cut off by Gwen. “Noah never went Soc.” She pointed out with a frown.

[thewritersofdeceased]

Might write some stuff for the outsiders again! Since I just saw the musical, requests for them are open!