Posted originally on the Archive_of_Our_Own at https://archiveofourown.org/ works/12797151. Rating: Explicit Archive Warning: Rape/Non-Con, Underage Category: F/M Fandom: Riverdale_(TV_2017) Relationship: Sweet_Pea_(Riverdale)/Original_Female_Character(s) Character: Sweet_Pea, Original_Female_Character(s) Additional Tags: Date_Rape_Drug/Roofies, Post-Traumatic_Stress_Disorder_-_PTSD, Flashbacks, Hypothermia, Naked_Cuddling, Slow_Build, Kind-of, Underage Sex Stats: Published: 2017-11-22 Updated: 2017-12-05 Chapters: 9/? Words: 18836 ****** A Candied Violet ****** by MalloryPhoenix101 Summary Vi Richards recently moved to the Southside from the Northside, but hasn't explored the Southside at all. After being attacked at a party hosted at the Whyte Wyrm, she quickly finds herself becoming closer and closer to the Southside Serpents, specifically a certain serpent named after a vegetable. What will this mean for her? How will her parents feel about this? ***** One. Hollowed *****               They’d moved from the Northside to the Southside not too long ago, but long enough she didn’t remember what it was like to be Northside. The Southside was grit, bars, and flickering neon lights. Northside was expensive strings of pearls, pink skirts, and turning the other cheek when someone wronged you. She almost felt more comfortable in Southside than in Northside, as crazy it might sound. Sure, she had to worry about gangbangers and drugs in Southside but that was easier to deal with than trying to fit in and worrying about saying the wrong thing, which was her main problem in Northside. Plus, if she wanted to avoid gangbangers and drugs in Southside, she just didn’t go out at night (not that her parents would allow it anyways).               She hadn’t made many friends Northside and only one of them had remained friends with her when she transferred to Southside High. Jessie Jones was the epitome of the statement, “You can take the girl out of the Southside, but you can’t take the Southside out of the girl.” She’d been born on the Southside, but her family had relocated to the Northside when she was young, quite the opposite of her own situation. She was close with and hung out daily with the Southside Serpents, much to her parent’s chagrin and insistence not to. Jessie didn’t care, though. She did what she wanted, regardless of what it did to her or her parent’s reputation. Jessie was just like that, though.               Vi was the opposite, making her wonder frequently how they came to be and continued to be friends. She was comfortable regardless of where she was, adapting to her environment, and wasn’t close with anyone except Jessie. Even her parents didn’t know what was going on with her like Jessie did. She listened to her parents and did as they asked her to, got good grades and came home on time, but didn’t talk to them or let them in on her life. They were definitely always wondering though, always asking…it was annoying.               “Vi, what are your plans tonight? Your mother and I were thinking about having a family movie night.” The voice of her father called her from her thoughts and she resumed stabbing her peas, considering what to say. She didn’t want to say anything. Just wanted to stand up from the table and leave. She silently prayed Jessie would show up soon and she’d hear the honk of the red Bug and escape her parents.               “I’m going out with Jessie tonight.” She murmured, taking a bite of her peas after. She didn’t have to be looking to know her parents were looking back and forth between each other, silently communicating and wondering what to do. Ban her from going or permit her and just know she’ll be safe?               “Where are you going?” Her father inquired further, taking a bite of his pork chop as he waited for his daughter’s answer. She shrugged, poking her peas idly and glancing at her cell phone besides her, praying silently for a call or text from Jessie to save her from this conversation.               “Dunno. Think we’re just gonna ride around South. Maybe go to Pop’s for a milkshake.” She pushed her plate away from her, sighing and ruffling her long blonde hair, glancing to the clock on the wall. 6:30PM. She had about an hour and a half to get ready and she still needed a shower and to pick out an outfit. “Can I be excused?”               “You’re not going to finish?” Her mother finally joined the conversation, pausing in cutting her pork chop to point at Vi’s uneaten porkchop, mashed potatoes, and half-finished peas.               “No. I need to get ready.” She stood and left, taking that as her cue to leave. She could hear her parents whispering amongst themselves as she left the room, taking the stairs up to her room, presumably about who would be the bad guy and yell at her.               “Violet Richards!” Finally, the shrill yell of her father echoed up the stairs, but she just walked to the top of the stairs, yelling down.               “I’m getting in the shower, Daddy! Talk to you later!” She turned to walk back to her room, then paused. “I love you!”               Sigh. ===============================================================================                 She didn’t know why she was there in the first place. She’d never been to a party before and it had never been her scene, but Jessie had dragged her along, insisting that she didn’t want to go alone. Jessie had lent her the sluttiest dress Vi was still okay with, which was a thigh-high cocktail black dress. She’d elected to keep her black, scuffed-up Chuck Taylor’s on, much to Jessie’s chagrin. Awkwardly shifting her weight from foot-to-foot, she stood in the entryway of the Whyte Wyrm until she’s dragged by Jessie, saying something about getting a drink. She watched as Jessie says something to the bartender, ordering god-knows-what for the both of them and she looks around, noting that Jessie’s loud-mouth is already drawing a crowd.               She didn’t know what to do. While she lived in the Southside, she’d never ventured out or around as was advised by her parents and everyone around. Being in the so-called big-bad handout of the Southside, the Whyte Wyrm, it gave her more than a little anxiety. Smoothing strands of blonde hair, she rubbed hooker red lips together and tried to act like she’d been in a bar before. After all, what was the point in using a fake I.D. if you looked like you’d never done this before?               “You look like you could use a drink.” A voice called from beside her and she turned to see a boy slightly taller than her with a rectangular face, strong jawline, dark eyes set far-apart. His brows were thick and low on his face, and a large, strong nose. His mouth was small, narrow and pursed, but pulled up at the edge to exhibit friendliness. His hair was dyed black, and was slicked back with gel which as he sat down beside her, she realized smelled quite good. He was tall and gangly, the clothes he wore looking baggy on him. He was wearing all black, including the traditional Southside Serpents leather jacket, and he had an air of confidence about him despite his awkward, skinny appearance. As he tilted his head at her, raising his brows, she noticed that he had a Serpent tattoo on his neck.               “Uh, my friend is actually ordering me one, but you’re welcome to sit with me.” She said, pushing a hair from her face and tucking it behind her ear.               “Tell you what: I’ll buy your next one.” He winked at her, a grin spreading across his features, causing her normally pale features to flush red and to cover her face.               “Um, thank you?” Her drink appeared in front of her and she thanked the bartender, glancing over at Jessie to see her talking to multiple Serpents, all very interested in what she had to say, no doubt the result of the short little blue dress she was wearing and six-inch heels she was wearing.               “That your friend?” The boy from beside her asked and she turned slowly, giving a light nod as she sipped it, coughing a bit, not used to the harsh taste of alcohol. “She’s a real attention catcher…it always like that?” He pointed to Jessie amidst the attention of all the Serpents and Vi slowly swallowed, nodding slowly again.               “I don’t mind, though.” She murmured softly, shrugging.               “Yeah, I can tell. You’re one of those girls who doesn’t like to talk about themselves or be at the center of attention, huh?”               Another shrug.               “What’s your name?” He asked, taking a sip of his own drink.               “…Um, Vi.” She awkwardly ran a hand through her hair, disheveling it.               “Vi? Is that short for something?” He asked.               “Violet.” The alcohol was definitely taking away any inhibitions she had considering that she hated her name. She hated telling people her name and preferred to just go by Vi or V.               “Like the flower?” He asked, and she couldn’t resist the urge to roll her eyes. One of the main reasons she hated her name: the amount of pick- up lines she’d heard related to her name, hence Vi or V.               “Yes, unfortunately, like the flower.” She sighed, drinking more of her drink and keeping an eye on Jessie.               “That’s pretty, but I kinda like Vi better. Makes you sound like a badass.” Oh. She hadn’t heard that before. She always got why go by Vi if you have a name like that? It was refreshing.               “Thanks.”               Time seemed to blend together. Five minutes seemed to be an hour and one glass of alcohol seemed like ten. How many had she had? How long had she been there? She found herself stumbling around, laces of her Chuck’s untied, a couple of whoa, honey, you alright’s going around. She mumbled something even she wasn’t sure what it was, and then she felt a familiar hand grabbing her arm.               “Vi? Vi? Are you alright?” It was Jessie. Jessie was an alcoholic, in just about every sense of the word, and in that moment, she was thankful for it. Jessie steadied her and brushed hair from her face, but her vision was still so blurry. Slowly, she nodded, licking her lips.               “’m just going to the bathroom, okay? I’m…’m gonna be sick.” She pushed Jessie away slowly and stumbled towards the bathroom, or at least what she was sure was the bathroom, clutching at her head. She silently thanked God that it was in fact a bathroom when she got there and stumbled into one of the stalls, noting some of the Serpent graffiti. Groaning, she didn’t even bother to shut the stall door as she sank to her knees, bent over the toilet.               “Vi? Vi? You in here?” The voice sounded so distant, far away, but it sounded familiar. It wasn’t Jessie…she looked behind her and saw someone…she wasn’t sure who. Was it that boy from earlier? She really wasn’t sure. Her vision was so blurry. Was this what it was like to be drunk? She felt herself being moved and her hair being stroked but was too tired to resist it. She felt herself moving from a sitting position to a laying position and the cool tile beneath her, and tried to say something, but nothing came out.               What was going on? Where was Jessie? Wait, why was she even here in the first place? She was feeling even more exhausted by the second and it was becoming more and more difficult to keep her eyes open, but the penetrating light of the bathroom stung whenever she closed her eyes and seemed to be the only thing keeping her awake. She could hear someone breathing heavily, it definitely wasn’t her, and it was almost exaggerated, like her senses were hyper-aware.               She wanted to do something, to push the person off her, but she couldn’t do anything. She felt paralyzed, like she couldn’t move a single limb, or even speak. What was happening? She had so many questions, but was unable to ask them. She could feel her body being forcibly shifted, legs parted, and she tried to protest, her brain screamed at her to fight, to resist, but she was tired. So tired. She allowed herself to be moved, a foot being placed on the stall while a hand clung to her thigh. Oh god, what will her parent’s think? God, where was Jessie?             ***** Two. Rough All Over *****               She woke up to the feel of wetness on her skin and groaned as she regained sensation in her tiny body. Her lower body ached in unimaginable, indescribable ways and she starts to receive groggy, cloudy memories of last night, flashing in her brain like flickering lights. It felt like a bad acid trip, completely surreal, but the pain in her pelvis was a painful reminder that it was very real and very painful. Groaning, she forced herself into a sitting position, eyes struggling to focus as the effects of the alcohol began to wear off. As she sat there, just sitting in the grass as sprinklers watered the lawn, she came to the horrific realization that she hadn’t consumed just alcohol last night. A pain settled within her chest and abdomen, a hollowness and she wanted to cry, but couldn’t. She felt a shock within her as the water began to soak her dress and shoes and ran a pale pink. She dragged the dress up her thighs and discovered where the ‘pink’ was coming from.               She silently wished that this was just a dream, a horrible nightmare that she could pinch herself and wake up from. Stiffly, she’ll force herself onto her hands and knees, crawling onto the porch of the Richards family home of more than five years. Crawling up the steps, she lifted the house-plant beside the screen door and seized the house-key hidden there before unlocking the door and opening it as quietly as possible. Almost right away, Princess, the family dog came trotting down the stairs, her long claws clinking down the hardwood steps. Vi bent down as Princess stopped in front of her and brought her large head into her hands, giving her a hug. Princess, sensing that something was wrong, started to lick her neck and ears. She sighed, rubbing the dog’s head and moved to ascend the stairs, Princess following closely behind. She peeked into her parent’s room, seeing that they were both still sound asleep in bed, and continued down the hallway into her bedroom at the end of the hall.               Violet painted in purple against white designated her room and she pushed open the door, Princess running in almost immediately and leaping onto the bed in the center of the room, circling a few times before laying down, brown eyes staring up at her. Her room wasn’t large, but it wasn’t tiny. Her family had lucked out with this house since many Southsiders lived in Sunnyside Trailer Park. She had posters on her wall of various bands and poets she liked, barely an inch of the light purple paint on the wall visible. Her bed was piled high with pillows and covered in black and purple sheets. A nightstand sat beside her bed, a lamp on top with a family photograph leaning against it’s base. She groaned as she shut the door, slipping out of her soaked Converse, and tugging at the cocktail dress she wore. It felt tight to the point of suffocating, but she needed a shower first. She wandered over to her dresser on the far side, Princess giving a soft whine as she did so, and gathered some pajamas before departing to the shower across the hall.               Princess followed, laying down on the bath-mat just outside the shower, keeping watch for anything that might come to hurt her. Peeling the cocktail dress away from her skin was like peeling off a second skin, revealing bruised, abraded skin. She tossed the dress in the far corner, taking in her reflection in the mirror attached to the wall. Her makeup, which Jessie had piled on, was smeared down her face and around her eyes, mascara and eyeliner having bled down her cheeks. Lipstick was smeared across her cheek, her hair disheveled and dripping with water from the sprinklers. Her collarbones and throat were bruised a bit and she softly touched the skin, but flinched at the memory that flooded her brain unexpectedly, turning back to face the shower. Princess whined again, glancing at her and then laying back down, licking her chops.               The shower was long and clear water quickly turned pink and eventually red. She cried most of it, curling up after a short time of standing, and Princess moved from her spot in the center of the bathroom floor to sit closer, giving soft whines now and then. Trying to gather herself and remembering how exhausted she felt, she grabbed the soap and loofah and started to scrub herself, scrubbing until her skin was red and raw, and even beyond that. She didn’t stop until she felt even remotely clean, skin peeling, red, and agitated.               When she finally got out, it had been two hours. It was five in the morning. Her mother would be getting up soon. She got into her pajamas, grabbed the dress from the corner of the bathroom and retreated into the safety of her room. Curling atop her comforters, clinging to a pillow, she watched through purple curtains as the sun began to peek over the horizon. Princess jumped up onto the bed and curled up behind her, nuzzling into her back. ===============================================================================                 “Violet! Breakfast!” The voice of her father called her from her sleep and she groaned, stretching. Immediately, she regretted it, feeling her pelvis begin to ache as it did the night before. She’ll rummage around on her night-stand for Tylenol. Finding it, she’ll take two and sigh, remaining in bed for a few moments. There is a house built out of stone Wooden floors, walls and window sills Tables and chairs worn by all of the dust This is a place where I don't feel alone This is a place where I feel at home.               Stretching again and feeling better about the movement this time, she’ll stand from the bed and see herself in her full-body mirror by her door. The bruises around her throat and collarbone had darkened since the night before, now looking a darker bluish purple. That won’t do, she thought to herself and walked over to her closest, thanking God that she was a fan of turtleneck sweaters and threw one on before descending the steps and entering the dining room.               Her parents were already sitting at the table, a clear white plate waiting for her in her spot. Two plates of pancakes and eggs with serving tongs and spoon waited at the center of the table and she licked her lips, realizing how hungry she was. She sat down beside her father, reading the morning paper, and across from her mother, eating in silence but looking at her as she entered.               “Violet, why are you wearing a sweater? Isn’t it hot?” Her mother inquired with a raised eyebrow, taking a bite of egg into her mouth. Oh god. Hurry quick, excuse, excuse.               “Um, I left my window open last night. It got a bit chilly.” She said with a nod, using the tongs to serve herself two pancakes and a spoonful of eggs.               “When did you get home last night?” Her father asked, remaining hidden behind the newspaper.               “Uh, I think it was like one or two. Dunno.” She said with a shrug. This was her normal behavior, surely her parents wouldn’t think it was off.               “You’re not supposed to be out late, Violet, you’re lucky we even let you go.” Her mother stated, tone growing firm. Oh god, here comes the lecture.               “And actually, we didn’t even let you go. You just left. I don’t know where this behavior is coming from—” Her father started but was caught off by her mother.               “You know damn well where it’s coming from, Allen. It’s that Jessie Jones! Her and her Southside influence!” Her mother started ranting, putting her fork down and clutching at the expensive pearls around her neck. Violet couldn’t resist the urge to roll her eyes and sighed, grabbing her plate and standing from the table and beginning to leave.               “Violet Richards! Do not walk away from me!” Her mother stood from the table, slamming her hand down on the table. She sighed and turned around, facing her with brows raised.               “It’s not Jessie and I have a test tomorrow I need to study for. Daddy, can I be excused?” She looked to her dad for approval, who slowly nodded, making him a target for her mother’s rage as she left. Upon making it to her room, she shut the door in an attempt to block out the yelling and when that failed, pulled out her phone, turning on music and placing her headphones in. And I built a home for you for me   Until it disappeared from me from you   And now, it's time to leave and turn to dust........ ***** Three. We, The Drowned ***** “You look like you could use a drink.” Serpent tattoo . Southside Serpents jacket. Slicked back black hair. Dark eyes. “Uh, my friend is actually ordering me one, but you’re welcome to sit with me.” “Tell you what: I’ll buy your next one.” He winked at her, a grin spreading across his features, causing her normally pale features to flush red and to cover her face. “Um, thank you?” Her drink appeared in front of her and she thanked the bartender, glancing over at Jessie to see her talking to multiple Serpents, all very interested in what she had to say, no doubt the result of the short little blue dress she was wearing and six-inch heels she was wearing. “That your friend?” The boy from beside her asked and she turned slowly, giving a light nod as she sipped it, coughing a bit, not used to the harsh taste of alcohol. “She’s a real attention catcher…it always like that?” He pointed to Jessie amidst the attention of all the Serpents and Vi slowly swallowed, nodding slowly again. “I don’t mind, though.” She murmured softly, shrugging. “Yeah, I can tell. You’re one of those girls who doesn’t like to talk about themselves or be at the center of attention, huh?” Shrug . She allowed herself to be moved, a foot being placed on the stall while a hand clung to her thigh. God, where was Jessie ?               She groaned as she awoke, light buzzing and vibration awaking her from her sleep. Feeling around her blankets for her phone, she’ll pick it up and bring it up to her face, flinching at the bright light.               Jessie calling.               Another groan and she’ll toss it aside, losing it once more within the mess of blanket as she rolled onto her side, closing her eyes once more. Serpent tattoo, dark hair, dark eyes, Southside Serpents jacket. She wanted to shower again, feeling that disgusting, unclean feeling returning at having him in her thoughts. Ruffling her hair, she’ll sigh. What should she do? Should she see a counselor or something? No. That would mean reporting it. A soft ding echoed through the room and she’ll roll over and grab the phone again, putting in her code and opening her messages.               [Text: Jessie]: Hey, did you make it home? Why aren’t you answering my calls? Xx               She’ll put it to the side, considering what to say. Yet again, she didn’t want to say anything. She groaned aloud, louder than ever before and rolled onto her side, pressing her face into her pillow and continued to groan until she was interrupted by another ping. She’ll grab the phone again and read the incoming message.               [Text: Jessie]: Shit, Vi, are you grounded? I’m sorry xx               “I fucking wish, J.” She grumbled aloud, adjusting to lay on her back. She heard a soft noise and looked to see Princess laying at the foot of the bed on the floor, ears raised. She coaxed her onto the bed and Princess readily jumped up onto the bed, settling into her side comfortably. She softly ran her hand over the dog’s fur. She heard her door creak open and watched as her father entered, looking stressed and tired. Slowly, she’ll sit up and lean back on the pile of pillows on her bed, brows raised.               “Hey, Vi…can we talk?” He asked, wringing his hands. She crossed her arms, rubbing the fabric of the turtle-neck which was now starting to feel a bit scratchy. She’ll nod, and he strides even more into the room, carefully taking a seat at the end of her bed, still wringing his hands. She raised her brows even further.               “What is it, Daddy?” She asked, shifting to curl up into herself more. She had a bad feeling in her gut about what her dad was about to say and she also had a feeling her mom was just outside, listening.               “Listen, me and your mom have been talking and…we don’t think you should see Jessie anymore.” He could see every emotion flash through her face as he said that and immediately, his hands rose in a surrendering way and he tried to explain. “Vi, please, listen. I don’t know what’s happening to you, but you’re different. You go out and party. You…you just do things that you don’t used to do, and we think it’s Jessie. Maybe you don’t but we do and we’re your parents…” He stiffened, and his voice grew firm. “And if you live in our house, you’ll abide by our rules.”               Seeing how upset she was, he stood and walked towards the door, pausing once he was in the doorway. “Oh, and you’re grounded. You’ll go to school and straight back. Nothing more.” He shut the door behind him, leaving her to contemplate and process. She could hear them whispering outside in the hall and listened as their footsteps departed down the steps. A rage rose within her and she grasped the lamp off her nightstand and threw it against the door, shattering it. She curled up within herself as tears began to shed from her eyes like rain from the sky and brought a pillow to her chest, feeling an intense emptiness there that she couldn’t seem to fill. We, the drowned Hold our hollow hearted ground Till we swallow ourselves down Again, again   We, the ashes We spend our days like matches And we burn our ships as black as The end, the end The end, the end ===============================================================================                 Going back to school was a significantly more anxious experience than she remembered it being. The bruises had begun to fade to a green and she thanked God since this was less noticeable than a dark purple blotch around her throat. Regardless, she still used some concealer she stole from her mother to cover it up, not feeling like wearing a turtleneck sweater. Her pelvis was feeling better, but definitely wasn’t at a hundred-percent and she was sure she wouldn’t be having sex anytime soon. She dressed in her usual clothes, trying not to appear as out-of-sorts as possible, but still covering up small bruises on her arms and legs. A pair of black skinny jeans and long-sleeved flannel underneath a black bomber jacket was sufficient in this case and she left early for Southside High in hopes of being there before Jessie.               [Text: Jessie]: If this is Mr. or Mrs. Richards, I swear nothing happened and those nudes aren’t mine xx               [Text: Jessie]: Jk they are. My boobs are great I know xx               Even in times like these, Jessie always managed to cheer her up, even if it was with the dumbest things like thinking her parents had claimed her phone or her amazing self-confidence. She’ll unlock her phone and open the text message, typing a reply, and sending it, waiting for a response.               [Text: Jessie]: HOLY SHIT UR ALIVE XX               [Text: Jessie]: fuck I was scared there for a while u died from alcohol poisoning xx                   She’ll type a response again and wait, taking her time walking to Southside now. After all, she couldn’t delay the inevitable and she might as well get it out of the way.               [Text: Jessie]: well I’m glad you’re okay? Xx               [Text: Jessie]: See you in English?               She looked up and saw Southside High before her and sighed, ruffling her blonde hair. Just get through the day, she told herself and walked in. Southside High was unlike Riverdale High in nearly every way. There was graffiti on the lockers and walls, there was Jingle-Jangle being done openly in the hallways. The halls were filled to the point of overfilling, and she kept her head down, just focusing on getting to her locker and then to English. She stopped at her locket, put her bag in it and removed her English book and then wandered off to class, trying to ignore everything else. We know not the fire in which we burn But we sing and we sing and the flames go higher We read not the pages which we turn But we sing and we sing and we sing and we sing               “Violet Richards!” She jumped at the sound of the yell of her name and her head snapped up from a sketch of an S to see the entire class staring at her. She coughed uncomfortably, shifting in her seat. The teacher, Mr. Phillips stared at her expectantly before sighing. “Mrs. Richards, can you tell me the meaning of the soliloquy ‘to be or not to be’ in Hamlet?”               “Uh, it’s about contemplating suicide and the great unknown, Mr. Phillips. Hamlet is contemplating killing himself but wonders if it’s really a good idea considering that we don’t know what’s waiting on the other side and at least in this life, we know what’s waiting for us. He’s seriously considering what it means to live and whether it’s really worth it.”               Cue an awkward cough and a round of hoots, likely from the Serpents in the room, and she’ll go back to her doodle, seeing that Mr. Phillips seemed satisfied with her answer. He nodded and went back to the board. “Good answer, Mrs. Richards.” He declared, but she was already lost in her drawing again, beginning to create the serpent heads on each end of the Ss and the tongues. Oh we the wrong, We the sewed up and long gone Were we fallen all along Like this, like this Like this, like this   We, the drowned The lost And found out We are all finished     ***** Four. Little Talks. ***** I don't like walking around this old and empty house So hold my hand, I'll walk with you, my dear The stairs creak as you sleep, it's keeping me awake It's the house telling you to close your eyes   And some days I can't even dress myself It's killing me to see you this way               She was sitting on the bleachers by herself, sketching, when she heard loud footfalls and the bleachers shaking. She turned her head in time to have her hair ruffled, to the point of having it fall over her face. She’ll groan and release her drawing pad to begin fixing it, feeling herself be joined by several people.               “It’s good to see you alive and well, Vi.” The familiar voice of Jessie greeted her as she smoothed out her blonde locks, giving the girl a glare before quickly closing her drawing pad. Jessie had brought a crowd of Serpents with her, amongst them a girl she’d seen Jessie hanging with before and the last thing she needed was them mentioning her drawing one of them. She’ll shift uncomfortably, not having adapted to the situation yet, and Jessie will beam from ear-to-ear, gesturing to the crowd she’d brought with her. “Oh yeah, this is Toni, Sweet Pea, and Fangs.” She nodded and pointed to everyone, but Violet didn’t particularly care in that moment who each of them were.               She made a silent note of the Sweet Pea kid (after all, what kind of a name is Sweet Pea?). He was tall and rather handsome in that dark, bad-boy kinda way. His hair was short, with strands falling across his forehead, thin eyebrows, and pale pink lips. His eyes were a dark brown that were lit up with glints of mischief. He had a ring on one hand, what looked like a tattoo on the other and a bracelet around one wrist. Of course, he was wearing the Southside Serpents jacket, making her swallow and look away, remembering the drawing she’d just been doing.               “This is Vi, guys.” Jessie introduced her to the badass trio and she awkwardly shifted, giving an uncomfortable smile and looking out at the small football/soccer field in front of her. Jessie shifts next to her, also appearing uncomfortable which was abnormal for her. Vi turns to look at her with a raised brow. “Hey, uh, we’re going to the quarry. You wanna come?”               “Uh, thanks, but I’m grounded. ‘go to school and straight back’.” She mocked her father in the voice closest to his as possible and then took a heavy, shaky breath. “They also told me not to see you anymore.” She looked to her best friend, trying to gauge her reaction. She seemed unimpressed, looking at Violet with raised brows.               “And are you going to?” She asked, standing with a stiffness Violet knew all too well. Jessie had lost friends before to parents who couldn’t tolerate her reckless and wild behavior and she’d been worried for some time that she’d lose Vi to the same thing. Her stiffness was a façade, an attempt at covering up hurt and Violet knew that, all too well.               The edges of her pale pink mouth pulled up and she shifted, looking up at her best friend. “See you tomorrow?” Her soft blue eyes glowing with mischief and rebellion, making Jessie grin and nod before shouting at her merry band of Serpents and running off the bleachers, hooting and hollering. She watched them leave and then opened her drawing pad again, staring down at the person depicted with a heaviness in her throat.               Serpent tattoo. Dark eyes. Dark hair. Southside Serpents jacket.                A shrug as she heard the bell ring and she’ll stand, bagging the drawing pad and pencils and heading back inside for her next class. She decided that later that day, she’d return to Whyte Wyrm and see if he was there. What would she do if he was? She had no idea. There's an old voice in my head that's holding me back Well tell her that I miss our little talks Soon it will be over and buried with our past We used to play outside when we were young And full of life and full of love. ===============================================================================                 It was late, her parents were asleep, and that was the only reason she was going to be able to get out. She didn’t bother to change from what she wore earlier that day, instead just throwing on a sweater and a beanie in a failed attempt to conceal her identity. She carefully descended the stairs, doing so as quietly as possible and began walking towards the Whyte Wyrm. It didn’t take very long to get there, surprisingly enough, but she waited outside for a good half an hour, trying to convince herself to go in before going in.               Once she finally worked up the guts to go in, she was trembling and incredibly nervous. She was chewing her lower lip as she waded in and out of the groups of Serpents, all looking at her as she went through, inspecting each of them and their tattoos.               Serpent tattoo on his neck. Dark hair slicked back.               She repeated this to herself as she looked around, hands trembling slightly, and lip shaking as she chewed on it. As she felt a sickness and emptiness grow in her stomach, she realized rather quickly that perhaps maybe coming back so soon hadn’t been her smartest idea. As her gaze locked with the bathroom to the back, the realization hit her, and it hit her hard. Instantly, she could feel the bile in the back of her throat and turned to leave, pushing her way out of the bar. She thanked God that she didn’t throw up until she stumbled out of the bar, her breakfast that morning spilling over the asphalt as she vomited violently, shaking and crying.               She heard the door open behind her as her stomach muscles clenched and she vomited again, eliciting a groan as she wiped her chin, hoping she didn’t get any in her hair. A hand touched her shoulder and adrenaline rushed through her, causing her to turn around before she could really think it through and throw a punch (a damn good punch, one her father would be proud of) directly into the face of the person.               It was Sweet Pea.               Even if it hadn’t have been the boy, she’d have felt bad and started apologizing, but since it was, the guilt and apologies came rushing out much quicker and she immediately started touching his face, asking if he was alright. He was staring at her with a deadpan expression, surprised that she was so worried about him after hitting him and he kept waving at her hands dismissively.               “God, shit! I’m so sorry, Sweet Pea!” He removed his hands from his face and she could already see a bruise forming on his cheek, making her flinch. “Shit. Sorry.” She grimaced.               “It’s…fine…I scared you.” He was still giving her an odd expression. She’d apologized like ten times now and was still going. How could a girl like this still be alive in Southside? “What are you doing here?”               Lie, Vi, lie. Her brain told her, but she had never been very good at lying. She bit her lip as she tried to think of something to say and brows raised. “Um, I was just looking for someone.” Not really a lie, but if she didn’t say who, it wasn’t really telling the whole truth (technically still a lie).               “Who? Jessie?” He asked, brows raising as his hands fell to his sides. He had a feeling that she hadn’t been looking for Jessie. No, someone else. He’d seen her sketch book before she closed it and he was curious about it. Why would she be looking for a Southside Serpent member?               “Um, yeah. She texted me and said she was here. Guess she’s not. I’ll just, uh, go.” She awkwardly pointed past Sweet Pea and started to shuffle past him uncomfortably, smiling awkwardly and breathed a sigh of relief once past him. While walking away, she was cursing herself for having to lie but also for telling such a dumb lie which he would, no doubt, figure out was a lie later.               “Hey, Vi, right?” He shouted after her. She paused and turned, fearing the worst. She nodded and shifted, wringing her hands. “It’s late. You really shouldn’t be wandering around Southside by yourself.”               What was he suggesting? Walking her home or…?              She silently prayed he wasn’t suggesting that she stay at his place, but there was a vague curiosity within her urging her to go to his place. After all, there wasn’t a lot she knew about the Serpents and where they lived. Did they live with shitty parents? Or did they have annoyingly perfect parents and that’s why they rebelled?               “Well, I have to get home before my parents find out. Grounded, remember?” She pointed behind her and raised her brows and he rolled his shoulders, glanced behind him at the Whyte Wyrm and then jogging to catch up with her.                 It didn’t take her long to get home, especially with Sweet Pea escorting her. With ease, she found the key beneath the plant on the porch and unlocked the door, Princess immediately coming to the door. She’ll look behind her to see Sweet Pea standing on the porch sticking out like a sore thumb and she’ll raise her brows, stepping out far enough on the porch to chance a glance up to the sky, seeing dark clouds beginning to gather.               “Why don’t you come in for a bit? Looks like it’s gonna rain.” She offered.               “Is that really a good idea?” He asked, brows raising.               “Does it really matter?” She challenged, stepping inside the house and stripping her beanie and sweater. He glanced up and down the street before sighing and stepping inside with an air of reluctance. She closed the door behind him and began to ascend the staircase, urging him to follow but to do so quietly. He nodded and followed her, looking around the house as he did so.               “My parents are sleeping and should be for a while. They’ll kill me if they find out I invited a Serpent boy into the house, though.” She whispered as they entered her room, Princess running up to the bed and jumping on it.               “Never thought the Southside would be prejudiced against the Southside.” Sweet Pea grumbled as he entered the room of purple, brows raising even further. She noticed his expression and nodded.               “Yeah, I know. My parents took the whole Violet thing too damn seriously. I literally hate purple.” She grumbled, removing the next layer of sweater subconsciously and without care to the fact that her bruises were still healing. Sweet Pea noticed, but didn’t say anything. As far as he was concerned, it wasn’t his business.               “Make yourself at home. Do you want something to drink?” She asked, taking off her scuffed-up Chuck’s and setting them by her bed.               “I’m fine.” He grumbled, taking a seat in her vanity chair. She nodded and disappeared from the room for a moment to get herself a drink and change, returning in pajamas with a glass of water. She sat down on the bed, sighing softly.               “Um…listen…thanks for…escorting me home and stuff, especially after I, uh, hit you. Sorry about that, again. I’m just really jumpy.” She rubbed at the back of her head absentmindedly and bit her lip, hoping her apology would be accepted and he would understand what she was trying to get across. He remained silent and still for a moment before standing.               “I better go.” He started towards the door, obviously uncomfortable, but she stopped him, grabbing him by the sleeve of his leather jacket.               “Wait, um…will…will you, uh, stay?” She asked. She was sure she sounded crazy or weird, but for some reason, his presence was comforting to her. “You can sleep in a warm bed. Um, I’ll bring you breakfast in the morning if you want. Y-You can even use the shower, if you like.” She bargained, desperate for him to stay.               His brows furrowed. He didn’t understand why this girl, who he’d just barely met, wanted him to stay, but he could tell she was disturbed by something, upset, as if the throwing up outside Whyte Wyrm wasn’t telling of that. He wasn’t one to deny people of comfort either, after all, he was called Sweet Pea, not Bitter Pea. He also didn’t see the harm in it, especially with the pluses she’d mentioned. He slowly nodded and watched as she laid down in the bed, shifting a bit so that there was room for the both of them, but a line of pillows between them.               “Your side.” She gestured to the right side of the pillows. “My side.” The left side of the pillows. “Cross it and I’ll cut your fingers and dick off.” He had no reason to believe she wouldn’t follow through on said threat, considering she’d already punched him in the face, on accident. He nodded and stripped himself of the Southside Serpent jacket and took his shoes off before sliding into the bed. It was a strange, foreign feeling. Her bed smelled so sweet, like a very sweet-smelling shampoo and it was incredibly soft, practically melting to every part of him that required support. He groaned happily, and she softly laughed.               “Content, Sweet Pea?” She asked, moving onto her side as she crawled into the bed and wrapped herself in the bedding. He nodded, making her grin. “Thanks for staying.” You're gone, gone, gone away I watched you disappear All that's left is a ghost of you. Now we're torn, torn, torn apart, There's nothing we can do Just let me go we'll meet again soon Now wait, wait, wait for me Please hang around I'll see you when I fall asleep ***** Five. The Sweetest Pea *****               And so, this went on for weeks. He began sneaking in her window as Vi became increasingly afraid she’d get caught by her parents. As days turned into weeks, slowly the The Great Pillow Wall of Violet’s Bed began to dwindle; first one pillow then another until finally there wasn’t one. They still remained on their opposite sides, Vi perfectly snuggled into her side, buried underneath the covers and Sweet Pea, lying on top of them and scooted to the very edge, reluctant to be caught even touching her in his sleep. Somehow, when he woke up, they’d have scooted closer to each other, but still not to the point of touching. Every morning, he’d wake up a few hours before school, gather his things, and climb back out of her window, leaving her sleeping soundly on her back in the bed.               Today was different. Sweet Pea wasn’t sure why, or how, but a feeling in his gut made him reluctant to leave. He got up, showered and snuck some food from downstairs, but still hadn’t left. Instead, he was watching her sleep, wrapped warmly in the sheets, snuggled towards the spot he’d been. The bruises she had around her collarbone and neck had now faded to a yellow and could only be seen when squinting, but Pea was boundlessly curious about where she’d gotten them. Her parents didn’t seem abusive and Pea was an excellent judge of character.               Sighing and shaking the thought out of his head, he’ll put his jacket on and move for the window, pausing only as he spotted her drawing pad, remembering how she’d quickly hidden it the day they had met. Glancing behind him to ensure she was still sleeping and seeing that she was, he’ll saunter over to the vanity and pick up the pad, slowly opening it, feeling a deep dread in his stomach as he did so. Initially, it was just drawings of flowers and people with their names scribbled beneath their portraits but as he flipped through the pages, he began seeing small doodles of eyes, a Serpent tattoo, and a familiar-looking boy with slicked back dark hair, dark eyes, and the Serpent tattoo on his neck. He dropped it immediately and glanced behind him at the sleeping girl, brows wrinkling in confusion. Why did she have drawings of some Serpent kid?               He closes the drawing pad, runs a hand over his face and takes his leave before she wakes, deciding to do some investigating before bringing it up to her, if he brought it up to her at all. After all, what business was it of his what she did? Maybe they were sharing a bed, but it was only out of some misplaced compassion that he was starting to regret having. Count back, anaesthetise Colours burnt into my eyes Life for you is shades of grey Help me, help me find my way   Lost, lost, and never found Hide your secrets, settle down I am young and I am naïve Tell me something I will believe               It was a normal day for her. She got up, got ready for school and headed out. She arrived at Southside High just before first period and rushed to English, breathing a sigh of relief as she slid into her seat right as the bell rang and Mr. Phillips began talking about Hamlet once more. She was only partially paying attention, which led to her name being said embarrassingly loud to get her attention. Again.               “Violet Richards.” Her head snapped up and she awkwardly shifted, feeling the attention of the class upon her again. She swallowed thickly, the tension tangible enough to cut with a knife.               “Uh, yes, sir?” She ruffled her hair and looked around, wondering if Phone-a-Friend was an option just to figure out the question.               “Can you read Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 7, Lines 162 to 179? Please.” Oh god. She hated reading aloud, let alone reading aloud to a bunch of students who didn’t really care about the material anyway. Sighing, she’ll stand and remove her copy of Hamlet, turning to the requested piece and after a brief adjustment period, spoke the requested lines:  There is a willow grows aslant a brook That shows his hoar leaves in the glassy stream. There with fantastic garlands did she come Of crowflowers, nettles, daisies, and long purples, That liberal shepherds give a grosser name, But our cold maids do “dead men’s fingers” call them. There, on the pendant boughs her coronet weeds Clambering to hang, an envious sliver broke, When down her weedy trophies and herself Fell in the weeping brook. Her clothes spread wide, And mermaid-like a while they bore her up, Which time she chanted snatches of old lauds As one incapable of her own distress, Or like a creature native and indued Unto that element. But long it could not be Till that her garments, heavy with their drink, Pulled the poor wretch from her melodious lay To muddy death.               She spoke the last three words slowly, letting the words sink in to anyone listening, who she suspected was only Mr. Phillips but as she looked around, she saw the entire class staring at her with mixed expressions. Some in awe, confusion, distaste, and some even in thought. Her eyes fell on Sweet Pea, who had his legs propped up unceremoniously on his desk, but was staring at her with a soft smile on his lips. His brown eyes were softened, like honey, in a way that she’d never seen them before. She’ll smile back and slowly sit down, coughing as an end to her reading.               “Uh, great work, Miss Richards.” Mr. Phillips announced after a few moments of silence before continuing with his lesson. She glanced back at Sweet Pea again, hoping to see him still smiling, but his tough demeanor had returned and his lips were turned up in a scowl, arms crossed over his chest and disdain evident on his features. Swallowing thickly, she’ll turn back to the chalkboard and her book, softly doodling on the pages.                 When lunchtime rolled around, she was more than hungry, practically running from her second period class to the cafeteria. She’s stopped by Sweet Pea, who grabs her by the arm and drags her out and away from the cafeteria until they are standing outside and by his bike, her groaning and crying the entire way. She didn’t understand what was going on, but the humorous air quickly faded, dissipating in the face of Sweet Pea’s intense stare and crossed arms.               “What?” She finally asked, brows raising.               “Why do you have drawings of a Southside Serpent?” He didn’t beat around the bush, that was for sure. She was suddenly reminded of her drawing pad, which she’d left out of her bag the night before and cursed herself quietly, cringing physically as she did so.               “Wait…you went through my stuff?” She challenged, adjusting her footing to one of a more commanding one. It was difficult to feel that way in Sweet Pea’s presence. He was a Serpent for a reason, after all. He was tall, taller than her, and when he dressed all in dark clothes like he did, he was intimidating to anyone, especially someone like her with next to zero self- confidence.               “Not really. It was just laying there.” He defended. “Hardly the point.” He pointed out.               “What does it matter? I draw things I see.” In conversations that got too personal, Violet had a way of putting up a wall, both an emotional and verbal one. She was starting to lay the brick and mortar for one, feeling an anxiety rise in her chest at having to talk about him.               “The drawings were awfully grim. Where’d you see him? How do you know him? There are so many questions, Vi!” He threw his hands in the air frustratedly before sighing, running his hands through his hair, “Listen. If you wanna draw Serpents, I don’t care, but you sure had a lot of him and I’ll just tell you right now: if you’re coming after one of us, it won’t end well, especially for a Northie like you.”               It hurt. It hurt in ways she hadn’t realized it would when he called her that. Northie. While it was true that she originated from Northside, she had moved to Southside and it had became her home. It was more her home than Northside ever was and to be accused of being more Northside than Southside set a fire within her.               “You know what, Pea? Fuck you! Find somewhere else to stay, maybe your shitty trailer in Sunnyside with all your other shittyfriends, huh? Can’t believe I ever thought you were anything but a thug!” She shoved him back, quite hard, but he hardly stumbled, making her shriek in frustration before stomping off, not even bothering to return to the school. She didn’t know where she was going, but her feet would take her there.               “At least this thug is Southside!” He shouted after her. Take me, take me far away From this city's soul decay Hid away 'til I was eighteen Only saw colours on a TV screen   Skinny jeans and sunglasses A fashion statement for the masses What you're doing makes me sick Over hyped and generic               She didn’t know how she’d ended up at the quarry but there she was, sitting on one of the carved-out ledges, looking down at the small pit filled with water. She rocks her feet, ruffling her hair every few minutes as a nervous tic, thinking back to her and Pea’s fight earlier that day. She didn’t know what to do or say. She felt her cell phone vibrate in her pocket and sighed as she removed it, opening the message.               [Text: Jessie]: Toni said she saw you and Pea fighting today. What happened? Also, are you and Pea a thing? Xx              Groaning, she’ll set the cellphone aside and lay on her back, still allowing her feet to dangle off the side. After a few moments of staring up at a starry, endless sky, she’ll sit up and look down at the water, reflecting the sky above. So quiet…It was then that she realized she’d never jumped off or into the quarry. She wondered what it was like, closed her eyes and imagined it, before re-opening them and staring down.               Why dream about it when you can do it, right?               She was sure she’d regret it, but she was regretting everything lately so fuck it, right? She’ll strip her jacket off and stand on the ledge, biting her lip. Now that she actually decided to do it and was looking down with the intent to jump, it wasn’t as easy as she thought it was. She rubbed her boot on the ledge, peering down at the water. How deep was it? She could only guess—.               Shit. Her boot slipped from the gravel edge and she felt herself falling before she realized it and she let out a loud scream, not that anyone was around to hear it. She hit the water with a loud splash and it hurt, hitting at such a velocity but what hurt more was how fucking cold the water was. It was cold enough that it burned her skin as she sunk deeper into it, panicking as she kicked and tried to tread water like her mom taught her when she was young. She watched as her vision began to blur again, panic rising in her as she recalled the last time this happened, and she tried to tread again, but stopped as her vision went black. “What?” “Why do you have drawings of a Southside Serpent?” “Wait…you went through my stuff?” “Hardly the point.” “What does it matter? I draw things I see.” “…if you’re coming after one of us, it won’t end well, especially for a Northie like you.” Northie. Northie. Northie. Northie? “Can’t believe I ever thought you were anything but a thug!” “At least this thug is Southside!”                 It came to her in flashes, as that night did. Someone grabbing her and pulling her out of the quarry water, her breaking the surface and gasping for breath, waking up on the water’s edge, seeing who it was. It was Pea. He was saying something about how dangerous it was jumping into the quarry, but she couldn’t hear him very well. She felt like she did when she’d been drugged: tired and groggy. She felt his hands on her face as her vision went dark again.               When she opened her eyes again, she was in a trailer. Wait, what? She was shaking from head-to-toe, exhausted for a currently unknown reason and she was incredibly confused. She struggled to move, ruffling her hair with shaky hands, and calling out into the trailer, vision blurring again.               “Mhm. Pe-ea?” Her words slurred, and she wondered if she was drunk but couldn’t recall drinking any alcohol. No, she’d…she’d fell into the quarry. She’ll feel around for her cell-phone, finding it beside the bed she was on, and tried to put in her passcode, seeing a bunch of missed calls from her parents, but failed due to her fumbling fingers.               “Here. Drink this.” She looks to the doorway, seeing Sweet Pea enter with a mug. A mug of what? His hair was wet and clung to his forehead, parts of it still drying and he was wearing a white tee and a set of sweatpants. He came over, sitting down on the edge of the bed and offering the mug to her. She tried to take it but couldn’t, leading to him gently lifting her head and pouring it into her mouth.               Hot chocolate. Holy fuck. It had been so long since she’d had hot chocolate! It was good, too, something she hadn’t expected of Sweet Pea, but she was impressed. As he laid her head back down and set the mug aside, she began to look around the room, quickly realizing she was in Sweet’s room. Oh god! He’d saved her and brought her back to his place.               “S-sweet P-pea?” She asked, words slurring and voice coming out as a soft mumble as she watched him place two fingers on her neck. Her brows furrowed in confusion and she watched as he removed his fingers, concern crossing his features. He stood and ran his hands through his hair, pacing around the room. When he finally stopped pacing and returned to her side of the bed, she watched as he grabbed the bottom of his shirt and pulled it over his head.               The boy had abs. He was incredibly well-built, a muscular chest, arms…honestly, she didn’t know where to look because it was all very attractive but also very confusing. She didn’t know why she was seeing this…He’ll take a knee on the bed and bend to start tugging at her clothing and while her confusion was still ever-present, something else was as well.               “W-what are you doing, Pea?! Stop!” She tried to shove his hands away from her as he tugged at her shirt, pulling it up to reveal a blindingly pale stomach. She felt tears form on the edges of her eyes as she began to writhe beneath him, trying to push his hands away to the best of her ability, only able to think of the night that seemed like just a few days ago. Serpent tattoo. Southside Serpents jacket. Slicked back black hair. Dark eyes. She allowed herself to be moved, a foot being placed on the stall while a hand clung to her thigh.               Pea stopped and his hands found the sides of her face amid her panic, forcing her to look at him. While she didn’t want to at first, gradually the softened look within them (just like honey) began to calm her down and she stopped writhing around, relaxing beneath him, shivers occasionally running through her. He’ll nod once she’s calmed down and release her face before speaking in a soft, hushed tone.               “Listen. You have hypothermia. I have to warm you up, okay? I’m not looking to do anything weird.” By anything weird, she assumed have sex with her and while a part of her was insulted that was the phrasing he used, that part of her was mostly subdued now. Her hands came to rest on her chest and she felt a pang of anxiety and shyness. She’d never been naked in front of anyone before, let alone…Sweet Pea. Also wow, she remembered that he’s shirtless and glanced down again, becoming distracted momentarily before forcing herself to look him in the eyes. Reluctantly, she’ll nod and move her hands to rest by her sides, letting Sweet Pea finish undressing her.               He remained incredibly focused on his task, not even casting a second glance as he removed her top and bra. If there was something she wouldn’t have accused a Serpent of being, it was honorable but after this, she would have to award Sweet Pea a serious medal of honor. He continued with her pants, and she averted her gaze upwards, feeling tears brim again as she was stripped. She didn’t even hear as he stripped his own pants and joined her in the bed, snuggling them together before tugging a large blanket over them. It was rather strange to be this close to Sweet Pea, and so vulnerable, without having had much prior contact. It was like having a vulnerable conversation with a stranger or…being naked in a bed with a stranger because your dumbass went and got hypothermia.               But she did know Sweet Pea. He was a member of the Serpents and Jessie knew him and hung out with him. He’d been staying at her place because she was too afraid to sleep alone and having nightmares. And…and he’d saved her life... Shine, shine like the sun Spread your warmth through everyone I asked you why people die You said we all had a design   Slide into the sea Landslide comin' down on me I said I was into you You said you were into me                His hand came to rest on her throat, touching her pulse point so he could monitor it as they warmed up. She rested one hand on her stomach and the other on the valley between her breasts, looking over at him. Eyes fluttering open and closed slowly due to exhaustion, she smiled softly at the view of him she had. He was somehow different in this moment. Concern, a foreign emotion on Sweet’s face, spread so blatantly across his features: brows knit together, lips pulled tight, and nostrils flaring with every heavy breath he took. He just looked so...gentle.               “What?” He asked, voice gruff, a hint of annoyance present.               “Nothing…just…I keep ending up in these situations…and you’re always there…maybe it’s a sign.” She didn’t know what she was saying at all. It had to be the hypothermia…right?               “What do you mean?” He asked, voice now lined with curiosity as he leaned into her a bit.               “W-when you found me outside of the Whyte Wyrm, I was…” She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. “I was looking for him. That Serpent you saw in my sketchbook. Seems to me that you’re saving me from making bad decisions.”               “Or maybe I am a bad decision.” He spoke softly, looking away from her as if considering the current situation they were in.               “Mhm. I don’t think so.” She grumbled softly before leaning forward, as much as her body would let her in her slightly frozen state and capturing his lips with hers. They were surprisingly soft, though a bit chapped, and kissing him was better than any of the first kisses she’d envisioned for herself. He began to kiss back, the hand on her neck becoming a soft hold. They kissed for several moments, though it seemed like years, before he released her lips and she buried her face into his neck out of embarrassment at her momentary bravery.               “Maybe it’s the hypothermia talking…but I really like you, Sweets.” She mumbled into his throat before feeling herself drift off into a comfortable sleep. Count back, anaesthetise Colours burnt into my eyes Life for you is shades of grey Help me, help me find my way   Mother, can't you help me now? 'Cause I've been drowning in the sound Lying on the motorway Writing songs and wasting away               ***** Six. In My Bones ***** In my bones I can feel it in my bones In a way that I never felt before I just can't stop from wondering where you are How's it for you baby?   Don't know why Don't know where to begin Don't know what is or isn't happening Don't know how My head's in such a spin Is yours in one too baby?               When Sweet Pea woke up the next morning, it almost seemed like any other morning. Waking up side by side, aside from the whole snuggling naked bit. Violet had intertwined her limbs with his, a leg between his and one arm underneath him while the other softly rested against his throat, cradling his face and neck. She looked incredibly angelic, her eyes closed softly and a sweet gentleness settled on her features, lips softened into a calm flat line as she slept, chest rising and falling. He found himself breathless as he watched her sleep, laying there for a few moments before realizing how late it was. Though it was difficult, he unwound himself from her and put on his bottoms, leaving her to go about his daily routine. When he returned, she was stirring awake and he cursed himself for getting out of the bed.               “Mhm. Morning, Pea.” She murmured softly, the grogginess of sleep still lacing her voice as she adjusted herself in the bed, rolling onto her back and rubbing her eyes as she stared up at him. He crossed his arms and put on a neutral face, or tried to, considering that she was still very naked. She kept the blankets around her, thankfully, and he coughed awkwardly.               “Um…I haven’t been able to wash or dry your clothes yet but uh, I can give you some of mine.” Some of yours? God, Sweets, what is she, your fucking girlfriend? He cursed himself internally and didn’t wait for a response, leaving the room to get said clothes, returning to find her sitting up in the bed, blankets still around her. She’ll give a sleepy smile, the edges of her mouth lifting, as she takes the clothes from him and sets them beside her.               “Was this the only way you could think of to get me naked, Sweets?” She teased, a smirk evident on her lips as she thumbed the edge of the sheets, brows raised at him. Did his cheeks flush? Yes. Did he hide it? Oh, yes. He adjusted his arms across his chest and scowled, trying to contain any embarrassment he felt about her currently being naked in his bed, before walking off, saying something about getting dressed for the day in the bathroom. She dressed quickly and checked her phone, seeing even more missed calls from her parents than the night before and even a few texts.               [Text: Birther]: If you don’t get home soon, you are GROUNDED, Violet! Grounded!               [Text: Birther]: Please call me.               [Text: Birther]: We’re calling the police.              Jesus Christ. Her parents certainly had a tendency to over-react, that was something she knew for sure. Though feeling a bit awkward in the clothes as they weren’t very form-fitting, Pea’s clothes were surprisingly comfortable still and smelled amazing. She could smell him on them: that natural musk of his, a hint of cigarettes, and spearmint gum. She brought it up to her nose and took a heavy breath in, letting the scent fill her nostrils and wash over her nerves, soothing them. She smiled softly, enjoying the moment before realizing she probably looked like a creep and beginning to gather her things. Her phone went off again and she reached for it, unlocking it, and seeing the text was from Jessie.               [Text: Jessie]: Your parents called me last night. Said they haven’t seen you since yesterday morning. You okay? Call me. Xx              Sigh. She hadn’t talked to her best friend about anything going on in personal life at all, not since that night. Jessie had no idea what was going on with her, not any more than her parents did anyway. Hell, Sweet Pea probably had more of an idea than Jessie did and that was just outright shameful. She’ll quickly type a response, sending it just as Pea returned from the bathroom, dressed in a pair of dark jeans, a dark tee, red flannel, and his Southside Serpents jacket. His hair was wet and had gel in it, making her raise her eyebrow at him as she turned and looked him over. He was always so different when he had his jacket on, at least to her. When he put the jacket on, he put on this façade of being a commanding, mean boy when last night and small moments prior, she’d been able to see slivers of what he truly was: a really sweet, kind person. She silently wondered why he’d joined the Serpents in the first place, but she had a pretty good idea why.               “Uh…I have to get home…my parents are gonna kill me. Almost wish the hypothermia had.” She joked, but Pea didn’t show signs of even a hint of a smile. “I’ll…talk to you later?” It’s said like a question. She’s unsure of their relationship with the development of recent events and she can’t help but remember that she’d kissed him last night, which no doubt was the source of the awkwardness in their conversation then. She didn’t know what she was supposed to say or do, and made a silent note to talk to Jessie about it later. She’d know all about this. Awkwardly, she’ll shuffle around the tall, brooding boy and towards the entrance to his trailer, opening and closing it while cursing herself for being such an awkward person and leaving without a moment’s thought.               Her parents were going to kill her.                 When she got home, she tried to open the door quietly. Tried to sneak upstairs and change before she had to face the wrath of her parents, most likely more her mother than her father, but Princess came running the second the door was opened, and her parents followed suit, knowing the dog would lead the way to their child. And that’s what lead to her sitting at the head of her dining room table, struggling to explain why she was in someone else’s clothes without revealing that she’d spent the night at a boy’s place because lord knows her parents would lose their shit.               “It was just the only normal clothing Jessie had.” She shrugged as her parents stared her down, looking for signs of lying. “I’m sorry I worried you. M-my phone died.”               “Doesn’t Jessie have a charger?” Her mother inquired, crossing her arms over her chest and quirking a blonde brow.               “U-uhm, yeah, but she was too drunk to find it and I was really tired. I-I’m really sorry, Mum.” She rested her hands on her lap and uncomfortably shifted. “C-can I get ready for school? I have to be there soon.”               Her mother squinted, as if not believing what her daughter was telling her and leaned back, considering. After a few moments of staring her down and more considering, she finally nodded and gestured up the stairs. Violet immediately seized the opportunity and had to resist the urge to run up the steps, taking them slowly until she was out of sight and then practically jogging to her room. She’ll strip herself of Pea’s clothing, although a bit reluctantly, and smell it one last time before stuffing it away in her closet. She changes quickly into a sweater, a pair of skinny jeans, a denim jacket, and a pair of boots. She packs her backpack and practically runs down the stairs, announcing she’s leaving, and running out the front door. And it goes on It goes on and on While you're here And long after you're gone Can't pretend no more I just can't pretend I'm not in love with you That's not true True               By the time she got to Pop’s, it was probably halfway through first period. The bell jingled as she entered, and she immediately spotted Jessie sitting in the corner booth, texting on her cellphone, waiting for her to arrive. She’ll give a shy glance to Pops, who could tell that she was skipping school by the fact that she was there, but didn’t say anything. After all, it gave him business and he wasn’t her father. She’ll saunter over to the corner booth and slide in with a sigh, making her best friend jump in her seat before grinning at her.               “Jesus fuck, Vi! It’s been so long since I’ve seen you. Hiding out in the shadows much?” She teased, quirking her brown brows at her as she set her cellphone aside and leaned forward, waiting for her best friend to pour her guts out.               “Uh, yeah, in a way. More specifically, hiding in Sunnyside.” She decided not to hide it or try to beat around the bush about it, knowing that Jessie would just coax it out of her eventually and that would be ten times worse as just coming out and saying it. Instantly, Jessie’s mouth formed an ‘O’ and she raised her brows slowly as her face contorted in confusion and a bit of excitement.               “Wait…does this have to do with you and Sweet Pea?” Almost right away, her face flushed at the thought of the dark-haired, dark-eyed boy she’d kissed the night before. The memory of him shirtless and standing over her before taking her clothes off…and then the naked snuggling. Her head was in her hands, hiding her reddened face before she knew it and Jessie was reaching across the table, shaking her shoulder and demanding details. She’ll try to overcome her embarrassment, flashes of the attractive Sweet Pea from the night before flooding her brain, and she only continues shaking her head and blushing as the waitress arrives to take her order.               “I’ll just have a vanilla milkshake, thanks.” She grumbles, head in her hands. “Seems to me that you’re saving me from making bad decisions.” “Maybe I am a bad decision.” “Mhm. I don’t think so.”               Her stomach floods with butterflies as she recalls kissing him, that beautiful feeling that blossomed in her chest the second her lips met his soft ones, and how she felt like she’d be chasing after that feeling with every kiss after. As Jessie ordered, she lifted her hands to her lips and softly touched the skin, almost able to feel his lips on them in that very moment.               “Whatever happened, Girl, you got it bad.” Jessie murmured, breaking her out of her thoughts. She’ll glance over at the other, smiling softly.               “Got what?” She probed, brows raising in confusion as her hand fell to rest on the table of the booth. Jessie laughed…and laughed…and laughed? She was laughing so hard she was clutching at her stomach and covering her mouth. It took a solid three minutes to compose herself and then she slammed her hands on the table.               “Love, girl! L-O-V-E! Either you love him or what his dick does, though I have a feeling it’s not the latter.” Her face flushed again, and she pouted, looking out the window in avoidance of her best friend’s vulgar questions. While it was true that they hadn’t done anything ornately sexual, it was also true that they had seen each other naked, not that they had really seen anything. While Violet had been amazed at how muscular and well-built he was, she hadn’t looked any further and she was sure Sweet Pea was too honorable to have taken advantage of the situation to catch a glimpse at any part of her, breast or otherwise.               “Well, either way, my parents lost their shit and called the cops…so…I don’t think we’ll be seeing each other very soon or often for that matter.” She grumbled, crossing her arms as she waited for her milkshake to come. Jessie frowned instantly and crossed her own arms with a dismissive roll of her eyes.               “Listen, Vi, if you like him, then fuck them, okay? All they care about is their reputation. Liking a Southsider? They won’t like that one bit but you’re in Southside. Who else are you supposed to like? Plus, the Serpents aren’t as bad as people think they are. They just have a bad rep because of certain members.” Jessie stated flatly, shaking her head at the other’s parents. They were hypocritical in a way and it bothered Jessie. They, themselves, were Southsiders but were shitting on anyone who wasn’t on “their” level. It more than pissed her off: it drove her up a fucking wall.               Speaking of certain members…she needed to tell Jessie. She felt a knot form in her throat and looked away, trying to compose herself. It felt her throat and lungs were filling up with cement and she couldn’t breathe. She began to panic, but she tried to keep it to herself. She tried to calm down, breathing through her nose, holding it and then exhaling. She saw their milkshakes coming and focused on it, deciding that she’d wait until she had a distraction to tell her. The waitress set the milkshakes down in front of the two of them with a smile and then disappeared, leaving her only with what she needed to tell her, the desperate desire to tell her, but also the fear deep seated in her chest.               “Um, Jessie. There’s something I need to…to tell you about th-the night of the party.” She took a sip of her milkshake after speaking, feeling it soothe the ache in her chest only a little bit and watching as concern crossed Jessie’s normally relaxed and grinning features. She’ll take a sip of her own milkshake then offer her hand, able to tell just how upset she was by what she was trying to say. Though normally repulsed by human contact and emotions, she’ll take her hand and sigh, trying to compose herself. “Um…th-this guy…he…I think he drugged my drink.”               Her face instantly changed as realization hit her and it was horrific as she went through every emotion in a matter of a few seconds. Shock, horror, fear, guilt, and then finally, rage. She gripped Violet’s hand tightly, bringing her other hand up to the table and clinging to her. She didn’t even need to finish the story. Jessie knew. Jessie always knew.               “Have you told anyone?” She swallowed. “Or am I the first?”               “The first.” She said softly with tears in her eyes. On a dime, Jessie switched sides in the booth and took a seat beside her friend, bringing her into her shoulder, wrapping her arm around her as she felt a rage set fire to her blood. Violet had been her best friend for as long as she could remember. They shared everything: secrets, future wedding plans, hatred of their parents and often, they shouldered pain together. It hurt her to know that she had been suffering underneath the weight of something like this so long and she had no clue; that she had been so lost in her own world of drugs and partying to even see that her best friend was in pain.               “It’s okay, Vi. I’m gonna kill who did this to you.” She kissed her temple, massaging her shoulder as she broke down into a sob, wrapping her own arm around Jessie and pulling her closer as she sobbed and sobbed. It seemed like an endless river of tears and with every tear that fell, Jessie’s blood only boiled even hotter for the person who had caused this pain in the first place. In my bones I can feel it in my bones In a way that I never felt before I just can't stop from wondering where you are How's it for you baby?   And it goes on It goes on and on While you're here And long after you're gone Can't pretend no more I just can't pretend I'm not in love with you That's not true True True                               ***** Seven. Not You *****               “Do you know who it was?” Jessie asked, making her sigh and ruffle her dark blonde hair. She sat on her bed amongst a bunch of drawings, all panicked scribbles of the features she remembered with Jessie analyzing each one, searching for any memorable features.               “No, Jessie, I told you. I didn’t know him…I didn’t…” She felt sick again and groaned, flopping back onto her back and throwing her arm over her eyes, trying to make the nausea in her stomach go away. Jessie sighed and plopped on the bed beside her, softly rubbing her leg before laying down on it.               “It’s okay, Vi. I’m just trying to—”               “Help, yeah, I know, but I just don’t feel like…like you can, Jessie. It’s just…I don’t know. It feels like…like I don’t know.” She sighed exasperatedly and ruffled her hair away from her face before dragging her hands down her face. Jessie softly patted her leg before sitting up onto her elbows.               “On a better note, what about you and Sweet Pea?” Instantly, she watched as her best friend’s face turned several shades of red, rolling onto her side away from her. Jessie laughed, watching as Violet let out a girlish squeal and clutched at her chest.               “I can’t. I just…can’t. I don’t know what to do. What do you do when you like someone? More specifically, what do you do when you like a Southside Serpent?” She grumbled, putting her arm back over her face as it remained flushed. “There’s a lot of politics involved, Jessie, and I don’t like it. I just want life to be simple.”               “Don’t we all? But this is what being a teenager is. Love and existential crises.” Jessie’s occasional philosophical ramblings were what kept her living, if she was entirely honest. While Jessie came off as incredibly shallow, there was more to her than that and only Violet got to see it.               “Promise you’ll be with me through my existential crises?” Violet asked, offering her pinky. Jessie grinned and lifted her own arm, locking their pinkies together.               “Promise.” Violet jumped as her phone went off beside her. She groaned and grabbed it, unlocking it.               [Text: Pea]: Meet me at my place later?               “Oh shit.” Violet panicked aloud, tossing the phone onto the sheets and flopping to face her window where the dark-haired Serpent had come in multiple times. She thought, again, of the night they’d kissed. How smoothly their lips had moved together and how sweet he’d tasted and she ran a tongue across her lips, trying to taste it again.               “What is it? Is it him?” Jessie sat up immediately at her friend’s out-of-character cursing, brows raising in interest. She’d never seen her friend like this before and it was certainly entertaining to see her so flustered and interested in someone.               “If by him you mean Sweet Pea, then yes.” She adjusted herself, sitting up against the huge pile of pillows, resting against it as she crossed her legs and arms, trying to figure out what to do or say in response to the text. “He wants me to come over to his place tonight. What should I say?”               “Say yes, girl! Go to him! Go to your boy!”               “Oh my god, he’s not my boy! He’s…” She waved her hands around as she attempted to come up with the word, but failed, dropping them in her lap. “He’s just a boy.”               “A boy you kissed nakedly!” Jessie exclaimed, nearly falling off the bed in excitement. She’d never seen Vi with anyone, never even seen her show the slightest interest in anyone. She was a difficult girl to understand, at least to the male species, and while she was timid, she demanded respect. It made her proud of her, but she also wanted her to demand respect from her parents. Like that was ever gonna happen. “Maybe some more things are gonna happen, nakedly.”               She loved to see Violet flustered, her face flushed and her lips spread in embarrassment but also a hint of excitement. Violet was the sad girl of the two, the saddest girl, and so she enjoyed seeing her with a smile on her face, regardless of what caused it. It only made her happier that she was getting it from a Serpent, especially Sweet Pea.               “Okay, I’m gonna tell him yes, I’m coming over. That’s it.” She said flatly, picking up her phone and typing said response before tossing it again. “Whatever happens, happens.”               “Especially if it’s the sex. Girl!!! You could be losing your v- card tonight. To a Serpent, no less.” Jessie beamed from ear-to-ear, but the very mention of v-card made Violet frown and the sickness rise in her stomach. Jessie saw her frown and instantly realizing her mistake. “Shit, Vi, I’m sorry…I didn’t…”               “It’s fine.” She watched as Violet closed herself off again. Two seconds ago, she’d been a blooming bud, and now here she was, closing herself up like a flower in the winter. Now she realized what Violet’s parents must feel. “I don’t want to talk about it.”               “I know but…” Jessie took her hand. “Can I just say that you’re still a virgin? Vi, it wasn’t consensual and maybe physically you’re not, but you didn’t give it to him, so in my opinion, you still have your v-card.”               Violet withdrew her hand from Jessie’s and crossed her arms over her chest, holding herself tightly. Jessie breathed heavily, seeing there was nothing else she could do here, and stood up, gathering her things.               “See you tomorrow?” Jessie asked, throwing her bag onto her shoulder as she stood in the doorway looking over at her dejected friend.               “Yeah…” Violet rolled onto her side and away from Jessie, bringing the blankets up and over her petite body. “See you tomorrow.”                             She’d been in bed for most of the day when she finally decided to get up, take a shower, and change. Her parents weren’t home yet, making it easy to leave to see Sweet Pea. She left a note, claiming she’d be at Jessie’s, knowing her friend would cover for her. The walk to Sunnyside was uneventful and short, thanks to her jogging some of the way and when she reached Pea’s trailer, she was panting. She rapped on the door, sticking her hands in her pockets afterwards and glancing around. The door swung open within a few minutes, Sweet Pea standing in the doorway.               He looked just as good as he always did. His hair was wet, obviously from being fresh out of the shower and he was wearing a pair of dark jeans, a camo green undershirt, red plaid, and a denim vest version of the Southside Serpents jacket. Internally, she groaned, but maintained her demeanor as best she could.               “Uh…hi? Violet Richards, as requested.” She stated awkwardly, lifting her arms.               “Come in.” He said, stepping out of the way to let her come in. She entered slowly, hands remaining in her pockets. He shut the door behind her and she swallowed, instantly feeling awkward and unsure of herself. Emotions? What the fuck were those and how was she supposed to express them?               “Uh, need I remind you that I am grounded and am currently lying to my parents about where I am?” She ruffled her blonde hair and shifted awkwardly, looking to his bed and the memories of the night before coming ten- fold.   “Nothing…just…I keep ending up in these situations…and you’re always there…maybe it’s a sign.”               “What do you mean?”               “W-when you found me outside of the Whyte Wyrm, I was…” She sighed and closed her eyes for a moment. “I was looking for him. That Serpent you saw in my sketchbook. Seems to me that you’re saving me from making bad decisions.”               “Or maybe I am a bad decision.” He spoke softly, looking away from her as if considering the current situation they were in.               “Mhm. I don’t think so.” She grumbled softly before leaning forward, as much as her body would let her in her slightly frozen state and capturing his lips with hers. They were surprisingly soft, though a bit chapped, and kissing him was better than any of the first kisses she’d envisioned for herself. He began to kiss back, the hand on her neck becoming a soft hold. They kissed for several moments, though it seemed like years, before he released her lips and she buried her face into his neck out of embarrassment at her momentary bravery.                 “Maybe it’s the hypothermia talking…but I really like you, Sweets.” She mumbled into his throat before feeling herself drift off into a comfortable sleep.                 “Listen, Vi, I wanna talk about last night.” He spoke, obviously having difficulty expressing himself. She felt the anxiety within her stomach rise to her chest and she grew more uncomfortable, wrapping her jacket more around herself and looking away. It seemed her typical lifestyle of avoiding feelings and relationships wasn’t working out very well, was it?               “Um, what about it?” She played innocent, knowing full well what exactly it was he wanted to talk about. She’ll ruffle her hair again and softly bite her lip.               “Don’t do that.” He barked out softly and her head snapped up as she released her lips. He seemed frustrated, brows furrowed, and his arms crossed over his chest.               “Do what?” She asked, finding her lip between her teeth again. His hands twitched visibly against his chest and she could see frustration growing within him. Before she realized what was happening, her back met the door, soft lips against hers, and his hand knotted into her hair. She didn’t hold back, bracing her hands against his sides as he pressed it into her, lips moving against each other and his tongue sliding into her mouth. She felt his hands on her waist and then on her thighs, forcing her to pause instantly. She pushed him away quickly, head falling back against the door.               His expression was that of confusion, brows furrowed and eyes soft with curiosity and a hint of hurt. She wiped her mouth, holding her hand there as she tried to compose herself. She held him at arm’s length, hand against his chest, feeling his heartbeat rapidly in his ribcage.               “I…” She tried to form words, but found herself out of breath and words, mind struggling to come up with anything coherent. All she could think about was him and she felt the same bile rising in the back of her throat, as it always did when she thought about the incident, and she hurriedly pushed him out of the way, running for his bathroom. She barely made it to the toilet before the contents of her stomach left her lips, narrowly missing strands of blond hair. She heard Pea behind her as she vomited violently, and she felt him move towards her but instantly stuck her hand out. “Please…don’t…t-touch me.”               She closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind as her hand fell to the floor. She vomited a few more times before finally composing herself. Standing, she turned on the faucet and rinsed her mouth out, placing hands on either side of the sink and leaning into her hips as she let her head drop.               “It’s not you, Pea.” She shook her head, the air heavy. This was exactly why she couldn’t do this. Not now or ever, she feared.               “It’s not me, it’s you? Really?” His voice had a bit of aggression in it, likely due to the hurt. He seemed just like Jessie in this aspect, but she didn’t know how to mend this. She turned slowly, leaning against the sink.               “I know it sounds shitty, but yes.” She wiped her eyes of any tears from her vomiting episode but she could feel herself on the brink. Pea shifted his weight from left to right before stalking off, making her follow him quickly. “Come on, Pea! Let’s be real! You said it yourself: you’re Southside. I’m not! How can we expect this to work out?!”               He turned once they were in his bedroom and crossed his arms again, face and shoulders pensive. His eyes had darkened to a terrifying point and she felt herself swallow thickly, but approach him. She took him by the lapels of his jacket and leaned into his face, gently bringing him down to her level, brushing her lips against his. Brown eyes fluttered at the feeling and he went to kiss her deeper, but she stopped him.               “I’m sorry, Sweet Pea, but I can’t. I…I want to, but I can’t.” She released the lapels of his jacket and turned, walking out of the trailer without another word, carefully shutting the door behind her. Once outside, she broke out into a run, tears brimming on the edges of her eyes. She didn’t know where she was going, but she didn’t particularly care. All she cared about was the intense pain in her chest and running away from it. ***** Eight. Look After You ***** It's always have and never hold You've begun to feel like home What's mine is yours to leave or take What's mine is yours to make your own               She didn’t know why she was at the Whyte Wyrm drinking her weight in alcohol, especially considering the last time she did it something bad happened, but there she was. She never did have good coping skills and alcoholism just seemed like the next step on her long road to unhealthy coping mechanisms. She didn’t know what number shot she was on, all she knew was that her vision was starting to blur, and a nausea had begun to blossom in her stomach. She’ll signal to the bartender for another drink before sliding off the stool and stumbling towards the bathroom, leaning against the wall once there and observing the short line. Groaning, she’ll lean her head back and touch her head, nursing the headache she could already feel coming on. She felt her cellphone vibrate in her pocket and drunkenly began rummaging for it, finding it successfully. After struggling to put in her code for a solid five minutes, she finally unlocked it and checked the received message.               [Text: Birther]: Where in the hell are you? You have exactly ten minutes to be in this house or I will call the police!!!!!!               Pretending her parents were in front of her, she gagged, sticking her tongue out, ruffling her long blonde hair and looking to see if the line was shorter. They hadn’t moved an inch. Looking back to her phone, blue eyes spotted the thread reading Pea and she narrows her eyes, recalling their fight earlier that day.               “Please…don’t…t-touch me.”               “Come on, Pea! Let’s be real! You said it yourself: you’re Southside. I’m not! How can we expect this to work out?!”               Before she knew it, she’d tapped his contact info and pressed the dial button, holding the phone to her ear, waiting for him to pick up. Was this a bad idea? Probably. Was she doing it anyways? Definitely. The second she heard the line picked up, she was drunkenly stumbling and slurring her words.               “Mhm, Peeeeeeeaaa.” She slurred, leaning against the wall as she heard him drawl out a questioning hello. “Whatttt are you doiiing~?” A hiccup and short giggle followed.               “Uh-” He opened his mouth to answer, but was cut off as she began talking again, stumbling in line.               “Mhm...it’s not you, it’s me. You’re riiiiiight. I-it was duuuuh- umm.” His brows furrowed as her words slurred together. Was she drunk? He’d never heard her drunk before but surely, she had to be drunk. The slurred words and disruptive hiccups were proof of that.               “Uh, are you drunk, Vi?” He asked the obvious question, moving to sit with either leg on the sides of his bike, putting the phone between his shoulder and ear, ready to take off.               “Ummmm, no! I’m not drunk! Youuuuu’re drunk!” Yep. She was drunk.               “Where are you, Vi?” He asked, starting up his bike, revving the engine.               “Mhm...some bar somewhere...I dunno. Why do you care? It’s not youuu, it’s meeee, remember?” Another hiccup. He listened intently to the background and heard what sounded like Tall Boy. She had to be at the Whyte Wyrm.               “I’ll be there in ten. Don’t leave.” He hung up the phone, kicked up his kickstand and sped off. Meanwhile, Violet finally reached the bathroom and thanked God, as only a drunk person can, as she emptied the only contents of her stomach into the toilet, clinging to the sides of the stall. After finishing, she’ll stand and stumble over to the sink, giving a soft smile to the other girls in the bathroom. She’ll rinse her mouth out and stumble out of the bathroom, finding her way back to the bar, grinning pleasantly upon seeing her drink still waiting for her.               “Thank youuuuu~!” She lifted the glass in cheers to the bartender, who was giving her strange looks and obviously thinking it was about time he cut her off. When his gaze lifted from her, it was only to look to Sweet Pea, who was standing behind her. Upon seeing her about to down another drink, he’ll grab the drink from her and set it back down on the bar, swiveling her around on the stool. “Noooooooooooo!” She whined, trying to turn and grab the glass again whilst Pea tried to get her off the stool. It was started to look vaguely look like a kidnapping.               “Come on, let’s get you home.” He forcibly draped her arm over his shoulder to support her and again tried to pull her away from the bar (and the drink she’d ordered). It failed, however, as she took what she saw as her last opportunity and seized the shot glass and threw it back, slamming it back on the bar with a grin. He’ll roll his eyes and sigh with defeat, frowning down at her, lips pressed in a thin line. “You done?”               “…maybe…” She grumbled, blue eyes innocently looking up at him through thick eyelashes. Another eyeroll and he’ll nod at the bartender, helping her out of the bar. As they approached his bike, he’ll quickly realize that he doesn’t know if he can get her home on it, considering how intoxicated she is. The last thing he needed was to get in a wreck trying to get her home. Sighing, he’ll ruffle his short dark hair and begin walking in the direction of Sunnyside, cursing himself internally.                 By the time they reach his place, she’s almost to the point of passing out, leaning into him, her head pressed into his shoulder. He’ll pop open the door with ease and then struggle to get them both through, opting to place his arms underneath her knees and lift her up, stepping inside the trailer and heading for the bedroom right away. He’ll set her down on the bed, adjusting the pillows before she pulls him into a wet, sloppy kiss, no doubt a result of her heavily intoxicated state. He’ll quickly take her arms from around his neck and detach from her, making her whine.               “Mhm...please, Peaaaaa!” She unceremoniously tugged at her own shirt, revealing a pale stomach, which he quickly pushed back down. She then moved to start tugging at his shirt, trying to get it off him, forcing him to grab her hands and pin them to her sides.               “Maybe tomorrow when you’re sober.” He murmured into her face before gently releasing her hands, watching as she tossed onto her side, mumbling something inaudible. He’ll grab the blankets from the end of the bed and toss them over the top of her. She adjusted, moving to lay on her back with her head to the side, hands curled up around her chest. He’ll move to the foot of the bed and untie her Chuck Taylor’s, tossing them aside. He heard something vibrate and after rummaging around, found her cellphone in her pocket. The notification read:               [Text: Jessie]: Vi, where are you? Don’t tell me you’re drinking. That guy could hurt you again! Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh Be my baby I'll look after you (After you) Oh, oh, oh Oh, oh, oh Be my baby Oh, oh, oh ***** Nine. Honesty *****               She was beginning to think her place of death was going to be her dining table, surrounded by her parents, peering at her expectantly. She was also beginning to think that she couldn’t keep lying and perhaps it was time to tell the truth. She crossed her arms over her chest, trying to create a wall, of sorts, between her and her parents (other than the one that was already present in their relationship). Her mother stared pensively at her, reflecting her daughter, perfect blonde hair tied up in an updo and brows raised expectantly. Her father sat beside her, hands together and resting on the table, his face one of concern and reluctance of participation.               “Violet, where were you? And don’t lie.” Her mother demanded, an edge to her voice. Violet’s arms tightened around her chest and she looked away, avoiding the gazes of her parents. Her parents had never cared about her life, so why did they care now? Sure, she had been leaving without telling them where she was, but what did they care? She wanted out of this uncomfortable situation, but she wanted out of it without having to tell them anything. She just didn’t want to say anything to them. In her opinion, they didn’t deserve to hear anything she had to say, regardless of what it was. She sighed and uncrossed her arms, resting her hands on the table and nervously tapping them, considering her options.               Telling them where she was and who she was with would likely result in her being grounded and possibly worse, especially for Sweet Pea. However, she wasn’t sure if she could lie her way out of this. They wanted in on her life? They were about to get the full run-down, whether they liked it or not.               “Violet, please…” Her father pleaded, extending his hand to reach for hers. She instantly retracted the appendage, shooting him a glare and bringing it into her lap.               “I was at Sunnyside.” She revealed, watching as her mother’s face instantly changed to one of shock and anger, a hint of disdain present. She stood from her chair immediately, palms colliding with the table with a loud bang and she could almost hear her mother’s teeth grinding as her jaw clenched.               “You went to that-that den of iniquity?!”  She yelled, voice shrill. Violet remained unflinching in the face of her mother, instead crossing her arms again and moving her gaze to lock with her mother’s. Her father’s head dropped to his hands, already having seen this coming and already seeing the full-blown fight coming.               “Yeah, I did…multiple times…with a boy. A Serpent.” She held nothing back. At this point, it seemed to just be about rebellion, but she’d been doing that for years. This was just a matter of finally being honest about her life, regardless of whether they approved or not and it felt better than she could’ve imagined.               “Violet Skylar Richards!” Her mother’s shrill yell echoed through the house and she could feel her punishment coming. She’ll stand from the chair and exit the dining room, only further enraging her mother, who quickly followed her, yelling. Violet ignored her as she ascended the steps to her room. Her father started after her mother, trying to get everyone to calm down, but failing miserably as Violet slammed her door shut and threw herself onto her bed, bringing her pillow over her head to block out her mother who continued to scream, fist colliding with the locked door. For a moment, she let herself drift back to that morning with Sweet Pea.               She woke up to her head slamming against her skull, hair a mess, and clothes disheveled. She rolls onto her back and opposite side, looking towards the kitchen where she could hear utensils clanking and sizzling. Groaning, she’ll slowly move to sit up and stumble into the kitchen, pausing to see Sweet Pea standing in front of the stove, fixing up some eggs and hash browns. Face will distort in confusion and she’ll ruffle her hair.               “Mhm…last night wasn’t a dream…” She murmured, flashes of the night before appearing in her brain and she felt her cheeks flush. God, had she actually done that? She was regretting the drinking and trying to have sex with Sweet Pea, but she was glad he was there. How had he figured out where she was? Why had he come to get her after their fight? He was proving her to be wrong about him in more than one way.               “No, no it wasn’t.” He replied, finishing up the eggs and hash browns and throwing them on a plate, setting the plate beside her. She’ll groan at the sight of food and run a hand over her face, struggling to ignore how intensely nauseous she felt. It would probably feel good to eat something, but did she want to? Not really. She’ll fight the nausea and take a bite of the eggs. It didn’t taste as disgusting as she thought they would. Sweet Pea crossed his arms and leaned against the stove after turning it off. As she chewed, she looked over at him, noticing that he was dressed in his usual pair of dark jeans and a plaid shirt. He wasn’t wearing his Serpent’s jacket, which was a bit odd and made him seem…not like himself.               “Listen…” She started, speaking with her mouth full despite the manners she was taught. She finished her bite and wiped her mouth. “About last night…I…”               “You got a text from Jessie.” He interjected, causing her to pause, arms resting on the counter. She felt a pit rise and consume her stomach and she felt her arms and hands begin to tremble, breath becoming shaky.               “What did it say?” She had a feeling he was about to tell her, asking the question before he could answer.               “It said…” He un-crossed and re-crossed his arms, setting his jaw repeatedly, obviously struggling to get it out. “Vi, where are you? Don’t tell me you’re drinking. That guy could hurt you again.” He mimicked Jessie as best he possibly could, crossing the room to stand before her, brown eyes deep and she found herself practically drowning in them. She struggled to breathe, not just because of her anxiety. “Who. Is. The. Guy. Vi?”               “I…don’t know.” She said slowly, starting to back away from him and turn towards the bedroom, trying to distance herself from this conversation. It failed as Sweet Pea followed behind her, continuing to inquire.               “Okay then what did he do? How did he hurt you, Vi?” He demanded, arms crossing as he stood in the doorway, watching as she sat down on the bed, grabbing her shoes and beginning to put them on.               “I…I don’t want to talk about it.” She murmured, beginning to feel herself hyperventilating at the very thought of the man from that night.               “Vi, tell me.” He remained in the doorway, putting on his best intimidating façade. He wanted the truth, even if he had to intimidate it out of her.               “It’s…nothing. It’s…” She felt tears form around her eyes and pressed her hands against them, trying to hide it. She felt ashamed and dirty, just like she had the night it happened, and wanted to shower again. She continues crying softly into her hands, trying to compose herself as he stood in the doorway. “I…I went to a party at the Whyte Wyrm…and—and…this…guy…he-”               She stopped, breaking down again. She curled up into herself on the end of the bed, wrapping herself in the sweater she was wearing, and pulling her hair to form a veil over her face. She wanted to somehow conceal her crying, her ugly tear-stained face, and she just wanted to disappear into her clothes.               “He-he drugged my drink when I wasn’t looking…” She clamped her eyes shut, brain slamming against her skull from her hangover and her crying. Nothing more needed to be said. Sweet Pea instantly understood, and a dread rose in his stomach. He uncrossed his arms and slowly crossed the room, sitting down slowly beside her. He’ll drape an arm over her shoulder, watching as she winced away from him, but eventually settled into the touch. She looked to him, black streaks of mascara streaming down her face and staining it, tinted lip gloss smeared across her cheek, and eyeliner smudged around her eye. Her hair was disheveled both from sleep and her breakdown, strands sticking up here and there. Her soft blue eyes were quiet, and he could see how broken she was in that moment and how okay she pretended to be. He wrapped her in his arms and pulled her to him in a comforting embrace and she buried her face into his neck, breathing in his comforting scent.              She recalled his comforting scent in that moment and for a second, her pillow smelled like him. She threw the pillow to the side, the world around her fading back in. She’ll grasp her phone on the night-stand and unplug it from the charger, easily unlocking it and quickly typing a text as she listened to her parents arguing outside. Almost immediately, it pinged in response and after checking it, she strode over to her closet and pulled out a duffle bag, beginning to toss clothes in it.               About fifteen minutes later, she emerged from her room and her mother turned to her to continue yelling but paused upon seeing her daughter with a packed bag. She crossed her arms and stood at the top of the stairs, standing firmly in her way.               “Where do you think you’re going?” She demanded, leaning her weight onto her left hip.               “I’m leaving.” She stepped forward into her mother’s space, eyes staring into the other’s dark eyes fearlessly. “Step. Out. Of. My. Way.”               “Cathy, let her go.” Her father said from the side, not wanting the situation to explode any further. Her mother will look her up and down as if sizing her up before standing aside and Violet descended the stairs almost right away, not even waiting for her parents to change their mind. Her mother followed, though, spewing insults and frantically yelling. Violet threw the door open and stepped out, shivering involuntarily at the rain outside, but glancing back at what was waiting for her inside, she readily stepped out.               She saw Sweet Pea on his bike, parked just out front of the house, waiting for her. He saw her and instantly started the bike back up, placing his hands on the handlebars and his feet on either side of the bike. She could hear her mother shouting distantly, almost like a muffle, but it all just seemed to fade away as she strode towards Sweet Pea. It was him, always him. Every time something went down and she needed someone, it was him. He was there for her outside of the Whyte Wyrm, when she fell in the quarry, when she was drunk and now, when she needed to get away from her parents...               Maybe it was the situation, maybe it was wanting to defy her parents, or maybe it was just seeing him sitting on his bike in the Serpent jacket, soaked in the rain that made her run up to him, grab him by the back of the neck and softly kiss him, lips wet from the rain. He didn’t hold back, just as the first time they’d kissed, and pressed his lips back against hers, wrapping an arm around her waist and bringing her up to him and the warm, roaring bike. She pulled away from him after several moments, panting, and slung her leg over the back of the bike, clinging to her duffle bag and looking to her parents, looking shocked and confused on the porch to their five-year old house. Then she watched as they slowly became little ants on the horizon as Sweet Pea took off and honestly? Nothing felt better than the wind in her hair and the rain on her face as she clung to Sweet Pea. Please drop_by_the_archive_and_comment to let the author know if you enjoyed their work!