DELETED398633

Power Rangers: The Next Generation {INVITE ONLY}

-snipped-

Power Rangers: The Next Generation {INVITE ONLY}

CANCELLED.

-snipped-

CANCELLED.

_{@Universorum @Lovely Complex
Starring: Damian “Chocolate Milk” O’Connor and Joy “Oh Crap Auntie’s Gonna Kill Me” Darling
Featuring: Bartimaeus “Little Dude” Snyder, Amity “That’s Mrs. Snyder to You” Snyder, and Jericho “I’m Drunk” Snyder
Location: The Snyder Mansion}

Even before they’d driven all the way up the winding driveway, Damian had thoughts about Joy’s uncle’s house. It looked like something out of a fucking movie, built into seaside cliffs and overlooking the city of Malibu. The second they had crossed the gate at the bottom of the hill it was like the game had changed. Now, on either side of them, were small parks, groves of trees, and even little gardens. There was a massive sandbox here, and a pool with a trampoline to jump into it there — in the light projected from the poles on either side of the driveway, Damian could have sworn he saw a rollercoaster in the distance. He glanced over at Joy, “he lives here? You’re not just driving us up to some weird hotel, right? Because this is wild. How much did this property cost, anyway? It seems like your aunt and uncle own this whole hill...”

And the truth was… they did. Joy would know the story, that almost 15 years ago. The hill they were driving on was once luxurious residential area, from head to toe, until Jericho had decided that he wanted it. With the help of his wife, and a small loan from his uncle, Jericho and Amity Snyder bought the whole fucking hill (the goddamn madmen), tore down all the houses, built their mega mansion, and then Jericho had spent most of his life since just adding whatever he felt like to it. It was his playground; the house, the land, even the beach down below the cliffs. In a lot of ways, and the media had said it a million times before, Jericho was just a kid trapped in an adult’s body.

“I can see why you wanted to come here though, it’s friggin’ awesome. Hey, you’re doing really well, by the way. You’re a natural, maybe your mom and dad will buy you a car for your sixteenth, huh? Then you drive me around sometimes.”

“You really think so?” Joy briefly glanced over to Damian, before bringing her eyes back on the road. This was a little nerve-wrecking, nothing like the speed racer games. She forgot how long of a drive it would be, but at least she was getting the experience she needed. A car for her sixteenth birthday, huh? She wondered what her mom and dad would get her. Would she be able to customize it? “Oh, and yeah, they do own this whole hill. Fun fact, but this use to be a neighborhood, but when Uncle wants something, he gets it, and both him and his wife have a lot of money. Getting the things they want is never a problem.” Slowly, she pulled up in front of the garage.

Putting the car on park, Joy turned the ignition off, pulled the keys out, and offered them to her boyfriend, “You ready? I don’t know how much exploring we can do, but I’m sure just entering it you’ll jizz in your pants.” Joy teasingly chuckled after her last statement.

Damian took the key and slid it into his pocket, though he didn’t look over at Joy until after looking forward, toward the house they were about to enter. Even from in front of the garage, Damian noticed a bit of an oddity: it seemed all the lights were off. It was a little late, he figured, but it wasn’t like that late, was it? He shrugged his shoulders, before looking over at bae. “Yeah, you did fine. You could do a bit better with the turns, but that’s okay. People get better with practice and you didn’t do anything glaringly terrifying.” He hopped out of the car and leaned on the roof of it as Joy got out, adding, “hey, I didn’t want to tell you this while we were on the road, but like… that whole trip was kind of illegal. You got a permit, but the licensed driver has to be over 21 for a permit driver to drive… I figured if I told you, you might stress and like, drive us off the cliff.”

What the fuck? Joy looked at him like she couldn’t believe he allowed her to drive. Sure, she kind of demandingly asked, but he could’ve refused! She was a good girl. Tainting her bad record would not be good for her! Okay, lately, she has been tainting her record a little… with spending time with Damian and doing things. Unspeakable things. Naughty things. With him. Even so! She didn’t want to do anything illegal. All the singing he did got her caught up in the moment, forgetting about the laws of the world. Joy didn’t even take in all his constructive criticism because she was still baffled over the fact that he didn’t tell her to stop driving!

With that, Damian turned his attention to the house, “is it as cool inside, as it looks outside?” Damian asked, walking up to the front door and putting his hand on the knob. He turned it carefully, cautiously… and found that it was totally unlocked. Weird. He shook his head and looked over at Joy, before he threw open the door.

Little did Damian O’Connor know, this would be the biggest mistake of his night. Possibly, of his life. For in the living room, on one of the couches, there was a blanket cocoon. And inside that blanket cocoon, was the woman of the house, and her son, who Damian knew as ‘lil boss.’ Both of them were asleep, and they had only gotten to sleep but thirty minutes ago.

After the door opened, this was no longer the case.

“Is Daddy home?”

Damian had woken the sleeping child.

Hell hath no fury like a mother being woken after spending two hours getting her child in the mood to sleep. Most days, Amity Snyder was a pleasant woman. Absolutely lovely, welcoming, and full of positive energy. Right now, though? This very moment. Shooting her head up, her unruly hair draping down, there was no need to do much to her hair on a day off, Amie let out a light grumble before gently hushing her son, “Daddy isn’t here yet, lovebug.”

“Somebody is here! Maybe it’s an X-Man! Let’s go, lets gooooo,” came the reply from her son.

She already knew her fate for the night, so rather than try to get him to sleep, she simply unraveled the cocoon, grabbed him, resting him on her hip, and shuffled her way to her late visitors, looking like a goddamn gremlin.

Her every thought was on high definition. On top of not getting rest herself, which was never a good thing, Amie had to live with a husband that had insomnia and a son that would surely take after his father sooner rather than later. The mother of the household wore black shorts, that displayed her nice, slender legs, and a loose merchandise tank of her husband’s professional video game team: RD.

No bra.

After walking into the home, lights immediately turned on, letting him see the home in all its glory. While normal people eyes may have looked around and appreciated the crystalware, or the white tile floor that was so shiny you could see yourself in it, or maybe the massive spiral staircase… Damian’s eyes instead found their way to what looked like a drinking fountain in the wall, accompanied by a shorter one. Damian looked over at Joy, “Is that a water fountain?!” He asked, walking over to it, when he realized that the button was also a dial, which had different colors on it. Damian turned the dial, to blue (his favorite color) before he hit the button. Instead of water, some blue fluid came out, and Damian cautiously leaned forward, tasting it with his tongue.

IT WAS JUICE.

“WHAT?!” Damian’s mind was blown. And so was his volume control.

Clearing her throat, Joy realized her grave mistake. “Eh-heh… hi, auntie.”

“Joy, out of everyone, I would’ve assumed you knew better.” Amity was not happy. Actually, she was cranky. Extremely cranky. “HEY, did I say you can have some of my husband’s juice?” The mother snapped. If she wasn’t as tired, she’d be more than happy to offer JJ’s juice, but right now, when she was on very little sleep. Fuck that shit.

“Auntie, I can explain!” Joy nervously played with her fingers. “You see, Uncle said we, as in me and my boyfriend —”

“Boyfriend?” Dully, Amie blinked at Damian, surveying him. Who the fuck was this kid and why was he dating precious Joy?

“Yeah! Boyfriend. Well, Uncle JJ said we can come whenever!” Amity’s attention went back to the young nerd, who had no idea what she was doing. Her aunt’s face read: oh he did, did he? There was a moment of silence, Joy couldn’t help but gulp uneasily.

“It’s Joy! And Joy’s friend!” The little guy was squirming in Amie’s hands now, ready to get down from her arms so he could PLAY.

Damian winced a bit as Amie reacted a little strongly to his drinking from the fountain, but he quickly straightened up to his full height from the fountain. This was just an upset mother, this was something he could handle, for sure. “Did we wake you up? I am so sorry!” He said, frowning in apology, “I think I just got a little excited with how beautiful your home is, I really am sorry…” He shook his head and stepped forward, holding a hand out to her.

“I’m Damian O’Connor, Joy’s, well, I’m her boyfriend. You might know my parents? Melody and Bryant.” As Damian spoke, the little guy looked up at his mother.

“Mommmyyyyyy, I want to play. With themmmmm.”

“Amie — it is Amie, right? I think I’ve seen you and your husband on TV before! — how about this? Well, first off I just want to reiterate, I really am sorry we woke you up like that. That’s my fault, I should have been thinking about that… Anyway, what if Joy and I take the little dude from you, and you can go lay down in bed and get back to sleep? I promise I’ll have him back asleep in no more than thirty minutes. We can work everything else out in the morning.”

There was an unsettling moment of silence, minus the squirmy child in the mother’s arms. The O’Connor’s…. the O’Connors… familiar names, but why on Earth could she not put a face to the name? Granted, she did just woke up and her family knew far too many famous people. Bouncing her child in her arms, not yet ready to let him go, Amity corrected him, “Call me Mrs. Snyder until I am more familiar with you.” As unwelcoming as she was being, she didn’t dislike the kid. He had to have some challenge in the family, though, rather than be instantly loved by everyone. “Does Jude know? That you two are dating.”

Whoop, there it is. Joy’s mouth was dry. She wanted to say something, that would undoubtedly be a lie, but no words could come out of her lips. This was the night she’d die. Lying led to funerals and her auntie’s gaze, which was unusual for her, was putting chills up Joy’s spine.

Damian decided to step in, figuring that Joy needed his help more. Besides, Damian was good at talking. “Understood.” Despite Amie’s outward unwelcomeness, Damian didn’t seem to be thrown off, or even slightly fazed. “Jude doesn’t know yet. To be honest? We haven’t exactly had time to talk to her, or Ender. There’s a lot going on at school right now, and I think I’m sort of dealing with the biggest bit of emotional turmoil I’ve ever had in my life. Joy’s helping me steady-up a bit, then I plan to talk to them. It goes both ways, though, my parents don’t know either… I think the only ones who know are you and your husband actually, Mrs. Snyder.”

Damian paused for a second, before pressing on, swinging the conversation away from the lie — which he’d done a pretty good job of covering up all things considered — and to something else, “speaking of, where is your husband anyway?”

“Put me downnnnn.”

After taking in everything this boy had to say, Amity sighed in defeat and put her son down, “Getting drunk with the boys.” Once her son was free, she brought herself upright and crossed her arms, “I should check on him.” Sidetracking from the conversation, she called out, “Phillip, can I have coffee, please?” If she was up for the rest of the night, might as well have caffeine.

“If you would please find your way to the kitchen, Miss, you’d find that coffee was put on when you were woken up unceremoniously by this scoundrel and young Joy.”

“...I’m sorry, scoundrel?”

“Correct. I meant what I said.”

“Phillip was the first Assistant ever made, therefore the most advanced, with intelligence to match his maker.” Joy explained.

“With just as much sarcasm and judgement too.” Amie laughed. “Thankies, Phillip.” A small glimpse of ‘happy Amie’ could be seen now that coffee was ready for her. Bringing her attention back to the kids, she nodded to herself, “I like your offer, boy. Put my child back to sleep and you’ll earn kudo points from me. For now, I’m going to get coffee.”

...boy? Sheesh, this woman was one tough nut to crack. Rather than focus on that, though, he turned his attention to Ty. “Do you wanna play with me again?” He asked, kneeling down in front of him. The boy nodded excitedly, and Damian looked over at Joy over his shoulder, gesturing for her to come to him with his finger. “I promise we’ll play nicely, Mrs. Snyder.”

“Nobody else has to call her that!”

“Only slightly surprised, little dude.”

...Amity watched as Joy followed Damian’s lead and her son questioned her antics. Of course he didn’t understand what she was doing, BUT, it had to be done. “No promises, just do.” With that, Amie allowed her son to play with her intruders and irritatedly went to the kitchen, “Phillip, tell Lydia to postpone the press conference until Monday and then can you please, please, pretty please call my husband?”

“Of course.” The Assistant responded, while Damian looked at Joy.

“Okay, I have some things I need. I need a blanket — softer better — a TV with Netflix, three big pillows, and some chocolate milk. Preferably whole milk. I don’t know where anything is in this house.” Damian explained, and the little guy smiled happily, pulling at Damian’s arm.

“I know where a TV is! I watch Netflix a lot!” He said, before Damian shrugged and stood up, following after him. While the boys went on the move, Joy looked back at her aunt who was heading toward the kitchen.

Stopping her quickly, she gave her aunt sound words, “I know this is weird, and I’m sorry, but I can assure you, Damian is a good man. I’ll tell mommy tomorrow, you can bet on it. And... I’ll show you, you have nothing to worry about.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about.” Amity gave Joy a reassuring smile, ruffling her niece’s newish red hair, before dismissing her, “My son wants you too. Go.” Nodding to her aunt, Joy turned on her heel and ran off to the room the boys were heading to. Wait, Damian needs milk. She turned around and followed her aunt into the kitchen.

In the kitchen, there were a few brief rings of a dial tone, before a voice spoke out. “Amie? Kitty?” It was JJ, and he sounded out of it, at least. “I’m drunk. It’s loud here and I want to go home now. Come get me. Ty’s niece showed up in Ryan’s helicopter, and she’s drunk and ugly crying. I hate it. I thought I was done with crying teenage girls?”

“Okay, yeah, I’ll pick you up and you, Jericho, can explain to me why you’re opening our house to the whole goddamn world!” Dramatic, but got her point across. Sorta. While Amity was on the phone, Joy quietly and awkwardly retrieved chocolate milk… the faster she went, the sooner she can be with Damian again.

“...let me think.” As it normally did, it only took JJ about half a second to think. “Joy and Joy’s boyfriend. I told Joy that they can come here anytime they want, and we won’t ask any questions. I said this because I love her and I want her to be safe and at least somewhere I know she won’t get in trouble or hurt, because she’s a teenager, and I remember when we were teenagers and we were awful people. I know her mom and dad and I don’t want to bail Ender out of a murder charge —”

“WITHOUT TELLING YOUR WIFE?!” Okay, this is where Joy left. Cranky Amie was not a fun Amie. Before she left, she placed the chocolate milk down, grabbed Amie’s mug, and put it near the raging woman, before making her exit. NOPE.

“Usually we just agree on things? I didn’t expect them to just randomly show up in the middle of the night! I’m sorry, Amie, I should have said something. Don’t worry, I’ll give them a backdoor key.”

Grabbing her mug, she took a sip in it, mmmm, coffee, before pushing her anger aside, “I’m coming now. I’m just going to throw shoes on.” Which meant she was going out with hardly any clothes on, eh, she didn’t care. She was tired and had to pick up her man.

“Hot.”

Reaching the room, Joy slowly opened the door to get a glimpse of Damian and Lil’ Boss. Damian and the little guy were currently in the middle of what appeared to be vicious combat, with Damian on his stomach and Tyty on top of him, currently holding him in a headlock; though it wasn’t done very well, or locked in very tight. To his credit, though, Damian looked like his very lifeforce was being drained out of him, and Tyty was winning this battle.

Unlike last time, where she joined in cheering, Joy took a seat on the guest’s bed, placed the milk on the nightstand, and observed quietly, with a faint smile on her face. What she didn’t realize was that face read that she was in love. In love with Damian O’Connor.

“Ya got me this time!” Damian said, and the little boy giggled on his back. He quickly broke out of the hold and flipped onto his back, grabbing the boy and holding him up in the air as if he were going to bench press the little boy, though he paused when he saw Joy there. “Oh! We have a visitor. And remember, honorably one on one combat can only be conducted when nobody else is there.” Damian explained, as he sat the little guy down on the ground.

Ty twisted his head to look at Joy, and waved. “Your man is very fun.”

“Too fun.” Joy teased and then reached for the remote (preferring the old fashioned manual way of finding something to watch). “Okay, Lil’ Boss, whacha’ want to watch?”

“Dames says we should watch How to Train Your Dragon! Whoaaaaaaaaaaa!” He said, as Damian scooped him up into the air, making a rocket ship noise as he put the little guy down on the bed, laying him down on his stomach. “Fun!”

“I’m surprised he doesn’t babysit.” Joy looked at the television, typing the movie in the search bar with the remote, “You’re pretty good at this.” Her tone softened, but her attention stood on the screen. It was so easy to categorize Damian into a one dimensional character, but really, he was good at a lot of things. He wasn’t just another jock. There was more to him than what he showed at face value. It was unfortunate the Weekend Warrior saw him as a cock tease and nothing more.

“I like kids! What can I say?” Damian smiled at Joy, and kissed her on the cheek before he grabbed the chocolate milk and indicated for the little guy to sit back up. After he did so, Damian handed him the milk, and he drank it up, wiping his mouth. Damian put the glass away, and then laid down on his stomach on the bed, facing toward the TV, with Tyty laying down beside him shortly after. “Can someone turn the light off?”

And then lights went off.

“This place is nutty…”

Following suit, Joy too laid on her stomach, the little dude in between her and Damian. “Yeah, it’s great, isn’t it?” She smiled at her boyfriend and then added one last thing before bringing her eyes back to the screen, “Maybe I’ll give you a tour in the morning.”

CANCELLED.

_{Collab with @Lovely Complex, @Universorum, & @smarty0114}

What was she doing?

Trixie pushed up her voluminous hair and bit her lip at her phone’s camera. Snap! Adding no filter, she put glow text at the bottom picture: Thinking about you<333 Trixie was in a stall of one of the few bathrooms on the Destiny, taking selfies and sending it off to someone in hopes he’d respond. He wasn’t responding! Was she not being hot enough?! Her luscious lips fell into a pout. He always responded fast. Even if he didn’t respond, she saw when he opened her snaps, which was always moments after she sent them.

What has gotten into her?

Her sober self would regret this in the morning, but right now, her drunk, desperate self, who missed the man she gave so much heart and time to, had no chains holding her back. No friend to snatch her phone away from her and tell her she was making a grave mistake. No friend to tell her negative things that only added to her insecurities. No friend to tell her NO. No, she was sheltered by the stall walls and could do whatever she fucking wanted! With no judgement, but herself and how daring she could get. Pushing her boobs together, making her cleavage more visible than it already was, she recorded herself leaning closer to the camera lense and licking at it like a cat. Oh god, she was being so provocative and they were broken up!

What was she doing?

Ending the recording, she turned off the sound, so there wasn’t unnecessary background noise, and then typed: Meet me halfway? Referencing the Black Eyed Peas song. Her cheeks, as rosy as they were from all the alcohol, was not the noticeable thing about her. What stood out in every pic, every video, she sent to her ex, was her eyes. They read one obvious thing. She still wanted him. She still missed him. She was hardly over him. She needed Owen.

Just when she was going to get even more promiscuous, like pull down her dress to show all her chest, she froze as two people entered the bathroom. Keeping quiet, no longer taking snaps, she focused on steadying her breathing — she got a little excited before they came in.

“How’s it going? Is he kissing you lot? What have you guys done? Did he touch your butt?! Tell me everything! I want details.” Trixie narrowed her eyes, trying to figure out the face to the voice. Peeking through the crack of the stall, she snoopily tried to catch sight of these two girls. “Dude, is the mirror framed with real gold? What the hell?”

“We...kissed. Tongue...yes. Many times. We…” Okay, one was Min-seo. The foreign exchange student that switched with Hail’s sister, Cyndi. The foreign exchange student that was attached to Henry’s hip. As Min continued to explain her sexual exploit, Trixie’s facial expression displayed her surprise (and her disgust).

They fucked?! “You FUCKED!?”

Then suddenly, this other girl went all in on the dude’s, who Trixie would assume was Henry’s, dick. Oh no, no. Stop. STOP! She didn’t need these mental images in her head. Why was this kid so curious about Henry’s dick?! Trixie gagged when Min said Henry was big. This was too much information to hear about her cousin. She didn’t want to know anything about Henry’s DICK!

Was this fucking kid telling Min, innocent Min, to give Henry a blowjob?! In this moment, Trixie wished she 'snapped' in a different area on the boat. Maybe after they left, she’d find bleach and drink it. After some lollipop analogy and the discovery of Min moving into Henry’s bedroom, the girls left and Trixie threw the stall door open. “That did NOT just happen.” She went to the sink, turned the faucet on, and then bent her body over so she could get a drink of water. She could’ve lived without knowing any of this.

Trixie wouldn’t get a moment of clarity. Not to drink bleach, or send Owen more snaps, or even finish her drink of water, before the door burst open once again. This time, it was one of Trixie’s friends: Ophelia. Lia froze as she stared at Trixie, silent for a few seconds, before Ophelia took the glass of whatever it was that was in her hand and slammed it down. “HI TRIXIE.” She blurted, before she threw the shot glass on the ground, watching it explode in a million pieces. “You are not who I was looking for, like, at all. BUT, that’s okay!” Ophelia took a deep breath, and had to remind herself of her new goals in life: new year, new me. No more gross lies, no more webs. No more Hailey, probably.

No more life, likely?

But it was important! This was the big one, standing right in front of her in the flesh. Ophelia’s biggest regret, Hailey’s greatest play. Trixie Kingsley. Well, and Owen Lyon, who it seemed had been smart enough to not show up to another party. Good on him. “Can we talk?”

“Yeah, sure, Fifi.” Turning off the faucet, Trixie turned around, slipping her phone in her purse. She stared at Ophelia expectantly. “Oh! Before we talk, who were you looking for? I might’ve seen them.” Trixie gave Lia a loving smile.

“Uh, little blonde girl? About yay high, wearing a black dress? I’ve misplaced my freshie…” Ophelia said, gesturing with her hands for what was roughly Kit’s height, the very same blonde girl that had left the room just moments before. Rather than give Trixie a chance to respond, though, Ophelia waved her hand. “Not important. This is important.” Ophelia paused for a moment again, wishing she had another shot — but she didn’t. The last one was going to have to be it for the liquid courage.

“Oh, geeze, where do I start?”

A brief pause.

“Okay. Owen never cheated on you, dude.” There, that was a good start. “I lied. I took pictures of him with Rose — that’s who the blonde girl in the pictures is, for the record — but before I did that I spent like six months telling you little things to try and make you doubt him, then it worked. Hailey didn’t want him around anymore, and Hailey’s like… scary, dude. So I just did it. WOW. I feel like, lightyears better. But wait, there’s more! Owen knows that I lied about it, but Hailey and I convinced you to never talk to him, so he never had a chance to fight his own battle. Everything wrong that’s happened to you in the past few months is because of me. Well, Hailey too, but mostly me.”

Ophelia took another breath, and put her hands on Trixie’s shoulders. “Trixie, I don’t care if you hate me now, but I’m not going to live in a lie anymore, I can’t do it. It’s too much, it hurts. It’s not what I’m about. You need to get off of this boat and you need to get to your man, dude. Fix it, before the damage is too severe, and it can’t be fixed.”

What? Trixie’s mind grew hazy. Was she being for real right now? There was pain, anger, and confusion written in her eyes. Her insides felt tight and in this moment, she felt completely shattered. The first thing that came into her mind was the article she wrote. What… what did she do?

Unlike when she was in the stall, controlling her breathing wasn’t as easy, “You’re lying… this is all some sick fucking joke. RIGHT?!” All the emotional pain she’s been through, the invisible scars, took surface. Her aura seethed with bitter anger and tears started trailing down her cheeks. Clenching her fists too hard, her knuckles grew white. This wasn’t true. Please, this was just another lie.

Ophelia didn’t say anything at first, instead shaking her head looking down at her feet. There was no way she could have prepared herself properly for Trixie’s reaction, after all her entire world was being brought down around her. High school was a bitch, wasn’t it? “No, Trixie. That’s the truth. It’s late, and I’m sorry.”

Trixie closed her eyes, tried her best to remind herself of things she use to tell Owen. Calm down. It’s not worth it. Breathe. Everything’s going to be okay. We’ll be okay. Don’t stoop down to their level. The problem was, they weren’t okay and it was thanks to her so-called friends. And, well, her. She believed them.

“Don’t touch me.” The latina spat out. Words she thought she’d never say to Ophelia. Unfortunately, for the amount of alcohol she did drink and the lack of any restraint besides her own willpower, Trixie couldn’t hold herself back from her next move. No, she was done holding herself back. Not anymore. Another thing she’d regret in the morning.

When Ophelia stepped back, there was no chance for her to escape when Trixie slammed her fist into her face. Not a bitch slap. A literal punch. “I fucking hate you.” No one saw Trixie as a fighter, because if she could, she used her words, but she had anger that derived from her parents and lessons from Owen on how to defend herself. The tears could no longer be held back and they flooded down her face. Trixie opened her purse, took out a wallet picture of her, Hailey, and Ophelia, tossed it on her ex-friend, and ran out the bathroom.

She wanted to die.

Ophelia didn’t even bother to hit back after she got slugged in the face — she deserved it a little bit. Rather than follow after Trixie, Ophelia just rubbed her face and watched as she ran away. That was that… She looked down at the picture and frowned, before crumpling it up and tossing it in trashcan off to the side. “...worth it, I guess. One step at a time...”

As she ran, to the only section of the boat that made sense to her, the bow railing so she could jump the fuck off, Trixie tried to call Owen, who still wasn’t responding. First call. Straight to voicemail. Second call. Straight to voicemail.

“This is Owen, leave a message and I’ll call you back as soon as I can.”

This time however, there wasn’t a pleasant beep signifying that Trixie should talk if she wanted to leave a message. Instead, Owen’s Assistant started talking in Trixie’s ear. “Leave a message or stop calling! Owen’s with his mom and he doesn’t want any notifications! EVEN HIGH PRIORITY ONES FROM YOU! You’re worse than fucking spam calls.” click.

Okay… Fourth call… bringing her run to a walk, she went on the deck and to the pointy end, “Owen, I’m so sorry. I’m literally the worst person. I didn’t mean anything I said. I know you’ll hate me forever, but I just wanted to tell you that I’m sorry. I’m just going to solve everyone’s problems now and disappear. I don’t deserve you and I’m so, so sorry, that I ruined your life. We were probably better off not knowing one another. Even if that’s true… I still love—” Her message got cut off.

Okay, time to die now. Trixie climbed up and balanced herself on the railing. For a girl known for her journalism, she was extremely well equipped.

Record scratch. Freeze frame. That’s how Jamie Callaghan felt as he watched Trixie climb up onto a railing, balancing over a precarious drop. How in the fuck do I land myself in these situations? The young journalist dropped his drink, letting the glass shatter on the floor as he sprinted over to the girl, his sometimes friend, sometimes enemy, his words reaching her moments before he did. “Trixie! Holy fuck, get down! You’re gonna get yourself killed!” he shouted, unaware that that may be the point.

“Jamie?” Trixie felt a tug and suddenly she lost balance and fell into her frenemy’s arms. There were many words she wanted to say, but all she could do was cry into his chest. Why was he the one that saved her, out of everyone on this whole entire boat? Jamie-fucking-Callaghan someone she loved to hate but appreciated his company more so than she could admit. Her hero for the night.

After she drenched his shirt, she gently pounded his chest with her head, “You fucking idiot, Marshall is in love with you and you’re going to lose your chance if you’re not honest with him! Stupid! Don’t push him away…. you’ll end up like me.” She looked up at him; believe it or not, he was her best friend, more so than Marshall, even if at times he was a damn eyesore, and she gave a broken smile, “Miserable.”

“I know, I’ve been trying to find him and make things right all night, it’s just, well he’s a hard guy to find,” Jamie explained before shaking his head. “Whoa, but Marshall and I is beyooond irrelevant right now! Trix, you damn near killed yourself! Are you okay? That’s stupid, of course you aren’t!”

“I punched Ophelia in the face.” Trixie interrupted her friend and showed her bruised knuckles. Yeah, she went hard.

Jamie’s eyes widened in shock. “Why?!” he exclaimed, confusion and shock clear on his face.

“She’s a little BITCH. That’s WHY.” Okay, yeah, Trix was still angry. “Your project is all for nought, because I know everything now. Everything was a goddamn lie and I believed the goddamn lie making me a horrible person because I wrote in The Cowardly Lyon that Owen has a tiny dick when he doesn’t have a tiny dick at all! Hailey’s the devil incarnate. Ophelia is her accomplice and the true, fucking coward. And I’m just a gullible, piece of shit, that didn’t hear the whole fucking story!”

Trixie didn’t know how loud she was being, but honestly, she didn’t fucking care at this point. “Ophelia is suppose to be for love, right? Fuck that shit. She told me things, very bad things, like Owen would grow tired of me, or that I should keep an eye on him because he has a lot of girls going to the combat club. I started comparing myself to their bodies. Did you know I almost became a bulimic because I thought he thought I was fat?! Or like, he has a mamá complex and I’d never compare to her, when she’s the most lovable mother I’ve ever met!”

Breathe, Trixie, breathe.

“I would never be important to him… and that thought killed me. Even though deep down… I knew it was all a lie. I fucking knew. But then I saw that picture and that picture was simply angled right, when I knew Rose would always take naps on the closest person near her at family barbeques… I knew… and this all was because Owen told Hailey off after she was a god awful person to Jennifer. I’m so fucking stupid, Jamie. I’m supposed to not settle until I find out the truth. I’m supposed to be a journalist. I’m supposed to be better than this… I guess… I’m not cut out for any of this. I’m not cut out to be alive… I want to die.”

Jamie hadn’t been expecting this. Not one bit. Of course, Trix’s story made sense, and Hailey being behind the breakup was no shocker. What was shocking, was seeing Trixie this vulnerable. “Hey, we all fuck up. All of us. Look at my life for fucks sake! Owen will forgive you. He’s a mess without you! And just imagine the look on Hailey’s face when she sees you two walking the halls again. She’ll shake so hard her new sex slave will be able to use her as a sex toy” Jamie said, smiling down at Trixie, doing his damndest to lighten the mood.

He was doing a good job at it. Cheering her up. Trixie let out a silent giggle, honestly exhausted from the rush of emotions, “You’re right and even if I have to work to get him back, I’m going to make this right. Just like you’re trying to with Marsh.”

Relief washed over her and a new found confidence too. Trixie was determined. She would win Owen back. It may take time, she wasn’t necessarily sure, but she was going to get back the person that made her the happiest. “We’re all just a bunch of fuck ups. The Weekend Warrior reminds us of that every week.” Trixie smiled, before leaning in and kissing Jamie on the cheek. Something she’s never done before. As a ‘reward’ she left her lipstick mark on his face. “Thank you, Jamie. You came when I needed someone the most. I’ll never forget that.”

Looking around, at some of the stares, Trixie cleared her throat and pulled away from him, “This doesn’t change anything between us! When I’m back, we’ll be laughing at each other and making jabs. Forever and always.” Adjusting her dress, she looked around, noticing how far they’ve already traveled at sea, “If only I had a way off…”

There was the sound of someone clearing their throat from behind them, before a familiar (to both of them) voice filled the air. “IF I MAY, interject. Well, I mean, first… I just want you to know that I’ve been standing off to the side for like that whole deal, and you guys are like super entertaining. Way better than reality TV! Anyway! I may have a solution to you needing a way to get off.” It was Kit. Why wouldn’t it be Kit? It was always Kit. “You there, girl! Have you ever played Grand Theft Auto?”

“Yes…” That was the voice from earlier in the bathroom with Min. Now Trixie could see her face up close and personal. Kit Thomas. A freshman that’s been hanging out with Ophelia lately. The same freshman that Ophelia was looking for. The freshman that Trixie knew better as Owen’s doctor’s child. “What about it?”

“WAIT. Before I tell you my plan, you have to make me a promise. A PINKY. Promise.” Kit said, moving closer to Trixie and throwing her pinky out, fully ready to take advantage of the desperate girl. “You have to swear to publish Henry’s next movie review. He tries really hard and you don’t let people read his opinions!” Kit said, before thrusting her pinky out.

She’s got to be fucking kidding. Right? “And you think Henry’s movie reviews are going to get the newspaper traction?”

“Yeah, dude. People like Henry and movies way more than they like either of you two! Give the guy a chance! People need to know what movies they should watch!”

Jamie was annoyed, both at Kit’s presence and her assumption that she had any right to negotiate with them. Rather than speak out though, he remained calm. He wasn’t going to promise Kit anything.

Tapping her finger on her thigh, Trixie heavily sighed. Fine. The Newspaper was dying. She’d have to build a proposal for… the student council president… to combine the Newspaper club with the TV & Broadcasting club soon anyways. A back up plan. Her priority as of now wasn’t school, though. It was Owen. “You got it, dude.” Trixie offered her pinky. “One published movie review in the next Orange & Black—” Potentially the last. “—written by Henry Green.” The boy with the, quote, not small like lollipop, unquote, penis.

“Score! Alright so anyway, in Grand Theft Auto, there’s this mission, right? Called Coveted? In it, you steal a helicopter and steal some giant cargo crates and move at HIGH speeds! So, like… well, what I’m saying is! There’s a helicopter up by the hot tub, man! Let’s go, you can steal it! Some real GANGSTER SHIT!” Kit beamed up at Trixie as she pointed near where the helicopter was parked. “If it’s anything like the game, when you jump in the helichopper, it’ll start playin’ Fuck Da Police!”

“Half a good plan. I’m not stealing a chopper that belongs to a Helmsley, but I will talk to one to get permission. Brian, in particular. Becca hates my guts and I doubt Bailee would even acknowledge me. Do you know where I could find him?”

“No balllsssssss. It’s easier to ask forgiveness than permission! I got no idea where he is, but I have his phone number! He answers.” Kit pulled out her phone and hit a few buttons, before thrusting it in Trixie’s direction. Ring ring.

Beatrix waited for the line to be answered, when it was, she immediately went straight to the chase, “Hi, Brian. It’s Trixie. We never talk, but, like, can I use your helicopter to see Owen and tell him I’m a dumbass?”

“I’m sorry, who is this? You’re not Kit. Is she giving her phone to strangers again? Remind her that her parents told her not to do that.”

Oh, right. He’s been gone for a millenium. “Beatrix Kingsley. Owen’s ex.”

“Oh, the bitch.” There was a pause. “Do you have a place you intend to land it?”

“Yes… the one and only. And straight to the Four Corners.” Trixie knew he knew about the Four Corners. If he didn’t, his father would be ashamed of him. Sebastian Lyon was only the best friend to his grandfather, Christopher Helmsley, and built the Four Corners from ground up. The place where most Lyons could be found.

“I suppose. Just don’t touch anything, and the Assistant will get you there. Don’t talk to her either. She’ll be busy, flying a helicopter. Make sure you give Kit her phone back, and let them know that the speech is soon.” Click.

What a lovely conversation. At least he said yes. Handing Kit her phone back, Trixie did exactly what Brian requested, oddly obedient because she knew if she did things right, she’d be one step closer to Owen, “The speech is soon. Thanks again.”

“Aye, cap’n! And remember, if you get in the helicopter, and some real gangster shit doesn’t start playing, call Brian AND DEMAND YOUR MONEY BACK, DUDE. Thanks! I’ll tell Henry next time I see him. Gotta go find a seat!” Kit waved, and turned and ran off.

Fucking Kit.

When the strange, abrasive girl ran off, an oddity to the fallen ‘lady-in-waiting’ (she supposed that was her old title, when she was at Hailey’s beck and call), Trixie turned to Jamie. No more tears trailing down her face. No, she was ready. Ready to make things right. “You may be a fuck up, Jamie Callaghan, but you’re a good fuck up. A fuck up I’d be lost without.” She hugged him one last time before shooing him away, “Enough about me. GO FIND YOUR MAN.”

Jamie grinned at Trixie, shaking his head and quickly running off, to oh so hopefully find his man.

CANCELLED.

_{@Lovely Complex & @Universorum
Location: In each other’s hearts
Starring: Damian “Don’t Take the Girl” O’Connor and Joy “uwu” Darling}

Full speed ahead, the one and only Darling of Beverly Hills High, class of 2045, one year younger than her boyfriend’s class, swiftly walked off the boat, escaping the confines that was the Helmsley Three party. A boat party that felt more like a prison than a place for revelry. She didn’t know if it was due to the thoughts that were eating her up alive or the fact that if she chose to stay, she would have no escape besides swimming with the fishes. The boat party was not like a fishing trip with her father, her uncles, and her grandparents. No, this felt like a place where people her age encouraged mistakes for the sake of it blowing up in their faces at school. Another Weekend Warrior post waiting to happen, that would inevitably make people feel more shitty about themselves. More so than they already do with their own damn selves.

Joy wasn’t going to make her night a mistake. She didn’t want Damian to be a mistake. After they were a fair distance away from the boat, she finally let go of his hand, crossed her arms, and turned to look up at him. Look up at her tall, unforgivably handsome, man. “What are we doing, Damian?” Joy would’ve liked to believe her intuition was on her side. Usually, it was. Her intuition gave her the ability to read people like a book, but with him, when it came to the feelings they shared, he became complicated, more complicated than the hardest equation in the world, like his eyes had a curtain on and the curtain was her insecurities. She didn’t even realize she had insecurities until he started to see her. Really see her.

Joy’s elongated eye contact demanded answers of things that couldn’t necessarily be explained. Love was hard to explain. It just… happened. One thing she understood was, she sure as hell wasn’t going to change for the king of the hill, even if other girls would do whatever he said, without an issue. She wasn’t like ‘other girls’. She was Joy. Daughter of one of the CEOs of ASMR and daughter of a remarkably talented NFL star, who was the best friend to his father no less! A rift was built between them when school politics became a thing in their young lives, because their differences were blindingly obvious. What makes them think things would change? She was Rachael Leigh Cook from She’s All That, who played Laney Boggs, and he was Freddie Prinze Jr’s character, Zack Siler, the jock that called the shots and got invited to the biggest bashes of the school year. Or a more obvious comparison: He was Fred, she was Velma, from Scooby-Doo. Fred chooses Daphne, not Velma.

What a cliche they were.

“Well?”

Damian was an alright guy, and, as such, he’d be the first one to tell you when he was confused. He had no idea what Joy was asking, why she’d dragged him off of the boat, why she was asking him weird questions, or why she was staring at him like that. He wasn’t sure what to say, or even really what she was asking. Damian was just a boy, after all; a smart, athletic, hot boy. But a boy all the same! He didn’t think about things the way she did, and he knew that, but that made things like this all the more confusing. Why couldn’t they just date and be merry?

Damian had to consider his answer for a few seconds, during which he furrowed his eyebrows. It wasn’t easy for him to think of what the right answer was, but he figured he’d just give it a shot. “I guess going to the observation tower? That’s where your parents think we are. Then I guess back to my place? I dunno, Joy. What do you want to do?” Damian looked behind them, as the boat pulled off into the distance, before he had a sudden realization. “Or we could go get food… I just realized how hungry I am.”

“No, I mean, well yeah, we can go eat, but what I mean is—” Looks like Joy was being too vague... What she said made sense to her, but it flew over his head. “—I’m not some easy piece of meat you can fuck and add to a long list of girls you’ve fucked. God, I’m no Candy that drools over every hot thing I see down the hall and I don’t even like parties where people do stupid shit. I’ve never lied to my parents until you started liking me. Why do you even like me? You didn’t like me when we were kids!” Ophelia would disagree. “But now, all of sudden, I’m suppose to believe you like me now? Look at me.” She gestured to her entire body which was fully clothed. A cardigan, plain jeans, a simple tank. She was BORING. The only exciting thing about her was red hair, which wasn’t even her natural hair color. “I’m not Damian material. So tell me, what are we doing? This isn’t some kind of cruel joke, is it? I’m not just another girl on your list, am I?” Joy’s face saddened. She didn’t like this. She didn’t like not understanding what they were and what she was doing. She didn't like being confused. Just as confused as him, in the moment, but for different reasons entirely.

Ohhh. This is what they were doing. This made way more sense than all of his options, which was good. It was only going to get worse if it turned out that Joy just wanted to go to the observation tower; at least in the sense that it would be more confusing. Damian grinned down at her after she finished her rambles, the classic smile that had won her over in the past, before he spoke. “I look at you a whole lot, Joy, and I’onno, ya look pretty damn hot to me.” He laughed and shook his head, wrapping his arms around her in a hug as he pulled her close. “We’re dating, Joy. That’s all, don’t overthink things like that. I like you or I wouldn’t use my time on you; I’ve only got so much of it after all! Also, I don’t really keep a list. It wouldn’t be that long, would it? Geeze, I guess it would…” Damian trailed off as he thought about it for a few seconds, rocking side to side on his feet with Joy in his arms.

“Dang, I’m a bit of a manwhore, huh? Oh well. Look, the thing is, I am Damian, so I get to decide who’s Damian material or not, and you’re Damian material. Is that a thing people say? ‘Damian material?’ Oh, and by the way, Joy, you drooled over me a lil bit. There was a lil drool.” Damian pushed her back just a bit, and rested his hands on her shoulder, before leaning down and kissing her forehead. “No stress, just relax. You’re wicked overthinking things, and I definitely liked you when we were kids, we hung out like every day...” Damian kissed her again, then took a hand off of her shoulder and to his pocket, fishing out his car key and smashing the unlock button so the lights would flash and they could find it in the packed parking lot.

“Now… about that food.”

She didn’t drool over him! Joy’s cheeks were heated. He gave her that smile, then gave her all these compliments, all the while embarrassing her. She was covered from neck down and he still thought she was hot. “As long as you don’t add an STD to taking away my V-Card, your funeral won’t be that bad.” Joy teased, still dying from how cute he was being. Was he always this goddamn cute? Hooking her arm on his, deciding to take his advice and not overthink things, she scanned the parking lot and pointed in the direction of the flashing lights, “Found her.”

Wait a minute. He said he liked her when they were small?! “What? Just because we hung out a lot doesn’t mean you liked me! We didn’t do anything ‘lovey dovey’.” All they did was play around! Like kids do! Forever she'll be in denial that they could've been a thing in the past.

“Haven’t you ever heard that song, dude? I’ll even change the lyrics to fit our life.” Damian said, leading her toward his car, holding his hand up in a fist in the air as he began to sing, “Damian’s daddy was takin’ him fishin’, when he was eight years old
A little girl came through the front gate, holdin’ a fishin’ pole
His dad looked down and smiled, said ‘we can’t leave her behind…’” Damian smiled at her, never stopping his walk toward the car as he sang the song.

“Son I know you don’t want her to go, but someday you’ll change your mind, and Damian said
Take Brian Helmsley, take Owen Lyon
Take my best friend, Trev
Take anybody that you want, as long as she don’t go
Take any boy in the world, Daddy, please don’t take the girl,” Damian pulled her more snugly into his side, “Same old boy, same sweet girl
Nine years down the road, he held her tight and kissed her lips in front of the football team
Ophelia came and pulled her away, grabbed her by the arm, and said to her
‘If you do what I tell you to, there won’t be any harm…’” Damian spun Joy so they were facing each other, and lifted her, sitting her down on the hood of his car, and leaning forward, putting their foreheads together.

“And Damian said, take my money, take my wallet, take my credit cards” Damian reached into his back pocket, dropping his wallet into Joy’s lap, “here’s the necklace that her daddy gave me,” he pulled their heads apart and took the chain off his neck, Ender’s superbowl ring hanging on the end of it, and dropped it gently over her neck. “Here’s the key to my car, you can give it a whirl,” Damian dropped the car key on her lap, before he put their foreheads back together. “But please, let me have the girl.”

And then he kissed her.

Okay. This was her life now. A musical where her boyfriend used songs and compared it to their life situations. This song, however, was different from the Africa song and this kiss was different from their past kisses, all kisses that were driven by lust. The strange feeling she knew was there since the beginning expanded and exploded throughout her whole body. A dangerous fire, and yet she felt safe… at home, with him. His lips pressed against her with so much warmth, passion, and need, like he’s been containing himself for a very long time. Joy felt completely exposed and naked, even if she wasn’t exposed or naked at all.

This was the moment Joy fell in love.

Forcing herself to break from him, knowing very well she could kiss him longer, pink in her cheeks becoming a normality when she was with Damian, so different from her stoic and in charge self, Joy held her father’s ring in her right hand. Her palm rested on her chest. He kept it for all these years….

Spinning the keys on her left pointer finger, Joy playfully grinned, not one to handle ‘romance’ for too long, “...My dad has yet to give me a driving lesson.” She had a permit, just not a license. Probably one of the few fifteen year old kids with a permit. “Based on the lyrics, I can totally drive your car, right?” She stuck her tongue out, using her new 'girlfriend' powers.

“Uh… yeah, that’s fine.” Damian shrugged his shoulders. If worse came to worst, he’d just yell at Snake to take over. Besides, Joy would have chose where they went anyway! “Where are we going? Oh, I want this back…” Damian muttered, lifting the chain back over Joy’s neck and tugging at the ring in her hand. His free hand grabbed his wallet and stuffed it back into his pocket. It seemed like he’d done a good job singing to her, so that was good at least…

“You really do admire my father, huh?” Letting him take his things back, Joy scooted on the hood, to where he wasn’t in front of her, then hopped off. “I was thinking food heaven. A place with endless options.” She went to the driver’s door and opened it. Before she entered, she simpered, “A place with a goldmine of games, toys, and private areas. My uncle’s!” With that, she slid into the driver’s seat and closed the door.

Yeah, Uncle JJ's house was the best place to be.

CANCELLED.

In a seedy place not suited for her stature, Pleasant Holiday Inn, Cecily Helmsley-Lovelace sat up from the creaky bed in nothing but a sheet to cover her body. Beside her was a sleeping beauty, a sexy piece of chocolate, that she had wooed the past couple of hours and taken on a magic carpet ride. Her name was unimportant, there was no need for attachment. How she obtained her didn't matter either, because here she was, lying sound asleep on this godforsaken bed.

Their time together would truly be forgettable.

She adored this game. The game where she tallied up her lovers to show how much of a boss she was. Honestly, boys and girls alike were not a challenge at all. Offer them a good time, flaunting what you have — money, looks, talent — and it was easy as 1, 2, 3. Quietly, she grabbed her phone and went to the Snapchat app. With agile movement, she got as close as she could with her most recent lover and took a selfie. Her face looked absolutely flawless, even after sex. Without a doubt, she was the true goddess of the night. She stared at the picture, pleasantly sighing with pretentious relief. Her expression was on point and mmmm, she looked hot when she bit her finger. Why was she so blessed at being amazing?

In a matter of seconds, she sent it to her dear friend. Glancing over to the 'innocent' thing next to her, her lips curved into a mischievous, lady-like smile. It was time for her to leave.

Do know world. She was back in America, but she chose to hold off on her 'debut'. Keep her friends, especially her lovely Ophelia, on the edge of her seat. Jacob, that foolish, naive boy, a hot-headed bully she's known for years, had freaked out during New Years. He left countless voicemails. She purposely ignored him because it was fun and she knew how bad he wanted her. Simple man, just like his father. Her mother never did like the Farweights. The one thing she could appreciate was how well he kept her updated. Such a puppy. Oh how she loved puppies.

After he told her all the happenings, everything falling apart, the kingdom of Candyland at stake, she absolutely had to come back. Unfortunately, the day she decided it was time to strut down the halls, Mina, that doll of a girl, sent her a link to Becca's newest Instagram post. Ugh. Her cousins were insufferable, making such a dramatic entrance and returning from their busy schedules just when she was going to do the same — how annoying.

"I wonder."

---

---

^{AJ & Bailee @melissahart}

Keeping a close eye on Bailee, who was getting them more drinks, he should seriously cut her off, AJ felt his phone vibrate. Quickly, not wanting to lose sight of his friend, he took his phone out to see a snap from... oh god. Cece. Your tit is hanging out. Before he could respond 'lewd' or something stupid, she called him. Was it worth picking up?

Well, if he didn't, it would be his head. Something about Helmsley women. They were the worst. Nothing he did ever satisfied them. In other news, it was fucking loud in this piece, but Cece would have to make due with that because he was NOT going to lose Bails. "What do you want?!"

"I can see you're enjoying yourself. I won't take too much of your 'fun' time. Do you hear me well enough or is the music making you death?"

"Barely, but I'll manage. So, what's up?" AJ furrowed his eyebrows. Cece wanted something. She always wanted something.

"I'm sure you saw that absolutely scrumptious piece of cake I snapped you. It definitely fed my appetite."

"Yeah and seeing your tit was gross. Why do your pictures got to be so vulgar?" AJ tapped his foot, impatiently.

"The more detailed I am, the more you'll believe I'm winning. What's this I hear about you kissing Jamie in the halls? Y'know he doesn't count in our little game of... charades. You've already fucked him plenty. You're not losing your touch, are you? The last person you showed me was that band dweeb from New Years, who had a crush on you since sixth grade. Really, A? And before that, you hadn't had sex with anyone new since like the Mallory scandal." The Mallory scandal involved a girl named Mallory, who was having an affair with one of the math teachers, for extra credit. You can say neither the girl or the teacher go to BHHS anymore.

"I'm not losing my touch, Cee. I've just been preoccupied. Fixing up a new car. Not everything is about sex." Okay, yeah. He was losing his touch, but who could blame him? He actually loved Jamie. That fucker. And then he agreed to this stupid game because he was depressed and sex gave him a temporary high.

"It is when your favorite car becomes mine." That little bitch. "Call it quits? Or are you going to sleep with someone soon? Let's say, by tomorrow." What the fuck!? "You are at a party. I'm sure you can get Brynn to play around with your dick." About that...

"For your information, I do have someone!" Oh fuck, AJ what are you doing?!

"Oh, you do? Who? Do I know her?" Cecily's intrigued voice irked the shit out of him.

"Actually, yes. You do. It's your cousin. Bailee. Yeah, she's going to be my next one. Just you watch."

A giggle slipped out of the other line. A giggle of disbelief, "You know the rules. Prove it."

"I WILL! Here check your snap." Quickly, he took out his phone and went to Bailee, who was walking toward him with this giant ass scorpion drink, meant for five people. Was she bat shit? Going next to her, he put his arms around her and directed her to his phone's camera, "Smile, Bails. Cece doesn't believe you can party."

Bailee giggled, oblivious to the conversation that AJ just had, and took a sip of the incredibly large drink she was holding courtesy of the bartender. Mmm yummy! Leaning into AJ for support, she directed her eyes to the phone... well, as much as she could in her inebriated state. Another laugh escaped her lips, "Oh yeah, Cece? Well AJ and I have been going shot for shot, so you better believe I can party!" Looking over at the brown haired boy, she motioned to the drink. "Half of this is for you, you know. Unless you don't drink it, and in that case, it means I win!" Bailee stated, referring to his earlier comment of keeping up with him.

Snap! "Okay, Cee. I'm done with you. Bye."

"Have fun, you two~" That horrid, devious laugh of her's came out again, as he hung up. She didn't believe he'd succeed...

Fuckin' bets. He was dumb.

CANCELLED.

^{Shiloh, Honey, & Riley
Collab with @Silent Observer
Outside the boat → Bar → By a wall by the bar}

“Thanks, Uncle Coop!” Shiloh chirped from the backseat, giving the man one-armed half hug from behind the driver’s seat before hopping out of the vehicle. Cooper wasn’t actually her uncle by blood, but he was pretty darned close! Jax and Honey’s father is in the same band as her own dad, and Uncle Lenny. Mutiny of the Groove, ya dig? If you don’t dig, you should. Shi grew up idolizing her “uncles”, and when Jax and Honey moved to LA, she found in them the brother and sister that she had always wished she could have. Uncles, cousins, siblings, whatever you want to call them, Shi considered the Dalton’s family.

Now that she was out of the confines of the car, Shiloh spun around. The neon green and orange mesh tutu that she was wearing over a pair of equally neon blue fishnets fluffed out as she spun. Having already pregamed the party by dropping a little acid in the backseat of the car, Shi giggled at the pleasant bout of dizziness that overcame her from spinning. With specks and swirls of yellow glow paint on her cheeks and arms, and a purple glow stick necklace on, in addition to her wild outfit and bright pink hair, Shiloh looked like an entire neon rainbow. Hella gay and ready to partay!’

While Shiloh looked like herself, Honey was a new Honey for one night only! A masterpiece of her cousin. She still couldn’t get a read of how her dad felt about her looks — it didn’t help that he was wearing those stupid sunglasses. Dad, I know you’re high. Either way, everything she wore belonged to the rambunctious pink-haired girl that hopped out the car moments ago. Well, besides her black sports bra and her matching high ankle boots, but everything else: the holographic hoodie, the face paint, and the skirt with a train at the end and the universe throughout it, all belonged to Miss Shiloh Clay. “Daddyyyyyyyyy, I promise to be good! But you have to promise you’ll marathon musicals with me. I want a movie night!” Honey was not going to exit the passenger seat until her father complied.

“Don’t be good, you’ll still have your movie night.” Cooper widely yawned, having woken up from a nap just to take his girls to this Tuesday night boat party. Weird that it was on a Tuesday, but hey, maybe it had rock n’ roll vibes. Everyday's a party. He could get behind that. Turning his head to face his daughter, he gave a lazy smile, “I want you to have fun. Follow Shiloh’s lead and if J gives you hell, tell him I gave you permission. Let loose BUT, and this is a big but, don’t get pregnant.”

“Ha. Ha. You’re funny. I’M A VIRGIN!” Honey was happy with her father’s response. She had such a cool daddy. It sucked he missed her younger years, but he’s been doing an awesome job! He ate cereal with her before she went to school, even if he didn’t need to get up, and that’s all that truly mattered.

“...Try not to scream that at the party either. Now get going. I got to meet the boys and jam. We’re workin’ on our newest album. This old man's still kickin.” He shooed his ray of sunshine away.

“Fiiiiine. I love, love, love you!” Before Coop could reply with affection, his daughter was already out of the car. She had a party to go to! Huzzah!

“Are you ready to rave, sis? We’re going to have so much fun!!!” Shi said excitedly as she ran around the car and practically tackle-hugged Honey once she stepped out of the passenger’s side door. “Your paint looks good. We look great. Let’s show all these stuffy rich dumbfucks how to really party, yeah?”

“I look good because you made me look good! I’m an average Sally. But not tonight. Tonight I’m the UNIVERSE!” Honey Girl hooked her arm around her cousin.

“Never average! But yesss, you’re totally stardust, babes.” Shi replied with a grin as they made their way towards the dock.

This was beyond exciting. Honey couldn’t attend the New Years party, but lucky for her, a party was being thrown soon, super soon, after by the infamous triplets of BHHS. “Maybe, MAYBE, we’ll meet the Tony to our Maria, or our Sky to our Sophia or, or, or our Nicky to our Rod!” Her words came to a sudden halt, as she blinked slowly, coming to an abrupt realization. “Avenue Q was the first musical I could think of with gay themes... “ The first couple was from West Side Story, the second was from Mamma Mia! The last? Avenue Q, where Nicky and Rod are the roommates that don’t even end up together. Nicky just finds a guy named Ricky for Rod, that looks similar to him ‘I know your type’. “Bah-humbug! Let’s party.” Do note, Honey is not on acid, and was completely sober.

“Yes, let’s! What should we do first? Are you gonna drink?” A mischievous look flashed in Shiloh’s eyes and she nudged her elbow into Honey’s ribs playfully. “Or get high? I’ve got some extra tabs for yah, if you’re interested. Plus there’s bound to be more stuff at the party.”

“I get a contact high just by walking in the house, I’ll pass on that. But drinking. Drinking I’ll do. What you got, Shi-Shi?” The girl that reminded people of a summer day gave her bestie that oh-so-cute dimpled grin. It’s too bad they considered each other sisters. From a glance, they could totally pass as a lesbian couple.

“Ohhh, if you don’t wanna get spacey, you don’t want what I have.” Shi replied with a laugh. At least Honey was willing to loosen up enough to get crunk. Knowing the wealthiness of students throwing this bash, there were bound to be some fine spirits available. Shiloh might not like the majority of the rich pricks, but she was more than willing to mooch some of their bougie booze for a night of fun. “Okay then, first stop is the bar then! And after that… dancing! Or a game!” Shiloh only stopped talking long enough to sign her name at the entrance of the party.

You know who wasn’t drinking, or dancing, or playing a game? A boy that went by Riley Wells, who was dressed in god awful preppy clothes. He leaned against a wall by the bar ‘overseeing’ the party. He was like Ramona Flowers when Scott Pilgrim talked about Pac Man, just so he could pick her up. The only difference was there was no Pilgrim trying to pick him up — not like he cared, anyways. And not like he would want a boy to pick him up… a girl was fine too. Preferable!

Nothing about this place was peaceful. In all honesty, he was here to score brownie points with Brian but where the fuck was Brian? Maybe to look less out of place he should get a coke. Unfortunately for the coke, he was comfortable right here, by this wall, hidden by a mass of people. Perks of being a wallflower, no one cared to notice him. At least, that’s what he thought…

Now at the bar, Honey leaned against it, “Give me something yummy and dangerous. Shi, any recommendations?”

“Two zombies, please and thank you!” Shiloh ordered from the bartender when Honey asked for a recommendations. It was a dangerously sweet and heavy cocktail to order for someone that didn’t drink all that much, but Shi wasn’t one to be a responsible partygoer. Mommy and Daddy raised her wrong, blame them! “It’s got absinthe in it. You’ll like it. It’s sweet and pretty and tastes like summer.” Shiloh turned around and leaned her back against the bar as she scanned the crowd. An unexpected pair boarded the boat together, one that Shiloh paid particularly keen attention to. Shauna and Madison? That was a new development, one that she would have to ponder on further. “See anything you like out there?” Shi asked, turning her attention back to Honey with a smirk. Perhaps she’d make it a goal to get her sweet pea cousin some drunken lovins’ tonight. Wingwoman Shi, at your service!

“Sweet! Pretty! Summer! All things that I loveeeeee.” As they waited for their drinks, Honey turned her glowy body to face the crowd. However, as she turned, her eyes immediately caught sight of a lone wolf. “Aw, sad panda face… Let’s make him a happy banana!” Her blinding smile turned to a frown in an instant. “Riley is all by himself. Where is Trevor when he needs him?” Her original intention was to search for Roz, but seeing how… lonely… Riley looked broke her tender heart.

Shiloh followed Honey’s gaze to the lonely wallflower boy. “Riley? That’s your choice?” Shi parted her lips in a slight cringe and looked between Rye and Honey nervously. “You realize he… uh… I’m pretty sure he’s gay, babes. I don’t think there is much you could manage to do to reel that particular catch in. Given your parts, you know…”

“I don’t want to like marry him, Shiloh! I want to save the day and DUH. I can tell he’s into guys by the way he’s checking that butt over there.” Honey puffed her cheeks in defense and pointed to the rando with the nice rump. “I like happiness and if giving Riley a push makes him happy, I’m happy. OooOOoooh!” Hearing a ‘clank!’ behind them, Honey quickly turned around and grabbed her drink. Immediately afterwards, she held her zombie to her beloved friend, “Cheers to… glowin’ like there’s no tomorrow and being Riley’s super girls!!”

Shiloh gasped in realization. She was glad that she wouldn’t have to talk Honey out of trying to hit on a gay boy, but she was absolutely elated with the proposition Honey did have in mind. Shi didn’t necessarily have to be Honey’s wingwoman — she could be Riley’s! With Honey! What an idea! “Oh my god, yes. I love it! We should go over there and be like his neon fairy godmothers that help him find some super hot boy love!” Shiloh excitedly grabbed her drink and took a fast, hard gulp of it as she hooked elbows with Honey and began to stride over to Mr. Mopeypants.

Two unlikely girls approached him and without saying a word, Riley watched them expectantly. Not making the first move. His face obviously read: what do you want and leave me alone. The more time passed, the more he regretted coming here. This party was a drag. Nothing good came from a Tuesday night boat party. All he was doing to kill time was scrolling through Instagram and liking a few pictures from ModelModule’s page. Whoever this kid was built cool kits. He digged it. Rye was sober and had a long wait ahead of him.

Honey guzzled down half of her juicy-juice drink by the time she reached the great host of the morning show! With her dimple grin, immediately feeling the effects of the alcohol since she rarely drank, she broke all space between her and her friend-to-be. Popping (Pop!) all personal space. “RILEYYYYY! Rileyyyy Wells.” The social atmosphere, this Zombehhh, and her glowy shit made her giddy. Honey was slowly but surely allowing her primitive brain to take over.

There was obvious discomfort in his face, but the boy chose not to move. No, he was here first. Honey’s tumble of blonde curls tickled his nose, though. Too close for comfort. He hardly knew these girls. What did they even want? Don’t they have anything better to do like kiss each other or something? “What? He could hardly recognize the girl leaning on him, but he did know the other one. The girl with the pink hair. Shiloh Clay.

The cotton candy-haired girl sipped from the fruity cocktail in her hands. The buzz of everything was starting to catch up to her. Good. All according to plan. Content to let Honey do the introductions, she kept uncharacteristically quiet whilst she enjoyed her drink. Swallowing the nectar down, she finished it with a satisfied and audible ‘Ahh!’ “You look bored. We came to change that. Want a party favor?” She was, of course, referring to the acid tabs with winking cat faces on them stashed away in her purse, though she did not take them out just yet. “Unless of course you’re content to just look at butts all night, instead of possibly touching some.” Shi said with a knowing smirk.

“...even if I was looking at ass, that’s none of your business.” Lately, Riley couldn’t help but have his guard up and be extremely defensive. Although his expression was unreadable, he contemplated her words while the other girl excitedly chirped, “We’re not trying to be r-rudee!” Her bright smile turned to a frown in a matter of seconds. “We just want to see you smile. Smiless make errrrbody happeh.”

Behind all the drunk, Riley could see that they meant. Taking a deep sigh, deciding ‘fine’ he’ll try to enjoy himself, he glanced over to Shi and narrowed his eyes, ”Define party favor.”

“You were,” Shiloh said matter-of-factly to Riley, and then looked at her blonde companion. “And I’m kind of always rude, but the honest variety. Honesty is the best policy, and I think you should touch all the ass you want, I don’t judge.” Shi turned her attention back to Riley as she spoke, smiling bright. Rude she might be, but she had a good heart. A rebel with a cause — and that cause was to have a good time. For everyone to have a good time! Speaking of, she reached for her bag and went to fish out the plastic baggie full of little papery tabs. “Wait, before I truly offer… very important question! Do you like kitties?”

“Cats are okay. Bro is allergic to them... so I lean more towards dogs. My dog, specifically.” Rye shrugged, not really grasping why his interest in cats mattered. Honey released him and turned her attention to the party as Shi did her fairy dust magic to save Riley’s day. She was distracted.

Shiloh pursed her lips, as if she was deep in thought. Pondering it for a moment, she shrugged. “Good enough, I guess.” Shi produced the baggie and pinched it open. Plucking out a tab, she proudly displayed the deceptively adorable drug. This particular piece had a winking kitty face with its tongue sticking out, like a phone emoji. “Cute, huh? Say ahhhh!” Shi asked before sticking her own long tongue out in demonstration.

Hesitantly, Riley opened his mouth. He was probably an odd teenager. Most teens would just say fuck it. YOLO. And yet, here he was with a stick up his ass. Neither of them realized during this exchange a Honey Girl disappeared. “I’m not going to die, am I?” Okay, he wasn’t dumb (sorta) in the realms of drugs. His pops was exposed to drugs for most of his music career, but his dad made sure that him and Trev stayed pure and innocent. For as long as he could keep it that way. Man, this moment would probably be the biggest mistake of his life. But honestly? He did have a stick up his ass and he did want the confidence to touch an ass. The only drug he ever tried was weed and that sure as hell wouldn’t boost him up enough to flirt some random… person. Never in his life did he touch kitty drugs before. What could go wrong?

Shiloh giggled when Riley joined her in opening his mouth. She poked the tab onto his tongue with a slender finger and grinned. “You’re more fun than I expected, wallflower. Hope you’re ready to taste colors and see sounds. Such fun!” Shi returned the plastic bag to her purse after wiping her hand off on her tutu. There might be boy spit on her finger. Totally gross. It was then that she noticed that her partner in crime was no longer at her side. “Oh no! I appear to have lost my fellow fairy!”

“I can be okay, sometimes…” Riley contemplated the substance in his mouth while it dissolved. “Shouldn’t you go find her? Hopefully your candy does the trick.” He paused and started shifting to the right, away from the girl. “I think your work here is done? Unless you actually want me to smile like the other fairy wanted me to. I’ll make sure to, uh, take a picture or something.” Shoo, Shi.

“No!” She said quickly. Shiloh’s eyes widened suddenly. She turned to Riley, grabbed his arms just below the shoulder on both sides, and looked deep into his eyes. So deep. Like she was about to admit to him an intimate, dark secret. Or explain the meaning of life. Or… or give him some sound, reasonable advice (probably not). Shi dropped her voice to a low, eerie whisper. “Go touch the butt!” She said and then turned on her heel to go find Honey-girl in the crowds, leaving Riley in the dust.

For Queen and Country

𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗬𝗣𝗦𝗢 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗬

_{Near the end, interacting with her mother. @Write}

Eyes opening slowly, begrudgingly, to the dimly lit room that was painted heavenly white, with her light pink canopy sheltering her from the outside world, Calypso Grey stretched her slender legs — her body only covered by her brother's button up shirt. If you're wondering... no, she wasn't wearing any under garments. The perks of having her own domain, which was fit for a princess, meant she could go commando if she wanted to. However, there have been incidents where her brother forgets to knock. Immediately after his entry, he turns around and says a low 'nope'. Did she have any shame? Absolutely not! No one should be ashamed of their natural state. Adam and Eve weren't. Well, that is until they ate forbidden fruit.

There was an aching in her skull, due to her actions from the previous night. It was all a blur, though. She remembered climbing down the ivy vines and aiming to play pretend. For one night only, she would be a courtesan, who went by Esmé. A dangerous creature of the night. Indulging in the wondrous pleasures, like Roxanne from that 1979 The Police song. If she gave, they gave. Treating her like she was a magnificent treasure. A goddess that drove men and women alike mad. All she required was one of her mother's dinner gowns, the black one, the black one was to die for, and one of her many wigs. She chose red hair to add to her femme fatale act. Red hair would attract many suitors. Sitting up in her bed, she glanced over to one of her white bears. Her name was Snowflake. She wore an extravagant diamond necklace. Well deserved. The necklace was a new addition to her haven.

What many people did not know about Callie, not even her twin, was she enjoyed playing the mistress of disguise. She enjoyed acting like different people. She enjoyed letting someone else's psyche wash over her. Why do you think she's so fascinated with psychology? The more you understand people, the better you can be them. Her true calling should be acting or, if she knew this path was possible, an espionage agent, but Calypso chose an ordinary career path, for an 'ordinary' girl. A destined therapist or psychologist, whichever one she has more patience for. Someone who provides guidance because she cares. Her life consisted of quietly watching others and hearing stories about vibrant and different characters. It isn't like she doesn't know who she is, she just finds her night hobby to be fun. Adventurous. Her guilty pleasure. Making people believe what they want to believe.

Calypso Grey was a woman with many faces and like all the adults that reside in Edgetoun, she had a secret. Her secret. A secret that was making her a smarter woman than she thought she was. One of her apparent sides that made her who she was today was playful and full of vigorous youth. Then with a snap of her finger, she transformed into a clever girl, with a self-possessed and scarily vindictive nature. Her more hidden self, especially if you didn't know her as a child, was a little girl with a nightmare disorder that fights against her demons, all the time. Every person had layers, but not everyone wanted to peel the layers to see what was underneath.

People were fascinating, weren't they?

Her hair was wild, hard to tame and going every which direction. She drank because it helped her sleep but the results were dehydrated saliva, chapped lips, and a boombox in her head. Insomnia was a bitch, but was sleep necessary if there was so much to do at night? Her phone buzzed and she groggily reached for it to see her brother's text. Today was... Friday? Yes, Friday. She didn't have classes on Friday. Thank goodness. Not really caring about whatever big news happened that her brother wanted her to tune in on, she decided to steer the conversation elsewhere. To something that actually mattered.

The 'thing' consisted of her spamming his phone with pictures of her giving puppy dog eyes and pouts, as well as saying all the bad, naughty things she was going to do if he didn't go clubbing with her tonight. Let's just say, she won. They were going out tonight!

She was no enemy. It was her duty as Caspian's twin, to get him to be less... serious. Why so serious? He needed to let loose, plus when was the last time he even kissed someone? AGES AGO. It was so long ago that she couldn't even recall the person. This would change. Tonight.

In time, she did get out of bed and readied herself up for her day. Shower and all. Today she was feeling her simple, midnight blue dress with her beige, lace up ankle boots. An elegant outfit for an elegant vampiress. She was going to call Lock & Key to see if she could set an appointment, to talk about a potential internship, but she decided that would be one of her stops today. Eventually. When she felt like it. Or she could procrastinate and do it on Monday. She hadn't decided yet. Callie was a girl who thrived off of stress, pain, and suffering. In this instance, it would be her hangover and her hunger. This wouldn't be the first time she's played pretend and got stupid drunk. It sure as hell wouldn't be her last. In addition to that woe, she was a vegetarian, choosing the diet of animal blood over people blood, so the constant, agonizing feeling of never having enough blood in her system was hardly a problem for her. With discipline, she could conquer any obstacle.

Putting her heart sunglasses on, which hid her bloodshot eyes from the world, she was ready to welcome the morning sun. Sorta. She needed one of her mother's hats. Making her way to the kitchen, knowing exactly where her parent would be, she twirled in (which honestly was a mistake because she was still dizzy from the night before) and greeted her beloved guardian, "Hellooooooo, mommy!" Her mother was fixing up a drink. Lovingly, she gave the older woman a kiss on the cheek and then pranced to a stool, by the island. "How's your morning been so far?" She considerately asked, before immediately bringing up what she wanted, "Can I, like, get a hat? Its got to match my shoes though, or I'll look dreadful! You have the best things in your closet, mommy. It makes me jealous." She would know. She used one of her mother's dresses last night.

Beverly Hills High │ Help Page

First Ship Set

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