Hello everyone! Yes. I know it's been awhile but I promised I'd be back with more and here I am. I wish I could be more consistent but that just hasn't worked out for me so I can't make any promises. Anyways, without further ado here is the chapter I have been working on for so long. It was quite a difficult one to write because I wanted to capture the characters reactions and intentions perfectly, and I found myself scrapping and rewriting it multiple times. So now that I think I've got it as close to perfect as possible and it's been read and reviewed by a good friend, lets let her rip. 

Also I love you guys, and I seriously appreciate your patience and the fact that you're sticking with me. Seriously. You guys are the greatest.

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!!!

CHIP POV

"What the hell Chip."

I wince as Theo slowly turns to look at me. It takes everything in me not to move as the sound of Bobby screaming at Creed fades into the distance. What could I do anyways? I'm too afraid of Creed to fight him. I clench my fists with shame. I would just get my ass kicked...but I can't just stand here and do nothing. Biting my lip with newfound determination I turn to follow the pair but before I can get very far Theo grabs my arm and whips me around.

"Where in the world do you think you're going?" He's annoyed I can tell clearly from the expression on his face and from the criticism in his voice.

"I have to help Bobby." I explain tugging my arm from his grasp. This does nothing as he takes hold of my arm again in a firm and rough grip.

"No, absolutely not. I think you've helped Bobby enough for one night don't you?"

A pang of guilt shoots through me and I turn to glare at Theo. "What the fuck is that supposed to mean?"

His face is distorted with so many different emotions I can't pick out which one is most prevalent. There's anger, pain, disgust, and disappointment. It almost hurts to look at him. "It means you aren't going anywhere. That's what it means."

I growl and try to shake him off but his hold is so tight I can feel my arm going numb. "Stop trying to control me!"

Theo laughs wryly and pulls me closer. "Stop trying to control you? Look what happens when I take my eyes off of you for one minute! Everything falls apart! Can't you behave for just one night?" He shakes his head and gestures towards the Jacuzzi and the abandoned vodka. "If anything I need to control you more don't you think?"

Insulted, I muster all of my strength to throw my body weight against my offending guardian. Theo stumbles back a few steps but otherwise is still standing on two feet. "I'm a human being Theo, not a toy!" I snap rubbing my arm and stepping away from the older man.

"If you're a human being start acting like one!" He counters, violently kicking the bottle of vodka at his feet. It tips over and into the Jacuzzi which is still bubbling lightly. "You treat everything like its one big game! Newsflash kid the decisions you make have consequences!"

I scoff at him calling me kid and shoot daggers at him with my eyes. "I'm not an idiot Theo! I know that!"

"If you knew that why did you do something so stupid in the first place? Whatever happens to Bobby tonight is on you Chip!" Theo shouts pointing at the staircase. "Because you can't take a second to use your pathetic brain and ask yourself if you should be doing what you're doing!"

My mouth closes in surprise. He's blaming me for Creed doing whatever he wants to Bobby? After all this time? After weeks of me telling him we should call the police, he's pushing the weight of all of this on me? "That's not fair Theo." I say clenching my fists and fighting back angry tears. I don't cry. I'm not a person who cries.

"Not fair?" Theo laughs and walks toward me slowly. "Not Fair? No let me tell you what's not fair. What's not fair is the crap that I've had to put up with ever since you stepped foot in my house. That's not fair."

My breath catches. He doesn't mean it Chip. You know he doesn't mean it. Theo would never say something like that to you....but he just did didn't he? I can practically feel the tears threatening to fall, but if I let them go that's it. If I let myself cry in front of him I lose my dignity. So instead I do what I do best. "You're an asshole." I growl, violently throwing both of my hands against his chest and shoving him.

"Chip-"

"You're a fucking asshole!" I repeat and shove him once again. This time the force of my shove pushes him back just enough. He tumbles backwards into the Jacuzzi but not before grabbing my arm and taking me with him. The heat is shocking, it sears my flesh uncomfortably before settling into a tolerable oozing warmth that surrounds my whole body. Theo doesn't react too much to the hot liquid just a wince on his face and a small gasp of surprise before he comes to. I take the chance to rip my arm away from him and wade across the tub. Before I'm able to lift myself out he's already grabbing onto my waist and tugging me towards him.

"GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME!" I snap jerking away from him with all the strength I can muster. His face is still contorted in anger but my outburst causes him to flinch in surprise.

"Chip-"

"Don't Chip me," I warn turning to face him fully. We are literally inches apart and the only reason I can ignore the way his white shirt becomes transparent and clings to his muscles is because of how angry I am. "I don't want you to say my name one more time. Do you understand? I don't even want you to look at me. You don't like me being here? Fine. I only have to be here until I graduate and then I'm gone. All you have to do is sign your stupid name on a stupid paper to give me my money and it can be like we never fucking met." I turn around and begin to haul myself out of the tub but he grabs me again and turns me around.

"Hey-"

"God what the fuck did I say about touching me?" I growl pulling away even though I can tell our bodies have already gotten closer. Closer than ever before. I swear I can even hear a hint of desperation in his voice. "You don't get to have the last word Theo. Not this time." I shake my head a bit trying to get rid of the fuzziness that's engulfed my mind at our close proximity. Steeling myself I look up at him ignoring the fact that our lips are barely an inch apart. "Just have your gold studded pen ready asshole." And then I'm out of there in three seconds flat.

I can't believe that I did it.

I finished all of my homework. All of it.

Mr. Boyle is gonna lose his shit.

I let out a laugh as the teacher collects the homework, which earns me a few judgmental glances from the kids sitting next to me. For the fifth time that morning my cellphone vibrates in my pocket. I peek up at the teacher again before I pull it out under the desk and glance at the screen. Without fail Theo's name lights up on the along with a picture of him reading the newspaper at the table. Annoyed I swipe my thumb against the little red phone symbol and shove my phone back in my pocket. I woke up before him this morning and got a ride with Takoda which is saying something because both Takoda and Theo wake up at the ass crack of dawn. Sighing I let my gaze be captured by the trees outside. I don't know if I can live like this for another week. A week is an eternity when you're living with Theo, especially with this cold atmosphere. No doubt he's calling because he thinks I've run off to do something stupid again. Whatever. Soon I'll be gone and I won't have to deal with any of this Creed bullshit. If it becomes a bigger problem it'll have nothing to do with me and I can laugh at all those fucks getting arrested on TV from far, far away.

The bell for class to end rings and I wander out into the hallway at the end of a long line of students who can't wait to get out of this place. I'm completely unsurprised to find Giovanni Dipshit waiting outside the door with a smug look on his face.

"Hey Pocahontas."

Ignore it Chip. Ignore it. "Good god what did I do to deserve this?" I respond only barely glancing at him as I walk past. He follows, a large and frankly aggravating smirk on his stupid face. Does he practice these expressions in the mirror on a day to day basis, if not he should, maybe then he'll realize how much of a tool he is.

"I've been thinking about something." He says pushing his hands through his blonde locks as we turn a corner.

"Oh really?" I say stopping in front of my locker. I make sure to completely avoid looking at him at all. This way I can properly communicate my complete disinterest in whatever he has to say to me.

"I've been thinking that your lovely self and I should go on a date tonight. What do you say?"

Sighing I push one of my hundred pound text books into my locker and exchange it for another. "When have I ever done anything that has made you think that I will ever want to go on a date with you? Seriously. This is a serious question, because I will immediately stop doing whatever it is."

Giovanni scoffs showing his ever radioactive rows of white teeth before looking at me with an expression that I think is supposed to make my knees turn to jelly. Really it just makes me want to kick him in the balls. "Oh Pocahontas your sense of humor is what really gets me. It's so sexy."

I roll my eyes and slam my locker shut before turning back to him. "I'm not trying to be funny Gibson. I'm trying to get you to go away. Why? Because the sight of you literally makes me want to slam my head in my locker door repeatedly, and while life isn't all that incredible as of late I would very much like to live at least until graduation. Now if you'll excuse me." Quickly I turn around and head to my next class but Giovanni doesn't get the hint and basically plops his arm onto my shoulders in an overly casual gesture that gets my blood boiling.

"Oh come on Pocahontas. Stop teasing me."

God, to hell with the stupid fucking Pocahontas. Irritated I fling his arm off of my shoulders and turn on him. "I have a god damn name asshole. Could you please stop calling me Pocahontas? Do I look like Pocahontas to you? What the fuck do you even know about Pocahontas anyways? Disney movies are bullshit. Go read a fucking book." Needless to say my outburst is just a little too loud. The kids milling about in the hallway stop and stare which makes it ten times more awkward than it needs to be. For Giovanni anyways, because I don't give a shit if they stare at me. Sighing I shake my head as if I'm scolding a child and storm away.

The rest of the morning classes go by without any issues. I think I hear some kids whispering about my outburst but really who cares? At least now they all know how I feel about being called Pocahontas all the time. When lunch comes around Takoda and I decide to eat in one of the classrooms that aren't in use. We figure the only place Giovanni and Raid will think to look for us is outside and today is just not the day to deal with them.

Takoda bites into his hamburger and chews adorably before taking a swig of his coke. "So."

"So." I respond casually ignoring yet another call from Theo.

"I have a date tonight."

Surprised I look up at my friend to make sure I heard him right. "A date? With who?" He glances around the room as if he's contemplating what the best response is. This causes me to narrow my eyes in suspicion. "Why do you have to think about it so hard? You don't know who you're going on a date with?"

"No I know."

"Okay, so tell me."

Takoda sighs and sits back in his seat, brushing crumbs onto a napkin on the desk. I take this moment to swallow a good amount of water in preparation for the explanation of his mysterious behavior.

"Raids cousin." As soon as these words leave his mouth water goes down my throat in a way that's completely wrong and I'm left coughing like a madman. Takoda pats my back and I wipe my mouth before shooting him a glare.

"I'm sorry could you repeat that?"

"Raid's cousin."

"And why on earth would you go on a date with the blood of your enemy?"

Takoda shrugs awkwardly. "He's mature, he's sweet..."

"And?"

"And he looks like Raid." He groans and plops his head down onto the desk in front of him. Oh my god. This kid. What is wrong with him?

"Correct me if I'm wrong but that doesn't seem like a very good reason to start dating someone."

"I know. Really I know, but I can't help it. Just because he's a dick it doesn't mean I don't like him. I know I shouldn't, but I do. When I was at the store the other day I ran into his cousin and he was flirting and I couldn't help but get charmed by him because he has Raids face."

I shake my head slowly. "This is doomed to fail. I thought you were trying to avoid Raid. I doubt sexing up his cousin is gonna remove you from his radar."

Takoda rolls his eyes. "I'm not sexing anyone up."

"Sure, because it would not be absolutely out of this world to have sex with a sweeter version of Raid."

Takoda thinks about this for a second and flushes. "I didn't say yes when he asked me out because I wanted to have sex with him. I said yes because he's handsome and charming."

I shrug and delete an angry text from Theo. "Look all I'm saying is that things travel fast in family whether you want them to or not. How long do you think it will take for Raid to find out your canoodling with his cousin? Hint, Not long. And then the wrath of a raging demon will be brought upon the earth and I blame you for all casualties."

Takoda laughs a little because apparently my warnings are funny and then shakes his head. "The wrath of a raging demon will be brought upon the earth as long as whoever I date isn't Raid. The only way that that will be avoided is if I get together with him, and while that would be lovely I really don't want to get my ass kicked by my boyfriend so I think I'll go with version 2.0."

I sigh once again and shake my head. "That's fucked up Takoda. I've gotta say, you've surprised me."

"I think it's a fantastic idea. Why? Because if I dated anyone else they would probably crap their pants as soon as Raid approached them. His cousin is one of the only people who isn't scared of him. He would probably just pat him on the head and tell him he's being adorable. Which is even better for me because than I can laugh in his face for being treated like a child when he thinks he's tough shit."

"He is tough shit though." I state.

"Yeah I know that, but it's all about perspective. If he's treated like a little kid in front of me that gets him back tenfold for everything he's done."

"This is all starting to sound like an elaborate plot for revenge."

"I'm just trying to figure my shit out."

"Seems to me like your shit is getting more mixed up," Takoda glares at me and I put my hands up in submission. "But hey, as long as you're happy."

By the end of the school day I've ignored twelve phone calls, and deleted twenty pissed off texts from Theo. I can't even imagine how livid he is right now. He's probably pacing around his office wondering why in god's name I haven't been responding to him. He's also probably wondering how the hell I got to school, and is in the process of plotting punishments to teach me a lesson on daring to do things without his permission. These are the sorts of controlling thoughts that Theo has on a regular basis. I haven't seen him since last night and usually he has to nag me about something at least once a day to feel good about his life so it's no wonder he's behaving miserably. I on the other hand am pleased with the fact that I haven't had to associate with him. I don't think I can face him after all of the things he said to me last night. People say that when you get angry you say things you don't mean. I would argue that when you get angry you say things that you don't have the sense to filter. He probably thinks about it all the time, the fact that he has to deal with so much ever since I moved in with him. He probably hates the messes I make because I'm definitely not the most organized person in the world. He most likely despises having to drive me everywhere because I don't have a car. Not to mention that I have serious issues with his choice of friends. It's no wonder he hates having me around. Maybe the love that I found was a fluke, maybe I had a small cold that day. There are so many reasons why us living together is a bad idea. We simply aren't compatible people.

Maybe I should date Raid's cousin too.

I contemplate the complexities of a three-way relationship as I wait for Takoda to get done meeting with one of his teachers. They're discussing how perfect his grades are and his eligibility for the college of his choice. I haven't even thought about college and we are cutting it thin here before graduation. I'm such a failure. I should've talked to an advisor about my future like these other kids.

"We need to talk."

I sigh and stare into an ocean of minivans. "Yeah we do," Immediately I realize that it's not the cars speaking to me so I back track and turn to look at my visitor. Of course it's Raid the other half of our resident duo because I can't go one day without running into Ken and Barbie. How is it that Takoda has managed to avoid both of them when I can't even escape from them for 24 hours? "On second thought, no we don't."

"I'm not here to fight you." Raid snaps already losing his temper. His handsome face is barely keeping it together.

I poke my bottom lip out and nod slowly. "You've intrigued me. What can I do for you on this lovely afternoon?"

Raid sighs and comes closer to me leaning against the wall as if he has a secret. "I need your help."

I let my eyes widen in mock surprise "Moi? Whatever for?" I can tell my teasing is pushing his buttons but he reigns in the terror and behaves cordially.

"You know don't you?" He whispers coming closer. I might feel threatened, maybe even attracted, if I was scared of him or in love with him, but I'm neither so I just lean in as well to maintain the privacy that he seems to require.

"Know what?" He makes an annoyed face and I nod perceptively. "About Takoda and your cousin? Yeah I know. How did you find out?"

Raid scoffs and picks at his jeans. "He told his sister he had a date, then she told their mom, and then she told my mom. News travels fast in family."

Ha! In your face Takoda. "I thought so," Is all that I say to the bigger boy. "And how can I help you with that? No, why should I help you with that? From what I hear your cousin is a pretty stand-up guy. He's probably good for Takoda."

"You and I both know why Takoda agreed to go out with him." Raid growls.

I nod matter of factly. "Yup, he's Raid 2.0 complete with a tenderness boost and upgraded emotional functions." The corner of Raid's mouth quirks up and I rejoice in my ability to make stone smile. Who knew that making fun of his emotional setbacks would get a rise out of him?

"Ha Ha, very funny."

"Thanks I appreciate that." I whisper wittily smirking at the ground before looking back up. "Seriously though. Why should I help you man? You treat Takoda like shit."

Raid closes his eyes and rubs his face with frustration. "I know. I fucked up. I'm fucked up. You were right. I just do whatever Giovanni tells me to. I don't know why it mattered so much that he liked me. That's why I want you to help me. You're the only person who doesn't give a shit about him. I even heard that you flipped out at him today."

"Yeah because that piece of shit kept calling me Pocahontas. That is inappropriate and insulting on so many levels his small mind can't even wrap itself around the concept of it."

Raid folds his arms and nods. "You see? No fear. You constantly insult him like it's no big deal. Give me your strength." He whines. I'm completely shocked at how adorable and weak he's acting. Not that weakness is adorable, it's just a new side to Raid that I think the world can appreciate.

"Dude are you kidding me you're like a human bull dozer. Just sock him."

Raid laughs and shakes his head. "It's not that easy, I've been friends with him for so long."

"What about Takoda then? You've been friends with him for just as long but you punched him like he was a plastic chicken." I make multiple punching motions with my hand and squawk. Raids eyebrows pull together and he looks at me like I'm a weirdo. "Okay humor aside, you know what I mean."

"That's why I'm here. I want to change. I want to punch Giovanni like a chicken and make him squawk." Raid looks down at me like I'm his only hope. "I want Takoda to forgive me and take me back."

"You're sure asking for a lot." I reply. Though to be honest I think if Raid punched Giovanni in the face and told him to fuck off a couple times Takoda wouldn't be all that opposed to going back to him. Whether that's good or bad who knows. I don't have the right to judge.

"I know. Will you help me Chip? Please?"

I stick out my hand for a handshake and nod as he takes it. "Well, since you called me Chip and not Pocahontas I don't see why not. Now, I think the first step is changing the way you react to him," Raid lets out a wry laugh and pulls his hand back. I take a moment to look past his huge shoulders and see none other than Giovanni strutting over with his signature smirk. "Here's your first chance buddy. Barbie is coming, and I think he's approaching with the intent to get in my pants. Not that that's important or relevant, just an observation. He's going to look to you for respect, obedience and validation. Don't give it to him if you don't think he deserves it." Raid looks confused as he silently mouths the word Barbie but nods anyways.

"Well look who it is. My main man, and the sexiest thing on two legs that I've ever laid eyes on." Giovanni half shouts, always ready to make an entrance. He slaps Raid on the back and moves next to me wrapping his arm around my waist. "Did you miss me? I know I'm a pretty irresistible guy."

I scoff. "Oh yeah, it's irresistible how you reduce humans to objects that way." I say pushing against his ribcage with my hands to fend him off.

"Hey there's nothing wrong with pointing out how arousing a pretty face is. Right Raid?"

Raid says nothing and just stares at Giovanni with an expression that says it all. You are an insult to humanity. I wish I could give him some kind of award for expressing that all with his usually emotionless face. Guy learns fast. I wonder what his grades are like. Did he get college advisement?

"Is it just me or is he exceptionally greasy today?" I say turning to Raid. He smirks which isn't an all-out guffaw or anything but Giovanni notices. Giovanni can't help but notice since he's spent so much of his time around Raid. He can pick up on these things. I can feel his awareness from the way his body tenses next to me.

"Since when have you two been so chummy?" He questions folding his arms and glancing between us. He's in his manipulative on-guard stance.

"Oh you know just since I discovered that Raid is a hundred times more likable than you," I lean over and casually pat Raid on the shoulder. He looks amused that I'm even daring to do so but, If I'm not afraid of Giovanni Gibson and he is, that means I'm not afraid of him either. "Honestly there would be more of a chance of me dating him than ever dating you," A twitch starts in Giovanni's temple and I feel a rush of pleasure at the thought that I've annoyed him. Finally, instead of responding with wishy washy advancements to my insults he's getting angry. "I mean maybe if you were less pervy, and more sincere. Or maybe if you were taller, and had brown hair? Or you know what maybe if you were just not you all together."

Giovanni snaps. He snaps I tell you. Almost instantly he grabs my arm in a violent jerk, pulling me close causing me to let out a quick gasp of pain. "Pocahontas I swear to god if you-"

Even I'm surprised when Raid rips Giovanni's arm off of me and tugs me out of reach.

"Chip doesn't like being called Pocahontas." He states and I sincerely feel so proud of him, not to mention very thankful. Not that I can't defend myself but I know when to appreciate others efforts. Giovanni's face contorts with anger and confusion.

"Are you fucking him?" He questions Raid with an accusatory tone. Whoa that escalated quickly. There has been no such occurrence between us sir.

Raid stands straighter and folds his arms, almost looking down on Giovanni. "Even if I am, what's it to you?"

Before Giovanni can respond we are interrupted by a very frightened looking Takoda. "Chip? What's going on?"

Oh no. Red flag, red flag. I don't know if Raid can handle all of this confrontation at once. As if sensing Raid's weakness Giovanni quickly changes his course of action and moves to grab Takoda but Raid moves so fast it makes his attempt to defend me look like a joke. Immediately Takoda is behind Raid wincing as if he was expecting to be struck by him. He looks surprised when he realizes that he's not in any danger.

"Stay away from him." Raid snaps getting in Giovanni's face.

"What is this Raid? Since when did you care about that little shit?" Giovanni growls pushing Raid.

"Since always, don't act like you don't know!" This is turning into a bigger deal than I wanted it to be. I just wanted him to change the way he interacts with Giovanni. I didn't mean for either of them to blow up. Well maybe Giovanni, I provoked him on purpose because I wanted him to start taking me seriously.

Takoda grabs my arm and gestures towards the parking lot. "I think we should go." I nod slowly wondering if Raid will be okay. As Takoda moves to get out of the protection of Raids back Giovanni lunges at him once again in another attempt to get back at Raid, but Raid is at the end of his rope. When I said to sock him this is what I pictured. A full on sucker punch to the gut. I wince as Giovanni goes down imagining Raids fist jetting that fast into my stomach. Is it possible to recover from that? Giovanni and Raid's other friends push through the growing crowd of on-looking students and get between the pair. Marc bravely takes on Raid holding him back as best as he can to keep him from attacking Giovanni again.

"Raid chill out!"

"Get him out of here! I don't want to see him!" Raid shouts and I can only assume we are minutes from a teacher arriving.

"Okay man we will, just chill!"

"I'm chill!" Raid growls again but he's pacing like he's about to go on a blood spree. Marc glances at me before moving to help peel Giovanni off of the ground. Taking the hint I grab Raids arm gently and pull him back to where we were standing before. Takoda is frozen in the same spot awkwardly glancing between Raid and me.

"You did good Raid." I whisper patting his shoulder with encouragement. He looks like he's about to break down into tears which is something I have not prepared myself for in this lifetime.

"He pisses me off so much. Why does he have to be such a dick?" He complains quietly pushing his hand through his hair. It's at this moment that I realize that it's not just about being scared of Giovanni or wanting to maintain popularity. When you spend so much time with someone for that long you are bound to develop a fond relationship. Raid knows that Giovanni is an ass who is manipulative and controlling. Raid isn't stupid, but he has probably also seen Giovanni be a good friend after all of this time. He's probably made lots of warm memories with him and confronting him like this is ruining their friendship. Just like Takoda wants Raid to care about him enough to stand up for him, Raid wants Giovanni to care about him enough to put aside his petty selfishness. He wants all of his manipulative bullshit to stop so that they can just be friends with no other conditions weighting them down.

Why is high school so complicated?

"I don't know Raid. He'll regret it though." Raid nods and looks me in the eye.

"Thanks man."

"No Problem big guy. I would give you a commemorative hug or something but you don't seem like the type. So let's not and say we did." Raid scoffs and then proceeds to give me a bro hug. As a rule I don't usually participate in these kinds of traditions but seeing as how this is the start of a new friendship I'll break the rules just this once. I pat Raid on the back twice and it's at this moment that I see a livid Theo Tetera stomping up from the parking lot. "Shit." I whisper.

Raid breaks away from me and glances at my face. "What?"

"Chenoa Masaya get your butt over here right now!" Theo shouts as he makes his way over.

"Nothing. Just another asshole." I grumble as Takoda skitters over to us, choked with curiosity.

"Isn't that your boyfriend?" Raid questions by my side clearly remembering the scene from the party. "He looks a lot older than I remember."

"He's thirty. Did you guys fight?" Takoda grills, momentarily forgetting the strained relationship between him and my new buddy. He can always put aside petty rivalries in the face of juicy information. Especially when it pertains to my thirty year old "boyfriend". Raid's eyes widen in shock and he stares at Theo mouthing thirty silently as if it's a curse.

I glare at the approaching man and then glance at my two friends. "You could say that." God how many confrontations am I going to have today? I'm beat and it's only three o'clock. "Oh my God, can this just not happen right now? Please?" I grumble under my breath, but Raid totally hears me. Finally Theo gets through the crowds of students and I can see him close up. He definitely looks enraged. Like beyond words enraged.

"I've been texting and calling you all day. Why haven't you answered?" Is the very first thing that comes out of his mouth. I can see the tension in his whole body that tells me he has been waiting listlessly to confront me about this all day.

I fold my arms and roll my eyes. "There's this thing called school. It's where people go to learn shit. Oh fuck look its right there!" I say pointing at the entrance.

Theo breathes in deeply like he's holding himself back from completely flipping out. "Chip-"

"Is that a good enough explanation for you?" I turn away from the older man gesturing for him to beat it. "Now scurry on home the adults are talking." Takoda laughs rather loudly at this but quickly covers his mouth.

"Funny Chip let's go."

"Go where? I'm going to go hang out with my friends. You go worry about whatever it is you worry about." I reply. Then I tug on Raid's arm and gesture towards the parking lot. "Let's go guys." The bigger boy nods silently not questioning anything but before we can get very far Theo steps in front of me.

"I'm not messing around Chip. I'm really ticked off. You know better than to ignore my calls. We both know you had a lunch break and you could've called me then. Or at the very least answered my texts."

"Those were texts? I thought they were spam so I deleted them. Oops." I shrug. Theo's jaw hardens and he reaches out quicker than I've ever seen him move before. Instantly the back of my neck is grasped firmly in his palm and he's pulling me towards him.

"Just get in the damn car Chip." He snaps, angry dad mode quickly slipping into completely and utterly livid mode. Before he can drag me too far Raid grabs my arm and pulls me back surprising Theo enough that he loosens his grip on my neck and lets me go.

"He said he doesn't want to go with you." Raid states defensively. Wow. Today is one-hundred percent Raid's day to shine. He is like the greatest friend of all friends right now. Gold star. My impressed mood quickly dies down as I notice Theo gearing up for a fight. A real fight. His whole demeanor changes almost instantly from any Theo that I've ever known. This isn't Friendly Theo, or Dad Theo, or even Livid Theo. This is a side of Theo that I have never seen before in my whole entire time living with the man. Raid recognizes a threat when he sees one and he also begins to prepare himself. Okay jokes over.

Quickly I jump between them and hold both my hands out. "Stop. Both of you. We're at school remember." I stress glaring at Theo. "I'll go with you. Calm the fuck down."

"But-"Raid shakes his head and points at the older man accusingly as if he's trying to point out how crazy Theo is to me. Oh trust me Raid I know.

"It's fine. You probably shouldn't get into two fights in one day anyways. Especially on school grounds." Raid reluctantly nods but glares at Theo icily anyways. I take the chance wave at Takoda quickly saying my goodbyes. "See you later Takoda." He waves back and goes pale as if suddenly realizing he's alone with Raid. Sorry buddy.

Within seconds I'm following Theo to his car. I can still see a little bit of that unbridled intensity in the older man's shoulders, and to be honest it scares me just a bit. Of course I would never let him know that, because the one who is most afraid is at the biggest disadvantage. Even though Theo is furious he still somehow manages to maintain proper gentleman standards. He opens the car door for me and I avoid eye contact as I sit down, wincing when it slams shut. I pull on my seatbelt mentally preparing myself for whatever comes next. We've never had a fight this big before. Sure we've had arguments but none of them were accompanied with this inexplicable atmosphere. It's such a foreign feeling that I don't even know what to expect. Theo gets into the car and pulls his seatbelt on before starting the engine and backing up. It's takes a minute or two of silence before he finally speaks.

"I thought I told you that I didn't want you hanging out with him."

Not this again.

"And I thought I told you that you don't control me." I respond, staring through the windshield as if it there is a giant marshmallow unicorn on the road in front of us. It's silent again, an uncomfortable kind of silence that chokes the life out of me. I don't want to speak, but I don't want this stillness either. I feel trapped.

"This rebellious teenage phase of yours is getting old fast." Theo states his jaw still incredibly tight.

An uncontrollable scoff bursts from my mouth before I have the chance to reign it in, so I decide to go with it. "It's not a phase it's just who I am. If you can't deal with that, tough."

"It's a rebellious phase Chip, because there is no other reason why you would continuously ignore what I say to you and find countless frustrating ways to act up."

"No it's not a phase Theo. You're hoping it's just a phase because you want me to be someone that you can monopolize."

Theo tsks with barely contained anger and clutches the steering wheel between white knuckles. "That's ridiculous."

"No it's not. Do you think you'll only be like this while I'm a teenager? What about when I'm twenty-two? Would it be alright to hang out with Raid then?"

"Absolutely not." Theo snaps almost instantly.

"You see? It doesn't end. What is a phase to you anyways Theo? Because the way I see it what you think of as a phase is me making friends and standing up for what I believe in. You don't want me to talk to anyone or state my opinion unless I get permission from you first."

"That's not it and you know it."

"Okay so why can't I hang out with Raid?"

"He's bad news."

"And how do you know that? Have you spoken to him? Are you getting under the table information from his parents? Is he a member of the goddamn mafia or something?" Theo stays silent but his knuckles remain just as white. "He just stood up for me back there. He was protecting me. From you Theo." I shake my head and glare at the trees as they rush by. "Think about it."

Theo bites his lip angrily at a guy who cuts him off. "That has nothing to do with this."

"Nothing to do with what? What happened last night? Because I think it does. You don't want me to talk about Bobby or Creed without your permission. You don't want me to talk to Bobby or Creed without your permission. You don't want me to spend time with anyone without your permission. I can't go anywhere without your permission. I can't dress a certain way without your permission. I can't give my opinion without your permission. I can't even swear without your permission. What am I a china doll?" I snap as we pull into the driveway. I push my door open and get out of the car turning to look at Theo as he yells back at me.

"This is normal for teenagers okay Chip? You have to get permission for things! That's how having parents works! You can't just do whatever you want all the time!"

"Normal? This is normal? What about this is normal?" I laugh and slam the passenger door shut as I walk towards the front of the car. "This is fucking crazy. All of it. You're smothering me and not in the adorable parent kind of way. You're forgetting something Theo! I had a father! I already know what having a father is like! And I'm letting you know right now so that you can pull your head out of your goddamn ass, that this is not normal parenting. My dad didn't tell me I couldn't talk about something. If I wanted to talk about it, it was open for discussion whether he agreed with me or not. I could express myself however I wanted whether he liked it or not. Whatever this is, there is one thing I know for sure, it's not normal." I shake my head and turn my back on him walking up the stairs to the front door. Theo follows silently fuming as he pulls his keys to the house out.

"So Elan and I parent differently. Not all people have the same parenting styles Chip. It's naïve to think that."

"Oh my god," I groan in frustration and throw my backpack on the chair by the door as we walk in and remove our shoes. "Theo! Do you not get it? You aren't a parent! You're a bachelor! In fact you of all people should understand me! You should agree with me! You should tell me that I can do whatever I want because that is what youth is about! You're too young to be acting like the conservative, controlling father of a teenage girl!"

"Stop making this about me Chip! This isn't about me! This is about you!" Theo screams throwing his keys into their designated bowl with a force that disturbs me.

A derisive laugh bubbles from my lips and I let it out freely as I throw my hands in the air. "You're a self-righteous deluded fanatic. Oh and an asshole. That's it, that's the only explanation for this."

Theo glares at me and throws his hands in the air in much the same fashion as I just did. As if nothing he does gets through to me. Like his crazy is justified. "You know what? All you have to do is listen to me! All you have to do is obey me and be done with it! Really, just do what I tell you to do. And if I tell you not to do something don't do it. It's not hard Chip!"

I sigh in submission and grab my bag before I start to climb what seems like a mountain of stairs not even bothering to glance at Theo. No matter what I say he has to be right. His truth is the only truth and I should just live by it as if it's the law. "You know what whatever. I'm done with you. I shouldn't have to deal with this bullshit. Like I said last night. As soon as I graduate all you have to do is sign away my inheritance and I'm out of here. When that happens let's just live like we never even met."

"What makes you think you're getting that money when you graduate?" Theo throws back at me his voice filled with the crunch of retaliation. I freeze.

"What did you just say to me?" I hiss turning to look down on him so quickly I almost lose my footing on the stairs, topple down and break my neck. With the way I'm feeling right now that might be a blessing. Theo looks up at me from the bottom of the staircase his face contorted with fury. This fight has escalated far more than I thought it would. To the point where we're taking actions not to prove a point to each other but to wound each other. That's what this is now.

"You heard me." He repeats. My whole body pulsates with animosity at his words, and an overwhelming rush of pressure floods through me. I feel imprisoned by the staircase, by the house and by his eyes. The silence that surrounds us is so thick that there's a sensation of drowning in my lungs.

"I hate you." The words come out before I can stop them but once they're out I don't want to take them back. Because right now I do hate him. I might not hate him tomorrow, maybe I won't hate him in a week, in a month, or in a year. But none of that matters. Because right now I hate him. "I hate you." I repeat clutching the strap of my backpack in my palm as if it's my lifeline out of this situation. Theo's expression darkens as if he wasn't expecting me to respond this way. "You know what? Keep the fucking money. I don't need it. I don't need anything from you," I hiss, turning to stomp up the stairs. "I'm under no obligation to stay here. I'm eighteen years old, I can go anywhere and do anything and I don't need you for any of it. Don't be surprised if you wake up one day and I'm gone."

"Are you threatening me?" Theo growls following behind me as I enter my bedroom.

"No Theo." I counter turning to scowl at him. "I'm giving you a taste of reality." I gesture to my surroundings as if they hold some kind of secret. "I don't belong here. You said it yourself, you've had to put up with a bunch of crap ever since I stepped foot in this house right?"

"You're taking it out of context." He insists.

"Oh yeah what context? The context where you said I need to be controlled more? Or what about the context where you blamed me for the shit that's happening to Bobby out there?" I gesture towards the window.

"You did something stupid and you know it!" Theo barks his facial expression telling me that he has no intention of admitting defeat. I chuckle and step up to the older man to let him know that I have no intention of backing down either and that I know what this is really about.

"I kissed a boy Theo." I breathe, momentarily remembering Bobby's lips on mine. It was nice but I'm not attracted to him, not that he's not a good looking kid. The thing is I've only ever been attracted to one person in my eighteen years and that piece of shit is standing right in front of me with his blood pumping like a raging river. "I kissed a boy, and if that's a problem for you daddy, then you better steel yourself because I'm going to be kissing a lot more boys in my lifetime." I shove him out of my way and stomp down the stairs heading toward the kitchen, because arguing like this makes me unbelievably thirsty. I'm already lifting a glass to my lips when Theo thunders in behind me, rips the glass from my hand and throws it across the room. It shatters against the wall so loudly that I'm afraid the whole neighborhood can hear it as I whip around and glare at the man in disbelief. "What the hell is your problem?"

"You are! You're my fucking problem Chip!"

"Oh yeah? Do I piss you off asswipe? Why don't you do something about it then?"

"Fuck this!" My expectation was that Theo would throw the bowl on the counter across the room too, or perhaps he would flip the table to emphasize his exasperation. I did not however anticipate being shoved against the refrigerator door with the strength of a thousand men, and I most certainly did not expect a rough hand to grab my jaw with tough resolve. I think it's the reality that I didn't predict this that makes me instantly short of breath. All of a sudden everything I thought I knew about Theo doesn't apply anymore.

"Theo what are you doing?" I demand cautiously, trying but failing to remove his hand from my face with jerks of resistance. Instead his grip tightens even more and he pulls my head so that I'm looking up at him. There is fire in his eyes, a boiling intensity that makes me weak in the knees. Caught under his gaze I can feel the hairs on my body stand on end as he opens his mouth to reply.

"I'm monopolizing you Chip." He breathes, before he captures my lips with his.

My breathing completely stops. It's as if this is the part where time should freeze, and then everything rewinds and starts over. This is the moment in the movies where fireworks explode, and music starts booming in the background. But no, this is real life, and it's not like that at all. Instead I recognize that time is still flowing as it should, and that my lungs are begging for air. I open my mouth to gasp and all of a sudden everything is blistering. Theo's mouth moves against mine with desperate fervor and I've completely lost all brain power. I hardly have the mind to respond, whether it's pushing away or kissing back. It's when I feel his palm cupping the small of my back and pulling me flush against him that I become present. I barely manage to pull my lips from his long enough to stutter his name before we're attached again and I'm swept up in his current.

Throwing all caution to the wind I kiss him back pushing my fingers into his perfectly arranged hair and purposely fucking it up as I taste his tongue against mine. Theo's flavor is spicy and bitter a combination that lights my taste buds on fire and forces me to forget. Forget that literally moments ago I was so furious, I would've rather died than remain anywhere near him. Suddenly all of that negative energy is altered into lust, and a very abrupt need kill him with my mouth takes over. Panting I take his bottom lip between my teeth and gently bite it before letting go and attacking his whole mouth again. I want to rub my hands all over his body but his suit jacket is obstructing the way so I find myself fumbling clumsily with the buttons and pushing the offending clothing from his shoulders and onto the floor. His response is to do the same with my school blazer before grabbing it and tossing it behind him. I hear it flop against the table where it must've hit the salt shakers because the sound of shattering glass once again stings my ears. This causes a momentary calm to pass over my aroused state of mind and I swear I have an out of body experience.

I can see myself pushed up against the refrigerator looking like the picture of disarray as Theo shrugs off his shirt, grazing his flawless lips over my cheek bones. I'm brought back down to reality as the sound of tearing ripples through the air and I recognize that Theo has literally ripped my uniform dress shirt from my body. The buttons pop off and fall to the ground bouncing on the granite floor with tiny high pitched taps as they scatter across the kitchen and I flush pink at my exposure. I'm not often uncovered like this in front of Theo. I always try to make sure that my clothes remain on my back when I'm with him. The reason for this being that I'm not muscular like he is and it makes me self-conscious.

I'm given no time to be bashful though because the older man grabs me by the backs of my thighs and boosts me into the air, before sandwiching me between his pelvis and the fridge. I grab his face in my hands to keep him from looking at me and kiss him again. This only distracts him for so long before his attention moves from my mouth and down to my neck where I can feel his teeth and his tongue sucking vigorously. This sensation causes my dick to swell so quickly that its borderline painful, while simultaneously gratifying. The blood flow is only increased when his fingers and tongue each give attention to my nipples, tormenting them until they're taut and red.

My whole body shivers as I feel beads of sweat trickle down my back and I wonder when it suddenly got so hot in here. That's probably not the only thing I should be questioning right now. I grunt as I'm pulled away from the fridge and Theo carries me around the counter to the kitchen table where he sweeps his arm frantically, effectively clearing the surface but shattering three glasses in the process before he lays me down. I take this moment to re-evaluate what's going on because as soon as I'm on my back and Theo's above me we know shit's getting real. Looking to the left I notice that the blinds to the backdoor are completely drawn leaving a full view of the backyard for me, but also a full view of us for anyone else. Namely Creed. It's probably about time for him to be arriving home from work, no doubt he'll come to the backdoor to see if Theo is around because that's what he always does.

"Theo wait," I grimace attempting to bring him out of himself as he starts to unbuckle my belt. He doesn't seem to hear me as he quickly yanks the leather from my waist and throws it over his shoulder carelessly. I can feel my heart violently thumping against the inside of my chest as if it's been caged for years and is desperate to get out. "Theo wait," I protest, again this time louder but my words go in one ear and out the other as he unbuttons my pants and yanks them down my legs along with my briefs. My mind overflows with static and I shift anxiously at the realization that this is getting serious. This thought is only reinforced when he unbuttons his pants and lets them fall down his thighs along with his boxers. I take a brief moment to stare at his cock resting there erect and dripping between his muscular thighs before I shake my head. Nope. Not today.

I sit up quickly covering my genitals with my palms to maintain at least a sliver of proper decorum but I'm quickly shoved back down. Theo's body bends perfectly above mine as he leans over me, his pelvis pushing between my thighs. My cheeks bloom with color as Theo swats my hands away from my manhood, annoyed with the barrier. I can feel the skin of his upper legs pressed against the undersides of mine, the sensation utterly unimaginable. We're both sweating so it's a little bit sticky but not unpleasantly so. In fact I would say it's very pleasant. Too pleasant, pleasant enough that I think we should probably not be doing it right now. Theo doesn't seem like he's in the right head space for any of this shit. Filled with newfound determination I begin to protest our fooling around but before I can even get my first word out Theo grabs my erection firmly in his palm and presses it against his own. I gasp, jolting and I sit up half way resting my weight on one arm. "Theo!"

His large palm easily holds both of our members and begins to stroke them with expert movements.

I know no one would ever believe me if I said it out loud, but If I'm being honest I have to admit that I have not once in my whole entire life touched myself. I just never saw the point. Masturbation always seemed trivial and like a complete waste of time. I can see now why some might disagree. Almost automatically I'm biting down on my lips painfully, my eyebrows drawing together in deep concentration as I stare at Theo's hand. How can this be both shameful and extraordinary at the same time? I'm disgusted with myself but simultaneously engrossed with the image and the sensation of both his palm and his dick on mine. I even find that I'm pushing my hips up against him, subconsciously seeking more attention. It feels so good that I forget about everything else and let myself fall back onto the table pulling Theo on top of me and taking my teeth to his neck. His hips rock against mine instinctually even though he's only pushing his erection further into his palm, and a shudder ricochets through every part of my body. I can feel a pressure building as our heavy breaths mingle his forehead hitting my shoulder as he groans. Taking this opportunity I wrap one hand gently around the back of his neck while the other buries into his ridiculously soft and sweaty hair. Its moments later when the pace of his hand quickens that I orgasm, milky liquid squirting onto my stomach in thick strands as my body trembles. Guess that's what happens when you don't touch yourself for eighteen years. I let out a breathless shudder as he continues to move both his member and his palm against my overly sensitive, slowly softening erection. It's only seconds later that Theo grunts and I feel more warm liquid hitting my belly.

Almost instantly I'm overly aware of how quiet the room is besides our heavy breathing. The muscles in my legs are shaking and I suddenly feel tremendously weak and fatigued. Theo peels his body away from mine, and I try to will my quivering arms to cover myself as I peer up at the older man's face. I can clearly see the change in his eyes as the uncontrollable lust leaves his body and self-awareness sets in. Unexpectedly, as the panic reveals itself in his face I feel like I have to explain myself even though he's the one that started it. I slowly sit up as he backs away staring at how messy and frankly lewd I probably look. I wince as I feel the liquid on my stomach dripping down. Flushing I cover myself as best as I can with my hands before looking back up at my guardian. "Theo-" I start, but he interrupts pushing his clean palm into his hair and looking at me in a state of alarm.

"Holyshit." He whispers.

"Theo-" I try again, but he's looking around the room frantically as if there might be some sort of explanation for this written on the walls.

"Holyshit!"

"Theo it's okay." I reassure trying my best to calm him down.

"No it's not okay! It's not okay Chip!" He explodes gesturing towards me. "Look at you!" As his eyes land on me they soften, but the fear is still there, I can see it suffocating him. "Look at you." He repeats, his gaze wandering all over my body. He groans when he realizes what he's doing and spins around so his back is facing me. I grimace noticing a red scratch going down his left side, probably the result of my orgasm. "Put your clothes on Chip." Theo commands and I nod even though I know he can't see me. I scoot awkwardly off the edge of the table and land on two shaking legs, hissing when a sharp pain spreads throughout my foot. Within seconds Theo is at my side inspecting me. Blood smears on the floor and I silently curse the fact that the table wasn't clean today as Theo quietly pulls a shard of glass from my foot. He looks angry as he throws the offending crystal onto the table before he notices the liquid dripping down my thighs. Fuck you too gravity. Theo lets out a sound of aggravation before he stands up in all his naked glory and walks around the counter snatching a hand towel that's hanging off of the oven door. He freezes when he sees my demolished shirt on the ground in front of him, sans buttons.

Tsking in a self-deprecating manner the older man bends down and picks it up before returning to me. First, he hands me the towel and stares over my shoulder. "Clean yourself up." He orders. I take the towel from his hand and do as he says wiping all over my stomach and down my legs. I feel ashamed even though I know I haven't done anything wrong. Like it's somehow my fault that Theo feels so angry with himself. I should've stopped him in the beginning instead of encouraging him, then he wouldn't be so filled with self-loathing right now. I finish cleaning myself and Theo takes the towel from my hand placing it on the back of the adjacent kitchen chair. "Theo-"I start, trying to work out what I'm going to say in my head, as I'm already saying it.

He clears his throat and pulls my shirt over my shoulders trying unsuccessfully to cover me up. I can feel myself becoming annoyed with him, because he's clearly avoiding a very important conversation. "Theo-"

"I'll pick this up. You go take a shower and then go to your room. Don't come out, okay?" He demands leaning down and picking up my pants, along with my underwear before pushing them into my arms. Frustration bubbles up inside at his avoidance, especially after what just happened.

"Theo! Stop interrupting me! We need to talk about this!" I shout throwing my clothes back onto the floor.

"What do you want to talk about Chip?" He snaps spinning around and looking at me with wide eyes.

"Isn't it obvious? Look at you, look at me! Look at what just happened! We can't avoid this and pretend that it was nothing. What's done is done."

"No," He says shaking his head. "No, I'm not doing this right now."

Theo turns away as he says this looking around at the glass on the floor as if somehow cleaning it up will erase everything. If he gets rid of the evidence, it didn't happen. I grab his arm gently and turn him around. "Theo I'm not mad at you."

"That doesn't matter Chip. I'm mad at me." He shakes his head again and pushes me off. "I'm mad at me. I shouldn't have done that, we both shouldn't have done that. We know better. Just...just go to your room Chip."

We both go silent as we each get pulled into our own thoughts. No doubt both of our minds are moving a mile a minute evaluating the situation. I know that I'm upset because he's upset. I feel wrong but why should I feel that way? I didn't do anything wrong, and neither did he. "Why shouldn't we have done that?" I question causing him to turn back around and look at me with shock. "Who said we shouldn't? The Law? I'm an adult Theo." Theo shakes his head for the hundredth time today like he doesn't want to hear what I'm saying. "If it's not that than what? My dad?" The way Theo's body tenses up tells me that my father has a lot to do with it. "I'm pretty sure that my dad never said anything about this." I argue folding my arms.

Theo scoffs and throws his arms into the air. "Yeah? Well it was implied when he left his son in my care." Theo growls hitting his fist against the kitchen table. "I was put in a position of trust Chip. You were brought here so that I could take care of you, not so I could.....Fuck!" He seethes hitting the table again.

"I don't need anyone to take care of me! I can take care of myself, I'm not five! And you of all people should know that there was never much trust in the first place! I thought you were a weirdo! Don't you remember?"

"Yeah, and you were right!" He counters spreading his arms and looking at me. I'm not phased in anyway by his nudity, but I'm sure that it's just reinforcing his own resentful thoughts. "You were right Chip! Do you think this was just an arbitrary one time split decision? No! I may have been a little out of it but I've thought about it millions of times! Don't you get it? That right there is the problem! From the moment you stepped foot into this fucking house I've been looking at you like this!" He picks up the dirty towel from the back of the chair and gestures at me with it. "You may be an adult now, but you weren't when you got here, and I've had to live with this guilt ever since then!"

"Oh come on Theo"

"A man who puts clothes on a kid's back shouldn't be fantasizing about ripping them off Chip!"

"God stop being such a coward! You're just running away because what you were scared of has become a reality!" I point at him and then at myself. "I like you Theo! And you're afraid of that aren't you?"

Theo's face fills with pain as I admit this and he closes his eyes. "Chip you don't like me. You think that you like me, because you're naïve and easily influenced."

I scoff. "Me? Easily influenced? You know me better than that Theo."

"Chip! Are you going to leave or should I? Because I can't see you like that anymore." Theo shouts impatiently, gesturing at my nude form . His eyes are staring intently through me as if I'm already gone. I sigh and rub my palms through my hair like a maniac trying to display how absolutely frustrated I am with him.

"Fine." I concede holding my hands up. "Fine. I'll go this time because I can see how desperate you are Theo." Leaning down I pick up my clothes from the floor and then walk up to him. He instantly tenses at my closeness, his muscles bulging and I feel a rush of pleasure at the fact that he suddenly feels so nervous in my presence. "But I'm going to say it again and again until you get it into your thick skull. I like you. You didn't do anything to me that I didn't already want you to do and I didn't stop you because I wanted you to keep going." As I say this I can see a vein in Theo's neck pulse and bulge and I get an urge to lick it, something I wouldn't have dared to do a week ago. Restraining myself I pat him on the shoulder, making sure to maintain skin on skin contact as much as possible as I move past his frozen form. "I'm not a little kid Theo, and I'm going to prove it." Carelessly I throw my clothes onto my shoulder and stomp into the hallway. "You just opened Pandora's box."

I hope you guys liked this chapter and I apologize again for the long wait! Also thank you for 1.04k followers! It happened so quickly and while I wasn't looking. I love all of you and hope you have a wonderful day, night, evening, afternoon or whatever as your reading this! Happy reading! xoxoxoxo

                                                                                                                  -Rayne