WARNING: Domestic abuse and violence, implied sexual abuse, nasty shit goes down.
Mini was a little more than nervous. Try screaming in her head. Not that she'd ever admit it. But it wasn't every day one met the drug lord of the entire south side of Bristol.
She wasn't 100% sure why she was doing this anyway. Her new arm candy Jake was a pusher for the fellow so she was always well supplied. But Jake was two years older than her and she was still in college, and when Jake had mentioned that their dealer at Roundview had got pegged he'd given her a very pointed look. And, ok, she was so not dealer material and the idea of actually getting into this mess was 'ew', but Jake said her not looking the part would work to her advantage. He wanted her to do it and Mini didn't much like the idea of saying 'no'. Jake had only been her boyfriend for a few months and she loved it, wanted it to last. He was twenty-one so he was prime real estate, not to mention the fact that he was often so busy he'd get called away before Mini had to actually do anything further than a quick lip lock and maybe a boob grab.
Perfect fucking boyfriend material to be honest.
How hard could pushing to a school of dimwitted sixteen through eighteen-year-olds actually be?
Not all new dealers met the big boss man. In fact, hardly any of them ever did. They were small time. But Jake was old friends with the head honcho and so Mini got a special introduction.
The boss' name was Luke.
That's all Jake would specifically tell her. And she could guess that he was about the same age as Jake if they were old school chums. It was all very hush-hush clandestine, which Mini found equal parts ridiculous and hilarious. For fuck's sake this was Bristol not somewhere behind the iron curtain.
Not that any of that made her less scared shitless.
Jake drove them to their posh boy headquarters (how boys like Jake, if that's what Luke was like, monopolized the drug trade in half of Bristol was beyond her). It was a sports bar in the middle of bumfuck nowhere, or that's what it felt like. Jake led her through rooms filled with black lights and partying teens until they finally entered a quiet corridor with a door at the very end, a beefy bouncer-type stood guarding the door. Jake nodded at him and the man nodded back and opened the door for them.
And that's when Mini first saw her.
She was sitting on a pool table with her weight balanced on an arm and her legs folded to one side. Her red dress looked like a second skin rather than fabric. Her auburn hair was cut short and curled in a happy wave to the middle of her neck. She had been talking with a smile to a lad busy racking up the pool balls on the other side of the table, but when Mini and Jake walked in she looked up and a small frown made her forehead crease. Her brown eyes were intense and serious for a second and then she relaxed and looked to the male with the pool balls.
The boy- boy? This couldn't be Luke, he looked so young- stood up straight and regarded them with a smirk and half-hooded eyes. "Jake my boy! Good to see you as always." His eyes, sharp and dangerous, turned to Mini and she had to hold in a shiver. "Is this your lovely new leading lady?"
"That she is," Jake said with a proud grin. Mini smiled uncertainly. Luke strode toward her and when she extended her hand he took it up and brought it to his lips, refusing to break eye contact. Mini finally was forced to and her eyes traveled back to the girl in red, who was already looking away and playing with one of the balls on the table.
"Welcome mademoiselle," Luke said. His voice dripped like warm honey but Mini got a shaky feeling, convinced there was something else hidden behind his voice.
"It's a pleasure to meet you," Mini replied woodenly.
Luke's eyes sparkled with malicious mirth. Mini could tell he was immensely enjoying her discomfort. "I'm Luke, head of this fine business. I'm told you'd be willing to move some product for us at your college?"
"I could do," Mini said coolly. She was pretty good at feigning confidence.
"Brilliant! Let me explain how this works-"
Mini half listened to Luke explain about ounces and percentages and all the business shit. Her eyes kept flicking to the girl in red. Couldn't she like- fuck, I don't know, put on a jumper or something?
Suddenly Luke's droning stopped and Mini looked back to him, face beginning to flush. Luke was frowning slightly. Then his eyes went wide and he grinned like a Cheshire cat. "Forgive me, how rude am I? Franky, come here."
The girl in red hopped off the table. Luke immediately grabbed her and pulled her flush against his side. Mini felt like her blood was turned to acid. The girl- Franky- made a squeak of alarm then giggled and kissed Luke's cheek. Luke laughed but his eyes never left Mini's face. "This is my better half, Franky."
"Nice to meet you- erm-"
"Mini," Mini replied, mouth dry.
Franky smiled at her then and Mini felt herself go weak in the knees. "Nice to meet you Mini. Don't let Mister Hothead intimidate you or anything."
"And now she's stolen my thunder," Luke said with a faux forlorn sigh. Franky laughed again and Mini thought about how she'd never heard anything more beautiful, which was quickly squashed by scolding and (forcing) herself to think about how much the girl looked like a skank in that (gorgeous) short red dress. Her lip curled and Franky blinked in alarm. Mini could see something like a flash of fear behind her eyes and Mini felt momentary triumph. But it disappeared and was replaced by vague curiosity.
"Play a game?" Luke asked Jake and jerked his head towards the pool table. Jake nodded, not asking for Mini's input, and the boys moved past their girlfriends leaving them to stand next to one other in awkward silence. Luke smacked his pool cue against the side of the table with a crack that made Mini jump. Franky regarded her calmly for a second, then in a playful voice said, "Come on. Let's go watch our boyfriends make arses of themselves." She walked around the table and Mini followed while trying to give the impression that she was doing it only because she wanted to, not because Franky suggested it.
Franky flopped down into a big, comfortable looking leather chair and poured two shots of vodka. She looked expectantly at Mini. Mini was rigid as she sat and she stiffly plucked up the shot with her forefinger and her thumb. Franky pounded her shot and poured herself another. She didn't try for small talk, didn't much seem to care that Mini was sat next to her at all.
"So are you, like, Queen of the south side?"
Franky raised an eyebrow incredulously. "What the fuck kind of question is that?"
Mini scowled and threw back her own shot and slammed it back onto the table. Franky's nostrils flared in annoyance and she looked back at the pool table.
"…well are you?"
"Shut the fuck up."
"I will be dealing for you, don't be so bitchy toward me."
"Not me. Luke."
"But you have some pull, you must."
Franky scowled deeply. "I'm not Queen of anything. I'm Luke's girlfriend. I don't- Luke is in charge, period. Ask anybody. Ask Jake." Franky said Jake's name with such venom Mini felt her jaw drop.
"What do you have against my boyfriend?"
"He's a pig."
Mini's experience was the exact opposite of that. He barely glanced twice at her on most of their dates; too busy taking calls to pay her much attention. That's what Mini liked about him. "He's a gentleman."
Franky rolled her eyes. "Right. Whatever."
Mini's head was spinning from Franky's hatred.
Luke was losing. He cursed and his face was tight with frustration. Suddenly he looked towards the girls. "Franky," he called. Mini watched as Franky's entire body language shifted. On alert, jumpy…
"Yeah babe?"
"Be my cheerleader. Come dance for me."
Franky's eyes ticked uncertainly toward Mini and a blush bloomed under her cheeks. "Luke-"
"Dance for me," Luke said sharply.
Franky stood like there was a heavy weight on her shoulders and Mini watched with an odd feeling of growing trepidation as Franky walked to Luke's side. She stood still for a moment and looked at Luke imploringly. Luke just started to frown. As if spurred into action Franky moved.
She started to dance.
There was no music except for the distant almost completely muffled bass of the music pounding out in the club. Franky didn't need it. She moved to a rhythm all her own, arms raised over her head and hands swiveling at the ends of her wrists, hips twisting, eyes closed. She was the most beautiful thing Mini had ever seen. Luke's eyes found Mini's and he smirked. Mini looked away. But she couldn't bring herself to for long.
Luke line up his shot and hit the cue ball towards a blue striped billiard ball. It bounced off and the cue ball went straight into a pocket. Luke roared and Franky's eyes opened with a start.
Before Mini knew what was happening Luke had Franky pinned to the pool table, one hand around her neck and the other still holding his cue. "I said dance, not try to seduce the whole fucking room." Franky let out a small whimper but otherwise stayed quiet.
Mini didn't know what the fuck she was supposed to do.
"Don't fucking distract me when you go about acting like a fucking whore."
"…sorry."
Mini had been pretty sure she was about to cry and Franky's apology sent a tear over the edge. She wanted to leave, fuck, why weren't they leaving? She looked at Jake. He was chalking his cue with a triumphant look on his face. "Luke mate, get her off the table, it's my shot." Pig, Mini suddenly agreed.
Luke let Franky up. She rubbed her neck and gave Mini a shamefaced look. But you don't have anything- Mini wanted to say something so badly. When Franky saw the tear that had slid down Mini's face she froze. "Are you alright Mini?"
Am I alright?
Luke looked up and at Mini's face he smiled with glee. "Did you not like that Mini?" he teased.
"Fuck off Luke," Franky muttered, then she went white with horror at what she'd said.
Luke's happiness at Mini's discomfort vanished and his expression went dark. Without a second hesitation he took his cue in both hands and swung it, hitting Franky with a loud crack right above her elbow. Franky didn't make a peep.
Mini was out of her chair and out the door in the next five seconds. She almost let out a strangled sob but saw the large bouncer man watching her with interest and tried her best to regain her composure.
Jake came out a few minutes later, relaxed and cool as could be. "Lover's quarrel, time to hit the road." Lover's quarrel? Mini thought with disbelief.
"…I don't think I can do this."
Jake frowned. "Why the fuck not?"
"I just- I don't think I-"
Jake sighed and shrugged. "Luke'll be upset."
The thought of an upset Luke sent shivers down her spine, and the thought of that upset being taken out on a petite redhead was even worse.
"Fine. Fuck. I'll do it, just- I don't want to see Luke again."
Jake pouted. "Why? He's my best mate!"
"Did you see how he treats his girlfriend?"
Jake shrugged again, and Mini felt like throttling him. "Yeah, so? Franks and him fight all the time. No big deal."
"No big deal? HE FUCKING HIT HER!"
Jake looked at Mini with incomprehension. Then understanding seemed to dawn and he said soothingly, "I'd never let him lay a hand on you sweetie."
"THE FUCK? Not the point at all!"
Jake scratched the back of his head. "What is?"
"He can't hit her!"
"Franky's his girlfriend. He can do whatever. It's not really our business."
Mini stared at her boyfriend in disbelief. Jake looked about as unbothered as one could be. "Franks can take a hit, she's a scraper. Gets in fights all the time. She's given Luke a bloody nose more'n once, fuck you shoulda seen that. Anyway, it's just how they are with one another. But they fucking adore each other. So don't worry about Luke and his girl none."
Mini felt like vomiting.
"You'll be seeing them around if we keep dating. Can't help that. It is what it is love," Jake finished. Mini couldn't say anything. Jake took her by the arm and they started walking away from the door of the inner sanctum. "Come on beautiful. I'll take you out and we can get a late bite."
.
Mini didn't see either Luke or Franky for quite a while and Jake was the one who gave her the drugs to sell. When Mini did something she refused to be just mediocre. Sales at her school went up 250%. Jake told her Luke was more than pleased. Good. Mini would fucking keep him happy.
But she worried that wasn't enough. Not at all.
It was almost two months later when Mini saw them again. They were at a club and Jake went to get them drinks and came back with the wrong drink and a grinning Luke with his arm securely around Franky's waist. Mini felt her stomach start to heave.
"Well if it isn't my breakout seller. I'm more than impressed my dear, well done."
"Cheers," Mini said drily.
"You should come round the sports club so we can celebrate proper," Franky said cheerfully. Mini's heart flip-flopped at the invitation.
"What an excellent idea Franks," Luke said in agreement and planted a kiss on the crown of Franky's head before saying, "Isn't my girl such a fantastic lady of the house? Always thinking of how we can entertain our workers."
Mini gave a tight smile.
"So you'll come." Franky asked eagerly, a bright smile gracing her face. Making the cut on her cheek warp.
"…yeah. Sounds cool."
They threw the party two nights later. Mini dressed for the occasion because it was, after all, a party for her. Jake didn't.
There was always a rave going on in front. Mini's party was in the back, the room they'd been to before. But instead of just the four of them there was a gathering of about twenty people, drinking vodka and doing lines off the wooden edges of the pool table. When Franky saw they'd arrived she disentangled from Luke's side and came up to them. "Hey! I didn't know what you like Mini, so I got a little bit of everything."
"Who are these people?" Mini asked. Jake had bled off and was bumping fists with everyone he saw.
"Luke's mates," Franky replied.
"We're the only two girls here."
"Yeah. Sorry about that."
"It's… creepy, Franky."
Franky's face fell and she shrank a little, looking down at her feet. "Sorry."
An image of the last time Mini had heard Franky apologize played through her mind and she shook her head, "No it's- uh, it's fine. We just have to introduce you to more girls Franky."
Franky looked at her in confusion. "Introduce me?"
"Yeah. I can take you out some night. Girls night it up a bit."
"Without Luke?"
"Duh without Luke. Unless I'm wrong about what's in his pants."
Franky's cheeks started to color and Mini felt herself catch her breath at the sight. "Yeah, no, Luke's- but um, I spend nights with him. I'm not sure he'd like a 'girls night'."
"Fuck what he'd like!" Mini said angrily and Franky flinched. She took a breath and calmed herself, then said in a gentler voice, "I mean, one night isn't any big deal, I'm sure he could spare you for a few hours."
Franky sucked in her lips and looked nervous. Mini felt immediately guilty. "Hey, if you don't want-"
"No I- I do. I'll go- I'll go ask Luke when a good day would be." Franky went off. Mini couldn't get over the fact that Franky shifted from one extreme to the other, strangely shy around her then head up, shoulders back, smirks with all the lads she passed. Mini smiled after her, a rush of happiness warming her head to toe. It disappeared again when she saw Franky go up to Luke and whisper in his ear. Fucking scumbag. Franky deserved so much better.
Mini watched as a small frown appeared on Luke's face and he met her gaze from across the room. He looked suspicious and irritated, but then seemed to calm slightly as Franky said something else and slid her hand across Luke's chest. Luke looked at her and said something and Franky nodded with a smile, then Luke smiled back and kissed her fiercely. They made out for a few minutes (and Mini stared on) until finally Franky pulled away and said something to him. Luke grinned and replied and Franky bounced happily on the balls of her feet, then kissed him again briefly and pulled away. She came back to Mini grinned ear to ear. "This weekend?"
"Sounds good. Saturday. Give me your number, I'll call you."
Franky nodded and rattled off a number for Mini to punch in, which she did quickly. That number wouldn't be lost or forgotten.
"Franky." Both girls turned. Luke had snuck up on them and was smiling his chesire smile. "Go get us some shots."
Franky left, leaving Luke and Mini alone. Mini felt like every nerve ending was on fire; she wanted to run so badly. Luke smirked and took a swig of the beer he was nursing. "I'm glad you like my Franky so much."
"Yeah, I like Franky," Mini said with a bite, emphasizing her name and refusing to put an ownership on her. Luke seemed to find this highly amusing.
"Franky needs more girl friends. You seem like a perfect start. I'm glad she's happy."
"Are you?"
"Of course. Franky's happy, I'm happy. That's how love works."
"You two are in love then?"
"Couldn't you tell?"
"Not really."
Mini knew she played a dangerous game. But she'd always been one to say exactly what she wanted to. Holding back this much was just about killing her.
Luke chuckled. "We're very much in love. You'll come to see that over time. She's devoted to me.
"A dog can be devoted."
"Are you calling Franky a dog?"
Mini's face went red and she shook her head vigorously. "That's not what I-"
Luke's shark smile went wide. "It's exactly what you meant. And you're right. She's my faithful dog. All owners love their pets."
Mini wanted to scratch his eyes out. Luke knew it, she could see he knew it, and he loved it. "Let me explain something Mini. It's simple. You aren't Jake's, I can see that. And I respect that. You're your own person. Franky, simply put, isn't. She needs me. And I chose her. She's mine. Even if you get it in your head to try to convince her otherwise, she knows better than to believe you. And I can read it all over your face. But I know Franky knows who she belongs to and I am not worried one second by your 'girls night'. And I really do want her to have girl friends. These parties could use some female blood."
Franky walked up before Mini could reply, probably saving Mini's skin as she was just about to lose her cool. Luke took a shot glass, winked at Mini and went off to chat with his mates. Franky offered Mini her shot and said in an animated voice, "Glad you were getting on with Luke."
"Yeah."
A strange boy came up behind Mini and grabbed her ass. Mini jumped and spun, glaring daggers but before she could let a verbal barb fly there was a blur to her side and the boy was on the ground with a bloody nose with Franky standing over him, her fists out and a mad glint in her eye. She raised a foot and slammed the heel of her shoe into his ankle. The boy howled in agony. A wicked grin split Franky's face and the sudden resemblance to Luke made Mini take a step back.
Fuck. Was she wrong? Were Franky and Luke… were they made for each other?
Franky spat at the boy, growling, "Do not touch her." Her head spun and she turned to address the rest of the party. "That goes for all of you dickheads." Franky finally turned back to Mini, eyes sparkling and excited. But when she saw Mini's look of horror Franky's face fell with uncertainty.
Luke started to laugh. He threw back his drink and then shouted, "That's my girl!" His cronies followed his lead and started to laugh with him. The pride in Luke's voice shook Mini to the core.
What had she done?
Girls night with a mad person. Fucking brill.
.
She didn't back out though. Mini didn't back out of things. Which is why she showed up in front of Franky's house Saturday at six thirty dressed in comfortable but club-worthy attire. She looked at Franky's house in surprise. When she'd got the address she'd been more than a little shocked. Franky lived in a pretty posh area of town. And ok, Luke and Jake dressed the posh boy part and spoke it well but she knew for a fact Jake lived in a shitty apartment toward the middle of the city and she bet Luke had similar accommodations.
Mini had been fully expecting Franky to be living with Luke. But she lived with her parents in their house in St. Andrew's. So his claws weren't completely in Franky.
A middle-aged man with bright blue eyes opened the door and when he saw Mini his jaw dropped. "You're- Franks is going out with-" and then he stopped and looked about to cry. Another man, older with spectacles and a mustache, opened the door wider and stared at her, dumbfounded. "We were expecting-"
There was a clomping of shoes and over the mens' shoulders Mini could see Franky running down a flight of stairs. "Did I not tell you it wasn't Luke coming?"
The older mans lips tightened. "No. You most assuredly did not."
Franky shrugged. "Dads, this is Mini."
Dads?
"It's very nice to meet you Mini," the young one said, looking as if he meant it with all his heart.
"You too um- Franky's dad-" Mini felt mortified. She didn't even know Franky's last name.
The older man's eyes narrowed but the younger one smiled amicably and supplied, "Jeff is fine. And this is my husband Geoff. Same sound different spellings. We'll both reply, we do anyway-" Jeff seemed anxious as he spoke, like he wanted to make her comfortable but was painfully aware he wasn't doing the best job of it.
Geoff looked over his glasses at her. "Would you like to come in?"
Franky tried to push past her dads to get to Mini on the front porch. "Dad, we're going out-"
"Only for a minute love."
Franky looked none too pleased and Mini wasn't sure what her next step should be. Geoff and Franky were trying to stare each other down, but Jeff was giving Mini this desperately hopeful look. Like his only chance of happiness rode on Mini's shoulders.
"Um, yeah sure, we can stay a bit."
Franky huffed and spun away from the door, stomping into the house. Geoff followed closely after. Jeff held the door open and stepped back for Mini to enter.
They sat in the living room in silence for five minutes. Jeff kept restlessly offering food and beverage, which Mini turned down politely until Franky snapped at him to stop. Geoff watched Mini suspiciously and kept giving Franky long, contemplative glances.
Finally Jeff asked, "How did you two meet?"
Mini felt the blood rush to her ears. What lie was she supposed to go with?
Franky stepped in, "Mini is Luke's best mate's new girlfriend."
At Luke's name both men went tense. Geoff's expression became even more suspicious and he looked darkly at Mini. Jeff paled and Mini could see his hands tighten on the couch cushions. So neither of them liked Luke anymore than she did. From the looks on their faces they probably hated him a great deal more than she did. Franky looked triumphant as if she was saying, 'See? Luke doesn't bring all bad.' Mini thought she might be able to argue that point.
Franky stood. "Time we should go. Come on Mini."
Mini almost stumbled in her heels getting to her feet. "It was lovely to-" Mini managed before bolting from the room. Franky was already out the door.
Mini had never felt so out of control in her entire life. It was a thoroughly unpleasant feeling.
The honest truth of it was Mini didn't have any girl friends. Not ones that were anything more than superficial. She'd had girl friends once. But things had gone a bit wrong. So now she was mostly on her own. She traveled in a girl circle but- well, not one she wanted Franky to meet. This night was about getting Franky away from Luke, not introducing her to a group of girls she secretly despised.
Besides, she didn't much like the idea of sharing Franky when she didn't have to.
Mini took Franky to her favorite club. It wasn't one she'd ever been to with the popular girl squad. She used to go to it all the time with- but now she didn't. But Franky was OK to bring here. She wouldn't sully it.
She'd forgotten that she had stopped coming for a reason.
Liv sat at the bar, laughing with the bartender. Mini immediately stopped in her tracks. Franky, sensing her sudden hesitation, stood at Mini's side with her hands behind her back, watching Mini's face. Mini glanced at Franky and put on a plastic smile. Franky's eyes narrowed and she looked a bit irked. Straightening her back Franky walked up to the bar and rapped her knuckles against the counter to get the bartender's attention. When he turned Franky's smile was an odd mix of genuine and Luke shark-smile that made Mini anxious. But Franky ordered a drink and there was no incident so Mini allowed herself a breath of relief and (unwillingly) joined her at the bar, placing herself so that Franky was between her and Liv. If she had any luck-
"If it isn't white bitch Mini McGuinness."
Of course.
Mini smiled hard and turned robotically to look at Liv, her once best friend. Liv smirked and took a drink. Franky looked between the two girls and frowned. Liv nodded at Franky. "Hey, you the new toy then?"
Franky's face darkened. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"Shut it Liv," Mini hissed. But Liv wasn't scared of her, had never been fully scared of her. Sure, Mini had been in charge when they were friends but mostly because Mini needed to be and Liv hadn't cared either way. Liv was the definition of easy going. But not now, not with Mini after they'd fallen out.
"I mean Mini likes you until she doesn't and then she drops you. I'm asking if you're her new accessory," Liv laughed and turned cold eyes toward Mini.
Franky looked uncertain, her face fluctuating like a hologram between indignant and nervous. "I'm not her accessory," Franky finally growled.
Liv raised an eyebrow. "Not hers? Somebody else's then?"
"Liv, drop it," Mini warned firmly.
Franky stomped away, merging with the people on the dance floor. Like a tide the clubbers parted for the little ball of fury. Something about her gave off a 'get out of my fucking way' vibe. Mini's eyes followed her until she lost sight of the girl, then she swallowed thickly and reached for Franky's abandoned drink. Liv watched Franky with a look of astonishment and distaste, then turned to Mini and asked, "The fucks up with her?" Then on seeing Mini's face Liv asked slyly, "Oh so that's it. Girl crush."
Mini glared at Liv and shook her head. She threw back Franky's drink and went after the little redheaded spitfire.
Franky had disappeared into the bathroom corridor and was holding a cig to her lips with shaking fingers. She didn't acknowledge Mini's presence for a full minute, instead taking long puffs and blowing them in Mini's general direction. The sheer audacity of it had Mini literally biting at her tongue. But fuck, she wanted Franky's approval- no, her friendship, Franky liking her, more than her pride. And Mini McGuinness had never wanted anything more than her pride before.
Finally Franky's eyes met hers and the hurt in them made Mini's heart ache. It was hidden only slightly by the anger there and if Mini wasn't so aware (obsessed) she probably would have missed it.
"So you want an accessory is it? Am I even pretty enough to decorate your arm?" Franky snapped, hoarse from smoke or emotion.
"Franky-"
"Is what the Liz girl was saying true."
"Her name's Liv," Mini said quietly, eyes moving away from Franky's face.
"Is it?"
"…no."
"I don't believe you." Franky's eyes closed and she looked about to cry. Her eyebrows were knit angrily but she was biting her lip, trying unsuccessfully to keep her lips from wobbling.
"Why not?"
"Because Luke said-" Franky stopped, wrapping her arms around herself.
"What did that-" Mini started to yell, and then she took a calming breath and ground her teeth. "What did Luke say," she said carefully, saying every word in a controlled voice.
Franky opened her eyes and looked at Mini uncertainly. "…you want to fix me and then parade me around and pat yourself on the back for a job well done."
"That's not-" But Mini couldn't finish because it wasn't 100% false. Did she want to be the one to save Franky? Absolutely. But helping Franky was the goal, not bragging about how she was a savior. She wanted Franky to know she was worth more than- She wanted Franky to be happy. She wanted Franky-
Full stop.
Yeah. A lot of this was selfish.
Because what did she know of Franky really? Franky was beautiful. Franky had an incredible smile. Franky was tiny and feisty and fiery and she looked stitched together by fraying threads. And nothing else.
Mini wanted to right a wrong. Right a wrong done to a beautiful girl who made her insides flutter with butterflies. Not because of anything she knew about the girl. Because of what she sensed about the girl. Was that horrible?
Should she stop?
Fuck that. Mini McGuinness didn't stop.
Franky was looking at her with dull, mistrustful eyes. Mini needed to say something. "You aren't an accessory. You need a friend. And I- I need one too OK?"
Franky looked at her doubtfully. "You- why me? Why would you even- and there's that Liv girl you could be friends with-" Her voice for small and she said, "You stopped being her friend. Why? And why wouldn't you just stop being mine?"
Mini's throat tightened. She did not want to talk about it. But Franky looked scared. Mini didn't want that. "…there were three of us. Me, Liv and…our other friend Grace. But Grace left. And there was this hole and- look, it didn't work without her. Before Grace it had but after- Gracie made us better and with her gone we just went to shit. So I stopped talking to her. It was awful of me but I just couldn't. It ended badly. And I've been lonely ever since."
Mini waited for Franky's judgment. Franky would think she was a mega bitch. But Franky was looking at her thoughtfully. Franky tilted her head slightly as if to get a better look at her, then she smiled shyly and said, "OK."
"OK?"
"I believe you. I mean. Yeah that's pretty horrible. But people are crap all the time and rarely own up to it."
Mini blinked in disbelief. Then in a shaky relieved voice she asked, "You just called me crap?"
Franky smiled wickedly. "Got a problem with that?"
"A bit!" Mini replied with a laugh. But not nearly as much of a problem as she would had it come from anyone else.
Franky laughed. The tears in her eyes glistened and started to blink away. For a moment she looked the most innocent Mini had ever seen her. Then the shadows crept back across her face and a pang went through Mini's heart. She immediately missed the girl she'd glimpsed for all of two seconds.
"Come and dance?" Franky asked with a smile and she extended her tiny hand. Mini was positive her face turned the brightest shade of pink imaginable and she haltingly started to reach her hand out. Franky met her halfway, grabbing Mini's hand and towing her along behind her back to the dance floor.
Franky spun on her heels, beaming as she twirled and danced across the club. Mini watched, entranced, as Franky bewitched just about everyone she passed. But Franky only had eyes for Mini and when the blonde was slower to dance than Franky had expected Franky paused and her eyebrows shot skyward. Mini smiled, trying to hide her nervousness. Franky came back toward her and held out her hand again. "I'll walk you through it, if I have to," Franky said, at once teasing and gentle. Mini looked around at all the people with eyes on them and felt her heart start to beat faster. So many people watching. And there was Liv still sat at the bar, eyes narrowed and unimpressed.
Mini took Franky's hand anyway.
They lost track of time as they danced together. It was just adrenaline and music and hands clutched together happy and for once, for once, not lonely in the slightest. In the best company imaginable.
Then Franky's phone rang.
At the buzz Franky immediately reached for her pocket. Her face clouded and she let go of Mini's hand. Mini watched with a sinking feeling as Franky typed out a message then stuck her phone back in her pocket and looked up at Mini. The happiness that had been there just moments before was gone, leaving Franky's eyes blank.
"Gotta go. Thanks for the night Mini. I loved- well, we should do this again if I can," Franky said with a stiff smile.
If. Not when.
How had Mini forgotten who was actually in charge?
"Franky-"
"I'll be calling a taxi, you don't have to worry about me Mini. Do you have a ride home? Here…" Franky pulled out her wallet and put some bills into Mini's hand. Mini tried to refuse but Franky was already putting her wallet away as she gave Mini a tired smile. "Get home safe, yeah?"
"Franky don't go!" Mini protested, voice cracking. Franky looked at Mini from the side of her eyes and her lips tightened. Mini reached out her hand first this time, placing it gently on Franky's thin wrist. Her fingers curled gently around Franky's wrist. "Stay here. With me. Please?"
"I can't Mini," Franky said softly. "I know you don't understand. I just can't. See you 'round." Franky pulled away from Mini's weak grip and fast, as lightning was gone.
"She's an odd one you've chosen there Mins." Mini tilted her head back and tried to blink away the tears that had begun to form before turning to give Liv an exasperated look.
"Piss off Liv."
"You're the one who does that Mini," Liv threw back. She peered at Mini's face and for a split second her expression softened. "You crying?"
"No!"
Liv pouted her lips and arched her eyebrows in disbelief. "Don't know what you've got yourself into. But fuck…be careful will you?"
"… I don't know if I can be."
.
The taxi pulled up in front of Luke's complex and Franky got out in a hurry, over tipping the taxi driver as she went. Luke didn't much like to be kept waiting and he gave her enough of an allowance to ensure she could buy speed if she had to.
She ran up the stairs and to his apartment door, letting herself in. Luke and Jake were sat on Luke's couch, sorting drugs and debating some transaction details for a deal being made sometime the next day. When Luke saw her he grinned and Franky let herself relax. She sat down on the arm of the couch next to Luke and started to play with his hair. "Miss me?"
Luke wrapped his arm around her and pulled her onto his lap. She squealed with delight and met his lips with hers. His fingers tangled in her hair and pulled just slightly the way they did and she let out a gasp, which he chuckled at appreciatively. She wrapped her arms around his neck and continued kissing him hungrily.
After a few minutes there was a shift of weight on the couch and the couple looked up to see Jake standing with a mildly annoyed look on his face. Franky snickered and fell back onto the couch where Jake had just been sitting, saying in a mocking tone, "Too much action for you Jakey boy? Bet you haven't gotten any in months." Luke laughed and pulled a cig out of his pocket, lighting it with a flick of his wrist and saying in an unconvincing scolding voice, "Now now Franks, play nice."
Jake glared at Franky and Franky returned the look with just as much warmth. "You better not have been out gaying my girlfriend bitch. I remember what you were like when Luke first found you."
Franky stood in one fluid movement and squared off with Jake. Luke watched the exchange with amusement. Franky shook her head and laughed, then almost casually kneed Jake hard in the groin. Luke roared with laughter as Jake sank to his knees with a whimper. "That's my girl!"
"Fucking bitch!" Jake screeched. Franky laughed and flopped back onto the couch, bumping into Luke's side playfully. Luke placed his hand on her head as if in praise.
"Best be on your way mate."
"You're gonna let her treat me that way?"
Luke smirked and leaned back on the couch, arms spread out on the back. "What do we say Franks?"
"Fuck everyone, " Franky said with a wry smile.
Luke nodded, then after a moment slapped the back of her head. "Except?"
"Except you," Franky parroted, leaning over and kissing him on the cheek.
"Exactly," Luke said triumphantly and his eyes shined. "Get out Jake. I'll call you tomorrow."
Jake left with a curse (which, thank fuck, sometimes he dawdled like a perve and Luke didn't wait for him to go always) and Luke immediately pounced on Franky. Between kisses and bites Luke asked pointedly, "How was the fanny fest?"
Franky's fingers dug into Luke's back and she chuckled (a calculated response, putting just enough scoff into it) before replying, "Fine. Mini's all right. Missed you." Lying was part of Franky's very nature since childhood but Luke was a wild card with responses. Not enough disinterest? Too much? Would he see the 'missed you' as blatant ass kissing and be pleased or pissed?
A hard bite to the neck. "Tell me more."
"What's to tell? Danced a bit, drank a bit. It was boring really." Fuck. She knew she'd gone too far in playing it down when Luke's hands grabbed the front of her dress, picking her up and slamming her back down. Franky glared at Luke and said sharply, "The fuck? What was that for?"
"Don't play games with me Franky," Luke warned, eyes hard and teeth bared. "That girl is nosy and trying to get her fingers in you. And I mean that literally. Girl's a dyke with a capital D, no way Jake's getting anything there. And she's got eyes on you."
Franky shook her head in disbelief. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"I know. You aren't very bright Franks. Nor are you exceptionally pretty, so I don't know what the girl sees when she drools all over my finely carpeted floors anytime she glances at you." Franky sucked in her lips and bit down, the back of her neck burning. "Honestly it's probably just the fact she likes to feel powerful and in control and you're obedient. A nice little toy aren't you?"
Franky didn't reply because it was one of those times she didn't know if the answer was 'yes' or 'no'. Each was equally as dangerous.
At her silence Luke gave her a contemplative look, then he smiled in that safe way of his and Franky relaxed. "Can't help what you are love," he said softly, almost gently, and he stroked the side of her face with the back of his fingers. She smiled and reached up to grab his hand but before she could his hand had moved and he had a grip on the hair at the back of her head. She gasped and grinned as he pulled her upward. "And I'm quite fond of what you are. Let's go to bed."
He didn't let go of her hair as they relocated but she was used to that. Luke always liked to have a hold of her somewhere, because he couldn't get enough of her or- or something like that. It was almost more unnerving when it didn't hurt at all.
Luke half threw her onto the bed and she had just enough time to flip onto her back before he was on top of her, pinning her down with one arm across her chest. Franky smiled tightly because it was not the best start but it could be so much worse. Luke smiled back and Franky's stomach dropped because it was no longer safe, it was the Bad, Warning Smile and she was in no position to get away from it, all she could do now was try to turn it back. "I don't think I want to do a girls night again, I'd much rather-"
Luke grabbed her by the throat and squeezed, effectively getting her to shut up. "Think? Who said you could think?"
Franky swallowed thickly and didn't reply. If this was them standing, face to face on equal ground, she wouldn't take that. She'd start a fight. But he was on top, her dress was hiked up and- this was not fair ground.
Luke was enjoying the look on her face and Franky had to decide whether that was good or bad. It wasn't an obvious choice, not here, not with Luke. She decided to try for a smile but it wobbled so she had to bite down on it and try for seductive. Being with Luke had only improved her acting skills. "Franky," Luke started, removing his hand from her neck. Franky tried to discretely take a deep breath as Luke's hand moved downward and tugged playfully at her pants. "Would you like to play a game?"
Now this one, this one had an obvious answer. Franky had learned very quickly that 'no' wasn't an acceptable answer to something posed as a suggestion. There weren't suggestions in Luke's world, your opinions and wants not only didn't matter, they were Wrong and Bad and Punishable.
"Sounds fun," she replied in a low voice and the sincerest smile she could muster. "Are there rules?"
"Just one," Luke said cheerfully as he pulled her pants all the way off. "Sit up, sit up. No, that's not the rule." Franky rose and Luke half tore her dress off, leaving her in only a bra and socks. "Off." Franky dutifully unclasped her bra, mindful not to cross her arms over her chest as she once would have because that was also Bad.
"The rule is… stay still."
Franky laughed, because that was generally the rule. "And the game?"
"I'm going to make an impression."
Franky's brow creased. "What?"
"Do you think everyone knows you're mine?"
This was getting even stranger. "I- yes of course."
"And you?"
"…what?"
"You know?"
Franky smiled and nodded, fear turning acidic in her stomach. "Always."
"I think you might forget."
"No- I dont- I-"
"I think you might need a more permanent reminder. Don't you agree Franky?"
Franky couldn't hold her smile, her lips pressed in a grim line. Because Luke had sent her home with reminders before, bruises and cuts to mark her as his, and he'd made it very clear just what each meant. Permanent… it sent up warning flags so bright she felt a headache coming on. "I don't need a reminder baby. I'm yours, all yours," Franky said, trying to hide her fear.
Luke bared his teeth and pushed her roughly back onto the bed. "I know you're mine." He reached into his pocket and as soon as Franky saw a flash of metal she started to squirm.
"No- Luke! Fuck's sake, I'm yours, you don't-"
"Rule Franky." Franky froze, eyes wide and breath heavy. Luke's eyes glinted with malicious mirth as he placed the tip of his switchblade against Franky's bare stomach. "And I know I don't have to. But I will. You know why? Because I can do whatever I fucking want to you Franky."
Franky sucked in her stomach to try to get away from the cold metal and suddenly the blade was in her face and Luke was leaning over her angrily. "Play by the rules or I take out an eye."
Franky snarled angrily, throwing caution aside for a second to snap, "You wouldn't! I wouldn't be pretty enough to keep around then, and isn't the point you're trying to make that you will keep me?"
Luke glared for a moment, then leaned back away from her and laughed. "Very true. Fine. But you squirm and it'll be more painful than it has to be."
"Luke, STOP."
"And when have I ever stopped for you."
Franky knotted her hands into the bed sheets. He was teasing her. And he wouldn't stop. Her choices were boiled down to 'more' or 'less' of Luke's sadism. And the answer was always less.
"Let's play then Luke."
Luke beamed and bent down to kiss her. "You're the best girl I could have ever found Franks."
.
Later, when they had sex, Luke put one hand over where he'd written his name on her chest and pressed down until blood coated his hand, and he put the other over her mouth because he didn't want to hear her complaining.