I'm a little late with this chapter, sorry. But I hope everyone enjoys!
"We're going shopping and you're coming with us" Victoria stated. Clearly there was no arguing with her.
"And why would I do that?" Nathan cocked an eyebrow. Huh, why was it only the bad guys ever seemed to be able to do that?
"Wait, I thought you were coming over to help me pick an outfit?" Max interrupted, clearly confused. So was Warren, but at least he had the sense not to say anything.
"Judging by what you've got on I'd say we need to get you a whole new wardrobe. Sorry Max but hoodies and jeans from target just aren't going to cut it for a Vortex party. But don't worry, it's my treat. Believe me I know how expensive camera equipment can be, it would be cruel of me to demand you pay for clothes I'm making you buy. I mean I can be a bitch but I'm not totally heartless. Right Warren?"
Wait, what? There was no way he was answering that. No way in hell.
"Still don't know why I have to go" Nathan interrupted.
"Simple, I said so and you owe me. Besides, Warren's coming with us. You two can talk while we're trying on clothes. Figure out what you guys have in common. You have dicks so that's a start".
He didn't want to be the one to tell her that he was pretty sure that's all they had in common. Actually, he'd always thought it was pretty obvious. And based on the look Nathan sent him, it looked like he felt the same way.
"C'mon Max".
Max sent Warren a worried glance as Victoria actually grabbed her, interlocking their arms before pulling her towards the doors. For someone so skinny, she sure was strong. Warren could do nothing more than smile reassuringly at her. Meanwhile he was busy plotting his escape, something that didn't go unnoticed.
"Don't even think about it" Nathan muttered. He put his hand on Warren's shoulder, forcing him to follow the girls. "You're not leaving me alone with them" he added.
"Wouldn't dream of it" Warren replied through gritted teeth. Nathan only smirked in response.
Four hours, they'd been at this for four hours with no sign of stopping. Oh sure the promise of half-naked and very attractive girls modelling clothes had been appealing at first. But that appeal had only lasted the first ten minutes. As it was now four hours in, Warren's patience had run out.
"Are you done?" As had Nathan's apparently.
"Stop whining. Max, you done?"
"I think so".
Max had been done three and a half hours ago, Warren knew that for a fact. Hell she'd even sent him a text to that effect. But apparently she just couldn't argue with Victoria, well he could have (and had) told her that.
"Fine, you two can wait outside. We'll meet you there after we've been to the registers". In a rare show of kindness Victoria let them leave without complaint. It was almost comical the speed at which they both fled.
"You hungry?" Nathan finally asked. Judging by the line for the registers, they'd be waiting a good ten minutes for the girls.
"Starving. You?" He was having an actual conversation with the guy who'd made him miserable. Huh.
"Same. Burgers good with you?" Nathan asked, his gaze oddly fixated on Warren. Seriously he hadn't once looked at his own reflection or even glanced at the hordes of girls that had passed them. It was weird.
"Yeah, but what about the girls? I mean Max might be up for a burger, but Victoria doesn't really seem the type".
"You'd be surprised. I've seen her eat more than me when it's just the two of us. She can be a total pig when she's not in the spotlight".
"Think they'll be up for the drive thru?" He was having an actual conversation with Nathan Prescott. One that didn't end up in violence or humiliation on his part. This was a whole other realm of freaky.
"I'm driving; they won't have a choice".
Warren breathed a sigh of relief. For a moment there he was afraid Nathan had been taken by pod people. Okay yes the idea was absolutely ridiculous, but Nathan Prescott did not do nice. Not to him. So it was a relief to see he was still being his usual douchey self. But wait, Nathan and Victoria were friends weren't they? Was Nathan usually a dick to Victoria? No, no he wasn't. No he was a dick to Warren and Logan and Daniel and Alyssa and…okay he was starting to sense a pattern here. But the point was, Nathan wasn't usually a dick to his friends. So why now? There was no way it was because he was hungry, wait was it? Wait a minute…Nathan had asked him if he was hungry first. Was he…was he doing this for him? Warren blinked. There was no way he was going down that train of thought. No way in hell.
Warren smiled tentatively when he realised the silence had stretched. That's what happened when he starting arguing with himself. Not that it happened a lot. Well, okay it did, but it wasn't like it was really that noticeable, okay maybe it was. But…and he was doing it again. He really had to stop doing that.
"So…" Warren struggled to think of something else to say. Something that wasn't insulting that is. It wasn't his fault, it had just sort of become instinct.
"So…" Nathan mirrored. To say it was an awkward silence was a gross understatement.
"We're finished". Never before in the history of the English language, had there been sweeter sounding words.
"Finally!" Both boys said in unison. Casting a wary look at the other, it was agreed that they'd never speak of this to anyone.
"I'm getting kind of hungry" Max said. She looked a little flustered when Victoria turned to her.
Surprisingly, Victoria only nodded in agreement. "Yeah me too. There's only so much shopping even I can take. Plus, I could really use a burger right about now. With fries". Victoria added.
"That sounds amazing!" Max grinned. "Are there any drive thrus nearby?"
"There's one just down the street. Whenever Victoria drags me here we usually stop by on the way home. They've got some pretty good burgers" Nathan replied. "Now can we move it? I'm fucking starving" he added.
Without complaint the girls followed, Victoria moving to speak with Nathan leaving Max and Warren to trail behind.
"So how was shopping with the she devil?" Warren asked, only when he was sure Victoria wouldn't hear him.
"A living hell. But I gotta give her props, she knows her fashion. She helped me pick out some pretty cool stuff. Hey maybe she can do you next? No wait! I didn't mean, you know that. I just meant-" Max blushed. Warren's teasing wasn't helping.
"I know, chill. By the way that would be a no all around. No to shopping and no to, you know that other thing. Just no". Warren made a face.
"Why?" Max had meant about the clothes thing, honestly. Not, you know, the other thing.
"She's evil and you know, she's fucking terrifying. She's like the Black Widow of our world. Oh wait maybe she's more like Rogue, you know when she gets her hands on you and drains you until all that's left is this hollow empty shell. Or maybe she's-"
"Listening and deciding your entire social future, depending on the next words that come out of your mouth". Yup, that was Victoria.
"-she's beautiful and smart and has an amazing sense of fashion and uh…" Warren trailed off as he realised he couldn't think of anything else to add; "she's forgiving?". God he really hoped that was the case. Nathan's snort didn't help matters. Neither did Max's.
"You're lucky you're cute" was all Victoria would say.
"Y-you think I'm cute?" Really? No one had ever thought that about him, well not that he'd known.
"You have potential, of course you can't see it with the crap you wear. I mean seriously, lose the geeky fanboy look you have going on and maybe you would actually start getting some attention. Nathan, what do you think?" The smirk Victoria sent Nathan made Warren think he was missing something.
Nathan clenched his jaw, quite obviously pissed off. Was that really wise? He was their only ride home. That might not mean much to Victoria, but he kind of needed that ride. Sure he almost had enough for a set of wheels of his own, but what did that matter? He didn't have a car with him right here and now. And it was at least an hour back to campus. He'd be screwed in Nathan left them here.
"What the hell do I care? Just get in the fucking car already. Girls in the back, guys up front. Move it, I'm fucking starving".
Yup, Nathan was pissed. But wait, what did he mean guys up front? He wasn't actually serious, was he? But that meant he'd be stuck with him for the entire journey. Fucking Victoria, he knew there was a reason he hated her.
"Fine, whatever. I'll just bring Warren back next week for a whole new wardrobe. I mean who knows more about men's fashion than me? I know what girls want to see guys in. I'm sure Warren would love to get a woman's perspective on these things, right? Maybe it'll even get him a girlfriend, or a boyfriend if he swings that way".
Victoria sounded strangely happy, it sent chills down Warren's spine. He swore he could hear Nathan's bones cracking under the strain, his grip on the steering wheel both frightening and strangely impressive. He hadn't realised just how strong he was. Were those dents in the steering wheel?
"If that's the case, what good would you be? He'd need a guy's opinion on how to attract another guy. Guess that'd mean you'd be out of a job". Nathan definitely sounded pissed. But why? And why were they talking about him like he wasn't even there?
"You do know I'm still in the car. I can hear you. Who said I even wanted new clothes?"
"You're getting new clothes". Okay that was just freaky. They both said that in perfect unison, like they'd rehearsed it. Like they were in a movie of something. Wait, was that what this was? Was this some weird reality show with hidden cameras? Well Victoria was really into photography.
Frowning, Warren warily glanced around the car. 'If I were a hidden camera, where would I hide?' he thought to himself.
"What?" What? Why were they looking at him like that? Wait, he hadn't said that out loud had he? Well shit.
"So…what's everybody ordering?" Max interjected, Warren could have kissed her.
By some strange miracle, both Victoria and Nathan accepted the topic change without complaint. The next few minutes passed quickly and before they knew it, they were pulling into the drive thru. For a few blissful moments, the car remained relatively silent as Nathan ordered. Only after they had their food did conversation resume.
"I guess Warren's gonna have to feed you" Victoria said before popping a fry into her mouth.
"Shut it" Nathan growled back. "I can feed myself" he added. He grabbed a few fries out of the bag as if to prove his point.
"You can't when you're driving" Victoria smirked back. Nathan watched her through narrow eyes via the mirror.
"Why don't we just eat in the parking lot? That way we can dump the trash too". Max offered.
"Max don't be such a goodie goodie. We can just as easily dump the trash out of the window on the highway. Besides, I'm sure Warren won't mind. I mean, Nathan did oh so generously agree to drive us all up here. Right Warren?"
Warren seriously considered jumping out of the car. What the hell was he supposed to say to that? Seriously, what kind of game was she playing? Okay fine he hadn't had a girlfriend before. And yes, he had looked at guys in the past. But even if he was gay, well probably more like bi, that didn't mean he'd be into Nathan like that. The guy was a jerk, okay maybe not so much on this trip. But still the guy was an obnoxious prick with daddy issues. Why would any of that make him like him? Seriously, what was Victoria smoking and where could he get some?
"Ignore her".
Warren blinked, giving Nathan a questioning look. Had he just tried being nice to him? Well yeah they'd spoken a little while waiting for the girls. But that was about food. It wasn't like he'd learned anything new about the guy. Although that thing about Victoria being a pig could come in handy, he'd have to remember that for later.
"Will do" Warren replied. Nathan smirked at that. Warren steadfastly ignored the strange feeling that came over him, it was probably the burger. He chanced another glance back at Nathan and the feeling returned. Yep, definitely the burger.
"Ugh, fine. Hey Max when we get back come to my room. I just got some new equipment, you have to see it. Plus, we can go through your new clothes and pick out a few outfits". Victoria turned to Max with a smile.
"Sure Victoria, that sounds like fun" Max smiled back.
"Perfect".
The rest of the journey passed surprisingly quickly. Victoria entertained herself by discussing the latest fashions and what she forbade Max from ever wearing again. Namely her hoodie, sneakers and jeans combo. Warren spent the entire time looking out the window, unaware of the occasional looks that were being sent his way. As for Nathan, his grip on the steering wheel had relaxed considerably. And if it happened to coincide with the little glances he took of Warren, well no one needed to know.
Eventually they arrived back at campus. Warren wasn't sure just who was more relieved; himself, Max for having to listen to Victoria the entire trip, or Nathan who practically vaulted out of the car.
"Uh, I guess I'll see you around campus. See ya Max" Warren waved.
"Not so fast". Damn it, he should have made a run for it. "We still need to take you shopping. Saturday, meet us here at 11. Don't be late and don't make us come find you". It was official, Victoria fucking terrified him. Which was pretty impressive considering she was carrying like five bags in each hand.
"Right…see ya". Warren nodded, well it wasn't like he had a choice. They knew where he lived, hell Nathan lived just opposite him. They could and he suspected probably would, track him down and drag him away to his doom. Okay maybe it wouldn't be quite so dramatic, but still it probably wouldn't end well.
Warren left as quickly as he could without making it seem like he was running away. He was, but still he had some pride. It only counted as running away if actual running was involved. A fast walk so did not count as running. He was like ninety percent sure of it. He steadfastly ignored the other ten percent.
"Hi Warren!" Warren bit back a groan, why of all people did it have to be Brooke? "I haven't seen you around campus. Weren't you with the new girl, Max is it?" He had to give her props, at least she wasn't acting like some crazed jealous psycho, like those girls on those old sitcoms he most certainly never watched. Nope not even once.
"Victoria forced us into shopping with her. She and Max bought a whole load of stuff, I think they're going back to the dorms now though. Something about equipment? I wasn't really listening". Brooke did not like that answer, not one bit.
"You were with Victoria?" If looks could kill…wait wasn't it, if Brooke's looks could kill? Brooke's looks…heh that rhymed. Warren snorted, hastily turning it into a pretty unconvincing cough. Fortunately, Brooke didn't seem to notice.
"And Nathan, he drove us there. I almost feel bad for him, apparently Victoria makes him do that every couple of weeks or so. I could barely get through today". He didn't bother mentioning the whole new clothes debacle. With any luck Victoria would forget about it, with a little more luck Nathan wouldn't be a total dick and remind her.
"I see". Why did girls always say that? I see, it was like girl code for I'm pissed but I'm not telling you why. And why should she be pissed? He had done nothing to encourage her feelings for him. And yeah okay that might make him a bit of a dick, but he really didn't like her like that. He wasn't trying to cruel, but she just couldn't take a hint.
"Yeah, so anyway I should probably go. I've got…homework and stuff". Why god why did he pick homework as his excuse? It was literally the stupidest excuse on the planet.
"Oh, well I'd be happy to help you with that. I don't have any plans right now". Jesus Christ she was actually batting her eyelashes at him. Why did girls do that?
"Excuse us".
It was the strangest thing. Nathan Prescott had grabbed his arms and started dragging him towards the dorms. Any other time he'd have cried rape or murder. But it was weird, Nathan didn't have his usual shit eating grin. If anything he looked pissed, really pissed. Enough so that Brooke had fled without complaint. Glancing over his shoulder Warren spied Victoria and Max looking over at them. Victoria stared back at him, nodding once and smirking as Nathan yanked at him once more. He frowned at her, squinting as she mouthed something at him. What was she saying?
Victoria threw up her hands, men were hopeless. It was time for her last resort. With her left hand she formed a circle, with her right she began thrusting her fingers through the hole. Only when Warren paled then reddened dramatically did she let out a sigh of relief. It seemed her work was done for now.
Warren wasn't an idiot okay. Just because he was younger didn't make him totally clueless. But even he hadn't expected Victoria to make such a gesture out in the open where anyone could see them. And why the hell was she doing that? Brooke had already left; he wasn't going to have sex with her. So who…oh no. No, no, no, no, no! No that was not happening! Him and Nathan? No! Just no!
Warren had always been good at living in denial.
Please review and thanks everyone for your reviews!
KB