Heyyyy Guys! :D

I know, it feels like it's been ages! Well let me tell ya, I have some very reasonable excuses! Try a bout of writer's block, add 6 assignments (all due within a fortnight of each other) and add my P's test (!), as well as work AND school- AHH!

Well, this chapter was orginally 25,000 words long, but I trimmed it in half so I could make the second part better :D I hope you enjoy this one, it feels like I haven't been writing for AGES so I feel a little rusty :S Anyways, let me know! :)

This chapter's a little dark, very little romance involved (yet...I still managed to squeeze some in) And I feel it's way too short... but the next chapter will probably be up much quicker as I already have it basically typed out, I just need to edit it and think about where my story's heading...I don't want too much going at once...then chapters will end up 50,000 words ;)

Anyways...ENJOY! :D

*FANFARE!*

Foxy-chan09: OOoo! Thanks :D *blushes*

simi838: Lol you're reviews are always so fun to read :D I hope you actually like my update. Gosh, wouldn't want to disappoint! :| Enjoy, ma Aussie mate ;)

itsaDoggyDogworld: Lol, sometimes i can't resist a good cliffy! I hope the suspense was worth it :P and worth the wait! 9 Months should be out soon, I'm really getting fussy about that one :S hope you enjoy!

Starlight Kittycat: Hehe, I'm glad you like Dingo's gang, because I know how yawn-worthy some OCs can be :D I hope you like the update :)

mel: Aw thanks :D I hope this one's just as good! Hope you like it :)

sstoons3425: Lol, I did create him to be evil *evil laughter* but I can't help but show a soft side in him *sigh* Gotta love Abby as my superwoman, loved writing her in this chapter :D I hope you like it (:

Kameko-Lullaby: Hehe, I shall teach you, master, when you teach me how you come up with those awesomely written cute one-shots you do with Kuki and Wally ;) I actually tried to do a one shot but...I write too much! Argh, I can't end it :S I am not good at endings...maybe that's why I'm good at suspense? Lol. Hope you like the update :D

TheNocturne: Aw! Thank you! :P You are too kind (: I hope you like this chapter! :D

hellopandaluver: Hehe! Thankies! I love your reviews, they make me want to jump around with excitement just reading them! :D I hope you like this chapter ;) Let me know what you think!

Katie: Really? You like my fluff? Wow, I don't think I'm really good, so thank you! :D I've been practising! ...not much fluff in here though ;)

Laurie43: Hehe, I'm glad you like my humour. I had to admit I was giggling when I wrote that...probably because of the image I got in my head :D I LOVE your long reviews :D they are oh-so fun to read, I hope you like this chapter! (:


A muscular boy of 19 was leaning against the wall opposite the bathroom doors pathetically, his head lowered and his long blonde hair drooping into his face. He was frozen with emotion, the night's events playing and replaying in his mind. He didn't know how this happened, how he got there; all he knew was that it was his entire fault.

Nigel Uno stood next to him stiffly, his arms tightly folded across his chest and his dark eyes eyeing the blonde Aussie dangerously. He bit down on his bottom lip firmly as the two stood silently in the bustling hallway of the club, listening to the faint club music thumping and throbbing faintly behind them. Behind them in the club, people were still laughing, dancing, drinking, and having a good time. It was then that the overwhelming, hopeless guilt washed over Wally as he leaned against the wall glumly. His lips were still moist from the redhead's passionate kiss.

Nigel cleared his throat slowly, trying to break the awkward silence he and his friend shared between them.

"What the fuck-" He finally said delicately, "Were you thinking?"

Wally looked up. His deep, gloomy emerald eyes gazing through the blonde strands of his hair as the club lights illuminated and danced around them. The pounding beats of the sound system thumped loudly, sending pulses through the walls and through the two boys' bodies. He swallowed hard, looking back to the dance floor where this whole disaster seemed to unfold in a matter of seconds- all with one quick kiss.

"I-I…Dude!" His eyes closed in one quick movement and opened again, but still all he could see amongst the flashing lights was Nigel's fierce glare. "It…It meant nothing! I never- look, she…that chick- she just came at me! I would never cheat on Kuki! You-You saw it right?"

"I saw you with your tongue down some girl's throat." Nigel corrected solemnly. He raised his eyebrows. "Is that close to what happened?"

"No!" Wally pushed himself off the wall furiously, his fists clenched as the white hot anger burnt through his chest. "She…she set me up for it! She was…" He shook his head, his wild blonde hair swishing around his face. "She…she said something about…my brother…and then disappeared." He ran a hand through his hair, thoughts thumping through his head at a million miles an hour. "She just…she caught me out! She wouldn't let me go! She forced me…on-onto her! She wouldn't let me go and I…." His frown deepened. "My brother-"

Nigel shook his head gently, his brown eyes deep with concern as he cut into his friend's rambling. "Wally, what the Hell are you talking about? What you need to concentrate on is Kuki, not Joey or whatever-"

Wally looked up, his dark green eyes locking with Nigel's own brown ones. Nigel's own voice froze on his lips as he stared into Wally's face- that fierce, dark look in his eyes, the way his jaw locked, his expression beyond dangerous.

"Not Joey" He snarled under his breath. "Dingo."


Rachel watched with shock as she stared at the two girls in front of her, completely torn at which one to tend to. Kuki's girlish, shaky sobs as she cried and blubbered over the sink loudly, or Fanny's quiet, depressed tears that gently slid down her face every couple of seconds. Rachel stood between her two friends, unsure of what comforting words to blurt out.

"Girls…" Rachel began weakly, swallowing. She reached out her hands to the two girls. "Girls…it'll be okay, you know it may not have been what it seemed-"

"It was" Fanny suddenly snarled, her voice a low, shaky growl. She looked up, her face and eyes red and blotchy from tears, and she sniffed. "I saw…my own date…lip-locking with some random...whore."

At this point Kuki began to cry louder, and even Fanny's dangerous look softened as she looked over at her heartbroken friend. Fanny didn't know what to think, or how to feel. She was furious, of course, and stung at the fact her 'dream' date with Hoagie had barely lasted two hours before he'd locked lips with some skinny brunette. Fanny had automatically found herself tearing up.

She swallowed, looking at the sobbing girl beside her. Fanny wasn't that girl, she would never be that girl again. Not again… She shook her head. She was always the strong one, the determined, unbreakable one. She sniffed back her tears and looked back into the mirror. Her cheeks were flushed and blotchy, her eyes were bloodshot and her makeup was smudged. She quickly began to fix it, rubbing off the smudged mascara and applying a new layer of blush to her cheeks.

Kuki looked up as well, but winced at the reflection that stared back at her. Seeing herself break and cry at the hands of a boy just made her feel more and more pathetic. She couldn't believe it; she just couldn't even comprehend what she saw. Flashes of her and Wally together appeared in her memory with the new vision of replaying in her head.

She weaved through the crowd of people, swaying to the beats that were playing on the stereo. She grinned to herself as her friends followed her, laughing and joking. She couldn't remember the last time she felt so accepted, so connected with her friends. She couldn't keep the smile off her face.

She looked up.

Amongst the crowds of people, in the midst of the flashing club lights and throbbing music, squeezed between other dancing couples was her boyfriend. It couldn't be, but it was. His strong, protective arms were wrapped around another girl, her slender and curvy body pressed against his. Kuki frowned, her heart suddenly stopping within her chest. The girl was way too close to her boyfriend, Wally's emerald eyes were watching her closely…they were getting closer…

A fresh wave of tears flooded down her cheeks as Kuki remembered. She remembered the exact moment when that girl's lips had met her boyfriends, the love of her life's tongue locking with another's. She remembered that feeling of betrayal, and it seemed to seep into her and suck her dry. She began to cry again, her chest shaking and trembling with sobs.


Abby was far from tearful, she was on the warpath. She cut through the crowds as though they were water, her chocolate eyes narrowed and her face set. She wasn't sure whether it was the pregnancy hormones or general stress, but she felt like wringing someone's neck, and she wasn't afraid to do just that. She made such a determined beeline for the exit she barely noticed when she ran into Hoagie, who was miserably drowning his regrets in a glass of bourbon. He looked around awkwardly before returning to his drink, the strange brunette on his mind. He suddenly frowned, staring across at the slumped figure beside him.

"Dodge?"

Dodge jumped, a few drops of tequila landing on the wooden bar counter. His large blue eyes widened before looking over cautiously at the voice beside him. He gripped his tumbler and swallowed.

"Oh…" He mumbled awkwardly. "Hey Hoagie."

Hoagie frowned, his light blue eyes watching his co-worker carefully. It seemed weird for Dodge to be the one hunched over at the bar looking moody- he was usually the most upbeat. "What are you doing here?" He finally asked suspiciously.

Dodge bit down on his lip, quickly attempting to think up an excuse over the thumping of the club music. He really didn't want to tell his co-worker the real reason he was here.

Oh yeah, He thought to himself, I'm just on the lookout, you know? I'm keeping an eye on these two girls- one's my ex, you might have seen her…you were lip-locking just before...

"Eh…" He swallowed nervously. "'Ya know…break from work."

"I hear that." Hoagie mumbled, his gaze lowering to his beverage. Dodge turned, anxious to find a way to slip away unnoticed. The truth was he felt low, lower than low. These pranks they used to play when they were teenagers didn't have the same thrill as they once did. Dodge saw the whole scene unfold before him. The so-called plan worked, Hollie got her target, just as Dingo wanted her to. Once again Dingo received happiness at another's sadness. But Bonny…. she was just doing it for fun.

Dodge bit his lip as he looked over at Hoagie- his chin in his hands, the lost look in his eyes. Bonny targeted him, just as she'd targeted Dodge all those years ago. Dodge saw it, and automatically the feeling of guilt followed. He took another deep gulp of his drink and looked up from the bar. Amongst the crowd of still dancing clubbers, Bandit was beckoning him over, a sly, drunken grin on his face. Dodge groaned lowly, rising from his post and giving his friend an apologetic look.

"I gotta go…" He mumbled, swallowing as he walked by. He turned back to Hoagie. He couldn't ignore the lost, pathetic look on the young guy's face. Dodge couldn't ignore the guilt, the knowing feeling lodged deep in his stomach that he'd caused it. Well, Bonny had…but Bonny was his ex, and therefore he felt it his responsibility to control her, not set her loose. "I'll…I'll see ya later, ay?"

"Yeah" Hoagie mumbled. "See ya."

Dodge disappeared into the crowds towards where his crowd was hanging around near the front door. He cringed as he felt a headache coming on.

Hollie skipped ahead happily in her stilettos as the group made their way out of the club, wrapping her fingers around Dingo's upper arm tightly and snickering in his ear. She stood on the tips of her toes to reach.

"So…" She grinned widely as Dingo felt her hot breath snake into his ear. "Did I do good, Baby?"

Despite his she-devil of an ex clinging to his arm, Dingo smirked cockily. His lips curled into a devilish grin as the group turned down one of the side alleys to the car park. It was a relief to him that the group hadn't lost their 'touch'. They still managed to pull off evil pranks when they felt like it. It took him back to high school days- when they were free to do whatever they wanted.

"Yeah" He muttered, rolling his eyes. "You did good. Want a gold star?"

"I wouldn't mind one…" Hollie said silkily. She slid a finger into her cleavage and pulled out a rolled up cigarette, placing it between her lips. "Anyone got a light?"

The group paused underneath a nearby streetlight, the luminous circle of light highlighting the group as they huddled together in a circle, gathering in what seemed to be the traditional act of lighting up. Bandit, Trent and Dingo still clutched their liquor bottles protectively. As Dodge looked around the group, it looked as though they hadn't grown up in five years; they were still the same rough, delinquent, rebellious teenagers, just locked in adult's bodies.

Dingo pulled up the sleeves of his black hooded jacket as he inhaled, scowling to himself. He couldn't shake the suspicious feeling that crept over him- even though everything had gone as planned, it was just more reason for him to ensure something would go wrong.

He felt a tap on his shoulder and he turned.

SMACK!


"Where's Abby?"

Hoagie looked up from the depths of his drink, and instead jumped as he stared into Nigel's face. His brow was furrowed with concern, and his deep brown eyes were narrowed suspiciously.

"Huh?"

"Where's Abby?" Nigel muttered hurriedly. "Wally's muttering about how he's going to kill Dingo, or something. I was hoping I could at least get Abby to talk some sense into him."

Hoagie shrugged, frowning as he noticed Wally seething in the corner, his hands furiously pounding at the cell phone clutched in his hand.

"I dunno…" Hoagie muttered. "I haven't seen her…" His face suddenly worked into a frown. "Why is he looking for Dingo?"

"Hell if I know." Nigel snarled, folding his arms across his chest. "By the way, in case you're wondering- Fanny's locked herself up in the bathroom. Your concern overwhelms me."

Hoagie growled back, returning to his drink instead of looking into the face of his former leader. He knew Nigel was giving him the 'disappointed lecture' look, and right now he was in no mood.

"C'mon" He muttered lowly. "You know I wouldn't do that. That chick set me up! She kissed me once and left. She was just looking for trouble." He growled to himself, not wanting to dwell on the fact he'd trampled all over Fanny's trust before he even had the chance to earn it. He'd been used. He thought better to ignore it than to think about it. He hated thinking about it- his failure, how he'd been so taken just because a girl wrapped in tan legs, slender body and big brown eyes had winked at him and practically thrown herself at him. He snarled, gulping down his drink angrily. Nope- he'd rather drink his sorrows away.

Nigel rolled his eyes. Hoagie could have sworn he groaned something like 'honestly…You and Wally…' under his breath. The Brit suddenly frowned, having seen a flash of long brown hair rush to the entrance of the club door and out into the darkened parking lot.

"Abby?"

-x-

Abby silently stomped out of the club, not caring whether her raging emotions were pregnancy related or not. She was furious, saddened and hurt at what she saw, not sure whether to act or at least find out what was happening first. She swallowed, stomping across the car park as quickly as she could. Her long wavy brown locks danced in the cool night-time breeze as her stilettos stomped against the concrete. Her hands became tight, enclosed fists and she gritted her teeth in frustration, twisting her lips in annoyance. As she looked up, her dark chocolate brown pupils found her intended target. She quickened her pace, and without a second thought stomped towards the crowd huddling in the limited lighting of the empty alleyway. Her hand reached out to tap the leader on the shoulder before she even counted how many there were.

Think rationally Abby… A sensible voice whispered to her from the back of her mind. Think with your head, not your heart or your gut…you're supposed to be the level-headed one here-

It was a quick decision, barely a second to spare as Abby debated over her pounding heart, clenched stomach and sensible thoughts. As soon as Dingo's eyes met hers, immediately her heart overpowered every sensible thought that was going through her mind. Before she even realised it, she had smashed her open palm directly into Dingo's cheek as hard as she could.

SMACK!

"OW! MOTHERF-!"

His eyes widened, as did hers, as he winced with unmistakable pain. He gripped the bottle in his hand protectively and swore, his emerald eyes blinking rapidly as he attempted to distinguish who'd caused the large handprint on his cheek. His free hand became a fist and he straightened, glaring at Abby with ferocity.

"Abby?" He snarled, his face now showing painful confusion. He rubbed at his cheek, almost pouting. "What the fuck was that for?!"

Abby didn't answer; she only looked up at him, her chest heaving and her hand stinging. Her eyes were bright, wide and dangerous. Even Dingo faltered under that furious glare she possessed. She stood up straight and tall, not feeling threatened under the watchful glare of his followers. Somehow, the two of them was all that seemed to matter.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?" She snarled dangerously at him, shoving her face into his. He blinked back hesitantly. He'd never heard her sound so dangerous- especially towards him. "Why did you do that!?"

"Do what?" Dingo growled defensively. He felt a flustered blush crawl up his cheeks as he felt the group stare at him with amusement. Dingo caught in a domestic dispute-as the helpless victim- they never thought they'd see the day. He raised a few fingers to his cheek, where he was still stumped that she'd slapped him. Plenty of girls had over the years, sure. But somehow Abby's hand felt ten times as sharp."Fuck, Abs…I-"

Abby laughed a sarcastic, furious giggle as her cold eyes stared into his. She was furious, and just to show it she crept closer to him, snarling. He resisted the urge to recoil.

"Don't play stupid with me!" She growled, now positive it was the pregnancy hormones that were causing her to be so emotional. She didn't care. She grabbed the collar of his shirt, the two nose to nose before Dingo had even realised what she was doing. "You planned this- this whole cheating break up fiasco with Wally AND Hoagie! You basically sent your whores to go 'sick 'em' didn't you?!"

At this point Hollie's mouth dropped open at the insult. She was about to lay a string of insults on Abby but held back, somehow sensing Abby wasn't a girl to mess with, especially when she had Dingo by the collar of his shirt. He wasn't even bothering to fight back. He looked like a rabbit does caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. And this girl was showing no mercy.

"Abby!" Dingo growled at her, stuck on words to blurt out. Her furious glare burnt into his but he could see the glassiness within those chocolate orbs, and his chest tightened at the sudden burst of emotion within him. "Baby- you have to hear me out for a sec-"

Abby growled furiously, finally pushing him away and holding back, stepping away from the group. She felt the promising tears burn behind her eyes but held back long enough to send him another glare.

"No" She growled at him, her eyes narrowing. "You know what? I'm done with you. I-I was stupid to think you were anything better than this."

She turned, hating the idea of him seeing her cry. She didn't get far, with a new found strength Dingo reached forward and grabbed her, pulling her back to him. His emerald eyes were narrowing with sudden aggression, and despite her pushing away he only held on tighter.

"Just one second Babe!" he growled lowly, pulling her so she faced him. She shoved him again and he grabbed her other arm. "Just one fucking second! I didn't plan to have you in this! It was for the best, Babe, for the both of us! That other kid had nothing to do with it, it was all my bro and you know that! I…" He growled at her stiff form, pulling her chin up to his face. "He deserved it."

Abby growled at him, escaping from his hold on her. "He did not!" She argued back furiously, her long hair now falling into her flushed face. "Who are you to decide who deserves what?! What the hell is wrong with you!? You can't…You just can't DESTROY relationships like that! What are you, thirteen? You can't ruin things for other people just because you throw a TANTRUM!"

Dingo's eyes widened and his face twisted into a heated snarl, growing defensive at her hysterical accusations. They heard a sniggering behind them however, and turned to see Bandit snickering to himself. He stopped as soon as everyone's eyes fell on him.

"Tantrum…" He muttered, still smirking. Dodge and Trent began grinning too, thinking back to memorable moments when Dingo would throw a huge fit over something not going his way, which would only heighten with Jake and the group's teasing. In the end he would stomp off in a huff and refuse to talk to them for days. He'd give in eventually though- Dingo always came back in the end. It was a constant trend within their little group, and it had been that way since kindergarten.

"Shut the fuck up!" Dingo growled at them as they all broke into sniggers. He turned back, seething. "I do not throw tantrums! I get mad for very logical and understandable reasons!"

"Andthen he throws bitch fits…" Bandit added under his breath, smirking. Dingo turned to him again, a murderous look in his eyes and Bandit bit his lip, gathering his friend was on the verge of slapping him.

"And anyway." Dingo added furiously, snarling as he turned back to Abby. "I consider it revenge, and we're not close to being even yet."

"What do you mean even?" Abby scoffed, blinking with confusion. "You've caused enough hurt for tonight! A-And he's done nothing to you! These people are my friends, you know!"

"I consider it fair play." Dingo growled, folding his arms across his chest stubbornly. "He keeps stealing what's mine, I fuck it up. It seems fair."

"What do you mean fair!?" Abby growled, now close to tears. "You destroyed two perfectly good relationships that had nothing to do with you!"

Dingo opened his mouth to retort, but before he could they heard a voice. Abby froze in her position, replaying the conversation he might have heard and her heart pounding in her ears. Dingo froze, frowning as he recognized the voice he'd heard. The group froze behind him, as they had been too caught up in the furious argument between the lovers they had neglected to notice Wally Beatles standing close to them, emerging from the shadows and looking dangerous.

"Yeah, Dingo." He snarled under his breath, his deep green eyes now narrowed. "You destroyed two perfectly good relationships that had nothing to do with you…and you consider it fair? Well I don't."

Abby's heart froze within her chest, her immediate reaction being that her ex had put the pieces together- they were busted, she and Dingo were caught, they'd been found out. Nigel and Hoagie emerged from the darkened parking lot into the light as well. Both looked shocked and confused, but their eyes were on Dingo, not Abby. Abby swallowed the lump forming in her throat, realizing what it looked like- she'd rushed to Wally's defence and she'd faced Dingo before anyone else had worked it out. Now the focus was only on two people- Dingo and Wallabee, face to face and their matching green eyes glaring furiously at each other. Abby gulped.

Oh, Crap.


Kuki stumbled numbly out of the girl's bathroom, her shoulders hunched and her form broken. Rachel could barely look at her- the girl was usually happy, dancing and full of energy. Right now, there wasn't a trace of joy in the young girl. She looked thoroughly depressed. Her long black hair was limp and shapeless, her bright violet eyes were dull and bloodshot and her lips and shoulders were trembling as she clutched Rachel's arm, as if scrambling for support. Rachel swallowed, a sudden urge to kick Wally in the groin entering her mind.

Fanny walked beside them, her nose in the air and sniffing. To the naked eye, it was as if nothing happened. Kuki had sobbed and cried on Rachel's shoulder, asking over and over why Wally would do this to her, Fanny had remained silent, coming to the simple conclusion that Hoagie was…a bastard. And leave it at that.

"I think we should just go home…" Rachel mumbled, a hand patting Kuki's arm.

"Why?" Fanny demanded, suddenly eyeing off the bar. "The night is young, right?"

Rachel rolled her eyes at the stubborn girl, and her gaze softened as she looked towards the heartbroken Kuki.

"Do what you want, Fanny." Rachel told her firmly. "I'm taking Kuki home."

The two snuck through the crowds to the exit and Fanny growled to herself, folding her arms tightly across her chest. Why was it so difficult? When she was younger it was so easy to hide what she felt, she just yelled and fought and all other emotions seemed to melt away- how easy it had been covering up her crush for Hoagie! Now that she was older, every emotion that seemed to flow through her showed like a stain on her skin. She scowled and shrugged in defeat, following the two girls out of the club.

The night can't get much worse, anyway. She thought to herself.


"You set those whores on us?!" Wally scowled, his hands becoming fists. His eyes travelled to behind Dingo, where Hollie and Bonny stood guilty. He growled at his brother, his face contorted with fury. "You set us up?!"

Hollie saw her chance and slinked forward, stepping in front of Dingo and putting on one of her champion smiles.

"Hey…" She said silkily, grinning and fluttering her thick eyelashes. Wally glared at her with immense disgust, which Hollie ignored. "Can't a girl get her input? I went after you, babe, I can think for myself. I wanted you so I got you." She shrugged, uncaring. "No need to put others in the firing line because you couldn't resist."

Wally growled at her, completely ignoring the fact she had four threatening looking guys behind her ready to pounce on him if he made one false move.

"I heard my own brother confess it." Wallabee growled, his eyes travelling past the girl and onto Dingo, whose stare was just as challenging. "And I have no doubt he would sink that low."

Dingo's rage seemed to pump through him faster as he stiffened, his jaw set and his fists shaking. He stomped past Hollie, pushing her aside and instead closing the distance between he and his brother, snarling.

"Oh…" He said dangerously. "You think I'm low, do ya?"

Wallabee stiffened and straightened as Dingo stomped forward, both readying themselves for a fight. Abby swiftly stepped between them before she even realised what she was doing. Before she knew it two clear sides had formed across the parking lot- Dingo's side lined up and ready and Nigel and Hoagie standing behind Wally- both looking alarmed at the situation that was unfolding before them. Abby gulped, her hands held out shakily at the two sides.

"W-wait." She mumbled, looking at them both sincerely. "This…this isn't right guys, you shouldn't be fighting, look it- it was a simple misunderstanding and I'm sure if we just explain civilly-"

"Abby." Wally growled lowly, dangerously. "Get out of the way."

"You never really did appreciate her, did ya Wally?" Dingo immediately muttered, a sly grin spreading across his face. Abby stiffened, as did Wally.

"What's that supposed to mean?" He spat furiously at his brother. His jade green eyes suddenly narrowed, daring him to answer. Dingo's grin widened, his matching eyes glimmering mischievously as he saw what nerves he was treading on. Abby looked up at him, her eyes wide and vulnerable. She silently begged him not to tell…

"A girl as fine as she is…" Dingo murmured, just loud enough so only the three of them would hear. "And you drop her for some Asian hooker…"

Wallabee advanced, his patience finally snapping as he stepped forward, ready to rip Dingo limb from limb. Only problem was Abby, stubbornly blocking the two brothers from any harm. Dodge instantly grabbed the back of Dingo's black t-shirt, pulling him back from causing any damage. Nigel had done the same for Wally. The Brit had a firm hold of his white t-shirt as Wally struggled against his grip. Abby struggled to keep them away from each other, her eyes wide and her hands outstretched. Dingo's smirk never left his face, if anything he looked happier at Wally's fury. His smirk glinted maliciously in the limited light as he snickered lightly.

"Aw, little brother…" he cooed in mock sympathy. "Did I hit a nerve? You a little sensitive about your ex? Shouldn't you be concerned with your own slut?"

Trent, Bandit and the two girls seemed to burst with laughter as Wally simply shook with anger. His fists trembled with visible fury as he glared at his brother, who glared right back. Their stares were intense. Abby could practically feel the heat radiating off the both of them. She turned to Dingo, infuriated, but Hoagie was the one who spoke, so silently nobody appeared to hear him. Dingo turned to him, frowning.

"What?"

"I said- don't talk about my friend that way." Hoagie repeated, looking up. His face had changed; he was no longer looking downcast and solemn. His bright blue eyes had darkened and his jaw had stiffened. He looked across at him calmly as he stepped forward. "Your girl's the slut, not Kuki."

Dingo's furious gaze had suddenly switched to Hoagie; his eyes alight with visible anger. "What…" He hissed. "What did you say?"

"Your girl-" Hoagie pointed to Hollie, who was standing obediently at Dingo's side. "Is the slut." He spoke slowly, as if Dingo was slow on the uptake. His eyes never left his, and he snarled as he spoke with visible anger. "Not Kuki."

Dingo scoffed, a joking smile suddenly appearing on his face. He was about to quickly blurt out that Hollie wasn't his girl, she hadn't been for a long time now, but Hollie stepped forward, a scowl sullying her pretty face.

"Wasn't so cocky before!" She spat at him with venom. "If I wasn't much mistaken, you were enjoying it!" She gave a shrill, mocking giggle as Hoagie swallowed awkwardly. She grinned, inhaling on her lit cigarette slyly. "You guys are all the same, you know that?" She flicked her hair. "Always the girl's fault…never the guys. You wanted it, you got it. Now I hear complaints!" She heaved a great sigh, grinning at the three boys and Abby with great satisfaction. "I didn't hear complaining before…" She eyed Wally especially. "Ain't that right, Baby?"

Wally stiffened, opening his mouth to yell a furious retort, but Hollie's attention shifted elsewhere. She was looking past the boys, into the darkened parking lot with suspicion. Her eyes narrowed and she was smirking smugly.

"What, bitch?"

Everyone's attention turned to the three figures that now stood behind the three boys. One, a tall cross looking blonde, a furious looking redhead and the girl in the centre- whose wide lilac eyes were watching Hollie closely. Hollie stepped forward, her face challenging. Both Bonny and the guys had hung around Hollie long enough to know exactly what she was doing, and Kuki was her target.

"Kuki-" Rachel whispered from behind her. "Don't let her get to you, just-"

"WHAT?" She snarled her hands out at her sides. "What are you looking at, whore? You wanna fight me? C'mon, what you staring at?"

Wally felt a surge of anger flow through him as Kuki's eyes widened. She stood very still, looking extremely vulnerable and insignificant against Hollie, who was edging closer preparing to fight. Hollie smirked, sensing weakness in the girl's eyes. She'd seen this all before, it was second instinct to her.

"What, little Jap girl?" Hollie asked, raising her eyebrows mockingly. "C'mon, what? Have a cry!" She turned back to smirk at the group behind her, all of whom who were watching with intense amusement. Abby stiffened, her eyes now flashing dangerously. Hollie's smirk turned back to Kuki and she took a step closer to the silent girl, who was now trembling. Hollie tilted her head sarcastically, sniggering.

"What?" She demanded, her eyes challenging. "You angry I stole your man?" Fanny snarled at her, wanting nothing more than to stab her in the eye with one of her stilettos. Hollie simply giggled at the tension she knew she was causing, yet Kuki couldn't find the energy to reply. Instead she just looked up at the girl laughing at her. Her violet eyes now so dark and fiery they looked almost indigo, her lips twisted and her left eye twitched in warning- and with all her strength she drove her fist into the bridge of Hollie's nose.

And that's about when all hell broke loose.


Jake stared blankly out of the window at the suburban area they were now entering. Rows upon rows of repetitive housing passed by as the two strange girls drove, bickering on where to stay for the night after they dropped him off. Jake was beginning to regret his decision on hitching a ride with them, even though they appeared harmless.

"I have to eat, I feel like I'm about to faint." The blonde, Alexa, complained loudly to the driver. "Do they have a Maccas around here?"

The redhead behind the wheel, Lisa, groaned loudly as she stopped for a traffic light, rolling her eyes at her friend. "Lexa, this is North America. They invented McDonalds."

Before Alexa had the chance to retort, Jake had suddenly leaned forward between them, his eyebrows raised curiously. "So where abouts are you guys from?"

"Sydney." Alexa answered calmly, now playing with the radio. "What about you?"

"Same…" Jake answered, frowning slightly. He looked at the two girls before him suspiciously, a dark look in his eyes. "Have we met before?"

"It would appear so…" Alexa mumbled, sniggering slightly as she attempted to find a radio station without a hindrance of static. She switched the dial, and suddenly Tom Jones' famous "Sex Bomb" blasted through the speakers of the hire car. Lisa suddenly perked up with excitement, dancing and singing off key as she yelled out her own lyrics.

"Lex Bomb, Lex Bomb…you're my Lex Bomb…." The redhead sang off key as she drummed on the steering wheel, sniggering. Alexa joined in on the singing, pointing to herself as she danced.

"Lex Bomb Lex Bomb…you're my Lex Bomb…and baby you can turn me on…"

Jake raised his eyebrows curiously, a sly smile appearing on his face. He couldn't help it; he joined in on the chorus of 'Lex Bomb' as they drove closer and closer to his destination.


Abby gasped, as did the rest of the crowd as Hollie fell to the ground with a yelp of pain. She landed, sprawled across the concrete, with blood pouring from her nose. Her hand quickly became drenched in the warm liquid as she attempted to stem the flow. A shocked silence fell over the group, broken only by Kuki's quick, shocked breaths. Her arm was still outstretched, her hand still curled into a fist. Everyone froze, shocked and amazed, at the quick move. They barely had time to register Kuki's quick punch before Hollie was suddenly on the ground, her eyes wide with pain and horror. She glared at her hand- now covered with blood- and gritted her teeth, looking up at the girl with pure venom.

"Dude…" Bandit broke the thick silence suddenly, grinning. "CATFIGHT!"

Before Kuki had could react Hollie scrambled to her feet and threw herself on the girl, slamming Kuki's body to the ground. Kuki coughed, completely winded by the blow. Her head throbbed numbly as it met with concrete, and suddenly Hollie's face was inches from hers, blood still streaming past her lips. Hollie's hands became fists, and she began slamming them into Kuki's face without a second thought, screaming every insult that came to mind.

"YOU STUPID SLUT!" She screamed, landing a punch into Kuki's cheek. "I'll teach you to fuck with me!"

Everything was a blur. Kuki began to scream in shock, trying to fight back against the hysterical girl. Rachel, Fanny and Wally all seemed to make movements to her, but Abby got there first. She slammed her high heeled shoe into Hollie's side, throwing the girl off Kuki and sending her to the ground again. Bonny immediately charged forward in her friend's defence, but Dingo instinctively grabbed Abby and pulled her out of the firing line protectively. Instead Bonny ran straight into Fanny, who threw her balled fist into her face. Bonny blinked with mild shock before fighting back, grabbing a handful of her red hair. Fanny was ready, however, and stepped on her foot, causing Bonny to scream. The boys watched in awe as two separate fights unfolded in front of them within a matter of seconds. Abby wrestled in Dingo's grip, anxious to run forward and help, but Dingo held her tighter and passed her to Dodge with a quick snarl.

"Don't let her go." He muttered quickly before turning to the fights.

Wallabee watched with horror as Kuki made an attempt to fight back against the redhead who was trying to pin her down, trying every attempt to punch or kick in her defence. He was frozen with shock and fear, his mind completely blank. He shook his head numbly as he dived forward, anxious to wrap his arms around his girl and hold her protectively. Instead something was holding him back. He turned.

It was Dingo.

His emerald eyes flashed dangerously beneath his long black bangs as he held his arm tightly. He smirked.

"Let's go." he hissed, before slamming his fist into Wally's mouth. Wally stumbled backwards, tasting blood and feeling faint. A blaze of hot fury went through his chest as he growled with anger, his eyes on Dingo. He slammed into him with all the force he could muster, and both of them crashed to the ground, caught in a furious battle of fists. Amongst all the screams and curses of the people around them, Wally could still hear Dingo's furious snarls as he struggled against his grip. Trent began cheering and yelling with Bandit as they watched them, heated.

"Get him Dingo!" Trent was yelling as a crowd of strangers began to form around the fighting couples, some with camera phones at the ready. "I call $50 on you!"

"Get off me!" They could hear Bonny scream as she thrashed against Fanny's tough hold. "GET OFF ME!"

Kuki yelped and screamed as she closed her eyes, not wanting to see the furious barrage of Hollie's hysterical hits anymore. Instead she kicked and wrestled out of the young girl's grip, feeling tears at her eyes and the girl's nails at her neck.

"I'll kill you" She could hear Hollie rasp. "I will fuck you up-"

With a great strength Kuki never knew she had, she pushed the girl off her and sent her sprawled out onto the asphalt. She scrambled to her feet as Nigel quickly leapt forward to hold Hollie back. Hollie screamed and kicked against his restraint, absolutely feral. "Let me go! I got her! I'll kick her ass!"

Abby fought against her own restraint as well, not caring whether she hurt Dodge or not. She watched the two brawling brothers with wide, frightened eyes as she saw blood. A voice was heard, over and over in her head, telling her that it was all her fault. She kicked and squirmed against Dodge's grip, feeling tears appear in her own eyes. She watched as Dingo gripped onto Wally's shirt- now stained with red- and slammed his body into the ground, over and over again, not caring whether how much pain he felt.

"He's gonna kill him…" Abby suddenly squealed, fighting harder to be free. "They're going to kill each other!"

But Dodge's eyes were elsewhere, he was watching the scuffle between Fanny and Bonny. Just as brutal. Hoagie was trying hard to rip the girl's apart, but they lashed out at him every time he tried. Rachel was screaming, suddenly running back to the club. With one quick movement Dodge had shoved Dingo's treasured possession onto Trent instead, who looked alarmed.

"Hold her." He snarled gruffly, before throwing himself into the crowd that had formed. The crowd was screaming and cheering, all of them thrilled as the prospect of a brawl. Dodge growled and mercilessly pulled Bonny off the redhead girl, shoving her to the side. Fanny stumbled to her feet, half-conscious from the blows to the head. Without another word he made a grab for her and directed her away from the scene, disappearing into the crowd with her.

Abby struggled against Trent's stubborn grip, infuriated at being tossed around like she was some possession. She couldn't tear her eyes away from the disaster unfolding in front of her- Dingo and Wallabee wrestling on the ground, punching and ripping at each other at every available opportunity. She could hear the yelps, grunts and snarls throb in her ears as she began to cry, guilt overcoming her.

"Lemme go!" She growled, struggling against him. "They're going to kill each other!"

"They're not…" Trent mumbled, but he frowned all the same as the crowds around the two brothers gaped and winced. Rachel was running towards them, security guards at her heels. Trent froze, he couldn't let his best mate be caught by security guards, he would likely spend the night in a jail cell, if not worse. Unfortunately Trent took his eyes off the dame he was supposed to be holding and Abby elbowed him right in the stomach, running off as Trent hunched over in visible pain.

"What the FUCK is wrong with you?" Wally was suddenly spluttering, blood pouring from his split lip. He was pushing with all his might against Dingo's chest, where he was pinning him to the ground. Dingo didn't look too good, half his face was covered in blood from where Wally had hit him, and Wally could tell he was growing weaker. Dingo was a fighter, Wally could tell, the way he refused to back down and never stopped lashing out. He was experienced too, and managed to dodge and block some of Wallabee's best moves. They were equally matched, but still Dingo wasn't backing down. He snarled and grabbed a fistful of his hair, smashing his head into the hard ground. Wally quickly kicked him off, shoving him into the ground and punching him in the chest. Dingo coughed, spitting blood and growling menacingly. Before he had another chance to advance Wally grabbed the collar of his shirt and threw his fist against Dingo's lip again, drawing more blood. Dingo responded by blindly grabbing Wally's next, throwing him against the hard parking lot surface and tightening his grip.

He's going to kill me… Wally thought blindly as he felt his airways constrict. He could see the images around him grow faint as his head began to throb painfully. He's got the chance and now he's going to…

"Let him go!"

Wally heard a faint scream and a second later the pressure on his neck and chest were released. He blinked as his vision cleared. He panted painfully, his lungs expanding gratefully. He rolled over and coughed, blood escaping his lips as he groaned, unable to move anymore. He heard footsteps and scuffles around him, people screaming and gasping. Suddenly the security guards came into view, muttering something about ambulances and young hoodlums in burly voices. Hoagie appeared beside him, asking over and over if he was okay. Everyone ran off, suddenly the parking lot was almost deserted.

He passed out.


Fanny groaned and rolled over as she awoke from her light slumber. She frowned as she felt her surroundings. Rough…Hard…her eyes suddenly jerked open and she froze, unsure of where she was. She looked up to gaze at the off-white ceiling fan that hung above her, circling slowly. She groaned, her memory hazy and her head throbbing. She turned and saw she was sitting on a worn leather couch, where someone had spread her out while she rested. Her frown deepened and her heart froze within her chest.

Where the Hell was she?

A face suddenly appeared above her and she jumped, her eyes widening in surprise. A pair of sky blue eyes blinked at her from above curiously. She gasped in surprise, then frowned suspiciously as she took in the stranger. He looked familiar… she knew those eye- those playful, icy blue orbs that seemed to glisten innocently. A very small smile seemed to flicker on her lips.

"You again..." She muttered in a daze, "Where am I?"

Dodge smirked back, looking down at the girl that was sprawled across his couch. He couldn't tear his eyes away, and he wasn't sure why. Her wavy red hair was out at all angles, her body curved in all the right angles and her milky skin was so soft and smooth. He couldn't get over how cute her freckles were- it reminded him of when he had them when he was younger. He gave her one of his best smiles as he gazed down at her cockily.

"My apartment…" He muttered guiltily. She looked around; lifting her head off the pillow she had collapsed on. She frowned and raised her eyebrows at the grungy, but relatively neat, apartment she was housed in.

"I expected worse…" She muttered.

"You should see my roommate…" Dodge mumbled under his breath. Fanny rose from her position, groaning in pain as she did so. Bonny hadn't done much damage, but still left a few well placed cuts and bruises across her body, not to mention a splitting headache. She frowned and looked up at Dodge, who was still watching her from over the couch.

"Why'd you bring me here?" She asked him suspiciously. He shrugged again, looking away.

"Dunno…" He muttered. "I didn't wanna leave you at the club." He gave her a sheepish grin. "You were out of it."

"Was not" She snarled stubbornly, massaging her head. "I may have been a bit concussed…"

"Damn right."

Their eyes met, and for a second Fanny was sure she felt a tingling sensation travel through her legs, growing steadily more intense the more she stared into those big blue eyes. Dodge stared back at her, studying her closely. Fanny eventually broke away, looking around the room she was in again with a cautious glare.

"Saw you fighting with Bonny." Dodge mumbled, shrugging. "You're pretty good."

Fanny scoffed, folding her arms across her chest as she leaned against the couch. Her head was aching. "Thanks…" She mumbled, snarling. "That thing has a name…"

"You're telling me" Dodge muttered, a small smile flashing across his handsome face. "Used to go out with that thing…"

Fanny's eyes suddenly snapped back to him, her eyes darkening. "What?"

"Used to go out with her." Dodge muttered, smirking. "Worst thing I ever did…well…one of the worst…"

Fanny raised her eyebrows in disbelief and scoffed. Dodge looked back at her with a guilty expression.

"Now you get why I don't do relationships."

Fanny shrugged, nibbling on her bottom lip. "I think I'm going to take a leaf out of your book." She snarled under her breath. Dodge perked up with interest and vaulted over the couch, landing next to her swiftly and leaning forward. A shadow of a smile crossed her face as she looked down, her freckled cheeks now a light shade of pink."You know…give up on the whole relationship concept."

"Aw, Cherry!" Dodge smirked shyly, looking down at the couch rather than her. "That's only for people like me who can't get secure a girl…not for chicks like you-"

"Like me?" Fanny piped up, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "What's that supposed to mean?!"

Dodge faltered as he felt his heart thumping within his chest. He choked up, feeling the back of his neck grow hot. "Nah! Aw- nothin' like that!" He muttered awkwardly under her furious glare. "I…I just mean, well 'ya know…"He snarled awkwardly, playing with the loose stitching in his jeans. "You can get any guy…with a girl like you; you can make any guy happy in a relationship ya know? You need to stick with a guy 'n make him happy…With looks like yours-"

He looked up and stopped short as he eyed her cocky grin, her eyes flashing mischievously. His cheeks grew hot again as he was rambling. He cursed himself silently as he realised what a tool he was probably coming off as. He couldn't understand it- he was never this nervous and awkward in front of a girl…

Fanny smirked cockily, watching the boy in front of her with interest.

"Dodge…" She said carefully, giving him a playful nudge."Are you saying I'm sexy?"

Dodge chuckled, returning her cocky grin. "Suppose I am?"

She laughed, her own cheeks now a bright scarlet. She played with the hem of her dress, chewing on her plump bottom lip nervously. She tried to ignore the feeling of Dodge's blue eyes on her. She could feel his stare.

"Seriously though…" She sighed. "No strings attached…sounds easier…I mean…" She leaned back in the chair and drew her knees to her chest. "I mean you get your hopes up for a guy…just one guy, you know? You think he's the one…you wait and wait and wait, and when you think he'll never come he comes! Then it all comes crashing down and life's suddenly shit." She planted her chin on her knee, sighing to herself. "Your idea sounds much better. No emotions- in and out, you know? You never have to see that person ever again, so they can never let you down."

Dodge watched the girl in front of him, feeling his heart sink lower and lower as he heard the despair in her voice. It really cut into him to see her like that; he could feel more than a bond forming between them. He felt he had to protect her- not only in that fight but from heartbreak and loneliness too.

"Don't talk like that, Cherry." He mumbled, sneaking closer to her. "It doesn't suit 'chya."

Fanny looked up through the thin sheet of red hair that covered her face. "You have an accent…" She mumbled, grinning.

"Aw, yeah." Dodge mumbled awkwardly, smirking. "I'm Aussie."

"Really?" Fanny's face lit up. "I'm Irish."

"I figured…" Dodge whispered back, grinning. "I find that sexy."

"I always thought Australian guys were babes…" Fanny confessed with a slight blush. As Dodge gave her a cocky smirk, she added "Too bad you were such a letdown."

Dodge's mouth fell open in mock horror as his eyes suddenly narrowed. He playfully shoved her, snarling. "You take that back, Cherry, or you'll regret it."

Fanny giggled, a single eyebrow rising challengingly. "Make me."

Dodge pounced forward, pinning down the girl and sitting on her legs in one quick movement. Fanny squirmed under his hold but Dodge hung over her hauntingly, a playful smirk on his face and his chestnut brown hair hanging into his bright blue eyes. Fanny couldn't help but notice he still had that same sweet trait- placing his tongue between his teeth when he smirked. She smirked back. Dodge closed the distance between them as he guided his face to hers, pinning her arms above her head.

"Like this angle?" he asked her, his blue eyes twinkling. Fanny shrugged, hoping her blush didn't give her away.

"Maybe…" She mumbled, biting down on her lip. "I know you do."

She had to giggle as she said this, because she knew the old Fanny could have never, ever said this to a boy. Too scared and too shy. Something within her had changed, she had grown, she had matured, and she liked it. She gave him a knowing look, her eyes wide and innocent. Dodge frowned before looking down at his jeans pressed against her body.

"Oh…" He muttered. "That much of a giveaway huh?"

She grinned sneakily. "Yep."

Without another word shared between them, she reached up and grabbed the collar of his t-shirt, pulling his lips down to meet hers. She kissed him sweetly, their lips sailing against each others as they embraced, her hands entwining in his hair. She closed her eyes as fireworks seemed to fire behind her lids, she felt so warm...comfortable…loved… She opened her mouth and deepened the kiss, her grip on him becoming harder and more demanding. Dodge gave in, he knew he wanted to and he knew he wanted this girl more than ever. She never left his mind. Ever since he laid eyes on those legs, that hair, those fiery eyes and even fierier personality he wanted her.

He couldn't help it, he didn't even know the girl's name…yet he couldn't deny he was falling for her.


Wally frowned, his head feeling numb and his skin itchy. He opened his eyes to a blurred, eerie white room, a white sheet beneath him, a white pillow under his head. His body was suddenly covered in a cold chill and he shivered, the voices around him reaching his ears.

"Are you sure he's going to be okay?"

"He'll be fine, he just needs rest-"

"And the cuts and stuff? They'll heal right?"

"Its fine, thankfully they aren't that deep and the dental damage is minimal. Some required stitches which will be need to taken out soon but other than that…"

Wally blinked, his vision suddenly becoming sharper. He saw his hand in front of him, a needle taped to the back of his hand and an IV attached, and suddenly his eyes widened. He sat up in the hard mattress, frowning at his surroundings. Hoagie was standing next to him and suddenly jumped at the sudden movement of his friend awakening. The doctor looked over, surveying his patient with curiosity.

"Wal!" Hoagie grinned at him. "You're back with us!"

"What the Hell?" Wally snapped drowsily, reaching a hand up to touch the bandages around his forehead.

"You were bleeding like mad, dude." Hoagie remarked, biting his lip. He knew his friend hated hospitals, and right now Wallabee was giving him a murderous look. "The security guards said we should bring you here…"

"Where is everyone?" Wally groaned, scratching at the bandages on his face and wincing. "Where's Kuki? Where's Abby, Where's Din-"

"I don't know." Hoagie muttered sheepishly. "I didn't see anyone. I just took you here- as I said, you were bleeding pretty bad…"

Wally groaned unhappily, tugging at the needle in his arm and growling. He hated being here…of all places…on a Friday night. He just wanted to sleep, in his own bed in his own room.

"So when can I get outta here?" Wallabee muttered, sitting up with his shoulders hunched. The doctor gave him a quick look over, inspecting his bandaged wounds with caution.

"Tonight- if you sign here." He told him sternly, handing him a clipboard. "Keep the wounds covered, get plenty of rest, and I'll see you in a couple of weeks." He gazed at Wally carefully as he scribbled his signature on the bottom line quickly. "And try not to get into any more fights, okay?"

Wally growled slightly as he handed back the clipboard. "Now that, I can't guarantee."

A large SUV pulled up to the curb and the backdoor opened, Jake stumbling out of the backseat and onto the sidewalk. He hoisted his bag onto his shoulder and slammed the door, walking up to the driver's side to talk to the redhead that had driven him this far. Both girls were still sipping on their McDonald's cokes cheerfully.

"Thanks for the ride." He said, smirking. "It's been…interesting."

Alexa smirked, unknowing of whether he was referring to their 'Lex Bomb' lyrics, constant bickering or their riveting game of 'Spotto' that they'd played on the way there. Alexa won.

"It's alright, buddy." She grinned giving him a cheesy thumbs-up. "You take care of yourself huh?"

Jake raised his eyebrows, nodding. "Yeah, sure." He smirked at the strange girls as he began to walk away towards the suburban area he had been dropped in. Lisa's voice made him turn.

"Hey Jake!"

Jake frowned, turning to face the redhead with a suspicious look on his face. He didn't remember telling them his name…

Lisa winked, her hazel eyes flashing knowingly as she pulled the car into 'drive'. She grinned. "Try not to give Dingo too much grief, okay?"

Jake frowned, unable to reply as she pulled away, that knowing grin still spread across her face. The car disappeared into the line of traffic as Jake stood in the sidewalk, stumped and confused, in the familiar American suburban district at 12'o'clock at night.

He blinked, shook his head slightly and walked on. Somehow, he knew the direction to go, he knew where to travel. The destination was etched in his brain. He passed more and more identical houses, his heart sinking lower and lower at every American dream he passed- the white picket fence, fluffy white dog and patriarchal flag at that effect on him. It sent him back 20 years, back when this country to him was a landscape of adventure which any teenager would love.

Now, twenty years later, to Jake it wasn't such an adventure…more of a memory.


Allie lay in bed, tossing and turning as she squeezed her eyes closed, attempting to get some sleep. It was fruitless; she felt as though it was mother's instinct that something was wrong, and automatically she couldn't fall into a deep slumber, despite it being late at night. She groaned with frustration, finally opening her eyes and sighing as she glared at the ceiling. It was no use. It was obvious she was going to get no sleep tonight with the worried thoughts echoing in her consciousness. She couldn't shake it, the guilty feeling that was going through her, along with this strange sense of foreboding. She swallowed nervously as she remembered, a memory she'd hoped to forget after all these years, yet she could still hear Dingo's two year old sobs and cries echo in the night, something a mother would never forget.

"But I don't want him!" She could still remember Dingo sob, the way he would pout and growl when he was angry or upset. He reminded her so much of Jake that sometimes it hurt to see him like that, as if Jake was almost haunting her. She could remember herself, an everyday stupid 20 year old girl with 'no direction and no common sense' according to her mother, and she could remember the way she'd attempt to calm him down- to no avail.

"We can't get rid of him, baby." She would sigh, hugging Dingo close as he squirmed and cried. "He stays, he's your baby brother and you have to-"

"NO!"Dingo would growl, pushing against her. His green eyes darkened furiously. "Take him back! I don't want him here! I hate him!"

"Dingo…" Allie felt tears in her eyes. "Don't say that, you don't hate him-"

"I do!" Dingo insisted, his tiny hands balled into fists. "Dad likes him more than me! He ignores me! I hate him!" He blinked his large deep green eyes at her pleadingly as he pouted, his bottom lip trembling. "Get rid of him, pease?"

Allie sighed, her mind working furiously as she tried to soothe her baby, before he did go into full tantrum mode. "Dingo…We can't take him back." She tried to tell him gently, but his dewy eyes widened dangerously at being denied something he wanted. "He isn't something you buy and can return if you don't want it, he's here to stay."

Dingo snarled at her, folding his arms across his chest and glaring at her stubbornly. "I don't want him here."

"Well…Dingo…" Allie sighed, pretty much giving up. "You can't always get what you want."

Dingo's eyes widened again as his mother rose from the ground and walked away, leaving him standing alone, stumped and shocked. He remembered when his mother used to get him anything he wanted- from food to toys to hugs and attention…now mostly he was left alone, everyone fawning over the new baby, it was as if Dingo didn't exist. Nobody really paid much attention to him anyway, leaving him alone or with his mother instead. Dingo tried time and time again to play with his 'dad', but instead all Derek did was make every attempt to ignore him or make up some excuse. Not with Wallabee though…Derek always held him, pulled faces at him and made him laugh... Dingo hated that. He hated his new brother.

Dingo sat down on the floor, tears dripping down his cheeks and his nose running. He sniffed and clutched one of his favourite toys soothingly, hugging it close. His eyes travelled to a strand of black hair that was hanging loosely in front of his face. He frowned at it, pushing it away from his face. He knew he was different from the rest of his family…he just wasn't sure why.

"Derek" He could hear his mother say faintly from the next room. "We need to talk about Dingo…"


Abby shivered in her little black dress, shaken and distressed from the night's events that seemed to unfold. The parking lot was now completely deserted- everyone had been there for the climax yet nobody wanted to be around for the aftermath. She swallowed, trying to calm down. Wally was going to be okay, as was Kuki and Fanny, everyone had left, they'd been taken care of…yet she couldn't ignore the guilty conscience that kept slipping onto her train of thought.

It would never have happened if it hadn't been for me.. She thought to herself glumly. She felt tears in her eyes as she stood in the dark, shivering against the brick wall she was leaning on. Dingo would have never set those girls onto her friends, the fights would never have happened…

It's my fault…She winced, fat tears now flooding down her cheeks.

"Abs..."

She jumped, gritting her teeth as she recognized that voice, that tone. She turned towards the voice, unsurprised that Dingo was leaning against the wall next to her, looking in bad shape. He clutched his rib cage painfully as he rested against the wall, wincing with pain. His face was still bloody, cut up and bruised, and he was visibly trembling. He looked up at her pathetically, reminding Abby of a lost puppy that had been kicked multiple times in the street. Those eyes were hypnotizing her- they made him look almost innocent, vulnerable. It almost caused her to forget the fact that a second ago he was ruthlessly smashing someone's face into concrete. Almost. Abby swallowed, unable to tear her eyes away from him.

"Dingo" She growled at him, sniffing. "Shouldn't you be at a hospital?"

"No hospitals..." He muttered weakly, stumbling forward. A few drops of blood trickled down his chin from his split lip. Abby found his grazed hand tangling with hers as he came closer, his emerald eyes wide and pleading. "Abby…"

"Don't." She growled, pulling her hand out of his grip. She shifted her head so she wouldn't be sucked in, she refused to be. She hated the fact he could win her over like that, how he managed to look so innocent and sweet then be so callous and cruel to others. "Leave me alone."

She stepped forward, ready to walk away from him, but he grabbed her weakly and held her back, her arm tightly held in his grip. He coughed, more blood trickling from his lips.

"Abs…" He rasped, growling at her. "Don't do this baby…"

"Are you kidding me?!" Abby suddenly snapped, gritting her teeth furiously. "You set up my friends and bash up your brother, one of MY best friends, and you expect me to come crawling back?!

"You can't leave me baby." Dingo mumbled weakly, his eyes flickering. "Y-You just don't get me. I can't live without you-"

"Don't put that on me." Abby spat with venom. "I had to pull you off just so you wouldn't kill him-"

"Just say you love me." Dingo suddenly choked out, pulling her into him. Abby choked out a few sobs as his head drooped to her shoulder weakly. He was in bad shape, Abby was amazed he could still stand up. "Please Abby…that's all I want. I need to hear it and…and I'll leave you alone…Just please tell me…"

Abby pushed him off, her eyes now flooding with tears. She sniffed as he looked at her pathetically, wide eyed and pleading.

"Dammit, Dingo." She growled at him. "You know I love you. How else would you manage to hurt me so much?"

With a pitiful sob, she turned and left- unable to look at him anymore.


Allie awoke with a start, rubbing a fist into her eye as she glared at the alarm clock on her bedside table- 12:03am. Who would be knocking at this hour? She groaned as she rose from her bed, blinking rapidly at the darkness. She stumbled along the darkened bedroom floor and down the stairs, yawning and wrapping a dressing gown around her hunched form. She opened the front door, already preparing to growl at whoever was stupid enough to call in the middle of the night (or morning). She blinked in amazement, sure she was still dreaming.

"JAKE?"

Jake smirked at her, and Allie felt as though a brick had slid down her throat and dropped into her chest. She simply gaped at the boy, now a man, who was standing on her porch in the middle of the night. His deep dark eyes gazed at her cockily and his smirk glinted in the porch lights as he eyed her up and down. It was as if he was still sixteen again, and he was just a teenager. He still had the same long, unruly black hair, same black shadows under his eyes, lightly freckled ivory skin and deep, playful brown eyes that still seemed to watch her mischievously. Allie looked down and noticed his tattoo across his wrist, where delicate black letters scrawled out the name Dingo. Her wide emerald green eyes met his as he smirked sweetly at her.

"Hey Allie" He greeted, grinning. "Long time, no see, huh?"


:D What do you think? Don't worry, I won't leave you guys hanging for long ;) 2 New relationships are just around the corner, you know ;P One you definitely wasn't expecting. :D My friend Alexa desperately wanted our new chant of 'Lex Bomb' in my story, and since I'm such a good friend I let her have it :) she's been a good sounding board.

Anyway- REVIEW! (*please*)

Oh, and please do my poll ;) I'm anxious to see the outcome!~

Much Love~ xx