Brooklyn's Heart
"Bottomless Heart of a Snake"
CH 21
---------------
Kayla giggled softly yet again as Spot discreetly, very discreetly, tickled her back from his place beside her. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw he gave no indication as doing anything as such, only grinned genuinely at all the newsboys across the theatre hall, who at the moment called out a 'Happy Birthday' to him.
Kayla's soft cheeks emitted a splash of red as she again snorted with shocked laughter as his hand went unexpectedly lower, squeezing her "backside". Dear god, how she wanted to get off this damn stage. Every pair of newsboys eyes were at him and her, and she did not partake joy in that, not uh-uh, not one bit. She started as his smooth hand made another unexpected move, taking her fully by surprise.
"Now... we celebrate!"
Kayla heaved a huge sigh as once the command was heard and the room up- roared as music started and dancing began and as the evening went on its way. She jumped off the stage and settled at their table, downing a shot of whiskey that waiting for her. She was about to get the other glass that was sitting across from her, which was taken from her to the grasps of Spot, who came up behind her. He smiled at Kayla as he said, "Hey, hey, take it slow pretty face," grinning as he swallowed the contents himself. Resting upon his chair, placing his hands together across his lower stomach, resting his feet atop the table, Spot glanced around him. Sighing, he looked back to Kayla.
"So... how's life babe?"
Kayla snorted. He looked so casual, so loose, as if nothing could faze him.
Leaning back herself, locking her hands behind her neck, Kayla smiled lightly, playing along with him, "Can't complain, you?"
Spot glanced away, his lips turning up at the corners, then looked back to her, his eyebrows raised. His eyes amused. "Eh, its good, can't complain either. My boys ain't buggin' ya are they? You know, I can't afford to lose anyone of them, especially to the hands of your temper."
Kayla grinned as she leaned forward, folding her arms across the table, with her head cocked to the side, she replied relaxed, barely tolerating his cocky voice, "Conlon, your boys ain't pissin' me off, but if they had to suffer this so called "temper" for some reason or another, it'd be their fault."
Spot chuckled and mirrored the same position as her at their small table, his eyes sparkling from this topic. "Is that so pretty face? What if I said I would have a problem with that? Or let's say I did something wrong, and so would I have to suffer this horrific curse?"
Kayla's eyes gleamed as she shrugged, her dark hair glinting, her smile sparkling as she replied carelessly, "That's depends."
Spot's right eyebrow rose. "Oh... really?"
Kayla grinned apologetically, looking remorseful yet at the same time looking 'Oh well,' and replied, "Yes, it would. Very much so in fact."
Spot's blue eyes became deeper as his grin widened, God he loved this girl. "On what?"
Kayla leaned a little closer to him, feeling drawn as she answered with her angelic voice, "On how big an ass you were in doing what you did wrong."
Spot's breath hitched a little faster as he himself moved a little closer, his body reacting to this beauty. Grinning, looking very cute as he appeared confused, his eyebrows arched together, his mouth pouting, he considered what she said. After a moment he laughed, saying, "That didn't make sense."
Kayla giggled softly as she watched this man become more adorable with every second. Inching a little closer across the table, "Of course it does. But all you got to know Conlon is not to be an ass around me, and then you're saved."
Spot leaned a little nearer as his face resumed his usual arrogant self, "Of course I don't do anything stupid; I'm Brooklyn." Saying as if it was completely obvious.
They were now just a little aways from each other. Kayla glanced to his warm lips as she laughed softly at what he said, her lids slowly drooping. Gently, she replied, "Oh really?"
Spot caught a glimpse of her lips and couldn't bring his view away from them. He was so close. Grinning and very amused, his nose played with hers, touching and tenderly running against it before saying in a low voice, "Really..."
Smiling slightly, they both simultaneously closed the gap, their lips meeting each others softly as a warm feeling washed over them, as tingles swam through their bodies, as lightening passed over their skin, as time seemed stopped on the outside world, as sound ceased to exist except for the steady beating of their joined hearts.
It was such a wonderful feeling to be loved.
Spot's hand rose up and held her around the neck, his fingers playing with her hair. He was rewarded with a small moan. Spot grinned against her lips as he swiftly moved around the table, his lips not leaving hers as he pulled up a chair next to her. Gripping the front of his shirt, and holding the side of his face, Kayla's lips traveled liked magic against his, their moves as though notes of a mastered and mysterious piece on an instrument. Strong hands smoothed around her small frame and pulled her close, passion doubling with each touch of their kisses. Kayla gripped Spot harder, wanting to be with him as close as possible.
---------------
On the side of the room stood Black Out. He was casually leaning against the wall, gazing at all around him. He wasn't joining in the festive as everyone was; just stood there with a somber face, his arms tightly folded.
After a moment Meow joined him, standing just close enough to touch and gravely whispered, "Alright, lets go." Black Out nodded and whistled a signal unknown to all except for a very chosen few.
Meow veered right while Black Out disappeared to the back. Meow made her way fast to the front table where Spot and Duchess sat alone, oblivious to all. They were both lost in their world, as they had been all night. Just before nearing them, Meow looked silently up to the ceiling and whispered brokenly to the sky and all that be, "Please, oh god, let this come out good. Please let them get through this."
But Spot sharply pulled away from Kayla.
Glancing up, his keen eyes hunting all around, his ears listened again, trying in vain to hear the shrill whistle he heard merely a second before. Pulling Kayla closer to him, holding her to his chest, his narrowed eyes searched for a disturbance within the hall, looking for anything unusual.
"Someone whistled."
Not understanding or caring otherwise, probably both, Kayla just picked up another small glass of whiskey on the other side of the table, drowning it in a beat, then answering a bit drowsy, "So, I bet you a lot of people are whistling and yelling tonight. They did it to me all night up there."
Confused, Spot looked back down at her and saw the empty glass in her hand and took it away, placing it on the table then held her up to his eyes, searching her face, smelling her. A little bit shocked and bewildered, he asked annoyed, "You and Slash had another whiskey war earlier, didn't you?"
A cleared throat stopped Kayla from answering. She looked up cheerfully, nothing or no one able to break her cheerful mood, and yet, Kayla didn't expect Meow to be standing there. Nor to be standing there in the state she was in. Her lively eyes were staring back at hers, remorseful somehow. But Kayla didn't understand why. Currently what would make anyone heartrending? Kayla stopped. A lot of things could make someone at loss right now. Having evil men out for her death, that's what. Not having anyone close anymore; not having love or warmth. Having the dreadful knowledge that someday all that she craved for, all that she treasured, all that she prized... would end and disappear just like droplets of water on soft flower petals; they were once there, but in due time... would only vanish. Being used and greatly cherished but in all matters and circumstances, would still be spent.
Kayla gazed at Meow fondly, forgetting her dreadful thoughts, and asked her kindly, "Meow, is anything by chance wrong?"
Meow blinked her eyes closed tight for a moment, as if experiencing something she didn't to be apart of and looked to Kayla as though she wanted to confess something but changed her mind at the last minute. She gradually smiled and laughed, and to Kayla it almost seemed like it was forced, and replied aloofly, "Girl, what you talking about? What could possibly be wrong at the moment?"
And at that very second, a feminine shrill was heard at their table, "Alex!" making Kayla and Spot jump and yet not Meow. She stood perfectly still as she, and Kayla, watch a girl stroll up and pull the unsuspecting Spot into an intimate hug.
Kayla breathed in a sharp gasp as her fairy-dusted eyes took in her lover returning the hug only after a moments hesitation. Her golden orbs glazed over as the redhead's name, apparently Ruby, was whispered personally through her lover's soft lips. Blank eyes watched transfixed as her lover had a whispered conversation with this buxom beauty as they held each other still at arms length. Without her awareness, her tender hands had slowly drifted up and were now clutching her chest painfully as realization dawned hard on her.
They once knew each other. They once were close. They were once intimate. They were once lovers. Kayla could tell all of this just by taking only one, yet painful, glance at them. For god's sakes, she knew his name even, which must have been her lover's name, for Kayla did not even know it. Only knew him as Spot.
It took a second for Meow's soft calls to reach her. Meow had placed her nimble hands softly on her shoulders from behind and had whispered her name to Kayla, trying to catch her attention.
The both of them stared together at the couple, sad despair upon their beautiful faces.
In a soft, pain filled voice so for the couple not to hear her, Kayla asked brokenly, "Who is she?"
Meow heaved a sigh as she watched her leader and this girl entrapped with each other, noticing no one but themselves, and declared gently, "She was Spot's ol' girl back in the day. They grew up being best friends and fell in love. We all thought that they were going to go far. Both were from low streets and knew how to survive. But... she broke his heart. Couldn't handle newsie life, so she split. She promised she'd come back and, silently, he's been waiting."
Kayla gasped, but Meow went on, "Spot became cold after that though. Never laughed much and began starting stuff with other territories. The day she left was the day Brooklyn was born."
Kayla shuddered a hard breath, opening her mouth wide, chocking for air as breathes searched for its way into her deserted lungs as shock clouded her sight. Reaching behind her, her arm shaking, Kayla gripped Meow's shoulder, grasping the girl's shirt tightly in a fist and replied through trembling lips, "You lie. That can't be true." She clenched her eyes tightly once and opened them, her eyes becoming erratic, un-focusing, and she whispered in a blank monotone, "It can't. He never loved another girl, he said so."
Meow tightened her lips, seeing the pain herself and feeling it as well as she gripped Kayla's face tightly, willing her to open her now closed eyes. Once the miserable orbs were seen, Meow replied gloomily, "I'm sorry Duch, but it's true. Spot may still love her or... he may not."
Kayla began silently searching for air, not accepting what she was hearing and began trembling again as Meow pulled her close.
Spot and the girl did not notice any of this or even look their way. But it was then that Kayla and Meow heard the old lover softly confess to the Brooklyn leader, "Alex, I've come back. I've returned to you. You promised we would be together again. You promised Alex."
Kayla's eyes slowly drifted down, despair clouding her senses, making pitches ring in her ears while her chest began to become numb. But she was not prepared for what was next said.
"Alex," the girl said slowly, "You said this was one promise you wouldn't break."
Kayla went stiff, her eyes immediately becoming blank and dead as her head became light. Seeing her look tipsy, Meow quickly swept her into a heavier hug before she could topple lifelessly over, having her turn her face and body away from the standing couple. She began to rock her, shushing her, acting as though neither of them had heard the girl's declaration.
She did not want her leader to know that Kayla had heard.
Yet.
Spot's eyes went wide, and his bold body went rigid. He ignored the statement and slowly turned around, afraid that his Duchess had heard them. But, when his eyes came in view he saw, in relief, that they did not heed them.
Or so he thought.
His sparkling eyes washed over Kayla, and he quickly dropped to his knees beside her, worriedly asking, "Whats wrong?" but Meow turned her away from him, holding Kayla to her shoulder as she stood up, snapping,
"She just feels a little dizzy. We're gunna get some air."
Hearing her tone, Spot stood up as well, Meow still covering Kayla's face as she clung to her, he tightened his jaw and warned, "Meow..."
Except, Meow did not heed his disguised command. Only turned her hard eyes to his and stared; long and hard, daring him. Boldly taunting. Spot stared back, meeting her challenge but when he made a move forward, his hand reaching for his lover, Meow immediately reacted and snatched the silent girl away.
Spot bristled and took a step forward, growling. Narrowing his eyes, he darkly commanded slowly, "Meow... give her back."
Though, only a sharp gaze met him. Meow barred her lip, then disappeared into the crowd with Duchess, not before mockingly whispering,
"Go back to your lover girl. She's returned."
Spot froze, his electrifying eyes becoming wide.
Kayla had heard.
---------------
Meow had lead the motionless Kayla through the back halls of the theater, trying not be seen, and through the dressing room and out the rear door. She propped the dazed girl against the wall and tiredly leaned back against the opposite, heaving a great sigh. She reached into her back pocket, bringing out a pack of cigarettes, exhaling in relief this time as a small flame lit the smoke. After taking a big, relieving drag, Meow gazed back to the still silent girl.
She stood unmoving; her shoulders drooping as she heavily leaned against the brick wall. Her head was down, her golden eyes frozen, staring off, yet, at same time were not there. They were cold, yet warm. Inert except frantic. Soft, but hard. Knowing although helplessly lost. Such light they captured... yet held such cold darkness at the same time. She looked like she would never live again.
Meow nervously glanced away then back and away again, not knowing what to say or what to do and wasn't even sure if Kayla was going to move or not. Feeling guilty, Meow nervously replied to the quiet Duchess as she motioned with her cigarette, her hand nervously moving, "You know, nothing probably will happen. This is probably just some dumb shit that girl is pullin. Maybe Spot wont even listen, ya know? This is probably nothing big. Most likely, all he's gunna do is-"
"-lie."
Meow stopped. She slowly turned her eyes to the still girl and opened her mouth slowly. Meow cleared her throat and asked nervously, her voice low and quiet, "What? What do ya mean? What will he lie about?"
Still staring to the ground, her face blank, her emotions hidden, Kayla lifelessly replied slowly, her voice giving nothing away but the truth, stated only in a strong yet hard manor, "He will lie. That is what he shall do, for that is what he is and does, for it is all he will ever do."
Meow gulped, her fingers forgetting about her cigarette, the lit end burning closer and closer to her hold. Her body hanging on to every word, her ears listening to the flowing English accent, Meow achingly whispered slowly, afraid of what she'll hear, "What will he lie about?"
"It does not concern what he will lie about. This is regarding that he did lie. It is the fact that he made promises in life and has not kept them. And will not keep them."
As though giving up, her voice flooded in resign, she whispered, "At least not to me."
Kayla was quiet after that. As was Meow. She stared the girl; her mind processing all that was said.
All of a sudden, an excrutionating pain was at Meow fingertips, melting her skin. Meow dropped the insulting cigarette, her face disgusted as she said angrily, "Shit!" Looking around frustrated, Meow finally looked at her burn, mad at her self for being so careless.
Sighing, she looked back to the girl with her injured fingers resting safely in her mouth. After a minute she replied to what Kayla had acknowledged earlier, her face looking remorseful, "Duch, he's a guy."
Looking around lost, removing her fingers Meow shrugged helplessly, not really knowing what to say, but though she continued, "I mean no one always keeps promises, especially a man. And worse, this man is Brooklyn! He's going to act more terrible than any other walking two-legger with a dick between their legs."
Meow bowed her head. She didn't know what to say or do, for she didn't know the outcome of this herself. She started it but it wasn't her who was going to finish it. She felt horrible, she felt like the devil himself. She did this. She was the one causing pain to this innocent girl. She held her hands palm up, glancing at them wonderingly, feeling as though blood covered them, drenched in it, as though it was the blood from Kayla's now bleeding heart itself.
Probably everything would be fine but still, to see another girl with whom she loved, looking at this – this intruder with the same caring as he did for her... it was heartbreaking. A girl wanted to be the only in a man's life. Wanted to have a special look from her love, wanted a special connection with him. But then to see it shared and reproduced instantly with someone else... it was just heart crushing.
It felt as though a body was being crushed, filled with a million tingles, yet this time not the pleasurable ones. Feeling this, a person's mouth would instantly want to turn down at the corners, wanting the escape to cry, to feel the release of tears. Yet at the same time wanted to hold their chin up high and state with all the truth in their heart that they were not hurt. Then once experiencing that certain stubborn and bold feeling it was even more dreadful to know of it's fake and lying self that lied from within their heart. For they knew that it did indeed hurt. That they could not move on like they wanted to, that they could not walk away and never look back like they wanted to. That they could not shout and declare to the world that they hated the man for the cause of their broken heart, for they knew with such truth in their shattered heart that they still loved the man with all their broken body.
Meow slowly dropped her hands and gradually looked to Duchess. Breathing slowly, her eyes watering from the unneeded pain she caused, Meow said slowly, "Duchess... Just- just be careful girl. Don't do anything rash with jealousy. Don't piss him off and make matters worse. Bear in mind, you have control, he doesn't. Just- just remember that, okay?"
And so Meow slipped quietly back into the theater.
Leaving a still Kayla lost to her thoughts, lost to her feelings, lost to her views, leaving her alone with her yet again hard and pain filled heart.
---------------
God, this Ruby was still as beautiful as he remembered her, and the familiar old longing he had for her rushed back. God, she was his old love, how he missed her so. He grinned, remembering their intertwined past. They had had good times, great times. He had indeed promised all the things she had declared and he would without a doubt renew those pledges.
Yea right. Not now, not ever.
Spot wiped his wet brow, grinning at the talking Ruby. They were sitting at his regular table, talking and reminiscing of old times. They laughed and joked, both feeling comfortable with each other. Spot scoffed. 'Bullshit. ' She had been the one doing all those things as he sat there, listening. He forced a smile. 'She just keeps going and going. Does she ever breathe? My god, ' he thought. 'And the way her hands keep flying around as she babbles, it's beyond fuckin' annoying.' Spot stared at her openly, wondering as he watched her talk and talk. How do girls do this? I bet they get thirsty... Why doesn't she just shut up!? ' She was gossiping of old newsboys she knew, bad mouthing them for what they did and/or how they acted. Spot didn't want to say anything, but they happened to still be newsboys, and under his command. But Spot couldn't stop her from rambling on. It was getting damn frustrating.
And it had been two hours since Spot had last seen Kayla.
Feeling horrible for spending the night so far with his old companion, Spot wanted to go and search for her. He was going to – well, he didn't know what he was going to do when he did find her, only knew that he needed to go to her. Meow had returned long before, but without Kayla in tow. He was worried.
And frightened.
He knew that Kayla had heard Ruby's confession, all of them. He felt like shit. He could only imagined what she thought of him now. And this damn girl just kept pissing him off!
She was nothing of how he remembered her. Okay, that was bullshit too. This was exactly how she was from a time before, but he had been either blind or just plain stupid to not notice. Spot rolled his eyes.
Probably both.
And where the hell did she come from thinking she had the right to say those things? Okay, everywhere but still. It was fucking dumb, well, maybe not but it still pissed the hell out of Spot. And the fact that she did not shut up was not helping!
'That's it! ' He needed to get to Kayla. He missed her too much.
Spot stood up abruptly, knocking his chair down, making the redhead stop in mid-sentence. She gasped and looked at him puzzled. Spot glared down at her and said roughly, "Okay, that's enough about the old newsboys. No, wait, they're not old Ruby. They're still my newsboys; therefore don't say another goddamn word. So if you'll excuse me..." He sharply turned around and began to walk away from the shallow beauty.
But her next words stopped and pierced him.
"Do you think its actually gunna last between you two?"
Spot froze, taking in a jagged breath. His muscles became tense as he slowly turned, his body taking the once easy motion of rotating into a momentarily mission of a hard burden. His eyes, usually hidden so no one unless with his silent permission were able to read his emotions, were clear as the ocean in the rays of a growing sunrise. Shock, anger, suspicion. They were all shown in his vibrating eyes where a rich and royal blue happened to still shin. There was a storm brewing in those orbs, where feelings helped and added to its depth and size, making it grow and rumble as he regarded her.
She sat there, cool and calm, looking innocent and in control at the very same time. Her legs were cross and her fingers were laced together across her stomach as she stared at him. Her eyes gave away her character more soon than her body, especially when they were representing quite the opposites. They were evil, her hazel eyes. She was a snake, a one minded, angry, dirty snake, and one that could slither and strike, making words lethal. He remembered well how she could twist and use them. Simple words, shaping and molding them till they were a menacing double edged sword. He would watch his neck this time, preventing himself from any kind of bite from her, deadly or harmless.
His voice laced with venom, his hate rising every second, he whispered harsh through clenched teeth, "Why'd you come back?"
He planned on asking how would she know. But decided against it. His main confusion was why she came back... why she had to come back now, at this time in life?! She was messing everything up!
She laughed, making her eyes close as she disgustingly giggled, making his ears painfully ring. After a moment she quieted down and watched him, a sickening grin on her face. She was indeed beautiful but her nasty personality killed it. She was evil inside and out, her heart rotten right on through. With one look anyone could see the want and yearning to be first in every aspect in her life. Selfish and one minded, that simple.
Ruby heaved a dramatic sigh, slaughtering its already stupid effect with the action of fanning herself. She idly looked around, trying to bring the mood of carelessness and boredom. With one eyebrow arched she coolly replied,
"To fulfill a request."
Spot narrowed his eyes dangerously and moved closer, resting his knuckles on the tables as he glared at her. He took his time staring at her, trying to intimidate her. She acted and looked as if she was the one with the control, but he knew different. No one was immune to his looks and attitudes. It was just that way. Well, Kayla was untouched from his manner but this whore was not she and would never be.
His brewing eyes did not stir away from hers. Just kept penetrating as he stood there, hard and cross. He was vexed with her beyond reason. He wanted her gone and away for forever. No one voiced his or her doubts about him and Kayla.
No one.
His breathing faster than usual, his nostrils flaring, his eyes flashing lightening, Spot commanded unemotionally and coldly, his voice and low and cruel,
"Then fulfill it and just make sure it does not include me or my Queen, then be gone."
She laughed again, her voice in full throttle, its high pitch sound grating on the mind. Her body moved with her rhythm, a miniature hand resting on her small stomach. There was a sickening joy seen in her eyes, her orbs as though as if of a mad person. But irony was also seen in her eyes, but was unfortunately undetected by Spot.
Still crackling, she replied sardonically, "It has everything to do with you, Alex dear."
Spot made a move forward to the snickering newsgirl but a sharp hand stopped him. Seeing his movement, the girl instantly stopped laughing, turning still. Glancing at him, becoming frighteningly serious, detached and unaffected by the world and his now outraged look, she replied with her hand up to him,
"And your Queen."
Spot launched the table to the side, clearing his way as he went to the girl, grabbing her by the neck, lifting her off her feet as he held her tight. Everyone gasp ed, as well as the poisoned girl, as they watched the furious Spot, with a mad look in his eyes, bring the red head close to his face, gripping her throat tight.
Ruby struggled, her feet kicking in the air, which were a good foot above the floor, and her hands gripping fearfully at his clutch. She began chocking, searching for breath. Her once snickering eyes were wide, terrified really at this sudden outcome. Her body was shaking with terror she stared back at Brooklyn King, her veins swimming with alarm, horror clouding her system as she continued to fight back.
It was useless; he was just too strong.
Newsboys of his borough and some of others, moved forward to stop him, but he wouldn't budge as he whispered threateningly, "You mess with her I'll kill you."
He then dropped her, watching with angry eyes as she fell to the ground, her body racking with coughs as she breathed again. Trying to help her and see if she was alright, people bent down checking her over. Spot stood there, still and unbreakable as he intently gazed at her eerily as people rushed by him to Ruby. Feeling his look the girl sharply glanced to him, her eyes frightened as she was helped up, not daring to look away.
Meow rushed over, exclaiming in concern, "Ruby! Are you alright?! That wasn't supposed to hap-"But she stopped, her body freezing as she awkwardly, yet slowly, turned to Spot, her eyes wide.
Spot cocked his head to the side, giving his second in command a quizzical, hard look, glancing between the both of them over the crowd. He narrowed his eyes, spitting at the floor in Meow's direction before giving Ruby a nasty grin, mouthing the warning,
"You will die."
And then disappeared into the crowd. Ruby and Meow watched him depart, their faces filled with worry, apprehension and pain. Ruby roughly shook off the people around her and folded her arms as her face became disgusted and angry. After a moment, Meow turned to her friend, her eyes filled with grief, and a surprising hardness as she declared, "Your job is done, now get out."
---------------
Review.
erinsailorditz
"Bottomless Heart of a Snake"
CH 21
---------------
Kayla giggled softly yet again as Spot discreetly, very discreetly, tickled her back from his place beside her. Out of the corner of her eyes she saw he gave no indication as doing anything as such, only grinned genuinely at all the newsboys across the theatre hall, who at the moment called out a 'Happy Birthday' to him.
Kayla's soft cheeks emitted a splash of red as she again snorted with shocked laughter as his hand went unexpectedly lower, squeezing her "backside". Dear god, how she wanted to get off this damn stage. Every pair of newsboys eyes were at him and her, and she did not partake joy in that, not uh-uh, not one bit. She started as his smooth hand made another unexpected move, taking her fully by surprise.
"Now... we celebrate!"
Kayla heaved a huge sigh as once the command was heard and the room up- roared as music started and dancing began and as the evening went on its way. She jumped off the stage and settled at their table, downing a shot of whiskey that waiting for her. She was about to get the other glass that was sitting across from her, which was taken from her to the grasps of Spot, who came up behind her. He smiled at Kayla as he said, "Hey, hey, take it slow pretty face," grinning as he swallowed the contents himself. Resting upon his chair, placing his hands together across his lower stomach, resting his feet atop the table, Spot glanced around him. Sighing, he looked back to Kayla.
"So... how's life babe?"
Kayla snorted. He looked so casual, so loose, as if nothing could faze him.
Leaning back herself, locking her hands behind her neck, Kayla smiled lightly, playing along with him, "Can't complain, you?"
Spot glanced away, his lips turning up at the corners, then looked back to her, his eyebrows raised. His eyes amused. "Eh, its good, can't complain either. My boys ain't buggin' ya are they? You know, I can't afford to lose anyone of them, especially to the hands of your temper."
Kayla grinned as she leaned forward, folding her arms across the table, with her head cocked to the side, she replied relaxed, barely tolerating his cocky voice, "Conlon, your boys ain't pissin' me off, but if they had to suffer this so called "temper" for some reason or another, it'd be their fault."
Spot chuckled and mirrored the same position as her at their small table, his eyes sparkling from this topic. "Is that so pretty face? What if I said I would have a problem with that? Or let's say I did something wrong, and so would I have to suffer this horrific curse?"
Kayla's eyes gleamed as she shrugged, her dark hair glinting, her smile sparkling as she replied carelessly, "That's depends."
Spot's right eyebrow rose. "Oh... really?"
Kayla grinned apologetically, looking remorseful yet at the same time looking 'Oh well,' and replied, "Yes, it would. Very much so in fact."
Spot's blue eyes became deeper as his grin widened, God he loved this girl. "On what?"
Kayla leaned a little closer to him, feeling drawn as she answered with her angelic voice, "On how big an ass you were in doing what you did wrong."
Spot's breath hitched a little faster as he himself moved a little closer, his body reacting to this beauty. Grinning, looking very cute as he appeared confused, his eyebrows arched together, his mouth pouting, he considered what she said. After a moment he laughed, saying, "That didn't make sense."
Kayla giggled softly as she watched this man become more adorable with every second. Inching a little closer across the table, "Of course it does. But all you got to know Conlon is not to be an ass around me, and then you're saved."
Spot leaned a little nearer as his face resumed his usual arrogant self, "Of course I don't do anything stupid; I'm Brooklyn." Saying as if it was completely obvious.
They were now just a little aways from each other. Kayla glanced to his warm lips as she laughed softly at what he said, her lids slowly drooping. Gently, she replied, "Oh really?"
Spot caught a glimpse of her lips and couldn't bring his view away from them. He was so close. Grinning and very amused, his nose played with hers, touching and tenderly running against it before saying in a low voice, "Really..."
Smiling slightly, they both simultaneously closed the gap, their lips meeting each others softly as a warm feeling washed over them, as tingles swam through their bodies, as lightening passed over their skin, as time seemed stopped on the outside world, as sound ceased to exist except for the steady beating of their joined hearts.
It was such a wonderful feeling to be loved.
Spot's hand rose up and held her around the neck, his fingers playing with her hair. He was rewarded with a small moan. Spot grinned against her lips as he swiftly moved around the table, his lips not leaving hers as he pulled up a chair next to her. Gripping the front of his shirt, and holding the side of his face, Kayla's lips traveled liked magic against his, their moves as though notes of a mastered and mysterious piece on an instrument. Strong hands smoothed around her small frame and pulled her close, passion doubling with each touch of their kisses. Kayla gripped Spot harder, wanting to be with him as close as possible.
---------------
On the side of the room stood Black Out. He was casually leaning against the wall, gazing at all around him. He wasn't joining in the festive as everyone was; just stood there with a somber face, his arms tightly folded.
After a moment Meow joined him, standing just close enough to touch and gravely whispered, "Alright, lets go." Black Out nodded and whistled a signal unknown to all except for a very chosen few.
Meow veered right while Black Out disappeared to the back. Meow made her way fast to the front table where Spot and Duchess sat alone, oblivious to all. They were both lost in their world, as they had been all night. Just before nearing them, Meow looked silently up to the ceiling and whispered brokenly to the sky and all that be, "Please, oh god, let this come out good. Please let them get through this."
But Spot sharply pulled away from Kayla.
Glancing up, his keen eyes hunting all around, his ears listened again, trying in vain to hear the shrill whistle he heard merely a second before. Pulling Kayla closer to him, holding her to his chest, his narrowed eyes searched for a disturbance within the hall, looking for anything unusual.
"Someone whistled."
Not understanding or caring otherwise, probably both, Kayla just picked up another small glass of whiskey on the other side of the table, drowning it in a beat, then answering a bit drowsy, "So, I bet you a lot of people are whistling and yelling tonight. They did it to me all night up there."
Confused, Spot looked back down at her and saw the empty glass in her hand and took it away, placing it on the table then held her up to his eyes, searching her face, smelling her. A little bit shocked and bewildered, he asked annoyed, "You and Slash had another whiskey war earlier, didn't you?"
A cleared throat stopped Kayla from answering. She looked up cheerfully, nothing or no one able to break her cheerful mood, and yet, Kayla didn't expect Meow to be standing there. Nor to be standing there in the state she was in. Her lively eyes were staring back at hers, remorseful somehow. But Kayla didn't understand why. Currently what would make anyone heartrending? Kayla stopped. A lot of things could make someone at loss right now. Having evil men out for her death, that's what. Not having anyone close anymore; not having love or warmth. Having the dreadful knowledge that someday all that she craved for, all that she treasured, all that she prized... would end and disappear just like droplets of water on soft flower petals; they were once there, but in due time... would only vanish. Being used and greatly cherished but in all matters and circumstances, would still be spent.
Kayla gazed at Meow fondly, forgetting her dreadful thoughts, and asked her kindly, "Meow, is anything by chance wrong?"
Meow blinked her eyes closed tight for a moment, as if experiencing something she didn't to be apart of and looked to Kayla as though she wanted to confess something but changed her mind at the last minute. She gradually smiled and laughed, and to Kayla it almost seemed like it was forced, and replied aloofly, "Girl, what you talking about? What could possibly be wrong at the moment?"
And at that very second, a feminine shrill was heard at their table, "Alex!" making Kayla and Spot jump and yet not Meow. She stood perfectly still as she, and Kayla, watch a girl stroll up and pull the unsuspecting Spot into an intimate hug.
Kayla breathed in a sharp gasp as her fairy-dusted eyes took in her lover returning the hug only after a moments hesitation. Her golden orbs glazed over as the redhead's name, apparently Ruby, was whispered personally through her lover's soft lips. Blank eyes watched transfixed as her lover had a whispered conversation with this buxom beauty as they held each other still at arms length. Without her awareness, her tender hands had slowly drifted up and were now clutching her chest painfully as realization dawned hard on her.
They once knew each other. They once were close. They were once intimate. They were once lovers. Kayla could tell all of this just by taking only one, yet painful, glance at them. For god's sakes, she knew his name even, which must have been her lover's name, for Kayla did not even know it. Only knew him as Spot.
It took a second for Meow's soft calls to reach her. Meow had placed her nimble hands softly on her shoulders from behind and had whispered her name to Kayla, trying to catch her attention.
The both of them stared together at the couple, sad despair upon their beautiful faces.
In a soft, pain filled voice so for the couple not to hear her, Kayla asked brokenly, "Who is she?"
Meow heaved a sigh as she watched her leader and this girl entrapped with each other, noticing no one but themselves, and declared gently, "She was Spot's ol' girl back in the day. They grew up being best friends and fell in love. We all thought that they were going to go far. Both were from low streets and knew how to survive. But... she broke his heart. Couldn't handle newsie life, so she split. She promised she'd come back and, silently, he's been waiting."
Kayla gasped, but Meow went on, "Spot became cold after that though. Never laughed much and began starting stuff with other territories. The day she left was the day Brooklyn was born."
Kayla shuddered a hard breath, opening her mouth wide, chocking for air as breathes searched for its way into her deserted lungs as shock clouded her sight. Reaching behind her, her arm shaking, Kayla gripped Meow's shoulder, grasping the girl's shirt tightly in a fist and replied through trembling lips, "You lie. That can't be true." She clenched her eyes tightly once and opened them, her eyes becoming erratic, un-focusing, and she whispered in a blank monotone, "It can't. He never loved another girl, he said so."
Meow tightened her lips, seeing the pain herself and feeling it as well as she gripped Kayla's face tightly, willing her to open her now closed eyes. Once the miserable orbs were seen, Meow replied gloomily, "I'm sorry Duch, but it's true. Spot may still love her or... he may not."
Kayla began silently searching for air, not accepting what she was hearing and began trembling again as Meow pulled her close.
Spot and the girl did not notice any of this or even look their way. But it was then that Kayla and Meow heard the old lover softly confess to the Brooklyn leader, "Alex, I've come back. I've returned to you. You promised we would be together again. You promised Alex."
Kayla's eyes slowly drifted down, despair clouding her senses, making pitches ring in her ears while her chest began to become numb. But she was not prepared for what was next said.
"Alex," the girl said slowly, "You said this was one promise you wouldn't break."
Kayla went stiff, her eyes immediately becoming blank and dead as her head became light. Seeing her look tipsy, Meow quickly swept her into a heavier hug before she could topple lifelessly over, having her turn her face and body away from the standing couple. She began to rock her, shushing her, acting as though neither of them had heard the girl's declaration.
She did not want her leader to know that Kayla had heard.
Yet.
Spot's eyes went wide, and his bold body went rigid. He ignored the statement and slowly turned around, afraid that his Duchess had heard them. But, when his eyes came in view he saw, in relief, that they did not heed them.
Or so he thought.
His sparkling eyes washed over Kayla, and he quickly dropped to his knees beside her, worriedly asking, "Whats wrong?" but Meow turned her away from him, holding Kayla to her shoulder as she stood up, snapping,
"She just feels a little dizzy. We're gunna get some air."
Hearing her tone, Spot stood up as well, Meow still covering Kayla's face as she clung to her, he tightened his jaw and warned, "Meow..."
Except, Meow did not heed his disguised command. Only turned her hard eyes to his and stared; long and hard, daring him. Boldly taunting. Spot stared back, meeting her challenge but when he made a move forward, his hand reaching for his lover, Meow immediately reacted and snatched the silent girl away.
Spot bristled and took a step forward, growling. Narrowing his eyes, he darkly commanded slowly, "Meow... give her back."
Though, only a sharp gaze met him. Meow barred her lip, then disappeared into the crowd with Duchess, not before mockingly whispering,
"Go back to your lover girl. She's returned."
Spot froze, his electrifying eyes becoming wide.
Kayla had heard.
---------------
Meow had lead the motionless Kayla through the back halls of the theater, trying not be seen, and through the dressing room and out the rear door. She propped the dazed girl against the wall and tiredly leaned back against the opposite, heaving a great sigh. She reached into her back pocket, bringing out a pack of cigarettes, exhaling in relief this time as a small flame lit the smoke. After taking a big, relieving drag, Meow gazed back to the still silent girl.
She stood unmoving; her shoulders drooping as she heavily leaned against the brick wall. Her head was down, her golden eyes frozen, staring off, yet, at same time were not there. They were cold, yet warm. Inert except frantic. Soft, but hard. Knowing although helplessly lost. Such light they captured... yet held such cold darkness at the same time. She looked like she would never live again.
Meow nervously glanced away then back and away again, not knowing what to say or what to do and wasn't even sure if Kayla was going to move or not. Feeling guilty, Meow nervously replied to the quiet Duchess as she motioned with her cigarette, her hand nervously moving, "You know, nothing probably will happen. This is probably just some dumb shit that girl is pullin. Maybe Spot wont even listen, ya know? This is probably nothing big. Most likely, all he's gunna do is-"
"-lie."
Meow stopped. She slowly turned her eyes to the still girl and opened her mouth slowly. Meow cleared her throat and asked nervously, her voice low and quiet, "What? What do ya mean? What will he lie about?"
Still staring to the ground, her face blank, her emotions hidden, Kayla lifelessly replied slowly, her voice giving nothing away but the truth, stated only in a strong yet hard manor, "He will lie. That is what he shall do, for that is what he is and does, for it is all he will ever do."
Meow gulped, her fingers forgetting about her cigarette, the lit end burning closer and closer to her hold. Her body hanging on to every word, her ears listening to the flowing English accent, Meow achingly whispered slowly, afraid of what she'll hear, "What will he lie about?"
"It does not concern what he will lie about. This is regarding that he did lie. It is the fact that he made promises in life and has not kept them. And will not keep them."
As though giving up, her voice flooded in resign, she whispered, "At least not to me."
Kayla was quiet after that. As was Meow. She stared the girl; her mind processing all that was said.
All of a sudden, an excrutionating pain was at Meow fingertips, melting her skin. Meow dropped the insulting cigarette, her face disgusted as she said angrily, "Shit!" Looking around frustrated, Meow finally looked at her burn, mad at her self for being so careless.
Sighing, she looked back to the girl with her injured fingers resting safely in her mouth. After a minute she replied to what Kayla had acknowledged earlier, her face looking remorseful, "Duch, he's a guy."
Looking around lost, removing her fingers Meow shrugged helplessly, not really knowing what to say, but though she continued, "I mean no one always keeps promises, especially a man. And worse, this man is Brooklyn! He's going to act more terrible than any other walking two-legger with a dick between their legs."
Meow bowed her head. She didn't know what to say or do, for she didn't know the outcome of this herself. She started it but it wasn't her who was going to finish it. She felt horrible, she felt like the devil himself. She did this. She was the one causing pain to this innocent girl. She held her hands palm up, glancing at them wonderingly, feeling as though blood covered them, drenched in it, as though it was the blood from Kayla's now bleeding heart itself.
Probably everything would be fine but still, to see another girl with whom she loved, looking at this – this intruder with the same caring as he did for her... it was heartbreaking. A girl wanted to be the only in a man's life. Wanted to have a special look from her love, wanted a special connection with him. But then to see it shared and reproduced instantly with someone else... it was just heart crushing.
It felt as though a body was being crushed, filled with a million tingles, yet this time not the pleasurable ones. Feeling this, a person's mouth would instantly want to turn down at the corners, wanting the escape to cry, to feel the release of tears. Yet at the same time wanted to hold their chin up high and state with all the truth in their heart that they were not hurt. Then once experiencing that certain stubborn and bold feeling it was even more dreadful to know of it's fake and lying self that lied from within their heart. For they knew that it did indeed hurt. That they could not move on like they wanted to, that they could not walk away and never look back like they wanted to. That they could not shout and declare to the world that they hated the man for the cause of their broken heart, for they knew with such truth in their shattered heart that they still loved the man with all their broken body.
Meow slowly dropped her hands and gradually looked to Duchess. Breathing slowly, her eyes watering from the unneeded pain she caused, Meow said slowly, "Duchess... Just- just be careful girl. Don't do anything rash with jealousy. Don't piss him off and make matters worse. Bear in mind, you have control, he doesn't. Just- just remember that, okay?"
And so Meow slipped quietly back into the theater.
Leaving a still Kayla lost to her thoughts, lost to her feelings, lost to her views, leaving her alone with her yet again hard and pain filled heart.
---------------
God, this Ruby was still as beautiful as he remembered her, and the familiar old longing he had for her rushed back. God, she was his old love, how he missed her so. He grinned, remembering their intertwined past. They had had good times, great times. He had indeed promised all the things she had declared and he would without a doubt renew those pledges.
Yea right. Not now, not ever.
Spot wiped his wet brow, grinning at the talking Ruby. They were sitting at his regular table, talking and reminiscing of old times. They laughed and joked, both feeling comfortable with each other. Spot scoffed. 'Bullshit. ' She had been the one doing all those things as he sat there, listening. He forced a smile. 'She just keeps going and going. Does she ever breathe? My god, ' he thought. 'And the way her hands keep flying around as she babbles, it's beyond fuckin' annoying.' Spot stared at her openly, wondering as he watched her talk and talk. How do girls do this? I bet they get thirsty... Why doesn't she just shut up!? ' She was gossiping of old newsboys she knew, bad mouthing them for what they did and/or how they acted. Spot didn't want to say anything, but they happened to still be newsboys, and under his command. But Spot couldn't stop her from rambling on. It was getting damn frustrating.
And it had been two hours since Spot had last seen Kayla.
Feeling horrible for spending the night so far with his old companion, Spot wanted to go and search for her. He was going to – well, he didn't know what he was going to do when he did find her, only knew that he needed to go to her. Meow had returned long before, but without Kayla in tow. He was worried.
And frightened.
He knew that Kayla had heard Ruby's confession, all of them. He felt like shit. He could only imagined what she thought of him now. And this damn girl just kept pissing him off!
She was nothing of how he remembered her. Okay, that was bullshit too. This was exactly how she was from a time before, but he had been either blind or just plain stupid to not notice. Spot rolled his eyes.
Probably both.
And where the hell did she come from thinking she had the right to say those things? Okay, everywhere but still. It was fucking dumb, well, maybe not but it still pissed the hell out of Spot. And the fact that she did not shut up was not helping!
'That's it! ' He needed to get to Kayla. He missed her too much.
Spot stood up abruptly, knocking his chair down, making the redhead stop in mid-sentence. She gasped and looked at him puzzled. Spot glared down at her and said roughly, "Okay, that's enough about the old newsboys. No, wait, they're not old Ruby. They're still my newsboys; therefore don't say another goddamn word. So if you'll excuse me..." He sharply turned around and began to walk away from the shallow beauty.
But her next words stopped and pierced him.
"Do you think its actually gunna last between you two?"
Spot froze, taking in a jagged breath. His muscles became tense as he slowly turned, his body taking the once easy motion of rotating into a momentarily mission of a hard burden. His eyes, usually hidden so no one unless with his silent permission were able to read his emotions, were clear as the ocean in the rays of a growing sunrise. Shock, anger, suspicion. They were all shown in his vibrating eyes where a rich and royal blue happened to still shin. There was a storm brewing in those orbs, where feelings helped and added to its depth and size, making it grow and rumble as he regarded her.
She sat there, cool and calm, looking innocent and in control at the very same time. Her legs were cross and her fingers were laced together across her stomach as she stared at him. Her eyes gave away her character more soon than her body, especially when they were representing quite the opposites. They were evil, her hazel eyes. She was a snake, a one minded, angry, dirty snake, and one that could slither and strike, making words lethal. He remembered well how she could twist and use them. Simple words, shaping and molding them till they were a menacing double edged sword. He would watch his neck this time, preventing himself from any kind of bite from her, deadly or harmless.
His voice laced with venom, his hate rising every second, he whispered harsh through clenched teeth, "Why'd you come back?"
He planned on asking how would she know. But decided against it. His main confusion was why she came back... why she had to come back now, at this time in life?! She was messing everything up!
She laughed, making her eyes close as she disgustingly giggled, making his ears painfully ring. After a moment she quieted down and watched him, a sickening grin on her face. She was indeed beautiful but her nasty personality killed it. She was evil inside and out, her heart rotten right on through. With one look anyone could see the want and yearning to be first in every aspect in her life. Selfish and one minded, that simple.
Ruby heaved a dramatic sigh, slaughtering its already stupid effect with the action of fanning herself. She idly looked around, trying to bring the mood of carelessness and boredom. With one eyebrow arched she coolly replied,
"To fulfill a request."
Spot narrowed his eyes dangerously and moved closer, resting his knuckles on the tables as he glared at her. He took his time staring at her, trying to intimidate her. She acted and looked as if she was the one with the control, but he knew different. No one was immune to his looks and attitudes. It was just that way. Well, Kayla was untouched from his manner but this whore was not she and would never be.
His brewing eyes did not stir away from hers. Just kept penetrating as he stood there, hard and cross. He was vexed with her beyond reason. He wanted her gone and away for forever. No one voiced his or her doubts about him and Kayla.
No one.
His breathing faster than usual, his nostrils flaring, his eyes flashing lightening, Spot commanded unemotionally and coldly, his voice and low and cruel,
"Then fulfill it and just make sure it does not include me or my Queen, then be gone."
She laughed again, her voice in full throttle, its high pitch sound grating on the mind. Her body moved with her rhythm, a miniature hand resting on her small stomach. There was a sickening joy seen in her eyes, her orbs as though as if of a mad person. But irony was also seen in her eyes, but was unfortunately undetected by Spot.
Still crackling, she replied sardonically, "It has everything to do with you, Alex dear."
Spot made a move forward to the snickering newsgirl but a sharp hand stopped him. Seeing his movement, the girl instantly stopped laughing, turning still. Glancing at him, becoming frighteningly serious, detached and unaffected by the world and his now outraged look, she replied with her hand up to him,
"And your Queen."
Spot launched the table to the side, clearing his way as he went to the girl, grabbing her by the neck, lifting her off her feet as he held her tight. Everyone gasp ed, as well as the poisoned girl, as they watched the furious Spot, with a mad look in his eyes, bring the red head close to his face, gripping her throat tight.
Ruby struggled, her feet kicking in the air, which were a good foot above the floor, and her hands gripping fearfully at his clutch. She began chocking, searching for breath. Her once snickering eyes were wide, terrified really at this sudden outcome. Her body was shaking with terror she stared back at Brooklyn King, her veins swimming with alarm, horror clouding her system as she continued to fight back.
It was useless; he was just too strong.
Newsboys of his borough and some of others, moved forward to stop him, but he wouldn't budge as he whispered threateningly, "You mess with her I'll kill you."
He then dropped her, watching with angry eyes as she fell to the ground, her body racking with coughs as she breathed again. Trying to help her and see if she was alright, people bent down checking her over. Spot stood there, still and unbreakable as he intently gazed at her eerily as people rushed by him to Ruby. Feeling his look the girl sharply glanced to him, her eyes frightened as she was helped up, not daring to look away.
Meow rushed over, exclaiming in concern, "Ruby! Are you alright?! That wasn't supposed to hap-"But she stopped, her body freezing as she awkwardly, yet slowly, turned to Spot, her eyes wide.
Spot cocked his head to the side, giving his second in command a quizzical, hard look, glancing between the both of them over the crowd. He narrowed his eyes, spitting at the floor in Meow's direction before giving Ruby a nasty grin, mouthing the warning,
"You will die."
And then disappeared into the crowd. Ruby and Meow watched him depart, their faces filled with worry, apprehension and pain. Ruby roughly shook off the people around her and folded her arms as her face became disgusted and angry. After a moment, Meow turned to her friend, her eyes filled with grief, and a surprising hardness as she declared, "Your job is done, now get out."
---------------
Review.
erinsailorditz