Ch 12: Skin On Fire
The three of us apparate downstairs, and Marcus opens his arms for me to run into. He's wearing a navy short sleeve shirt that fits him pretty well. He's not as toned as Oliver, but he still looks decent. He's wearing tan slacks and...Birkenstocks? Weird. Oh well.
"Ready to go?" he asks, holding his arm out. I loop mine through his and smile at him.
"Where are we going, anyways?" I ask. I had never even asked him what club we were going to! Stupid me.
"Up-Style," Marcus replied, grinning. I opened my mouth to say I didn't know where it was, but he cut me off.
"Just hold on tight, and concentrate on me, and I can apparate both of us there. I assume one of you knows how to get there?" Marcus asked, turning towards Oliver and Lorelei. Smart boy, he assumed that they're coming along.
"I do," Lore offered. She turned to Oliver and wrapped her arms tightly around him, giving me an evil stare, and apparating together.
Marcus and I were close behind. I closed my eyes, feeling the climate change around me. When I opened my eyes, I was met with the sight of a massive building, with a large neon sign that said 'Up-Style.'
Marcus pushed his way to the front, where a bald, burly black man in a suit stood patiently with a clipboard. Dark shades shielded his eyes, but you could see him raise an eyebrow at us. Funny, it's too dark to wear shades...
"Can I help you?" the man asked, his deep rich voice silencing some of the screaming girls around us.
"You have Marcus Flint and Oliver Wood here, and I don't think Eddie would want us to wait outside," Marcus said smoothly. The man nodded and stepped aside, opening the door for the four of us. I'm assuming Eddie is the owner, but then again, that's just an assumption.
Once inside, our ears are flooded with the sounds of pulsing music, with lights to match. The majority of the dance floor was shrouded in semi-darkness, with different colored lights moving back and forth quickly across the crowds. Every now and then a strobe light would flash overhead, but would stop just as suddenly as it started.
Marcus steered me to our right, where several men and women stood behind a great neon blue bar. The outlines of the bottles were faint, but you still tell them apart. We managed to cram into the bar, and were immediately met by a busty brunette.
"What can I get for you lot?" she asks, the tone of voice high and chirpy.
"Fire-whiskey all around," Marcus says, motioning to all four of us. Hmm, that's nice that he's paying, but what if I wanted something else? Oh well, free booze.
The bartender comes back with four shot glasses, and we all down the drinks quickly. Marcus slams his glass down, and I think if he had done it any more forcefully, it would have broken. It's weird, but I'm starting to get this weird feeling in the pit of my stomach. Can't really explain it though.
"You wanna go out and dance?" he asks, his breath tickling my cheek. I nod, and motion for Oliver and Lore to follow us. Oliver snorts but leads Lore over anyways.
We soon join the massive wave of people, and just get into it. Hips shaking, arms waving, heels swiveling. I close my eyes and just let the beat take over. I get bumped here and there, but what do you expect? It's practically a mosh pit!
The song soon changes, and more people arrive at the club, forming around us. So right now, I'm starting to feel the effects of the fire-whiskey, and I've got people I don't even know dancing up against me. I grimace as I see a woman sandwiched by two guys and they're beckoning me to join them. I don't break eye contact with the girl as I back away, and into someone's chest.
"You OK?" I hear Marcus yell. Even though he's yelling, I barely hear him over the thumping music and peoples' voices. I nod and smile, dancing a little closer. He raises an eyebrow and moves even closer, placing one hand on my hip as we dance together. Our hips touch every now and then, and he pulls me closer. I'm so close, that I had to situate myself so that he has a leg between mine. He smirks and rubs his thigh into the gap in my skirt. I feel my skirt start to rise, and I back away. I grin sheepishly, but keep on dancing.
Wow, not once have I looked over at Lore and Oliver yet, but I might as well break the record. I turn halfway around and see Oliver with his eyes closed, Lore pressed up against him, their hips gyrating together. Lore's eyes meet mine, and a silent challenge passes between us. Two can play at this.
I put one hand around Marcus' neck and pull him closer. I put my other hand to his chest, and he puts both hands on my hips. We start moving in unison, and I close my eyes. Is it me, or is it starting to get hot in here?
The song changes again, and I guess it's like a club favorite, as seemingly everyone empties out onto the dance floor. Our little group has shifted, so I'm back to back with Oliver, my front facing Marcus. I continue dancing, and my hip touches his. Unlike with Marcus, I feel electricity pass between us, and we both turn around, facing each other.
"Having fun?" I yell, smiling at Oliver's strange expression. Hardly any emotion. You'd think the man was at a funeral, not a club. He nods and out of the spur of the moment, I hug him. I can't really say why, since I'm not sure myself. He hugs back, and we keep moving. Our pelvis' are rubbing against each other, and he one of his fingers' laces in the mesh of the shirt. I close my eyes and throw my head back, my hips naturally pushing forward. His fingers feel like fire against my skin...
The lights disappear over us, and we're now in the shade of darkness. We're still moving together, and I feel the heat of his body coming closer. Is he gunna do what I think he is?
Yes! I feel his lips on mine in a quick, steamy kiss. I run a hand over the exposed skin of his chest and his breath hisses out of his mouth loudly. I see the light come back and we spring apart. Good thing though, because I don't think Lore or Marcus saw what happened. Not that I care...well I do, but I don't.
I start dancing back towards Marcus, and he puts both hands around my hips and brings me closer. He ducks his head and starts kissing up a down my neck. It feels good, but I'd rather be kissing Oliver...
I glance over and see Lore...ew. She's licking his exposed chest, and he has his head thrown back.
I go back to paying attention to Marcus, and I feel him nip at my collar bone. It kind of hurt, but it was like a hot hurt. If that made sense - Which I don't think it did.
Suddenly, I'm all too aware of something hot on my inner thigh, and it's on the move...
"Marcus," I groan. Don't do this...I try to push his hand away, but he just starts moving it more forcefully up my thigh.
Lights flash in my face, and I realize that the strobes have been turned on. Not good. I hate strobe lights. I can never remember what's going on when they're on. I screw my eyes shut, and shove my way through the crowd. I hear some yells of protest, but all I can think of is that I have to get out of here. Now.
I crack one up open, and see a glowing sign with the image of a girl and boy on it. Bathroom! My mind starts going blank, and the movements I'm making seem like a slow motion movie. Just seeing my arm move back and forth as I run to the bathroom seems like it takes minutes to watch.
Shoving the door harshly, I move into the brightly lit bathroom. It's definitely a same-sex bathroom, because there's a couple making out passionately on the counter. Leaning heavily on the counter, I turn the faucet and cool water rushes out. I cup my hands together and splash the water on my face and look into the mirror.
"GAH!" I yell, jumping sideways.
"Didn't mean to scare you, but are you alright?" Oliver asks, placing a hand on my lower back. His fingertips penetrate the material of my shirt, and I feel his hot skin against mine again. I gulp and nod.
"Strobe lights, right?"
"Right," I agree. He must remember the first time we went dancing, when I collapsed into his arms because of the strobe light. Stupid things make me all limp and forgetful. Kind of like a jelly fish.
"Oliver! Why'd you run off!" Piercing my ears is the shrill voice of Lore, who evidently found us. Oliver removes his hand and I turn the faucet off.
"Katie! You ok?" Marcus queries, coming up and wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
"Yeah, just hate strobe lights," I say, flashing him a forced grin. He grins back and takes my arm in his.
"Can we go back now?" Lore whines. All heads turn to me and I nod. What am I supposed to do? 'No, I think I want to sulk in here for a few more minutes.'
Marcus leads us out onto the dance floor, and Cher's "Song for the Lonely" is playing, only it's a techno version. I take a deep breath in and start shaking my hips again. We start getting into it, and a few minutes after the song starts, Marcus pulls me close.
"Tell me if you're not feeling well," Marcus whispers in my ears. I gasp as he starts kissing up and down my neck. Olivers' eyes snap over at hearing my sharp inhalation. Marcus pulls me even closer, so our chests are touching and he brings up one hand to cradle my back.
I can feel him groping around, and then a sharp tug on the lace on the back of the shirt. What does he think he's doing?! I knock his hands away, and he bites my neck pretty hard. I wince and bite my lip. That's definitely going to leave a hickey.
Ugh, he's back at it again.
"Marcus stop," I whisper into his ear. I feel his hands discontinue their assault, and they slide down so they're resting just above my buttocks. Hehe, funny word. I could have said keister, but then I get the mental image of a saggy butt. And why am I thinking about this when Marcus is trying to violate me?!
"Shh, Katie, it's OK..." Marcus whispers in my ear. He then takes my earlobe and begins to suck on it. It feels weird and gushy, so I arch my shoulder to try to escape. Then I feel his left hand; its' on the move again. Phew, it stopped on my hip.
"Katie," he groans, pushing his hips against mine. My eyes widen when I feel...firmness. I shudder involuntarily. Does no one see this?! I look around in fear, and see that everyone is so engrossed in the dancing and the music, that they don't even see that I'm getting felt up over here. Even Oliver is turned away, well...not exactly. His eyes are shut because he's kissing Lore.
Once again, I'm all too aware of a hot hand on the inside of my thigh.
"Marcus STOP," I say firmly in his ear.
"Nu-uh," he purrs in my ear. Does he really think that I want this? If so, that boy has taken too many Bludgers to the head.
"Oh God," I gasp, feeling his hand move higher, now underneath my skirt. I grip his wrist, and hold on tight.
"I'm not going to ask you again! Stop!" I yell into his ear, my eyes watering at the intensity of my own voice. He ignores me and he starts moving higher.
I gasp as he cups me, stroking me with his middle finger. My nails clench down and cut into this wrist, but he just grins at me. Oh God this is not happening. Please. Let me have the strength to stop him...
"STOP!" I scream. It's futile; my voice is overshadowed by the music. I take a step back but he clenches his hand around my underwear, so they're dragging between my legs. I can feel a solitary tear running down my face. I smash his arm with my fist as hard as I could, and he lets go, but not without dragging my underwear down a bit further. I bend over and pull my knickers back up and start backing up even further.
Grinning like a madman, he steps casually closer, and I hit someone. The guy grumbles and refuses to move. Marcus comes up and his hands snap out, grabbing me by the wrists and pulling me closer.
"What's the matter Katie? You said you liked me. I'm just showing how you how much I like you," he leers. The tears are falling more freely, but I doubt he can see them. Darkness covers us again, and every couple of seconds his face is temporarily light up by a passing light.
"If you really cared about me, you wouldn't do this!" I yell. I chance a glance around. Maybe Oliver can help. I don't see him. Shit. I wince as Marcus pulls me closer.
"Looking for Wood? Last time I saw him, he was headed towards the exit," Marcus – no, being called by his first name is a privilege – Flint smiles nastily.
"You're lying," I hiss. I see him shake his head.
"Oh but I'm not. Just give in Bell, and I promise I'll go easy on you," he purrs. I start trembling. Is he insinuating what I think he is? Oh Merlin...I feel the anger and fear boiling up inside me and I do the only thing I can think of; I spit in his face.
"Bitch!" He cries, rubbing his eyes furiously. His grip on my wrists increases painfully, and I can feel some of the circulation being cut off. Please. Someone help me. Oliver. Any one. Just help me.
"You'll pay for that," he hisses, pulling me roughly towards him and biting my neck. I cry out in pain, but like before, it goes unnoticed. With his free hand, he places it on my left breast and squeezes roughly. I close my eyes as I try to ignore the pain. Make the pain stop. Please.
Suddenly my wrists are pulled forward, but then released. I open my eyes as fast as I can and I see Flint reeling back, clutching a hand to his face.
"Katie! Are you OK?!" Oliver asks me quickly. I nod and he steps in front of me. I put a hand to his back and peer around his shoulders. I look up at the ceiling for a quick minute in silent prayer. Thank you, whoever heard my prayers.
"What are you doing here Wood? I thought you were in the john, shagging you're little bitch," Flint grinned, his brows furrowing. Ugh. He looks just like he used to; An ugly, snaggle-toothed punk with a unibrow.
"Shut the hell up Flint. And if you put one more hand on Katie, you won't be eating solid food anymore," Oliver yelled. Kind of a lame threat, but I don't care because my chest is just bursting with pride and thanks for Oliver. A small crowd had formed around us, but the music keeps playing.
"Nice comeback Wood. I'm real scared," Flint taunted Oliver. He flexed his arm and clenched his fist, so I placed a tentative hand on him. He turned around and looked at me questioningly. A blue light passed over his face and I could see the fury in his eyes. I shook my head.
"He's not worth it," I yell to be heard. Oliver looks at me. I hope he heard me...
He obviously does, because he lowers his fist and ushers me out of the club. The hot, thick air is replaced by the sharp, cool wind outside. I inhale deeply and feel my lungs purge themselves of the air I had been previously breathing. A crescent moon is hanging in the middle of the midnight blue sky like a white paint blob on a dark canvas.
"Katie-" Oliver starts. I turn around and see his back again. What the heck?
"Running away, Wood? Scared I'll kick your ass?" Flint asked boisterously. Keep it up Flint, and you're the one who'll get his ass kicked.
"Come on, Kates," Oliver whispers to me, pushing me along down the street. I look behind us and see Flint fuming. I look over at Oliver and his eyes are dark and unreadable under the light of the streetlights.
"OW!" I yell, my head leaning back. Son of a bitch grabbed my hair! I stumbled in my heels and fell to the ground.
"Get up," Flint demands coldly. I oblige, but not willingly.
"You want her? Come get her. Or if you're too scared, you can watch me have my way with her," Flint says, licking the side of my face. Ugh! Gross! I claw at my skin where his putrid tongue was moments before. I look up at Oliver.
His fists are clenched at his side again, and he looks angrier than I've ever seen him before. It's scary. But I can tell he's not making a move, for fear that Flint will wuss out and push me in the way of the blow. I can also see that Oliver doesn't have his wand. I glance down and see Flint doesn't have his either. Good.
Then it hits me like a ton of bricks. The best idea I've ever had. OK, now to get Oliver's attention...
"Oliver," I whimper as pathetically as I can. If that doesn't get his attention, I don't know what will. His eyes flash to mine, and I smirk.
'One...Two...' I mouth. Wait for it...
"THREE!" I scream, looking back, and stepping on Flints' foot as hard as I can. Flint screams out in pain and releases myself. I duck out of the way and narrowly avoid Oliver, who, as fast as a freight train, socks Flint in the face. Flint yells louder and lands on the cement, whimpering and clutching his conk. Bet it's broken. Stupid bastard.
"Come on, Kates," Oliver says, taking my arm. I stop. No. Not yet Oliver. I have some unfinished business with Flint here...
I take a few steps toward Flint and balance on one leg, removing my high heel with the other. I lift it to eye level, and close one eye, carefully taking aim. My arm stretches back and I let it fly.
"AGH!" Flint cries out, both his hands flying to his crotch. My shoe falls to the side and I smile in triumph, watching him clutch himself.
"You go girl!" I hear a woman a few feet away from me shout. The woman is wearing jeans, boots, and a jean jacket. She raises her wand and yells, "Accio shoe!" My shoe goes flying into her hand and she walks over and places it in my hand.
"Way to show 'em," she says, winking at me before walking away. Oliver tugs at my arm again and we walk off together.
"Let's go home," he whispers. I nod weakly and we both apparate out of there.
As soon as we got to our apartment I ran into my room and shut the door quietly. I ripped off the clothes I was wearing and banished them to the corner of the room. So now I'm standing here in only my underwear. These are the knickers he grabbed. It has him all over...
"Katie?" I hear Oliver's soft voice call my name through the hollow material of the door and I run over to my bed and snag my Quidditch blanket.
He turns the knob and walks in slowly, taking in the sight of me shivering in my knickers, my stomach exposed and the rest of my upper half wrapped in the thick blanket. I choke on my laughter, and it ends up sounding like a sniffle. Heh, I don't even have the immodesty to blush.
"Katie," he reiterates my name and steps closer to me, wrapping his arms around me. His touch just makes me snap and I break down into fresh tears. He picks me up and carries us both to my bed, where he sits me down next to him.
"Shhh, Kates. What's wrong?" he asks so softly I can barely hear him. I start crying harder and I can almost taste the salt of my tears as they run down my cheeks and past my mouth.
"It's all over me," I choke out. I don't know why it's so hard to tell him, but it is.
"What is?"
"Flint! He, he's all over me. He's on my clothes, he's on my hair and skin...He's on my panties," I say quietly. Oliver doesn't say anything, but I can tell he cast a quick glance at the pile of clothes in the corner. I sniffle, and lean on his shoulder. He brings his arm and places it loosely around my waist.
"It's ok, Kates. He won't touch you anymore," he whispers soothingly into my ear. The tears stop flowing and he lets go of me. I whimper at the loss of warmth, and he casts me a sympathetic smile.
"I'll be back in a minute," he says, and closes the door behind him.
I lay back on the bed and sigh. This reminds me so much of that one Muggle song...
"I thought I saw a man brought to life," I start singing in a hoarse, creaky voice.
"He was warm, he came around like he was dignified," I sang louder. My voice starts smoothing out and I sound better and better by the second.
"He showed me what it was to cry
Well you couldn't be that man I adored
You don't seem to know, don't seem to care what your heart is for
But I don't know him anymore
There's nothing where he used to lie
My conversation has run dry
That's what' going on, nothing's fine I'm torn," I pause for a second, hearing the door open. I close my eyes, remembering what my mum always used to tell me. "Never stop singing and dancing, and even then, dance like nobody's watching, and sing like no one's listening," she told me. Merlin, I miss you mum. (AN: She's not dead – she just doesn't live close)
"I'm all out of faith, this is how I feel
I'm cold and I am shamed lying naked on the floor
Illusion never changed into something real
I'm wide awake and I can see the perfect sky is torn
You're a little late, I'm already torn..."
"Katie," I hear Oliver whisper. I open my eyes and look up. Standing in the doorway is Oliver, flanked by Alicia and Angelina. I sit up, clutching the blanket to my chest, although I can still feel the air on my stomach.
"Guys..." I whisper breathlessly. Angelina and Alicia rush forward and encircle me in a hug.
"Oh Katie. Are you alright?" Alicia asks me. I open my mouth to answer, but Angelina is on my other side.
"What did he do to you?" Angelina demands, concern darkening her normally bright hazel eyes. I looked up from Alicia's and saw Oliver's. Those melting pools of chocolate flaked with gold smiled back at me, and I smiled weakly back.
"Oliver, could we ask a favor?" Alicia asked, turning to Oliver. Oliver blinked, but took a step forward.
"Anything," Oliver declared.
So what'd you think? Parts of this chapter I adore, but I really think I should have spaced it out. But you'll get why Marcus did all this in the next chapter or two. Hope this satisfies everyones complaints. And hehe, like I said before. What goes around comes around, and justice is always done to the villains...or in some cases, villainesses. hehehe. Hope you like it! Tell me what you think! I promise I won't be offended (Too badly .) Hall of Fame time!
-Paradise-Unknown (that's how katie feels too. Stupid Lore gets away with everything!! But she'll get whats coming)
-Inu-Kokoro (green-stripe cult eh? Sounds appealing!)
-webster
-Crying Pixie
-im rad (haha, i think we ALL see the line at one time or another)
-Katie
-lindalee4
-denisee-lahh
-Ravaran ( i kno! You want to just be like OPEN YOUR EYES YOU DOLT, but when u lean back to smack him, u can't help but lower ur arm and engulf him in a glomp)
-Soccer-Bitch
-endlessromance
-CreepySusie (glad i made your day )
-GypsyJade (Takes away bat trust me, something even BETTER is coming. mwuahahaha...)
-SumeR'sGirl
-ShadowStar21
-PhyrePrincess