Reign of Fire: Rising from the Ashes

Chapter Thirteen- Time to party!

By the sounds of it, the party had already started and Creedy was waiting on Kayleigh before he went down. It was one of Quinn's spontaneous ideas, something he had being doing less of in the recent years. But for this he did have a reason, he was going to be a father and he wanted the entire world to know. In a matter of hours the party was thrown together, food, Creedy's black label and some music all organized for the celebration. And as the news spread of the party, the reasons for having it increased, Holly's latest victory over the dragons, the refugees being welcomed properly and little Jemima's first baby tooth falling out were all listed.

Creedy was rather proud of how well turned out he was looking, a slightly crumpled yet immaculately clean white shirt teamed with his favourite faded jeans and black boots. He had been in the process of trying to grow himself a beard like Quinn only to find he couldn't stand the itchy stage and opted to shave it all off and stay with his clean shaven look. He stood at the wall mounted mirror in his room, raking his hands through his wild curls, trying to smooth them down a bit more whilst he killed some time before Kayleigh turned up. Not that his mind was on the curvaceous blonde, instead it was on a possibly more attractive black haired vixen and whether or not she would make an appearance.

Glancing to his left slightly, he caught sight of Kayleigh leaning against his door framed, scantily glad in a light blue dress- one that would have suited Holly's complexion a lot better. Shaking thoughts of Holly from his mind, he spun around to face the young woman who smiled seductively at him. She was certainly a pretty sight, one he was appreciating more and more by the second; all thoughts of Holly were slowly being banished from his mind.

"That's a nice dress lass." Creedy stated.

"Thanks, Rhona found it for me." She started to walk towards him.

"Good on Rhona."

"You don't look too bad yourself." Wrapping her arms around his neck, Kayleigh licked her lips.

"I don't think I want to go to this party any more Creedy."

"Well unfortunately Quinn is expecting me there, so we gotta go." Kayleigh pouted.

"Oh OK then, but you'll have to make it up to me later."

"Aye, I think I can arrange that." Kayleigh smiled and caught his full lips in a passionate kiss, not letting him pull back until she was completely satisfied.

Alex had Holly cornered- literally.

"You're going to the party Holly and that's final."

"Nuh-uh."

"Yuh-uh! You're not telling me you're willing to let your pregnant friend go out there by herself right?"

"Didn't I tell you to lose the emotional blackmail? Cause I'm so over that!"

"So why is there such doubt across your face then?"

Holly mumbled something before quickly turning round to face the window. "I've…I've never even been to a party before…as in never. And this sure seems like the worst possible moment to start picking up on the habit. No one will want me there, and then there is Creedy and Kayleigh. I SO don't want to spend my night watching those two maul each other only to see him escorting her back to his place for another round of chess…"

When receiving no answer she turned again to find Alex grinning at her. "So what exactly are you afraid of? The music, the drunk people, the no-doubt crappy speech my baby's daddy will attempt or losing against a stray cat like Kayleigh?"

She moved in a little closer. "I never figured you for a quitter Holly girl, especially not against a woman who has nothing but her bouncy boobs to outsmart you. Did it ever occur to you Creedy might, in the long run, start longing for a different game than just…chess?"

Holly sighed, there was no way out. And she sure would like to have her moment with Kayleigh, what better place to do it than a party where she would be powerless to strike back?

"Fine I'll make an appearance, but I'll leave when I want too."

"Sounds good to me. Oh, and I found this for you to wear." Alex shoved a purple bundle in Holly's hand.

"What's this?" Holly smoothed out the folded cloth to find a long amethyst coloured strappy top and a black corseted top with amethyst embroidery on it.

"Joan gave it to me for you, you know she has taken a shine to you after all."

"She has a funny way of showing it."

"Joan's old fashioned, you can't blame her for disapproving of your dangerous 'occupation'. Oh by the way she didn't want you to know it was from her- so don't say anything."

"Thanks for this, but I don't think I can wear it." Holly smiled apologetically.

"Yes you can, I checked. The purple top will hit you just below you hips and is fitted enough that no one will be able to see. And the corset will give you extra shape over the top. Go on hun, it's a special occasion."

"Alright then, why not."

"Great, and we'll do your hair and make up too!" Alex smiled broadly, whereas Holly just looked like a girl whose prom date never showed up…

For once Holly could agree with Alex, she looked hot. Walking towards party central, she kept catching a glimpse of herself in reflective surfaces and liked what she saw. The black and amethyst ensemble Alex had given her went perfectly with her tighter fitting black combats and normal black boots. The dark colours brought out the ethereal glow of her pale skin, the corseted top making her slender waist seem even smaller and her modest breasts even bigger. Alex had skilfully tamed her hair into a loose bun, black tendrils framing her face elegantly. Never had she imagined herself to look as good as she did just then.

The party was in full swing by the time she had arrived, everyone was there and on their way to having a good time. Holly looked around nervously, desperate to seek out Alex and Quinn and some sort of comfort.

Creedy finally figured out why there was something odd about his relationship with Kayleigh- she was beautiful, great in bed, and well that was about it. They could have basic conversations and he did enjoy spending time with her, but there was no depth, no platonic banter, with her it was all about sex, learning about the castle or learning about them. No fantastical tales of her past like Holly always had to tell, no witty sarcasm ready and waiting for a battle between them, no philosophical conversations. Kayleigh always seemed completely dependent on him whereas Holly seemed to hide her need of dependence behind a wall of independence. To him, after much consideration, Kayleigh was completely two-dimensional and it bugged him. Standing with her now as she talked with Rhona, Sue and Lorraine, Creedy was bored stiff; but he couldn't get away due to her inhuman grip around his waist. Creedy moved his gaze around the room, he couldn't see Quinn or Alex among the throng of people and his hope of escape turned to the dim light of despair- what he wouldn't do for a glass of his black label. Sighting Ajay and Tito near the refreshments, Creedy slipped from Kayleigh's hold using the excuse of getting them drinks as his way out. She had become rather possessive that last day, not that he knew why and he suddenly had terrible visions of being dragged down the aisle. Nearing the table and his friends, he noticed the slightly smaller figure of Holly was situated between the two men, whose respect for her was growing each day. She looked amazing, the blacks and purples she wore enhanced her natural and undeniable beauty. Creedy could feel the age old desire begin to pump through his veins, but guilt and hurt prevented anything else. He could not understand her horrible behaviour towards Kayleigh, she had been so cruel and it hurt him to think he cared for someone who could do such a thing.

"'Ello Creed!" Ajay cried out. Holly seemed to quiet even more at his arrival.

"Hi guys, Holly. Good party eh?" Tito and Ajay nodded in agreement.

"Where's that little lady of yours hmm?" Creedy blushed, Holly felt nauseous.

"She's gossiping with some of the others. You know what women are like."

"That I do Creedy," Tito replied, laughing heartily.

"See ya later mate, me and Ajay have a couple of ladies we promised to dance with." Slapping Creedy on the back Tito bounded off, Ajay nodded slowly following him.

Holly leant back against the table, keeping her head down; hoping to an extent that Creedy would ignore her.

"I didn't think I'd see you here." She looked up at Creedy, his expression serious- she hated that. Oh fuck, when did he decide to start looking this gorgeous? His jaw line looks even more tempting now that the silly scruff has come off!

"Alex made me come."

"Good on her…" Oh fook, when did she decide to start looking this gorgeous? Who would have thought a little bit of lace was all it took to turn the tomboy into a lady!

"Well you look very nice, purple suits you- so does your hair being up like that."

"Thanks."

"No problem. Here have a drink." He passed her a glass of his Black Label which Holly happily accepted. The guy might be bad news but that germ-killing mixture of his would perhaps drown out some of those raging nerves for now…

"There you are Creedy, I wondered what was taking so long- oh hello Holly." Kayleigh sidled up to Creedy, shooting Holly a disdainful look.

"Here you go Kayleigh, one glass of my finest." Kayleigh scrunched up her nose.

"No thanks that stuff is repulsive." Creedy looked a little disappointed.

"Well cheers to the people with better judgement then!" Holly interrupted, raising her glass at Creedy. She looked at Kayleigh, a challenging glint in her eye. Bringing the glass slowly to her full lips, Holly downed the dark liquid refusing to allow any emotion to flash across her face that might convey the fact that she felt like she had gone 10 rounds with the Bull dragon himself. She smiled sweetly up at Creedy who couldn't hide his pride; that girl is a wonder. How does she do it?!

"Well, I'll see you two later. Have a good evening." Holly sauntered off, leaving behind an incredulous Kayleigh and an amused Creedy.

Striding to the door, Holly practically ran through it before collapsing on the other side. There is no way that drink should ever be made legal!

"Having a good evening Holly? Alex told me this was your first party."

"Hello Quinn, yeah it's been interesting." She pulled herself back up the wall to stand at full height opposite her friend. Quinn had a grin a mile long etched onto his face.

"I'm glad, I'm glad. Now what do you say to a dance?" Damn it, should have seen that one coming hun! How are you gonna squirm your way out now eh?

"Thanks Quinn but I should…I need to…I...can't dance." Sure Quinn, pour me the sweet smiles! Make it impossible for me to come up with a descent enough lie!

"Now that's a sin we will have to remedy. Let's go, I'll show you." Grabbing her hand, Quinn headed towards the other dancing couples. Holly closed her eyes as Quinn's arms closed around her waist, hoping she would at least stay clear of his toes…or anyone else's for that matter. Quinn was as good a leader on the dance floor as he was at everything else however, and as instinct took over Holly realised dancing was basically not much different from her fighting techniques. Only it required snuggling up to a significant other, and you had to follow the music instead of your own heartbeat.

This dancing thing actually felt quite good, only she could not fight the feeling it could feel so much better. Would Creedy ever touch her like this? Move her around while smiling at her so encouragingly? And would he then kiss her as passionately as he had done that evening in the kitchen?

Across the floor, tenderly beholding Holly's clumsy attempts at her first dance, Creedy found himself wondering the same things. He closed his eyes to imagine her in his arms for just a moment, before a set of round breasts and wet lips reminded him once again who he was really dancing with. He knew she was fed up with all of this and was determined on seducing him back to…well…THEIR room by now, but tonight he seemed by be saved by the bell…a real one for that matter!

"What's up Mickey?" Quinn's worried voice rang across the hall to the guard who had sprinted his way down from the tower. By now the whole party had gone quiet. Young Mickey stopped and caught his breath as best as he could.

"The crops. The crops are on fire!"