FOURTEEN! I'VE DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN HAVEN'T I!
Okay, I'm all good now. Review replies on the bottom. Sorry about the large about of grammar and punctutation errors,
I just wanted to get this posted up quickly so a certain SOMEONE -coughs and evil glare at that someone- doesn't yell at me...
Disclaimer:
-sinster look- ANIME IS ALL MINE! MUHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Riiiiight, as if. HauntedAngel owns her OCs, Truble owns Mirror Chang, I own my OCs and some other people own Beyblade.
For now.
Chapter 2: Somewhere To Call My Sanctuary
Somewhere to love, somewhere to breathe,
Somewhere to call my sanctuary…
It was weird. They were both so quiet. Like…they knew something that Tyler and I wouldn't like to hear. And that had me really worried. Because usually when Chase and Matt were like this…something was up.
"Matt, who are you and Chase staying with?" I asked, forcing all nervousness to escape my voice. "Like, I'm sure that-"
"Chase is staying with his family and I'm staying with mine," Matt cut in flatly, sapphire eyes turning cold and hard. "Mom died. She woke up. And told me she wanted the drugs to stop. She wanted me to live a life where I didn't have to go look after her everyday."
"So, you stopped it…" I whispered softly, looking at Matt, who was lying on the grass, looking at the clouds. As though there was nothing wrong. When practically everything was going wrong.
Matt has always lived with his mother. But when he was eight…she suddenly fainted and never woke up. Doctors put her on life support, giving her drugs, whatever. She wakes up from time to time. But Matt always thought about her. No matter what.
And now…she's gone. I can't believe I missed Matt being so quiet. Not that it was easy to pick up, seeing that he's always usually so quiet. No wonder why he was here. I shouldn't have thought he came for me. I mean, loads of our friends in LA needed him. He was always the dependable one. The lone wolf that would do anything to get the job done. I don't know how to describe him.
I mean, he's a jerk, an arrogant jerk at the least. But he's always been so cold. And he always seemed to never be hurt by anything anyone says. Save for Chase, the two of them being best mates. But…now…he's been hurt to the core.
"It's nothing. It's better for her. Mom I mean, she-"
"Matt. You don't have to act like you aren't hurt," I cut in, sighing. "You don't have to always been the one to never be hurt, you don't-"
"Shut up Stephanie." And I did shut up. "Just forget everything, Chase has the bigger problem. He's stuck with-"
"SHUT UP!" Chase snapped, glaring at Matt. "I told you that they weren't to know, not until-"
"Aw, look at this, the four Musketeers." My eyes widened at the voice and my head jerked up from the ground. We all looked at the brown haired male. With the same auburn eyes as Tyler. "Hey Steffie, long time no see."
"Chris…"
"Still remember me? How wonderful, that's so sweet of you," he mocked, smirking at me. I got up from the bench, my fist clenched, until Tyler pulled me back down, glaring at his twin brother, his hatred unmasked.
"You…what the hell are you doing here! You should be in New York with our father, so-"
"Didn't you know that Lucinda came home today? From that boarding school in London was it? Yeah, I met her in the airport. We-"
"Shut up and answer my question Chris. What the hell are you doing here!" Whoa, Tyler's beyond pissed. You could see it in his eyes. He looked ready to kill someone, preferably Chris from what I'm seeing right now.
The other Downer in front of us let out a mock sigh. "You see brother dearest, our mother and father…oh wait, shouldn't you already know? I mean, after all, you're supposed to be older than me aren't you?"
"Chris…if you don't want-"
"How touching, you guys finally hooked up? About damn time you got some off her Tyler; Steffie's a-"
"YOU FUCKING BASTARD!" Tyler and I snapped at the same time, throwing a punch at his jaw. Chris stepped aside neatly, coolly surveying us, a malicious challenge lighting up in his auburn eyes.
"Are you asking for a fight, brother dear?" I looked at Chris and Tyler, literally seeing spark fly from the two of them. To be honest…Chris has changed…usually he's the hot-headed one. I mean, he's never really all that calm. Tyler's the easy natured one. Chris was the louder and more quick tempered. To be honest, I think they've done a switch on us.
"Hey Downer, what the hell are you doing here?" Chase snarled as Tyler pulled me behind him, glaring at his twin brother. "We thought you were in-"
"New York? Nah, daddy dearest decided that I should come over to Bakuten for-"
"Look, we don't really give a shit so clear off," Matt put in coldly. We all looked at him, his sapphire eyes hard and frigid. Chris raised an eyebrow and started turning to leave. Yeah, that's how scary Matt can be.
"Hey Tyler…you need to be home by five. Our parents told us that all three of us need to be there for a dinner party. Invitation only, sorry Steffie, you can't-"
"Call me Steffie one more time and I'll castrate you," I threatened as he headed off. Chase raised an eyebrow as we all got up and started heading back to the school. Tyler was letting out incoherent snarls every five steps, Matt was extremely tense whereas Chase was rather calm.
"What's the deal with you!" Matt snarled to Chase. The crimson eyed male raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Spill it Hiwatari, what dirt have you-"
"Well, the dinner's gonna be one lovely surprise…" Chase drawled, heading into the school building with us as we heard the bell for the end of the school day ring. Before, we had blown off our time at the mall, and then settled down at the park. And obviously we were rudely interrupted by Chris.
Like hell we were going to our detentions. I mean, god, Chase? Detention? Riiiight, the only time he attended one was when the school principal practically dragged him into the detention room. But either ways, Chase climbed out of the window when the teacher went on bathroom break.
Matt…he'd just go to the detention, fake going to the bathroom and never return. Honestly, they can't say that he didn't attend because he signed his name off on the sheet. Full attendance of a detention isn't a rule, so basically, he can't extent his sentence anymore than he already has.
Usually Tyler and I end up going and finish off assignments and then scribble notes to each other. And then play charades. As well as make paper origami. And have paper wars. Come on, it's not like there's a written rule again pencil wars!
"Hey Cander, you busy tonight?" I looked at Ray, raising an eyebrow. "No, not a date, there's a pool party, thought you and Downer would you like to take a break from your crime causing lives and act like normal-"
"Where and what time?" My glance turned to Matt, who was busy taking out some books from his locker. "Seriously, I'm for it. Chase and Tyler have the dinner, I can drive you there and back CC."
"Steff knows the way to Brooklyn's house and come when you've got your stuff ready, that's if Steff wants to have a quick swim before the actual party. You don't have to bring alcohol…" Ray rolled his eyes. "I still have a lot stocked up from that party last week…"
"Oh yeah, leave us to suffer," Tyler grumbled, glaring angrily at Matt. I offered him a small apologetic smile before pulling out a scrap of paper from my pocket. I quickly snitched a pen out of Matt's locker and scribbled my house address down for Matt. "Hey Kamiya, I'll take her to the party, we're going out for some coffee before I get her-"
"We-"
"Remember? I told you yesterday?" My eyes locked up with Tyler's as he gave me a meaningful stare. I nodded slowly, searching for an explanation within his deep auburn orbs, only to get nothing. They were hidden and I couldn't read a thing. "I'll meet you at my car, okay Steff?" I nodded, numbly heading to my locker.
What did Tyler need to talk to me for? He's seems so—
"Hey Cander, I know I'm hot, but you don't need to be throwing yourself at me." I looked at the redheaded male and just nodded, silently apologising for running into him, and then heading towards my locker. "Hey. Steff. You alright?" I stopped and turned, an eyebrow raised at the violet eyed Scotsman. Since when did he care? "Usually you have something snap at me. Someone took your voice box or something?"
"Were you planning on sending them some flowers?" I sneered, striding off to my locker and opening the door. I was piling up some books into my bag when I froze up at the next sentence Johnny McGregor threw to me.
"Well, I did intend on those roses going to you, but I guess I could look for someone who pissed you off that much that you were silent to my comment. Who was it?"
Was he….flirting? Seriously, two can play the game, but this is Johnny McGregor, best friend to Willow Tate, whom, mind you, wishes that I would drop of the face of the earth.
"Hm, I doubt that a man would appreciate a bunch of roses, especially if they're coming from you of all people," I drawled out, smiling slightly. When I slid my wallet into my bag, I closed my locker and started heading down the hallway, only to be pulled back and pushes gently against a locker.
"Would someone like you appreciate them? I wasn't sure, lilies or roses. You're gorgeous yet when someone gets close, they get pricked by your remarks. You're fragile, yet I believe you're able to be the end of someone. You suit both of them, dear Stephanie, what are you? We've known each other for-"
"Are you flirting with me Jonathan McGregor?" I whispered, leaving my bag slide to the floor, landing at my feet. "Are you wishing for something from me? Like perhaps-"
"Steff. Long time no see." Smoky silver clashed with my emerald as I looked over to my right, seeing the familiar form of Cedric Henderson. His brown hair was still very dark, skin tanned, body unbelievably fit…his expression though…it was really hidden.
"Ced," I whispered, anxiety coming over me as I saw amusement enter his expression. "Cedric, I didn't-"
"Who the hell is he?" The two of us looked at Johnny, who was rather irked with the fact that all the attention had shifted from our flirting to a new person. "He doesn't go to school here."
"I will be tomorrow," Cedric retorted coolly, a guarded look appearing in his eyes. I gave him a warning glance, somehow managing to glare at Johnny at the same time. "Stephanie? Perhaps he's right. We should have some introductions."
"Right, yeah, intros; Cedric Henderson, friend of mine from when I lived in LA, Johnny McGregor, resident redheaded, temperamental, ego-overloaded Scotsman; be nice and say hello to each other," I reeled off, smirking slightly when a flash of anger passed across Johnny's face.
Hey, he wanted to an intro, I gave him one!
"I'll see you around Cander," Johnny mumbled, giving me a nod before heading off. "And Cander? Try not to throw yourself at anyone else." I glared at his retreating back and then turned to Cedric.
"So…"
"You're okay, right CC?" he asked distractedly, checking his mobile quickly. "Seriously, I mean, I tried to tell those two we should have given you and Ty a call, but you know they never listen unless you-"
"Ced, you're the one who needs to be worried about. What's up? You aren't usually-"
"Its fine CC, just…just be careful okay?" I gave him a confused look before he gently pushed me in the direction of the impatiently waiting Tyler, he himself heading over to where Matt and Chase were talking quietly.
"What took you so long?" Tyler grumbled. I shrugged. What, like I could just go:
Oh, I just stopped to have a nice little flirting session with Johnny McGregor.
Oh crap! As I turned on my heel, I started sprinting back to my locker, grabbing my bag and heading back to Tyler, laughing wildly. I can be such an idiot…
"I reckon you should stay home tonight." I blinked in confused. A wha? We stopped and I turned to him, letting bewilderment take over my expression. "Steff, don't go to the party." So now he's my father! Great, just fricking—
"Just get over it that I'm actually have fun without you," I snapped. "I mean-"
"Steff, you and I both know that I do not want to go to the damn dinner okay? Can you just-"
"Just what? Stop having fun when you're thrown into something against your will? No thanks Tyler, I'm fine just how I am." A small smirk twitched to my mouth for some reason. God, I really am a bitch. Heh, I think that was confirmed ages ago.
"Cander, what the hell is with you?" My smirk turned into a cold smirk at the fury sparking up in Tyler's auburn orbs. It was nice seeing him angry for a change. It really did help him let go of the stress he got from his mother. "Stephanie?"
"Oh, Tyler, are you okay, are you stressed? You feeling-"
"Okay, whatever the hell crawled up your ass and died, don't take it out on me, okay?" I nearly laughed at his statement. I wasn't angry, he was. I should be the telling him that. "Stephanie, seriously, if this is about-"
"You big hypocrite." I turned to walk away, shaking my head in amusement. A growl escaped Tyler as he headed back his own way. Maybe that should help him get rid of his stress…Either ways, I'm going to that party and no one, and I mean no one is gonna stop me.
"Yo, Cander, a bit unsafe for little girls like you to be running around alone, especially in alleyways." I laughed softly and turned, crimson eyes clashing with my emerald. "You never know who could be around…druggies, stalkers, weirdos…"
"Yeah, weirdos like you," I retorted, rolling my eyes at the two toned blue haired Hiwatari. He and Chase were similar. They refused to admit it, but they were definitely similar. "Then why like your precious little sister run amuck, all by her lil' ole self?"
"That's because Cander, I make sure that there are people supervising her…people like Willow. Mirror. You know, friends?" That slow sexy smirk appeared on his features as I rolled my eyes yet again.
Sexy smirk.
I didn't think that.
No. I didn't.
Wait a sex(1)…I mean sec…what the hell!
Why am I thinking about sex? And Hiwatari's sexy smirk? Chase has the same damn thing, which should be a crime, because he's hot enough already, but now I—
Oh god, it's either I'm on crack or I have cracked. Take a pick; they're the same either way. Except I can get off crack. Well, hopefully anyways.
"Friends, yeah, I have a lot of them, especially male friends…you know? Those hot guys you and Willow meet today? And then, there's this-"
"Neither of them are on par with me, that's definite." I smirked and raised an eyebrow, looking at him, as though surveying his body, letting my eyes linger over his chest and then lower half noticeable. Riiiight, like I could see through his pants and—
"Wait till this afternoon and see me without my shirt off and then judge, Cander," he murmured, smirking at me deviously. "And then…" I looked at him in surprised when he punched his right fist onto the wall, about six inches above my head his gaze completely intense on me. My eyes widen slightly in surprise. What the?
"Says who I'll be there?" I retorted coolly, fixing my gaze on him. "After all, I am very busy and-"
"Because I just said you'll be there," he drawled, moving his left hand up to hold my chin, forcing me to look up slightly, making me aware of the height difference and how I was at the perfect height for him to lean down slightly and—
No. I will not go on. I will not go there! This is Hiwatari, this is Kai Hiwatari who…who is a very good kisser, I have to admit that.
The sound of Matt, Ray and Brooklyn bickering relaxed me slightly as I swam laps around the pool. As my slim form cut through the water, I couldn't help but think about what happened this afternoon with Hiwatari… Damn, that wasn't my first kiss, but it was one of the best… And how good I felt when he touched me so…so…
So intimately…
As though…I was his and his only. God that was just wrong if you think about it; we've hated each other since middle school based solely the reason that I crossed the wrong side of Willow Tate…
Why did he kiss me though? Why did he flirt? I don't mind the attention; it's actually quite fun cutting it loose with someone who doesn't give shit about you. But the main question, the million dollar question, the question that is guaranteed to raise drama is: Why?
"Hey, Caro, you okay?" I swam to the edge of the pool, taking Ray's hand and lifted myself out of the water. Gratefully, I accepted his offer of the towel and nodded a yes and a thanks to him. "What's on your mind? You look like something's happened." I gave him a mysterious smile, wrapping the towel around my wrap and heading into the kitchen.
If you think about it, it's kinda cliché, the entire love-hate relationship thing. Like hell I want that to happen. I mean, come on, first of all, the love and the hate, no duh…second of all, cliché romances never work out, contrary to what is displayed on the movies and lastly…Chase.
"Yo, Caro, you want something to drink?" I nodded, catching the can of Sprite Brooklyn tossed towards me. The alcohol was gonna be untouched until enough people got her. I looked at the three males as they resumed their bickering and a small smile crossed my face.
It felt kinda safe around them, even when they're bickering. Like, I knew that it was normal and it'd always be there. I guess my worries about why Chase and Matt being here aren't all that important anymore…
Maybe I should relax a bit.
Let my guard down and have a bit of fun…
Music was pumped out loud, people were talking and shouting, splashing were heard from all around the pool. I looked over at Brooklyn and quickly signed out "Victory" sign. The pool party was just want we needed after two weeks of school torture.
As I headed into the kitchen, I sighed in relief when I saw that it was empty. Automatically, I headed over to the fridge and pulls out another can of Sprite, popping open the tab and taking a short sip.
"You look tired." I rolled my eyes and turned to face the blue haired Russian, only to get pressed into the cool metal of the refrigerator. I really hate bikinis at this moment…I'm practically shivering from the contact of my damp back to the cool, smooth fridge. "You need me to help you out there?"
"Kai…" I started off, locking our gazes. He raised an eyebrow and I smirked, tilting my hand slightly, splashing the rest of my Sprite over his feet. He yelped and jumped back, glaring at me angrily. I lazily threw the can into the dustbin, moving to head out of the kitchen, out to be pulled back and pushed against the counter. Crimson eyes locked up with my emerald and I smirked when saw a challenge dancing within Hiwatari's eyes.
Challenge was my middle name; it was Hiwatari's loss if he didn't know that. To be honest, it made me feel more relaxed around him, even though I had him using his muscular form pressing me down onto the counter. God, if someone entered into the kitchen right now, I had a lot of—
Wait a sec, is Chang here! If she is, I'm am so—
"So Stephanie, we never really got any quality time around each other for the last few years, so why don't we catch up on that right now?" I felt myself go tense at his husky tone, the teasing message that he was sending to me. I liked the two of us pressed flushed together, I wanted this to—
"Yo, Hiwatari, you might getting out here?" A sigh of relief was bit back as I watched him left. But his words made me tense up once more.
"You just want more and more Steff, you always do." As I watched him leave, I felt kinda uneasy. Maybe it was because he was right. Or perhaps it was that I was in a bikini, leaned against the counter in Brooklyn Kingston's kitchen.
When I went outside, I yelped as Matt yanked me into the pool, water splashing into my eyes, temporarily blinding me. When I resurfaced, I ducked and squealed as he splashed me rapidly, Ray backing him up. I mock growled and splashed them back, tackling the two of them underwater.
It was good to be able to relax. To be honest, I guess I'm happy Matt came, even though he was here only because his mom died. As for Chase, even if he had to put up with his family's taunts, I guess the best I can do it just…be here for him. In my own bitchy way that is. Ced…I just wanted to know what was with him, he's usually so lively and cheerful, I just want to know what's wrong.
When I was back in LA, it was easier; we just ran amok, messing things up, not caring, and just forgetting about rules and regulations. But now…things were different. I had to keep within the limits I put upon myself. For Tyler. Myself. And now, for Chase, for Matt and for Cedric.
In the past, we hurt people because we've been hurt. All of us were looking for a place where it's okay for us to let down out guard and be ourselves. We just wanted to know what it's like to well, have family. To have friends. To be able to say something and mean it.
We didn't want to hide.
"CC…" I turned and ducked as I saw Ced splash a huge wave of water at me. When did he get here? As Ray pulled me out of the water, I let out a squeal of surprise as he threw me to Brooklyn, me getting dunked ungraciously. I tried to splash them back, but Matt pushed me under water while Brooklyn made his escape to the other side of the pool.
To muck about and not care about whether or not I look stupid. To be able to say something without having to go into an argument.
"Damn it, DIE KAMIYA!" I shouted, pouncing onto Matt in the water and splashing his eyes furiously, only to get thrown off him and splashed by Ray. I fought wildly and then tackled the nearest person who happened to be a certain blonde Italian…
"Hey guys…" he drawled to Kara and Max, who looked over at him. "POOL FIGHT!" Soon, the entirely area was filled with the sounds of splashing; the towels nearby were drenched within seconds.
"GOT HER!" Cedric yelled to Ray, holding me around the waist and throwing me to Matt. I mock growled and tried to get free, only to get dunked once more.
I wanted a place where I can breathe without having to be in fear of being hurt.
"DAMN IT, YOU'RE DYING TODAY KINGSTON!" I threatened as I resurfaced from another dunking, courtesy of Brooklyn. I waded over to him and tackled him, only to be flipped over and thrown to Ced.
"Hm…how about…we…kill…you!" he crowed, dunking me again. This time, when I resurfaced, I used a hand to his chest and shoved him underwater, triumphantly getting out of the pool, smirking.
"And where do you think you're going?" I looked at Willow Tate, my eyes narrowed dangerously.
Some place where I know that I'll be able to not be hurt by anyone else that doesn't matter to me.
"Away."
"Or not," a familiar voice behind me retaliated. I yelped as I was pulled back into the water by Tala Valkov, getting dunked once more. This time…these people were going to suffer. Oh yeah, suffer very badly…
I wished that Ty and Chase were here, I mean, it's kinda not the same without Chae being his usual arrogant self, Tyler and me teaming up against other two in chicken fights, Cedric, Matt and Chase yelling at us to hit the opposition.
"DIE SCREAMING TATE!" I cried, pulling Willow into the water, swimming away before she could kill me. I snickered, accidentally running into the malicious looking Kai Hiwatari and Miguel Inoyez. Uh oh.
A place here I didn't have to worry for once. Just…let go and be my wild self. Not hide or something.
"Cander…" Miguel started, smirking at me darkly.
"Yes?" I chirped innocently.
"Hope you like ice," Kai stated. I squealed, yelped and shrieked as they threw two bucketfuls of shaved ice at me. I heard Willow doing the same as me, the sounds of Johnny and Enrique howling in laughter informing me of the culprits.
"Hey Kai, it's really rude to do that you know?" Kara Hiwatari drawled, crimson eyes lighting up in amusement as she turned on the hose and squirted her brother. Kai let out a yelp –yes, a yelp, unbelievable, I know– and hide behind me, Miguel doing the same. I swam out of the way, taking cover behind Matt.
And I don't think he likes being squirted. Too bad for him.
A place where I can be safe and I can be happy, a place where I'm loved and where I know that no matter what, no matter how many times I screw things up, I'll still be able to stay there and work things out…
A place where I can count on friends to be there for me…
I know now, that this place isn't a place of my fantasy.
"I'LL KILL YOU STEPHANIE CAROLINE CANDER!"
As I ran out of the pool, laughing as Matt chased after me, I knew this place, really does exist.
Here in the dark, I can be strong,
Knowing that nothing can hurt from now on…
(1) God damn it, the x and c are right next to each other on the damn keyboard… If I type sec wrong in an MSN conversation…you get how awkward I feel right?
Yes! I got it done! I reckon Steff's going a bit soft and emotional at the end, but that for you guys to decide!
Ah...need to get my ass moving so that I finish the first chapter of my Naruto fic...do you guys even read those notes?
Anyways, please leave a review.
And then please be nice and check out Because Of You, I co-wrote it with HauntedAngel.
This is Scarlet signing out of Last Night On Earth, Version 2.0
CryingSorceress: -hands over chocolates and pancakes- present for being the first review of the 2.0 version of Last Night On Earth. Hehe, I hope that my style isn't scaring you! And is Steff still the wild girl I showed you? Still the Ice Bitch I said she is? And who doesn't love those three...they're in Truble's Still Takes Two and I wonder whether people love them or hate them.
ShadowFireFoxRayu: loooool, long time no see! So how was the babysitting?
Truble: O.O Ti? It's okay, I get the review. Yep, yep,I love you too. -hugs-
Song Of A Fallen Angel: .; really? I thought that a few people might kill me for taking so long to write it!
Purplebubble: Haha, THAT'S MY JOB! CRAZY STALKER IS MY JOB! -glares- don't steal my job! And thanks for the email
HauntedAngel: I NEED TO REVIEW CONTRADICTED! -runs around screaming- stupid slow internet server! -calms down- so Willow, which bone would you like to break? And Jamie, when and where do you want to meet Steff?
Blue Fire Phoenix: Loooong story about the friends at the top thing. But the emails...there's no attachment on them. I can't see an attachment. STOP RUBBING IT IN THAT I'M LITTLER THAN YOU!
AnimeGirl329: Hehe, thanks, ack, I think she's going softer though...
Oni-Mangekyou: DO YOU WATCH NARUTO!
XxMookinexX: Eh, I am actually a third person POV writer, but for LNOE, I needed to have things told from Steff's POV because it's interesting how things turn out. Like, in her state of mind, she's right and the opposition is wrong, some of the readers would think that when it's really someone else is right while Steff's wrong. DON'T CHANGE YOUR STYLE! Trust me, I'm still trying to find my style, but if your way of writing works for you, use it! It doesn't matter first person POV, third person POV, they're both good. But a friend of mine told me this: Don't change POVs halfway through a fic. Said it can mix up the reader's conception.
LOL, kk, I'll email you when I get through this holiday revision crap... I have no idea how you die from a blood clot...and to be honest, I don't really intend to find out! Ahaha, yeah, it hurts; Matt is a bastard some of the time. I broke you left arm and it didn't hurt. I didn't even notice it was broken for about two hours.
Beta-ing mood eh? Hehe, oops, I skimmed through it really quickly, but I didn't notice that! Haha. I don't have a beta, mainly because I wish to improve my writing skills that way on my own! Yeah...insane, I know, oh well, that's me for you... Yeah, I love that line as well, it's impossible to retaliate against that line.
Ah...so long...well, see you next time eh? Peace out and don't hit kids!
royalphoenix: Oooooh, right...that...that was Kara Hiwatari, HauntedAngel's OC, sorry!
SilveryDarkness: I LOVE YOU!
Thanks also to:
Jixnce and ILoveAnime89