note1: what's this? an update? from me? impossible!

note2: i know, i'm sorry. i'm alive! i swear i had a legit chapter, but i couldn't get past a certain point in it so today i just scrapped it all completely and wrote this up in like 5 hrs bc i finally had a slow week at uni. slow as in only no exams, only quizzes and assignments. so, i didn't even reread this chapter because i knew that if i did i would be too insecure to post this, so here you go.

note3: YOUR REVIEWS HAVE BEEN READ AND HEARD. THE ENDGAME WILL BE… MASSINGTON. …too bad they're so stubborn! they just love their wicked games too much. SO, we have to weather some clairington to get there. but we'll get there... eventually. muhaha! [evil, evil grin] they both have to grow the fuck up and learn some things first lol.

note4: once again, the characters views aren't mine & i don't condone what they're doing. i'm just getting into the headspace and writing about it.

bring your body, baby; i could bring you fame

.

derrick;

When Derrick finally pushed open the double doors from the locker room after a rough practice, refreshed from a quick shower, the air outside was crisp and cool. Summer seemed to be ending sooner each year. He turned and blinked in surprise at seeing his stepsister sitting on a bench near the soccer field waiting for him. His face didn't show it though, as he hiked his duffle bag more securely over his shoulder and asked, "Don't you have anything better to do than to hound me every two minutes?"

"Obviously not," Massie replied sweetly. "Seeing as I'm right here."

Derrick rolled his eyes and turned toward the parking lot, hearing Massie get up and skip after him. A moment later, she appeared by his side, slipping her arm through his. "Student body just got out, thought I'd hitch a ride with you."

"Can't," he told her instantly. He was supposed to meet up with Claire again to study. They'd been hanging out almost every day after school, but he didn't feel like bringing her up with Massie. It wasn't worth the effort.

"What?" Massie furrowed her brow. "Why not?"

"I'm busy," was all he told her, keeping his eyes on his car in the distance.

Massie stopped and tugged on his arm. He was forced to turn and face her. Instead of reprimanding him for his curt answers though, his stepsister smiled slightly and stepped up closer to him, their bodies almost touching. Her hand reached out and touched a droplet of water trailing down his face from his damp hair. Derrick held his breath as Massie's hand slid up and pushed his hair back away from his face. His own hands reached out and caught hers in a tight grip.

"Fucking leave it," he snapped.

He picked up and dropped her hand, fighting off the warmth. It was only because he hadn't touched anyone for weeks.

But again, instead of being offended by his rude behavior, Massie grinned wider. "Oooh. Touchy, Harrington. I think you need to get laid."

Fuck yeah he did. He cursed his whole plan with Claire hinging on dating her. He'd been keeping it in his pants by turning down girls left and right, so yeah he was hard up. Between keeping up a one woman façade and Massie rubbing up all over him whenever she had the chance, he was going to die of blue balls. Fuck.

Massie smirked knowingly, before stepping in closer to him, winding her arms around his neck. Her body brushed against his. She must have been desperate for his attention, because they haven't been this close to each other since they dated years ago. He was sure that if he hadn't turned her down, she wouldn't be playing dirty. On any other day, she would never have started something like this. And especially not in public.

Too bad he was late and wasn't in the mood to fuck around. Claire was waiting.

She was so close he could smell her; strawberries, Chanel, and something pure Massie. He stared down at her, breathing her in.

Massie faked a pout and looked up at him through her lashes. "Are you saying you don't want to give me ride?"

And then as if he could miss the double entendre, she slowly flicked her wet pink tongue over her lips. Derrick's balls lit on fire. He shut that shit down real quick with a clench of his jaw. It was one thing to tease and flirt with Massie, but it was a whole other thing to have a visible raging boner for her. Massie would never let him live it down.

Derrick sighed heavily down at her in frustration, because fighting her off would only encourage her. "I'm sure you can take care of yourself," he told her straight-faced.

Unnerved at his passive aggressive response doubling as a snub, Massie stepped away from him. Blessedly. Derrick looked back out over the empty soccer field with another sigh. "Look, I gotta go. Call Isaac for a ride, okay?"

"Okay."

Derrick glanced back at her in surprise, but his stepsister just eyed him levelly. It was as if she knew exactly why he couldn't give her a ride, where he was going, and who he was meeting up with. He eyed her back to see if she displayed any anger at the arbitrary snub he might have accidentally committed by not bowing down and doing whatever she demanded at the drop of the hat. Instead, he was meeting her supposed arch-rival for a study date.

What? He didn't know. Girls got mad at shit like that.

But Massie's face was as blank as ever, which was actually kinda telling in itself, to be honest.

He huffed a laugh, before reaching over and nudging her chin, much to her annoyance. She slapped him away with another pout, already pulling out her cell phone to call Isaac, and he grinned, "I'll see you at home."

Massie ignored his goodbye, her phone already to her ear. He tossed her a careless salute before heading towards the parking lot and his car again, this time without her. Checking the time on his own phone, he muttered a curse before picking up speed. He didn't bother looking back.

.

claire;

With her legs dangling free from a curved elevated mortar planter and her back against the faded brick walls of Westchester's historic downtown library, Claire had a clear view of the roiling clouds approaching from the West. Debating whether or not to pack up her book to protect it from the rain, Claire didn't hear Derrick's approach until he was almost next to her.

"Shit," he greeted breathlessly, "How late am I?"

"Pretty late," Claire told him, but looked up at him with a smile to show no hard feelings. She gave a small shrug and closed her book, before accepting his extended hand to help her up.

Derrick let her go and ran a hand through his messy hair. It was damp, and Claire realized that he had come as soon as he was able, right after practice, so she smiled up at him again and said, "Don't worry about it. This is all kinda my fault anyway."

His brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Claire turned and pointed at the small sign on the double doors of the library entrance. It read Closed for Renovations. Claire had wanted to visit Westchester's historic library ever since she had arrived here from Florida. The only downside had been that it was so far away from school. Plus, she had wanted to go with Derrick. She had finally talked him into coming with her today to study. Only, she had forgotten to check the website before hopping on two buses and having Derrick drive all the way over here, and now the library was closed for the rest of the week.

"You've been sitting out here the whole time?"

She gave him a small shrug. "I had a book."

Derrick shot her an exasperated look, as if he didn't know what to do with her.

Claire couldn't help but giggle. She reached out to reassure him. "It's fine, Derrick, really. I'm just sorry you had to drive all the way over here."

"I can't believe you waited here by yourself the entire time," Derrick repeated, taking her bag from her and hiking it over his shoulder. He looked her over in concern. "Are you cold?"

Claire rolled her eyes at his worry, but let him take her bag without comment. "I was against the wall. I barely felt the wind."

But even as she spoke, they skies were opening up. Claire felt starting droplets of rain hit her light cardigan. Derrick didn't bother to respond to that, only holding out his Westchester Prep Eagles hoodie towards her. Claire shook her head firmly. She wasn't the one with already damp hair. Derrick sighed, but relented.

That was the thing that Claire liked most about him. He was earnest in trying hard to get to know her, but what she liked was that he never pushed her. He was genuinely trying to follow her terms. Everything they did was through her say so. If she said she didn't need his sweater, he trusted her decision.

She knew he wanted something out of this though. He would probably never be hanging around with her everyday if he didn't, but he never made her uncomfortable.

But then again, maybe Claire should be giving him the benefit of the doubt. He had apologized for what he said the first day they met, something people had told her to not even consider, let alone expect, and then he had surprised her by showing that he had listened to her concerns about the school. And then spoke out about it. She had decided then that he deserved a chance beyond the rumors that she had heard.

This past few weeks had given her the chance to see the person he really was without the armor she was sure he was wearing around school. She liked the way he was with her.

Plus, they surprisingly had the same sense of humor.

"Let's get out of here before it starts pouring," Derrick muttered, narrowing his eyes at her stubbornness.

Claire lifted her eyes and looked at him. "Where do you want to go?"

"You've been here since school got out. Are you hungry?"

She tilted her head to consider, and then nodded slowly. "A little," she admitted.

"Then let's grab a bite." Derrick tilted his head towards his car in the empty parking lot. The bright color stood out striking against the grey clouds overhead, but Claire hesitated. She crossed her arms over her chest, ignoring the rain that was building up. Her own hair was getting damp.

"Where at?"

"Xaviars' pretty good. It's close by."

Claire narrowed her own eyes at him this time. "Isn't that the famous tower restaurant near the Hudson?"

Derrick managed to look sheepish.

Claire shook her head. "We can't go like this," she told him firmly. Fancy places like that most likely had dress codes. She was in jeans and a cardigan, while Derrick was still partially dressed in his school uniform. They would both be soaked by the time they got there too. She would die of embarrassment if they were kicked out.

"Then… my place?"

Claire couldn't help glancing up at him in surprise.

"What?" Derrick faked offense. "Contrary to popular belief, Claire, I can cook. Don't give me that look. I make a mean grilled cheese. No one else's after will ever compare. Trust me."

"Wow. Should I call NASA to see if they can spare someone to retrieve your ego from wherever galaxy it's currently at?"

Derrick cracked a grin at that. "Yeah, you can have them fetch my cooking skills too. Because it's—"

"Don't," Claire tried to cut him off.

"Out of this world," Derrick finished, pretending he hadn't heard her. Claire let out a groan of fond exasperation, but inside she was laughing. Derrick continued in a sing-song voice, "And we can even work on Calc while I whip something up."

She had to smile back at that.

He wiggled his brows and nudged her arm. "It'll be warm."

Still, Claire hesitated. She couldn't help it. "I don't know… It's just… Will there be anyone home?"

He stopped and considered that. "I'm not sure… My parents are still away on their second honeymoon, but I don't know about Massie. She might be out."

Claire bit her lip, squeezing her book tightly, accidentally putting her silver promise ring into stark contrast against the black cover.

Derrick looked offended again. Only this time, it wasn't faked. Claire leaned back in surprise at the fire in his eyes. Claire was so used to his normally friendly eyes and teasing smiles that the anger threw her off for a moment. The contrast was jarring. "What? Claire, do you think I'm going to jump on you the moment we're alone or something? What kinda guy do you think I am?"

"No!" she denied vehemently. Even Claire blinked in surprise at her tone. She took a deep breath. "That's not—Of course not."

Derrick still looked angry, and Claire didn't blame him. It sounded horrible. If there was one thing she had learned about him the past few weeks, it was that he was honest about what he wanted… and that deep down, he was a good person. He was her friend. He wouldn't trick her into getting her alone to pressure her. He didn't give her any time to find a way to word all of this to him though.

"Then why are you scared to be alone with me?"

He shot her a disgusted look. He didn't even bother waiting for an answer. He handed her back her bag and in her shock, she took it with a numb hand. It was almost pouring now, but Claire didn't even feel it. She pushed her wet hair away from her face and took a deep breath to explain, but Derrick ran a hand through his own hair, scoffed, and started to walk away into the rain.

The sight of his retreating back made anger build up in Claire's stomach. She couldn't believe how unfair he was being. He wasn't even letting her explain!

"You wanna know why?" she finally shouted at his back.

Derrick stopped, but didn't turn around.

She didn't want to say it. She didn't want to admit it, but it was the truth. It was the only thing that would make him realize that she was being honest with him. Claire forced the words through her suddenly dry throat.

"Because… because I don't trust myself with you!"

The moment the words were out, Claire wanted to die. Derrick turned back around and looked at her in shock. Her face turned so hot she probably could have sped global warming up by a thousand years. She wouldn't be surprised if she was making steam on her cheeks against the cold rain.

"Claire…" he whispered, seeming to search for something.

Claire didn't look at him. Her eyes were firmly on ground, but he reached out and tilted her face up. A moment later and his lips were pressed against hers. Claire exhaled in surprise. The kiss was soft and slow and warm. He wasn't touching her anywhere, only her chin, but it was all the more jarring because of it. His hand was almost burning in its heat and when his thumb brushed against her skin, she shivered.

Claire couldn't help but keep her eyes open, watching him. His own eyes were closed and his lashes were so long Claire was jealous.

He pulled back slowly only a second later and looked at her intently. This time, Claire met his eyes, even though she was still in shock. She felt speechless. Everything had happened so fast, she wasn't even sure if it was all real. Derrick nudged her and caught her attention again.

"I'm not doing to do anything you're not ready for."

Claire left out a slow breath and nodded slowly, still in disbelief. She had to resist the urge to touch her lips.

"I know," she assured him finally.

Derrick grinned wickedly at her. His face was all sunny and Claire was relieved. She liked the crinkles around his eyes when he laughed a thousand times more than the way he looked at her earlier.

"So then… my place?"

Derrick's grin changed from something dirty to something playful and almost… sweet. Claire knew instantly that this was his usual play to get anything he wanted. She could tell that this was a smile that had coaxed extra dessert from his chefs, extra allowance money from his parents, and women into his bed. It was honestly effective. Claire wasn't going to let him get away with it though. Nope. Anytime he smiled like that, she was going to deny him just on principle.

"Derrick," she groaned, pushing him away, but there was a grin tugging at her own lips. She squinted at him, brushing away rain water from her eyes and face. "Alright. But… only for grilled cheese!"

"Deal."

And this time, when he held out his soccer hoodie to her again, Claire accepted.

.

massie;

Alicia's dulcet tones on speaker echoed around her bedroom as Massie stood in front of her mirror, considering her outfit for tomorrow. It was going to rain again, but Massie didn't want to whip out her winter coats so early in the season just yet. She'd have to make do with layers.

Fashion usually made her feel better, but for some reason, tonight it just wasn't working. She turned away from the mirror, dropping her clothes onto her floor and picked up her phone.

"You're not seriously considering this are you?" Alicia was going on. "I mean, I thought you were just trying to be make face."

"I wasn't," Massie told her firmly. She sighed a moment later, sitting down on her bed. "Look, Leesh. The Board wants a President as soon as possible, I need a President as soon as possible for Homecoming, and Claire wants to be President. It works out."

Alicia sighed too. "Homecoming is next week. Even if Claire was President, she'd be nothing but a figurehead anyway. You're telling me you haven't already planned out every single event for the entire week already?"

Massie cracked a small smile at that. Alicia knew her too well.

"She's the best person for the job."

Her best friend scoffed. "Please. She's from Orlando, Florida. What would she know about how Westchester Prep works?"

"Why, Alicia… Are you jealous?" she asked coyly. Massie stood and paced the length of her room. For some reason, talking about Claire Lyons was making her anxious. She just couldn't sit still, but grimacing when she accidentally treaded on a limited edition personally tailored cashmere sweater, Massie forced herself to stop in place.

Her friend scoffed again, tuning her back into the conversation. "As if. I'm already head of the Welcoming Committee. That's enough for my transcripts. Any more extracurriculars and I won't have time for shopping."

Massie had to laugh at that. "Look, it's short notice, so Claire's perfect for the job. She has the experience."

"If you call a President of a backwater school of like, twelve people experience, sure."

She rolled her eyes. "The Board already approved. She's perfect for the new image they're trying to portray." Compared to Becca, that is.

Becca had been elected by the Board because her dad was the Mayor of Westchester and looked how that turned out. A squeaky clean nobody from Florida flashing a purity ring on her finger as the new Student Council President was perfect to prove to the press that their school wasn't at all corrupted. Westchester Prep was pure as snow. See? Look at our Student Council President! And also that, no, of course Westchester Prep doesn't condone child pornography and sexual harassment. Becca wasn't removed from her post at all, she only stepped down to have more time and support from her family.

What a load of bull.

It was a joke. If everything wasn't going accordingly to her plan, Massie would rage at the sexism.

"Ew," Alicia shuddered. "It's weird to think about Dean Wiseman looking at pictures of his students."

Massie giggled in agreement.

"Still…" Alicia finally relented. "If they're going with clean… Even I have to admit, Claire Lyons is perfect for the position. She's even cleaner than you. I checked. Everyone from here to Manhattan has heard of her purity vow by now. I heard that she was going to be interviewed by Seventeen. Deena told the entire class in Business Management that it was going to be a four page spread, but she was pulling it out of her ass. She shut up instantly when I asked her to source it—"

Massie was barely listening. Her stomach was churning now and she was breaking out in cold sweat.

She didn't even know why!

What was wrong with her?

So what if Claire was perfect for the position of Student Council President? Massie was the one that set that all up. Claire wouldn't even be in consideration if it wasn't for her. And so what if everyone was up her ass just for being a virgin? What was so great about being a virgin anyway? Virginity wasn't even real. This was all so offensive Massie couldn't even…

"—but I mean, I wouldn't be surprised if it actually was true, to be honest. I'll have to ask around, because that's totally something Seventeen would do. Right, Mass?" Alicia asked her.

Glancing around her mess of a room, Massie couldn't even stand to be in her own room anymore. Her normally pristine sanctuary had turned into an explosion of chaos. It was a mess of colors and fabrics and accessories that blurred her vision. Blinking rapidly didn't even clear it up. Massie hated when things were out of place. She had to leave. Get some air. Or something. Anything.

"Mass?"

After taking in a deep breath, Massie finally remembered to voice a short agreement. She stomped down her marble stairs. She could see from the glass windows in the corridor that it was raining outside, but right now, she was even desperate enough to deal with icy rain on her skin. It'd be like a refresher… Massie was desperate.

"Right, I'll double check. Anyway, back to this whole president thing. Mass, are you absolutely sure about this? I mean, President is a pretty big deal. Even if you're moderating. Today at lunch, I asked her about the perspective changes she went on about last week—you remember, right?—and she literally said mandatory drug tests. It was all I could do not to laugh in her face."

Just about to turn the corner to reach the backyard double doors to her coveted fresh air, Massie heard a loud laugh from the kitchen that definitely wasn't Derrick's. She whipped around.

Derrick had brought home some girl when he should be focusing on Claire. It seemed like he needed a reminder about his goals.

Massie headed to the kitchen on a warpath, but stopped just outside when she realized it was Claire.

What was she doing here?

"Mass?" Alicia snapped.

Massie backed against the wall to make sure that they couldn't see her. "Code red, Leesh. I have to go." She hit the END CALL button before her friend could respond and watched them for a while. Claire, dressed in skinny jeans and Derrick's soccer hoodie, was sitting at her breakfast table, math books spread out around her. She was holding a sandwich and still laughing her head off. Massie leaned over a bit and could see Derrick standing over their stove, flipping a grilled cheese over a pan, watching her with a smile on his face.

He might as well have a collar around his neck and his tongue hanging out because the look he was giving Claire literally said I am your bitch.

Clearing her face of all emotions, Massie didn't waste another second stepping into the room. She didn't even pause to check her hair. She had been home for while, but was in head to toe Chanel anyway.

"Hey!" she called out with a sweet smile. "Sorry! I didn't know anyone else was here."

Claire stopped laughing. After only a blink of surprise at her entrance, Derrick rolled his eyes and turned back to his cooking without responding, but Claire rallied and gave her sweet smile in return.

"Hey, Massie. Good to see you again."

Ugh, Claire was so sugary, Massie felt a toothache building. She had no idea about anything, it was so painful.

For a second, Massie almost felt like she was doing her a favor. Showing her what the world was really like. It wasn't all sugar and candy, sunshine and rainbows. It wasn't instant friends at a new school, cemented golden girl status, all the boys in the world panting after you all the time, or Presidential nominations handed to you on a platter. The world was nothing at all like what Claire was currently experiencing through rose tinted lenses.

The world cold and cruel and dirty.

It was rising one day and falling the next. It was plotting alone in your room for a new way—a bigger and better way—to make a serious comeback that could make or break you. It was constantly praying that your friends and your boyfriend who followed you at the top didn't think you were worthless at the bottom. It was endless meetings and campaigning and coming up with the best ideas to earn the position at the top of the top. It was covering up your mistakes, controlling your vices, hiding your feelings, all just to get a real shot in life.

It was sitting alone in Paris, surrounded by clear skies, cool air, beautiful clothes, decadent food, and still feeling like complete and utter shit because your boyfriend ditched you for the person you wished you could be in another life.

Massie wanted to hurl.

Instead, she smiled again and leaned over the table to give Claire a hug in greeting.

"Sorry to interrupt. I didn't mean to bother you." Claire instantly opened her mouth to protest, but Massie continued before she could, "I was just going to make some hot chocolate. Want some? Low fat, I promise."

"Wow, sis," Derrick deadpanned before Claire could answer, crossing his arms. "What a generous offer."

"Well, you know me. I'm all about sharing," she replied, throwing a saccharine smile at him. His eyes narrowed at her. She spun back to Claire. "Speaking of sharing, I was planning on calling you tonight, but since you're right here, I can just give you the good news in person."

Claire furrowed her brows in confusion. "What news?"

"The Board and Council voted today and it was unanimous. Congratulations! You're the new Student Council President!"

Claire let out a loud squeal and jumped up, pulling Massie into an excited hug. But before Massie could even hug her back, Claire had released her, still laughing in delight, and pounced on Derrick. Her stepbrother let out a grunt and wrapped his arm around her, the other bracing himself on the counter so they didn't tumble to the ground together.

"Oh my god," the blonde was jabbering, her face buried in Derrick's shirt. "I can't believe this. I didn't think I had a chance at all!"

Massie watched all this without saying anything.

She let go and turned back to Massie with bright eyes. Massie let her hands be taken and pulled into another hug. "Thank you so much for this chance, Massie! I know the Board appoints the position, but I know this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't put in a good word. I won't let you down, I promise! I'll make Westchester Prep the best it can be."

Massie laughed, waving her off. "Save it for your acceptance speech tomorrow after school. The Council's going to announce it officially tomorrow, four PM. Don't be late."

"I won't. I promise!" Claire told her, her eyes still shining in happiness. She turned to Derrick and her smile faltered a bit, as if she was realizing that this meant that she wouldn't be hanging out with Derrick again tomorrow. Her stepbrother seemed to notice her falter and reached out to ruffle her blonde hair. He smiled gently down at her and said, "Congrats. It's exactly what you wanted."

Massie was sure they would be hugging again if she wasn't standing right there. What the fuck was going on? Why was Derrick looking at Claire like she was—

"Hot chocolate to celebrate then?" she interrupted. She couldn't help the hint of force in her tone. Claire turned back to her with quick nod of agreement, but Derrick eyed her impassively.

"Actually, we're out. Inez prepared the last of it yesterday, but I'm sure you have lot to do for Student Council anyway. Prep for the new introduction with the Board and Homecoming week. You're probably swamped. This time last year, I remember you were practically pulling your hair out." His eyes dared her to disagree. His tone literally told her Get Lost.

Yeah. Fucking. Right.

This was her house too.

"Oh please," she thrilled with a sly grin. "You're exaggerating."

"Not by much," Derrick gritted out.

"I finished all the prep already. Nothing really left to do, but maybe Claire could tell me some of her—" She could barely get the words out before Derrick was cutting her off and telling her Claire could talk to her and the entire Council tomorrow at their after school meeting. Barely a second later, he was strong arming her out of the kitchen and into their second living room. The door swung shit behind them.

"Let go of me!" Massie snapped. Derrick released her instantly.

"What are you playing at?" he snapped.

"What are you playing at?" Massie hissed. She instantly regretted it. She sounded like a jealous girlfriend, but the entire situation was so preposterous she couldn't help it. She took a deep breath and lowered her voice. "You were supposed to sleep with her and ruin her. What is she doing in our house?"

Derrick looked at her like she was crazy. Then he slowly said, "I told you. Claire's not like other girls. She's not going to just jump into bed with me. This has to play out a certain way."

Normally, her stepbrother was so easy to read, but Massie felt so out of her element she didn't know what to think. All the things she wanted to say suddenly felt wrong or embarrassing. Finally, she found words, "I didn't think you were going to date her."

She couldn't believe this. That defeated the entire purpose.

Derrick stared at her in shock before he grinned, slowly. "Careful now. You're starting to sound a little jealous there, Block."

Massie made a face. "More like nauseated."

Her stepbrother stared at her for a longer moment, before his grin turned into a wicked smirk. Massie felt her stomach swoop at the sight. "Nope," he told her. "You're lying. Your left eye's twitching."

Massie gasped, her hand flying to her eye in horror. Her eye didn't twitch when she lied! That shit didn't happen in real life. That was ridiculous, but her moment of instant panic told Derrick exactly what he wanted to think. He was acting like this was confirmation she was jealous!

Derrick reached over to swing an arm over her shoulder, but Massie ducked away from him, fighting the urge to throttle him. As if she was letting him touch her after, seeing him like that with Claire the same way only minutes ago. He still had that stupid smirk on his face. "Who said anything about dating? Look, just admit that you're jealous."

"As if," Massie scoffed. As if Massie would ever admit anything like that, even if she was. What would that gain her? "Stop before I hurl."

Derrick didn't even bother with a response. He knew that just looking at her would get under her skin more than anything else he could say. And there was nothing, she could say to get him to stop. He would think what he wanted to think, no matter what she said now.

"Get over yourself!" she huffed and whirled on her feet to stomp off.

"Oh, I am," Derrick assured her to her retreating back. His tone was so smarmy; Massie had to dig her nails into her arms to stop herself from turning back around and punching him in the face. He followed her to the staircase and laughed loudly as she stomped back up the stairs. "But it seems like you're not!"

"Fuck you!" she called down, leaning over the stair railing.

"Soon, babe!"

Massie slammed her bedroom door in response.

.

note5: i feel so immature writing this, but everything about the massie/derrick dynamics are all my favorite kinks (i have so much shit planned for this story) so i don't think i'll ever give this up. so even even if updates take 21654 more days, i promise i won't abandon this. you can count on that, at least. next chapter will prob have a little something dirty, so watch out LOL

thank you so much for all your reviews! reading them really encouraged me and helped me to get back into this story.

review if you like? xx