Disclaimer: I don't own The Covenant.

Co-Author: SkyyRyder

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Fallen Now is Babylon the Great

Chapter 9: All Hollow's Eve Part I

-Babylon's POV-

I cannot believe this. Is he absolutely insane? He honestly expects me to wear this in public, and not only in public, but to a party where I'm sure most of the Spenser student body, among many people from the public, will be in attendance? What on earth could Reid be thinking?

Oh that's right. He's Reid. He doesn't think.

I am not happy at all right now. Not. At. All.

I mean, look at me! I look like some... porn star or something! My reflection glared back at me in my full-length mirror, the scarce dark angel costume adorning my body. This is certainly not going to work. My breasts and ass are practically hanging out! It's far too short, way too low cut and just... the whole meaning behind the costume. A fallen angel? Really now, is he trying to imply something? Because it won't happen, ever.

I can't go out in this! I just can't! I'm honestly about to start crying at the mere thought! What would everyone think of me? I can only imagine the rumors those Spenser hyenas would begin spreading about me. I do not plan on ever having my name written on the bathroom walls at school followed by the word slut, or any other similar label.

The whole outfit is too sexy, too revealing and just too... Reid.

He really infuriates me. Just the thought of him at this particular moment in time is making my blood boil. After everything that went on last night, after he actually managed to be as much of a gentleman as I assume Reid Garwin could possibly be, he had to give this horrible excuse for clothing to me and ruin it. I should've expected it I suppose though. I was having far too nice of a time for Reid not to mess it up somehow.

-Flashback-

Reid's car rolled up to the front of my house and I saw the outside light had been left on for me. I can't believe it myself, but once Reid and I settled our differences and started dancing, I actually had a very enjoyable time, and dare I say it, would consider doing it over again.

He had been trying, I'll give him that much. Now, do I admit that I actually had a pretty nice time to him and push my pride aside, possibly... no, undoubtedly inflating his ego or do I run for the front door, praying he will completely forget about Pogue's party tomorrow night?

Though the second option is extremely tempting, I know I should do the right thing and give him his credit where it is due. For someone as obnoxious as Reid to sit down and openly admit he just was trying to show me a good time was probably unheard of. That was a totally different side of Reid at the table before we danced. He was so... sensitive and seemed almost vulnerable.

I'll admit, it made me wonder about him.

"Want me to walk you in or something?" I was brought out of my thoughts when he finally spoke. So it wasn't just my imagination earlier, see? He really was being nice and… rather thoughtful.

"No, that's all right." Well, here goes nothing. "But... I had a nice time. Thanks." That was slightly painful to admit to him when I saw the small smirk twitch onto his lips.

He was looking at me, really looking at me. I got a little uncomfortable under the intense look in his eyes and panicked when his blue-rimmed pupils darted down to my lips and he moved towards me. It took me a second, long enough for him to be right in front of me before I put my hand between my head and his, moving back a little and leaning into the door. "Not... that nice of a time Reid."

I'm just not ready for something like that. The only kiss I've ever experienced is that one Reid stole in English class and I certainly disregard that as my first kiss. I'm not ready to have my first real, wanted kiss, especially not with someone as promiscuous as Reid.

If some Twilight Zone type scenario ever occurred and I did want my first kiss to be with Reid Garwin, it certainly wouldn't be now. I'd need to trust him and while we had an overall nice time tonight, he certainly wasn't someone I trusted. Though I must say, I was impressed with his uncharacteristic behavior tonight. Word of mouth and his behavior in the classroom would never make someone believe he could be as... tolerable as he was tonight.

To my surprise, Reid just shrugged the rejection off and moved back into his own personal space and out of mine. "I'll be here tomorrow a little after eight. We're gonna be fashionably late," he smirked as I gathered my clutch from my lap and prepared to exit the vehicle. His voice called me back into the car once my heel clad feet hit the sidewalk in front of my house and I looked back to find him reaching into the backseat, coming back into the front with a yellow plastic bag in his hand. A rather large one. I saw black feathers sticking out of the bag and he thrust it into my hand. "It's your costume for tomorrow night, remember?"

I sighed and reluctantly grasped the bag. I was hoping he'd forgotten or something. Yeah right. "We made a deal," he reminded me, obviously noticing my hesitation. Nodding I completely stepped out of the car. What could I do? I certainly wasn't going to let him have one up on me and hang that over my head for lord knows how long. "Night Baby," he called from the open window as I walked up the short path to my doorstep.

I turned my head back and offered him a slight smile. "Bye." Unlocking my door and stepping inside I turned the outside light off. It was then that I noticed due to the headlights reflecting into the house, Reid had waited to be sure I got in all right, at least I think that's what he was doing. I must admit that was surprising and well... charming.

Tiptoeing upstairs, some thoughts ran through my head that I'd never have expected to think in a million years. Perhaps Reid wasn't as bad as he seemed. Maybe everything was just a show. I mean, we're in high school. Rumors spread like wildfire. I bet half the things I've heard about Reid aren't even close to true. He might not be such a bad—asshole!

My jaw nearly hit the ground when I pulled out the package containing his chosen costume and saw the picture of it being modeled on the front.

-End Flashback-

I can't believe he actually picked this out! I cannot fathom what had made him pick out such a degrading costume! I searched my closet for something to cover myself up in. I do notwant to be seen in this, especially not by my Amma, my sisters or my mother. That would be too embarrassing.

I cast a glance at the clock. Reid was going to be here any minute. I pulled out a long black knee length coat and pulled it on over my costume. I snatched the black, feathered wings off of my bed and headed down to meet Reid before he arrived and decided to come to the door.

I did not need to tear him away from the other females in my family. Not while I was dressed in this thing underneath my coat. I still can't believe he had made them all swoon. Amma hadn't shut up about him all day and it was really starting to get on my nerves. She kept saying how much he reminded her of my grandfather.

I made it down to the front door unnoticed thankfully. I shouted to my family, letting them know that I was leaving, and before they could say anything I was out the front door.

I had only made it halfway down the drive when I nearly ran into Reid, too occupied to notice him while hanging my head in shame at the so-called clothing I was in. Ugh, I loathe him for this. I actually had a good time and he had to spoil it with this. That just makes everything I've ever thought about him even moretrue.

"What're you doing out here?" he asked me confused.

"I certainly wasn't going to let you pick me up at my front door. Not while I'm in this. Amma would probably try to take pictures or something..." The thought of my Amma's reaction to the skimpy clothing made me feel ashamed. I held the coat tight against my chest. There is no way I am going to wear this thing out. No. Way.

"I don't want your family to get the wrong impression; I should go in and say hii…" He nodded his head in the direction of the front door.

Who does he think he is? I seriously would love to hurt him right now. I would like to chop him up into little pieces and feed him to—

No, that is wrong. That is very, very wrong. We do not wish harm on others. I noticed that smirk on his face, and his eyes lingering over me. Ugh, there's always an exception to the rule. I wish more harm on him than the devil himself.

"Trust me, they won't get the wrong impression," I groaned. "Because I came out here to tell you I'm not going. Not in this."

He gave me a pout, and shook his head, "Why not, Baby?"

I can't stand it when he calls me that; it makes a weird shiver go down my spine. It sounds so much more personal the way he lets it roll of his tongue. Casual, like we have some sort of relationship that has a certain level of comfort in it and it's more of the normal pet name than an abbreviation of my name. I don't like it one bit.

"Because I just cannot wear this!"

"What's wrong with it?" he asked me. Those hypnotic blue eyes were giving me a look that said it all.

I can't look him in the eye. I glanced away, holding the jacket even closer. His hand reached out and toyed with the black material near my collar bone.

"Let me see," he suggested. "I'll tell you what I think."

"No way." I pulled back from him, and he looked hurt, or offended. I don't really care which because I am not wearing this sluttyoutfit. "This isn't me."

"It's Halloween; it doesn't have to be you." He stepped closer, this time invading my personal bubble and I took a step back, my calves connecting wait the stairs leading to my front door. He really knows how to corner a girl. His hand brushed my face and fell to the black collar again. This time he moved in closer to me. I thought I might fall backwards onto the steps as I leaned away as much as I could.

"Let me just get a peak," he urged.

"Reid, stop." I tried to turn away but he wouldn't let me budge. He held my shoulders tightly in his grasp now. "What did I tell you about touching me?" I snapped, my defenses going right back up.

"You weren't complaining last night, Baby." He gave me that cocky little grin of his.

"Why are you torturing me?" I asked him in all seriousness.

"On the contrary, right now you are torturing me. I just want to see the outfit and give you my Godhonest opinion."

"You swear to me you won't make derogatory comments?" My eyes narrowed at him. Why I desired his reassurance was beyond me.

"B, c'mon I picked it out. I'm sure you look fine." He seemed sure of his opinion, and while I watched my figure, I had always had trouble keeping the curves away. This much exposure made me feel self-conscious.

I held on to the jacket for a second longer before I sighed. I can't win this battle without looking like a prude or someone who goes back on their word. I stared up at the dark sky and shook my head. I can't believe I'm doing this.

Slowly, I pulled the tie on the jacket and held it open. The cool night's breeze hit my bare skin, and I shuddered.

He was just standing there staring. Embarrassed I hurriedly closed it and his hands caught my wrist. "What are you doing?" he asked me, his brow furrowed.

"Putting my jacket back on. I knew I looked ridiculous. I can't believe you picked this out..." Why was I willing to put my entire reputation on the line wearing something like this just to put Reid Garwin in his place? I must be going crazy. I wouldn't be out here in this little black number with the scoop neck the showed off the entirety of my cleavage, dipping down almost to my navel.

He shook his head. "Are you kidding me?" I watched the look on his face, as if he was registering something new. He almost looked like he was at a loss for words. Great, even more embarrassing. "Baby, you look fucking hot," he remarked.

"Watch your mouth." My eyes narrowed glancing back at the house to make sure no one was watching, or overhearing. My cheeks were also getting hot from his blunt opinion. No one's ever said anything like that to me before.

"They can't hear me." Reid gave me a small grin.

"I can't go out like this…" I've never been to a party like this party was going to be. A drunken drugs party, no doubt. How could I go out to the first one of my life in something like this with a bot like him? What would everyone think? They'd think they knew why we were fashionably late. But maybe I just care too much about what other people think about me in the first place.

"B, its ok to let loose every once in awhile, you know that right? Have some fun, wild out. You only live once." he encouraged me.

I pursed my lips; I couldn't believe he was actually going there. I shook my head and looked away from him. I have fun. Just because I don't get drunk and have lots of sex and smoke lots of marijuana doesn't mean I don't enjoy my time.

"Look, you're probably wearing more clothes than half of the girls that will be there tonight anyway. Every girl is going to be wearing underwear. You'll stick out more if you wear something conservative." I could tell he just wanted me to get in the car, but what he just said made me feel just a little better.

I thought about it. He was probably right. Actually, I knew he was right. Halloween was the one night of the year where girls my age could dress like total sluts and no one would get penalized for it. And they all would. I should prepare myself for an eyeful of thong underwear and see-through tops.

I have to admit, that reassured me a little bit and he was finally able to get me into the car. The trip to Pogue's house was a bit quiet, which wasn't normal for Garwin. I would have expected a lot more chatter out of him, but maybe he detected how nervous I was. Instead, the radio played on some classic rock station lowly.

I could feel my palms sweating. I really do not want to go in to this house and show off all of my… everything… to everyone. The thought revolted me and I just couldn't stomach it. I thought I might be sick before I felt the car come to a stop and Reid's blue eyes were staring at me once again.

"Are you okay?" He looked genuinely concerned. As he should be; he was forcing me to succumb to social suicide if I stepped in there looking like such a… tramp!

"Reid, I can't go in there… not like this." I shook my head violently. I just couldn't see myself waltzing in there as if I were wearing an actual outfit. I wasn't. I was wearing something that could rival lingerie… at least in my book.

"C'mon, what'd I say before? You look hot Baby, hotter than any girl in there is probably gonna look, and like I said, you're probably wearing more than them." Reid was getting a little desperate at this point I think.

"First of all," I snapped at him angrily. "Don't call me that." He raised an eyebrow at me, which I ignored. "Secondly, I can't go in there… it can't happen. Reid I can't."

Okay, so I was close to begging him not to make me go through with this bet, but I could tell by the look on his face he wasn't letting it slide. What the heck was it going to take for him to turn this car around and take me home?

"Babylon, did you forget that we made a little deal…?" I stared at him; his tongue darted out and moistened his lips. I couldn't take my eyes off of him for some reason unknown to me.

I was arguing with myself. I could not stare at him like that! No way! That was not good, not good at all. He was giving me that smirk, like he knew what I was thinking. Sometimes I wonder if he can read minds. Ugh, who cares? I'm still not going in there.

Read that Garwin. I gave him a determined look and began restating my case, in all reality ready to break down in tears for fear of looking like some whore. "I can't go in there looking like this."

"C'mon Babs, you look sexy. You're hot; let everyone appreciate it for once. Maybe you'll like the attention" Reid tried to coax.

I felt a blush creep up on my cheeks and I shook my head, "I can't…" I repeated for the thousandth time.

I watched as he got out of the car and literally ran over to my side of the vehicle. It was right then I finally noticed he was dressed as I biker I suppose, gloves in place as usual with a Harley Davidson t-shirt under a leather jacket and some jeans on. He pulled open the door and grabbed my hands, pulling me out of it. I let out a small gasp, causing him to narrow his eyes at me while I pulled the jacket closer to my body.

He reached past me and his fingers rubbed against my exposed leg, causing a shiver to go through my body. I instinctively closed my eyes, biting my bottom lip to hold in the betraying sigh that wanted to escape. I could not even think like that, not about him. Not about anyone.

He came back out of the car with the wings. My eyes narrowed as he held out his palm, his index and middle fingers waging at me. I gave him a confused look. What did he want me to do? He motioned to the coat and I held on tighter.

"Reid, don't…" I'll beg. I don't want to, but I will if that's what I have to do to get out of this.

"A deal is a deal, B." I think he was beginning to get a little frustrated. And for some reason, this made me feel uncomfortable. I didn't... want him to be frustrated with me. I made a deal and I should have to stick to it... no matter how humiliating the conditions are.

I looked at him and slowly untied the belt. His blue eyes were staring into mine and he helped me out of the coat. He leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear making me flinch back slightly.

"Besides getting our little bet over with—" I felt him grin; his fingers touching my hips as he slipped the wings over my shoulders. "—I'm going to be the envy of every guy here tonight."

Something about the way he said it and what he said made an unusual feeling flow through my veins. A warm fluttering sensation coursed in the pit of my stomach when I turned around to look at him. I don't know exactly what this feeling is, but I sort of like it even if it makes me nervous and more than a little uncomfortable.