There You Go Again

by inspire-the-writer-x3

After Hayley's heart is broken, there's no better thing to do but to immerse herself in monster hunting; especially when there's a rare but vicious monster on the loose. But what happens when she finds herself falling for someone she'd never expect?

12. G For Guilty

Hey all!
Like promised, I'll still be writing Troop stories even when I have a new story up on Fiction Press- Under One Roof. Check it out if you haven't already :D
Thanks for your reviews here guys! I noticed a drop in reviews on TYGA and I'm a little disappointed...was the last chapter that bad? ):

REVIEW IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!
inspire-the-writer-x3

DISCLAIMER: I do not own the Troop.

SYNOPSIS: After Hayley's heart is broken, there's no better thing to do but to immerse herself in monster hunting; especially when there's a rare but vicious monster on the loose. But what happens when she finds herself falling for someone she'd never expect?

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Chapter 12: G For Guilty

The music was loud and the lights were bright as people danced energetically to the beat. Leanne sure knew how to party; gone was the image of Leanne Williams being the popular but quiet girl at Lakewood High, and in its replacement, the party-loving girlfriend of none other than Jake Collins.

Unintentionally, I frowned upon thinking this, which made me curse inwardly at my behaviour. I was in a foul mood after knowing this would be Leanne's party- meaning I had to endure 5 hours of Jake and her dancing together as a couple; which definitely sickened me since I knew I may have developed a small crush on my team mate. And the fact that Felix- my dear friend, wasn't here to comfort me as I groaned about it all night also depressed me.

Keiko was recovering nicely. She was knocked out but had no trauma to her head, which was very lucky considering the circumstances. She had a few bruises on her arms and waist from being grabbed and swayed around but they would all heal within a few weeks. The only major injury to her was on her leg; most likely caused by falling onto the shore filled with rocks and shells and being dragged across them. It was a shallow cut on her leg the started from the back of her thigh to her ankle, which was the reason to why she was wearing dark skinny jeans and an embellished tank top rather than a dress like Yuki and I.

"Hayley, what are you doing sitting down at a party like this?"

I looked up and saw Keiko bouncing up and down with excitement; her false eyelashes making her eyes more dramatic but beautiful as she blinked.

"Hey Keiko, nice to see you too," I said sarcastically as I took a sip of my can of soda.

"What is with the mood?" Keiko asked; raising an eyebrow, "Leanne's party is very cool- is it not?"

"Yeah it's pretty cool but honestly, I'm not in the mood to dance. I'm more concerned on getting this stupid mission over and done with. This idiotic Vortex has done nothing but cause everyone pain," I scowled; taking another gulp of my drink.

"Yes, this mission is stupid and yes, this has caused a lot of pain, but do you not think we should concentrate on the good things that have happened because of this mission?" she exclaimed, "I mean, Akira and I are finally together- something I would not have ever imagined since Akira is all business and no fun; and my sister and best friend, Yuki has found love with Felix! You have also realised your feelings for Jake which would be wonderful if he was not with Leanne at the moment...and to top it all off, the Japanese and Lakewood Troops have a strong alliance and even better friendship. Now is the suffering not worth it with such a large amount of advantages?

"I guess when you put it that way, this trip hasn't been that bad as I imagined it," I laughed quietly, "Thanks Keiko, I needed to hear that,"

"That is what friends do, is it not?" Keiko winked, "Come on, get your butt out of that sofa and come dance with Yuki and I! Akira said he would call us if anything went wrong and we have to meet at the open bar every 15 minutes for updates and to make sure we are all ok. He thinks whoever has something to do with Felix's disappearance has a connection to the Vortex and all the monsters appearing here,"

"But what about your leg? I'm pretty sure it's not so good to-"

"It is a cut, Hayley- my leg will not fall off if I dance," Keiko chuckled; cutting me off as I smiled gingerly at her comment, "Now let us go!"

I left my drink on a table next to the couch as I got up and started to move my hips to the beat. Yuki soon saw us and walked over to us, but not before rejecting 2 guys on their offers to dance. She had been taking it pretty hard on Felix's absence and was more determined than Akira to get him back. I was a bit worried about her because in her current status, she could easily turn out of control and kill the person in charge of her anguish because the love of her life was missing.

"Hey Keiko and Hayley. How are you all?" Yuki beamed, "Have you seen any suspicious behaviour yet? Because if you have, we should tell-"

"Relax Yuki," I interrupted her; placing a gentle hand on her shoulder to calm her down, "We will find Felix. It's only a matter of time before we get to the bottom of this,"

"Hayley is right, sister," Keiko nodded, "Just have a good time and dance with all the boys that have asked to dance with you- which, by the way, are pretty cute. Now if you girls excuse me, I want to find Akira and have a dance before we have trouble to fix,"

Keiko walked off before we had a chance to say goodbye; her black heels clicking against the tiles of the club as she went. Yuki and I just laughed as we saw various guys stare at Keiko's strutting form while she looked for her Akira. It was so heart-warming to see Keiko finally get the happily ever after ending with a guy she truly deserved.

"So how about we make some boys wish they were ours?" Yuki giggled suggestively.

"Why not," I shrugged; sighing a little as I saw Leanne kiss Jake's nose, "The boy I want doesn't want me back anyway,"

"I do not wish to hear any more Jake talk," Yuki said seriously as she grabbed my hand and led me to the middle of the dance floor, "We are going to dance and party for a few minutes and forget about our troubles until Akira comes to get us. And you will get a boy that deserves you and is attracted to your brains and beauty- got it?"

"Seems like a good idea," I smiled; the music starting the get louder and louder, "This is my favourite song- let's dance!"

Yuki and I started to jump up and down with our hands in the air as everyone around us disappeared and we partied like there was no tomorrow. I knew my feet would kill in the morning from all the moving I was doing in my heels. When the song was over, everyone screamed for an encore as Leanne stepped onto the stage; dragging Jake behind her.

"Hey everyone, thankyou all for coming to my uncle's club for my party," Leanne spoke clearly into the microphone, "Now many of you have been coming up to me and asking me what exactly are we celebrating today? Well tonight, we're celebrating my 1 month anniversary with my amazing boyfriend, Jake! Give it up for Jake, everyone!"

The crowd clapped and wolf-whistled as Jake shyly gave a wave to the audience. My heart wrenched at the sight as Leanne wrapped her arms around Jake's neck and pressed her small lips to his soft-looking ones. Everyone erupted into cheers as I fell tears overwhelm me. I was seriously, seriously trying to move on from all this Jake drama but life had other plans for me. How could I move on and not get jealous when Jake and Leanne constantly flaunted their relationship in my face?

"Hayley, are you alright?" Yuki whispered silently.

"I'm fine," I choked out; wiping the tears away with my fingers, "I need a drink,"

I walked back to the sofa to find my drink as I pondered why it was so damn difficult to forget my feelings for Jake. It was such a struggle- I didn't want to be with him because I knew it was wrong to date a Troop member, especially when we argued all the time but on the other hand, I didn't want him to be with anyone else. Love was such a confusing concept and my jaw clenched with frustration. I got even angrier when I noticed my can of soda was not where I left it.

"Hayley...Hayley Steele?"

I turned around; pissed off at my emotions, at the current situation I was in and at the dryness in my throat from lack of soda. To my surprise, I was met with bright blue eyes. The boy looked familiar but I couldn't figure out a name. He had spiky black hair and a great smile to match and my head was going crazy to find out who this good-looking guy was.

"I'm sorry," I replied slowly, "Do I know you?"

"I'm both surprised and hurt that you forgot about me so quickly after...how many years in the Troop?" he teased as I slammed my head against my palm.

"Gavin! Oh my god, I'm so sorry; I just had a memory block," I chuckled; swinging my arms around his shockingly larger and more built form, "Hey, have you been working out?"

"Glad that you noticed," he winked, "What are you doing at Leanne's party?"

"I was invited," I lied smoothly, "What about you?"

"Same," he replied casually, "So how are you, Miss Hayley Steele? How's the Lakewood Troop anyway? Man, I miss the action with you guys everyday, even if I'm in the Troop back home. Oh and how's my replacement that Felix was talking to me about...uhh...what was his name...Cake Jollins?"

"Jake Collins," I corrected instantly; his name increasing my heart rate, "He's actually naturally talented. You should've seen him take down targets with a weapon his first day- even when he wasn't authorised nor ready to shoot at anything. Though he's selfish and annoying and never ever listens to others' advice no matter what the-"

"Wow Hayley, seems like you really like this guy," he grinned, "So tell me, who's the lucky guy in this room?"

"I can't tell-"

"Is it that one with the mullet? No way, you hate mullets...oh I know, it's that guy in the ugly blue shirt since blue's your favourite colour, right?"

"Gavin..."

"You know what's funny," Gavin blabbed as he desperately tried to find Jake, "Leanne's boyfriend is called Jake..."

"Gavin!" I screamed; shaking his arm slightly, "Can you keep quiet and be not so obvious?"

"Hayley, Hayley, Hayley," he smirked, "Why are you being so secretive? Is there something...oh my god, it's Leanne's Jake isn't it?"

"You're insane, Gavin," I laughed nervously, "But yeah, it is Leanne's Jake. You have to promise me you won't tell her though! Please, Gavin, please?"

"Sure Hayley, your secret is safe with me," Gavin wiggled his eyebrows suggestively.

I smiled sincerely at Gavin as he just winked back at me. We moved on from the Jake topic and started to catch up with each other, since I hadn't seen him for more than a year. I learnt that Gavin had soon moved again to the Great North Shore as business for his dad was good here. He was good friends with Leanne's uncle because he was one of his father's work partners, so ultimately, he was lucky to get a job at the club. Leanne been very kind to all the teenage workers at her uncle's club by inviting them all to her bash for Jake.

"And I bet you're still the best monster fighter on the team and Felix is still the smartest?" Gavin guessed; a grin evident on his face.

"Oh Gavin; your flattery never does get old," I giggled back, "Though I believe you are correct,"

"Why, isn't that obvious?" Gavin smirked, "Hey Hayley...do you maybe...wanna dance?"

Without thinking, I nodded at his request and he took my hand and lead me onto the dance floor. The music was still booming from the speakers as we started to jump up and down with the music. I placed my arms in the air and chorused the song with everyone else in the room and for the first time at the party, I felt free from all the emotional baggage I had held onto before.

A song followed the previous one and if it was even possible, I assumed it had even more of a bounce in beat and I started to jump higher. Gavin chuckled at me and grabbed my hands so we could dance together. From the corner of my eye, I saw Jake and Leanne dancing too, but instead of Jake's eyes on Leanne, his eyes were looking in my direction. It was dark though and I was glad that it was because Gavin nor Jake could see the blush that crept onto my cheeks when I realised Jake could've been looking at me, though I highly doubted it. He had Leanne anyway- so why would he look at me?

"Ok everybody, Leanne's wanting us to slow it down as we approach midnight," the DJ spoke into his microphone, "So grab a partner and have fun!"

Various boys and girls started to get up shyly as they made their way onto the floor, including Akira and Keiko and Leanne and Jake. Leanne cuddled up to Jake as he held her small hands in his own. I tried to ignore the pang of pain that struck my heart when I wished I was in Leanne's current position. Immediately though, I shook my head, reassuring myself that Jake wasn't the one and somehow, I had to move on from this belief that he was.

Silently, Gavin took my hands and placed them around his neck while he positioned his own securely on my waist. I was startled at his actions but he silenced me with a lop-sided grin. Slowly, I forgot about my surprise to his change of heart and went with it; making me drown in those big blue eyes of his. We swayed peacefully to the music and I soon fell very comfortable in Gavin's arms. He made me feel safe and protected in his arms. I leaned in, taking in his warm scent as I relaxed against his strong frame.

"Hayley...?"

I didn't want to think about the consequences of kissing Gavin at a party and considering the circumstances, my brain didn't seem to find a problem with Gavin and I being more than friends. I looked up at him as he started to lower his head; my eyes fluttering shut in anticipation for his lips to touch mine.

But they never did.

I was suddenly pulled away from Gavin's embrace by someone who was dragging me by the shoulder pad- a shoulder pad that wasn't mine. I tried to turn around and see who it was but was unsuccessful because I couldn't turn around to face the idiot that could potentially damage Akira's aunty's clothes. My anger started to bubble inside of me from the loss of not kissing Gavin and the way I was being treated right now. Whoever was controlling me right now was definitely crazy and would expect a long and tiresome lecture on touching things and people that weren't theirs. At last, we stopped as we stepped outside of the club onto the stairs; the stars shining brightly above us.

"What in the world are you doing? This isn't my dress and if you ruin this dress, not only will Akira kill me but his-"

"Who was that, Hayley?" Jake stated lowly; his chocolate brown eyes boring into my ones.

"Just a friend," I shrugged as I pulled away from his fierce grasp.

"He didn't seem like a friend back there," Jake growled, "Don't you lie to me, Hayley. We both know that whoever he was back there nearly kissed you!"

"So what, Collins," I spat back, "Why do you care so much anyway?"

"Because you're a member of my team and anything that hurts you, hurts me too," he spoke softly as he cupped my cheek, "Now in all seriousness and honesty, tell me who that guy was,"

"Alright..." I caved in when I saw how vulnerable Jake was at this very moment, "That guy was Gavin. We were only catching up and then he asked me to dance and I guess we just got caught up in the moment..."

"Who the hell is Gavin?" Jake scoffed loudly as I looked around to see if anyone was around to hear his outburst.

"Be quiet, Jake- I don't want to draw any attention," I whispered harshly to him, "And you know who Gavin is! Remember, the guy that you replaced within the Troop?"

"Oh that loser," he said under his breath; rolling his eyes in exaggeration.

"He's not a loser, Jake- you are!" I screamed, "Why does it matter to you who I kiss? You're with Leanne anyway!"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Jake shouted back; stepping dangerously closer to me, "Hayley, I'm just looking out for you, ok? But that Gavin guy...he just seems a little bit fishy, don't you think? I mean, he moved away from Lakewood and now he's here at a club; at Leanne's party? Isn't that just too much of a coincidence, especially after all this Vortex and Gus business?"

"I think you're over-reacting, Jake. I mean, the chances of meeting Gavin again were very slim but I'm glad they happened. It was about time I got another boyfriend after what Brett did to me,"

"And what makes you think Gavin's the one?" Jake asked softly, "What if you're wrong?"

"Well, I would've known through a kiss, if you didn't pull me away at the last second- and plus, I'm never wrong. I'm Hayley Steele after all!" I frowned, "So goodbye, Jake and don't bother me again unless it's important,"

I spun around and walked away from his form before he could catch up to me as I re-entered the club. The music was still upbeat and it seemed the slow music, along with the 'moment', was lost. I sighed as I looked away for Yuki and Keiko so they could keep me company and not make me feel so confused and lost.

Jake and I were good friends and even better monster fighters. But it seemed like when we came to relationships, we were both fickle and very picky- which wasn't necessarily a bad thing. I definitely felt something for Jake that I hadn't ever felt for all my other boyfriends and every time I kissed him, I felt like I could fly. I felt like my heart was on cloud nine and my head was spinning out of control and it was all so electrifying but loving and peaceful at the same time. It was crazy how my mind and body reacted when Jake touched me with those lips of his. So why couldn't either of us admit what we were both feeling? I swore the attraction was obvious and the feeling was mutual but I guess, for once, maybe I was wrong- though I'd never admit it to anyone.

Shaking my head, I ignored all other thoughts about Jake. Thinking about someone this much surely wasn't healthy! I took my seat on the couch again as I scanned the room for the sisters but was unsuccessful. Suddenly, I remembered that I had to meet Akira at the bar every 15 minutes for any new information on Felix's location, so I scurried off to the open bar.

"Hey Hayley, there you are!" Gavin grinned as he grabbed my hand so I turned around to face his blue eyes.

"Gavin, I'd really like to talk right now, but I have something to-"

"Hayley, I really need to talk to you right now," Gavin whispered in my ear, "It won't take long, I promise,"

"Alright then..." I agreed reluctantly.

Gavin then led me outside to the same spot Jake and I were standing in just a mere few minutes ago. I tried to not think about the rapid beating of my heart when I thought of Jake holding my hand, instead of Gavin right now. Gavin was a very nice and smart guy, but he was no Jake. I was anxious though, that he'd admit 'secret feelings' for me tonight and I'd have to reject him because a certain chocolate-eyed boy couldn't leave my head.

"Look Hayley, there's some things I need to say to you," Gavin began, "I know we haven't seen each other for a really long time but seeing you today made me realise how much I missed Lakewood, Felix and you. I guess what I'm trying to say is that, Hayley Steele, I think this has been fate that we've met again after I moved away and I think I love you,"

"Gavin...I..." I stuttered, "I can't do this, Gavin. My heart won't be in it,"

"What do you mean?" Gavin said as his eyebrows furrowed.

"You see, we had a little trouble and..." I panicked; desperately trying to think of a lie but soon gave up, "Well, Felix is missing right now and that's why I'm here at the Great North Shore in the first place. He; finding him right now is my first priority. I'm sorry Gavin but this isn't the right time,"

"Oh god, how was Felix attacked?" Gavin gasped.

"By a sea monster, I think," I thought aloud, "We're still not sure what the creature was since we've never seen anything like this before. But before we go back inside, I have just one tiny question to ask you,"

"Go for it," Gavin smiled invitingly as I reached for the mini-laser gun Akira had snuck into my dress pocket for emergencies.

"I said Felix was missing and you said he was attacked," I shouted; pointing the gun at him, "How the hell did you know?"

"Uh...no, I was just assuming because-"

"Yeah right, Gavin. Jake was correct; it was too much of a coincidence in meeting you here. Now state your business or I'll shoot!" I commanded strongly.

"Ah Hayley, I thought you'd be slower than this," Gavin chuckled evilly as he grabbed my head by the hair and forced me closer to his face, "I was hoping to do this later on in the evening but they say there's nothing like the present!"

Before I could say anything, Gavin shoved his lips onto mine and I grunted in retaliation. His strong hands pried the gun out of my shaking fingers and my mind was in a whirlwind. He pushed me and grabbed my hands swiftly as he pinned them against a wall. Soon, he lifted his mouth from mine and looked at me with red eyes- the same red eyes Gus had at the dance after kissing me. Was this Gavin or was it like the night at Yuki, Keiko and Akira's school dance where Gus seemed to be possessed?

"That's one for me," Gavin smirked darkly, "And here's one for the Master,"

Gavin slammed his lips onto mine again and I struggled against his form again. I hated feeling so weak and useless and I tried to think of a way to get out of this situation. Trying to worm my hand down to find my other hand so I could contact Jake on my watchcom didn't seem like a bad idea so I hurriedly looked for it. Luckily, I was successful and as I pressed it, teeth started to scrape against my lip. My eyes widened in fear and I let out a whimper as I felt them bite into my lip. Excruciating pain- physical pain I had never ever experienced in my whole entire life spread through my body like wild fire in a savannah. I tried to scream but I found no energy to do so. I tried to run but I was trapped by his strong build. I tried to contact Jake but he wasn't picking up and it seemed like my luck had just ran out.

And just like that, I closed my eyes and the world turned black.

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So...what do you think? Who is the master? Are you dying to know? :P
REVIEW IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT!

Hope to hear from you soon;
inspire-the-writer-x3