A/N: YAY, AN UPDATE! I know you've all been dying to see this but you know, school has a way of keeping writers from doing their thing.
Disclaimer: I do not own Sky High or any of it's characters. I only own the plot and a few original characters of mine. Happy reading!
Warren blinked a few times. His eyes were adjusting. When had he fallen asleep? It was sunny outside so he must have slept through the entire night. Then his brain clicked and he remembered the events of yesterday. Why the hell had they had a noodle fight? He heard a sigh very close to himself and he tensed.
"Good morning, Pyro."
Warren glanced down to see Layla with him. She was curled up next to him, her arm across his chest, and she was half asleep. They had slept together again? He couldn't recall what had started the noodle war but he decided, whatever it was, it should happen more often so he could have another... sleep over. He enjoyed her company.
"Mornin'." He grumbled, still struggling to wake up fully. "Sleep well?" He asked teasingly. Layla nodded and snuggled up to him more, until there was no space left between them.
"So warm." She mumbled, still half asleep. "You're not the most comfortable guy though." She added moments later. A smile spread across her face as she said this. She took the liberty of poking his stomach and it tensed, proving her point.
Warren chuckled and shifted, feeling incredibly stiff. Layla shifted as well, allowing him to move his arm under her head in order to stretch it. Oh, he had no feeling in his arm what so ever. It had remained around Layla's waist the entire night.
"I can't feel my arm." He grumbled, clenching his fist, trying to get the blood flowing.
"I know the feeling." She said, lifting her right arm out from in between them.
"What time is it?" Warren asked. He felt like going back to sleep already.
Layla scowled and looked around for the clock. She spotted it through squinted eyes, "Eight o'clock." She said doubtfully. It couldn't be so early. It didn't feel so early. "Do you work today?" She asked as a yawn escaped.
Warren thought about it for a moment. What day is it anyway? "I don't think so. I think it's Saturday." He grumbled. Not like he was going to go even if he did work today. He actually had things to do today. "I have to go shopping." He said reluctantly. "Running out of the essentials." He mumbled.
Layla instantly sat up, grin on her face. From half asleep to wide awake in a second. There's something wrong with that girl, Warren thought with a small smirk. He looked at her through one eye curiously. "Can I go with? I haven't left this house in ages, it's starting to feel like house arrest!" She said, almost too fast for him to comprehend.
Warren sighed and closed his eye. "Sure." He said simply. He listened as Layla scrambled out of his bed and skipped into the bathroom, leaving him to himself to catch a few more minutes of sleep.
Layla quickly hopped into the shower, feeling excited to leave the house for once. She missed seeing people. Not that seeing Warren every day wasn't enough but she would like to socialize a bit. That reminds her, she should call Magenta soon. She hasn't talked to her in what felt like ages. And Zach too. And Ethan. And Will- maybe not Will.
She finished with her shower and wrapped herself in a towel so she could comb her hair. She's noticed how it's gotten longer. She smiled and dried it with another towel hanging behind the door. She reached into the bag she had brought with her, learning quickly not to leave it in Warren's room as to avoid awkward situations. She pulled out a pair of faded skinny jeans and a pink t-shirt to wear. Once she was dressed, she walked out of the bathroom and straight to Warren's room. She wasn't surprised to see him sound asleep again. She couldn't bother him. She grabbed her pair of black flats and quietly tiptoed out of his room.
Layla walked downstairs and into the kitchen. She decided she would make some breakfast and watch some television while she's at it. She switched it on and there was a movie currently playing. She was interested in it immediately, the setting being at an amusement park. Then things changed when she noticed it was one of those raunchy movies. Unfortunately her hands were already caked in pancake batter so "Adventureland" it is.
She prepared the pancakes quickly and moved on to the bacon which they had just run out of. She set that to cook and turned to catch a glimpse of the movie. The girl, Em, was apparently in her house alone.
Em watched through a window as a car pulled up in front of her house. She walked over to a record player and set it up to play a slow song. "In here." She called out. A man, Mike, walked up behind her and she turned to face him. She smiled awkwardly as he closed the space between them and leaned down, kissing her longingly. Before it went any further, Em got off her toes and stepped aside, walking into the living room.
"So, we have like, five minutes?" She asked as she ran her hands through her long hair. She leaned on the back of the couch.
Mike turned his head to face her, "No." He said, his voice low and gruff. He followed after her and stood in front of her. He looked down at her with a small smile playing on his lips, "There's not much point in wasting time, though." He stated.
Em understood what he meant and took off her jacket, throwing it back and then leaning on her arms, staring up at him expectantly. Mike stepped forward and grabbed the hem of her shirt, playing with her pant's button. He leaned down and met her lips with his own for another passionate kiss. He moved his hands to her ass and lifted her up. Em straddled him, not breaking the kiss, and Mike gently placed her on the back of the couch, standing between her legs.
Em broke the kiss and started to fumble with his belt buckle all the while he watched her and kissed her head. They continued to make out, continuing the same passionate pace.
"The food is burning."
Layla gasped and jumped two feet into the air. She glanced toward the staircase where Warren was standing. Warren had been watching Layla. She was transfixed into the movie, her face turned crimson, her hand was on her chest and she was wide-eyed as she watched the scene unfold. If Warren didn't know better he'd say she was enjoying it. Then again, it was Ryan Reynolds on-screen.
"Oh, shoot!" Layla hissed as she came back to reality. She pulled the pan off the stove and turned the heat off. "Um, I hope you like your bacon extra, extra crispy." She said awkwardly as she served their breakfast.
Warren sat at the island and leaned on his arms, giving Layla one of his looks. "What was that about?" He asked, an eyebrow raised with interest.
Layla didn't even look him in the eyes as she poured their juice. She shrugged, "I don't know, I caught it half way in." She said, sitting across from him.
"You know what I mean, Hippie." He said before taking a bite out of his pancakes.
"What do you want me to say?" Layla hissed, now raising her head to glare at him in annoyance.
Warren was caught off guard with her attitude and he remained silent as he chewed his food. He searched for a good enough response. "What were you thinking?" He asked, slightly going off topic.
"What do you mean?" She asked, confused.
"While you were watching those two make out, you had this look on your face." He explained, grin spreading on his face. Layla scowled, not liking where this was going. Warren grins, never a good thing.
"I did not." She said sternly. She began to stuff her mouth with food as to avoid answering his questions.
"You did. You're pretty easy to read." He said, grin still apparent on his face.
"If I'm so easy to read then why are you asking me all these questions?" Layla snapped at him, washing it down with orange juice.
"I want to know what made you bite your lip." He said.
Layla froze. She did what? She did that? She bit her lip? No, she didn't. Warren is just messing with her. Like always. "I'm not saying that I did, because I didn't, but why would you want to know anyway?" She asked guardedly.
"I'm just curious. What makes Layla "Hippie" Williams raunch-"
"Don't!" Layla slammed her hand on the counter top. "Don't even finish that sentence or so help me I will hurt you." She threatened. It was probably the first time she had ever threatened anyone in her entire life.
"That's okay. I know what it was anyway." He said, another grin spreading across his face. He knew exactly what specific moment she bit her lip and why. He just wanted to hear it from her is all. No such luck.
Warren almost laughed at her. She was literally about to attack him. He smiled, knowing he has her under his finger now. Now it's his game. And he knows he's going to win.
Layla saw it in his eyes, the way they creased and how the corners of his lips twitched. She knew he thought he was winning, as he usually did. She knew how much he enjoyed teasing her. But like I said, she knew how he thought he was winning. Layla narrowed her eyes. Who's to say she can't play hard ball with the pros? Who's to say she couldn't give Warren a run for his money? The hot head himself? No. The foot is coming down.
Warren watched her intently as she glared daggers at him. Something she was making a habit out of. He's already getting used to it. But then her expression changed. It softened. It softened until she was all out smirking.
Layla leaned into her chair and stretched her back, looking at Warren through lidded eyes. "Maybe I've decided a little... fun... isn't so bad." She said, barely over a whisper, her voice low. She watched carefully for any reaction from Warren.
He leaned forward onto his arms and fixed her a small smile, "Oh yeah? What made you... change your mind?" He asked carefully but with a teasing edge to it.
Layla placed her hands on her lap and locked eyes with him, raising a brow of her own. She smirked, something she'd learned from Warren himself. "I wouldn't exactly put it that way; 'changing my mind'." She said, just as carefully, with an even more teasing tone. There are two types of teasing, she'd learned, and they were using entirely different ones. "Who told you I had a mind set that it was bad?" She asked.
Warren wouldn't admit it but he was getting amused. "Come on, Hippie, we all know it's immoral for you, any kind of physical contact." He mocked, giving her a look that told her to prove him wrong.
Layla raised her brows and parted her lips slightly, expressing mock surprise. "Have you any proof of this, Warren?" She asked.
Warren choked. He didn't expect that response, therefore he hadn't one of his own. "No." He said sheepishly, but his gruff voice barely allowed her to hear his voice waver.
"Then how could you come to the conclusion that those are my thoughts?" She asked, mocking him as he had mocked her. "For all you know, my thoughts could be the complete opposite." She said, jutting her chin out and raising a defiant brow.
"Are they?" Warren asked, trying to get odds on his favor. He hoped she would lose her edge.
Layla curled her lips back into a small smile, "My thoughts are for me to know and for you to... decipher." She said, her voice low again.
"I don't like playing little games." He said, wanting her to get to the point.
Layla lowered her head and looked at him through lashes, her lower lip popped out in a pout. "Oh, what a shame." She said in a sing-song voice.
"So Layla has a dark side after all?" He asked but there was a tone of certainty laced in his voice.
"Doesn't everyone?" She asked innocently. "Some just prefer to hide it. Unlike yourself." She said, almost scoffing.
"I hide it. Trust me, I hide it." Warren said, nodding as he spoke.
This time Layla scoffed, "Oh really? I may be slow but I see it when you play your little games, Warren." She said, her eyes narrowing. She took a breath and tried to keep her cool. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of winning their new little game.
Warren chuckled and shook his head, taking his plate and walking to the sink. He put them in and run water on them so the syrup wouldn't stick to the plate. He turned around and watched the back of Layla's head curiously. He knew she was trying to play him at his own game. If she thought she had the slightest chance of catching him off guard or making him stutter, she would be in for a world of disappointment.
"What games?" He asked from behind her. He took a few steps toward her carefully. She didn't turn around to face him and he closed the space before she could. "You mean whenever I stand too close?" He asked in a low voice, leaning onto the back of her chair. He watched carefully as she tensed for a split second. She quickly relaxed and he frowned. She was getting better at this. "Or whenever I give you that smile I know you can't resist?" He asked into her ear, his voice but a low rumble in his chest.
"Exactly those games, Warren." She said nonchalantly. Layla was glad he stood behind her, unable to see the blush run over her face.
"Hey, don't blame it all on me." He said coolly. "I know you have a few tricks up your sleeve. I know you know what you're doing. When you leave your clothes in my room, or when you accidentally flash some skin." He whispered.
Layla shuddered, her skin breaking out in goosebumps. She could barely stand his breath on her ear and neck but she would have to fight it. "I don't know what you're talking about." She said sternly.
Warren chuckled, a sound Layla thought sounded like a dramatic melody. She couldn't help but smile, even if he was wrong. She never intentionally put them in those situations. Not consciously at least.
"Nice try, Warren. You're the one who got me the all-bearing clothes." She reminded him, feeling victorious as she spoke.
"All-bearing? Please." He scoffed, finally standing straight but remaining against the chair. "You're cute." He said, patting her head mockingly.
Layla frowned. She grabbed her plate and hopped off the chair, quickly going past him and to the sink where she washed the dishes. "I may not bare much, but just the thought of a bit of my skin makes you tempted, doesn't it? The less you have, the more you want, they say?" She said, smirking to herself.
Warren almost lost his cool. He felt his body temperature rise, with something other than rage. He swallowed the lump in his throat and took a settling breath. He walked to her, standing right behind her. He smirked, placing a large hand on her hip. He chuckled when a cup she was cleaning slipped out of her hand. He leaned down so he could speak into her ear, "That rings very true, Layla." He confessed. Layla would have been delighted to hear this but she could hear the smirk in his voice. Warren licked his lips audibly, making Layla shudder once more. "But it doesn't always apply. I see it in your eyes when you look at me. You've seen enough, enough to feed your imagination, but you always want more, don't you?"
Layla began to feel uneasy. Warren was standing so close to her, breathing down her neck as he towered over her. She grasped the soupy dishes tightly, almost enough to make them shatter. Her face caught fire, her knees felt weak, she began to sweat. But that could be due to the fact a human fire is standing mere inches away from her.
She swallowed heavily and straightened up, showing no real discomfort to him. "I have a pretty good imagination. I can't complain for what I get." She said simply, hoping that would tilt the game her way.
"Doesn't stop you from wanting to see more." He grumbled, now placing his other hand on her hip.
Layla bit her tongue to prevent her from squeaking. She noticed a certain change though. She could use it to get advantage. Feeling her confidence in the game rise, she turned in his hold, leaning against the sink. "Warren, your hands are burning up. You okay?" She asked, mock worry in her voice all the while her expression showed amusement.
Warren chuckled, seeing what she was trying to do. She was predictably unpredictable. "Just fine, actually." He said, running his thumb over her hip bone. She said physical contact wasn't so bad, so here's him proving it right or wrong.
Layla bit her lip instinctively and immediately regretted it, knowing Warren had caught sight of the involuntary action. He chuckled and she frowned. She couldn't help but shudder. The heat from his hands on her cold skin didn't really help. Warren watched her even if she hid her face. He watched to see how long she could handle it. Maybe he would cheat a little. Use things he knew would make her tick.
"Leave it to me to bring out the best from a flower child. You're welcome." He said, barely over a rough whisper.
"I'd say you bring out the worse." She almost breathed. She swallowed the lump in throat that seemed to keep coming back.
"I thought you said it wasn't so bad." He stated with a smirk.
"I didn't get a chance to finish." She said, her voice almost cracking at the end. Warren stopped any movement from his hands and waited for her to explain herself. He couldn't deny he felt a twist of worry in the pit of his stomach. "It's not bad as long as it's consensual." She continued. Warren paled. Layla noticed the change in his mood. She felt the need to reassure him about something she wasn't sure of herself. She reached out and grabbed his forearms. "As long as it's with someone you care about it and trust." She said. She wasn't entirely sure how that could reassure him.
Warren frowned. "Did Stronghold-"
"No." Layla cut him off, her answer certain and stern. "Not once." She added. She lifted her head to look at him through lashes, "He was never so lucky." She said, smiling softly.
Warren raised a brow, frown not leaving his face. "Lucky, huh?" He asked skeptically.
Layla nodded, "He couldn't get it right." She confessed. She looked away, knowing she shouldn't think of him, but Will came into her mind. She thought of all the times he tried to make an advance on her. He would awkwardly place his hand on her knee and slowly bring it down her thigh, only to quickly remove it and walk away to get something. Sometimes he would place a hand on her waist, in an uncomfortable way, but then remove it and run it through his messy hair. He couldn't even look at her right, stealing awkward glances, like it was wrong to do anything with her.
Warren watched her. It bothered him, knowing exactly who she was thinking about, how quickly the mere thought of him could upset her. He could almost see it now, what she meant. Of course she had been playing in their little game but she somehow meant it, that she didn't think of it as a bad thing, physical contacts. He realized she was never allowed or given the chance. He realized in that moment that maybe Layla wasn't the way she was by choice, but by obligation. It's who everyone expected Layla to be. Maybe this way, he thought as he looked at his hands on her hips, wasn't the perfect way to do things, seeing as she knew nothing else but the inside of her man-made cocoon. But then again, she made for a worthy opponent.
"Guess I'm a lucky guy." He said, cracking a smile for her sake. He removed his hands slowly and she removed her own from his forearms. "You win." He announced, smirking at the look of disbelief on her face.
"I win." She chuckled.
Warren finally allowed her room to breathe, walking into the living room to cool himself off a bit. He could feel the heat rolling off his body. "The kitchen won't stock itself." He said, heading for the door.
Layla ran a hand through her hair and tried to settle down. She nodded, "Right. We're all out of bacon." She said, following after him. She noticed he wasn't on the sidewalk on his motorcycle. She heard a whistle to her left and looked over, seeing Warren lifting his white garage door. She walked over curiously and was surprised to see what he stored in there.
"Is it yours?" She asked incredulously.
Warren chuckled, "Sort of. I stole it." He said. Layla gasped, staring at him with wide eyes. He almost laughed. "Relax, Hippie. I took the hunk of junk from the old man and fixed it here and there." He explained, walking into the garage and switching on the light. "It's a 1969 Dodge Charger." He stated, opening the driver's door. It creaked and moaned in protest but it opened nonetheless.
"Wow. It looks great." She said, admiring the classic looking car. It was entirely black, a few dents here and there, a taillight was shattered and one of the rear view mirrors were missing. Aside from that, the car looked impressive.
"It's not perfect but it gets me places." He said. "Get in." He said, unlocking the door for her. Layla was quick to comply, climbing into the car. She was a little surprised at how low the seats were but it was oddly comfortable. Warren turned the key and the car literally roared to life. Layla actually gasped from the incredibly loud noise and the car shaking and rumbling as if it were being awaken from a long slumber.
Warren pulled out out the garage and down the driveway. He parked the car and climbed out to close the old garage door. Layla looked around the inside of the car. It was just as black as the exterior. It wasn't in perfect condition, a few scratches here and there but it wasn't that bad. She noticed it was shift gear. Interesting, she thought. Warren came back and drove out onto the street. "Ready?" He asked.
"For what?" Layla barely had time to ask before Warren stomped his foot down on the pedal, sending the beast of a car speeding down the streets and in no time they were on the open road. Layla squealed in fear and reached up to grab the assist handle but realized it didn't exist. If it had at one point, it no longer did, which left her gripping the seat for dear life.
Warren watched, laughing, as Layla squealed and screamed as he drove. It was beyond amusing. He slowed to a stop at the first red light, wary for cops. He figured he put poor Layla through enough.
"You're trying to get us killed!" Layla exclaimed, turning her head to glare at the reckless driver. Warren just chuckled, his teeth bared in a satisfied smile. "This is the last time I ride with you, Warren!" She exclaimed angrily. "You nearly gave me a heart attack, what's wrong with you?!" She wailed.
Before Warren had to reply, the light turned green. He put the car into gear and took off again, being the first at the light. He took a moderated speed this time, not truly wanting to upset Layla. In a matter of no time they arrived to the supermarket and were inside. Warren grabbed a shopping cart and went straight to work, Layla following close behind.
Layla was surprised how quickly he had gathered his groceries. Normally it took Layla and her mother well over an hour to get the same things he had managed to get in less than thirty minutes. She guessed it was a guy thing.
"I... have to go get some things for myself." She said awkwardly, hoping he wouldn't question her.
Warren raised a brow and simply nodded, not having to make a big deal out of it. Layla was grateful for this and scampered off. Somehow her thoughts once again wandered off to Will again. She could remember, quite vividly, when she had the same situation with him. He had blushed and stuttered a response, acting rather childishly over something that truly wasn't that big of a deal. She was glad Warren took it seriously, or at least casually. It saved her from a grave embarrassment.
In a few moments, Layla was back with her personal items just as Warren was being checked out. No, not checked out, checked out. Checked out in grocery terms. "Got everything?" Warren asked as he was about ready to pay.
"Yeah, thanks." She said sheepishly.
As soon as everything was paid for and loaded into the car, they were on their way home. Warren glanced at the car's clock. It was still really early. Ten thirty to be exact. He reached for the radio. He switched it on and an old CD was playing Chris Cornell's Call Me a Dog.
"You like Chris Cornell?" He asked, just to kill the silence between them.
Layla tilted her head in confusion, "I've never heard of them." She listened closely to the lyrics, trying to deem it familiar.
You call me a dog well that's fair enough
Cause it ain't no use to pretend
You're wrong
When you call me out I can't hide anymore
I have no disguise you cant see through
Well you say it's bad luck
To have fallen for me
Well what can I say to make it good for you
You wore me out like an old winter coat
Trying to be safe from the cold
But when it's my time to throw
The next stone
I'll call you beautiful if I call at all
Layla couldn't recall having heard any song like this one, but she could admit it was a nice song. The singer had a strong voice and the song itself was interesting and sweet.
Warren sighed, thinking about what Layla had said earlier. She felt like she was under house arrest. He couldn't deny it, he himself was getting tired of the familiar four walls of his home. He pulled into the driveway of his house and pulled himself out of the car, going to unlock the door.
Layla waited for him at the back of the car. He gave her a strange look as he approached her. Layla returned the look, wondering why he was looking at her that way.
"Um, need any help?" She offered, standing aside so her could open the trunk.
"Nope." Warren said, grabbing a few bags.
Layla frowned, "I could help you-"
"I got it." He said, giving her a warning look so she wouldn't insist. Layla sighed, knowing she wouldn't win this, and went inside. She sat on the couch with a huff and started to play with her hands. She watched patiently as Warren came in and out of the house with groceries.
"Ugh." She said, standing and walking into the kitchen where he placed all the bagged groceries. She began to unpack them and put them into their respectful places, with a bit of difficulty since she still wasn't sure where everything went.
Halfway through, she felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped. "I told you I got it." Warren said over her shoulder.
Layla smiled at him and shrugged, "I got it." She said simply. Warren rolled his eyes and began to help her unpack and put away. He had to admit they got the job done in half the time he would have himself.
"Thanks." He grumbled, walking into the living room and dropping on the couch. Layla smiled and followed suit, plopping down next to him, a bit closer than she may have intended. Warren raised a brow and casually spread his arm behind her head. Layla knew very well how casual the move was but she leaned into his side, snuggling into him. To her relief, Warren didn't protest or even move away.
"What are we gonna do? We have all day." She said, almost pouting.
Warren shrugged, "I dunno." He said. He glanced at her, "Maybe you should go visit your gerbil friend." He suggested.
Layla frowned, "She's not a gerbil." She hissed.
Warren scowled, "Hamster?" He guessed.
"No!"
"Rat."
"Warren!"
"Um," He scowled again, wondering what in the world it was. Couldn't be a capybara, he knew it was too big. "Guinea pig?" He guessed carefully.
"Yes, you idiot, she's a guinea pig." Layla huffed, feeling offended for her friend.
Warren frowned, "She's your friend, not mine. I could care less if she was a unicorn." He said, rolling his eyes.
Layla sighed in frustration, seeing her old lovable Warren resurfacing. She almost missed him. A lot. She giggled, "You'd be impressed by a unicorn." She said teasingly.
"Dragon, maybe." He countered, hiding a smirk.
"Of course." Layla grumbled, giggling. "You'll be alright on your own?" She asked as she got up from the couch. Warren gave her an 'are you serious' look and Layla deadpanned. "Right. I'll see you later then." She said. She didn't realize it at the moment, but she leaned over and planted a light kiss on his warm cheek. Only when she pulled away and saw the smile on his face did she realize what happened.
"See you later." He agreed, still smiling slightly.
Layla nodded and turned, suddenly wanting to disappear. What was that? She walked outside and took a deep breath. Before she knew it, flowers began to blossom all over the yard. "Great." She grumbled, a blush running over her face. She hoped Magenta was ready for the storm Layla would unleash upon her. She needed some girl talk. Desperately.
A/N: Hey, guys. Well, here's the update you've all been waiting for! It took quite some time but school has been keeping me from writing, I haven't caught a break but I decided to say screw it and update on a Monday night. This chapter is kinda dedicated to a good friend of mine who has been all around NAGGING me to update this. Any longer and she would have strangled me. The update took quite some time so I made an effort to make this chapter a bit longer than my regular ones. I hope you enjoyed it! Review and let me know I'm still on track. Still taking in votes, guys. 1-5 means you need MORE build up and romance, 6-10 means you've had enough and want them to be together. From this point on, if I get many wonderful 1-5, things will be more interesting and romantic and awesome. Anyway, yeah, review and again, sorry for taking so long to update. Sorry for any mistakes, I can't double check it!
With love, Mutinous Pirate.