Chapter 8~

Hayden was disliked by most of the members in the Murder House, but in times of need she was one who could come up with a scheming plan to get you anything you wanted, under nearly any circumstance.

Tate found her sat in the rocking chair in the basement, painting her fingernails a deep crimson. Her mouth turned up into a crooked smile when she saw him appear by the doorway.

"Come back for more?" she asked playfully, grinning like a Cheshire cat as she swiped the paintbrush across her nail in a smooth fluid movement. "Given up on Violet and need release from a real woman?"

Her voice was deep and provocative, but her words had no effect on Tate. His mouth was pressed into a hard line, his eyes staring at her impassively.

"I need your help with Violet."

"Oh, is that so? And what can I help you with today? A 101 on how to arouse the young girl?"

Tate gritted his teeth at Hayden's cynical remarks and focused on keeping his voice calm. "Not exactly, but you are on the right lines."

Hayden's eyebrow cocked up in an inquisitive gesture. "Oh, really?" She smirked. "Do tell me more."

"I need a plan." He said hesitantly. Tate still wasn't sure whether asking Hayden for a plan was the right thing to do, because with Hayden there was always a catch. She could never do anything out of the kindness of her heart. "Violet wants to be friends, but she has these rules which-"

"Rules?" Hayden interrupted. "Sounds kinky, never knew she was like that."

Tate glared at her. "No, it's not like that. She only wants to be friends, nothing else." He couldn't help but display the irritation he felt and when Hayden paused to look at him, she grinned at his expression.

"Poor little Tate," She drawled, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Still unable to capture the girl's heart? I am disappointed. So, what are these rules then?"

"No romantic involvement and no touching."

"Ha." Hayden laughed. "What a pity for you, they about sum up what you're after. So what are you asking? You want me to help you break the rules?"

"In a way, yes."

Hayden grinned again. "Well you have come to the right place."

Finishing her nails, she placed the bottle of nail varnish on the side, before sliding out of the chair and walking towards Tate slowly. Her legs moved leisurely as if she had all the time in the world, but with each step her hips followed in a swaying motion making the whole gesture seem provocative. Tate, once again, took little notice of her sexual ministrations. He was set on one girl and one girl only. Hayden now held little appeal to him.

"You want her back? To be more than friends?"

"Yes."

"And you are willing to do anything?"

"…Yes," Tate replied hesitantly.

"Hmm," She smirked. "Interesting."

Tate sighed heavily as his eyes locked sharply with her lingering gaze on his body. "Hayden quit the crap and just help me."

Her eyes flashed up to his. "What am I getting out of it?" Her hand came up to his neck and she slowly ran the tip of her nail down, careful not to brush the newly painted varnish onto his skin.

Tate pulled away and stared down at her begrudgingly. "Money."

"Money? And why would I want money, Tate? I'm dead. I can't go out and buy anything."

His lips pursed and he breathed out, irritated. "I'll come up with something." He sighed. "Just help me."

"Please? Manners might help."

"Please."

"Good boy." She walked around him, circling like a predator, but this time instead of her walk being deliberately sensual, it was more of an inspection to see if he was good enough for what he was asking. "But remember you owe me something in turn."

"Okay, fine."

"Let's begin," she said beginning to circle him again. "You can be romantic, yes?"

"Yes."

"Well Violet is a romantic girl who needs to be wooed." Her voice had lost its playful tone and in its place was a harder underlay, one which meant that Hayden was being serious and Tate needed to listen to her speech because once she was done talking, she wouldn't repeat her words again. "Treat her the way you would if you wanted her to believe you are the most romantic person alive. Understood?"

Tate nodded slowly. "How do I do that?"

"Bring her flowers, do things she loves to do even if you hate it, play scrabble and let her win deliberately, cook her a meal, sing her a song, even write her love letters. You need to be the perfect gentleman until she believes you are ready to be more than friends."

Tate listened to her suggestions, nodding his head to show he understood.

"But," She carried on. "You also have to tease her. We need to get her to want you back. There is no point in doing all of these things if she isn't attracted to you sexually. So you will need to include a little seducing in the process."

They both grinned together, a moment of understanding passing between the two as they stood, now face to face.

"Now, here is what you're going to do…"

Sorry that this is such a short chapter, but I honestly ran out of ideas for the next scenes - when Tate begins his scheming;) I said I would have more time to write during these holidays, but now I am having a bit of a block. Hopefully it will pass soon, but if anyone reading has any ideas or suggestions for a scene don't be afraid to drop it in a comment:)

Next chapter will be longer...hopefully. Thanks for reading.