3/31/20

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Cursed

Chapter Twenty Four: Dumped

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After the longest drive of my life, we finally make it back to the academy. An awkward silence hangs heavily in the air as Leo turns the key to shut off the car's engine. For a moment, all is still. No one makes a move to leave the car.

Hesitantly, I reach for the handle of the car door. I push it open slowly, the other doors soon following. Under different circumstances, watching Mammoth stumble out of the back seat of a smart car would've been absolutely hilarious. Seeing someone as small as Gizmo follow him would've been the icing on the cake. Instead, my heart pangs in sadness.

"Gizmo? Mammoth?"

"Yeah Jinx?"

I play with the hem of my sleeve nervously. "You two go back inside. I'll be in soon."

Gizmo scowls at Leo and I before angrily muttering under his breath and stomping away. Mammoth gives us a look that wouldn't look out of place on a kicked puppy, and then follows Gizmo back into the building. They probably think I've chosen to spend time with my boyfriend instead of them. It occurs to me that this is probably just reiterating the arrogant nonsense that Leo was so insistent upon back at The Witch's house. Whatever. They'll know what really happened here eventually.

"We need to talk," I hiss, crossing my arms over my chest.

Leo almost shows signs of concern before wiping them away and replacing it with his usual cocky facade. "What, was my driving that bad?"

"You know good and well that this has nothing to do with your driving!" I snap, throwing my arms to my sides. My hands ball up into fists, and I have to restrain myself from hexing Leo halfway to Gotham City. "It's about what you told my team at the house!"

Leo scoffs. "Seriously? That's what you're mad about?"

"What do you mean, seriously? Do you really not understand what I'm upset about?"

"Why are you so upset about this, anyways? Someday when we get married or whatever, I'll be the most important person in your life. It isn't right for you to want those idiots around more than me."

I scowl, digging my nails into the palms of my hands. Okay, fine. If he wants to play dirty, I'll play dirty. "I know your dad taught you better than whatever that sexist bullcrap is."

Now, it's Leo's turn to get angry. "Actually, my father hasn't taught me anything. He's too busy coddling my aunt and playing dress up with the Flash to give two craps about me! In fact, the only lesson I've ever learned from him is that if you want to be a real villain, you have to work for it! Otherwise you'll end up with a bunch of pathetic low-lives like the Rogues for a team, which, news flash, is where you're headed!"

I clench my teeth. "Don't you dare talk about my team like that!"

"Oh, I'm sorry, did I hurt your feelings?" he asks mockingly, complete with an exaggerated pout. "Stop playing the victim, Lucky! You're the one who brought up my dad!"

I narrow my eyes. "Look, I know I crossed the line-"

Leo glares. "You did more than just cross the line. You know all my dad ever did was push me away! It's his fault I wasn't there for my mom when she died! I can't believe you would-"

"Just listen to yourself, Leo! I'm not the one playing the victim, you are! You won't even admit that you're wrong!"

"Because I'm not! As your boyfriend, I'm the only one you need to-"

"Not anymore!"

The words come tumbling out of my mouth before I have the chance to think about it, but I would be lying if I said the thought of breaking up hadn't crossed my mind on the drive back home. I didn't consider it for very long, though. I guess some part of me was still convinced we could kiss and make up.

It takes a moment for the words to register in Leo's thick skull. All he does is stare.

"You can't be serious, Lucky. You want to dump me? Over something like this?"

I take a deep breath and look him in the eyes.

"It's not just about this, Leo. You've changed since we met. This relationship isn't doing either of us any favors."

"But-"

"Just admit it. We're not fine. I honestly don't think we ever were."

Without another word, I turn my back to Leo. As I begin walking back to the Academy, I realize that I'm not even upset. I feel as though I owe it to Leo and our past together to feel even the slightest bit of grief, but I just can't do it.

If anything, I just feel relieved.

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Hi again! Short chapter is short, but I'm planning on updating again later this week if all goes to according to plan.

This chapter was difficult to write, if I'm being honest. I didn't want Leo to be the only one at fault for the relationship failing, but I didn't exactly have him around long enough to build up to that much conflict. Which is a shame, because he's an interesting character. I definitely plan on having him show up again later, as well as in future stories if I get that far.

On a more serious note, I hope everyone is staying safe during the coronavirus pandemic. My college has shut down the campus, so I'm an online student for the time being. I've adjusted surprisingly well (probably because I'm an introvert and I was homeschooled for seven years), but I know most people are struggling with it.

Thank you everyone who followed, added the story to your favorites, and/or reviewed!

Cowsgomoo950, I'm glad you liked the chapter! I'm happy that I haven't given up on this story too. ^_^

Tontheoffbalance, yeah you caught me, I'm a musical geek. I got to see my favorite (Wicked) for the first time last December, and it was honestly the highlight of my year. Right now I think the plan for this fic is to end it after the Brotherhood of Evil arc, but there's definitely going to be a sequel in some form to tie up the loose ends. And I agree, TTG missed a huge opportunity by having Jinx revert back to a villain :(

Quote of the day!

"Let's do that thing where you drive a car at me and I jump over it!" -Rhett and Link (Famous Last Words sketch)

May the odds be ever in your favor,

Spectrobes Princess