The Setting: The same smoky, mafia run, Lounge bar that began our other story.
Nick left his father's smoke filled office that was located in the back of the club and closed the door behind him. The conversation between the small collection of adults was muffled and Nick scowled heavily as he carried out a few glasses of scotch and a dirty ashtray. When his father had offered to get him a job at the club Nick had thought it was going to be something exciting, a club full of made men gambling and doing deals along with sexy women eager to please in their tight gowns and heavily applied perfume, exotic and intoxicating...he had been sure he'd be involved in someway that would add some sort of thrill to his mundane teenage life, instead it turned out he was simply a glorified busser. Taking the glasses to the bar, he emptied the ashtray. The bartender called to him from the end of the bar, "Refills?" Nick jerked his chin at the guy. "Yeah," he muttered, "plus another double." The guy assured him it was coming right up and Nick leaned up against the bar and waited with a bored sulky expression. His father had found a way to keep him close and out of trouble and Nick was pissed he had been suckered into it. His buddies were no doubt having more fun than he was, they had been recruited to a life of street hustling, doing the fun stuff that was risky, while Nick got stuck in the club with a bunch of old fuckers and woman with too much make-up on. There was a woman singing on the stage and Nick watched her with passing interested. She was a blond beauty with lush red lips and a decent voice. Her tits appeared to be close to busting from the tight dress she wore and Nick became intrigued, his pale eyes hopefully watching as she sauntered around the stage. It took the bartender a couple of tries to get his attention and when he snapped back to reality, he thanked the guy, then waited for him to go back to tending to the other patrons before he grabbed the double and downed it quickly. A buzz was the only thing that was gonna keep him from slipping into a coma out of sheer boredom.
Bυввℓєѕ fidgeted on the leather couch, trying to get comfortable as she bought her legs up and hugged her knees. Huffing a little as she prepared herself for another long night sat alone in the smoky bar watching her father play poker with the rest of his monkeys. The only solace she had was that while she was in the club, she could watch and listen to the singer. She'd close her eyes and let the sultry tones wash over her, drowning out all the other sounds. Picturing herself up there on the stage, doing what she loved. She would sing to herself at home sometimes, but mostly her father would shoot her a glare letting her know he did not want to hear her and that she was irritating him, so she would contain it mostly to when she was in her room. The housekeeper would often times smile and tell her what a beautiful voice she had, and Bubbles dreamed of one day being up there in front of everyone, singing for them. As she shuffled around on the sofa, trying to get comfortable in her usual spot, she noticed a kid stood at the bar gawping at the woman on stage. She scoffed to herself, pretty sure it wasn't her voice that had captured his attention. She vaguely recognized the boy. although this was the first time she'd seen him at the club. He was the only other person in the bar who looked close to her age. She watched him for a minute, admiring his moody face. Giggling to herself as she noticed how long it took the barman to pry the boys attention away from the singers "assets". Chucking again as she watched him knock back the shot, thinking no one had noticed.
Nick licked his lips and set the glass in a bus tub before he collected the drinks and started back to the office. He wasn't eager to get back to standing around listening to the boring conversation his father was having with the two other men so he lingered a bit longer at the bar. The liquor warmed him and settled him into a comfortable haze, making his situation tolerable. He and his buddies often got their hands on liquor, either sneaking it from their parents stash or stealing it from the stores. Pleased with themselves, they'd find a stoop to sit on where they could watch the girls pass while smoking cigarettes. Nick wished he was there now, hell he wished he was anywhere but stuck in the damn club. Looking around the small crowd he noticed someone he hadn't seen. A girl, sitting on the sofa by the wall. She was laughing to herself and he briefly caught her gaze. Was she laughing at him? He didn't recognize her and he thought it was strange since he knew nearly all the pretty girls in the neighborhood. And this girl...well she was better than pretty. His interest was immediately caught up in the girl and his lips twisted in a fashion he knew most girls found charming. Turning, he tapped on the bar, getting the bartender's attention. "Uh hey, can you get theses drinks to my father, I'm gonna go on break." He didn't wait for an answer but made his way across the club with a casual swagger. He made it half way to the girl when someone halted him with a firm hold on his arm. Annoyed, Nick cut his eyes to the man while pulling his arm away. They guy called him kid and asked for a light. Nick scowled, "What? Your legs broke? Get up and get it one yourself."
Bυввℓєѕ panicked as the boy looked towards her and caught her giggling at him. Her eyes darted around the room, looking to settle anywhere but on him. "Shit..." She cursed herself under her breath. She knew he'd seen her and that she'd look even more of an idiot if she tried to pretend like she'd been laughing at something else, so she glanced back at him, her face tilted downwards as she shot him a shy, nervous smile. When she caught him smiling at her she was sure her heart skipped a beat. There was just something about him. "Wow, he's pretty cute." She thought to herself, looking away from him before it became awkward. She didn't have much experience with boys. Her father made sure of that. Practically locked her away. Although most guys were too scared to come near her anyway because of her family and her father. Her best friend, Kay, had a boyfriend, and the three of them hung out sometimes, but she was usually playing gooseberry while they made out behind a tree. From the corner of her eye, Bubbles noticed the boy making his way toward where she was sat. Straightening herself out, she tucked a leg underneath her and leaned coolly against the arm of the sofa, pretending to watch her father win hand after hand of poker while his monkeys folded their winning cards just so he wouldn't shoot them for taking his money.
Nick was defensive and continued to be a smartass to the man, until the bartender came over and soothed things over with a laugh. He told Nick to go on his break, then tended to the man. Nick heard him say to the man in a low voice, "He's the boss's kid." Nick tugged at the sleeve of his shirt, putting himself back in order, before he returned his attention to the girl on the couch. She tucked a leg beneath her and he admired the graceful way she moved. As he got closer he realized she was even more beautiful than he thought and he found himself taking in small details he missed from the bar. Hell, what was he doing? He couldn't just walk up to her. What the hell was he going to say? Suddenly he was seized with uncertainty - something he wasn't use to and at the last minute he changed course and moved to sit in an empty chair, so his back was facing her. Sinking into the chair, he hunched a bit and cursed. Smart move you dumb ass, he thought to himself. It was a stupid move, clearly she had seen him coming. Why had he hesitated? Normally he didn't think twice about approaching a girl, so why had he this time. Trying to play it cool, he attempted to appear to casually turn and look at the girl. She was still there and damn if she hadn't gotten more attractive. Quit being stupid! He turned back around and considered his next move.
Bυввℓєѕ tried desperately to play cool and keep her eyes on her fathers poker game as she leaned her elbow against the arm of the sofa and twirled a tousle of thick, red hair around her finger. She glanced toward the boy again and noticed he'd sat down instead of coming over to her and suddenly she felt a wave of disappointment. "Maybe he wasn't heading for me at all... Or maybe he was and changed his mind when he saw me up close." She thought to herself before finally settling on the fact that he must have realized who she was, or more to the point, realized who her father was, and decided against talking to her... just like everyone else did. She was used to this by now, but it didn't usually disappoint her as much as it did in this instance. She wanted to meet him. She contemplated for a second and sipped delicately on her lime soda as she realized she'd seen him bussing drinks and maybe this could be the excuse she needed. She tipped her head back and downed the rest of her drink, screwing her face up as the bubbles tickled her nose, before placing the empty glass down on the glass top table in front of her, as loudly as she could, hoping he would hear.
Nick turned once more to look at the girl. She was playing with her hair and he smiled slightly. He suddenly wondered what her hair smelled like. It was long and wavy and he the color intrigued him. Resting his arm on the back of the chair, he sank down a bit further. He watched her sip at her drink and he forgot about her hair and focused his attention on her lips. When she set the drink down he continued to watch her, his smile involuntarily broadening. He wondered what she'd been drinking and suddenly had a thought. Darting his eyes to the glass he realized it was empty and he stood. Making his way back to the bar he tapped impatiently on the counter, "Hey, can I get a drink?" The bartender responded quickly, "Sure Nichollas, what can I get you?" Nick briefly scowled hated the name. His father insisted on everyone addressing him by his full name and it bugged him. "Yeah get me a sprite... oh and put some of that red stuff in it. And toss in some cherries." The guy hesitated a moment then went to work while repeating the word cherries. When Nick had the drink he turned and made his way towards the girl, thinking he was pretty smart for coming up with the idea of refilling her drink. When he was close he stopped. What if she didn't like cherries? Hesitating, he considered darting into one of the near by alcoves, then cursed. No, he'd take her the drink. He couldn't risk looking like an idiot again. He didn't notice who was around her as he made his way to the couch. When he reached her, he stopped, wondering what the hell to say. When he couldn't think of nothing he simply extended his hand, offering her the glass.
Bυввℓєѕ noticed the boy standing and moving back toward the bar. She sunk down into the sofa in disappointment. And muttered under her breath, "Dammit!" She sighed heavily and looked back towards her father, puffing on a cigar and pouring himself another shot of crown from the bottle the bartender had left beside him. Her face hardened into a hateful scowl without her realizing, as she wondered what it would be like to be part of a normal family. Have normal, loving parents, and be able to talk to boys without the fear of them "disappearing". Snapping back to reality with a start as all of a sudden she noticed the boy was stood right next to her, offering he a glass filled with pink fizzy liquid and some cherries. Her face softened and her lips curled into a shy smile as she sat up straight, looking up at him as she reached for the drink. "I.. err... Thanks!" She spoke nervously as she lifted the glass to her lips and sipped at the cool refreshing drink. She was thankful of the liquid as she realized her mouth had become suddenly dry. She looked up at him again as she stirred her drink, "You know.. Cherries are part of the Rose family. So, you just bought me roses." She grinned at him whilst scolding herself in her head for sounding like such an idiot. Of all the conversations starters and she goes and blurts out a fun fruity fact. She chuckled nervously and shook her head, focusing her attention on the glass out of embarrassment.
Nick blinked. Had he heard her right? He wasn't sure since he seemed to have slip into some weird fog that had him acting like a moron. Crouching down, he crossed his arms then set them on the arm rest. "Amazing..." he murmured, then grinned. He didn't think about how stupid he must of appeared or if he was acting appropriately and he knew is he wanted to see her smile again. When his senses managed to return to him he realized he'd have to explain why he blurted the word amazing. "Uh, I didn't know that, about cherries. I thought they were just berries - I mean, they are berries but I thought they, well I mean I didn't know they were roses. Well, they aren't roses, but you know...what you said. I didn't know that." He wanted to touch her hair and his fingers twitched at the idea. To hide the reaction he curled his fingers and kept them balled. "Your hair..." he stopped himself from saying it was pretty. Idiot!
Bυввℓєѕ giggled a little as he stumbled over his words. She realized he seemed to be as nervous as she was and it relaxed her a little. Taking another sip of her drink to once again moisten her dry mouth, she admired his physique as he crouched beside the sofa. Licking her lips as she shifted on the cushion, turning her body to face him, she was captivated by his eyes. So pale but so deep. She could barely look away from them but she didn't want him to catch her staring so she leaned over to place the glass on the table next to her empty one from before, resting one arm across her stomach as she moved the other to once again curl a thick, red lock of hair around her finger. It was a habit she'd had since she could remember, even as a child, when her mother would take her for a haircut, she would make them leave a long lock at the front for her to twiddle or she would never get to sleep at night. She looked at him again, tilting her head and cocking an eyebrow, "What about my hair?"
Nick decided to change the subject, "How's the drink?" He didn't get an answer because someone put a hand on his shoulder and he turned to look up. A muscular, heavy set man was standing above him, looking down at him with an expression of disapproval. Nick didn't move but turned his attention back to the girl only to have the man tug him rough and Nick lost his balance and fell back on his ass. Confused but angry, Nick scrambled up off the floor and stood facing the guy defiantly, "What the hell did you do that for?" He wasn't afraid, never afraid, he knew who had his back and it gave him a boost of confidence that he carried with him like a weapon. The man didn't seem intimidated and informed him that he should move on, saying the girl didn't want to be disturbed. A cocky grin slid across Nick's lips, "What makes you think I'm disturbing her and what business is it of yours anyways, huh? Back off you fuck or you'll be dead in the next hour."
Bυввℓєѕ expression changed as one of her fathers men grabbed the boys shoulder. She got to her feet just as the kid got up in the mans face. Panicking at what might happen she stepped towards them, "Carlos, leave him alone for God's sake." She moved herself between them, with her back pressed against the boy, "he's the bus boy for fucks sake. Now back off!" She stood her ground as Carlos glared down at her, she returned his look with a petulant stare. "And you know what, if my father can be bothered to look up from his damn poker game, you can tell him I've gone home." She heard Carlos mutter something under his breath as he skulked away, but couldn't make out what it was. He hated it when she stood up to him, but he couldn't do anything about it for fear of her fathers wrath. her father didn't much care for her, he never wanted a girl, he was happy with just her brother, but he had a reputation to uphold, and that meant showing who's boss when anyone disrespected his daughter.
Nick watched as the guy walked away. Once the guy was gone, Nick realized the girl was standing close to him and he peered down at the top of her head. He caught her scent and it was enough to drag him back into the strange fog he'd felt before. Without thinking he touched her hair, letting his fingers move through the fiery mane as he admired the way the dim light of the club managed to affect the color. Her father...Reality started to come back to him and her words registered in his mind. The man who had shoved him on his ass was a bodyguard, that meant she was somebody and his eyes shifted to the table of men who were playing cards. There were five of them and Nick could pick out the boss quickly, he held the same imposing stature his own father commanded. Knowing who was who was an important thing and Nick had been so distracted by the girl he hadn't realized he'd just stepped into the Morella family. He realized now why he didn't know the girl. Their families, though cordial with each other, made it a point to avoid one another. Nick wasn't sure of why but he knew his father wasn't gonna be pleased. Before he could think about it Nick spoke, "Can I walk you home?"
Bυввℓєѕ felt his fingers touch to her hair and for some reason, she didn't stop him or knock his hand away like she would have had it been anyone else. A slight frown furrowed her face as she tried to understand why she was this comfortable with someone whose name she didn't even know, whom she'd barely said more than a few words to. Distracted from her own thoughts by the feel of his fingers running through her wavy locks, she let her head tilt back slightly into his palm, without even realizing. Lingering for a second before turning to face him, still as close as she was before, she looked into those pale eyes that she was so drawn to and smiled at his words, with a gentle nod she replied, "Yes. I'd like that."
Nick wanted to kiss her. She wasn't the first girl he'd wanted to kiss, hell he wanted to kiss plenty of girls and usually did but he knew doing it would have more than one guy on him in an instant, more than likely to drag him to the alley and kick his ass. "Aight, well," he lowered his voice, "I have to go let them know I'm leaving work...I mean, my shift is over and I gotta go...you know, check out." He never had a job, least not a legit one, so he wasn't sure what the process was, but he figured what he said was enough to sound like he was just a bus boy. "Do you mind meeting me outback but the employee entrance? I gotta grab some stuff and then I can take you home. Does that sound okay?"
Bυввℓєѕ took a step back, she was nervous being this close to him, not because she was scared or wary of him. Quite the opposite. She was tempted by him, drawn in by him, and it felt dangerous. She shifted on the spot and straightened out her loose fitting dress, looking at the floor nervously. "Uh... Sure. I'll just finish up my drink and I'll see you out there." Her hand brushed against his as she moved past him back to her table, and it sent a shiver through her whole body. She inhaled deeply and perched herself on the edge of the sofa once again, retrieving her glass from the table, using the stirrer to impale a cherry, bringing it to her mouth to catch it between her teeth and pull it from the make shift spear. She sipped at the last of her drink and kept a watchful eye on her father, hoping he didn't notice her getting ready to leave.
Nick didn't bother telling anyone he was leaving, instead he went to the back of the club and changed out of the stupid looking uniform his father had insisted he wore. When he was ready he stopped by his dad's office and, not bothering to knock, he stuck his head in. He'd meant to simply say bye and was surprised when someone grabbed his shoulder and yanked him into the room. Shoving him up against the wall, his father smacked him, like one would do with an insolent five year old before grabbed his shirt and gave him a shake. Nick knew better than to react like he wanted to, instead he stood silent, his jaw set and his pale eyes blazing. His father started in about the incident in the main room then asked about the girl. Before Nick could respond his father smacked him again, letting him know he wanted the truth. Nick gave his father the answer he was looking for, "She's just a girl, how was I suppose to know who her father was?" When he was warned to stay away from her, Nick nodded, "Okay, it's done." His father looked at him skeptically, then released him, giving him one last warning and telling him to stay out of trouble. It was the same shit Nick had heard all his life. Nick always had a hard time taking his father seriously, after all he knew his father's reputation and knew how he got to where he was. It was all bullshit but Nick knew how to appease the man and,straightening out his shirt, he left, biting his tongue so hard he was sure he could taste the metallic tang of blood. Making his way to the employee exit, he raked his fingers through his dark hair, getting himself in order before he stepped outside into the alley. searching for the one he was warned to stay away from. Nick was unaware of the small cut at the corner of his mouth and the blood that was smeared there.
Bυввℓєѕ downed the last of her drink, letting the second cherry fall into her mouth as she tipped the glass. She grabbed her small leather purse that she'd left on the floor beside the couch, and stood up to leave, she noticed her father glance up at her as she rose from the couch and she looked at him, nodding toward the bathroom as she started to walk in the same direction. As always, her father's attention was never on her for long and when she was content he was fully focused back on his poker game, she switched course and headed for the exit. There was a chill in the air as she stepped outside, it had been a warm summer evening when they'd first arrived at the bar so she never thought to bring a jacket but they'd been there for hours and it was now night time and the air had turned cold. She shivered a little and rubbed at her arms as she quickened her pace heading for the alley at the side of the club, checking over her shoulder to make sure none her fathers men had been ordered to follow her. As she turned the corner, she saw the boy stood there waiting for her, and her lips had curled into a smile before she'd even noticed. She faced down at the ground so he didn't catch her idiotic grin and think she was some kinda crazy, and continued to walk straight ahead.
Nick saw the girl appear at the end of the alley and he grinned despite himself. Making his way to her, he would grab her hand, eager to get away from the club. Last thing he wanted was another encounter with one of her father's men. "You ready?" He noticed she wasn't wearing a jacket and he quickly shrugged off his coat, "Here, wear this." Holding it open for her, he flashed her a smile. He normally didn't work so hard to charm a girl, in fact any girl he'd been involved with was simply someone to fuck and later ignore, but this girl was someone he wanted to know and to impress. He didn't stop to wonder if his attraction to the girl was motivated by the fact that she was forbidden to him, though anything his father disapproved of in the past was something that he surely got involved in.
Bυввℓєѕ felt her grin grow wider as he approached her, and when he took her hand, slipping her fingers between his felt as natural as breathing itself. She had always been nervous around guys, having not had much experience with them, but with this one, everything felt like it was just right. She smiled broadly at him as he offered her his coat, slipping her arms into the sleeves as he held it out for her. The lining was warm from him, and she pulled it around her as if she were pulling his arms around her. She noticed the smear of blood from his lip and her face turned to worry as she touched her finger to it. "Shit, what happened?? Are you okay?" She used her thumb to wipe away the trail of blood and let her palm linger on his cheek as she looked at him, lost for words for a second and with no clue why. When she finally regained her ability to speak she questioned him, "Did Carlos do this to you ?? Or one of my fathers other monkeys? Jesus, I'm so sorry!"
Nick licked his lips, then wiped at them, unaware of what she spoke of. When he saw the blood, he poked his tongue at the corner of his mouth, "Nah, no, I was messing around with one of my buddies. He musta just got in a luck hit." He laughed in an attempt to back up his little tale, then adjusted the coat that she wore, before he stepped back, "Looks good on you." He took her hand once more then stepped out of the alley with her in tow. He glanced quickly up and down the street before he guided her across the road, "You like movies? There's one playing down at the drive-in, I forget the name but I can get us some good seats. If you like popcorn you'll have to let me know so I can pick some up before we get to the spot. You like popcorn?" He led her down the sidewalk and when he felt they were at a safe distance from the club he released her hand then turned towards her, walking backward as he talked. He paid little attention to anyone else on the sidewalk and he walked as if he expected them to move for him. Seeing a friend of his, he waved, then looked back at the girl. "You know, I don't even know your name...Come to think of it, you don't even know mine. I bet I can guess what yours is. You wanna bet?" He was more animate and energetic than he normally was.
Bυввℓєѕ looked at him skeptically as he blamed the bloody lip on his buddy. There had been barely any time between him leaving her in the bar to them meeting in the alley and she sure as hell didn't see anyone that was likely to be his "buddy" in the bar. But she figured boys did like to put on a brave face and act the tough guy, and if he wanted to tell her, he would. She slipped her fingers between his again as he took her hand, and closed them snugly around his knuckles. She followed his lead as he stepped out on to the road, and quickened her step to keep up with him. She nodded at his question, "yeah I love movies. I guess I don't get to go much though. My father's usually too busy to take me and my best friend spends all her time with her boyfriend." She smiled and chuckled slightly as he weaved, backwards, through the people on the sidewalk, his demeanor reminded her of a young child on a sugar rush. "Sure, I like popcorn." Speaking through her giggles as she watched him, and looking to see if she recognized the person he was waving too. She reached forward and grabbed both his hands, pulling him to a stop before he tripped over a trash can on the sidewalk. "You're gonna hurt yourself you know.... Or someone else" She grinned at him and squeezed his hands gently. "I bet you can't guess my name. I'll bet you... " she trailed off for a second to pull a dramatically thoughtful face, "I'll bet you a hot dog and a soda that you can't guess my name!"
Nick stops when she takes his hand and he glances behind him, before he looks back at her, ready to take on the challenge. Briefly he forgets about the the movie or the episode at the club. "Aight, you're on, but mind you, I'm kinda hungry so if I win I'm not going to let you off the hook." Nearby is a stoop and he moves to hop up on it so he can casually perch. He didn't let on that he knew a little about her family and since she referred to the boss as her father he had already figured out who she was. He knew her brother from a run in that ended with a few bloody noses and black eye. His buddies had fun antagonizing the Morella crew and the confrontation had been one of the many brawls he and friends his age got themselves into. It all started when one of Nick's friends offered to fuck Frankie's sister. Nick had never met the girl, but he recalled his friends later talking about the beauty with the red hair and the funny name. Pretending to think long and hard, Nick looked the girl over, taking advantage of the game to openly stare at her. "I know it's nothing typical 'cause you are far from typical. I bet it's something exotic, you know like those chicks you see in the movies. Those names that sound made up but fit..." He reached out and attempted to take hold of her chin, making an exaggerated show of inspecting her. He narrowed his eyes, then brought his face in close to her, so his lips were inches from hers. "Nah, I'm gonna go in another direction and say it has something to do with your personality. You seem like a sweet girl...innocent, maybe even someone who needs someone else to care for you. To protect you. Delicate but free...like maybe..." He grinned, "Bubbles?"
Bυввℓєѕ grinned at him, sure that he would never guess her name. She'd never heard of anyone else with the name "Bubbles". Her father had never liked it from the start but her Mother used to tell her the story of her name. That her mother's favorite singer was Don Ho whose most famous song was "Tiny Bubbles", and when she was born, Bubbles had been so very tiny, that her mother would sing that song to her and when it came to naming her, her mother wanted to call her nothing else but Bubbles. She smiled softly as she recalled her mothers tale, and the sweet gentle voice she would tell it in. She was brought back to the present as the boys face was inches from hers, she could feel his breath on her lips and it made her catch her breath. She could feel her heart pounding in her throat and did all she could not to start shaking at his nearness. As he spoke her name, it rang in her ears like no one had ever said it before. For a moment she didn't even wonder at how he might have known it, but just let herself get caught up by the sound of her name on his lips, sending a shiver through her. After a second she took a step back and cocked an eyebrow at him, "Now how the heck could you have known that, you cheater!" She tried to frown at him but couldn't help but flash him a grin as he stood there grinning back at her.
Nick laughed, then settled back. "Aight now it's your turn for you to guess my name." Of course he was named after his father, but because his mother wasn't a big fan of his father she had added an extra L. Later she would tell him he was nothing like his father and that the extra L was to remind him that he was different, or as his mother put it, "a better man". It was a private jab that only his parents knew about but it was one Nichollas took pride in. His mother unfortunately had gone missing when he was nine. His father never spoke of it but the rumor was she ran off with a lover. Nick knew something like that would never go unpunished and he assumed his mother was dead. Secretly he hoped his mother had managed to find a place on the world to hide and that she was happy and loved. It didn't please his father any that he looked just like his mother, with pale eyes that were relatively uncommon. "So go ahead, guess what my name is, but remember, you only get one guess so the first name you speak counts as your first guess." He was enjoying the game and his amusement showed clearly on his face as he turned and watched those who passed on the street.
Bυввℓєѕ perched herself on the edge of the stood and rested her chin on her finger, as if in deep contemplation. "Hmm.." She looked him up and down, taking in his physique. He was well built for someone their age. Either he worked out a lot, or he got into a lot of fights. His eyes, were pale, and beautiful, and so deep. He looked as if he had a cocky grin permanently on his face, and she knew by the way he'd acted since they met that he was confident. The cold wind hit her again and she pulled his coat tight around herself to stop from shivering. She knew she'd never guess his name, and she'd never seen him around before so had no clue who he might be, so she decided to make a joke of it instead. "Well, you know, you look a look like an Archibald" Grinning to herself as she stood up from the cold stoop she'd sat on. "Yes, I think you're an Archie." She nodded and tried to fake a serious expression and hide her grin.
Nick frowned. He didn't stop to think that maybe she was messing with him and he looked down at her, "No, it's not, it's Nichollas." He made it a point to leave out his last name, figuring she might recognize that and leave. He wasn't sure what he reaction would be to his last name but he wasn't eager to find out, least not yet. "So you lost, I won, you owe me a hot dog and a soda." Jumping off the stoop, he against attempted to take her hand so he could continue to lead her to their destination. When he stepped back onto the sidewalk a car pulled up next to the curb and the back window rolled down. It was his aunt and she didn't look pleased. Releasing the girl's hand, Nick turned to her, "Hold on one moment, will you, I have to talk to this lady." Without waiting for a response, he approached the car and jerked his chin at the woman, as if giving her permission to speak. In Italian she spoke quietly but her mood was clear, she wasn't happy. She wanted to know the usually stuff- where he was going, where his father was, who he was with and why he wasn't at the club. Nick noticed the woman looking over his shoulder and eyeing his company and he took a step to the side to block her view. "I'm going to go grab a movie and I'm not at the club 'cause Dad's at the club and he's in a mood. Thought I'd just keep my distance." the woman looked at him, then reached out and briefly touched his chin, examining the slight bruising by his lip. She nodded then before she leaned out of the window and kissed his cheek. She left but not before telling him to stay out of trouble.
Bυввℓєѕ stepped to the side as he jumped down, and willingly let him take her hand. Something else that felt so natural, her hand in his. "Nichollas." She repeated his named to herself, admiring how it sounded on her lips. As they were about to set off down the street, a car pulled up and he quickly dropped her hand. She frowned a little as he stepped toward the car, wondering who it was and why he had been so eager to hide her from them. She could see a woman's face as the window rolled down, but she didn't have a clear view, and she couldn't hear anything that was being said. She took a step back and leaned against the wall, shoving her hands into the pockets of his coat she was wearing. Looking up and down the street pretending not to be interested in who he was talking to. It was a nice town car, obviously somebody important, or from an important family, which made her wonder why they would be stopping to talk to a young boy on the street. As the car pulled away and he turned back to her, she smiled at him, "Everything okay?"
Nick nodded at the question then held out his hand, "Come on, we got a movie to make." He would lead her quietly down the street while occasionally watching those they passed or who passed them. He assumed her father didn't allow his daughter to just wander off with anyone or by herself and he kept an eye out for anyone who might be watching them. When he was sure they were in the clear he darted into an alley and led her quickly to a side door of an abandoned building. The door was boarded shut, or at least appeared to be but he had made it a point to leave it easy to open. Pulling away the boards, he pushed the door open, the rusty hinges protesting and he motioned for her to enter. There was broken boards, glass and liter scattered about the first floor and he assumed she wouldn't be eager to enter so he would smile reassuringly. "Hurry up before someone sees us."
Bυввℓєѕ reached out and slipped her hand into his again and let him lead her. She didn't come to this part of town much and didn't know her way around. She had no idea why , as she'd only just met him, but she felt safe with Nichollas, protected. And somehow she knew, he wouldn't let anything happen to her. She held his hand tight as he led her into an alley and frowned inquisitively as he pried open the door to a derelict building. She hesitated for a moment until he smiled at her. For some reason, she trusted him and so she stepped through the door into the building. The smell was dank and musty, dust filled the air and the place was full of litter. The walls were covered in graffiti and it had obviously been used as a squat or a shelter for some homeless people... maybe even still was on occasion, but from what she could make out, it was completely empty now. She turned to him, wondering what they were doing there. "This doesn't look like the movies or a hot dog stand?!"
Nick shut the door and gave it a strong yank so it would be difficult to open from the outside. The place was one of the many hangouts he and his friends had around the neighborhood where they could screw around and not be bothered. He was impressed that the girl didn't have an issue with entering the run down building with a practical stranger. She was fearless and he liked that. He wondered what things she had been exposed to in her life that would make her so bold. Surely she had the protection of her father and her family that she instinctively felt behind her, it was the same for him. Kicking aside a empty bottle, he held out his hand once more for her to take, "You might want to watch your step." He had planned to take her to buy some popcorn and something to drink but all the eyes on the street changed his mind. The last thing he wanted was for their time together to be interrupted. He wanted to get to know this girl and the only way to do that was to get time alone, truly alone. "Where do you go to school? I would know if I had seen you around my school." He started up the small talk as he led her to the stairwell. The door was missing and the place was dark, but he knew his way around. Starting up the stairs, he could hear his voice echo back to him and he glanced up, making sure none of his buddies were there. He whistled, waited for a response, then continued on his way with the girl in tow.
Bυввℓєѕ stepped over a few empty cartons and papers that scattered the floor, waving her hand in front of her face to clear the dust from her eyes. She jumped a little as he slammed the door hard behind her and the whole place became almost pitch black apart from a few rays of moonlight that shone through the cracks between the boards on the windows and doors. As he reached his hand out to her, she pulled up the sleeve on the over-sized jacket that was almost covering her hand, and without a second thought, slipped her fingers between his and let him lead her through the darkness. Treading carefully as they made their way through the building, she answered his questions. "My mother home schooled me until she died a few years ago." Her voice became low and solemn as she spoke of her mother, "But after that my father didn't want to take on the hassle, so he sent me to the all girls school across town." Her lips curled into a grin as she added, "I guess he didn't want me mingling with boys like you, huh?" She smirked at him as he began to lead her up the stairs, squeezing his hand tighter as it became darker, there were no windows on the stair well and she now couldn't see a thing. She gripped his arm with her other hand and pushed herself close behind him so she wouldn't lose her stepping. "What is this place, anyways?"
Nick liked how she clung to him and he smiled to himself. It wasn't the first time he brought a girl here and it was a typical reaction. When she mentioned her father's concerns about 'boys like him', he huffed out a laugh, "I'm sure I'm the very guy he wanted to keep you from." It amused him that he knew things she didn't and he wondered what her reaction would be when she found out about him and his family. The continued to ascend and when they reached the very top he shoved the heavy metal door open and exposed them to the view of a evening sky and a cool breeze. Leading her to the opposite side of the roof, he extended a hand towards a spot where there was a couch and a few chairs. They kept a radio, an ice chest and a few blankets up at the hang out and when seated a person got a clear view to the drive in screen in the distance. "We can't hear the movie but it's kinda nice that way...so what do you think?"
Bυввℓєѕ followed him out on to the roof, clinging closer to him as the cold air hit her once again. When he mentioned being "THE" guy her father wanted to keep her away from, she smiled crookedly, not really understanding what he meant by it, but figuring it was just his cocky sense of humor. As they reached the other side of the rooftop, she saw the set up they had up there, "oh wow... this is... Well it's pretty awesome.... Brings lots of girls up here, huh ?" She smirked at him as she teased, but inwardly wondering if it were the truth. She let go of his hand and folded her arms across her chest, shivering. "Well I guess it's not the coziest of hang outs, but I like it." She stepped toward the sofa and perched herself on the edge, still shivering as she leaned down to hug her bare knees and rubbing her legs to try warm them up.
Nick sat himself down on the old sofa - it had taken them forever to drag it to the roof. He grabbed one of the blankets then patted the spot beside him, "Come on, sit down, we can keep each other warm." He was ready to settle in then remembered the bourbon bottle he had stashed under the couch. Leaning over, he reached blindly under the piece of furniture until he found the bottle. Bringing it out, he unscrewed the cap and took a quick swig. "Want some, it will help warm you up too. I think we probably got other stuff to drink." He glanced at the drive in screen trying to see if he recognized the movie. They played a lot of old classics and he immediately recognized the flick playing. It was the Wizard of Oz. "Want some music?" He purposely ignored the comment about other girls. Turning on the radio the sounds of Sinatra filled the air and he leaned back and smiled, "very nice."
Bυввℓєѕ watched him as he made himself comfortable and pulled out the bottle from beneath the couch, nodding as he offered her some. She took the bottle from him and took a swig, screwing her face up as it burned a trail down her throat. She, too, smiled when she heard Sinatra from the radio, Her mother had always liked him and she can remember hearing his music a lot when she was younger. It always calmed her. She took another swig from the bottle as he settled himself on the couch, and she moved herself back, next to him, tucking both her legs up on to the sofa as she leaned against his shoulder, huddling close to try and keep warm. "I love this movie." She smiled as she watched the screen, pulling the blanket over her bare legs as she sang quietly along with the radio.
Nick was pleased when she sank down on the couch next to him then took the bottle and drank one last time before slipping it back under the sofa. These were moves he had played out countless times on other girls, but this time he knew he wasn't going to get a quick fuck from this girl and move on. Not because he felt she'd resist his charms but because he knew the risks and knew he was playing with fire. It was part of what drew him to the girl, though the strong attraction was there also. Pulling her to him, he held her close, trying to help her warm up while wondering if he should kiss her. "This sofa smells weird..." He muttered, while lifting his knees and turning towards her so she could settle between his legs and lean back against his chest. "So what were you doing at the club? I've never seen you there before."
Bυввℓєѕ smiled as he pulled her into him. Knowing she should have been more hesitant and more wary about being so comfortable with a complete stranger, she couldn't help but feel totally at ease with him, like they'd spent every night together like this for their whole lives. She knew nothing about him, yet she knew she wanted to be close to him. And she felt safe with him. Giggling a little as he sniffed at the sofa, she shifted and settled between his legs, bringing her knees up and leaning back against him. He was warm and she fit perfectly into his arms. "Usually I stay home with the housekeeper, but her brother passed away and she needed to be with her family... And Daddy doesn't trust me at home on my own. I guess he figured I couldn't get into any trouble if I was under his watchful eye at the club." She scoffed. "Boy is he in for a shock." She muttered this last sentence, to herself more than to Nichollas, but it did make her chuckle. She pulled her knees closer to her chest trying her hardest to stop shaking from the cold, as she added, "I don't think I've ever seen you around before either. What's your story?"
Nick shrugged, "I don't have much of a story...Just started the whole busboy thing." He felt her shivering and he wrapped his arms around her, then tucked his face in her neck, his warm breath spreading through her hair and across the skin of her neck. Her nearness was distracting and he forgot about the movie and the music as the liquor warmed him and brought on a comfortable haze. "Is there a reason your father keeps a close eye on you?" He was genuinely interested in her answer because, though he knew about her family, he knew next to nothing about her. In fact, he was completely forgetting about her family ties as they huddled there on the couch.
Bυввℓєѕ closed her eyes as his breath warmed her, and tickled the skin on her neck. As he wrapped his arms around her, she found herself slipping her fingers between his, their hands fitting perfectly together. She shrugged at his question, "I don't know really. I guess since my mother died, I'm all he has left of her. Frankie is more like him but I am every bit my mother." She paused for a second before continuing, "Although, I'm pretty sure he resents me, for being a constant reminder of losing the one and only person he truly loved. Everyone else is just a possession to him." She leaned her head back, turning it to the side and tucking her nose snugly under his chin. inhaling his scent, feeling the alcohol engulf her in a warm haze.
Nick, lost in moment, could keep tabs on the conversation and where it had led. Everything she was saying wasn't making much sense to him but he managed to mutter a "mhm" before he tilted his head down nudging her in away that made it clear he wanted to kiss her. Maybe it was the girl, the alcohol or his own cockiness, but he became unaware of his surroundings and that might have been a good thing if he hadn't been in the wrong place with the wrong girl. He barely registered what was happening when two hands grabbed him under his arms and forcefully drug him from the sofa, yanking him over the armrest and dropping him on his back. A breath exploded from him as his back hit the tarred roof and he hardly had a chance to react, let alone scramble up from the awkward position. He recognized the guy from the club, the man was sneering at him with some amusement and Nick managed to mutter, "Oh shit," before the man punched him squarely in the face. A light exploded and he instinctively threw up his arms. Pain flared through his sinuses and he cursed, before attempting to roll over in a protective ball. The man kicked him in the gut and Nick gasped before coughing, though his breath wouldn't return so he laid gasping for a moment. Someone was laughing and he felt hands catch his arm pits again and he was drug up on his knees.
Bυввℓєѕ felt his nose nudge at her, and knowing what he wanted, she knew she wanted it too. She lifted her head to meet his but in the same moment was jerked forward as Nichollas was ripped out from behind her. She sat stunned for a second, with no clue what had happened, before turning towards the noise and commotion behind her, to find Carlos and her brother stood over Nichollas, kicking him and beating him. As Frankie grabbed hold of Nichollas, dragging him up off the ground, she stood and screamed at him, "Frankie, get the hell off of him? What the fuck are you doing??" She lurched toward them but Carlos swung his muscular arm up to stop her, hitting her square in the chest and sending her flying, winding her completely. She stumbled backwards over the sofa and ended up hitting the ground with a thud, winding her even more. She sat, coughing and spluttering, unable to move as she watched the men kick and hit Nichollas until his face and shirt were smeared with blood. She tried calling out but she could barely breathe from the huge arm that had impacted her tiny frame.
Nick was held firmly as he was beaten,his face and torso plummeted with hits and kicks, so many he couldn't distinguish which was which all he knew was he close to blacking out. With his head hanging, he could taste the blood and feel the sticky heat running down his face and dripping from his chin. He heard Bubbles briefly, but his head started to spin and he closed his eyes, waiting for the beating to end. When he was sure he was done he was shoved onto his face and was left gasping, his cheek pressed to the roof. He'd taken a beating before but this one was by far the worst. Laying still, he closed his eyes, missing the moment before when he was close to the girl, warm and comfortable. Despite the pain that coursed through him and the lack of breath he managed to expel a laugh. The two who beat him were circling around him and when he managed to open his eyes he could see the leather from their shoes near his face second before someone grabbed his hair and pulled his head up. "You know Gianni, you really are a pain in the ass. First, you and you friends steal from us then you have the balls to bring my sister up here and attempt to what? What were you gonna do, huh? Yeah, I know what you were gonna do, you little shit. Guess we ruined your plans huh? Well, I got to admit, I admire your...what is it? Stupidity? Ballsiness? Nah, I think it's more of a lack of respect. So take this as your warning. Stay away from my sister. If I see you even looking at her I will make sure you're never found, got that?" Nick peered up, while squinting one eye and he smiled, "You're funny." His response earned him another kick. Grunting, Nick curled back up into a ball.
Bυввℓєѕ laid helpless while the 2 men beat Nichollas within an inch of consciousness. Gasping for breath and wincing at the pain in her chest. BY the time she was able to breathe and stand again, they'd all but finished with him. She got to her feet and ran toward them just in time to hear her brother snarl the name "Gianni". The name above the club door, the name above many of the businesses in town.. And the name that made her father grimace in disgust and hatred whenever he heard it. She was stopped in her tracks, trying to process what she had heard. He was one of them? She knew this should bother her but it didn't. She was shocked, yes. She couldn't even understand why he didn't tell her. But it didn't stop her from wanting to run to him and make sure he was okay. She screamed at the men again, weaker this time, he voice gravely from coughing for breath. "Get away from him Frankie. He didn't do anything wrong!" She rushed toward him, Frankie tried to stop her but she used her heel to dig into his foot, making him yell out in pain and drop his arms, allowing her to rush to kneel beside Nichollas. Attempting to wipe the blood from his face, her brow furrowed in concern, "Jesus, are you okay?!"
Nick felt her hands on his face and he winced, not even sure where the pain was coming from, at that point it seemed all consuming but he managed to open his eyes, though one stung badly and his vision was blurred by the blood that had seep into his eyes. He noted the worry and concern on her face and he tried to smile, though he was sure it looked ghastly and nowhere near charming or attractive. "Hey, yeah...Imma be fine. Sorry 'bout not mentioning the whole family shit..." He heard someone move around them and he flinched, anticipating more violence and he found himself taking shelter against the girl. Behind him the guy Bubbles referred to as Carlos spoke, "You're luck we didn't toss him off this roof. Come on girl, your father is waiting for you." Nick frowned slightly, then looked up at Bubbles, "Don't worry, I'll be aight." Quietly he added, "I'll find you." He didn't even know if the girl wanted to see him again, but it didn't matter, he wanted to see her. He wanted that kiss and more importantly he wanted to see her smile again. It seemed kinda stupid, but the urge was strong enough that he knew he wouldn't be able to ignore it. He didn't want her to leave but he doubted they were going to let her stay.
Bυввℓєѕ felt her lips start to shake. She barely knew this kid but already, seeing him in this state made her hurt. She wanted to stay but Carlos started to lift her off the ground. She tried to fight back but he was a huge guy and with Frankie's help they lifted her clear off the floor and dragged her toward the rooftop door. The whole while she was looking back over her shoulder at Nichollas, still on the ground. As they dragged her down the stairs, she was screaming at them, "Get off my Frankie, you're hurting me!" Fighting against their grip and kicking her legs, until eventually they let her go. but walked side by side behind her so she couldn't turn around. They reached the ground floor and made their way back through the heavy door they had obviously kicked open, to find her fathers car parked in the alley outside, waiting for her to get in. The ride home was silent and it wasn't until she had run to her room and was sobbing on her bed that she realized she was still wearing his coat.
Bυввℓєѕ downed the last of her drink, letting the second cherry fall into her mouth as she tipped the glass. She grabbed her small leather purse that she'd left on the floor beside the couch, and stood up to leave, she noticed her father glance up at her as she rose from the couch and she looked at him, nodding toward the bathroom as she started to walk in the same direction. As always, her father's attention was never on her for long and when she was content he was fully focused back on his poker game, she switched course and headed for the exit. There was a chill in the air as she stepped outside, it had been a warm summer evening when they'd first arrived at the bar so she never thought to bring a jacket but they'd been there for hours and it was now night time and the air had turned cold. She shivered a little and rubbed at her arms as she quickened her pace heading for the alley at the side of the club, checking over her shoulder to make sure none her fathers men had been ordered to follow her. As she turned the corner, she saw the boy stood there waiting for her, and her lips had curled into a smile before she'd even noticed. She faced down at the ground so he didn't catch her idiotic grin and think she was some kinda crazy, and continued to walk straight ahead.
Nick saw the girl appear at the end of the alley and he grinned despite himself. Making his way to her, he would grab her hand, eager to get away from the club. Last thing he wanted was another encounter with one of her father's men. "You ready?" He noticed she wasn't wearing a jacket and he quickly shrugged off his coat, "Here, wear this." Holding it open for her, he flashed her a smile. He normally didn't work so hard to charm a girl, in fact any girl he'd been involved with was simply someone to fuck and later ignore, but this girl was someone he wanted to know and to impress. He didn't stop to wonder if his attraction to the girl was motivated by the fact that she was forbidden to him, though anything his father disapproved of in the past was something that he surely got involved in.
Bυввℓєѕ felt her grin grow wider as he approached her, and when he took her hand, slipping her fingers between his felt as natural as breathing itself. She had always been nervous around guys, having not had much experience with them, but with this one, everything felt like it was just right. She smiled broadly at him as he offered her his coat, slipping her arms into the sleeves as he held it out for her. The lining was warm from him, and she pulled it around her as if she were pulling his arms around her. She noticed the smear of blood from his lip and her face turned to worry as she touched her finger to it. "Shit, what happened?? Are you okay?" She used her thumb to wipe away the trail of blood and let her palm linger on his cheek as she looked at him, lost for words for a second and with no clue why. When she finally regained her ability to speak she questioned him, "Did Carlos do this to you ?? Or one of my fathers other monkeys? Jesus, I'm so sorry!"
Nick licked his lips, then wiped at them, unaware of what she spoke of. When he saw the blood, he poked his tongue at the corner of his mouth, "Nah, no, I was messing around with one of my buddies. He musta just got in a luck hit." He laughed in an attempt to back up his little tale, then adjusted the coat that she wore, before he stepped back, "Looks good on you." He took her hand once more then stepped out of the alley with her in tow. He glanced quickly up and down the street before he guided her across the road, "You like movies? There's one playing down at the drive-in, I forget the name but I can get us some good seats. If you like popcorn you'll have to let me know so I can pick some up before we get to the spot. You like popcorn?" He led her down the sidewalk and when he felt they were at a safe distance from the club he released her hand then turned towards her, walking backward as he talked. He paid little attention to anyone else on the sidewalk and he walked as if he expected them to move for him. Seeing a friend of his, he waved, then looked back at the girl. "You know, I don't even know your name...Come to think of it, you don't even know mine. I bet I can guess what yours is. You wanna bet?" He was more animate and energetic than he normally was.
Bυввℓєѕ looked at him skeptically as he blamed the bloody lip on his buddy. There had been barely any time between him leaving her in the bar to them meeting in the alley and she sure as hell didn't see anyone that was likely to be his "buddy" in the bar. But she figured boys did like to put on a brave face and act the tough guy, and if he wanted to tell her, he would. She slipped her fingers between his again as he took her hand, and closed them snugly around his knuckles. She followed his lead as he stepped out on to the road, and quickened her step to keep up with him. She nodded at his question, "yeah I love movies. I guess I don't get to go much though. My father's usually too busy to take me and my best friend spends all her time with her boyfriend." She smiled and chuckled slightly as he weaved, backwards, through the people on the sidewalk, his demeanor reminded her of a young child on a sugar rush. "Sure, I like popcorn." Speaking through her giggles as she watched him, and looking to see if she recognized the person he was waving too. She reached forward and grabbed both his hands, pulling him to a stop before he tripped over a trash can on the sidewalk. "You're gonna hurt yourself you know.... Or someone else" She grinned at him and squeezed his hands gently. "I bet you can't guess my name. I'll bet you... " she trailed off for a second to pull a dramatically thoughtful face, "I'll bet you a hot dog and a soda that you can't guess my name!"
Nick stops when she takes his hand and he glances behind him, before he looks back at her, ready to take on the challenge. Briefly he forgets about the the movie or the episode at the club. "Aight, you're on, but mind you, I'm kinda hungry so if I win I'm not going to let you off the hook." Nearby is a stoop and he moves to hop up on it so he can casually perch. He didn't let on that he knew a little about her family and since she referred to the boss as her father he had already figured out who she was. He knew her brother from a run in that ended with a few bloody noses and black eye. His buddies had fun antagonizing the Morella crew and the confrontation had been one of the many brawls he and friends his age got themselves into. It all started when one of Nick's friends offered to fuck Frankie's sister. Nick had never met the girl, but he recalled his friends later talking about the beauty with the red hair and the funny name. Pretending to think long and hard, Nick looked the girl over, taking advantage of the game to openly stare at her. "I know it's nothing typical 'cause you are far from typical. I bet it's something exotic, you know like those chicks you see in the movies. Those names that sound made up but fit..." He reached out and attempted to take hold of her chin, making an exaggerated show of inspecting her. He narrowed his eyes, then brought his face in close to her, so his lips were inches from hers. "Nah, I'm gonna go in another direction and say it has something to do with your personality. You seem like a sweet girl...innocent, maybe even someone who needs someone else to care for you. To protect you. Delicate but free...like maybe..." He grinned, "Bubbles?"
Bυввℓєѕ grinned at him, sure that he would never guess her name. She'd never heard of anyone else with the name "Bubbles". Her father had never liked it from the start but her Mother used to tell her the story of her name. That her mother's favorite singer was Don Ho whose most famous song was "Tiny Bubbles", and when she was born, Bubbles had been so very tiny, that her mother would sing that song to her and when it came to naming her, her mother wanted to call her nothing else but Bubbles. She smiled softly as she recalled her mothers tale, and the sweet gentle voice she would tell it in. She was brought back to the present as the boys face was inches from hers, she could feel his breath on her lips and it made her catch her breath. She could feel her heart pounding in her throat and did all she could not to start shaking at his nearness. As he spoke her name, it rang in her ears like no one had ever said it before. For a moment she didn't even wonder at how he might have known it, but just let herself get caught up by the sound of her name on his lips, sending a shiver through her. After a second she took a step back and cocked an eyebrow at him, "Now how the heck could you have known that, you cheater!" She tried to frown at him but couldn't help but flash him a grin as he stood there grinning back at her.
Nick laughed, then settled back. "Aight now it's your turn for you to guess my name." Of course he was named after his father, but because his mother wasn't a big fan of his father she had added an extra L. Later she would tell him he was nothing like his father and that the extra L was to remind him that he was different, or as his mother put it, "a better man". It was a private jab that only his parents knew about but it was one Nichollas took pride in. His mother unfortunately had gone missing when he was nine. His father never spoke of it but the rumor was she ran off with a lover. Nick knew something like that would never go unpunished and he assumed his mother was dead. Secretly he hoped his mother had managed to find a place on the world to hide and that she was happy and loved. It didn't please his father any that he looked just like his mother, with pale eyes that were relatively uncommon. "So go ahead, guess what my name is, but remember, you only get one guess so the first name you speak counts as your first guess." He was enjoying the game and his amusement showed clearly on his face as he turned and watched those who passed on the street.
Bυввℓєѕ perched herself on the edge of the stood and rested her chin on her finger, as if in deep contemplation. "Hmm.." She looked him up and down, taking in his physique. He was well built for someone their age. Either he worked out a lot, or he got into a lot of fights. His eyes, were pale, and beautiful, and so deep. He looked as if he had a cocky grin permanently on his face, and she knew by the way he'd acted since they met that he was confident. The cold wind hit her again and she pulled his coat tight around herself to stop from shivering. She knew she'd never guess his name, and she'd never seen him around before so had no clue who he might be, so she decided to make a joke of it instead. "Well, you know, you look a look like an Archibald" Grinning to herself as she stood up from the cold stoop she'd sat on. "Yes, I think you're an Archie." She nodded and tried to fake a serious expression and hide her grin.
Nick frowned. He didn't stop to think that maybe she was messing with him and he looked down at her, "No, it's not, it's Nichollas." He made it a point to leave out his last name, figuring she might recognize that and leave. He wasn't sure what he reaction would be to his last name but he wasn't eager to find out, least not yet. "So you lost, I won, you owe me a hot dog and a soda." Jumping off the stoop, he against attempted to take her hand so he could continue to lead her to their destination. When he stepped back onto the sidewalk a car pulled up next to the curb and the back window rolled down. It was his aunt and she didn't look pleased. Releasing the girl's hand, Nick turned to her, "Hold on one moment, will you, I have to talk to this lady." Without waiting for a response, he approached the car and jerked his chin at the woman, as if giving her permission to speak. In Italian she spoke quietly but her mood was clear, she wasn't happy. She wanted to know the usually stuff- where he was going, where his father was, who he was with and why he wasn't at the club. Nick noticed the woman looking over his shoulder and eyeing his company and he took a step to the side to block her view. "I'm going to go grab a movie and I'm not at the club 'cause Dad's at the club and he's in a mood. Thought I'd just keep my distance." the woman looked at him, then reached out and briefly touched his chin, examining the slight bruising by his lip. She nodded then before she leaned out of the window and kissed his cheek. She left but not before telling him to stay out of trouble.
Bυввℓєѕ stepped to the side as he jumped down, and willingly let him take her hand. Something else that felt so natural, her hand in his. "Nichollas." She repeated his named to herself, admiring how it sounded on her lips. As they were about to set off down the street, a car pulled up and he quickly dropped her hand. She frowned a little as he stepped toward the car, wondering who it was and why he had been so eager to hide her from them. She could see a woman's face as the window rolled down, but she didn't have a clear view, and she couldn't hear anything that was being said. She took a step back and leaned against the wall, shoving her hands into the pockets of his coat she was wearing. Looking up and down the street pretending not to be interested in who he was talking to. It was a nice town car, obviously somebody important, or from an important family, which made her wonder why they would be stopping to talk to a young boy on the street. As the car pulled away and he turned back to her, she smiled at him, "Everything okay?"
Nick nodded at the question then held out his hand, "Come on, we got a movie to make." He would lead her quietly down the street while occasionally watching those they passed or who passed them. He assumed her father didn't allow his daughter to just wander off with anyone or by herself and he kept an eye out for anyone who might be watching them. When he was sure they were in the clear he darted into an alley and led her quickly to a side door of an abandoned building. The door was boarded shut, or at least appeared to be but he had made it a point to leave it easy to open. Pulling away the boards, he pushed the door open, the rusty hinges protesting and he motioned for her to enter. There was broken boards, glass and liter scattered about the first floor and he assumed she wouldn't be eager to enter so he would smile reassuringly. "Hurry up before someone sees us."
Bυввℓєѕ reached out and slipped her hand into his again and let him lead her. She didn't come to this part of town much and didn't know her way around. She had no idea why , as she'd only just met him, but she felt safe with Nichollas, protected. And somehow she knew, he wouldn't let anything happen to her. She held his hand tight as he led her into an alley and frowned inquisitively as he pried open the door to a derelict building. She hesitated for a moment until he smiled at her. For some reason, she trusted him and so she stepped through the door into the building. The smell was dank and musty, dust filled the air and the place was full of litter. The walls were covered in graffiti and it had obviously been used as a squat or a shelter for some homeless people... maybe even still was on occasion, but from what she could make out, it was completely empty now. She turned to him, wondering what they were doing there. "This doesn't look like the movies or a hot dog stand?!"
Nick shut the door and gave it a strong yank so it would be difficult to open from the outside. The place was one of the many hangouts he and his friends had around the neighborhood where they could screw around and not be bothered. He was impressed that the girl didn't have an issue with entering the run down building with a practical stranger. She was fearless and he liked that. He wondered what things she had been exposed to in her life that would make her so bold. Surely she had the protection of her father and her family that she instinctively felt behind her, it was the same for him. Kicking aside a empty bottle, he held out his hand once more for her to take, "You might want to watch your step." He had planned to take her to buy some popcorn and something to drink but all the eyes on the street changed his mind. The last thing he wanted was for their time together to be interrupted. He wanted to get to know this girl and the only way to do that was to get time alone, truly alone. "Where do you go to school? I would know if I had seen you around my school." He started up the small talk as he led her to the stairwell. The door was missing and the place was dark, but he knew his way around. Starting up the stairs, he could hear his voice echo back to him and he glanced up, making sure none of his buddies were there. He whistled, waited for a response, then continued on his way with the girl in tow.
Bυввℓєѕ stepped over a few empty cartons and papers that scattered the floor, waving her hand in front of her face to clear the dust from her eyes. She jumped a little as he slammed the door hard behind her and the whole place became almost pitch black apart from a few rays of moonlight that shone through the cracks between the boards on the windows and doors. As he reached his hand out to her, she pulled up the sleeve on the over-sized jacket that was almost covering her hand, and without a second thought, slipped her fingers between his and let him lead her through the darkness. Treading carefully as they made their way through the building, she answered his questions. "My mother home schooled me until she died a few years ago." Her voice became low and solemn as she spoke of her mother, "But after that my father didn't want to take on the hassle, so he sent me to the all girls school across town." Her lips curled into a grin as she added, "I guess he didn't want me mingling with boys like you, huh?" She smirked at him as he began to lead her up the stairs, squeezing his hand tighter as it became darker, there were no windows on the stair well and she now couldn't see a thing. She gripped his arm with her other hand and pushed herself close behind him so she wouldn't lose her stepping. "What is this place, anyways?"
Nick liked how she clung to him and he smiled to himself. It wasn't the first time he brought a girl here and it was a typical reaction. When she mentioned her father's concerns about 'boys like him', he huffed out a laugh, "I'm sure I'm the very guy he wanted to keep you from." It amused him that he knew things she didn't and he wondered what her reaction would be when she found out about him and his family. The continued to ascend and when they reached the very top he shoved the heavy metal door open and exposed them to the view of a evening sky and a cool breeze. Leading her to the opposite side of the roof, he extended a hand towards a spot where there was a couch and a few chairs. They kept a radio, an ice chest and a few blankets up at the hang out and when seated a person got a clear view to the drive in screen in the distance. "We can't hear the movie but it's kinda nice that way...so what do you think?"
Bυввℓєѕ followed him out on to the roof, clinging closer to him as the cold air hit her once again. When he mentioned being "THE" guy her father wanted to keep her away from, she smiled crookedly, not really understanding what he meant by it, but figuring it was just his cocky sense of humor. As they reached the other side of the rooftop, she saw the set up they had up there, "oh wow... this is... Well it's pretty awesome.... Brings lots of girls up here, huh ?" She smirked at him as she teased, but inwardly wondering if it were the truth. She let go of his hand and folded her arms across her chest, shivering. "Well I guess it's not the coziest of hang outs, but I like it." She stepped toward the sofa and perched herself on the edge, still shivering as she leaned down to hug her bare knees and rubbing her legs to try warm them up.
Nick sat himself down on the old sofa - it had taken them forever to drag it to the roof. He grabbed one of the blankets then patted the spot beside him, "Come on, sit down, we can keep each other warm." He was ready to settle in then remembered the bourbon bottle he had stashed under the couch. Leaning over, he reached blindly under the piece of furniture until he found the bottle. Bringing it out, he unscrewed the cap and took a quick swig. "Want some, it will help warm you up too. I think we probably got other stuff to drink." He glanced at the drive in screen trying to see if he recognized the movie. They played a lot of old classics and he immediately recognized the flick playing. It was the Wizard of Oz. "Want some music?" He purposely ignored the comment about other girls. Turning on the radio the sounds of Sinatra filled the air and he leaned back and smiled, "very nice."
Bυввℓєѕ watched him as he made himself comfortable and pulled out the bottle from beneath the couch, nodding as he offered her some. She took the bottle from him and took a swig, screwing her face up as it burned a trail down her throat. She, too, smiled when she heard Sinatra from the radio, Her mother had always liked him and she can remember hearing his music a lot when she was younger. It always calmed her. She took another swig from the bottle as he settled himself on the couch, and she moved herself back, next to him, tucking both her legs up on to the sofa as she leaned against his shoulder, huddling close to try and keep warm. "I love this movie." She smiled as she watched the screen, pulling the blanket over her bare legs as she sang quietly along with the radio.
Nick was pleased when she sank down on the couch next to him then took the bottle and drank one last time before slipping it back under the sofa. These were moves he had played out countless times on other girls, but this time he knew he wasn't going to get a quick fuck from this girl and move on. Not because he felt she'd resist his charms but because he knew the risks and knew he was playing with fire. It was part of what drew him to the girl, though the strong attraction was there also. Pulling her to him, he held her close, trying to help her warm up while wondering if he should kiss her. "This sofa smells weird..." He muttered, while lifting his knees and turning towards her so she could settle between his legs and lean back against his chest. "So what were you doing at the club? I've never seen you there before."
Bυввℓєѕ smiled as he pulled her into him. Knowing she should have been more hesitant and more wary about being so comfortable with a complete stranger, she couldn't help but feel totally at ease with him, like they'd spent every night together like this for their whole lives. She knew nothing about him, yet she knew she wanted to be close to him. And she felt safe with him. Giggling a little as he sniffed at the sofa, she shifted and settled between his legs, bringing her knees up and leaning back against him. He was warm and she fit perfectly into his arms. "Usually I stay home with the housekeeper, but her brother passed away and she needed to be with her family... And Daddy doesn't trust me at home on my own. I guess he figured I couldn't get into any trouble if I was under his watchful eye at the club." She scoffed. "Boy is he in for a shock." She muttered this last sentence, to herself more than to Nichollas, but it did make her chuckle. She pulled her knees closer to her chest trying her hardest to stop shaking from the cold, as she added, "I don't think I've ever seen you around before either. What's your story?"
Nick shrugged, "I don't have much of a story...Just started the whole busboy thing." He felt her shivering and he wrapped his arms around her, then tucked his face in her neck, his warm breath spreading through her hair and across the skin of her neck. Her nearness was distracting and he forgot about the movie and the music as the liquor warmed him and brought on a comfortable haze. "Is there a reason your father keeps a close eye on you?" He was genuinely interested in her answer because, though he knew about her family, he knew next to nothing about her. In fact, he was completely forgetting about her family ties as they huddled there on the couch.
Bυввℓєѕ closed her eyes as his breath warmed her, and tickled the skin on her neck. As he wrapped his arms around her, she found herself slipping her fingers between his, their hands fitting perfectly together. She shrugged at his question, "I don't know really. I guess since my mother died, I'm all he has left of her. Frankie is more like him but I am every bit my mother." She paused for a second before continuing, "Although, I'm pretty sure he resents me, for being a constant reminder of losing the one and only person he truly loved. Everyone else is just a possession to him." She leaned her head back, turning it to the side and tucking her nose snugly under his chin. inhaling his scent, feeling the alcohol engulf her in a warm haze.
Nick, lost in moment, could keep tabs on the conversation and where it had led. Everything she was saying wasn't making much sense to him but he managed to mutter a "mhm" before he tilted his head down nudging her in away that made it clear he wanted to kiss her. Maybe it was the girl, the alcohol or his own cockiness, but he became unaware of his surroundings and that might have been a good thing if he hadn't been in the wrong place with the wrong girl. He barely registered what was happening when two hands grabbed him under his arms and forcefully drug him from the sofa, yanking him over the armrest and dropping him on his back. A breath exploded from him as his back hit the tarred roof and he hardly had a chance to react, let alone scramble up from the awkward position. He recognized the guy from the club, the man was sneering at him with some amusement and Nick managed to mutter, "Oh shit," before the man punched him squarely in the face. A light exploded and he instinctively threw up his arms. Pain flared through his sinuses and he cursed, before attempting to roll over in a protective ball. The man kicked him in the gut and Nick gasped before coughing, though his breath wouldn't return so he laid gasping for a moment. Someone was laughing and he felt hands catch his arm pits again and he was drug up on his knees.
Bυввℓєѕ felt his nose nudge at her, and knowing what he wanted, she knew she wanted it too. She lifted her head to meet his but in the same moment was jerked forward as Nichollas was ripped out from behind her. She sat stunned for a second, with no clue what had happened, before turning towards the noise and commotion behind her, to find Carlos and her brother stood over Nichollas, kicking him and beating him. As Frankie grabbed hold of Nichollas, dragging him up off the ground, she stood and screamed at him, "Frankie, get the hell off of him? What the fuck are you doing??" She lurched toward them but Carlos swung his muscular arm up to stop her, hitting her square in the chest and sending her flying, winding her completely. She stumbled backwards over the sofa and ended up hitting the ground with a thud, winding her even more. She sat, coughing and spluttering, unable to move as she watched the men kick and hit Nichollas until his face and shirt were smeared with blood. She tried calling out but she could barely breathe from the huge arm that had impacted her tiny frame.
Nick was held firmly as he was beaten,his face and torso plummeted with hits and kicks, so many he couldn't distinguish which was which all he knew was he close to blacking out. With his head hanging, he could taste the blood and feel the sticky heat running down his face and dripping from his chin. He heard Bubbles briefly, but his head started to spin and he closed his eyes, waiting for the beating to end. When he was sure he was done he was shoved onto his face and was left gasping, his cheek pressed to the roof. He'd taken a beating before but this one was by far the worst. Laying still, he closed his eyes, missing the moment before when he was close to the girl, warm and comfortable. Despite the pain that coursed through him and the lack of breath he managed to expel a laugh. The two who beat him were circling around him and when he managed to open his eyes he could see the leather from their shoes near his face second before someone grabbed his hair and pulled his head up. "You know Gianni, you really are a pain in the ass. First, you and you friends steal from us then you have the balls to bring my sister up here and attempt to what? What were you gonna do, huh? Yeah, I know what you were gonna do, you little shit. Guess we ruined your plans huh? Well, I got to admit, I admire your...what is it? Stupidity? Ballsiness? Nah, I think it's more of a lack of respect. So take this as your warning. Stay away from my sister. If I see you even looking at her I will make sure you're never found, got that?" Nick peered up, while squinting one eye and he smiled, "You're funny." His response earned him another kick. Grunting, Nick curled back up into a ball.
Bυввℓєѕ laid helpless while the 2 men beat Nichollas within an inch of consciousness. Gasping for breath and wincing at the pain in her chest. BY the time she was able to breathe and stand again, they'd all but finished with him. She got to her feet and ran toward them just in time to hear her brother snarl the name "Gianni". The name above the club door, the name above many of the businesses in town.. And the name that made her father grimace in disgust and hatred whenever he heard it. She was stopped in her tracks, trying to process what she had heard. He was one of them? She knew this should bother her but it didn't. She was shocked, yes. She couldn't even understand why he didn't tell her. But it didn't stop her from wanting to run to him and make sure he was okay. She screamed at the men again, weaker this time, he voice gravely from coughing for breath. "Get away from him Frankie. He didn't do anything wrong!" She rushed toward him, Frankie tried to stop her but she used her heel to dig into his foot, making him yell out in pain and drop his arms, allowing her to rush to kneel beside Nichollas. Attempting to wipe the blood from his face, her brow furrowed in concern, "Jesus, are you okay?!"
Nick felt her hands on his face and he winced, not even sure where the pain was coming from, at that point it seemed all consuming but he managed to open his eyes, though one stung badly and his vision was blurred by the blood that had seep into his eyes. He noted the worry and concern on her face and he tried to smile, though he was sure it looked ghastly and nowhere near charming or attractive. "Hey, yeah...Imma be fine. Sorry 'bout not mentioning the whole family shit..." He heard someone move around them and he flinched, anticipating more violence and he found himself taking shelter against the girl. Behind him the guy Bubbles referred to as Carlos spoke, "You're luck we didn't toss him off this roof. Come on girl, your father is waiting for you." Nick frowned slightly, then looked up at Bubbles, "Don't worry, I'll be aight." Quietly he added, "I'll find you." He didn't even know if the girl wanted to see him again, but it didn't matter, he wanted to see her. He wanted that kiss and more importantly he wanted to see her smile again. It seemed kinda stupid, but the urge was strong enough that he knew he wouldn't be able to ignore it. He didn't want her to leave but he doubted they were going to let her stay.
Bυввℓєѕ felt her lips start to shake. She barely knew this kid but already, seeing him in this state made her hurt. She wanted to stay but Carlos started to lift her off the ground. She tried to fight back but he was a huge guy and with Frankie's help they lifted her clear off the floor and dragged her toward the rooftop door. The whole while she was looking back over her shoulder at Nichollas, still on the ground. As they dragged her down the stairs, she was screaming at them, "Get off my Frankie, you're hurting me!" Fighting against their grip and kicking her legs, until eventually they let her go. but walked side by side behind her so she couldn't turn around. They reached the ground floor and made their way back through the heavy door they had obviously kicked open, to find her fathers car parked in the alley outside, waiting for her to get in. The ride home was silent and it wasn't until she had run to her room and was sobbing on her bed that she realized she was still wearing his coat.
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