WHEN THE RAIN STOPS- Scrutinized [TANNER x LUNA] 2 IN 1

SIDE STORY PT. FORTY

|LYDIA|

It was ten minutes later so I was climbing up the stairs and going to Luna's room. When I twisted the doorknob I found the blue moons light hitting down on the room. Along with Luna's face. She was beautiful, laying like that. But Tanner ruined the mood. "Came to check up huh?" He asked while cuddling Luna from behind. I came over and sat at Luna's feet. "Yea. Had to make sure you weren't doing anything." "Like what?" "You know what." He scoffed a laugh and rolled his eyes. "I gotta tell you something. And when I'm done you have to promise not to tell her I told you." He sat up. "What? Are we back in 5th grade again or something?" I gave him annoyed face. "I'm serious." "Alright then. What is it?" I sighed and sat to face him. "You were wondering why I drugged her earlier.." "mhmmm." "Well.. it was because she asked me to.. hit her." He straightened up in shock. "You didn't though.. right?" I shook my head. He rubbed his nose bridge in a worried action. "Listen. She isn't saying it because she wants the hit. She's saying it because she expects it. Luna thinks that eventually we'll get fed up with her and that'll end up with us hitting her. But I swear to god Tanner if I find out you ever hit that girl." I grabbed his wrist and squeezed it. "I will kill you." I got up and started walking out the door. "Lydia." I stoped and turned. "Did she tell you that? ... or was that just your experience?" My mouth dropped. "What did you say?" He stood up. "I know your past and I know why you cling onto Luna." He bent at the waist and faced me face to face. "You see.. Aurora in her. Don-." I stopped him with a slap on the face. "Don't talk about her like that. You hear me?!" He touched the side of his face and smiled. Then went back like it never even happened. "Of course. My apologies."

I got angry as I closed the door and left. Aurora was my best friend. She was short, around 4'11. Latina, and had the most welcoming smile. She and I used to hang out all the time, til Ben came around. Ben was blonde, Tall, and had the most frightening scowl I had ever seen. Later on I found out Ben had been abusing Aurora. Mentally and physically. She was damaged and he had broken her to a point of no return. After a month or so I got a call in the middle of the night. Aurora, 20, ... killed. I was infuriated. She was the most kindest person. Never dared to do anything wrong so why did the universe punish her so harshly? Ben was the one who did, but for some reason he was let out of jail. 'Good behavior.' Good behavior my ass. Aurora was dead because of him and the law didn't even bat an eye. And that's how I met Adam. Not at a club, but in his office. Together we arranged a death for Ben. Just some random work of a serial killer. Adam played it off so well that the police didn't even bother to look deeper into the crime. From then on, I was Adams girl, toy, doll, and anything else he wanted. Because to me, he had avenged the most perfect girl in the world.

But that didn't stop my guilt. Aurora was dead and It was my fault. She used to tell me everything, but I was too scared to intrude. I felt like such a coward. However, when Luna came in, I knew it was Aurora. She had the same fears and the same struggles. The only difference was Tanner. Aurora didn't have a Tanner, but Luna did. And now I'm trying to make it up to her. 'If I can just save Luna, maybe it'll be like I saved Aurora. Let. Me. Make. This. Up. Please.. let me help Luna..'

|TANNER|

Lydia was using Luna as a way to cope. And I didn't know how to feel about it. On one hand, she was a good translator for what Luna was feeling. But on the other hand, she wouldn't tell me the translations. Besides from the one tonight. Either way she was looking for me in the bed. Flinging around and feeling the bed sheets. She cracked open an eye. "Tanner.." she said in a sleepy voice. "Comeeee." Her voice was raspy. But I quite liked it. Adorable. "I'm coming my little enigma." I laid down in bed as she climbed on top of me. Straddling my waist and laying her head on my chest. "Enigma?" "Mhm. You like it?" She shrugged. "I'm just tired.." she yawned as I put my hand on her hair. "Luna." "Hm?" "I love you." "I love you too." "Luna." "Hm?" "I love you."
"I love you too." "Luna." She groaned and moved her head to stare at me. Adorably annoyed that I wouldn't let her sleep. Her eye bags were pretty. They reminded me of the time we met. "Yes Tanner?" I smile and hummed a laugh. "Never mind. Just go to sleep." "Oh no, I'm awake." She yawned. "Perfectly fine for a chat." I smiled. "Why are you so stubborn?" She repositioned and wrapped her legs around mine as she laid there. "Speak for yourself." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Oh please. Don't act so innocent." I thought for a second but then I felt her legs give way to a weaker grip. "Luna? Are you asleep?" She groaned and tightened her legs back up. She was tired and exhausted, but she wanted to stay awake to talk to me.. her head was rested, laying on their side with her arms cushioning it. "How are you so awake?.."