Sagesse ☾ Derek Hale {2}

thirty seven; the invitation

I stand slightly behind Scott, the wall of the building blocking us from the dozen or so people waiting in line. Supposedly this was the go to spot for getting tickets to some secret rave that everyone is dying to go to. The one Jackson seemed to be drawn to. I try to shake the feeling crawling under my skin. Since last night I can't seem to let it go. It's as if the grim reaper is constantly following me, slowly and eerily getting closer. 

My eyes narrow as I watch Jackson's frame move closer and another familiar one come forward. Matt looks over to Jackson with a slight smile, "Hey, Jackson. Not here to punch me again, are you?" From the angle we're at I can't see Jackson's expression, but I assume it isn't anything friendly when Matt's smile slowly grows smaller. "Wanna--wanna go ahead of me in line?"

I lightly place a hand on Scott's shoulder before we share a worried look. My eyes move back over to the taller of the two with my brows drawn together, "Yeah, I'm not loving the vibe of this interaction."

We both step out silently and move towards the line of people ahead of us. We somewhat join in before Scott lets a hiss out from his mouth. I raise an eyebrow in surprise before he does so again, effectively catching Matt's attention. He turns and I notice first the look of confused annoyance as he meets Scott's gaze, then surprise as he notices me next to him, "Uh, hey. Can I help you guys?" His eyes move between the space between us and back. I don't say a word, turning to Scott as this started off as his bright plan of the night.

Scott looks the gated elevator ahead us, a dark skinned girl wearing beanie selling tickets behind it. He looks back to Matt quickly, "How much are tickets?"

Matt lets a calmer expression fall onto face and his shoulder relax slightly," They're seventy-five dollars." My eyes meet Scott's and I know the look of surprised panic is matching. What the hell kind of rave is this? That is a lot of money for loud music and over priced drinks. Plus, the amount of sweaty people. Ugh.

Scott coughs lightly before uttering out the next few words lowly, "Can I borrow some money?" I roll my eyes already guessing how the rest of this conversation is going to go. 

Matt doesn't hesitate before nodding slightly, his hand moving towards his front pocket, " Yeah, how much?" I squint slightly, surprised at the sudden willingness to help out a not-friend in need. It's not like the two know each other well, or even run in the same circle. I remember the look on Matt's face last time I had mentioned Scott in front of him. The chill moves down my spine quick before Scott's shrug brings my attention back, "Seventy-five dollars."

Matt makes a cringed face and shakes his head before meeting my eyes again. I try to look away before the, what I am assuming, is supposed to be genuine smile crosses his face. He finally turns back into the line ahead of us. I look to Scott to see the seriously thoughtful look on his face. 

"And now what?" I look around as the line moves forward again. Throughout the entire interaction, Jackson has consistently stared ahead. I notice the stiffness of his back as the girl behind the bars yells, "Next!"

He slowly steps forward until he is right in front. I see her eyes become slightly clouded with some kind of emotion before he shakes it off, "How many?"

Suddenly is it eerily silent as I watch Jackson slowly raise one finger up, not a word spoken. I feel the slightest spark in the tip of my fingers as my eyes search the face of the girl in front of me. Her eyes again give away her apprehensiveness of the situation as she slowly takes the money from the silent man in front of her. She reaches back without looking away and takes a lone ticket from the security guard behind her. I watch as Jackson reaches out and lets his hand slide over hers as he removes the ticket from hers.