Heated Lies (Jiara)

The First Lie

JJ stood in front of the house, debating on his form of entry. The window didn't go so well last time, but his father could really be anywhere. It didn't matter. So he tiptoed through the front door and past the kitchen. Still no sign of his father.

It was too quiet. He felt like he was trespassing in some kind of monsters layer. A small creaking was heard, making him flinch. He checked all directions, exhaling lowly when no one was found.

"Dad?"

A rustling became evident and then more creaking. Luke finally came into view, beckoning to him from the couch. JJ followed as quietly as he could.

"JJ why didn't you come home last night?"

Cuz I was scared you'd beat the shit out of your own son

Now he could smell the beer. He spared a glance to the door, which was still unlocked. Then his eyes found the coffee table, where a bottle of pills lay on its side. He had the urge to shake it, to see if anything was left, but he knew he shouldn't hold his breath.

"I'm sorry." That was the go to. An apology usually made things easier, but Luke's face didn't seem the slightest bit more relaxed.

"I didn't ask if you were sorry." His voice was dripping with repressed rage, but the boy could see the smile on his lips. "Why didn't you come home?"

He had to tread lightly. No sharp movements. His fists clenched and unclenched. His next tactic was to explain.

"J-John B-"

As if the stutter wasn't enough, a slap silenced the boy. One point for Luke. His instinct was to press his hand to the burning sensation on his cheek. He didn't, figuring it was best not to touch it yet. The sting felt terrible, but it hurt more in his core, where he found the stupid want for a normal father. That was something he knew he'd never get.

"You shut up. When I give you an order, you follow it. I don't give a damn about John A, B, or C. I'll cut his throat if he gets in your way again." Another point for Luke, and JJ's chest started to burn.

"Dad-" His father shoved him, making him stumble backward into the wall. Another point to Luke, but JJ wasn't done. He knew he should shut up, he knew he should probably look for a way out now, but he wouldn't. He wouldn't leave unless the score was even.

"John B didn't do anything wrong. It's my fault, don't hurt him." He spoke firmly, like he would actually fight back for once. Both of them knew that wouldn't really happen.

It didn't exactly help his situation but he had to say something. He wouldn't let John B into this. He'd rather die before anyone found out about things. Now Luke had a scary look in his eyes. He followed his son to the wall where he stood clutching the bricks as tightly as he could. JJ shut his eyes. He knew what was coming, and he was right.

"Don't fucking tell me what to do."

Luke- +3

***

"I wish JJ would just go to the stupid dance." Kiara complained as she and Sarah combed the isles. "Doesn't have to be a big deal."

"Taking a liking to the rebellious surfer lately?" Sarah replied. "I saw that one coming."

The Carrera grew quiet. She didn't necessarily like JJ, but he was definitely her best friend. She'd probably tell him anything, and she hoped he'd do the same. Sarah watched as she nearly tripped over a stray boot in the midst of her thoughts.

"I don't know, maybe." She stared at the mall logo, suddenly finding everything in Macy's extremely boring. "I'm ready to go when you are."

***

John B would've been angry if JJ had blown up his phone for no reason. This, however, was more of an issue than he even let on.

"Man, what the fuck happened to your face?" He wasn't a subtle man.

JJ laughed a little, shaking off the pain and grabbing a paper towel. The Routledge watched as he pressed it to the large split on his lip. "Topper jumped me."

He was in disbelief. "Jesus, why!?"

JJ swallowed, pushing his friends hand away from him. He never thought of every aspect of his lies. It was hard to put effort into something else. "He's just being an idiot. Grab me a beer?"

There was another warning. Normally, JJ would've rounded up more Pogues for revenge. Waving it off wasn't normal at all. John B was John B, and JJ certainly didn't want to involve him after his last conversation anyway. So he left him in the dark.

The bruises would heal in due time... Luke didn't even ask about his hand, and JJ fumed when he realized he wish he had. It was stupid, the wanting. The unexplained expectation that he'd change one day.

It was more than obvious that Luke didn't even care. Why would he, considering he was just about to add to it? JJ repressed the thoughts. It was a common occurrence. Overthinking would lead to actions he couldn't take back. It would lead to more anger, and JJ wasn't sure how much self control he'd have left at that point.

When he escaped John B, he found his phone. Kiara had texted him about what kind of dress she'd tried on. It was hours ago, but he still liked the picture. Her response was a small emoji, and that was enough. His anger vanished into thin air.

His bruises even hurt a little less. That was the affect she had on him... and then their last conversation finally washed over him. It hit him like a ton of bricks. Kiara might be leaving.

And what would be his cure then? What would bring him back to reality if she was gone? His hands returned to fists, and this time, he couldn't unclench them if he tried.

Meanwhile, John B was concocting a plan. If Topper really hit JJ that bad, he was going to hit back. Pope was already on board, letting every other Pogue know, including Kie and Sarah. Moments passed, each person experiencing the rush in different ways.

Things were about to get messy.

Hey guys author here... I need requests on my oneshots books... if you'd be so kind. Obx 3 cant come fast enough and I'm low key spiraling. I want a man so bad. The holidays suuuuck... but I did get an ulta gift card and some nice clothes so it's not all bad. I'm grateful for all of you guys btw merry chrimuh and all that jazz. How are you all feeling about 2023?