Heated Lies (Jiara)

She's Here

Kiara was a light sleeper to begin with. With the thoughts flooding her mind, it was to be expected. It wasn't just JJ, though he took up the majority of the space.

It was also her parents, who were oblivious she'd even come home. She wondered what she'd tell them. How would she approach it, with JJ beside her in shambles?

She told herself she'd do it tomorrow. She needed somewhere to stay. The more she thought about it, the less likely she was to do it. Her dreams had become a prison. A phone call unlocked her cell moments later.

She didn't recognize the number, only the fear that coursed through her veins when she got the call. She'd only then noticed that JJ had been gone. The warm arms left her body long before.

She knew he'd leave at some point. She knew he'd take the final attempt at a fatherly relationship, but she didn't expect it so soon. Then the unknown number was taunting her.

"Hello?"

"Is this Kiara Carrera? We have JJ Maybank at the station-"

"JJ..." Her voice was shallow, catching in her throat. Then she was shooting out of bed, putting Shoupe on speaker phone and lacing up her shoes. "What happened?"

On the other end, the officer was trying to calm her. "He's okay. He um... His father was brought in about an hour ago. He requested your presence."

Her heart dropped. "I-I'm on my way."

For JJ, his shoulders were finally beginning to drop. It was a steady motion, heartbeat increasing with every yell from his dad. Another officer was eyeing him down. He almost got close enough to question the boy, but Shoupe waved him off with a vigorous hand.

JJ put his head in his own hands after that. Strangely enough, he was imagining the dance at school. It was proving to be his only real distraction. He could see her in a dress, a green one, because that color suited her best.

He'd sigh, letting his features light up, even for a moment, under his hands. He barely recognized school by that time. It was a place he went to see his friends, to pretend he could really learn something. It was never the plan to go to college like Pope.

He didn't expect that out of himself.

He took several breaths, looking up at the doors and then back to Shoupe. He needed her to burst through with open arms. He didn't feel completely comfortable thinking like that, because the internalized fear had embedded itself long before, but he still knew what he wanted.

Meanwhile, she's speeding through red lights. Something tells her they don't matter. Shoupe would come in clutch for a petty charge anyway, right? The lights are on in the station. She can faintly see JJ as she pulls into the parking lot, compactly glancing back through the glass windows.

She's pushing the doors open, oblivious to every sound. Officers are moving in slow motion, asking her why she's here. Her brain doesn't try to form a response. She's looking for him. Then her ears clear.

A stutter of betrayal is the first thing she hears. She promised herself she'd keep it together. Still, her words were clumped into an indecipherable chorus. As soon as he saw her, he sprang up to hug her.

He seemed exhausted, letting her completely take over in support. This time, however, he didn't cry. He pulled back with a slight smile, just barely being able to breathe easier.

"You okay?" She'd asked him, and he nodded.

Okay was something he definitely wasn't, and they both knew that. Time being though, they knew he meant he could still breathe. He wasn't going into shock. He wouldn't have a panic attack, not with her there.

"I don't know my next step but uh... I'm really glad your here."

She grinned at that, kissing him slowly and feeling his body relax. By that time, Shoupe was walking over to greet them.

"Does JJ have a lawyer?"

The answer to that question was obvious, and that is why Shoupe clicks his pen. "Standard questions were required to ask, sorry. One will be provided."

JJ nodded. Kiara glanced at him, beaten and worn. He was sweating now, somehow still shivering at the loss of contact. His eyes are huge, following every short movement. His hair is a mess, but he pays absolutely no attention to it.

She's looking further down at his wrinkled t shirt. The bruises on his arms, and then the way his hand is guarding his stomach the same way he'd done it before. Shoupe is speaking, but she isn't listening.

She removes his hand to take it in her own. His eyes meet hers for a split second, ignoring the Sheriff until his next words stop everything.

"Kiara, we've also received a phone call from your parents."

And she's back, glaring at the man. "And what?" She demands.

"They're aware you've left a certain correcting school." Shoupe explaines, thumbing through papers and sighing. "They've requested a search party. You might want to head on home."

Kiara quickly shook her head. "I can't do that. Not now! I'll explain it to them eventually."

JJ looks afraid now, inching the slightest bit closer to her.

"I'm afraid that's not possible. We are responsible for bringing the child of said custodian to the designated household."

Shoupe takes a look at her, wide eyed beside a blonde boy who's heart rate is steadily increasing.

"I bend the rules for y'all too much." Shoupe chuckled. "You may stay for a little longer. We'll figure out the next moves for JJ and then you both can go home to greet your parents in the morning."

JJ sighs, swallowing hard as his eyes close in relief. Kiara grins a little. Then, she can hear the slightest of yells from the backrooms. It's Luke, no doubt. Then her eyes find Shoupe who had finally noticed there's blood on JJ's clothes.

IM SO SORRY IVE BEEN INACTIVE. guys i got me a man. he's the sweetest most real man i've ever seen. he wears beanies and he had braces and he's dark skinned and he's supportive and he gives really good hugs. also side note- i'm an inexperienced kisser. wow. but i hope this chapter helps you guys for a bit until i can write the next one. how's everyone's summer going? me personally, i got algebra 2. trigonometry and pre calculus are kicking my ass. but yeah. love you allll