Heated Lies (Jiara)

Mental Capacity

"Dude, you alright?" Pope's voice rang out worriedly.

"I'm fine." JJ rolled his eyes. It was a standard question with recent events. Of course Pope would figure something was wrong nowadays instead of hopping on the game for an extra round of 2k.

"Oh..." The mathlete sat up in his bedroom, letting his eyes adjust to the darkness. "What's up."

"When is that dance?"

"Huh?" Because JJ wasn't asking about a dance was he?

"That winter thingy Kiara and Sarah kept talking about so much. I have an idea to ask Kiara to it. And you can ask out Nora!" The blonde boy heard some ruffling on the other end. Pope was definitely listening now.

"Sorry, Nora? What makes you thi-"

"Nah, Pope it's what everyone thinks. But I won't rush it, you guys look like a cute slow burn."

"I- She..." He shook his head. "Yeah, she's cute."

JJ had to suppress the urge to throw his head back and cackle. Instead, he nodded silently on the other end. Moments later, he saw Kiara stir in her sleep. On nights like these, when JJ couldn't sleep, he was extra careful to make sure she did.

"Pope, I'll hit you up later."

"Alright, man. Maybe not at two am?"

The Maybank just hung up. He couldn't promise that. Shortly after, he was cuddling back behind Kiara. He pulled her closer by her waist, and she immediately laid her head on his chest. It warmed him immediately, in turn actually making him tired again.

Just like that, she was his cure. He sat playing with her hair until his hands fell limp in slumber.

***

The next morning, JJ woke up with her between his arms. She was already awake, one hand scrolling through tik tok and the other keeping his in place.

"Morning, J." She said, turning off her phone to turn and face him.

"Morning, Kie."

It was later than normal, which meant JJ would have to sneak back into the guest room before her parents noticed. Fortunately, they were elsewhere, filing more paperwork for JJ. Kiara still couldn't believe they'd taken him in and forgiven her in the same sitting.

She'd been paranoid, doing extra housework and being almost too nice. They, of course, thought it was a nice change of pace. Kiara was waiting for the jump scare. JJ wouldn't say he didn't notice, but he was busy doing the same in hopes of getting in their good graces.

"So... JJ." Anna started at breakfast that morning. "How's school?"

JJ barely remembered. He'd been in and out of the building since he started high school. He stared straight into the eggs on his plate.

"School is fine, Mrs. Carrera."

Kiara just nodded, knowing very well they shouldn't dive into it. She put one hand on his thigh underneath the table.

"I know you're in the market for a job, am I right?"

And JJ perked up again. "Yeah...?"

"Mike might have something for you."

It was obvious that Mike wasn't totally on board when he purposely took a long sip of coffee. He did, however, nod in response.

"I'm sure you know Pope's father, Heyward." He began, setting the mug down.

"But he's turned me down." JJ deadpanned, sounding defeated.

Kiara didn't like how easily he gave up on the idea.

"Yes, well, I've recently spoken to him. He's reconsidering on behalf of my referral." Anna grinned, which nearly made her husband grimace.

"JJ, that's great!" Kiara immediately hugged him right on the spot.

Now Mike seemed to smile a little. But he turned back to JJ coldly. "Don't make me regret this."

"Y-Yes, sir." Then louder, "Thank you... sir."

"You'll have to keep up with your grades. Kiara will show you how we do things as far as homework and studying."

The blonde boy glanced at his girlfriend. He'd be lying if he said he was looking forward to it. He'd never really participated in school. Strangely enough, he didn't want to disappoint them with his current school predicament.

"Yes, ma'am." Was his only response.

***

According to JJ, this was the best and worst time of his life. He was close to a job, he was living with his girlfriend, and he was out of his abusive nature. But his job was with a man that had very little trust in him, his girlfriend's parents weren't very fond of him, and the trial for his father was coming up sooner than he'd anticipated.

He remembered what the lawyer told him. They sat in a large room with squeaky chairs and large glass windows. He remembered trying to listen to what the woman was telling him, but the room was so cold. He remembered her eyes pleading with him to pay attention. She would speak but her voice would muffle in and out of his ears.

And when she was done talking, he would just nod and smile. He hoped that was the right reply, but he had a feeling they both knew he wasn't listening. The room was so cold. At least he understood the gist. He would have to show the judge his scars. From the still healing bruises to the stubborn wound on his forehead, he'd have to show them.

It scared him, but he couldn't say that. He wasn't even sure why he was afraid. Kiara chose not to speak on it. What would she say? JJ knew he didn't have a choice. All he could picture was chaos. He'd fuck up the moment, and be right back home with a new beating in remission.

"Fuck."

"Huh?" Kiara looked at him again. "You alright?"

In her room, with its dim lighting and lighthearted tone, he managed to blow his cover. He was sitting on a rolling chair by her closet while she lay reading in bed. Or she was reading.

He just nodded. "Tired." He lied.

"We could bring the Pogues over and watch a movie?" She suggested. He didn't look sleepy. He looked restless, exhausted.

When he didn't respond, she lifted herself off the bed to sit on his lap. The desk chair lowered even further as he took her in his arms.

"I don't want to think about anything." He admitted after a moment. "It's stupid."

She gave him a beat of silence. "Okay."

"Okay?" He waited for her to ask what was wrong, or request a rewrap of the bandages on his torso.

"Okay." She repeated.

Sure, he was healing nicely, but he could still feel everything. He remained under the control of the memories. He hadn't let the split on his lip heal since he got it. It was almost his mark.

The wound that stuck with him because he almost didn't want it to leave. Was it wrong that he missed it a little? Not the pain, but the way he felt when Luke had a good day. Calm. Laid back. Luke let him drink beer. Luke let him stay out past midnight. Luke was... irresponsible.

But at least he wasn't restricting. He hated that he took the smallest bit of comfort in it. How fucked up is that?

He looked back at Kiara who had wrapped both arms around his shoulders. "It's okay, J."

But her voice was so soft. Too soft. He must be crying again.

Fuck

The blonde brought a hand up to his cheek and sure enough, tears of betrayal soaked his fingertips. He hated when that happened. He wasn't sure what he was even sad about. He took a deep breath, giving into it for the moment. Then he laid his head on her shoulder almost instinctively.

By this point he knew what to expect. Kiara's parents had said something about a therapist, which he refused the hell out of. Talking about it was the last thing he wanted to do. Besides, when her hands reached his hair again, he figured she was all he needed.

Still, in moments like this, he wondered if things would ever really get better.