I Want to Die in New Orleans // $uicideboys

32: King Tulip

    "WDSE reporter, Natalie, is live in the 7th Ward. She joins us now with the latest developments on this; Natalie." A man's voice echoed from the abandoned living room, "Hey there Sean, what started as.." The news on the television progressed.
    The house was dim and unkept, the same as before, though it felt so much different, or maybe it was just me. The TV lit up a couple rooms as Scrim silently went into his den. The ride back included the sound of other cars and the roaring of his exhaust, no music, no conversation, along with Scott being seemingly unphased. I sat myself on the sofa and pondered what I was even doing here. How'd I let myself get here... and what would've happened if I didn't.
    "Has escalated into a large-scale investigation with multiple agencies involved in the ground and in the air. Right now two people are in custody and police say they are searching for their third suspect," The report interrupted my thoughts. I'd be dead if it wasn't for him.... But she wouldn't have tried to shoot me if it wasn't for him... No.. she's just psycho..
    "You good?" The smell of Pepsi and cigarettes filled the air, disrupting me from my internal arguments.
    "Sure,"
    "Don't sound sure,"
    "I guess I'll have to see," His eyebrow raised.
    "Jus have to see huh," He repeated my answer as he took a seat next to me, laying his arm on the backrest of the sofa behind me.
    "I think they caught her though," I said in anticipation, but Scrim debunked my theory with a chuckle.
    "She got people to take the fall for her shawty," He said as he scratched his head.
    My heart sank and my mind shut down, fried and tired. I slumped back onto the sofa, ultimately resting my head on Scrim's heart. The rhythmic beats pulsated through his veins into mind as my soul slipped from my consciousness.
    "Does she know your place?" I croaked.
    "Not this one," Scrim slurred.
    "This one?" I questioned, still half asleep.
    The sound of the door swinging open jolted me out of my trance.
    "Nahhhhh.. cause i thought y'all motha fuckers were dead," Ruby celebrated.
    I shifted towards the door, facing Ruby with a glimpse of a smile while Scott sat statue-like. The TV chatter filled the room as Ruby closed the door, letting himself in as he trailed out of sight.
    "I guess I should be going," I yawned.
    "Should be getting some sleep," Scott said.
    "That's what I'd do at home," I tried to chuckle.
    "You're here already," He implied for me to stay.
    My mind was conflicted and Scrim's face showed nothing of feelings to guide me on what I should do.
    "Seems like I'd be a burden if I did," I flatly stated.
    "You don't feel safe with me?" His question stung.
    "That's hard to answer,"
    "It's not," The words began to creep into my thoughts, "You don't,"
     "I do, I know you're capable of protecting me.." My sentence trailed as his eyes finally met mine for the first time this evening since we escaped the nightmare.
    "But?" Scott subtly urged me to complete my thought.
    As much as I attempted to pull all my emotions together and communicate, the words flushed themselves out of existence and uncoded feelings whirled in my chest. I felt seasick in a world with no land, or like I was breathing air through a straw. I looked at Scott's daunting eyes that were firm and sculpted, while his mouth revealed emotions of worry. My eyes met his with a glossy film of tears that began to boil over my waterline.
    "What is it?" His tone softened, his guard slipped.
    "I wish I knew," A frown appeared on his face.
    "You need some sleep," He stood up as he grabbed my hand, leading me with him to where I could simply call home. I took off my shirt, bra, and pants nonchalantly while I went to Scott's dresser drawer to grab out a shirt to slip on.
    I didn't feel his eyes beam on me as I changed into something comfortable, which made me feel content for some reason. I wandered towards the edge of Scott's bed, lifting the sheet up to reveal his body, there was a sudden anticipation to curl myself into him. To which I obliged.

                    ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    I woke up with locked arms and a pulsating headache. I rolled over into Scrim and nudged my way as close as I could to him, then let my eyes sink back down to consume more sleep.
    When I had awakened after what was probably five hours later, I was left in an empty bed. I perched myself up as the beams of sun shined into my eyes. The bed creaked as I made my way out of it, out to the hall, and into the bathroom. I relieved myself and washed my hands as I stared into the mirror upon a reflection I didn't recognize. Mascara smeared down my face and little reminance of eyeliner. I splashed the cool water in my face and rubbed my eyelashes and cheeks. I unlocked the door and opened it when I saw Scrim standing in the doorway.
    He held out clothes with a soft expression on his face, his eyes not meeting mine, "You can go shower shawty."
    "I must smell," I replied as I grabbed the clothes, only because I saw my face and hair needed a cleaning. 
    "Fuck if i care if you did, i'm just sure you want to.." His words trailed off.
    "Go fetch me some toothpaste and a toothbrush too then," I teased as Scott's corners of his mouth began to curl.
    I shut the door, the smile on my face fading almost instantly as I was alone. I started the bath and waited for the water to warm, my mind still replaying the splashing of blood on Scott's car and the words of Tori seeking demise.
    I exited the shower then peaked my head into Scott's room to see if he was there, he wasn't. I passed the kitchen and dining room, entering the living room, all of which seemed dead. The door opened and Ruby entered the house.
    "Hey," He said with a smile.
    "Hi,"
    "Feelin refreshed?" He said. So corny.
    "Yeah eheh.. I need to get my car," I told him.
    "May have to ask Scott for that favor, can't do it for y'a at the moment," Ruby responded as he made his way deeper into the house.
    "Where is he?" I asked.
    "Outside,"
    I traveled to the door with my hand hovering over the knob. I twisted it then stepped out into the cool midday breeze. I looked around for any sight of Scrim but there was none. I ventured to the side of the house to see if he was possibly in the back, listening for a sign of him but there was silence.
    An unfamiliar vehicle traveled down the road at a fast pace which sent tingles down my spine. The car halted at the street of the house and fear kicked into me. My mind ran across thoughts suggesting Tori was here to make her comeuppance. Though before I could run to safety the car door opened, with the face of no other but Scrims. Confused and relieved I walked up to the jet black car, which was a Cadillac as I got closer to analyze.
    "What's this?" I asked.
    "Had to make sure no one kno my whip fosho," He said with a half smirk.
    For a second, time froze and it felt innocent.. or as innocent as we could get. My mind wasn't dwelling on the bounty probably upon my head or worrying over Scott. A charm gleamed in his smile that had once captivated me and still does.
    "Mmmh," Was all I managed to get out.
     "Tryin," He shrugged as his eyes wandered everywhere but towards mine.
     "I fuck with it," I said.

________________________
Authors Note:
    I'll begin this with saying Grey Day 2023 was AMAZING, it was breathtaking to see the boys live. I hope this story has been pleasant to read and not too choppy, I've been writing over a long course of time and writers block loves to keep me company so I'm honestly unsure with the flow of this book. I'm sooooo appreciative of everyone who's voted and commented or even simply viewed. I'm debating ending off this book soon and starting a part two with the pov of Scott so feel free to let me know if that's something interesting to read :))