Together

102. Not done with Luke

After everything I witnessed, after all these decisions
All these miles, feet, inches
They can't add up to the distance
That I have been through, just to get to
A place where even if there's no closure, I'm still safe
I still ache from trying to keep pace
Somebody give me a sign, I'm starting to loose faith
-Machine Gun Kelly,X Ambassadors &Bebe Rexa

When they left JJ's bedroom in favor of not getting caught in a compromising position by Shoupe, or his sister for that matter, the last thing Kie expected was to come face to face with Luke fucking Maybank the second the door swung open. Well, as face to face as JJ allowed her. Was less than a second before his hand found her wrist, tugging her behind him instinctually.

She wanted to slam the door. Luke wasn't looking like he was about to force his way in, but she didn't want to take any chances on that front. From what she's seen, he could snap in a matter of seconds without much warning, and from what JJ told her he was already trashed at ten in the morning. Twelves hours later would either make him sober or the complete and likely opposite.

The only problem with her plan was she'd been tucked away before she could blink, and JJ still had his hand on the door knob, effectively making him the only one able to make decisions about a closed door policy. She couldn't see his face, but she doesn't have to. She knows him like the back of her hand. His body was ridged, guarded. He was on alert, ready for a confrontation but no doubt feeling something deeper.

She looks back and notices that Nicki is tilting her head to the side, trying to understand what's going on. Shoupe has his back turned, completely unaware of a potential conflict while he pours a couple cups of coffee. The door hadn't been knocked on after all.

JJ is completely fixated on the man in front of him. His gruff appearance making him look formidable, like he's got nothing to lose. It's feels like he's ten again, the way Luke's looking at him. Always gave him that look. Like he was in trouble for something that didn't make sense.

His mind flew to Kie, and he was quick to push her behind him, the only tell that he was actually afraid of the man in front of him. Those two are definitely not on good terms and he's not wanting her any more visible than necessary.

He should close the door. That would keep everyone safe inside. Keep himself safe too. For months he's been repeating the same thing over and over to anyone that asked or cared or could make a difference. He'd spoken to caseworkers, therapists, friends, and a fucking forensic interviewer, all with the same information and desire. He doesn't want to see Luke again. He meant it when he said it.

So why can't he close the door?

"What are you doing here?"

His words are bitter and filled with contempt, like he's disgusted that Luke is showing up at all. He's actually proud of himself for that. At least it sounds like he believes what he's been telling every one.

His words catch the attention of Shoupe, who turns to find who JJ is directing such a malice tone towards. He nearly drops the coffee cups when he spots Luke Maybank in his doorway. Nicki picks up that something is wrong as she watches the room fill with tangible tension, but has no idea what the situation actually is and remains silent as her eyes dart from every person in the room and outside of it.

Luke shuffles, hands in his pockets with the audacity to look like the victim in this situation. "Ya won' talk to me any other way," he states.

JJ almost breaks at that. Feels the impulse to scoff and let his mouth hit the floor like uncontrollable expression vomit, but he swallows it down, keeping a poker face. He doesn't want to give Luke anything anymore. That was at least still true. As much as seeing him in front of him, seemingly looking like he's fucking hurt that JJ doesn't want anything to do with him, made his heart pull a tiny amount, he could never willingly give him anything anymore.