𝑃𝑎𝑝𝑒𝑟 𝑅𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠

Chapter Thirty

Ruby looked at John B, a breathless laugh escaping her lips, " what..?" She asked and John B sighed, sitting on the steps.

"It all happened so fast.. one minute we were talking to dads old teacher and then suddenly he was being dragged away by Singh's men.. they almost killed me.." John B said in a scared whisper, Sage automatically moving kneel beside him, taking him into her arms.

Ruby swallowed hard, struggling to process all the information, " you're okay though right..? You aren't hurt.." she asked quietly and shook his head, " I'll be okay.." he said quietly, leaning against Sage.

She nodded and looked out toward the water, her guard was up with him now, she never thought there'd be a day she wouldn't trust her own brother.

"He said it would keep you safe.. I want you safe Rue.." John B said and she looked over, "sending me away to a camp for girls won't keep me safe.." Ruby answered.

John B hung his head low, covering his face with his hands, "after everything we've been through. After it all you're really just gonna send me away? We've all proven several times that we can't be separated." Ruby said, standing up and leaning against one of the porch beams.

"You got shot Ruby. You almost died, you literally got kidnapped!" John B said, turning around to face his twin, " and I'm still here! Wake up John we're all still here!" Ruby yelled, getting toe to toe with him.

The two stared each other down, JJ stood, getting ready to intervene but Sage shook her head, knowing they had to work this out themselves.

" safe? Is going on wild hunts with him safe Ruby? Huh?" John B asked and she growled, " don't fucking bring JJ into this. He's done nothing but support me." Ruby hissed.

John B scoffed and shook his head with a laugh, a wheezing breath escaping him as Ruby shoved him.

" what the hell!" John B shouted, shoving her back, " guys-" Sage tried but neither of them listened and suddenly Ruby was tackling John B off the porch.

" you never listen! You don't think of anyone but yourself!" Ruby yelled, using all her strength to keep John B down- but he was much stronger, flipping them over with ease.

" you're so selfish! All I do is protect you but sorry I'm not JJ!" He yelled, the two of them going back and forth tackling each other on the grass.

" hey! Stop it!" JJ yelled, both twins pausing, John B having Ruby in a headlock and her fist in his hair.

" let her go." JJ growled, shoving John B and automatically kneeling in front of Ruby, " are you kidding me?" John B asked in disbelief.

" you have no right to be upset man. You literally set her up for exile." JJ said, checking Ruby over to make sure she wasn't hurt.

John B sighed, finally understanding, " well she won't be going.. I'll make sure of it. We have bigger things to worry about." He said, standing up.

They all made their way into the Twinkie, now it was time to save their dad.