Victim

|9| Bruises

Blaze stirred and woke up with Alexandria gripping his hand tightly. He sat up and held his throat. Cuts and bruises were aligned along his collar. Alex stirred as he petted her hair. She woke up. "No more tamales mami, I'm full." She muttered. Blaze poked her in the side. "No mami! I said 'no more tamales!' Abuela CeCe has enough! Abuela has-" She shot up, hair in her face. "Who what huh?" Blaze chuckled and moved the hair from her face. She looked up with tears streaming down her face.

"Mi Vida-" Blaze started before she jumped into his arms, crushing him in the process. Blaze looked away as Alexandria squeezed him. He didn't deserve her love. What she said the night they fought was true. He wasn't good enough. He pulled away from her sweet, perfect embrace.

"Blaze?" She asked all too well. "Blaze, why are you crying? What's the matter?"

"I don't deserve your worry," He told her. "I'm, I'm not good enough." Alex reached out and wiped a tear off his cheek. Her cool hand fent so nice against his burning hot cheek. Another thing he didn't deserve from her.

"Of course you are darling, whoever told you this?" She said warmly.

"No one had to. It's obvious. You're sweet, brave, strong, beautiful, and the mayor's daughter! Meanwhile, I'm rude, selfish, a runaway, and a freak! Dria, I'm a wanted criminal. Guys like me aren't good enough for Girls like you." He whispered the last part a little softer.

"Blaze," Alexandria said sternly. He didn't respond. "Blaze, look at me." Blaze did as he was told. "Blaze, you are sweet, kind, gracious, humble, cute, misunderstood and," She sucked a breath in.

"And a man."

She smiled at him. He felt the corners of his lips twitch lightly. But he still wasn't feeling very happy.

"That still doesn't mean I'm good enough for you. You're way out of my league!" Alexandria stared into his green eyes.

"Blaze. Tanner. Katz." She said in a stern, listen to me voice. "I. Love. You. Okay? I love you. I don't care if you don't think you're good enough for me. I don't care if the whole world agrees with you. You are enough for me. You are the best I can do. I want you, Blaze! Don't you think that I should deserve someone I love?" She waited for him to answer.

"Um, yes?" Alexandria slapped the back of his head. "Hey! Ouch!"

"Well then I deserve you more than anyone because I love you more than anyone!"

"Dri-" He had barely even started before she pressed her lips against his. She wrapped her arms around him tight, kissing him slowly. Between kisses she whispered things to him.

"I love you. You are enough. You deserve more than you think. I love you. Always and forever."

"There, did I convince you?" Alexandria said softly when they pulled away, pressing her forehead to his.

"I don't know, I might need a bit more convincing..." He smirked. Alex didn't need to be told twice. She kissed him again. And it seemed to last all night.

----

Blaze walked down the stairs behind Alexandria, smiling greatly. She turned around and glared at him. "Wipe that dopey grin off your face." She scolded him. Blaze tried, but to no avail, he wrapped his arms around her waist from behind. He licked her neck and nuzzled into her hair more. Alex burst out into laughter.

"Did you just lick me?" She asked. Blaze shrugged.

"No~" He sang. She shoved the boy off her before turning back to the stairs. Blaze's mom greeted them both with a smile before turning back to breakfast. The two sat on the couch, Phoebe came down, her blonde hair covering most of her face. "Morning Sunshine." He greeted her with a smile. Phoebe looked at him and groaned.

"My head hurts!" She exclaimed. "Blazie, my head hurts!" Blaze rolled his eyes.

"Go get yourself a pack of ice. Or Advil for that matter." Phoebe groaned and rolled onto his lap.

"But I'm ill!" She moaned. "Please Blazie?" He stood up and walked to get ice.

"You owe me big time Sunshine!" He cried. He gave her ice before returning to the couch and giving his attention to Alexandria. He leaned in to kiss her, but Phoebe gagged.

"Can you give us some space?" Blaze asked, annoyance filling his tone. "You don't need attention all the time." He scolded. Phoebe held her head but continued to gag.

"You and Alex have too much P.D.A. It's annoying!" She yelled, groaning.

"You're just jealous~" Blaze sang. "I have a girl and you don't have a date!" Phoebe groaned.

"Blazeley! Be nice to your sister! If you aren't, you won't see your Dria for the rest of the day!" His mother yelled. Blaze tightened his grip on Alexandria's waist.

"You can't do that to me!" His mother came out of the kitchen, hands on her hips.

"Oh yes I can!" She yelled. The woman turned to Alexandria. "Dria dear, can you help me with breakfast?" Blaze growled, pulling her closer.

"She's staying with me." He snarled.

"Blaze." Dria said, pulling away from his grip. "I need to help make breakfast. I'll be back okay?" He grumbled before letting go.

"Fine." Phoebe burst into laughter.

"Dria!" Alex turned around. "What are those marks on your neck?" Alex and Blaze blushed profusely, and stammered. "I think I have my answer." Phoebe smirked at the two. Alex covered up the dark marks with her hair.

"Blazely, you are going to explain yourself very soon." His mother scolded.