Victim

Ready, Draculaura?

Kylie's POV

I'm in my sophomore year of college, and it's Halloween, which means one thing: tonight, I'm going to get fucked up.

Ruby is running around our apartment, frantically throwing things around as she searches for the final piece of her costume. "Kylie, have you seen my handcuffs? I can't find them anywhere!"

Ruby is my best friend. We've known each other since we were seven or eight, and we've seen each other through it all. Every cringey phase we've ever gone through, we've gone through together, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Nah, I don't know where they are, but you can borrow mine. They're in my nightstand drawer," I say, giving her a playful wink.

Ruby stops for a moment and looks at me. "First of all, ew. Second of all, ew. And third of all... Can I actually borrow those tonight?" she asks with a huge grin on her face.

I won't lie, living together hasn't always been easy, but we make it work. We've established some rules like: lock your door when you have your boyfriend over (or, in my case, my "victims" as Ruby calls them). We've also given each other earplugs since Ruby isn't exactly...well, quiet, and neither are my so-called "victims." Plus, I allegedly snore. Emphasis on allegedly.

"Girl," I say, laughing, "you can borrow them, but make sure Joshua doesn't break them like last time you two borrowed something. Those handcuffs weren't cheap."

She rolls her eyes, laughing as she walks into my room and grabs my red furry handcuffs. She sticks her head back through the doorframe, "Yeah, yeah, sure. But question... Why is your room so clean? Who are you planning on bringing home tonight?"

I gasp dramatically. "Me? Bringing someone home? I would never," I say in an overly high-pitched voice.

She looks me up and down with a look that says, I know you better than that. "Mmmhmmm."

We both start laughing hysterically until there's a knock at the door. It must be Joshua, the boyfriend, and Peder, the boyfriend's best friend, who's been trying to get in my pants ever since I met him.

"Shit! They're already here? I still haven't found those fucking handcuffs!" Ruby panics.

I grab her shoulders to keep her grounded. "Calm down, Ruby. You keep looking and I'll get the door, okay?"

She pulls me into a quick hug, a silent thank-you. But soon enough, there's another knock, and she's back to panicking. I just chuckle and roll my eyes—this girl is something else. I open the door and am greeted by the boyfriend and the boyfriend's best friend, what a surprise!

"First of all, Josh, where's your shirt? No one wants to see your chest hair."

Joshua gasps, and Peder starts laughing—too hard, if you ask me. He's always doing the most to try and get in my pants.

"Second of all, the Joker, Peder? Really? You couldn't find anything more original?"

Peder instantly stops laughing and rolls his eyes. This man is so sassy, oh my gosh.

"I don't have chest hair, I wax!" Joshua exclaims. "And nice to see you too, Draculaura. But, uh... is there a cop inside? Because, you know, I'm kind of a suspect on the run."

Ruby jumps up from behind me and cuffs Joshua. "Too late for that! You're coming with me," she says seductively.

They're dressed as a police officer and prisoner: Joshua as the prisoner and Ruby as the cop. Basic costume? Yes, but they absolutely pull it off. Ruby is wearing a black leather halter top—which is definitely too small, but who cares? It's Halloweekend—a mini black skirt, knee-high heeled boots, a police cap, and of course, the handcuffs. Joshua is wearing an orange overall with no shirt underneath, which to my surprise, he can pull off.

"Not to ruin the moment, but as the designated driver, I say let's go!" Peder says, putting his hands on their shoulders.

Ruby takes off the handcuffs and whispers something in Joshua's ear. I glance at Peder, who definitely notices too, and we both laugh. For the first time, we share a moment without showing each other our usual dislike —I mean without me showing any of my usual annoyance— Joshua rubs his neck, confused, and Ruby gives me a knowing look.

"Yeah, okay, Kylie, love the Draculaura look, but maybe lose the fangs before you start kissing someone..."

That "someone" is clearly a reference to Peder, and I as much as I hate to admit it, he doesn't look bad tonight. I roll my eyes and reluctantly take out the fangs. Joshua, Ruby, and I all take a few last shots before we leave.

Joshua and Peder walk in front of us, talking about who knows what. Ruby and I walk in a comfortable silence until she breaks it. "So, is Peder your victim tonight? After all the times he's tried, are you finally going to let him?"

"Whaaat? No, I'm keeping my options open!" I say, my voice a bit too high-pitched.

She stops and looks at me. "I know you, and I saw the way you looked at him earlier. You're definitely making him your victim tonight!"

I shrug, keeping my pace. "I don't know what you're talking about."

She catches up and walks beside me again. "Sure, but just so you know, I have some condoms in my drawer."

I laugh. "I don't need to borrow your condoms tonight, I have some myself."

"Ha! You just admitted you are planning on sleeping with him tonight. Oh, and by the way, you're out of condoms."

"Fuck," I mumble, making a mental note to buy more.

Ruby giggles and wraps her arm around me. "You're lucky I love you, you whore."

When we reach the car, Joshua opens the door for Ruby, and to my surprise, Peder does the same for me. Joshua and Ruby exchange a look and then glance at me. I nudge Ruby. "Don't even think about it. The night is young, and so am I."

"Sure thing, Kylie." she says, winking.

The ride to the party is filled with laughter and flirty comments here and there. Peder places his hand on my thigh and occasionally strokes it. I can feel myself starting to relax. When we arrive at the party, Peder quickly hops out of the car and opens my door. "Ready, Draculaura?" he asks, raising his hand for me to take. Which I do, gladly.

He closes the door and puts his arm around my waist. Joshua walks over to Peder's side, puts his hand on Peder's shoulder, and shakes his head, laughing. "Don't get your hopes up."

Ruby walks next to me and whispers, "Don't get his hopes up."

We all start laughing, and as we walk through the door, loud music and the smell of alcohol and weed greet us, promising us a night to remember...

-

Sorry for any grammer mistakes; English isn't my first language ;)

We're starting slow, I know. I promise it will get better though, so please, bear with me.