Dangerously Close (Aris x Reader)

77) To the Scorch

It should go without saying, but I’m exhausted. Mentally, physically, emotionally, I am completely drained.

I’m sure that'll be fixed today. Or soon at least. No more always being accompanied, no more bruises, no more rumors, none of it.

“Thank ya’. Again,”I sighed.

“No problem. I’ll see you soon,”He assured me.

“I love ya’.”

“I love you too.”

I stood there, waiting for the usual act of him quickly cupping my cheeks to kiss me. That's how the “see you soon” kisses work in the morning. They're part of routine.

“I have to-”
“No,”I said firmly, grabbing the sides of his jacket before he could walk off. Not bothering to adjust my hands, I brushed my lips against his. It's barely for a second, but I need it. Something about this one small and very specific kind of kiss makes everything a little better. Even when things are already fine, it's a boost of happiness before the day actually starts.

“Don't be scared to kiss me. I’ll find a way to make it happen anyway. We clear?”

“We’re clear,”He nodded.

“Good. Have a good day, city boy,”I smiled. He returned it before slowly walking off, going backwards a few feet to look at me. I just stood there, watching him and only him until he was finally lost in the crowd.

Time to start my day then.

Pulling the curtain back, I headed in to see my other favorite person.

“Hi Mo-oh. It's you,”I sighed, already annoyed at his presence. I swear he exists just for the sake of pissing me off. He doesn't even have to do anything either. He’s just naturally annoying.

“Come sit,”She invited, patting the bedside next to her.

I’m less than thrilled that Vince is breathing the same air as me.

I love my mom so fine. I’ll sit. I’m crossing my arms while I do to show I’m not happy about this though.

“I’ve been informed of your situation with Miguel and Brandon.”

I don't know those names.

I know who he’s talking about though.

“And it should go without saying that that behavior is against the rules.”

I found myself staring at the floor as I held my head down. I know that was obvious. Even in the Scorch, the taunting and repeated targeting for the sake of fun would be too much. Not in the sense that it was too cruel. Very few things cross that line out there.

Because that kind was going to make someone snap. And when they did, nobody was coming to save the aggressors.

“So it's decided that they have to go live the rest of their lives in the Scorch.”

The Scorch? The one I’ve spent most of my life in? The closest thing there is to hell? There?

“What?”I asked in disbelief, looking up at him.

“It's-”
“They’ll die out there.”

“Y/N-”
“They're goin’ to die. You're goin' to kill them. Ya’ can't kill ‘em. Ya’ can't,”I repeated.

“Y/N, I don't think you understand. They're a danger,”He tried to reason, like anything about this is reasonable. He doesn't even like me. Why the hell would he care? Why is he making this his problem?

“Not to anyone else. Mom, tell him not to anyone else,”I pleaded, turning to her and gesturing to Vince, trying to make her see how out of his mind he is.