But It's Better If You Do

Tainted Love

It took a while for me to regain my composure but once I did class began.

"Okay, class, I'm going to assume you all have been practicing you lines at home so today we'll focus on some of the songs. Cronus, you've been in my class for a while so I know you're capable of saying everyone line and singing every song in "Grease". Aubergine, I want to hear you sing." Ms. Dee announced. My eyes widened and I could feel my heart start to race.

"Does it have to be a song from 'Grease'?" I questioned nervously.

"No, in fact I prefer you sing a song you like that way I can gauge your vocal range." She responded.

I took a deep breath. "Love of mine/ Someday you will die/ But I'll be close behind/ I'll follow you into the dark/ No blinding light/ Or tunnels to gates of white/ Just our hands clasped so tight/ Waiting for the hint of a spark/ If heaven and hell decide/ That they both are satisfied/ Illuminate the no's on their vacancy signs/ If there is no one beside you when your soul embarks/ Then I'll follow you into the dark." I finally lifted my eyes to see half the class staring at me in shock. I didn't sing; the only people to ever hear me sing were my friend's and I was never taking it seriously when I sang with them.

"Aubergine, that was amazing. Now if I could have you and Cronus rehearse one scene." Ms. Dee requested. Cronus joined me at the front of the class and the two of us went over a few lines and scenes together. The final bell rang and the class parted ways. Cronus stayed behind and I headed over to my locker to put my stuff away and get the books I needed. I sent a quick text to Gamzee and told him that Kurloz was waiting in the art class.

"Bone bro, you ready?" I asked opening the door.

"Oh, hey, Aubergine." Meulin grinned. She was sitting on the desk in front of Kurloz. I gave a questioning look.

"Well go on." Meulin urged Kurloz.

"A, it's over." Kurloz stated plainly.

"What?" I questioned.

"We're done. I never liked you. I just wanted to get in your pants, and you gave it up so easily." Kurloz droned. I could feel tears stinging my eyes.

"That's not true. You know it's not true!" I shouted.

"It is. Game over. You lose."

I turned on my heel and went sprinting down the hallway. It felt like history was repeating itself except this time I wasn't running away due to fear and embarrassment, I was running because my heart felt as if it had imploded in my chest and the shattered pieces were strewn about myself like fragments of discarded confetti. My vision blurred and soon I was blinded by my tears. This feels like a scene from an anime I watched a while ago. It was different being on the outside looking in, but now that it was happening to me it felt so much worse and it's not like it was a misunderstanding because he didn't even try to stop me this time. How could he say he loves then screw around with my heart like that? I wanted to scream. I wanted to run until my legs gave out then curl into a ball and die. I sobbed even harder and if it wasn't for Cronus I would've kept running.

"Vwoah, vwoah, vwoah, vwhere's the fire, doll?" Cronus questioned as he held on to my wrist. I wanted to keep running, to snatch my arm away and continue to flee with reckless abandon, but I was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted.

"A baby, you's can't go runnin' off like that. Vwhat about your stitches, kitten?" He asked again. When I didn't respond he turned me to face him only to see my swollen, red tear filled eyes. His own eyes widened and he immediately tried to console me.

"Vwhat's you tell, nightingale?" Cro asked gently wiping the tears from my eyes. I couldn't bring myself to form words and even if I could I didn't wanna talk about it.

"Moved on all ready, huh? How pathetic." Meulin purred clinging close to Kurloz. Cronus was beyond confused and to make matters worse Gamzee just so happed to pop up.

"A, I got your tex-" Gamzee paused as he tried to evaluate just exactly what was going on; he looked to Cronus who was scowling in Meulin and Kurloz's direction, to me who was doing her best to not erupt into inconsolable tears, to Meulin who was smirking confidently, to Kurloz who wasn't saying anything but was allowing Meulin to cling to him and not trying to get her to leave.

"What the motherfuck is all up and going on?" Gamzee yelled.

"I havwen't the foggiest, but I's feel like it's got something to do with your brother and the succubus tramp." Cro growled.

"Oh, Cronus, you're just mad because you and I both know you could never get into my pants that's why we keep Aubergine around, isn't she your little cumdumpster?" Meulin retorted.

"Bro, what the fuck?! You're just gonna let her talk shit about sis?" Gamzee roared.

"Tch." Kurloz responded turning his head so that his hair flipped into his face. Before anyone could blink Gamzee grabbed Kurloz by the collar and slammed him into the wall. Cronus grabbed Gamzee by the wrist in an attempt to keep him from socking Kurloz.

"Kid, as much as I'd lovwe to pound your brother too, right now isn't the time or the place." Cro spoke slowly. Gamzee released his brother's shirt then shoved him harshly.

"I'm not goin' home tonight so don't motherfucking wait up for me." Gamzee spat stomping off.

"Ugh, whatever, let's go, Loz." Meulin groaned; Kurloz followed behind her without saying a word. Cro hugged me close to him before grabbing my hand.

"C'mon, littledarlin', I'll take you home."