Mr. Piercing

10 - Soft Side

Castielle

"I'm so sorry. Shit." Was my first sentence when I looked back up at James. It was no surprise to find him seething. I bet that if he was a cartoon character, steam would be blowing out of his ears in large amounts. Scary but still extremely hot. Get it? "That's just my usual greeting whenever I encounter hot guys. I can't control it, I'm sorry."

His eyes narrowed even more before he took off his shirt, wiping the puke that was splayed all over his beautiful body. Damn, this guy deffo works out. I counted at least four packs right there. 

Mesmerised, I continued to watch him flex his arms as he tried to reach a part of his torso that was covered with puke, one that was particularly hard to get. I swallowed. 

"Here, let me help--"

"Stay fucking put." He snarled, flashing his angry chocolate eyes towards me. "If you even move a fucking hair out of place, I'll call on your bullshit and send you back to your damn house."

That placed a damp towel on my mood. I sighed, twiddling with my fingers silently as deep pains erupted in my stomach. I knew the reason why I puked, it was because of Aunt fucking Marissa and her stupid painful punches. I bet I fractured something, maybe she even bruised all the organs residing in my tummy.

My mind replayed James' words again and again, and I furrowed my brows in confusion. Wait, he knew? 

I glanced back up at him, my eyes narrowing. "How did you know I was bullshitting you?"

"Do you really think I would believe that Benny would befriend someone like you?" He emphasised, dragging out his words. I frowned. "He doesn't leave the house unless I'm with him. Besides, he doesn't like talking to girls."

Well, I definitely needed that explanation. Sighing, I hiked the heavy backpack higher on my shoulder and clenched my fists. "Okay, you got me. I was using you as a reason to go out. I'm sorry for all the fuss I caused you... along with the puke and all."

James grunted. He was getting ready to turn back and lose his bedroom door when I hurriedly called out, "Wait!"

He stopped, turned back around, and gave me the second most intimidating glare I've ever had the chance of receiving. First place was held by Mr. Piercing, of course. 

Awkwardly, I smiled and batted my eyelids for more effect. He grimaced. I stopped fluttering my eyes and coughed. "My Aunt is... very nosey, and she uh--she might come around here and ask about me. Could you do me a favor and lie if ever she asks for me?"

"No."

I could feel veins starting to pop out my neck. Okay, this guy was infuriating. "Please?"

"No. Stay away and never come back."

Before he could close the door on my face, I wedged my right foot in between it and the frame, yelling loudly afterwards since he intended to slam it--hard. "Fuck!" I cried, pain erupting in my foot. He opened the door back again, and I wasted no time in ignoring the pain and digging inside my bag, my hands swiftly grabbing the pack of yummy blue goodness that made everything alright.

I tossed the Oreos towards him, winked, and ran down the stairs as fast as I could. His hands were an inch too far to be able to grab me. "That's a peace offering! And thanks in advance for covering for me!"

I'd probably never come home again.

~*~

I collapsed in Mr. Piercing's bed, satisfied when I felt the fresh, fluffy sheets and pillows around me. Surprisingly, he had changed his covers. 

"Who told you to lay on my bed?" His rough voice reached my ears not a second after. I rolled my eyes from behind my lids, twisted around his bed and buried myself in the mess of blankets. 

"Myself. I have the rights to this bed since you made me carry all those damn books. I walked, Mr. Piercing, walked. And I climbed that huge fucking wall for you. My back is hurting and my head is pounding and my stomach is aching. I need some rest."

Footsteps shuffled closer to me, but I refused to open my eyes. I felt calloused hands prying my own from covering my bruised stomach and I froze. When I opened my swollen eyes, I saw Eric sitting on the edge of the bed, lifting my shirt up and examining the wounds inflicted by Aunt Marissa.

"You're hurt." He spoke softly, eyes hard in what seemed like confusion. Or maybe it was anger?

"Thanks for pointing out the obvious." I replied sarcastically, leaning back against the headboard. For such a small bed, it was comfortable. "Aunt Marissa didn't take my absence too kindly."

"She hits you?" Eric continued, walking away into what I presumed was his bathroom. He emerged a few seconds later, armed with a medicine kit. "Why?"

"Because she hates me." 

Silence followed after my answer. Quickly and efficiently, Eric grabbed some cotton and started disinfecting the cuts on my skin, brandishing a gauze soon after. He pressed cream to my bruises as well.

If it weren't for his asshole-ness, he would definitely be husband-material. 

"I think it's best if you stay here from now on." His voice is low and barely audible as he said this. I smiled, my eyes lighting up in glee. My heart was fluttering inside my chest like a damn hummingbird.

"I knew you fucking liked me as well, Mr. Piercing."

The glare he gave me didn't even bother me anymore. In fact, it made me smile even wider, "So, are we discussing marriage soon, or what?"