Formation of Corruption

Ch 4

In the truck again. Three more hours of endless road and no traffic. They had gotten away from the gang then, they won't the next time, said Joslyn.

They were out on the road to pick up some stuff from people that Joslyn had known as allies from Roy. Mia thought that this was where she would die. Or be tortured.

"Joslyn," Mia started, "Have you met these people?"

"Yes, I have," She said quickly, almost defensively, "Don't worry, you won't get in trouble."

Mia looked over at Joslyn with a concerned expression, "But what if they are sided with Roy? Wouldn't they want to capture you too?"

"I've been picking up stuff from these guys for months. They're safe." Joslyn sighs exasperatedly, as if she's annoyed for Mia's discomfort.

Mia crossed her arms over her chest, pulling down her polo. "What if I don't fit in? What if they think I'm a prisoner?!"

Joslyn, noticing Mia's discomfort, butted in before Mia could start hyperventilating. "Calm down, smart one. I have an idea for how to make them trust you."

"...can I know this idea?"

"No."

-

Mia was exceptionally worried as Joslyn pulled up to a warehouse that looked like it hasn't been used in several decades. She had never seen anything that looked this old before. The oldest thing she had seen was a book that her mom owned that had a thin layer of dust on it, but still completely functional. She felt like this was going to be a strange and dangerous encounter.

Joslyn stopped the car and instructed Mia to get out, getting out herself moments later. Mia crossed her arms again as she noticed two strange men lounging outside and giving her... strange looks. Mia was uncomfortable.

"Alright, don't hate me." Joslyn said as she walked up to Mia.

Why would she suddenly-

Joslyn grabbed the side her head and pulled her head towards her and landed a hard kiss to her cheek. Mia jumped and punched her away and immediately went to wipe it away.

"Don't wipe it away. It's evidence." Joslyn said as she inspected the lipstick mark on Mia's cheek.

"Wow, Jos'. Dint' think you was gay." A hickory voice said as the two men approached them.

"I didn't think you were either, with that shirt." She said jokingly while pointing accusingly at it rainbow shirt hidden behind a jacket.

He huffed a bit, "It was the only thing I had at the tahm!"

Mia hasn't heard this dialect before. Very strange tone.

"Anyway," the other one said, "Why you got a goody girlfriend, Joslyn? Thought you hated the conforming side." He looked at Mia accusingly and Mia tensed, looking around in embarrassment.

"I don't remember saying such a thing. Besides, we'll be here for only a little while. You got what I asked for?" She said hurriedly, trying to redirect the conversation.

The rainbow clad one smiled and pointed to the boxes they were sitting by in ragged lawn chairs. "That's what you asked for raht ther'! E'rethang is in that there stack."

"Thanks, you hickory fuck." Joslyn said sweetly, "Be a dear and put them in my truck? I had a run in with Roy today and it didn't end up too well." Joslyn stretch and acted like she was in pain to dig in her point.

The two boys grumbled and growled before complying. They walked back over to the boxes to start carrying them.

Joslyn suddenly leaned down the Mia's height. "Did I make you too uncomfortable?" She said quietly.

"No, I'm fine," Which was completely true, considering she would not dislike if this woman were to do it again. She felt her cheeks burn at the thought.

Joslyn chuckled, "Aw, you got a crush on me already? How cute. I guess that means we don't need to act-"

"If you would stop mocking me, that would be greatly appreciated." Mia said sharply, brow furrowed firmly.

Joslyn shut up quickly.

-

Mia was getting tired of the road. It seemed like they were going slower now that the back of the truck had the boxes in them.

Suddenly they had pulled over though. Joslyn sighed as she leaned back and closed her eyes, completely turning off the car.

"Why have we stopped?" Mia asked stiffly, still upset from earlier.

"I just wanted to say sorry." She said guiltily, "also I gotta take off this make up, it's bothering me."

Mia smiled softly, "I can take it off for you, just talk while I do it."

Soon enough, they were sitting in the back seat as Mia carefully took Joslyn's face into her hand and removed layer after layer.

"I know the kiss had probably made you upset, because I, like, just met you, y'know?" Joslyn started. "But I want you to know that that wasn't my intention. Those two know that if I come in there with someone, then I have to be dating them. Or else they start asking questions that would make you way more uncomfortable."

Mia started to noticed how pretty she was even without the makeup. Her eyes were closed and she was still talking. Mia could hear it, but she wasn't listening at this point. She was busy noticing how smooth her face was.

"-but that's pretty much- hey, are you listening?" Joslyn asked, "I'm spilling my guts to you and you're just looking like my face like it's the most amazing thing you've ever seen."

"Because it is."

She says it but doesn't realize it. Now she can't back down. That's what her dad taught her.

Joslyn just stared at her with those piercing green eyes, widened with shock.
Then, she furrows her brow and leans in close, so much that Mia backs away. So much for what her dad taught her.

"Um, Joslyn, I-I didn't.. I mean," she rambled a bit as Joslyn backed her into the door.

"And you're the one that was mad about me playing with emotions. Is that true? You've looked at me like that the whole day."

Mia looked away, feeling her cheeks burning. She wished she could crawl in a hole.

It was now or never, though. Her whole life revolved around herself after her parents let her go. She didn't like anyone before. She had no friends. But here's this beautiful woman with mascara smeared on one eye from where Mia was removing it, on top of her practically. She had never believed those who said "love at first sight," but here she was.

It was now or never.

Mia leaned in a tad and closed the distance between their lips. She could feel how soft her lips were now.

Joslyn pulled away first. How long did they stay in that position?

Joslyn stares at her for a moment before leaning in with closed eyes to kiss Mia all over her face. Mia began giggling, hoping that this meant that Joslyn was being serious this time.