After - The Society Fanfic.

5.

Luke was already sitting in the kitchen when Grizz, Helena and Gwen arrive back at Allie's house. His head is hung over a mug, guilt wrecking his insides. He'd barely sipped at the cold coffee. Helena doesn't acknowledge him, instead, heads straight to the bathroom. Luke's stomach flips. Mickey and Bean greet the others, their spirits slightly raised at the sight of them. Their team complete once more. Grizz enters the kitchen, eyeing Luke with suspicion.

"Kettle boiled?" Luke shakes his head slightly and Grizz makes his way around the counter, filling and switching the kettle on. Silently, he moves about mindlessly make the cups of tea and coffee for those in the house. His mind had been filled all day with words, thoughts, emotions and plants, right now he's happy to let it be empty. They'll have their tea and coffee then go to dinner and then have their meeting. That was the rest of today's plan, tomorrow Allie and Will are back in the house and they can take over the planning, the leadings. For the love of God, Grizz hoped they took it over.

"I have a message for you." Grizz glances up for a moment at the defeated body of Luke. He's not looking at him, so Grizz continues working away in the kitchen, cleaning dishes and putting things away. People from his team dip in and out, grabbing things, giving Grizz trash to put away etc. "It's from Allie." Gwen who had stepped into the kitchen at this very moment steps out again, turns on her heels and decides to hang out with Grizz another time. Grizz places his mug down a bit more aggressively than necessary. "She wants to say she's proud of the work you and your team have done, she's happy you all came back." Silence. Luke still hasn't made eye contact with Grizz. Grizz stares down at the shell of a friend he once knew. How can one week change so much about a man?

"I'll tell her thank you when I see her tomorrow." Luke's head shoots up, Grizz doesn't flinch. He expected that to be his reaction. Luke's mouth opens and shuts, processing what he just said. "I got her and Will out on parole." He stands up, hands behind his head, pacing suddenly in a circle. "Luke?" He stops, eyes slightly wild staring at Grizz. What the fuck is going on?

"I need to go. Where's Helena?" his voice is hoarse as if someone had scrapped sandpaper along the inside. As Grizz is about to answer. Helena comes rushing in, grabbing her jacket and flinging it on. Luke grabs her, slowing her down. She glares in response. "We need to go."

"I am going. What is wrong with you?" Her confusion is mimicked in Grizz's face as he shrugs when she glances over to him.

"Great. We'll go home and-"

"No. I have something I need to do. Someone I need to see." Luke stands, hands-off Helena, confusion now on his face. "I have church duties you know. Whatever is going on with you, sort it. I'll see you at home." And off she goes. The door shuts and Luke slowly turns, eyes locking in on Grizz's. Grizz isn't sure what to do.

"Fuck!" Luke storms out the house, almost crashing into Gwen as she reappears to see what's the matter. She stares at Grizz. He sips his drink.

*

Helena rushes passed groups of people, making her way towards the otherwise of town. In all the chaos recently, she'd forgotten something very important, someone very important. Internally she curses at herself. So, caught up in the drama of everything that she forgot the one person who is probably in the most danger. Elle. Allie had tried to protect her but with Allie away, Campbell was able to take Elle back. She had to see if she is okay, to make sure Campbell hadn't killed her. People move out of her way, seeing from a distance that Helena has no time for niceties right now.

The air is cold and with the sun finally setting it is getting unbearable. This winter is going to be difficult. She could see her breath as she pants, starting to tire slightly but forcing herself to march ahead. She will see Elle. As soon as she had Allie and Will back, they need to find a way to put Campbell away. Away where though?