Twdg | Luke and Nick | idk who to love...

Cuts and bruises...

This is a short chapter, but I'm on winter break so I can update more frequently, but anyway enjoy and happy winter holidays 😏😄

"We should go run after him before he --- " I brought my finger to lips, instantly silencing Luke. There was no way in earth that I was going to 'help' Arvo. Not after how he treated me. Carlos could rip his eyes out for all I care, I would probably keep them as souvenirs right now. He closed his mouth but nevertheless, began to gather his things.

"Luke --- " I began, raising my hand in a bid to halt him.

"No, Ashley. Dating Sarah or not, he shouldn't be treated that way." And with that he sprinted off, the mayhem almost inaudible.

Rebecca and Alvin were STILL at it. I honestly don't know they are not in pain yet, or how their lips still remain in contact, still the same surface area (I read once that they can swell up if you kiss too much).

I looked over at Nick for amusement but his expression was serious, unreadable. His eyes were burning straight into mine, and I had a feeling that the next words that escaped from his mouth would do anything but please me.

"What happened?" He asked. I gave him a confused look, to which he rolled his eyes and reluctantly explained:

"Yesterday, when Jane came for you. What exactly did you do? Why did she come for you?"

"Oh it was just some errand she needed..." I lied, and I watched Nick's mouth stifle a smile.

"You're lying." He knows me too too well.

"And it's none of your business." I snapped, because it wasn't. I haven't even told Luke the entire story, let alone to Nick.

His smile quickly faded and a scowl was soon replaced. "The fuck it isn't. All I ever do is try to protect you, and look where I gets me..."

"I don't need your damn 'protecting', Nick, I have Luke to do that for me. And anyway, remember last time you 'protected me', remember how that last went because I sure do.... Ohhh it went just perfect didn't --- "

"Don't." He ordered, his voice steady and low. "I thought he was going to hurt you, I didn't want to lose..." He hesitated, his voice slowly trailing off.

"Lose what, Nick? Lose you're little fucking reputation! God, men this days always trying to win their little pissin matches."

"It's not like that..." His voice was still the same, but there was now a slight edge of guilt in his tone.

"Then what's it like?" I interrogated, the line of patience wearing thin.

"Something's bothering you, Ash. I can tell.... It's your eyes, they're so.... Distant."

"Well, you're wrong. Deal with it." I barked back, pivoting my body so I didn't have to look at him.

"No, I'm not, but you are though." And I felt his warm hand make contact with mine. I slapped it away hard, making sure I felt a bit of a mark, curtesy of my nails.

"That fuck I am. You know what, Nick? Why don't you just go fuck off? Just because you're some angry asshole that lost his mother, doesn't mean you have to interrogate me about my problems. Remember, I wasn't the one that wanted to show off now was I? I wasn't the one that was rejected love, now was I?"

"Don't you fucking dare..." The guilty tone had gone. All that was left of his voice was cold, hard steel and I was equipped with the lava, I could feel my hormones preparing for the fight.

"No, I damn well will. Look at you, you're pathetic. Just 'cause you little mummy died and now you're gonna throw a little tantrum? You gonna tell me how I should appreciate my mother? Ha, no I don't think so." I paused to examine his face this once. His breathing was quick, his skin was moist and I could tell that those eyes were about the spew.

"Don't... Please..." He begged, but I'm done being nice. I don't know what's actually brought this on, but I'm fine with bullshit. I just need someone to take it out on... I let my mind wonder, thinking if this is the best option to take it out on Nick... Of all people. Why not Jane? All in all a friend, but practically the reason I'm stuck in this damn mess... But she would probably just shrug it off, or even laugh in my face. Nick's reaction, would give me satisfaction. Painful, but pleasing.

"Your mother is probably thanking you. Thanking you for the fact that you killed her, she never has to see you again. She's happy now, in the pearly gates, somewhere you'll never --- "

"And what about your mom, Ashley huh? What about her? Mine at least gave a shit about me, but maybe it's because I'm not such a bi --- "

The next moment blinked by, a flash of red blinding my eyes. Nick's hand was bleeding, a huge dent across his palm. I felt something sharp and cold in my hand. I looked down to examine the item. The nail file.

"Versatility is not overrated." I muttered, fully aware of my surroundings.

"Yeah, yeah, true. You wanna hear another quote?"

"Enlighten me asshole."

"You're a paper cut. Annoying, painful and making you end up wishing you were more careful." And with that he slumped off. But being me, I had to get the last word.

"Here." I called, thrusting his present towards him. "I don't need it, Luke gave me one. A real man, y'know? Unlike... Well some people."

I would've expected him to blow off, to punch me, to kick me around until I was blue in the face. But he just walked off, his body slumping, his arms sagging, his legs 'legging' behind.

I didn't get my satisfaction. But I got the guilt. The kind of guilt I hadn't had in a long time.

The kind of guilt my mom should've had...