This is a rewriting of my old series on @lunamadhatter99, I decided to rewrite it because the series wasn't completed, and I didn't like it that much anymore.
Let me know what you think and if you want to be tagged in the next chapters.❤️❤️❤️
Chapter summary: graduation day!
Chapter warnings: none.
Tag list.
@stuckinthesmalldoor @once-upon-an-imagine
@idontevenknow1359
Relief is all I feel right now in the auditorium, waiting for Graduation to begin. I patiently sit with the other students waiting for my name yo be called, next to me my closest friends: Natalie, Heather and Bishop. I look behind me, a few rows behind I spot the new guy, Dodge Mason. I gently smile at him and he smiles back, we bonded a lot since he arrived last year, which is something that makes me proud, since he's not known for being the most open person here.
Graduation is the first step out of here, out of Carp, Texas, which all of us call the capital of Nothing.
The second step would be the local summer game: Panic. It's easy to explain Panic: you play and if you win, you're out of here. What's the catch? It's in the name, Panic, the challenges aren't exactly children friendly.
And, funny enough, the game has one simple rule: do not panic.
--------------
"Is your aunt coming?" Heather asks me as we walk out of the building. Natalie and Bishop being congratulated by their families.
"Nah... I didn't even get a text, I don't think she will show up." I shrug, "what about your mother?"
Right before she could answer a sweet little voice calls Heather's name.
"They're here." She smiles, almost apologetically to which I respond with a reassuring smile.
"Guess I'll see you tonight." I chuckle.
"You don't have much of a choice." She laughs walking off.
I dare to take a look around for my aunt, but as expected, no one in sight.
"Congratulations, Y/n." I turn around seeing Natalie with his father walking to get their picture taken.
"Thank you, officer!" I wave at him and Natalie and start to walk off too.
I take just a few steps before another voice calls for me.
"Y/n!"
I turn around once again, watching Jessica, Dodge's mother, walking towards me with Dodge next to her.
"Hi, Jessica." I smile, warmly at her.
"Congratulations, sweetheart." She hugs me tightly once sheclose enough, Dodge sends me and apologetic yet amused smile.
"Thank you." I say pulling away, "so nice to be finally done." I laugh.
"I bet." She smiles brightly, I notice her looking around.
"She won't be here." I casually say, Jessica looks at me, sorry.
"Do you need a ride home?" Dodge cuts in, sensing the beginning of embarrassment.
"Oh... no, no, I'm good." I quickly say.
He looks at me unconvinced, then hums.
"We'll give you a ride. C'mon." He motion on and starts to walk without waiting for my answer. Jessica smiles proudly and walk away as well, so I have no other choice but to accept and follow them.
--------------
"I think I already know the answer but... Will I see you at tonight's party?" I ask, as I step out of Dodge's car.
"You definitely know the answer." He smile at me and I sigh, nodding defeated.
"You're lucky I'm not like Natalie, or you wouldn't hear the end of it." I say.
"I tried to make him change his mind, but he's stubborn." Jessica chimes in from the driver seat.
"Yeah, it's one of the first things I learned about him." I laugh, "but I can't say he's wrong. I'm not a party person myself."
"You're young, enjoy these years, trust me." She tells us, using a sweet and motherly tone.
"We do enjoy them differently." Dodge replies smugly.
"I agree" I support him and Jessica just rolls her eyes with a smile, "I'll see you tomorrow at work then."
"Of course." He smiles.
"Be careful tonight, sweetheart."
"Drive safe!" I say walking to my house.
Well, my aunt's house, but since she's never here, it might as well be mine.
My phone rings once I change into something more comfortable.
Natalie, of course.
"Yes" I greet with a laugh, "I promised, I know."
"Oh good, you're making my job easier." She cheerfully replies. "I'll get there around 8? Does it work for you?"
"I don't have much of a choice so... yeah." I laugh.
"Wear something cute. We have to celebrate! Wear that cute dress you wore at my birthday party." She suggests at the end.
"Do you want to control what I wear now?" I scoff out a laugh.
"You're just so cute in that! C'mon!" She insists, "I'm making my puppy eyes."
"That doesn't work if I can't see you, you know that, right?"
"But you know what I look like." She sings trying to get me to agree.
"Fine.." I sigh, deeply, letting out a laugh too, "fine, I'll wear that stupid dress."
"Hey! It's not stupid! It's cute!" She scolds me jokingly. "I'll see you tonight, bye!"
"Bye!" I say having up the phone and heading ot my wardrobe to take out the short dress Natalie referred to.
To pass the time I'll clean around for a while, just to keep my mind busy. If I start to think, I'll end up thinking about Panic and I really don't want to think about it right now. I don't want to risk thinking too much and then back down. I'm taking the risk this time and I'm determined to win.
--------------
We arrive at the already started party, Natalie parts from us to go greet some friends of hers, while I go find Heather and Bishop.
I spot them near the fire, drinks in hand already so I make my way to them.
"Hey." I say taking a set next to Heather.
"Hey Y/n. You came!" Bishop cheers, surprised.
"Natalie forced her to promise she would be here." Heather explained, simply.
"Exactly. Can't break a promise." I sigh, but glad I spend time with them.
"We're happy you're here." Bishop nod towards me, "you're just in time, we were-"
Ray's loud voice interrupts him mid-sentence.
"Oh god.." I sigh, Heather pats my arm comfortingly.
Ray gets close enough to shove the cup against Bishop.
"Final collection." He, basically, demands.
"School's out, okay? I'm not even playing." Bishop replies, raising both hands up.
"Think of it as an insurance." Ray says bending over to get on Bishop's eye level, "it's gonna be one he'll of a summer."
"C'mon, man, I'm not gonna play." Bishop tries once again, with a nervous laugh.
Suddenly Ray grabs his arm, it looks painful from Bishop's expression.
"We're all playing, one way or another," Ray says, not letting Bishop go.
Heather looks at me, pleading, and I sigh.
"Ray, leave him alone." I warn.
He turn his attention to me, looking me up and down until a smirk appears on his face.
"Well, well, well... did you dolled up for me?" He asks.
"No." I answer.
"Are you sure, baby? You know I love you in that dress..." he says, staring at my legs.
"You say that about everything..." I say annoyed.
"That's because you are my favourite." He winks and gets closer.
"Could you leave us?" I ask.
"Mmh?" He hums, then bends over, the cup rests quietly on the ground, he then puts his hands on both armchair, caging me.
"Listen, I know you have some trouble understanding human language, but this is pretty basic." I say and his smirk only grows.
"You can lie to yourself, but not to me. We both know the truth." He says and I catch him looking down at my lips.
"If it helps you sleep at night." I turn my head to find some support in my friends, but they only loom unsure of what to do.
"I do think of you at night, actually, if that's what you're wondering, but I don't... sleep exactly." He leans closer.
"You're disgusting." I push him away.
"Took you long enough to push me away." He winks again, "see you soon, baby."
And with that Ray finally walks away with his cup.
"Prick." I mutter out, takingn a sip of my drink.
"Hey," Heather calls for us, "a toast. To global amnesia."
I nod, grateful, at her and raise my cup.
"Nah..." Bishop says, "selective. There's a few things I want to remember."
I notice Heather and Bishop looking at each other, something passing through their mind and I would swear There's something going on between these two.
As we toast, Natalie finally joins us.
"Hey, what did I miss?" She asks.
"We were toasting to a future free of Ray." I answer her.
"And who will you angry flirt with?" She teases.
"Uh?"
"That guy sucks." Bishop intervenes, to which I nod.
That's how the evening goes, we talk, remembering the good old days, while Bishop and Heather also try to talk me and Natalie out of playing Panic... no success on their part.
"Let's go dance!" Natalie exclaims, to change subject. She grabs Heather's arm and goes to grab mine too, but I manage to avoid it.
"I'll sit this one out." I say, I notice Natalie's stare, "I never promised I would dance."
She scoff and grabs Bishop, who gives me a helpless look and I just shrug waving at him.
I decide to just stay seated and enjoy my beer and my peace.
"Waiting for me?" Ray's infamous voice makes me groan annoyed.
"Obviously not. Now if you don't mind leaving me alone." I say, not looking up at him.
"I do mind. Especially when you play hard to get, you know how much I love it." He replies, sitting down and dragging the seat right next to me.
"I'm not playing anything. I simply don't like you." I tell him and he leans closer to me.
"Yeah... sure." He softly says, looking down at my lips.
"It's not gonna happen again." I warn.
"Let's bet, then."
"Uh?" I can't deny I'm intrigued.
"I know, you like challenges, so let's bet." He says, confidently looking into my eyes.
"Bet what?" I ask, pretending not to be interested, but his smirk only shows me he see right through it.
"If I win Panic, you'll be mine." He says, looking at my lips again, biting his own.
"Yeah, sure." I laugh at that, taking a sip from my beer.
"Too scared?" He teases.
"No." I, too quickly, answer.
"C'mon," he whispers, "you're sure I'm not gonna win, right?"
"What I get if I win, uh?" I ask, raising my eyebrow.
"I'll leave you alone. Even though we both now you don't actually want that." He winks and stands up.
I consider him for a moment before nodding my head, standing too.
"Fine." I say.
He takes my beer and take a sip from it.
"Deal." he holds out his hands waiting for me to shake it.
"Deal." I sigh, taking his hand to shake it.
He hold my hand for a moment before he pulls me to him so he can whisper into my ear.
"Can't wait, baby." He leaves a peck on my ear and I quickly move away from him.
He smirks and starts to walk back, my beer in hand, before nodding his head and fully turning to walk away.
"Shit." I sigh.
I go look for Natalie and tell her I'm about to get going, since I have work tomorrow.
She tries his best to keep me here and celebrate, with Heather and Bishop's help, but I did my part and it's time for me to go and get some rest.
They reluctantly let me go, Natalie offers to take me home, and since it's already too dark I accept.
I can't wait to lay down on my bed, hopefully forgetting about the bet for a while.
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Walking down the sidewalk, you let out a sigh of relief when you spotted a familiar diner’s exterior. After a grueling shift at work dealing with a micromanaging boss, incompetent coworkers, and entitled customers, all you wanted to do is sit down and enjoy a nice warm meal before you headed home where you would pass out for who knows how long.
Pushing the door open, the bell announced your entrance as you stepped in, the door closing behind you with another chime. Scanning the room, you took note of how empty it was - it was pretty earlier in the morning and people were probably just waking up - before you took your usual seat at the counter. Looking at the window connected the kitchen to the seating area, your eyes meet Dodge’s blue ones. “Hey Dodge,” you said, waving at him with one hand as your other rested on the counter, propped up on one elbow, hand supporting your head.
“Hey [Name].” He gave you a nod. “You’re here earlier than usual.” You knew he wasn’t saying it like it was a bad thing but rather just commenting on it.
You were about to say something when you began hearing sizzling coming from his side. He was making you something to eat and it made you smile. Letting out a sigh, you told him: “Had to pick up someone’s shift and I just don’t want to talk about it.”
Dodge raised an eyebrow at this. “Why didn’t you just go home and sleep? You look like you’re ready to pass out from exhaustion.”
“Wow, Dodge. You really know how to make a girl feel special.”
He shook his head with a laugh. “You know I didn’t mean it like that.”
anything with a protective dodge mason please i beg
steal my girl - one shot
fluff
(panic — romantic! dodge mason x fem! reader)
while a select few participate in the wicked game of panic, the annual player's ball that comes with it is the highlight of the summer. however, for some, the party brings trouble when an alum of the game comes back to steal dodge mason's girl
cw / underage drinking, non-consensual touching, descriptions of an altercation/argument
a/n — i don't want to bore you with my love for dodge mason, so have this fic instead ! but i'm also letting you know now in case there’s any confusion that any panic content i write/create will take inspiration from the book and show. i really hope you enjoy, seeing as i’m v nervous, but i hope it reaches y'all mike faist stans (@mysticstarrysiren, @inkandpen22, @queen-ofbrooklyn, @ilovey0us0, etc.) in one way or another so we can all yell about panic. love you ! ps, bianca my beloved, thank you for your guidance throughout this fic, it wouldn't be here without you.
as alcohol sprinkled through the air and shitty music traveled through the dancing bodies in the backyard, the player’s ball seemed to be in full swing by the time you had arrived at la casa diggins with dodge and your friends. after hurriedly greeting the host, it took no time at all to blend in, bopping your heads to the beat and yelling to the very few lyrics you did know. letting nat and heather take the lead in favor of staying close to dodge, he gave your hand a squeeze, effectively keeping you grounded amidst the blur caused by the busy crowd. although that was short lived when the girls came to an abrupt stop, which ended up with you bumping into heather. muttering an apology, you moved beside her, tugging at dodge to follow along. you didn’t receive a response from heather, who seemed entranced by something, or rather, someone in their sight.
“oh, holy shit. luke hall is here.” the sheriff’s daughter pointed out. snapping your head up to see luke in his element, surrounded by an aura of smoke and girls dancing, tossing oblivious, flirtatious smiles their way. the mere sight made your stomach swirl uncomfortably.
“i thought he moved away. or like wasn’t he in jail or something?” heather questioned.
“yeah, for carjacking. i can’t believe he’s back.” you gulped. your words went unnoticed by the girls, who began to immerse themselves in a neighboring conversation concerning the eldest of the hall brothers, which you were quite grateful for. as much as you wanted to rip your eyes away from luke, you couldn’t bring yourself to do so. but almost like he could feel someone staring at him, luke threw a glance back. instinctively, you darted your eyes elsewhere, only to be met with dodge’s soft, concerned stare.
“hey, sweetheart. you okay? you’re holding my hand a little tight there.” you looked down to see dodge’s hand stuck in your deathly grip, nearing a ghostly white. had you not loosened up, you were afraid he’d end up turning blue. you attempted to let go of dodge entirely with apologies sputtering from your lips, but he insisted that he was okay. dodge had even joked that you needed his hand more than he did before asking if you were okay once more.
“uh yeah! i’m fine. are you?” you replied.
“of course. why wouldn’t i be?” dodge’s eyes flickered back to where you had last seen luke. you paid no mind, assuming he wanted to get in on the fun after standing still for so long.
“no reason.” you shrugged. he pressed a kiss to the back of your hand, then leaned in to capture you in a kiss. however, the moment was ruined when you were both pushed apart by nat with an almost cynical laugh.
“okay lovebirds, enough chatting. let’s have some fun. it’s time to get drunk!” she shook dodge with a cheer. meanwhile, heather looped her arm through yours, nudging you with her hip.
“and you…” the blonde girl booped your nose, giggling feverishly at your widened eyes and parted lips. you were surprised heather was stone cold sober, but nevertheless, she continued, “are coming with me. do you want shots? because i want shots. let’s go get shots!” and in the blink of an eye, you two were whisked away into the summer wind. before dodge could even get a foot in, nat managed to keep him in place by grabbing a fistful of his button up.
“ah ah ah! you’re staying here. i promise she’ll be fine with heather. just let y/n have fun! isn’t that why we’re here?” nat pointed at dodge as if she were scolding a little kid. dodge looked at nat, into the crowd, and back at nat, sighing in defeat. she hummed triumphantly, pulling him closer to the table where their fellow panic competitors currently played a game of cards.
“you know dodge, you’re making it real easy for luke to sweep y/n off her feet tonight.” summer calvo, who watched the entire exchange, teased.
“as if. you know it’s not like that between them!-” nat attempted to dismiss summer’s statement, but dodge was quick to react.
“what’s that supposed to mean?” he challenged.
“just that luke’s been into your girl since sophomore year.” shawna kenny scoffed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. but, to most teenagers in carp, it was.
“hey, it’s not like y/n would ever go for him anyway!” nat mentioned, remembering the numerous rejections she’d witnessed.
“yeah, but i heard that just before luke got arrested, he asked y/n to run away with him.” summer gossipped with glee.
“i heard about that too! why didn’t she? he had the money and everything.” drew santiago piped up as he took a card from the deck next to dodge.
“easy. she met you.” summer smirked, nodding towards your boyfriend.
“see?! what’d i tell ya? there’s nothing there.” nat swatted his shoulder. out of the corner of his eye, dodge spotted luke shotgunning a can of beer. he nodded stiffly, taking a large swig of the nearest drink he could get his hands on. clearing his throat, he acknowledged nat’s numerous affirmations.
“thanks, but it’s not y/n i’m worried about.”
in any scenario, it was never a good idea to deny natalie williams. which was how she and dodge ended up in the hot tub, claiming he needed to destress from the mere mention of luke hall. shortly after, you joined them, party clothes and all, in the warm water with a sweet smile, carrying a handful of drinks that you figured nat would need to get through the rest of the night. as soon as dodge placed his arm around your shoulders, it was so easy to forget everything else that surrounded you three. you hadn’t even realized how much time had passed by until nat slammed down the last of her smirnoff smash. taking in the party scene that was still surprisingly active, you realized that the presence of your blonde beauty of a friend was nowhere to be found since you’d been with dodge and nat. with the duo caught up in a conversation, you made little ripples with the tips of your fingers, effectively cutting them off when they turned to you attentively.
“i think we should check on heather.” you mentioned.
“yeah, it’s been a while since we’ve seen her actually.” nat agreed. you nodded, pushing yourself up, grimacing as the summer air stuck to your soaked skin when dodge placed a hand on your shoulder. gently pushing you back down, he was out of the tub to take your place.
“i can go. i need to sober up anyway.” dodge offered.
“please, you had one sip of drew’s beer.” nat replied.
“better safe than sorry.” he shrugged. you turned around to face him (not so subtly checking him out in the process), placing your chin on the palm of your hand.
“want me to go with you?” you asked.
“nah, stay here. have fun or nat will probably execute us both.” the girl in question feigned offense, letting him take up the opportunity to make his exit, but not before plopping a quick kiss to the top of your head. watching him walk away until he became just another pretty face in the sea of people, all your focus was gravitated towards nat, who began to laugh obnoxiously at her own joke.
“he’s right. i have a guillotine waiting in the back of his car just waiting to be used.” it became blatantly obvious that nat’s tolerance to alcohol was being tested, but the energy she exuded was contagious. you couldn’t help but get in on it, interrupting her humor fest with a large wave to her face. she defended herself by covering her face with her arms, but it was no use. gaping, it was your turn to laugh as she let out a shorter laugh, wiping the ruined mascara trickling down her cheeks as though they were tears. but your laugh turned into a high pitched shriek as nat lunged towards you, vowing to get you for that. you were just about to dunk nat under to reveal the rest of her voluminous curls when one of the knots keeping your top up loosened and slipped off your shoulders. sliding off nat’s back to fix the minor mishap, upon tying the thread off, it was proven extremely difficult when you had limited mobility, resulting in it falling apart repeatedly.
“okay, just let me. at this point, it’s just painful watching you do it on your own.” nat stepped in, taking the strands of fabric into her nimble fingers. you thanked her, adjusting your top in order to appear decent. however, after nat finished up her handy work, your face felt hot despite the shudder that ran through your spine. seeing the sudden shift in attitude, she shot you a puzzled look, stepping in front of you completely with her hands on her hips to ask, “what’s wrong?” you avoided her gaze trying to cut deeper into you for an answer, which you finally gave with a falter in your voice.
“is it just me or does it feel like someone’s watching us?” nat scrunched her nose at the thought.
“maybe…it’s a judge?” she assumed. looking around in hopes of catching the culprit possibly captivated by a few of its players, she only found someone worse. nat went stiff as by the time they briefly made eye contact, it was too late to leave. letting a few snarky curses slip from under her breath, she groaned. “nevermind. shit, luke is coming over.” there had been no time to react to her words, as the aforementioned man stood before you with a cigarette rolling between his fingers and that mischievous smirk of his that could never seem to stay in your past.
“hey, y/n. long time no see.” he greeted.
“hi luke.” you deadpanned.
“how’ve ya been, sweetheart?” when luke received nothing but a frown from the nickname solely reserved by one mystery of a man you were lucky to call yours, he dragged on his words, “you know, i’m surprised you’re not chatting me up like you used to. but i guess that’s cause you’ve been talking to other guys now. and i gotta say, i’m wounded!”
“that’s cause dodge is my boyfriend. and he’s the only guy.” you scowled, crossing your arms to your chest. avoiding his eyes, you tried to search for dodge, heather, hell even diggins for a way out. but with no such luck, luke laughed heartily, which only increased your irritation.
“come on, don’t be like that! what’s so special about him anyway? i bet i could show you a better time-” his free hand that wasn’t holding his cigarette was used to push your hair out of your face before grazing your jawline. truth be told, you didn’t realize what was happening, only taking notice of cheap, strong spirits and nicotine that acted as cologne tickling your nose, along with calloused fingers going from your jawline and treading lower. it wasn’t until luke’s flirtations were cut off by nat, who slapped him so hard that the imprint of her small hand was tattooed red onto his alabaster skin.
“get off of her asshole! she was never interested. deal with it.” jumping at the volume her voice carried, you watched as the situation caught the attention of certain partygoers. as they began to whisper and point, you watched nat glare at luke as though it would land him six feet under. you knew word traveled fast in a small town, which meant putting a stop to it before things could get blown out of proportion. reaching for nat, you coaxed her into exiting the hot tub. you were ready to walk away when luke moved closer to the ladder of the small body of water, ready to pin you and nat into a corner. while nat acted as a barrier between you and the eldest hall brother, you debated going back into the hot tub and running off in the opposite direction. luckily, the logicless plan didn’t need to be executed when the love of your life intervened.
“leave them alone, luke.” your savior shoved luke’s shoulder. out of habit, you leaned into dodge’s familiar hold as he came up to you.
“and what if i don’t? the pretty lady and i were just about to have some fun.” luke asked.
“trust me when i say that having fun doesn’t mean harassing people.” dodge retorted, ready to get up in luke’s face when you stopped him.
“dodge,” you laid a hand on his chest, whispering, “let’s just find heather and go home. please.” upon noticing you trembling beneath him, his stoney exterior immediately crumbled. he nodded, standing down when luke began to push his buttons.
“you’re the mysterious dodge mason? you definitely don’t live up to the hype.” luke looked him up and down before speaking to you again, “come on, sweetheart. you and i know he’s not much. i could be better-” everything happened so fast that the sudden slam startled you and nat. next thing you knew, dodge had him by the collar of his shirt.
“listen to me very carefully, luke. you leave us alone, and i mean it. you even think about going near y/n like that again and this’ll be the last time you’re seen standing. you got that?” he threatened. you couldn’t hear what he said, but it was enough for you to step in. slipping away from nat, she wasn’t in the mindset to stop you from approaching them. a hand made its way onto dodge’s back, the other going to his clenching wrists.
“dodge, he’s not worth the trouble, and we shouldn’t give him the satisfaction, especially when he’s shit-faced.” you nodded towards luke. you were stuck in a wordless war with your stern stare while he furrowed his eyebrows in response. reluctantly, he let go. nat ran to your side, and the three began to walk away. but not before dodge pulled back, managing to get one punch in and ultimately knocking luke into the hot tub. you silently cringed at the impact while your raven haired friend cheered for him loudly. playing along with the act, he courteously bowed, a quirk appearing at the corner of his lips. wrapping his arms around you and nat, he began to walk you both towards the car when another round of whispers ripped through the air. except this time, it wasn’t your doing.
when people began pushing past you, it led you three to turn around, only for nat to gasp loudly at the sight of red paint dripping down diggins’ walls. you knew it could only mean one thing, but your feet were frozen to the ground, still processing the events that occurred moments before. with everyone caught up with the clue, you felt foolish for looking at the floor, all while dodge cautiously eyed you the entire time. from the corner of her eye, nat could see that you two needed time together, and as your best friend, she made sure to provide that for you. removing herself from dodge, she pointed to the people.
“i’m gonna see if heather’s in the crowd, check the clue out while i’m at it.” she left as quickly as she spoke. dodge didn’t miss a beat once he noticed the nod nat gave him. mentally reminding himself to thank her whenever possible, dodge took notice of you fidgeting under his arm and trying to hide yourself. the motion alone was enough for him to pull away, but not without watching you with a careful eye.
“how’re you feeling?” dodge thought he knew the answer, but thinking back to how unresponsive or monotonous you were during the altercation quickly made him realize he had absolutely no idea. with that, another wave of concern crashed over him, his fingers tapping against himself.
“i’m fine. we should be with nat, checking out the clue.” you shrugged, avoiding him by staring distantly. you could feel him draping his button up around your shoulders, and you were going to walk away from him in order to continue avoiding the repercussions of the situation, to deal with it on your own when dodge caught you by the wrist in a silent plea to stay. when you didn’t take a step further into the crowd, he walked up to you, his hands coming up to cup your cheeks.
“i don’t care about the clue right now. i care about you.” he assured you. that was all it took for you to tear up. pressing his forehead to yours, as soon as a sob ripped from your throat, he pulled you into him, ready to comfort you. his mere presence alone put you at ease because his warmth was like no other. dodge carried the feeling of being loved kindly, passionately, and wholly by and for someone who didn’t get enough love. it was different, but a good difference compared to the years you’d been tormented by luke. it felt like forever in his embrace, but you wouldn’t trade it for anything else.
“y/n!” you pulled your head up from dodge to hear heather’s voice carrying through the crowd. nat wasn’t too far behind, but you yelped loudly as her head fell limp onto your shoulder. heather was clearly intoxicated as she slurred out her question, “are you okay?” the sight was enough to elicit a chuckle.
“mhm. now, let’s get you home. i’m sure lily’s waiting for you.” you pat her head, actually putting on dodge’s button up before wrapping an arm around heather’s waist. taking your boyfriend’s hand, nat took heather’s and the four of you walked away from the chaos of the party to the silent song of the starry night. you smiled, ready to get out of there. and with a squeeze of your hand, courtesy of dodge to keep you grounded, it was enough to know that you would forever be his, and he’d be yours through anything.
a/n: dodge was the most requested so i figured i'd get to him first! i was going to do an imagine but I haven’t written in a while, so headcanons was easier - i hope you guys liked this <3
Dodge isn’t someone to jump to confrontation unless provoked, and he really does trust you with all of his heart.
So it’d probably be someone bothering you.
This said person would approach you at a party, a happy, relaxed grin on his face and you would slip from Dodge’s grasp to go say hello to your old friend.
He has a bad feeling about him, though.
He’s just a little too friendly, a little too forward, for his liking. But Dodge didn’t want to be the possessive boyfriend, and he knows you could handle a situation if it starts going south.
It doesn’t stop his jaw from clenching every time your friend touches you a little too long for his liking, or the way his hand rolls into a menacing fist when he starts pushing into your personal space.
But you have this handled, right?
It was the alarmed look that spreads across your face when he leans down to whisper something in your ear that has Dodge jumping into action. It takes two seconds for him to arrive at your side, hand snaking around your waist and subtly pulling you closer into his side. Eyes falling into a menacing glare, knuckles white from how hard he clenches his fist, he faces this so-called friend.
If this friend is smart, he steals one glance at the fuming, threatening figure before him and calls it quits. If he isn’t… well…
Dodge isn’t a violent person. He doesn’t jump into fights, but he had the audacity to mess with you. His partner.
And he isn't backing down either.
“Why don’t you step back pretty boy and let a real man show them a good time,”
“Say that again,” Dodge challenges, looming form taking an intimidating step towards them.
“Are you deaf or something? I said-,”
That was all he needs to say before Dodge’s fist is colliding with their jaw. A resounding crack has the party dulling down, heads whipping around to face the messy scene unfolding before them.
He falls to the ground and Dodge gathers all of his willpower to not continue pounding their face in. He almost does, until he feels your hand clutching his forearm, eyes wide with concern.
“Come on Dodge, let’s go,” You mumble, soft and urging and he feels himself melting under your glare and he nods slowly, following you away.
You lead him back to his car, letting him rest upon the bonnet, his head falling downwards, somewhat in shame.
You carefully pull his hand into yours, observing the irritated, angry red knuckles you know are going to bruise.
“You really did a number on him, didn’t you,” You sigh, unable to look away from marks you know are going to blossom into bruises.
“I’m sorry,” Dodge murmurs, reaching out to pull you closer to him. You rest your head upon his chest, his hand coming up to stroke your back. “I just… I don’t know what came over me.”
“You know…,” You look up, eyes glinting with mischief, “as much as I hate seeing you hurt, you’re kinda hot when you get all protective.”
He raises an eyebrow, gripping your hips a little tighter as he pulls you even closer, nestling you between his legs.
“Is that so?” He bites down on his lower lip, forefinger and thumb tilting your chin upwards.
“Mmhmm,” You hum, leaning in to press your lips against his, slow and sensual, hands lazily running down his torso and toned stomach, feeling his muscles flexing under his black t-shirt. You feel his breath hitch as you reach his belt, before you snatch the car keys from his pocket, a grin spreading across your face.
“I’m driving,” You proclaim, jumping away from him, waving the keys in the air.
“You’re such a goddamn tease, you know that?” He lurches after you, trying to fight the smile that threatens to break across his face as he listens to your mellifluous giggles, watching as you jog away from him, silently challenging him to chase you.
In the end, no one’s complaining if he decides to get protective again.
Summary: If anyone knew how dumb Panic was, it would be her. The game at first felt freeing. However, when you keep playing, it doesn't appear to be worth it at all, but by that point, it's too late. There was no joy left in the game. It was more than that now.
Warnings: Minor Explicit Language, Violence, Shooting
Word Count: 8.5k
Disclaimer
I do not own the series of Panic or the characters. This is a slight AU of Season 1.
Masterlist || I. PANIC || XI. CAUTION || XIII. RETURNS
XII. TENSE
A week had passed since the last Panic challenge and Heather was frantic. As she, Josie, and Natalie walk across the pavement of the streets of Carp, the brunette cannot help but show her worry about the lack of updates. From the last time they've spoken, Heather told Josie that she had to basically stalk Diggins to ask if she could use her immunity and be back on the game. His lack of response after that encounter made her all worry. She had no regrets about ditching the challenge for her sister but she needed to be persistent for the money.
"Still nothing about Panic?" Heather asks.
"I'm telling you it's been awfully quiet," Josie said. The surface surrounding Panic was hushed following the challenge on the bridge. There was no mention of the game around the town, no hints about the next challenge, and no other players showing any signs of interest in the game. The previous round seemed to resonate with everyone who responded to the questions, even Josie. There was anxiety about the information they provided since nobody knew what they would do with it. She remembered seeing Drew a day after the game. He still looked petrified as if he saw a ghost.
"They're probably preparing for the individuals." She assumed.
"What did Diggins say to you again?" Natalie chimes in.
"He said Panic's a dumb game. There's tension between judges right now, and he'll think about it." Heather frowns, remembering his words.
If anyone knew how dumb Panic was, it would be Heather. The game at first felt freeing. However, when you keep playing, it doesn't appear to be worth it at all, but by that point, it's too late. The concept of fighting for money seemed evil in its entirety. Particularly now when she sensed that this summer of playing Panic wasn't like the summers before. But like everyone else in Carp, she was in urgent need of money. If her mother never stole her money saved up for college, she would've never joined.
"Maybe he's right, Heather. Maybe you should sit this one out."
The brunette stopped and turned toward her friend. "You were the one who suggested using my immunity, Nat. I've come this far. I'm not stopping now."
"But you did when you decided not to show up."
"Is she supposed to leave Lily all alone with her mom and her druggie boyfriend?" Josie made an effort not to sneer at Natalie's words. They both understood how Lily was Heather's entire world.
"All I'm saying is that it's probably for the best that she shouldn't go back to Panic, Josie." She glowered. "Why are you guys so desperate about Panic?"
"You were as desperate as us in the beginning, remember?" Heather blatantly reminds her.
"It's just a game guys."
"Easy for you to say when you have a trust fund sitting quietly in the bank. Some of us don't have the luxury to sit around and do nothing all day, Nat."
"Are you saying that I do nothing?"
Natalie shifts her gaze to Josie. "You don't want my opinion on that." Josie reacts. Natalie scoffs at her.
"We are desperate, Natalie. I need the money. Heather and I need the money."
"Winning the prize money is not just about being able to leave Carp but we could actually be set. I'm not just talking about being able to pay bills but think about other things. I could do things for myself this time. Maybe start up something using the money. And as stupid as it seems, I actually think I could go to college with the money we'll win," Josie said.
Josie muses somberly about her plans and what she'll do with the money should she win in Panic. She had already fantasized about driving in her car, leaving Car, not knowing where she'll end up next. She could travel wherever she wanted, preferably far like California, and, probably, settle in the city. Josie would go to the college she wants and finally pursue her dreams of becoming a writer. She'll still call and maybe visit Nick when she could. But she'd be finally contented.
"You've been avoiding the talk about college for months and now you're just deciding to go." Natalie continues. "You guys have been using money as an excuse. You can go to college."
"It's not an excuse. It's not just an easy choice for us to make, Nat." Heather was trying hard not to snap at her friend's naivety of her privilege. "Josie and I are poor, remember?" She wasn't motivated to keep going by the money, but rather by the person she knew she would spend the money to.
"Fine." Natalie sharply says, deciding to give up her asking. "Don't listen to me. But don't say I didn't warn you guys about the game."
The two girls stared at her retreating figure as their friend ditches them on the side of the street. Josie couldn't help but wonder about Natalie's opposition to Heather reentering. She felt bad for making assumptions about Nat's jealousy. With her individuals, Heather may still catch up in the game. And by then, she'd be just mere points behind them, with a chance to compete in the finale.
Heather and Josie decided to rest and sauntered towards Dot's diner.
"She'll come around eventually. You know she does." Josie comforts the frown in Heather's expression. "Don't worry."
As they sat in their respective seats near the store's counter, Josie's gaze can't help but look for that recognizable tall boy in his signature black shirt and jeans working around the place and eventually finding his way in front of her.
"Should I take a wild guess on who you're looking for?" Heather teasingly rested her chin on her palm as she watched her best friend's eyes search the scape of the diner.
"That's it." She blasts, catching the dark-haired girl's attention. "What's going on between you and Dodge?"
"Dodge and I kissed." Josie's expression turned red.
"What?!" Heather's eyes widened. Josie giggles as the brunette vigorously shakes her joyfully and lightly hits her arm in disbelief. Heather was astonished by the shift in their relationship since she has last seen them jokingly throwing quips at one another and having an unsaid tension.
"Yep. It was over a week ago. After Panic."
"Was that part of the challenge?"
"W-What? No." She laughingly shook her head. "Actually, earlier on he told me that he liked me. He gave me this long talk about what would've happened if we never met and then just said it out of the blue. I thought he was kidding but he said it again and I realized he was being serious. Back then, I didn't know what to say so afterward, I kind of..."
"Chickened out?"
"During the challenge, Diggins asked me about Dodge. He asked if I have feelings for him, and I do. So after, I just went up to Dodge and-"
"Kissed him?" She nods. The Slater girl couldn't believe it either. "Just like that? Wow."
No matter how many times she'd replay that night in her head, she'd look down bashfully in disbelief. It's been smooth sailing for her and Dodge since. Josie never would've imagined how old-fashion Dodge would be. He'd offer to pick her up and drop her off at home at the end of the day, open the car door for her, and even gives her flowers, even if it's just a single piece, after learning what her favorite was. She had assumed Dodge wouldn't be the sort to make silly displays of affection in front of others, but Josie would always find him hanging on to her even if they just parted for a split second.
Dodge was hooked. And so was she.
Her enthusiasm for them was understated, sitting closer to Josie to hear more about the pair. The girl couldn't help but notice the radiance that sparked on Josie's face when she spoke of the Mason boy.
"So what, are you guys dating now or what?"
"Actually, I don't know. We never really talked about it." Josie continued. "I don't know if that indicates you're in a relationship. But we did go out and we've kissed a few times."
"Now you're just bragging."
The girl apologizes in humor. But she wasn't really sorry, she wanted to brag about him.
"How about you and Bishop?" Josie asks, turning the attention to Heather. "What's going on with the two of you?"
"It's great."
"You don't sound great." That strained smile was one that Josie recognized. The same smile Heather would give to her when she would ask if everything was fine. She knew something was wrong. "What is it? Are you guys fighting?"
"No, seriously, we're great, Josie. I mean, he's great." She breathed out. "It's just that...i-it's a little overwhelming finally being with him after years of wanting it."
"Then what's wrong?"
"It's just that his whole rich guy scene. I don't feel like I fit in in all of that. Being around those fancy places he goes to, the fancy people he meets, and his fancy parents. I mean, you should've seen his dad's car collection, I swear the value of those could feed a town." Heather confided. She felt like a piece trying to fit into the wrong puzzle.
"I don't like that look of pity he gives me whenever I talk about my mom, or Lily, or home." Heather lamented. "It makes me feel like a bigger charity case than I already am."
The Slater girl placed her arm around the brunette's shoulder, rubbing it softly. "Heather, it's Bishop. He just cares about you that's all."
"So did he ask you about Midsummer?" Josie asked about the upcoming festivity. "Yep. He asked me yesterday. And also speaking of going..." Heather went on. "Bishop is planning to take me to the drive-in tonight and you're coming with me."
She instantly shakes her head in refusal. "I don't want to be a third wheel."
"You won't. You're taking Dodge with you." She bites the inside of her cheek as Heather smirked at her notion.
"I don't like social functions."
"He might."
"You have met him, right?" She raised her brow.
"I'm just saying he might go 'cause he'd be going with you." Josie gave it a thought. She hated the scene but it would be tolerable as long as Dodge was with her. "C'mon, if I'm going, you're going too." Her best friend gave her a nudge in the arm.
However, a familiar voice interrupts them. "Hey, Heather. Can we talk?" Ray Hall spoke daintily.
The immediate frown rose in Heather's expression as she saw his face. Never again does she want to speak with or see him. Heather accepted all she had to do was ignore him for the rest of her life. "No, I don't think we can."
"Please, it'll only take a second. It's about yesterday."
"There's nothing to talk about, Ray." She said coldly. "It was a mistake trying to talk to you. A stupid mistake."
"Heather, I'm sorry. Look, I didn't mean all those things-"
A part of Josie felt bad for the guy. Despite Heather's rejection, he continues to plead, to give him a chance to speak. Nothing was cutting it with her best friend who refused to give him her attention and chose to stare straight forward at the table, ignoring his excuses Josie didn't understand the context of. And when he ran out of words to say and energy to give, he simply left the diner before looking back once more at the brunette Josie couldn't quite depict what the look meant.
"What was that about?" Josie asks.
"Nothing. I..." Heather breathed in. "I've been distracted during the first week of Panic and at the Graybill challenge...Ray and I almost hooked up."
"Save me the lecture. Natalie already gave me one." She cuts the Slater girl off before she could say anything.
"I feel like such an idiot. I can't believe I think that he might actually have some feelings for me that didn't come out of his dick." Heather frustratingly runs her fingers through her hair as she relived those same feelings she wished he had for her the way she had for him. Perhaps it was love or just the assumption of love, she didn't know. She didn't need to know more about it as it wasn't her problem anymore. "But you were right and Nat was right. He's an asshole. Just like his brother."
"Did Luke do something?" The dark-haired girl's voice sounded alert, protective.
"I wanted to confront him on what he answered during Panic. So I went over to his place and was looking for him on his boat, but Luke was there too but I left as soon as I can." Heather continues. "This would probably not sound unusual but I think Luke is up to something. Over at the boat, I found these ballots- betting slips-"
"With our names on them?" Josie finishes her sentence.
Josie nudges Heather closer. "I bumped into Luke a few days ago and I found similar ones that I found in Spurlock's basement." She uttered.
"I know this sounds crazy but I think Luke's fixing the game. There were slips from last year's game too. And I think it might be connected to Jimmy and Abby's deaths." Heather listened intently to Josie. "Abby was pregnant before she died but she had an abortion. I don't know if Jimmy knew or if anyone else did. But what if that was the reason she gave up on Panic. Everyone saw that she was acting off and a lot were betting a lot of money on her."
"They needed her to keep playing for the money. She could've been manipulated to keep playing or she was blackmailed to forfeit the game."
"And you think this person is Luke?"
"It makes sense, Heather," Josie exclaimed. "Panic's been here long enough. He's betting now he could've done so before. He sagged all the money he won before, remember? He tried betting on either Jimmy or Abby but neither won, so he's back now betting on Ray 'cause he's broke and desperate."
"We all know he's just gonna take the money if Ray wins." She deteriorates.
Having a moment to take it all in, Heather was overwhelmed. Sinking in the thoughts of how corrupt the game has turned now. Or it was always like this but they never really knew. It needed to stop before it gets worse. "We need to tell the cops, Josie."
She shakes her head, no. "The second we tell them about us and Panic, they're gonna arrest us. I don't think they're gonna believe us anyway. We're gonna need more than just a hunch and betting slips."
The two girls were troubled. Asking the Slater girl how can they find more evidence, the notion came into Josie's head. "We could sneak into Ray's boat again. I bet there's stuff there."
"We are not sneaking back there, Josie." Heather differed. Josie's expression sunk. "Luke could be there."
"It'll be fine. I have a gun."
"You have a gun?!" She yelled, eyes widened. Josie immediately tried to cover her mouth in silence. Some wandering eyes stared at the two but sooner dismissed their attention. "Where did you get a gun, Josie?!" Heather whispered.
"Does it matter? I always keep it in my bag. We'll be fine." Josie says, earning a judgemental look from the brunette. She exhaled. "I stole it from Spurlock's basement, alright. It's not like I'm gonna use it. It's just insurance. Just in case."
"Just in case, what?"
"Just in case someone would try to mess with us just like they did with Abby."
"Abby was leading in Panic, remember? Everyone knew her only real competition was Jimmy." Josie recalled the stories she'd heard a summer ago on how that year of Panic was gonna be epic. "A guy was betting a lot on him. If they wanted Jimmy and them to win, then they needed her out."
Josie recounted the first time she had heard about Panic. As a kid, she'd see the older kids running around town doing crazy shit. At first, she thought that was how one acted when they were older. She remembered Natalie dragging her and Heather out of the swimming hole, seeing the teens jumping high from the drop, her heart pounding frantically in her chest not knowing what was going on. As Natalie continued to drag to them whatever parties she could and drunk teenagers boasted about the money they were gonna win, Josie was introduced to Panic.
She knew they were just mere fishes playing in a much larger bowl. Lost in their own bubbles as something bigger happens on the outside. They were never aware of how much was occurring outside of Panic. They were able to get away with it so easily. But she refused to allow them to take her down, as they did to Jimmy and Abby. The closer she got to the finish line, the closer to the danger she gets.
————
As the breeze through his car window brushes through his brown hair, Dodge's mind wavered toward something else. After being on edge about Panic, he drove to the ranch to get it off his mind but the email he got sooner after the session drove him back to the problem.
It's been weeks since the last mention of Panic. Dodge thought it would give him some rest or a break but he just ached it even more. The complete silence felt like a giant clock ticking, telling him he was running out of time. The longer he waited, the further Luke Hall was getting what he deserved. He wanted the game to end as soon as it can. He wanted to make Luke Hall pay for what he did to Dayna. And this would finally be over.
The days hadn't been so bad. He'd been with Josie. And it was certainly the best days of his life. At every thought, mention, sight, call, text, or even just by being around Josie, Dodge was happy. Happier than he could've ever imagined. He didn't think it was possible to be like this. The possibilities with her are endless and sometimes he wished the summer would be endless too. Despite his reality regarding his drive for revenge, he wouldn't want to wake up one day and find all the memories with disappeared. He'd be lost.
As Dodge's car took a turn to the street near his place, he spotted a familiar figure of Josie Slater walking across the pavement.
"Hey!" He called out. "What're you doing here?"
Josie gazes at Dodge as he got off his car and dashes his way in her direction. "I was over by your house. I was looking for you but Dayna said you were over by the ranch."
"Well, you found me now." The pair gleamed at each other.
"Have you got any news on your individuals yet?" Dodge asks her. Josie noticed his eyes slightly narrowed with seriousness every time he spoke regarding Panic. "Nope. Not yet." She shrugged. "You?"
"It got in just a while ago. All I got was an email." She peered over the message sent to Dodge's phone, reading: In a world of locked rooms, the man with the key is king. The couple's forehead creased after a second of deduction.
"Guess you need to find a key," Josie suggested. "Probably. They didn't mention a date or a time yet though."
"You nervous?"
"A little bit, but we'll get through it. I know we will." He gave her a light peck on the cheek.
Wondered about her sudden silence, he asked her if something was concerning her. He noticed how often Josie would go into a daze. Her brows were wrinkled in thought and her eyes shifted around like she was on guard for something. Dodge squeezed Josie's hand, seeing how lost she was in her own head again. He knew something was wrong but he didn't want to push it.
"Are you gonna stay over tonight, or...?"
"No. Well, that reminds me." She loomed closer. "Actually, I came here to ask you something."
"There's this party thing the town throws every year at Coral Lake." Josie looked down, her hands nervously fidgeting on the sides of her legs. "And I wanted to ask you if you wanted to go with me to Midsummer..."
"Are you asking me out?" Dodge couldn't help but smirk.
"Yes. Yes, I'm asking. But I mean, y-you don't have to if you don't want. The party's pretty stupid actually, so it's fine if you say no." Josie continues to ramble. "N-Not like I want you to say no. I'm just saying you can but I do want you to say yes. But don't feel pressured to say yes though 'cause-"
"Hey, hey, hey." He cuts her off. Holding her by the shoulders which seemed to ease her anxious breathing. Josie apologized for babbling to which Dodge replied with a chuckle. She didn't have much experience with dating, not asking a guy out herself, so this was all kind of new to her. It was new for both of them.
"Yes. I'd love to go with you." Dodge grinned.
"Seriously?"
"Yeah, seriously." He smiled. "Actually, I saw a flyer in town, and I was planning to ask you but you kinda beat me to it."
Despite her earlier reluctance, Josie mentally agreed of going. Dodge saying yes was the right push that got her to decide to go. The prospect of being around Dodge didn't seem too horrible, even though Josie disliked going out to places where she knew she wouldn't exactly fit in. When they are alongside one other, difficult situations become bearable. Perhaps it is how they saw one another. They were each other's safe place.
"I didn't think you'd like those types of stuff."
"I don't sometimes, but I like you and I want to take you to this thing."
"Oh yeah, I forgot. You had a crush on me since the first day of school." She quipped. The two gazed at each other as his hands snaked around her waist.
"I really want to take you out on a date, like an actual date, so I think maybe Midsummer could be it," Dodge tells her about his wishes. He looked over to her, lips slightly pouted.
"...That first official date could happen tonight." The girl grinned as she continued. "Heather gave me this idea. She and Bishop are going to the drive-in tonight and I was thinking we could go..." Dodge bit his lip as she continued to look at him with those eyes that would make him say yes to anything.
"Always finding ways to be around me, huh, Slater."
"I guess I just really like you, Mason."
He never had a girlfriend before. Nothing came to mind when you ask him if he remotely liked someone. He never had particular expectations regarding relationships. He also never realized how his days previously felt so empty. He wanted nothing but to skip forward and end it all. But that was before Josie Slater. Everything else before her felt like a fever dream.
I shouldn't be thinking like this, his mind fought as panic rose on him. He was scared. He was uncontrollably scared. Scared of losing her. Scared of being lost without her because, for the first time, he felt like he belonged. A part of him knew that she was meant for something. Something better. Something bigger. Something greater. He knew that as the days of summer passed and reality comes knocking on their door, he'd have to see her fly away.
"Josie..." He spoke.
"I..."
Bzzzzzz. Josie's phone vibrated, cutting off Dodge's words before he could say them. "It's Heather." She mentioned. Shoving his hands into his pocket while he masks his disappointment, he listened thoroughly as Josie read the text her friend sent her, asking her if she could stop by her place to get ready. After she declined his offer to drive her there, he sighed. He was desperate to spend more time with her, but guess he just has to wait until tonight.
"I'll see you tonight?"
"See you tonight."
"Just promise me that you won't wear anything black."
Dodge laughs. "That sounds like a challenge, but I promise."
"See you later, Dodge Mason," Josie says before giving him one final kiss on the cheek as they parted ways.
The boy watched her depart the street as her figure walked away from him, then got back in his car and headed toward his house, which was only a few doors away. Making a turn and parking the car in their driveway, Dodge groaned as he shifted toward his rear-view mirror noticing the familiar sheriff's car following him and pulling over in front of the house.
"Afternoon, son!" Dodge kept a watchful glare as Sheriff Cortez exits his car and made his way toward him. "My mom's not here." He answered quickly, quickening his steps to the front door, ready to escape from the guy.
"I'm not here to talk to Jessica. I'm here to talk to you." Cortez tried to keep it light.
"Yeah. Well, I kinda already have plans tonight, Sheriff. So I can't really-"
"I need to speak to you, Dodge." The sternness and sharpness of Cortez's voice were enough to make Dodge comply. Stopping mid-step from the stairs, he stopped, turning back to the old man who now got his full attention.
"Still no news about Panic?" He breathed out, getting right into business. Dodge only shook his head at the question.
"How about your individual? Nothing?"
"Nope. Not yet." The Mason boy casually shrugged, keeping it nonchalant as the sheriff continues to grill him.
Visions focused, almost as if he was examining the boy, he interrogates. "You sure?" Dodge looked away for a second. Not because he was gonna break. He would never. It was to shudder away the scornful glare he was about to send towards the sheriff's continuance. Looking at him straight in the eye, he answered. "Yeah, I'm sure."
The two stood quiet before Cortez released a light chuckle. "Well, that's disappointing. The sooner the game ends, the sooner this is over, right?" The teenager let out a tight-lipped grin before returning back to his plain expression.
"I noticed that you've been distracted lately, son." He trod forward.
"You keeping tabs on me now?"
"I do. If it means that our plan would work." Dodge wanted to roll his eyes as he continued. "You've come this far. You're not slowing down now."
"I'm not." He folded his arms to his chest.
"Dodge, remember the plan. You have to be in the lead at Panic so you can go against Luke at Joust. It's not gonna work if you're not. You understand that?"
Dodge did understand. For a year, that was all he understood. There was never a day that goes by that he doesn't look up at his ceiling in the middle of the night and replay the whole idea in his head. From the night of Dayna's accident to those nights he spent right beside her at the hospital and all those months in physical therapy. When Sheriff Cortez reached out to his family with a notion, a flicker of hope and rage surged through Dodge. Nothing was gonna get in between him and Luke Hall. Cortez made sure of that.
"Heather Hill is in the lead, right?" The sheriff referred.
"She was, but she didn't show up so she forfeited."
"Then, who is it?" He asked, impatiently. "Who is it now?"
The seventh challenge at the bridge didn't count any points but deducted one if players took longer to walk through the tracks. That means the fugitive challenge for finding the flags was the last pointed round, Dodge opined. He could still clearly recall the tenseness. His blood was rushing as he ran throughout the city trying to elude the police. He also recalled discovering the flag that was hiding in plain sight. He remembered pleasantly finishing in second after the person he admit he wouldn't mind losing to.
"Josie Slater?"
Dodge felt his breath hitched as Cortez mentioned her name. With Heather out of the running, Josie was leading for scoring first at the flag challenge and still has most of her points intact at the previous one.
"She's tough I'll give her that, but she'll crack just like that mother of hers." The boy flexed his hand, open and closed. He inhaled sharply as Cortez continued to talk about her.
"Now obviously all you have to do is beat her. Shouldn't be a problem."
"Don't drag her into this."
"Son, if she's playing Panic, then she's already part of it," Cortez spoke slowly to get him to understand.
"Don't go soft on me now, Dodge." He gave him a tap on the shoulder. "You weren't like this with that Natalie Williams."
Right after he made the deal to team up with Natalie, Dodge told Sheriff Cortez. Natalie digging more about his past was a dilemma they don't have time to spare for. Cortez gave him a warning. To take care of it or he will. She won't be a problem, Dodge said. With Natalie, he would have quickly dismissed anything that may have put the plan in jeopardy, but with Josie, he felt divided.
"What is it? You have a thing for her?" The man asks. Dodge gripped the side of his arms. His hands almost turned red, holding back. "Panic's a game, son. Josie Slater, Natalie Williams, Heather Hill. Everyone in this town is willing to do anything for just about anything. Don't be fooled."
"You don't know her, sheriff."
"I knew her since she was seven." He stated. "Trust me. I know her."
"You think she wouldn't cast you aside when it comes down between the both of you? Panic is her ticket out of Carp and she's not gonna miss that shot. You know that." Cortez points out.
"Keep an eye on her."
"Leave Josie out of this." He sent him a sharp, deadly gaze. It wasn't a favor, it was a warning.
"You're not just gonna throw it all away because of some girl, are you? You do remember who you're playing for?" The man walked closer. Dodge tried to keep his breathing under control as Cortez continued to lecture him. His knuckles formed into a fist. It would only take a second the send a punch flying to Cortez, but he resisted.
"This is for Dayna. This is for your mother. This is for you. And the justice you all deserved."
"What are you gonna do, Dodge?"
Anger was his fuel. It was the only thing that kept him going as the need for revenge flooded through his veins. He only wanted to scream at this point. He wanted to go atop the highest mountain and scream. Dodge grows more and more torn as they move closer to getting their payback. He knew that if he made the wrong move, he would either lose Josie or the opportunity to face Luke. But every move appeared to be the wrong one.
The Mason boy's shoulders fell. His gaze was set on the ground as some part of him knew Josie wouldn't back down so easily in Panic. That she would give everything she can to win, just like he would. Dodge didn't want to go against her. That was the last thing he wanted to happen. Because he knew that he would throw away the game if it means that she would be alright.
He had to do something. He'd restrain her if he has to. They were already in the tricky part of Panic. He'll do anything to keep her out of all this. He wasn't gonna let her get hurt.
"I'll take care of it."
————
Dodge Mason felt like he was hanging over a tightrope. His heart racing the whole drive towards Heather's place. He was slightly grateful for Josie's suggestion to bring Heather alongside in the car. Then maybe she wouldn't notice his silence.
Leaning up against the car, he took out his phone, texting the said girl that he was outside the house. Even just by merely texting her, he felt guilty.
Panic rose through his chest the second Cortez mentioned Josie's name. It sounded like a threat when he told Dodge to keep an eye on her. She wasn't a threat. She was Josie. His Josie. Just like that, everything felt different now. The last thing he wanted was to drag her along with their plans. Dodge knew it was dangerous. He was reckless and he didn't care, but it wasn't the same case with her.
He let out a breath. Exhaling sharply as he tried to figure out a way to pull her out of the circle she was already in while also not letting her find out the truth. He needed her gone from the games. The idea of putting her in danger made him fume in anger but also ache in desperation. The tall boy taps his foot restlessly against the ground, waiting for the two girls to come out.
His intrusive thoughts were immediately interrupted upon hearing those daring footsteps. Those steps that always strode with certainty and balance. Never faltering even when the world tried to bring her down.
"Hi."
Looking up from his shoes after hearing the familiar tune, his eyes trailed up seeing the girl that he was most nervous about but also excited to see.
"Hi," Dodge said back.
"You're not wearing black," Josie pointed out. He let out a chuckle. "I'm not."
Dodge didn't even try to cover the grin she could so easily get from him. Laying out his hands outward, he showcased himself. She took a moment to look at him up and down. Giving an unbelievable smirk seeing the Mason boy all dressed up. Instead of wearing his usual color, he wore a dark blue dress shirt, and underneath was a light grey t-shirt. She also noticed how the hair she continuously ran her fingers to has been brushed a bit over at the side which made her see his face better.
Looking at her was like waking up at the right moment as the sun peeks and being able to see the first ounce of sunlight. Beautiful moments tend to happen less often around him but this time, this second, this was one. He smiled to himself seeing that spark in her eyes. Her lips had a little color of lipstick on them but are still familiar. Her cheeks were red and her summer yellow dress she paired with a denim jacket.
"You look beautiful."
"Thanks."
"You look very beautiful."
"Is that all you could say?"
"Honestly, I'm trying to find the words." The pair exchanged a bit of laughter. Her smiling seemed to melt the ice forming around him.
She loomed closer. "You clean up nice too. Handsome, even."
Dodge's eyes soften as the corner of his mouth quirked up in delight. He looked at her, trying hard to memorize this moment. He wanted to remember her exactly as she was right now. Her staple smile. The kind of smile that could save his entire world and crumble it down the second it disappears.How her bright yellow dress made her look like the sun, the way her long dark hair always looked so neat as the wind blew. Even the very faint bruise on her ankle that Dodge remembered during the first night he drove her home.
"Hey, I need uhm- I need to tell you something..."
"Sounds serious," Josie said in a laugh wrought with nervous energy. "Everything okay?"
"Y-yeah. Uhm...Josie, I-"
"Hey, there lovebirds!" Heather's loud voice yelled out from behind them as she approached them with quick and exciting steps. "Sorry I took so long your girlfriend here didn't even bother to help me look for a jacket." She pants, nudging her friend.
"I interrupted something, did I?" She shifts her gaze between them.
"Dodge was just about to tell me something," Josie said. She goes back to Dodge. "Sorry. What was it?"
"I..." His voice was about to crack like ice. "I- I don't know what movie we're watching tonight."
Their brunette friend let out a small chuckle, clasping her hands, she mentions. "It's The Princess Bride. Have you seen it?"
Dodge nods.
"Alright, well- let's go. C'mon guys." She waves her hand, nudging them to follow her as she makes her way to the car. The pair let go of each other, following her sooner after.
Just before he could open the car door, Josie pulled him aside for a second. She rosed in concern. Seeing his demeanor change, she asks. "Dodge, you okay?"
"Yeah." He spoke confidently. "Why wouldn't I be?"
Her eyes wander around his in thought, finding some truth that she'll settle to. Josie gave a smile, wanting to enjoy the night rather than interrogate him for something she believes that he would tell her eventually because he trusts her, right?
"Ready?"
"Ready when you are."
————
Sitting comfortably in the passenger seat of Dodge's car, the pair quietly watched the movie projecting in the large white silk across from them. It's been thirty minutes since they arrived and no one said a thing except for excerpts of are you enjoying the movie? or are you cold?
"Hey, you good?"
Giving out a tight-lipped, reassuring smile, she says, "I'm fine."
"Do you want me to get you a drink or something?"
"Dodge, seriously, I'm fine.
Looking over to Heather and Bishop's car right on their left, they seemed to be immersed in the film too as Dodge likes to pretend. He's been acting a little closed off these days ever since Josie's encounter with Luke. He'd be guarded and mostly tried to be alone with his thoughts, like what he's doing right now. Neither of them was fully paying attention to the movie. Both of them were idly gazing at the film while their minds were elsewhere.
She was also veering off in another direction. She was nervous about what she and Heather were finding out about the betting ring for Panic players, especially after learning that Luke was involved. And how she could sense in the pit of her stomach that Dodge is keeping something from her about what is also going on between Luke and himself.
In a daze, she felt his hand reaching for hers. His fingers grazed on her skin, both hands intertwine. Her body felt suddenly fizzy and warm.
"Are you gonna miss me?" Dodge asked suddenly.
"Don't be an idiot," she said, nudging him.
"I'm serious." He shifted, sitting closer and turning his shoulder to face her. "I'm gonna miss you so bad, Jo."
"Nothing bad's gonna happen, Dodge." Her words seem to soothe a part of him. Telling him that everything was going to be ok.
Josie felt a loud, cruel throb in her chest as if her heart were about to burst. She had been making an effort to avoid the possibility that they would part ways after the summer. She would be off for college, and Dodge could do whatever he wanted. She'll miss him more than words can express.
For a second, she didn't think. She just leaned in, closed her eyes, and kissed him.
Dodge kissed girls before but not like that. He often found it stressful to try to determine if he was doing it correctly or whether he was doing too much or too little. He never really cared about it until his first kiss with Josie. But with Josie, he forgot to think, or even breathe.
Their lips moved in sync. It was a kind of kiss that gave her body tingles and made her want more. He murmured her name, his voice hoarse with something more. His strong body pressed against hers. His firm hand firmly touched the small of her back, and his other moved to her neck, enticing her with the gentle warmth of his skin and attempting to draw her in. His mouth probed hers as her hands went through his hair, clutching on for dear life. She was simply there, inhaling the smell of him, of his lips, while the movie thudded softly in the background.
Then, abruptly, Dodge pulled away. "Wait," he said. "Wait."
Dodge drew back an inch, frowning. He sighed and stroked his hair with his fingertips. As soon as he stopped touching her, Josie yearned for his touch to come back.
"I can't..." Suddenly he looked different- changed, full of regret, like someone she barely knew. "I don't want to lie to you, Josie."
"I need you to back out from Panic."
She stiffened suddenly. "What are you talking about?"
"Please listen to me, Jo. Just trust me."
"How could I?" She grimaced, distrustfully. "You're not even telling me why."
"Did Natalie put you up to this?" Josie was shaking. "No, she didn't-" Dodge fends. "I completely forgot about your team up with her."
"That's not what this is about."
"-Well, then tell me what this is about."
"You don't want to know, Josie."
"Try me."
She was staring at him so intensely, Dodge could feel the warmth between them.
"I can't let you keep playing and I can't let you go to Joust because I have to. And if you're there, then I can't win." His throat tightened "And I have to. I have to win. I have to beat Luke. I'm not gonna let him get away with what he did to Dayna."
"Is this about what he did to the girl in the hit-and-run? Is this what you and your mom were talking about? Your plan?" Her words pondered through his head as those memories flash back into his brain like a slideshow. Dodge closes his eyes as he deeply exhaled, feeling defeated and seen by her. "Or you could tell me that I'm wrong." Josie wanted her to be wrong.
"I'm playing for revenge," Dodge says. "It's all Luke's fault and he's gonna pay for it."
She felt suddenly cold. The word revenge was so awful. Straight and sharp, like a knife.
"You can't just decide to do that, Dodge." Josie continues to stare at the blank state of the boy. She sighed to herself, cursing and feeling betrayed.
"But Luke can just decide to run over my sister and get away with it." His jaw clenched in rising anger. "He's walking around without a scratch on him. I just want to get even."
"So, what are we, Dodge? Just pawns to your little revenge plan?"
"I don't want to hurt anyone, Jo." He had tremble in his voice. "How am I sure of that?" Her icy words stung his chest. "Because I don't. But Luke is gonna get what he deserves." Dodge had the urge to take Josie's hand, but Josie was hugging herself tightly.
"You're scared." He says, observing her distant figure. "You're scared of me?"
She turned away from him. "I think I'm gonna need that drink now."
This was what he was trying to prevent. What he was relieving himself from. Dodge felt a pang in his chest as she looked at him with those eyes. He felt he was a monster. Maybe he was. Dodge wasn't like Dayna. He couldn't make peace with the past. He couldn't change his nature. He was out for vengeance, and he was going to get it. But everything came with a cost.
Exiting the car and giving her space, he retreated behind the food truck further beside the other cars. Leaning his head down the truck, he felt cold. The cold was washing through his whole body. He was freezing, confused and furious. He didn't feel like himself.
"Fuck off, Ray!" He turns toward the commotion coming from in between his and Bishop's car, recognizing Bishop's voice and the nauseating sight of Ray Hall.
When Ray saw the pair smitten with one another, he made the petty and cruel decision to mess with them. Calling out while banging on the car's window. Heather longed to strangle him while glaring scornfully at Ray, but the Hall boy seemed unbothered. She wouldn't even talk to him. He's got nothing to lose.
"I'm not gonna say I'm not surprised. I mean, if the son of the richest guy in town has a thing for me, I'll jump on that train." Regardless of Bishop being face to face with him, Ray gave a smug smirk. "Seeing how cozy you two were, I guess your daddy didn't pay for that one, didn't he Bishop?" He winks.
"Just fuck off, asshole."
Ironically looking up, grinning as he recognized her bossy tone, he fumes. "You seriously have got to mind your fucking business, Josie."
"Leave them alone, Ray."
"You don't get to tell me what to do." He points, intensely treading closer to Josie which Bishop immediately stood in her defense and harshly pushed Ray away. "Just get out of here, man."
He scoffs, biting the inside of his cheek. "Don't push me." He warns and dashed to push the boy with stronger force. Heather instantly ran out of the car as a fight is beginning to arise. Josie rushed to pull Bishop out from Ray's punches and stop him from giving some. From the corner of her eyes, she could spot others seeing the two boys shove each other repeatedly. Their grunts are getting louder and are gaining an audience.
"Woah!" The voice of the other Hall came into view. "What's going on here?"
"Tell your brother to leave us alone," Josie yelled.
"Feisty, there." Luke grinned down at her. It sent a chill down her spine as she looked at him now after Dodge's admission. It made her irk at him even more.
"Both of you dicks should just leave."
"Do you really want that, sweetheart?" Luke sniggered. Ray grabs Luke by the shoulder as he inches closer to Josie, telling him to just leave it. "You know I would've bet a lot of money on you. If only Ray wasn't around." He whispers.
Her hands formed a fist as she felt his fingers brush her arms and his other arm circling her waist. "Let go." He doesn't listen. "Let GO!" She punches him in the gut.
"What? I thought you liked that. You liked it before." Luke laughed, yelling out the last part for everyone to hear as more people gathered. Josie could hear Ray's pleas to his brother as Bishop tried to shield her away from Luke as she rages. "Your mom certainly did. You know what they say like mother like daughter."
That was the last straw.
Breaking free from Bishop, she darted toward Luke's smirking figure and punches him in the nose. Hard, strong, and straight. One is the first punch. Second, to make sure it hurt. The people around gasped, including Heather, Bishop, and Ray, seeing the blood rushing out of Luke's nose. The pain in her knuckles was excusable, satisfaction rose on her. The very pissed-off Luke retaliates, slapping the teenager hard and harshly. She could've sworn the slap echoed around the parking lot. Josie winced and groaned. The side of her face stung and a tear just fell from her right cheek.
It was lightning-like. Dodge suddenly rushes in to defend her, taking Luke by the shirt and delivering a clean blow to Luke's bloody face while dragging him away from Josie's position at the end.
He could feel it. The cold in Dodge's chest had turned into a hard fist. It was pounding on his ribs and trying to burst through his skin. As if all the anger and vengeance he was saving up for their confrontation on Joust were bursting at this very moment. Luke failed to fight back. His flailing arms could not stand a chance against Dodge. Dodge continued to attack. Punching and punching and punching the man continuously, not even giving him time to breathe. Dodge didn't care about the blood marking on his skin, the looks people were giving him, or the pain and numbness he was feeling on his knuckles. Ray tried to shove him off, but he didn't even flinch.
"Dodge. DODGE!" Josie shouts, running close to him. She grabs his shoulder trying to pull him away before he does something stupid. Something he might regret. "DODGE! Stop! You're gonna- DODGE, PLEASE!"
His trance was broken by her begging voice. His eyes scream in grief and despair as he stares at the bleeding Luke, his fist, and then her. Luke seized the opportunity to knock the Mason boy to the ground while he was off guard. With the advantage, he doesn't waste time pounding the boy in the face, arm, chest, or stomach. Josie froze in fear. The sound of Dodge writhing in agony and coughing blood caused her breathing to become erratic, and she began to shake with panic.
Luke caught him and wrapped his arms in a circle around Dodge's neck, strangling him. Ray ran up to Luke's side as his eyes grew wide. He shoved and shook his brother to get him to stop, but it was pointless. Menacingly staring at him dead straight, Luke gripped tighter at Dodge's neck, choking him and watching him slowly lose the life out of his eyes.
Josie took off running. Running towards Dodge's car, she ducked inside her purse the thing she thought could help. She needed to do something. Josie overheard Heather scream to Bishop to call the cops. Dodge's visions started to feel drowsy. His eyes began to turn red and his face pale. Her eyes widened, seeing Dodge's arms tap desperately and vindictively at Luke's arm to let him go before he took his last breath.
Click.
He didn't need to look. He didn't need her to say. As his breath stuck in the pit of his throat, he was trembling. Just one pull of the trigger, he'd be dead. Feeling the barrel settled patiently on his skull, Luke knew he needed to pull away.
"Easy, sweetheart."
"Let. Him. Go." Josie threatened, holding the gun down to his head.
As soon as Josie drew out the old revolver, the joyful applause quickly faded into frightened quiet, including Ray, who was tentatively holding out his hand as he moved forward.
Finally letting go of Dodge's neck, the Mason boy let out a desperate cry of air. Josie sighed in relief seeing him okay, squatting down on the ground, coughing, inhaling and exhaling. Still with the gun on his head, Luke laid out his arms up in surrender.
"Careful, sweetheart, you might hurt yourself."
"Oh, would I?"
BANG! She shot just right by Luke's foot which had the whole scenery duck down in fear including the nearby people flinching as she took the shot. Eyes darted, scowling on Luke, she points the gun back to him.
"If you do anything to him again, next time it's the head."
"Now for the last time, while I'm still being nice, fuck off!"
Sending her one last glare, Luke and the rest of his party got on their truck and drove off. Everyone else seemed to get the message, some driving off and others going back to watch the film that Josie never noticed was still playing in the background.
There was no joy left in the game. No lightness or humor at all. Panic, as far as Josie knew, had never been this serious. It had never been played with so much secretiveness, either. With everything that just happened in the past half hour, Josie didn't know what to do. But she knew that this is more than just their game now. None of them was safe. No more. Never again. At last, she realized too that despite everything, the game was still ongoing. And that she had just lost.
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Part Summary: It’s the Fourth of July, over a week has passed since the granary and there’s silence from the Judges. When Nat seeks an alliance with Dodge, Y/N makes an alliance of her own.
Masterlist
I drive up to the training pen on the ranch. I would’ve been here sooner had I not been obligated to attend the parade with Nat and Heather.
Dodge skipped out on the festivities to help out on the ranch. He’s been trying to tame this one Appaloosa for weeks now. Everyone says he’s the only one who can do it. He is the only one who has the patience for it but sometimes I think these guys forget he’s just a kid. These thirty-something professionals put a lot of faith into an eighteen-year-old. They’re the professionals who get paid to risk their safety. Dodge does it because he loves it despite the danger.
I hop out of the driver’s seat of my car and stroll over to Dodge’s to sit on his trunk while he finishes up. This is our routine on the weekends or in this case the Fourth of July. Whenever he isn’t working, Dodge is here training for the next competition or helping out the boys on the ranch. I come and watch when I can. It used to make Dodge a bit nervous when we first started dating but not anymore. Now, he sees it as a good luck charm. He cleared the board the first time I went to one of his competitions. I haven’t missed one since. He won’t let me. He makes me wear his black hat too because I stole it the day he won everything. Dodge isn’t superstitious or anything...
Watching him ride triggers mixed emotions. A part of me loves it. It’s fun dating a badass cowboy. The other half is all too aware of the risks. One bad kick or landing and Dodge won’t ever ride again. Riding is his life, nothing good would come from him losing it.
The horse bucks with just the right amount of aggression to have Dodge slip off, thankfully he lands on his feet. he starts toward the gate, panting to catch his breath. Then, the house starts to charge at him while his back is turned.
“Yo! Yo! Watch it!” Adam warns from the fence.
Dodge sprints away, avoiding the flailing horse. He hops onto the gate and swings over. The three men hop into the pen to calm the horse down and get ready to guide back into the stables.
Dodge approaches me, decked out his cowboy hat, boots, and matching denim outfit. Damn.
“Hi Baby,” he greets with a slight pant.
“Howdy,” I snicker.
He plants a quick peck to my lips before taking a seat on the trunk of his car beside me. “Natalie came to see me at the cafe yesterday,” he states casually.
My head snaps in his direction. “Wait, what!”
“She found out about me reenrolling in school, that I compete, and suspects I’m a Judge.” He certainly left the best for last.
My brows scrunch together with a scoff. “A judge?”
He hums, nodding faintly.
“Bullshit but okay,” I accuse, turning my attention back to the pen.
He snickers. “Why do you say that?”
“She knows you moved here last August. The Judges wouldn’t have picked a total stranger,” I reason.
“That’s what I told her. She wants to team up,” he adds as if there wasn’t already enough.
“And?” I inquire.
“And…” He pauses, watching as the guys guide the horse back to the stables. He best choose his next words wisely. “I don’t think it would hurt. She’s trying to get me to… I don’t know... like her in some way, earn my approval?” He describes with a furrowed brow. “I don’t care if all of us work together to get in the final four, but her being so nice isn’t necessary.”
"Interesting..." I press my lips together and my eyes wander to a distant piece of grass.
"Don't get like that," he remarks disapprovingly and rubs my back.
"Like what?" I frown, keeping my focus anywhere but him.
He tucks his fingers between my chin and guides me to look at him. "Quiet, when I know gosh darn well that your mind is racing,” he remarks confidently. “She's your friend. You don't trust her?"
"I don't trust anyone.”
His features falter as his eyes search my face. "Even me?"
I sigh, still torn on that answer. "I'm starting to."
He brings his hand to my cheek and brushes strands of my hair back. "I'll never hurt you." He mumbles and places a gentle kiss on my forehead.
When he pulls back and rests his forehead against mine, I meet his gaze. "That's a tall promise,” I whisper.
His lips brush against mine. “So, what about tonight?”
“We go on business as usual,” I conclude reluctantly, hating the idea of Doge working with Nat. “I play dumb, act like Natalie, Heather and I are best friends. you’re allies with Natalie, and nobody needs to know the truth.”
“She asked me about you,” he confesses. “About the granary.”
I swallow hard. When Dodge almost fell I didn’t care who saw or what came of the game. All I cared about was him and now that it’s been over a week I’m not surprised that Natalie is seeking answers. “And?”
“Told her I hardly knew you, that we were work-friends if that.”
I nod. “Good. Let’s keep it like that.”
______________________________________
Dodge and I agreed to have him pick up Natalie and Heather before getting me to aid in our story. The less we’re seen alone together the better. I also told him to ask Natalie for directions. If they found out he knew the way to my house like the back of his hand, that would add to their suspicion. We also agreed that I have to act as though I don’t want to be allies with him. I have to be completely in the dark.
At seven sharp, my doorbell rings and I rise from my couch. I stuff my phone into my shorts pocket as I swing open my front door.
Nat waits for me with a perky smile. “Ready?”
And so it begins...
“Yeah!” I force on a smile and step outside. I spot Dodge’s car in the driveway with Heather in the backseat. “What’s this?”
“Extra pair of eyes and hands,” Nat justifies.
My brows scrunch together and I slow to a halt. “Can we trust him?”
Nat rolls her eyes and walks back to me. “You guys work practically every day together, you tell me.”
“I don’t trust him as far as I can throw him,” I lie, needing to sell this story to her.
“You seemed to care about him at the granary,” she argues.
It takes every bit of me not to roll my eyes. So, she’s interrogating like she did Dodge? Fine, she wants to play dirty, let’s play.
“Just because I don’t want to see a kid dead doesn’t mean we’re best friends,” I counter.
“Did you know his name is Andrew?” She tosses at me, crossing her arms over her chest.
Yes.
My lips part. “Wait what?”
She hums and steps closer to whisper. “Found out today. I went by his house when I was putting up posters. He has a sister in a wheelchair, Dayna. They moved here, reenrolled in school after he had already graduated, and he’s like in the top 10 best rodeo riders in the country.”
“I had no idea. Then again, he doesn’t talk much.” I tell her, glancing over her shoulder at Dodge. His eyes meet mine with a stone-cold expression. “And you think we can trust him?”
“He’s in the game for a reason. He claims it’s just for the money. I think there’s something else and I’m gonna find out what,” she voices, filled with determination.
Little does she know that I know Dodge better than anyone and I trust him more than anyone. Natalie wants to use Dodge for her own gain? Fine, I’ll use her and we’ll see who’s the last one standing.
________________________________
Diggins rambles on with some gibberish as we all stand in a circle in the woods by the farm. “Time flies, so fly like the crow to reap future treasures from wars long ago. Take one of these tokens along with when you leave and send a proof in pictures by midnight to me.”
“Um, translation... please?” Troy sasses.
Diggins sighs. “Troy, I wish that I could help you. But the puzzle is part of...”
“You're supposed to steal something,” Summer interjects.
“Thank you, Summer,” Diggins huffs.
“Uh, so we have to go in-inside the house?” Shawna questions.
“Illegal entry... it happens every year,” Heather explains.
“Hmm, the student becomes the master?” Nat grins proudly.
“You can choose the cornfields or the woods to get to Spurlock's,” Diggins explains. “And 'cause we didn't complete the last challenge, the judges decided it was unfair to award or deduct any points-based...”
My jaw drops. “Wait, how is that fair?”
“Some of us actually had to cross!” Heather adds.
“Yeah, not all of us,” Nat argues.
“Yeah, I had to cross, Diggins!” Ray growls, about ready to throw some punches.
“Rankings are the same as they were after the first challenge,” Diggins reiterates, standing his ground. “Also, 'cause the cops busted us, no more spectators.
“We're still missing Tyler,” Summer points out.
“He'll be here,” Ray states.
“Okay, we'll just sneak in, steal something, get out, and then take a picture and send proof to Diggins by midnight!” Summer instructs, hopping down from the back of the truck.
“This challenge is worth 50 points, all or nothing,” Diggins adds. “You need 150 in order to make it to the next challenge, so... give it all you got.”
Everyone laughs, eager to get started. Dodge and I glance at one another, not sharing in their enthusiasm, but sure as hell ready to get this over with.
Ray passes by me and smirks. “Good luck, Princess.”
“You’re the one who needs the luck,” I challenge, earning a please grin from him.
Dodge appears at my side. “You ready?”
I hum. “Yeah.”
He glances toward Ray and steps between us. “Let's go around the woods,” he determines, pressing a protective hand to my back and guiding me away from Ray.
Nay, Heather, Dodge, and I run along the tree line toward the cornfield. I’ve always hated cornfields. I won’t go anywhere near a corn maze around Halloween. Anywhere I can’t get trapped I hate.
Nat slows and we gather just at the edge of the field. “Um... it'll be faster if we split up and scout. Um, we should see the greenhouses soon, or we're too far west. Let's meet back at the next break in ten minutes?” She suggests.
“Got it,” Heather agrees, already on her way.
“Hey,” I call after her before she disappears entirely. “Watch out, yeah?”
She offers me a soft smile. “Will do.”
So not only do I have to go into a corn maze but I have to go into it alone, nice.
“Alright, I’ll see y’all later,” I reluctantly start heading away from Dodge and Nat.
“Be careful!” She tells me, waving goodbye.
I glance at Dodge one last time before I head into the corn. I can’t believe I’m leaving him alone with her. I despise this plan already.
_____________________________
Phobias are often things people joke about or tease each other over. A fear of snakes, the dark, heights, or in my case, a fear of trapped, dark/deep bodies of water, or drowning. How about a combination of all three? Cleithrophobia, thalassophobia, and aquaphobia. Put this corn maze into a giant tank, fill it with water and I would no doubt have a panic attack. Though, I’m already having enough anxiety with cleithrophobia at the moment. The fear of being trapped.
There are always stories of people getting stuck in one of these for hours, sometimes for a whole day. I can practically feel the minutes pass by like seconds.
Tick... tick... tick
I keep having to check over my shoulder due to the constant gut-wrenching feeling of being followed. With each breeze, I swear it’s someone breathing down my neck.
All I have to do is get to the house. I just need to head south and get to the house.
As I’m trying to remain focused and remind myself of the task -- distract myself -- There’s a crack behind me. I whip around and slip on a combination of some fallen stocks and mud.
“Well, well, well,” a voice expresses from within the corn.
My heart pounds in my chest so hard that it aches. Do I run? Would I make it? Would I become lost and lose all direction?
Then, Ray emerges from the shadows with a smug smirk. “If it isn't Y/N on her knees. I’ve dreamt of this moment.”
“Jesus!” I pant, finally able to breathe again. “Shit Hall you scared the shit out of me!”
He chuckles. “I scare you and you fall on your ass? Sounds about right.” He offers me his hand and helps me up. “You’ve always been a bit of a clutz.”
“Ha...ha...” I sass, wiping down my shorts to get rid of the dirt and strands of hay.
“Where are your buddies?” He teases.
“We split up, divide and conquer,” I grumble, knowing it’s a bunch of bullshit but it’s what Natalie wants to sell.
He snickers. “And who’s idea was that?”
I give him a knowing look. “Take a lucky guess.”
He narrows his gaze, a hint of suspicion lingers in his eyes. “If you don’t like Nat’s plans, why do you go along with them?”
I shrug. “Allies are an important thing to have in a game like this.”
Every word I’ve said is nothing but a bunch of lies. I hate it more than anything but Dodge has reminded me time and time again that lying isn’t bad if everyone else is doing it against us. An eye for an eye.
“What about you and me?” Ray questions, stepping closer until our faces are mere inches apart. “Think we could be a team?”
I tilt my head back, peering up at him with uncertainty. “You're fucking with me.”
“Me? Never, at least not with you,” he grins.
Ray wouldn’t necessarily be bad to have on my side. He’s been pining after me since the 8th grade and perhaps that puppy dog infatuation would cloud his judgment. Earn his trust, use his skills and knowledge of the game, increase my chances of getting the final four, not a bad plan. If I keep convincing Nat that she and Heather are my only friends in this game, she’d never see it coming. I would have her -- which is questionable -- Heather, Dodge, and Ray all helping me to the finish line.
“Look, I know a shortcut if you want to follow me,” he offers, stepping back toward the direction he was heading. He offers me his hand, but I hesitate. “What? Don't trust me?” He smirks.
“No. Why would I? You tried to sabotage Dodge at the last challenge,” I recall that very important detail.
Advantage or not, Ray isn’t exactly a saint. If I’m going to team up with him, I have to be certain he’s not going to screw me over.
“I don't need sabotage to win, sweetheart,” he argues and shows me the clock on his phone. “Time's a-ticking.”
“Yeah, I don't want to point out the obvious, but I'm actually the one that's winning,” I counter.
“You were winning, but we both know you’re not making it out of this maze without some help,” he states, giving me a knowing look. “Fear is a strong emotion and I'm willing to lend you a helping hand. Remember, there are dozens of traps laying around here thanks to nutty Spurlock. Wouldn’t want you getting trapped, would we?”
My breath becomes shallow as he stares at me. Does he really know how terrified I am? How could Ray know about my fears? Granted, everyone knows about the accident, but not the specifics. He must be guessing.
“Who knows? Maybe you'll even return the favor and help me out some time,” he suggests, biting down on his lip.
Suddenly, there’s a loud screech and the cornfield lights up like a Christmas tree. Ray lunges toward me and yanks me down to the ground. The screeching becomes a tornado-like siren and shouting ensues.
“Are you fucking kidding me?! Dumbass kids!” You have ten seconds to get off my property! One!”
The siren is accompanied by an ear-piercing gunshot, causing Ray and I both to jump. Another follows and breaks through some stocks just yards away from us.
“Oh shit!” Ray brings me down lower and covers most of me with his body.
I grip the sleeve of his shirt. “Ray, let’s go!”
“What? No, we need to get inside!” He argues, poking his head up to get a better look at the house.
“And get shot?!”
He peers down at me and cups my face pleadingly. “Look, I won’t let him hurt you! Do you trust me?”
For some reason, a piece of me does trust Ray. “Yes.”
A glimmer appears in his eyes upon my answer and despite this less than ideal situation, there’s some optimism in his tone. “Okay, let’s go this way.” He slips his hand into mine and we start heading down the row of corn.
Mr. Spurlock continues shooting into the sky, the corn, everywhere. Ray releases my hand and slips his arm around my waist, locking his fingers through the loops of my shorts. When I nearly hit a trap, he yanks me back by my shorts and insists he leads. I don’t protest though if he gets hurt I’m fucked. His eyes flicker all around and though he would never admit it, I can tell he’s just as terrified, except he has more determination to win. I suppose this is why I trust him. He doesn’t have to keep me safe but he is and he’s willing to take a bullet for me. Very few people would do that on any occasion, but in Panic, it’s unheard of. So yes, I trust him.
Imagine Dodge Mason taking you to a dive bar on the outskirts of town to get away from all the opinionated busy bodies in Carp. He'd put his hand on the small of your back or rest it on your hip as he guides you into the bar and you find an empty table in the corner where you can listen to dad-rock blaring out of a beaten up jukebox. No one would check your IDs so he'd order beers and lounge back in his seat, resting his elbow on the top of it's seatback as he tips the bottle back and takes contemplative swigs.
You glance around, taking in the neon lights and the buzz around you, lowering your eyes to the table when a guy at least ten years your senior eyes you salaciously. You try to suppress your shiver but Dodge notices, eyeballing the guy and shrugging out of his leather jacket before standing up and draping it over your shoulders. Rubbing his hands up and down your arms he crouches before you and making sure you're ok. Nodding your head you plaster a smile on your face that becomes infinitely cheesier and more authentic when Dodge drops a kiss to your cheek. "You sure you're ok?" he whispers and you nod, lacing your fingers together and squeezing.
Standing back up to his full height, keeping your hands joined, Dodge returns to his own seat, tugging you into his lap and wrapping his arm around your shoulders. "Just making sure they know you're with me," he whispered in your ear, settling deeper into his seat. "Just them?" you grin? Shaking his head, Dodge tucks you under his chin and brings the bottle back up to his lips, "I'll never let anything happen to you. You know that, right," he murmurs and warmth spreads through your belly as you snuggle in closer, running your fingers through his hair and pressing a kiss to his jawline. Reaching across the table, Dodge brings your drink over in front of you and you snuggle your face into his shoulder, feeling safe and ready to see what else the night has in store for the two of you.
He's been gone on tour for three months and I've been so busy with my charity work that I didn't have time to join him. But, he's due to arrive any minute now. My phone buzzes, and I smile to see that it's him.
“Hey, babe. Where are you?” You say as soon as the call connects.
“Just landed. I wanted to see if you wanted to go out tonight, somewhere nice?” You wanted him all to yourself after such a long time apart but at the hope in his voice, you wouldn't deny him anything.
“Sure, how nice we talking?”
“Would you wear the ball gown from the gala?” Shocked that he would want you to wear that, you tentatively ask where you're going. “Don't worry about that. Just be ready in, say, an hour, hour and a half?”
“Brendon Boyd Urie, what are you up to,” you sigh on your end.
“A surprise,” and before you could cut him off, he adds, “it's a good one, I promise.”
Suddenly, there's a knock at the front door, “Ah, that should be the help I sent to help you get ready since I sprung this on you.” You get to the door to see the hair and makeup girl, Rayna, from an agency that supports your charity.
Less than an hour later, Rayna deems you ready. You go to look at the final product of yours and Rayna’s work. You gasp as you catch your reflection in the full length mirror. You look like a modern day fairy tale princess. After a few minutes, you see a set of hands wrap around your waist. You look up to see Brendon in a classic black and white tuxedo. He rests his chin on your bare shoulder. “Hello, my princess.” His eyes bore into yours in the mirror. Your grin widens as you relax back into his chest.
“Do you realize just how much I missed you?” You reply as you turn in his arms to face him. Bringing his lips just centimeters from yours, he breathes, “Not as much as I've missed you.”
He presses a gentle kiss on your lips. Just as you begin to melt in his embrace, he slightly pulls away. “I finally have you all to myself,” You say, as you hug him tight. The feel of his body against yours makes your world complete again.
He asked you to wait where you are for just a moment. “As long as you come back quickly,” you answer. After pressing a quick kiss to your forehead, he runs over to the sound dock in the room and starts a song and comes back to you. “Dance with me?”
As the two of you whirl around the room, the song fits your situation. You've been apart for a while and he's spinning around you like he's stuck in your gravitational pull and he just orbiting around you. You can be my whole world if I can be your satellite… the song says. Brendon’s eyes haven't left yours since the song started, and yours haven't left his. You cling to him as he moves you in a slow circle as the song winds down.
Once the song ends, he gently pulls away. “Y/n, we've been together for a couple of years now and I can't imagine life without you. Hell, I can't even remember what life was before you. You are my whole world.” He sinks down to one knee and produces a ring box. “Y/f/n Y/m/n Y/l/n, love of my life, will you honor me with the privilege of marrying me? Will you be my bride? Will you….” You join him on the floor and kiss him passionately. “Yes!” You exclaim between kisses. Once you've both gotten to where breathing is necessary, you both reluctantly pull away.
After taking a deep breath, he asks if you want to see the ring. Nodding furiously at him, the grin on your face is one he'll never forget. Popping the small box open, you gasp at the sight of your dream ring. Both of your hands are shaking as he puts the ring on your finger, causing you both to giggle. “Brendon, baby, it's perfect. I love it and I love you.”
“I love you too.” He responds as he sits in the floor of your shared bedroom with you, his entire world, curled up in his lap.
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If you know what the song is, put it in your reblog or message me....
