♚♚

“I know you do sometimes. If only to feed your hero complex. But I told you, I love you just the same, because you’re my brother.”, she smiled. “Aren’t they, though? I mean, you must have read cases at school. You should know high functioning psychopaths with murdering tendencies tend to perform very well in social situations. And I’m not even going to dignify that theory of yours with an answer, Zachary.” Denna sighed, rolling her eyes. “Heath is always going to freak out, no matter what I say. I’m the one threatening to reveal everything after all. They should stop blaming you, though. I would have found out regardless.” It would have taken her much more time if it hadn’t been for Zac though, but she isn’t going to say that out loud. 

“I’m talking about love. That doesn’t always have to do with seeing the other person naked. Love and sex are not the same thing, Zac.” Her lips parted to say something, then she closed her mouth again. Zac was always oblivious or too self involved to care about pretty much everything, but now he was using his keen senses. Damn it. “I’m not falling for- that’s none of your business! And there’s nothing wrong with Tristan’s dick. I just- I’m not sure if I miss it- him, him anymore. And I don’t know what to do.”

“Okay well because we’re family you should believe that I care...because I have to.” He chuckles to end his thought, knowing that he at least was able to show an interest in her problems. That seemed like enough, at the very least he was able to keep the conversation going. That could make her feel better? Truth be told, Zac wasn’t the most comforting person, or the kind to be able to give any good advice. Maybe adequate advice if the subject was getting someone’s number within one night. “Not saying you’re an idiot or anything but I’m not exactly into hiding things. If I cared about the secret as much as Heath does maybe you’d know less.” He shrugs his shoulders. “But relax, I can deal with Heath.” 

His brows furrow as she mentions love. What was she talking about? He had no experience with the concept, his connections with people are purely based on snap-judgement desires. Desires that would disappear in the blink of an eye after he was fulfilled. He cared far too much about himself to believe that love is a suitable answer. “Whatever, seeing someone without their clothes makes them vulnerable. That makes people freak out the same way you’re freaking out about love, close enough.” He would also argue it’s better too, how he was able to be someone’s everything at twice the speed as healthy relationships did with love as a weapon. “I knew it! C’mon what’s the issue then? You feel bad for not wanting to fuck Tristan anymore because you want to fuck someone else? So what? You can’t miss him for the rest of your life you’ll go insane, sounds like you’re finally moving on.” 

Sometimes David wondered just how big Zachary Bailey’s ego was. He wondered what it was like to be even half as confident as he was in everything he did. He wasn’t sure if he was more impressed or annoyed. He looked over at the counter. Nobody was there, so he had to keep talking to Zac. More annoyed, then.

“Uh, yeah, I guess let me know when you figure it out. What day did you say it was again?”

Zac took any opportunity to talk about himself. Even if he didn’t really care about David attending his gig inviting him provided the perfect entrance to talking about himself, his band, and his unfaltering aspirations. David worked in a coffee place, surely he was hungry to hear some real stories. 

“Yeah sure bro! Can’t have you miss this kind of crazy crap, I’ll even sneak you in if I’ve got to. Friday night, and if you already have plans cancel them and bring whoever you made plans with.” 

“Uh right. Yup. I totally know what you’re talking about.” No, he didn’t at all. Well, he could definitely infer as to what Zac was talking about but he’d rather not. It made things a lot easier on his brain that way. “Oh yeah. People are usually super impatient for their coffee. As soon as something looks like it could be theirs they pick it up and come back complaining to me that it’s the wrong drink. Well is your name Karen? No? Then you picked up the wrong drink.” He shrugged and laughed. “Weirdest? Well I had a guy tell me his name was Mike Hunt. I gave him a look but wrote it down anyway. Turned out to actually be his name but I bet he was just being an asshole about it.”

“No way man, people are wild af.” Zac laughs, but then again, he wouldn’t be surprised if either him or Pietro do any of that one day. It’s not like they’re too impatient, but they just don’t really care enough to check the name sometimes. Out of the four of them, the only one who actually pays attention to this stuff is definitely Heath. “I can’t believe they even complain. Also Karen is such a lame name, so if your name is Karen I’m so sorry for you.” At Preston’s next words he lets out a loud barking laugh. Some people behind him just turn to see, not that he minds the attention. “Mike Hunt. No, no, no, that’s perfect. What a fucking genius. I would have died laughing man, I don’t know how you do it.”

She’s pretty sure she’s either dreaming or high. Or maybe both, although that might not work as well as it sounds it would. But she’s kissing Zac so it’s not like she’s really thinking about it that much. “Mmm,” Thea smiles and nods even though she’s not really listening, or opening her eyes, or breathing probably. Maybe she is, she’s not sure honestly. “Wait, what?” Something about friends… and… something about how he’s still super close to her and nobody came to murder her yet, so that means Rhiannon isn’t around, and neither are any of the band’s groupies. And if they are around, either they didn’t see them or they’re thinking of where to hide her body in a few hours. But it’s fine, it’s worth it. “Oh! I, um, yeah totally. That would be great.”

Easy. Almost too easy. He would feel bad if he hadn’t done this a thousand times before. She seems way too naive, but if she really wants to play on the big leagues, well, there’s no better teacher than he is. Flashing a charming smile, he keeps his arm around her waist as he guides her through the club towards his group of people. Everyone’s comfortably located at the Olympians’ private booth, free drinks all night - bless Heath, and himself, of course, since his money is here as well. “Guys, this is Thea.” his tone is casual, amused even. “Of course you know Will and Pietro.” Willem is too distracted to notice, but Pietro definitely rolls his eyes. Zac only hopes he won’t tell Naia or something and fuck this thing up completely. He then sits at the table, pulling her down to sit on his lap. “Tell me beautiful, what would you like to drink?”

She rolls her eyes. “Of course I want you to be done. I want to talk to you. I thought that was clear.” Elena frowns, not really understanding the meaning of his tone. Or maybe she does a little, but she decides to ignore it in favor of not thinking her best friend’s ex? boyfriend is now flirting with her. 

“I don’t drink latte, I drink tea. Caffeine makes your body cells grow older faster.” She rolls her eyes. “And I am being nice. You’re the one that has left me hanging because you’re trying to sneak in some girls into the club. By the way, you better convince Kat because there’s no way you’re going to get them approved otherwise,” She shrugs. “We need to talk about Rhiannon.”

He realized that the best way to please her is to actually listen, well at least let her speak. She is beautiful it’s a shame that she seems to believe she is completely off limits to him. As someone with as big an ego and false confidence as he does, it’s hard for something to be unattainable. He nods at her. “Fine fine I’m done now go ahead.” 

“I’m not going to sneak, I’m ‘gonna get them on The List and then off of it when I think we should switch it up. It’s so boring having the same damn people in there all the time.” He immediately regrets the decision to cooperate as Rhiannon’s brought up. “What? She sending you to communicate with me now?” 

She hates him right now, as much as she possibly could hate them given her enormous soft spot for him to begin with. “Right I forgot you don’t do anything unless you’re explicitly told. Thankfully there were people present with independent thought.” She’s scowling now, nowhere near backing down. She could sense he was at a similar point. “Everything you say sounds like a joke. How could it not be a joking matter to you? You can’t take anything seriously!” The last comment is a blatant stab into the carcass of their relationship, referring to his lack of ability to commit to her how she wanted.

“I definitely will. Glad her nosiness was able to pay off.” When he challenges her like he is, using the knowledge of her to pinch into her nerves like a specialized insect she sees the part of him she found attractive in the first place. Apart from being the mayor’s son and the most influential person in their age group (as much as she hates to admit it). All of this was boiling her blood actively, her eyes narrowing at him as he leans closer. “No I didn’t have someone cheat on purpose. But I don’t panic, I problem solved.”

He shrugs, her blows not really affecting him. He’s way too conceited for that, he believes much of himself to know she doesn’t really mean it. Or perhaps she does right now, but she will change her mind, she always does. “On the contrary, babe. That’s the thing. I have more independent thought than any of you. That’s why I don’t do what I’m told. I do my own thing, and I’m good at it. If it works, why break it? Right?” Zac just smirks. This is his way of telling her he’s not backing down, no matter how much she tries to defeat him. “I take plenty of stuff seriously. Not my fault you don’t approve, Rhiannon. You’re not the president of everyone in this town, sadly. You can’t tell me what to do. I think you lost that privilege when you told me to go fuck myself.”

He’s not even talking about the party anymore, and she isn’t either. That’s the thing about them both, everything ends up revolving around them, and what they had in the past. “Her nosiness as you say saved your stupid contest.” She leans closer, and she’s right where he wants her. “At what cost? It was a rash decision, and everyone’s questioning your judgement now.” Under the table, his hand slowly moves towards her, resting on her knee. “Come on Rhi, don’t you want to run away from everything with me for a little while?”

“Oh I remember,” Naia immediately breathed out as she recalled the memory Zac spoke of, out of all the people she would have run into today he was the one she had been expecting the least. “I also remember insisting for him to leave you in the middle of the ocean, but he didn’t listen,” the brunette jested with a small chuckle as she finished removing the rest of her wetsuit. Her white bikini contrasting perfectly against her skin in the sunlight, her own design of course so it was without a doubt that she wore it proudly.

Ignoring his compliment entirely, Naia rolled her eyes and bent over to grab her surfboard on hand. It wasn’t that she disliked Zac, but more that she didn’t enjoy his rollercoaster relationship with her best friend, therefore she couldn’t help but be defensive around him. Especially when he said things like that. “I won’t argue the fact that he might not be the best teacher, especially if you’re the student we’re talking about but I’d be willing to teach you if you’re serious.”

He can’t stop rolling his eyes down her body as she speaks, even if she is being serious he cannot be bothered to notice. Even though Pietro had subtlely labeled Naia as off-limits, and Rhiannon has explicitly done so he saw no reason why he couldn’t look. What’s the harm? “Gurerro you’d never do that to me, everyone would be too pissed at you if you left me to die. You’d be run out of town.” It sounds like he’s joking but under the circumstances does sound like it would be legitimately true. 

“I’m not sure, with that comment there seems like you’re going to kill me at sea.” Not that the true possibility of that happening would ever sway him from spending time with a beautiful woman. If his last moments were staring at her in that bikini he might be okay with it. In theory. “You been here long?” 

“That’s exactly what’s wrong with it. You know your shit, but you don’t care about anyone else’s. How am I supposed to trust what you say if you don’t give a flying fuck about what’s happening to me?”, she rolls her eyes, but keeps talking, because this is Zac and she has learned to love him like this. “Oh right. Now I’m being the one who’s not being subtle. Asshole. You were talking about that just now with two random girls who could very well be serial killers.” She’s still giving him the death stare when they sit down, but her expression softens after taking a bit sip of her coffee. The fact that he does seem to be listening this time also helps.

“Okay, what’s your policy on exes? Please, don’t think about you and Rhiannon. Think about a healthy relationship that’s been over for a long time. Do you think there’s a possibility two people can still miss each other? Even if they don’t love each other anymore? And one of them might or might not be falling for someone else?”

“Hey, I care about your issues D. Why else would I help you out?” He is somewhat lying, while yes he cares about how she perceives him he doesn’t truly care about whatever issue she is facing. Not that he knows what it is yet, he’s too busy thinking up his own things. “They’re not serial killers, relax. Besides even if they are I think everyone would be cool with being murdered by someone that hot. Anyway, I’m trying to stop with the sneaking around, but I really don’t ‘wanna hear Heath freaking out because you said something. Then it’ll be my fault. Better than my stuff’s my fault.” 

“So in this scenario, you’d miss this person but not want to see them naked anymore? I’m not clear on the missing them part, if you missed them enough you’d still be together.” After he speaks he stops to think about what she actually said, studying implications getting excited as he speaks again. “Who you falling for? What’s wrong with Tristan’s dick?” 

David couldn’t stand calling someone’s name all day since he had, you know, an actual job to do, so he went back to the other side of the counter in order to take people’s orders, make their drinks, and bring them their coffee on the side of the counter again. And still there sat Zac’s drink, which frustrated David, because now there was a ring on the counter, and he didn’t want the cafe to have a reputation for watery drinks.

He sighed and shook his head when Zachary finally addressed him. “Um, probably not. I only get on The List if Kat’s performing.”

Zac was ignorant of anyone’s time but his own obviously. When David gives him his drink he can’t help but wonder why he wasn’t expressing any gratitude. He was inviting them to an amazing show, exclusive even. An invite from him was enough to get anyone on The List or any list in the entire world. 

“Don’t worry about it man, I’ll figure something out for you. Everyone’s ‘gotta see us play, it’ll change your fuckin’ life.” 

“You’re not an animal?! That’s news to me,” she chuckles, awkwardly trying to look shocked, then nods along. “Yeah okay…” Like, really? Right now? Literally all she had to do was hang around the club near him and wait for Zac’s friends to decide to play truth or dare like they’re a bunch of fourteen year olds? If she’d known beforehand she would’ve done it way earlier. Wear the right outfit and smile a little bit too much and just… hang around his general direction until something happened. Okay maybe it took more than that, but for someone who’s been trying to make Zachary Bailey pay attention to her for a while now it seems a little too good to be true. But she closes her eyes anyway and kisses him back, standing on her tiptoes and resting her hands on his chest.

Zac is passionate, he always has been, and he isn’t afraid to show it. The moment he notices she’s relaxing into the kiss, his other arm snakes around her waist, pulling her even closer. Some place behind them, a loud cheer suddenly erupts. Damn, he hopes Rhiannon isn’t here, or none of these people dare to tell her about this. Otherwise, Thea is fucked. She’s the sheriff’s daughter, though, so that must give her some kind of protection, right? Or maybe he just doesn’t care that much. Both his hands move to her hips, asking for silent permission to move forward. “Nice.” He whispers, pulling back but only a few inches. “My friends are over there. Do you want to go meet them?” Never for even a second he stops to think she might be with someone else there, some of her own friends. They’re not as important as he is after all, right?

Preston never tried to be nosey. Really, he didn’t. But he had a knack for listening and multi-tasking and that often lead to him overhearing conversations. Especially since he worked at Asphodel, where people were always talking about the latest gossip. Though how long he actually retained that information, was a completely different story. He sighed after the second time he called out Zac’s name but he did say sorry so he guessed it wasn’t all bad. “Oh, yeah. That was me. Your coffee’s done. I didn’t mean to try to interrupt your conversation but you never know who might come and take the wrong drink. I’ve seen it happen all the time. Even with names people get impatient and take whatever might look like there drink.”

“Oh thanks, sorry man, duty called, if you know what I mean.” Zac winked. He probably did not know what he meant, but still. Out of all the nerds out there, Preston was one of the best. He was sort of Internet famous, he was best friends with Denna, and also he was a gem at Mario Kart. That kid was like Neo when it came to video games. “Wait, really? People just come and steal other drinks?” He laughed, grabbing his coffee and taking a sip. “That’s savage. - Okay but, listen, what’s the weirdest fake name someone asked you to write on their cup? Like, a dirty joke or something.”

There was nothing worse for her temper than Zachary Bailey. Poking, prying, gnawing, trying to get her to boil over. She wasn’t exactly excited to see him after the night before. But of course, he was trying to irritate her further. Which was working, and added to her anger –creating a cycle that only he could prompt. She scoffs at his words, loudly, making a point. “You were no help at all I forgot to thank your arrogant ass for that. Not that we couldn’t manage fine without you. I know you would burst into flames if you could be any sort of use to someone.” She puts her mug down on the table in front of her, the danger of throwing boiling water at him becoming too close to reality. “Are you fucking joking?”

“She’s an idiot that what she is, thinking that she would have been able to get away with it.” She finds herself leaning completely forward, sitting on the edge of the cushion she’s atop of. “No a proper power play would have been crowning myself, but as that would be stupid I chose the rightful contestant instead. And it was a tie! But you know what, you don’t even care so just shut up and choke on your donuts.” 

He smirks, because the effect he has on her is obvious still, even after everything that happened. Maybe it’s just a way of grasping at straws now, of making sure she hasn’t forgotten about him, that they can still have some sort of connection even if it’s as twisted and sick as this one. She’s not going to change her mind, and he knows it, but he’s not going to do that either. The only thing they have left in common is this, and what they once were together. “I have no idea what you wanted me to do. I wasn’t supposed to be of help. You had my dad for that. I was just there to watch the show, and to support Heath. Not their fault their dad made them act like a clown in front of everyone.” He shrugs. “I thought this was no joking matter. Make up your mind, beautiful.”

Zac cocks an eyebrow, the danger of the words that cross his mind becoming clear. Is he going to shut up, though? Absolutely not. “Actually, she would have gotten away with it, if it hadn’t been for Dennie. You should be thanking her right now.” As she leans forward, he does the same, face only a few inches away from hers. “That wouldn’t have been a power play, that would have been social suicide and you know it. In fact, I’m not even sure you did it on purpose. I think you panicked.”

Palloma rolled her eyes at Zac’s comment, coming to a halt in front of him. Of course, he didn’t understand how she could do so many things in one day. She did understand that not everyone knew how to plan their day effectively enough to keep up as busy a schedule as hers. She had empathy for those people. Understood that that could be a real struggle. But she knew Zac just didn’t care to put in the effort to do as much as possible in one day. He’d rather avoid most of his responsibilities. That was the kind of attitude she couldn’t stand.  

“Have to get my energy from somewhere. It’s very much part of my schedule,” she retorts. “I am busy. I just have enough time to shower before my shift starts at Ithaca. So good luck trying to tell him that. And oh, look. What am I doing now? Talking to you!” She feigns a surprised look. “Does that mean I’m not avoiding you? Shocker.”

He’s still chuckling mostly to himself since he knows that there’s no way he’s going to make Palloma laugh with him. She may laugh at him, but he didn’t want to think about that super likely scenario. “Why do you even bother working there though? My dad could have you covered financially, you’re wasting time you could be...glaring at me. Okay never mind.” He shrugs, unable to see why she would want to take part in anything that she didn’t absolutely have to. 

That was the difference between them. She wanted to gain independence, and he was overly content in mooching. “Oh shit so you are avoiding me? C’mon what did I do now?” 

Elena rolls her eyes, her chai tea in hand, her designer shoes tapping on the floor as a sign of impatience. She has been waiting to talk to Zac for what feels like ages, but apparently he’s too entertained to pay attention to her. That never happens. She’s not used to not having all eyes on her, especially when she’s demanding for said attention. Yet Zac always seems to be the exception to everything in this town. 

“Are you done, Zachary?” She asks, flipping her hair back and raising an eyebrow. “You know I try to be nice to you, I really do, but sometimes you make it impossible. Also, there’s no way you’re getting those girls into the List. You know they’re totally random.”

There’s a call that beautiful women have for him, as soon as Elena speaks he is powerless but to shift his attention to her. Since she is obviously more attractive than those he is trying to interact with. “You want me to be done Lima?” 

“Why can’t you be nice to me gorgeous? I didn’t do anything, you know I’ll even buy you a latte or whatever.” He’s not too great at acting innocent. “Yeah, but c’mon they’d really give the place some variety. We’ve ‘gotta expand eventually.” 

“Zac!! I’m talking to you silly! Honestly I don’t know why I’m coming to you of all people for advice. It’s obvious you’re not going to say anything useful.”, Denna huffed, taking a sip of her large coffee. “And I can’t believe you’re talking about that List in front of me after I supposedly got you in trouble with you know who the owner of you know what.” Her voice lowered for that bit, obviously. Zac already knew about her findings, but she hadn’t tell her about confronting Heath. Not until she was able to find out what the hell Heath and her were doing. 

“Now I don’t want to repeat what I was saying. I told you it was embarrassing enough the first time and you just ignored me to talk to an unidentified girl!”

“Hey what’s wrong with my advice? C’mon I know my shit.” By that he means he knows how to walk into a room and make a few charming remarks but still gain anything he picked out. Today that was the attractive girls in the cafe. But he takes a moment to talk to Denna anyway. “I don’t know what you’re talking about D, and even if I did we shouldn’t be bringing it up here.” He laughs, despite not caring what he does he really didn’t want to piss off Heath because of Denna. They got super possessive about Cerberus, even if all Zac wanted to do was add some colour. He pulls her aside to a table in the corner instead. 

As he sits down he winks over at the girl he was talking to. “Fine, fine you’ve got my attention. What were you talking about? Promise I’m listening this time.”