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didn't know what exactly sent him so severely over the edge tonight : rather it was his fathers undeniable demand of perfection, the suffocating clutch that maya's hand had against his arm, or the simple sight of that red dress that he bought paired along with his number two most hated vessel in his life. hadn't deciphered if that's what set him off, or whether the final nail in the coffin — and either way, the events that concluded tonight was ones that he was responsible for. knew that his father could raise his hand for any reason he saw fit, but this? his publicly prized pupil spilling blood at one of the most prestigious events little rose had hosted — blonde was practically begging for the response he got. “ your dad isn't here, eden. he can retaliate, sure, but he can't stop it from happening. ” words came out in a tread of fear he wasn't aware he possessed and maybe it was the fact that peter had a face to the name now, could easily spot her in a lineup that had him so concerned : women wasn't usually something his dad concerned himself with too often, but since maya's sunshine demeanor ( which wasn't at all the truth ) caught the eye of the news outlets, suddenly it was as if his dad put a ring on her finger for johnny. now knew that he'd spent this time in someone else's bed, more nights than he could count, and might as well told him someone had betrayed him in the worst way imaginable. “ he's not gonna kill me. ” chuckles at her words, tongue running across lesser as he notices the gash, metal instantly hitting his tongue, “ he's smart like that. always stops in just enough time for it to heal. ” properly, was another story as the hardened marks placed against skin are proof that some scenes were deep enough to leave a scar : a permanent reminder of him, and the hold he had on the castle line. played it off with sports, bar fights, whatever bullshit he could come up with at the time to hide it, knowing that the reality was simply too damn depressing. a topic that he'd never want to talk about, and something that couldn't be helped. “ i'm not kidding, eden. ” looks at her gaze, brows furrowing, and can't help but trail back to that same scene from earlier and how different it could have went if he didn't have that last lash of adrenaline to stop it. “ and i think we both know i'm a man of my word. ” not with most, but with her, would mean it deep enough to engrave into cement. doesn't dwell on the deepness of that too long, head was already pounding and he feels a certain sting that proves that he'd hit his head against the wall hard enough to indent something. fuck, he really needed to get to a mirror and get this fucking suit off. there were too many areas that stung, burned, pierced at his senses to be a simple injury.

jaw clenches and he can almost feel it snap back into it's normal place when she speaks of male again, the same one he'd felt at the fire pit : except worse, one that made an internal check list to finish the job when these wounds were healed enough to do so. “ there's nothin' to talk about. he's fucked — end of story. might wanna pass along the message. ” and was fully certain in that, knowing that she'd cared enough about him to show this sort of reaction at johnny's hand. if she didn't want him to get hurt, shouldn't have brought him to the one place she knew blonde would be at, was like she purposefully brought enzo just to witness the rage that he spoke of weeks before unfold before her very eyes. and honestly, he wouldn't be surprised if she did. brows raise when she snaps towards his hands, unbuttoning suit buttons and can't help the brush of a smirk fall on his lips. there was a certain stillness in the air between them, and for him, uncertainty : of this, of them, on what the fuck was happening and how one girl could have this much of a pull on him. was willing to die, willing to kill, do anything based on what was happening between them. and he'd tried to pull away from it, brush it off as if it was nothing, something casual, fun, sex good enough to want to come back for more. but fuck, this shit doesn't just happen to people who are tangled between sets of sheets. she brought someone else tonight, so did he — but here they were, sat across from each other at the end of the night. she didn't go with the ambulance, and he hadn't went back to the blue dress that was surely waiting for him in there. a magnetic tug that was impossible to break. if he cared enough, he'd almost feel bad for them. almost. “ it's what's supposed to happen, yeah. ” casually responds, and he leaves it at that, since the sheer idea of them getting rid of this was the loudest joke one could speak. and one that he didn't really want to worry about right now. it was a problem, she was basically his biggest problem : but he'll always come back for more.

TIMESKIP   ,   a   few   hours   later   .   for   once   in   her   life   ,   she   didn't   want   to   leave   — releasing   his   hand   from   hers   felt   like   unstitching   velcro   and   her   heart   nearly   collapsed   in   on   itself   watching   him   being   ripped   away   in   handcuffs   .   my   fault   ,   my   fault   ,   my   fault   is   all   that   pulsed   through   her   head   .   but   the   look   on   his   father's   face   ,   the   unspoken   warning   that   still   hung   in   the   air   ...   knew   that   lingering   would   only   land   her   in   a   whole   other   world   of   hurt   ,   and   johnny   was   right   .   her   father   wasn't   there   tonight   ,   he   was   gone   on   business   ,   wasn't   even   in   the   same   state   — she   was   in   more   danger   staying   planted   there   stubbornly   than   fleeing   the   scene   .   so   ,   she   left   .   she   got   into   her   car   with   trembling   hands   and   a   white   knuckled   grip   on   the   steering   wheel   ,   and   drove   back   to   her   place   .   isn't   sure   how   much   time   lapsed   between   the   drive   ,   her   finally   peeling   herself   out   of   the   drivers   seat   in   her   garage   ,   and   entering   her   home   ,   but   by   the   time   she's   dumping   the   contents   of   the   purse   out   on   the   counter   ,   everything   hits   her   all   at   once   .   stepping   into   the   gala   and   witnessing   him   paired   pristinely   next   to   his   ex   ,   the   vibrant   blue   of   their   accented   attire   burning   itself   into   her   memory   ,   being   held   captive   in   the   bathroom   while   veins   protruded   from   his   skin   and   syllables   sneered   off   of   his   tongue   that   continue   to   circle   her   brain   like   a   rampant   disease   ,   the   violent   attack   that   landed   enzo   in   the   hospital   ,   and   witnessing   mr.   castle   beat   his   golden   boy   to   near   death   .   all   of   it   ,   and   she's   gripping   the   edge   of   granite   so   tightly   that   it   begins   to   sting   the   inside   of   her   palm   .   before   she   knows   it   ,   she's   grabbing   half   full   pinot   noir   from   the   fridge   and   guzzling   it   straight   from   the   bottle   .   it's   as   if   all   the   adrenaline   ,   and   the   pain   ,   and   the   panic   from   the   evening   is   crawling   along   every   inch   of   her   skin   and   there's   no   way   for   her   to   claw   it   off   .   eyes   cut   to   her   phone   :   lit   up   with   notifications   from   a   groupchat   with   her   friends   ,   individual   texts   ,   instagram   notifications   ,   two   missed   calls   from   her   dad   ,   a   few   missed   facetime   calls   ,   shopping   apps   notifying   her   of   sales   .   but   none   from   him   ,   or   an   unknown   number   — no   indication   that   he'd   gotten   out   and   tried   to   reach   her   .   wonders   if   maybe   they're   holding   him   for   longer   ,   if   it's   so   severe   that   they're   leaving   him   in   a   holding   cell   and   potentially   moving   forward   with   charges   ...   but   with   the   power   of   the   castle   name   ,   there's   no   way   they'd   allow   that   .   right   ?   she   paces   the   floor   ,   heels   kicked   off   somewhere   between   the   kitchen   and   the   living   room   ,   neck   of   the   wine   bottle   dangling   from   her   fingertips   at   her   side   .   thinks   back   to   what   he   said   ,   his   threat   of   going   after   other   women   and   it   pounds   violently   from   one   end   of   her   skull   to   the   other   . why   wouldn't   he   ?   there   isn't   anything   holding   them   to   each   other   ,   no   vow   they've   sworn   .   they're   two   people   who   enjoy   sex   ,   and   like   having   it   together   ,   and   that's   it   .

knows   of   his   reputation   in   town   ,   just   like   he   knows   of   hers   ,   and   never   fooled   herself   into   thinking   this   would   ever   be   something   exclusive   .   except   ..   maybe   she   had   gotten   caught   up   in   it   . afterall   ,   johnny   castle   has   been   exclusive   to   one   person   she   knows   of   before   .   maya   .   mind   flashes   to   the   sight   of   her   fingers   wrapped   snuggly   around   his   bicep   tonight   ,   talons   sinking   into   the   flesh   of   his   perfectly   tailored   suit   ,   the   picture   perfect   couple   ..   and   that   tie   around   his   neck   ,   now   soiled   with   spots   of   red   .   they   looked   like   they   belong   together   :   two   people   created   to   exist   arm   in   arm   ,   smile   pretty   for   the   cameras   ,   have   the   most   extravagant   wedding   and   house   a   bunch   of   beautiful   ,   blue   -   eyed   babies   .   brings   rim   of   the   bottle   to   her   lips   ,   still   stained   with   the   aftermath   of   their   blood   shared   kiss   ,   and   she's   taking   another   long   ,   greedy   pull   .   fingertips   sink   to   the   blue   fabric   that   she'd   retucked   between   her   breasts   and   she   stares   at   it   in   her   grasp   ,   thumb   dragging   along   the   silk   with   a   mixture   of   a   scowl   and   a   nostalgic   look   on   her   face   .   has   half   a   mind   to   burn   it   .   he's   probably   used   this   on   her   before   —    hell   ,   probably   used   it   on   multiple   other   women   .   she   isn't   special   .   he   may   make   claims   in   the   heat   of   the   moment   ,   threaten   death   to   men   that   touch   her   ,   but   anger   can   make   people   do   a   lot   of   crazy   things   .   so   can   possessiveness   .   he   knows   exactly   what   to   say   to   wrap   her   around   her   his   finger   and   it   works   every   time   .   has   always   been   painfully   naive   ,   and   apparently   she   isn't   any   more   an   exception   to   his   manipulation   than   the   other   women   who   fall   at   his   feet   from   one   flash   of   those   sparkly   pearly   whites   .   she's   grumbling   a   string   of   curse   words   under   her   breath   as   she   stomps   into   her   bedroom   ,   temporarily   setting   wine   on   her   vanity   before   contorting   her   arms   behind   her   back   to   undo   dress'   zipper   ,   and   yanking   it   off   .   it   makes   her   feel   silly   still   wearing   it   knowing   that   she   wore   it   for   him   with   the   full   intention   to   have   him   rip   it   off   of   her   .   wanted   him   enamored   ,   jaw   slack   on   the   floor   ,   ravenous   with   jealousy   when   he   saw   her   enter   with   enzo   tonight   .   and   this   is   what   she   got   instead   ,   by   herself   with   a   bottle   of   shitty   wine   to   keep   her   company   .

had been on the receiving end of his fathers anger more times than he could count, each and every time causing him to become more immune to it : not the pain, since every time he finds a new way to make it sting like a fucking fire wrapped blade. no, instead, becoming immune to the inevitability that this was how it was going to be. had come to terms with it long before now, knowing that other children who see their parents are welcomed with a hug, the castle family was welcomed with peter's famous right hand hook. sitting straight as an arrow, no elbows on the table, no back talking — the list continues to grow, and apparently he can add screw the girl that his father chose for him, for no reason other than public endorsement to that same list. this night was more than a behavior check for his father : it was a reminder. an eight month long reminder that no matter where he goes, how much he feels like he's gotten out from that icy grip, that tug will always be there. whether he liked it or not. a few minutes with the man in a dark room and suddenly he was back to being eleven again, feeling lash after lash simply for not obediently going by his dad's every command. and for this girl to see it first hand, to witness his fathers torment — to view twenty years of physical abuse in a matter of minutes, it made him feel so excruciatingly uneasy, if he was confident that he'd be able to stand to his feet and flee the scene of the crime, he would. just so she couldn't see him in this obliterated state. and this, that look on her face right now that she's giving him : was the one fucking thing he has been trying to avoid since the day he met her. didn't want anyone to see him like this, and no one up to this point had any clue except for those unfairly involved in the castle family line. but this girl was the one person he'd wanted to keep this from more than anyone else, and she just so happenly saw it all at once — and in the worst scene he'd experienced in years. the sheer luck of his life for that to happen is not lost on him. he finally sinks into the wall as she's kneeled in front of him, other arm pressed tightly against his abdomen as if trying to shift his surely cracked ribs back into place, and as much as he wishes he could try to mask the pain he felt, every sense in his brain is on overdrive, he can feel metal against the roof of his mouth, and his head is fucking pounding, “ i'm alright, baby — 'm fine. ” pet name is whispered from his busted lip so easily, as if tonight never happened, as if they weren't both immensely pissed off, the same undeniable feat that pulls him in every time. doesn't realize he even says it as his eyes shut for a brief moment, attempting to drink in the pain before it overwhelms him completely.

eyes are struck into hers as she takes the fabric of her dress towards him, attempting to mask some of the aftermath against his lip and he has to tighten his grip on his own abdomen to avoid breathing in the stinging sensation on his skin. “ yeah, i'm worried about you because i know what that sick bastard is capable of. ” and has to scan her frame with his eyes, searching for something that might have happened in case foggy vision got the best of him. it was a sense of dread, a feeling of pure insanity at the thought and while her raised voice is telling him physically she was fine, he knew that this had taken a toll on her. because of him, because of his actions, he had taken this night and completely screwed every sense of them ever being normal again. he has to fully immerse himself in the words that she speaks while convincing himself at the same time that he didn't have a concussion, that he wasn't completely hallucinating this whole conversation, and suddenly a heavy weight falls over them both, and that same inebriated truth is caught in the air from before, except this time : he was pretty sure he was damn near sober. “ you don't get it, eden! i can handle him — i always have. i'm his god damn punching bag and you know what? that's fine, but to think he could've hurt you, that he could still come back in here in five minutes and hurt you — ” teeth grits and he's forcing back the pain, and understands that his father didn't harm her. she's right here, safe and sound. but the mere idea of it is sending his mind to a place he doesn't want to be. “ i'd let him kill me right then and there before i'd let him touch you. ” dramatic words are fueled with every inch of truth he could muster, and just as she sinks back so does he. the earlier scene now the prominent focus in the room. shutters out a breath, blood pooling and he can't help but spit out the remnants to the side away from them, “ you think that's what i was doin' out there when i did that? thinking? ” brows raise and fall in a quick move, using the arm that wasn't pressed against his rib to fall flat on the floor, pushing himself up against the wall as a grunt vibrates in his chest.  “ i wasn't thinking, de. i never do when you're concerned. you make me so fucking crazy that i can't control myself! i beat a man with an inch of his life, would've gladly taken it too, and it's because i know he fucked you. ” the sheer vulnerability of his words paired with physical state is sending him to a point of no return, and has to cuss himself for doing it again. for sinking into her again. looks down at the rapid rise and fall of his chest, blood rushing to his head and he unbuttons the jacket of his suit, constricting fabric suddenly making him feel overwhelmingly suffocated. looks back up at her, “ i'd do it again, too. didn't learn a lesson, don't regret it. so . . guess we both have a problem. ”

baby   .   in   the   midst   of   all   the   madness   :   the   punches   thrown   ,   the   blood   shed   ,   the   cursed   threats   ...   and   he's   calling   her   baby   ,   while   he's   in   a   heap   on   the   floor   .   it   settles   along   her   skin   like   a   warm   blanket   ,   thumb   gently   reaching   out   to   drag   along   his   busted   lip   and   catch   a   stray   drop   of   blood   ,   sucking   in   air   through   her   teeth   .   "   and   that   sick   bastard   won't   ever   lay   a   hand   on   me   .   trust   me   ,   j   .   my   dad   wouldn't   let   that   happen   .   "   and   neither   will   he   ,   apparently   .   but   she   doesn't   want   to   think   about   that   — him   ,   throwing   himself   atop   the   blunt   edge   of   a   knife   to   save   her   from   its   inevitable   strike   .   it   curdles   her   stomach   ,   makes   her   blood   run   cold   ..   refuses   to   entertain   it   .   especially   when   he's   cradling   his   abdomen   as   if   his   ribs   are   about   to   puncture   the   skin   ,   every   wet   breath   making   her   withhold   a   wince   from   the   staggered   sound   of   it   .   fears   what   would've   happened   if   she   hadn't   shown   up   when   she   did   ..   has   always   been   a   strong   believer   of   fate   ,   and   in   this   instance   ,   thinks   this   was   the   universe's   divine   intervention   .   brows   pull   ,   tethered   together   to   finely   pinch   the   skin   above   her   nose   at   his   declaration   .   "   but   that   isn't   fine   !   it   isn't   fine   ,   johnny   ,   and   you   shouldn't   have   to   deal   with   it   .   you   being   his   punching   bag   — it's   sick   and   demented   ,   and   he   -   god   ,   he   could   have   fucking   killed   you   ..   if   i   hadn't   come   in   here   ,   if   i   hadn't   stepped   between   you   ,   he   would   have   kept   going   .   i   know   he   would   have   .   i   could   see   it   .   "   the   chilling   twist   of   his   lips   when   he   stared   down   at   his   son's   crumbled   frame   ,   as   if   it   were   his   life's   proudest   work   :   beating   his   own   flesh   and   blood   to   a   pulp   ,   and   preening   over   his   pain   .   frowns   ,   thudding   organ   threatening   to   leap   from   her   chest   and   leap   into   his   battered   palms   .   "   don't   say   that   .   "   wipes   the   damp   pad   of   her   thumb   along   her   dress   ,   hues   dropping   briefly   to   it   as   an   odd   sensation   stings   to   her   eyes   .   "   don't   say   stuff   like   that   again   .   "   that   he'd   die   for   her   ,   that   he'd   risk   his   life   to   protect   her   .   doesn't   think   she   can   bear   it   :   the   heaviness   of   such   a   sentiment   ,   or   the   way   it   makes   her   feel   .   all   those   emotions   ravishing   her   chest   loud   ,   and   prominent   ,   and   impossible   to   ignore   ,   trying   to   rear   their   ugly   heads   to   be   heard   .   glances   off   to   the   side   at   the   pool   of   blood   stained   saliva   and   she's   growling   under   her   breath   as   he   moves   ,   his   grunt   echoing   in   the   otherwise   empty   room   .   "   stop   moving   .   "   commands   in   a   grumbled   breath   ,   palm   reaching   to   brush   over   the   potential   bruises   blossoming   along   his   abdomen   and   wishing   they   weren't   at   this   stupid   fucking   gala   so   she   could   ease   his   discomfort   .   gaze   shifts   back   to   his   and   she's   sucking   her   bottom   lip   into   the   comfort   of   her   mouth   ,   trying   to   keep   her   expression   poised   despite   the   frantic   squeezing   of   her   lungs   .

isn't   an   idiot   — is   very   aware   that   he   attacked   enzo   because   of   their   history   ,   and   while   he's   the   biggest   hypocrite   she's   ever   met   ,   can't   deny   that   she'd   be   insulted   if   it   hadn't   pissed   him   off   .   after   all   ,   that's   why   she   brought   him   .   him   leaving   in   a   gurney   ,   well   ,   that   was   not   according   to   plan   .   oops   .  "   yeah   ,   and   we'll   talk   about   that   later   .   but   i   don't   give   a   fuck   about   him   right   now   —   i   was   there   ,   i   watched   it   happen   and   you   should   be   happy   they   dragged   you   off   .   do   you   really   want   someone's   murder   on   your   hands   ?   "   for   her   ,   all   of   people   . she's   following   his   movements   and   batting   his   hands   away   ,   helping   him   unbutton   his   dress   jacket   and   swallowing   thickly   .   "   i   guess   we   do   .   " a   problem   ,   that's   what   she'll   call   it   :   that   strange   pull   in   her   chest   any   time   he's   around   ,   the   giddiness   she   feels   when   his   name   lights   up   her   screen   ,   the   thrill   that   races   down   her   spine   at   the   faintest   touch   .   a   problem   .   "   aren't   people   meant   to   get   rid   of   problems   ?   "   and   there's   a   hidden   question   somewhere   in   there   ,   one   she   won't   voice   out   of   the   faint   fear   of   rejection   . a   silly   feat   for   someone   so   rarely   to   put   themselves   out   there   vulnerably   ...   as   if   he   hadn't   already   thrashed   her   affections   to   ruin   when   he   sped   off   down   the   road   .   something   they'd   barely   scratched   the   surface   of   yet   ,   not   like   they   had   the   time   between   all   the   panting   and   moaning   they'd   been   doing   prior   to   this   evening   .   mind   travels   back   to   the   gala   floor   ,   to   his   frame   pacing   towards   her   in   the   crowd   ,   his   promised   words   uttered   between   them   before   he   planted   a   brief   kiss   to   her   lips   — in   front   of   everyone   .   maya   ,   included   .   had   heard   her   shrill   voice   calling   his   name   ,   willing   him   to   stop   ...   all   while   she   stood   feet   away   ,   silent   .   if   they   couldn't   be   any   more   vastly   different   ,   that   scenario   spoke   volumes   .   but   still   ,   he   didn't   shove   people   aside   to   get   to   his   date   ,   and   she   doesn't   know   what   the   hell   to   make   of   that   .   even   now   ,   as   he   confesses   his   prevalent   anger   ,   her   brain   is   wondering   why   he   came   with   her   ,   and   why   it   wasn't   her   he   can't   control   himself   with   ,   why   it   wasn't   her   that   drove   him   crazy   .   "   you   have   a   really   bad   habit   of   telling   me   what   to   do   .   "   mutters   half   -   heartedly   ,   fingers   twitching   within   his   grasp   on   her   wrist   and   she   hates   that   it   burns   ,   and   that   ,   without   hesitancy   ,   she's   leaning   into   his   touch   like   it's   the   only   thing   keeping   her   from   falling   apart   .

didn't have a second to think about the events that took place tonight — on why she'd decided to drop a bombshell so casually, why it had to be fucking enzo, why his emotions twisted to such a dark place in such a quick amount of time. and to top it all off, why the hell he ended the scene with walking right back into the same fire that burnt him just moments ago. as if there was a magnetic pull that gravitated him towards her, so much so that it was physically impossible for him to stay away from her. whatever brewed between them was enough to spill blood, and if he hadn't been pulled off, could've went to a level he couldn't have come back from. and fuck, he liked it. tension filled grip rips him from his mind before it deciphered that, bloodied knuckles attempting to get out of the lock but was more than impossible, and a few seconds later he finds himself in a dark room, street light coming in from window just enough for him to realize who it was. “ get the fuck off of me. ” spits and pushes his fathers grip off but it's then replaced with man's forearm placed strategically against his windpipe, pressing him against the wall. “ asked you to do one thing, one fuckin' thing and you can't even do that. ” attempts to kick self away but his fathers grip only strengthens, “ you just had to go and throw a temper tantrum, and why? for some loose lipped bitch who clearly — ” and his father chuckles, ice cold stare brewing in his eyes, “ loves to spread her legs for the whole town. ” and string of spit is spat from his mouth and directly to man's face, causing his grip to loosen just enough for johnny to get away from him, palms of his hands pressing against his chest and he's forcefully pushing him back into the desk table. “ watch your fuckin' mouth. ” blonde's finger points up to his father and his response is a chuckle, “ what are you gonna do, boy? call tate? ” and it's his classic threat, the same knife digging realization that stings each and every time it's spoken. “ he's as fuckin' dead as your pretty little slut will be if i catch you around her again. ” doesn't take a second to think before dripping knuckle is colliding with males jaw, forcing his frame to inch sideways and blonde takes opportunity to throw another punch, but it's blocked with one of his fathers hands and the other one lands against his own cheek, a loud crack echoing in the room at the force against bone. his teeth grits, vision hazy for a single moment as his father stands tall, “ fuckin' pathetic. embarrassin' the whole family because the girl you stick your dick in doesn't want you anymore. ” his father scoffs, rubbing his jaw from where johnny's hand landed. the cold, hard truth coming to punch him in the face, literally, and he has to accept the fact that the piece of shit wasn't too far off in his words, which only made the hit sting worse.

“ you're gonna straighten your shit up, you hear me? you're gonna walk back in there, grab maya, and be the couple i made you out to be. be the family i made you to be. ” and now it was johnny's turn to laugh, standing straight on his feet as he takes a step towards him, “ 'm not doing shit for you. i'm not gonna fuckin' act like i'm in love with maya — ” — “ cause you're in love with her? ” and his father points to the door that led to the gala floor, exactly where his last view of eden was before he was pulled away. and not a single word passes his lips then, just a heat rising in every inch of his skin, even worse than earlier. if that was even possible. “ i thought i raised you better than this, boy. raised you better than to fall for some — ” and he's cut off with another knuckle landing against his cheek from blonde, “ i said to watch your fuckin' mouth! ” and he's yelling now, rage and adrenaline filling right back in his bloodstream like a disease, yet again, when the same dark brown tresses was brought in the conversation. one second falls and his father lunges forward, that same dark, deadly glare he'd been on the receiving end of for his whole life. his shoulder blades hit against the wall and suddenly it's one lick after the other, grunts falling from johnny's lips as blood trickles on his tongue, “ when are you gonna learn?! ” father yells through punches, directly to his cheek, jaw, chest, ribs. anything he could get his hands on, “ you can't beat me, johnny boy! and you never fuckin' will. ” and every attempt to shield the licks were met with no relief, every pain sensation going haywire in his brain and he's pushing, kicking, doing anything he can to get the old man off of him. the only thing that pulls him away is the sound of shouting, a familiar one, and in one movement his fathers arm is reared back, ready for another punch, just as brown locks are halting him from doing so. “ this is family business, sweetheart. stay the fuck out of it. ” his father grits through angered teeth and attempts to use free hand to push her out from between them, and just as the force is attempted on her hip, male's hand reaches out and grips his fathers wrist, halting his actions as a cold, dead stare is sent his way, “ lay one fucking hand on her, and you're dead. ” uses every bit of strength he can muster up, and suddenly every pain sensory he had was forgotten. it's silent for a few moments, before fathers hand is pulled away, and he's backing up from him and eden both. he's holding his hands up in surrender before gently sitting them back down, looking up and down johnny's frame : as if he was admiring the state he's leaving him in. a sick, twisted, son of a bitch.

was   raised   with   the   gentle   ,   shaky   hand   of   a   heartbroken   father   that   didn't   want   to   fail   her   —  who   knew   that   his   paternity   could   never   make   up   for   her   mother's   absence   .   but   he   tried   .   while   his   profession   came   with   an   overflowing   closet   full   of   skeletons   and   blood   smearing   his   hands   until   they   were   stained   from   it   ,   never   once   did   he   bring   it   home   with   him   .   never   took   his   anger   or   frustrations   ,   or   shortcomings   ,   out   on   her   .   this   isn't   something   she's   endured   but   the   heartache   of   knowing   that   johnny   had   ,   and   for   god   knows   how   long   ,   is   what   cements   her   body   there   .   that   ,   and   the   devastating   urge   to   be   the   blockade   between   a   loveless   touch   ,   and   one   overflowing   with   it   .   "   family   business   ,   my   ass   .   "   snaps   ,   irises   burning   with   detestation   ,   "   that   what   you   call   this   ?   because   i   call   this   you   being   an   abusive   sack   of   shit   .   "   fingers   are   inching   into   her   bag   ,   centimeters   away   from   the   canister   of   pepper   spray   she   keeps   on   her   at   all   times   .   a   keepsake   her   father   refuses   to   let   her   leave   the   house   without   .   that   ,   and   the   knife   disguised   as   lipstick   but   she   forgot   that   one   in   her   versace   clutch   .   hues   snap   down   to   unfamiliar   palm   on   her   hip   and   fear   snakes   into   her   throat   ,   spine   going   rigid   .   only   realizes   then   that   she's   so   far   out   of   her   element   .   what   the   hell   is   she   doing   ?   she   goes   so   still   that   her   lungs   start   to   singe   from   how   she's   holding   in   her   oxygen   ,   bracing   herself   for   the   roughened   shove   — or   maybe   the   toss   to   the   other   side   of   the   floor   — but   it   never   comes   .   the   threat   that's   growled   from   blondes   lips   has   gaze   snapping   from   the   cold   irises   of   his   father   ,   back   to   him   .   okay   ,   maybe   she   shouldn't   have   inserted   herself   into   this   — but   what   she   supposed   to   do   ?   watch   him   get   pummeled   until   he   lay   a   battered   ,   broken   mess   on   the   floor   ?   there   is   no   world   ,   no   universe   or   timeline   is   which   she   could   stand   by   and   watch   that   happen   .   no   matter   how   upset   or   hurt   she   is   .   there   is   nothing   that   could   overshadow   that   inexplicable   red   string   that   always   forces   her   here   .   with   him   .   five   minute   warning   rings   in   her   ears   :   a   gurney   ,   he   says   .   it   sets   her   teeth   on   edge   ,   skin   bristling   ,   and   she's   staring   after   him   to   ensure   he's   gone   before   returning   full   attention   back   to   him   .   immediately   ,   she's   kneeling   beside   him   and   shaky   fingers   are   reaching   out   to   help   steady   him   against   the   wall   ,   brows   creased   with   worry   ,   and   gaze   swimming   with   something   she   won't   put   a   name   to   .   "   don't   move   too   much   .   you're   ...   fuck   ,   johnny   —  it   looks   really   bad   ..   "   voice   is   small   ,   thick   with   concern   as   she   glances   around   them   for   something   she   could   use   to   stop   the   bleeding   ,   the   swelling   ...   shit   ,   to   put   bones   back   in   their   rightful   places   .

         scene maps out in a pool of red, and he's fully convinced he's blacked out as punches land right where he shifts them, left, right, before piling frame overtop and overtaking dark haired male before he could get a lick in edgewise. wasn't thinking, that part was clear : femme had a pull on his mindset so insanely deep that he couldn't even make decisions based on his own accord. him and enzo had their problems, stemming from family rivalries, their constant attempt to over shine what the other was doing. enzo choosing to hit johnny where it hurt, showing up when he was dating hailee and tate had just died, a front of grieving when in truth he didn't give a shit about him. and privately, made that a point to blonde. this was a means to their inevitable fist-filled end, and even if eden wasn't involved . . this exact scene would have happened, the same blood shed, same frustration spilling in the make of thrown punches and busted glass. but he does have to internally laugh at the sheer irony of it all : him managing to keep his feelings in check all this time. that was, until eden was involved. until he learned of those two tangling between the same sheets he'd been in so many times. did she say the same things to enzo that she'd say to him? it   belongs   to   you.   just   you. nobody   makes   me   feel   like   you   ..   nobody. did she fall apart paired with the same angelic cries that he'd received? god, the mere fucking idea of it sends his mind to a dark place, that's only relieved when fists are colliding with the males jaw, two, three, four. bodies are attempting to pry him loose but he pays no mind, can still hear maya's screeching yell of his name begging for him to get off and it only tempts him more to continue, knowing that her and that blue fucking dress was the main culprit in tonights events. as if he would ever touch her again after being with eden. shit, if he'd touch anyone else like that again. enough hands are wrapped around his limbs to finally pull him away, and he's responding with a fuck you ! yelled into the air as he stands to his feet. adrenaline was at an all time high, heart beat pounding in his chest as he finally comes down from the rush, just as more bodies come to tend to enzo and the blood that dripped down his features. has to wipe the smile that dared to inch against his lips at the sight and bodies push him further away, eyes directing towards the knuckles that were now scratched all to hell, red painted over each one. can hear people shout questions in his ear, why, what were you thinking, what is wrong with you . . but he's not answering, not listening when he's turned around, and notices the same red dress standing just a few feet away, and his eyes have to squint to view the look on her face at the sight.

isn't   a   fan   of   violence   —  not   that   she's   squeamish   per   se   ,   just   isn't   her   father's   daughter   in   that   way   .   doesn't   have   a   taste   or   a   drive   for   it   ,   and   bearing   witness   to   his   savagery   spurred   on   by   her   snide   tongue   ...   well   ,   it   makes   her   feel   like   shit   .   out   of   guilt   :   for   ezra's   mutilation   (   and   judging   by   the   amount   of   blood   covering   johnny   ,   it's   bad   )   ,   for   his   father's   inevitable   anger   ,   and   for   ruining   everyone's   night   by   not   simply   telling   the   truth   .   but   still   ,   he   showed   up   with   somebody   ,   too   .   has   to   keep   reminding   herself   of   that   — that   he   isn't   entirely   innocent   here   ,   that   he   came   with   a   perfect   manicured   set   wrapped   around   his   bicep   ,   and   a   tie   to   match   .   so   ,   she   holds   onto   that   :   her   anger   ,   her   envy   and   swallows   down   the   lump   that   stationed   itself   in   her   throat   .   after   a   dozen   people   involve   themselves   and   pry   him   away   ,   heart   kicks   up   in   her   chest   and   there's   a   frenzied   voice   in   her   head   telling   her   to   flee   before   it's   too   late   .   had   already   sullied   things   between   them   — that   much   was   made   clear   by   this   display   and   ,   even   more   ,   by   his   parting   words   :   i'm   in   the   mood   for   rekindling   now   .   it   scratches   the   sides   of   her   brain   ,   engraves   itself   like   a   crappy   tattoo   .   wonders   if   he'd   do   it   :   if   he'd   run   off   after   this   with   maya   ,   or   a   different   girl   ..   or   hell   ,   multiple   girls   and   get   back   at   her   .   or   ,   worse   —  forget   her   .   her   eardrums   vibrate   with   her   pulse   ,   hues   going   out   of   focus   enough   that   she   doesn't   realize   when   he's   heading   towards   her   .   in   fact   ,   doesn't   hear   the   shouts   or   pleas   from   those   around   them   either   .   hears   nothing   but   the   unsteady   humming   of   her   heart   ,   and   how   it   suddenly   picks   up   pace   when   he's   standing   in   front   of   her   ,   and   obscuring   her   view   .   chest   heaving   ,   veins   in   his   forehead   and   neck   bulging   ,   skin   tainted   crimson   not   only   from   his   wrath   but   the   injuries   he   inflicted   on   other   male   .   the   spitting   image   of   anger   in   human   form   .   and   fuck   ,   if   she   doesn't   find   want   to   lick   him   dry   .   no   ,   eden   .   jaw   stiffens   and   she's   tilting   her   chin   ,   meeting   his   gaze   head   -   on   to   prepare   for   the   inevitable   war   he's   seeking   out   .   however   ,   as   he   speaks   ,   brows   are   tugged   further   and   further   over   pools   of   honey   .   "   how   honorable   .   a   man   of   his   word   .   "   mutters   dryly   ,   words   barely   audible   to   her   own   ears   .   hues   falter   to   cracked   ,   bleeding   knuckles   as   he   undoes   fabric   snug   around   his   neck   ,   staining   soft   blue   with   a   rich   red   ,   and   frowning   when   it   falls   to   the   ground   .   "   thought   you   wanted   that   for   another   girl   — "   taunt   is   silenced   by   the   briefest   press   of   his   lips   and   she   stiffens   ,   so   caught   off   guard   that   she   doesn't   get   the   chance   to   return   it   ,   and   she   tries   (   she   really   does   )   to   not   be   disappointed   by   that   .

#   ⁺  𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐏𝐇𝐄𝐍 𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐘𝐍  ,  1998  [ #750 GIFS ]  OFF CAMPUS S1 ( 2026 )  /  stephen kalyn is white, please cast accordingly and use appropriately. all of the gifs have been created from scratch by me. to access the gifs please click the source link. do not edit, claim as your own or add into your own hunts! time and effort were spent into making these gifs, a like or a reblog would be much appreciated!

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in the source link's download, you'll find a  .txt file  & a  LINK  to purchase this pack, which, as of now  (12 may 2026), includes  232 gifs  of model & fitness influencer jorge javier díaz.  more are to be added in time & will be publicly announced ! all are sized  400x220.  to the best of my understanding & research as of original post date, jorge identifies as cuban & was born in 1993, meaning he's around 30 - 33 in these gifs. he should be played accordingly, & any 'substitution' of ethnicity or harmful cultural stereotyping is to be avoided out of base level respect for jorge as an individual, for my time put into creating these resources, & for all writing partners. don't claim as your own, add into gifhunts, use anything i've made if i've blocked you on tumblr / discord / any social media, or  in 'canon' celebrity rp groups / 1x1 / to 'portray' the individual  as  himself  or in spaces  centered around s.mut & / or t.aboo material. find my rules here. credit isn't a must, but it is much appreciated !

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         hadn't felt a madness like this run through every inch of his body in his whole life : each and every word spilled just weeks before now proving to be shot to hell and back. had foolishly chose to reveal secrets that he swore to take to the grave, to the one person who's opinion and reaction mattered the most. sure, they weren't together, and honestly, hadn't spoke much of those confessions since the night they rang in their ears. wasn't sure if it was regret, fear, whatever the fuck it was — and at this point, he didn't give two shits about what it was, because he'd swallow broken glass before ever allowing self to stoop to that level of vulnerability again. has to let fit of laughter pass his lips at her accusation, of just how wrong it really was, and the fact that she was jumping to conclusions so easily. another instance of pot meeting the kettle, except for he hadn't spoken lace of truth to back her theories up. and it was as clear as the mirror behind her that his ideas rang true. and that . . was a dangerous truth to learn. “ you're fuckin' insane. ” head nods towards her, teeth rattling and every vein threatening to pop out of its socket. it was dangerous, he was dangerous, and it wouldn't be too long before that danger had to be unleashed in some fashion before he exploded like a ticking time bomb. but she continues, and he's silent : letting her go on her normal tangent, so many words that held so little meaning to him now. didn't reply because he didn't have much to say, too focused on the popped knuckles against the door frame behind him, and instead stands there, swearing you can see smoke coming from his ears until she's done - and then, a long veil of silence fills the room other than the petrifying speed of his heartbeat ringing in his throat. “ you always have a habit of usin' that mouth for anything except for what it's good for. ” finally spits out, straightening back against the door as he looks at her, gaze surprisingly looking at her in the most normal way he could muster. “ you're also wrong — by the way. ” shrug of his shoulders, leaning head back to rest as arms come together against his chest, “ didn't fuck her. haven't fucked her. not rekindling. and not my type. ” each word laces with every bit of truth, and his frightening sense of normalcy is causing the room to close in around them, “ don't gotta believe me — in fact, i don't give a fuck if you do or not. but here's the thing, baby . . ” and face is inching downwards to her, the same damn smile that he gave just two days ago except now, hid something that he couldn't really explain.

everything   happens   so   fast   and   he   doesn't   give   her   a   chance   to   react   to   it   any   of   it   .   but   either   way   ,   she   doesn't   believe   him   — not   even   a   little   .   is   convinced   that   he   screwed   maya   ,   that   he's   probably   been   doing   it   this   whole   time   ...   maybe   even   before   he   left   ,   and   she'd   been   the   fool   for   thinking   she   could   ever   hold   a   flame   to   someone   like   that   .   someone   perfect   ,   unblemished   by   lack   of   a   mother   figure   ,   and   a   constant   yearning   needing   to   be   filled   .   it   doesn't   matter   .   any   of   it   .   they   owe   each   other   nothing   and   they   both   came   here   tonight   with   other   people   ,   and   her   original   intention   behind   bringing   enzo   clearly   worked   .   only   ,   it   brutally   backfired   in   her   face   .   didn't   expect   this   reaction   ,   or   for   him   to   care   this   deeply   ..   didn't   realize   they   even   knew   each   other   .   how   the   fuck   is   she   supposed   to   know   ?   they   don't   talk   about   that   stuff   .   they   don't   talk   about   anything   .   can   feel   every   inch   of   red   fabric   brushing   her   skin   ,   clinging   to   it   ,   and   suddenly   it's   suffocating   ,   and   she   wants   it   off   ,   and   she   wants   to   get   the   fuck   away   from   him   .   has   never   been   scared   of   him   before   ,   usually   loves   the   crazy   side   of   him   ,   but   he's   scaring   her   now   ...   and   she   isn't   sure   if   it's   the   anger   ,   or   the   finality   in   the   way   he's   speaking   .   like   he's   wiping   his   hands   clean   of   her   ,   and   it   sends   a   sense   of   dread   and   panic   through   her   that   renders   her   silent   ,   and   frozen   ,   staring   at   him   with   parted   lips   and   wide   eyes   .   doesn't   miss   the   double   -   edged   sort   of   his   words   :   i'm   in   the   mood   for   rekindling   now   .   it   hits   exactly   where   he   wants   it   to   and   she's   taking   a   staggering   step   back   ,   as   if   he   physically   struck   her   ,   and   she's   looking   away   .   has   to   ,   or   she   fears   what   he'll   see   staring   back   at   him   .   she   needs   to   tell   him   the   truth   — conscience   is   screaming   for   her   to   ,   that   out   of   any   night   to   do   the   right   thing   ...   this   is   the   one   .   can't   allow   for   her   stupidity   to   reel   enzo   into   their   bullshit   .   and   as   another   threat   hangs   into   the   space   ,   neck   is   snapping   and   she's   moving   towards   him   :   "   johnny   ,   don't   !   we   didn't   — "   but   as   fingers   reach   for   him   ,   he's   already   gone   .   "   fuck   !   "   palms   are   flying   up   to   cover   her   face   ,   the   slam   of   the   door   behind   him   making   her   ears   ring   and   she's   shaking   .   doesn't   realize   it   until   she's   alone   but   her   fingers   ,   her   arms   ,   her   entire   fucking   body   is   shaking   like   a   leaf   .   and   there's   a   lump   in   her   throat   ,   and   stinging   in   her   eyes   ,   and   it's   only   then   that   she's   realizing   she's   on   the   verge   of   crying   .   crying   ,   something   that   she   hasn't   done   since   she   was   a   little   girl   .   blinks   rapidly   and   breathes   in   through   her   nose   ,   and   then   out   ,   and   in   again   .