Thread: Beautiful Disaster [[Writer & AshlinnRose]]

Tendrils of hair bounced lightly against her shoulders as Jai shook her head in response to Ash's gentle offer of assistance, and she swallowed her as her eyes slid closed. This is Gold Wing, she stated firmly in her mind. This is the goo in freeze-tag, where no one can touch me and I am unarguably safe. And Ash is here and Mel is downstairs running the fight club and there's bouncers and security everywhere, and almost everyone here is associated with the Eagles. The Eagles. The under-classed, mob-like version of the gang that held a strong presence in the city they resided in. But unlike most gangs or known mobs, the Eagles were highly respected members of society by both the law and citizens alike. Not out of fear, and not out of under-handed wads of cash, but by the fact that the Eagles were a sanction of nothing but heart-filled individuals. They were a family of misfits, outcasts, and down-trodden alike, all working together to help keep the city a bearable place, and offer those in need a place that they knew they belonged, and arms of protection and true, unconditional love. Given her history, Jai was all around the baby of the Eagles, the one person that every single member always kept an extra eye on and viewed as over-protectively as an older brother would. She was innocent, charismatic, caring, and despite the strong, guarded front that she put out, she was incredibly vulnerable. And right then, at that very moment in the club, it was obvious as to just how vulnerable she could truly be. Jai's gaze shot to Ash's, her eyes wide and expression drawn. No. She all but squeaked. No, really. I'm fine. I mean I'm not but I am just... She was digging herself into a grave, mentally wanting to kick herself in the teeth as she took a deep breath and tried again. I don't want to stir up any more commotion than I already have. Honest. It's fine. He isn't bothering anyone so you don't have to get him kicked out. Get who kicked out? Jai lurched, her balance shifting from her body's instinctual reaction, and she quickly placed herself against her friend to keep from falling over. She recognized the woman's voice that had suddenly sounded from behind them like a stain of red paint on a brand new white blouse. Mel... Hi... Her words left her mouth slowly, laced with surprise and distinct discomfort. Mel was unfazed, clear green eyes looking back and forth between each of the women. Rob came downstairs a few minutes ago and told me that something was going on and I needed to get up here as soon as I could. Does one of you mind filling me in? Oh... Hey, Mel. Sorry, nothing really happened. I was being a clutz and accidentally dropped one of the bottles and I think Jai might need to go home. She seems rather exhausted, Ash muttered easily, instantly taking the blame and covering for Jai. Hey! Jai straightened, shooting Ash a hard look before her gaze went back to Mel's. That's not true and I'm not going to sit back and let her cover for me. Mel quirked a brow, her arms crossing over her chest as Jai took in a slow, deep breath. A new guy came in to the bar after Pratt left and... And what? Jai swallowed hard. She'd never exactly gotten the chance to talk to Ash on a more personal basis aside from casual conversation throughout shifts and breaks, and now, though it wasn't the best way to do so, she really didn't have much choice. And he reminded me of him . Wait, wait, wait. Who's him ? Ash asked, obviously annoyed that she had been left out of something. And I think that I should be able to cover for you whenever I feel like it. Obviously something happened because you were trembling like hell! she suddenly snapped, unable to hold back the fact that she was confused and upset by the whole situation. Jai bit her lip, and Melanie shifted on her feet uncomfortably as he face fell. Her gaze switched to Ash, and she heaved a slow, steady sigh as she moved her arms to lift her hands. Alright. Let's everybody just calm down, shall we? Her brows rose as she spoke, her voice easy and cool. First and foremost, he , is-- He killed my father, right in front of me, when I was eight, and came back for me four years ago. Only he didn't succeed in killing me, so he settled instead. Jai's voice was soft, distant, as she interrupted Mel, her gaze fixated on the tile beneath their feet. Settled for what? Ash finally asked, though she moved towards Jai and lightly slid her arms around the girl, holding her tightly as she did so. And why have I never heard about this? I can't keep you safe if I don't know anything... she added after a moment, but she was immensly calmer than she had been before. He raped her. Melanie spoke flatly, her voice just slightly tinged with acidic loathing. And when that didn't satisfy him, he stabbed her six times then dumped her in the river on the other side of town, figuring if she didn't bleed to death, then she'd drown at the very least. She edged a step closer, her arm extending to allow her fingers to give Jai's shoulder a reassuring squeeze. Little did he know that our little Jai here is one hell of a fighter. Jai cringed, her stomach churning all over again as Mel's explanation brought unbidden images across her vision. I was going to tell you... She murmured, subconsciously leaning into her friend's embrace. I was just waiting for the right time... Stop. It's okay. Ash murmured suddenly, lightly pressing her lips against Jai's temple. Let me take her home... If you really need me, I'll come back. But this place is deserted, she added as her attention shifted to Mel again, her gaze back to that piercing look that meant she wouldn't take no for an answer, particularly when Jai was concerned. Melanie nodded silently, her gaze shifting between the two with empathy and concern. I think we're gonna close up early tonight anyway. She stated. The fights are already over and the guys are cleaning up downstairs. I can handle closing and cleaning up the bar, no problem. But first thing's first. Which one is it Jai? Jai's eyes had closed the moment she felt Ash's soft kiss upon her temple, forcing herself to relax as much as she possibly could. But Mel's question caused her eyes to slide back open slowly, and her heart thrummed once more as she took a deep breath. It hadn't been said out-right, but the tone in her voice made it clear enough that what she was really saying was that if Jai didn't speak up now, then there was no telling if it really was the man or not, and no one would be able to do a thing. So, with much reluctance, she pointed around Ash's side toward the back corner of the bar. The guy by himself in the corner. She murmured. Mel's brows furrowed as she chanced a look in the direction, her head tilting. What guy? There's no one there. Jai blinked, immediately pulling herself from her friend's arms to turn and face fully the bar. Her heart dropped into the pit of her stomach, and her throat closed slowly, as if it was being crushed by an anchor crank. There was no one there. The stool had been pushed in neatly, the glass gone from the counter, and the only sign that anyone had occupied that side of the bar at all was the small stack of bills that lay on the counter-top. He... Her throat constricted on her words, the world in her eyes starting to shift in colors and slowly rotate. He was right... It was him... It couldn't have... The swirling had picked up full-speed, darkness creeping in along the edges of her vision as she struggled to remember which way was up and how exactly to breathe, and before she could even get a grasp on what exactly was going on, the slate was cleared, her vision went blank, and her limbs gave out.