#redhoodff

[batkids-n-shit]

dating jason todd would include...

-motorcyle rides!!

-a lot of ranting

-jason has a lot of built up emotions

-late night bar hopping

-him needing to just be held sometimes

-"you look cute in my jacket"

-rough sex

-arguments about his absences

-so.much.sarcasm

-jason waking up from nightmares with you next to him

-dying your hair together

-he always insists on black, but you try to get him to branch out

-lots of heart-to-hearts

-jason initially being cold at first

-not exactly sure how to handle complex emotions

-it starting out as a friends with benefits thing, but him eventually catching feelings

-"you think we could, you know, not just fuck?"

-"are you asking me out?"

-"no?"

-"yes."

-"...yes."

[redhoodff]

Epilogue

***RED*** Tokyo was good for us. Larry was healing up good and was dancing again. He had plans to open a new studio to make up for the one he lost back home. No, I had to stop saying that, this was home now. They burnt it all down, Wolf and his boys, his home, his studio. All gone. My fingers tightened round the handle of the pot, I was glad I killed him anyway. But after seeing that, I wanted to go back and do it again. It was easier to get away without being found then I expected. I mean, I was a killer, I shuddered at the memory, of when the bullet hit his head. It wasn't what I expected, the sound of the gun going off was louder then I thought it would be, and the kick. I nearly missed but thankfully I had aimed low, I didn't actually want to kill him. But I was glad I did in the long run. If he wasn't dead we could never stop running. But he was dead, so we settled in Tokyo. It seemed luck was on my side that day, wolf had been using that warehouse as a holding place for enemies over the years, and at one point he stored guns he was selling there. When I broke that crate the long forgotten gun had been revealed. I didn't know if it had been used to kill someone or if it was just left unsold, it was there and I used it. We caught the first flight over, leaving all our things, not that Larry had anything left, only pausing to see Tia, call Larry's brother and visit the hospital.Tia was happy we were getting away, she had worried when she hadn't heard from us the day after Larry's first hospital visit. His brother was a different story, I don't think he likes how I had turned Larry's life upside down, I had vowed to him I would do all I could to make Larry happy. For as long as I lived. I wandered round our kitchen, Larry had brought us a small apartment. He paid for everything right now, but I had just been signed by a modelling agency, so soon I would have my own money. For the first time ever. I was excited, I could finally live my dream, tomorrow I had my first job. A perfume ad, Larry was taking a day off to come and support me. So I was cooking him a big dinner to say thank you. He still walked with a slight limp when it was cold or when he over did things, but he was healing, and his broken nose made him even more handsome in my eyes, slightly edgy and dangerous. My own injuries were mental, I couldn't sleep through the night, horrible dreams of being held down, and watching Larry die haunted me. I would wake up screaming and crying, he would always hold me and sooth me until I fell asleep again. He was afraid to make love to me at first, I thought it was because he was disgusted with me. But we got past it eventually. It had only been five months, but I've never been happier. I was just finishing up dinner when the door opened, smiling to myself I called out. "Hey babe. Home early?" He didn't answer, I shook my head, he must be on his phone or still have his headphones in. Grabbing two glasses and a bottle of wine I headed to the hall to greet him. When I cleared the doorway I dropped it all in shock. "Hey there baby love." ***LARRY*** I walked slowly through the crowded streets. Music blaring from my Beats, my knee gave a twinge, and I stumbled. Pausing, I lifted my leg and rubbed my hand over the knee. I went too hard today, I should have stopped hours ago, but something drove me to go harder. My studio was close, I had all the planning permission to build one from scratch. Exactly as I wanted, not taking over someone else's space. "Larry!" I looked over my shoulder and smiled at the two girls running towards me, they chattered at me, giggling they asked for me to sign their shirts. I did so and then bowed to them before they ran off again. Tokyo was fun, it reminded me of when Lau and I would tour together. He was visiting us soon and we were going to do a few appearances, hopefully he would see how happy Red, I mean Amber, made me. We used her real name now, only a hand full of people knew it, it made it easier for her to hide. I frowned as I waited to cross the street, the modelling was a bad idea. It exposed her, but I couldn't tell her no. It was her dream, so instead I would support her and pray that it didn't all come crashing down. I pulled my keys out of my pocket as I approached the door, but when I put it in the lock the door was open. For a second I froze, had someone got in, but then I heard the sound of Maxwell floating out of the apartment. Smiling I realised she had left it open for me, pushing it open I dropped my keys in the bowl beside the door and yanked off my headphones. "Baby? Maxwell crooned about how he had a bad habit, the smells of food followed his voice out of the kitchen. I smiled and swung my hips to the music. Maybe we could have some fun before we ate. "Baby? Amber, I come to find you." Toeing off my shoes I made my way to the kitchen. My phone vibrated in my pocket, I dragged it out and smiled at a text from Lau. "Maybe I can forgive her. If she makes me cake...and cook me dinner...and get me a model." I entered the kitchen still looking at my phone, "Lau said if you make him cake he forgive you babe." I lifted my head and my phone slipped from my hand. She was crying, her mouth covered my duct tape, her hands tied in front of her. A gun pressed to her neck. I followed it to the hand, and up the arm to the face. The bright blue eyes cold and deadly, the blond hair falling into them. "Hey Larry, good to see ya."

[redhoodff]

Chapter 11

***RED*** Time made no sense. I was in a windowless room, in one of Wolf's warehouses. Time was measured by when food was brought, and when I was dragged to the bathroom. I couldn't tell if it was night or day, weeks could have passed and I wouldn't have known. Things got crazy fast when he found us. I was dragged off, still naked and stuffed in the back of Wolf's car, shivering I waited. Resigned to my own fate, but scared for Larry. They brought him out soon after, limp between them, his head lolling around like it was loose on his neck. I made a sound of distress and tried to get out to go to him. Wolf appeared before me the second the door opened. "Get back in the car." Automatically I went to do as he said, but paused, "Don't hurt him." Anger flashed across his face and he hit me before I knew it was coming. I slammed into the door and he dragged me back by my hair, "Hurt him?" He laughed as the car boot was opened and Larry dumped inside, "He'll beg to die before I'm done." Those words haunted me when I was alone. Not that I was alone often, they kept bring Larry in, I watched them beat him, made him watch when they beat me, raped me. I shuddered remembering the look on his face when they touched me. At least they hadn't broken him, fire still burned in his eyes and every time Wolf showed his face, Larry promised to kill him. He always laughed, "How can a dead man kill?" My body ached, every part of me, I slept fitfully on a dirty mattress on the floor. I don't know where they kept Larry, but I could hear him some times. He called to me, swore that he would get us out, but I didn't believe him, we would leave here in body bags, if they left bodies to be found. "Why you do this to us baby?" Wolf was finally talking to me, he brought a chair in and sat in front of me. Alone at last. I dragged my clothes closer round me, it wasn't much, just a loose vest and leggings, but at least I could hide my body from him. "Didn't I take care of you? I made you happy right?" Confused I tilted my head to look at him, "Happy?" I asked, "Yes happy Red, Amber. We were happy weren't we?" The use of my name shocked me, he hasn't called me that in years. "Wolf, you hit me. How could I have been happy?" He shrugged and cranked his hands into the big fists that caused me so much pain, "I only hit you to keep you safe." "Safe from what?" I sat up straighter, years of frustration bubbling to the surface. "How did punching me when you didn't like your food keep me safe? Or kicking me in my stomach when I tried to ask you to stop cheating? Or how about the time you broke my arm cause I went to my Nana's funeral without you?" My voice rose to a shout, "You ain't give a fuck about keeping me safe! You wanted me silent and docile, waiting at home like a stupid bitch while you were out fucking anything that would let you!" I was breathing heavy I rolled up on to my knees, "So tell me Jerome, how that fuck did any of that keep me safe?!" He didn't say anything, all the signs that he was pissed where there, the clenched jaw, the vein pulsing in his neck, but I didn't care. Fuck him, let him kill me knowing that I hate him, and that Larry was the best I ever had. "You're nothing, Larry's more man then you could ever hope to be." Silence followed my words, then he stood. He came at me fast, the blow sending me flying back, cracking my head on a crate that was in the corner. "Is that right?" He cracked his knuckles. "Well wait right there baby girl. You gone watch that big man die today." I went cold, I scrambled over to him, grabbing at his clothes. "Don't you dare!" He slapped me and kicked me away, I hit the crate again and felt it give under me. Sneering he left the room. In a panic I looked around trying to find something to save Larry. But there was nothing, a sob clawed at my throat and I dropped my hands to the ground. My fingers brushed something cold. Looking down I saw something that could save us both. I curled my fingers round the butt of the gun and waited. ***LARRY*** My shoulders ached from being tied behind me for days. Four days to be exact. I couldn't help but wonder if anyone was looking for us, Laurent and I texted everyday. So for four days he hadn't heard from me, and Tia. Was she worried, would she know that he had got us. Swearing to myself I tried in vain to get my hands free, it would do me much good in the long run. I barely eaten, my face was a aching mess of cuts and bruises, I'm sure my nose was broken. A couple ribs maybe and my knee was totally fucked. But I had to keep it together, I had to save her. It burned me to have to watch then hurt her, her screams when they forced themselves on her. They echoed in my mind, I had to get us away. I just didn't know how. The door slammed open, and he came in. Wolf, I hadn't actually seen him here alone, he always brought a gang of niggas with him. I growled low in my throat as he paced toward me. "Shut up." He lashed out, his foot connecting with my twisted swollen knee. I grunted in pain, blacking out for just a second, long enough for him to get behind me and cut my hands free. I wrenched round to try and grab him but a gun was put in my face. "Don't try be a hero man. Get up." Scowling I struggled to my feet, my knee protesting at me putting my weight on it. Standing I was taller then him but it didn't matter right now. I mightn't be taller, but he had the gun. "Move." He gestured to the door with the gun and a spun and limped towards it. I heard him drag the chair along with us. Whatever was about to happen, I would have a front row seat. He took me to the room they held Red in, my skin crawled as I stood before the door. Breathing hard as the sound of her screams wrapped round me again. He unlocked the door and shoved me inside, I was half expecting to find her dead, but instead she was standing, back to the wall, hands behind her back. And strangely calm. She smiled at me, "Hey." I wanted to run to her, "Hi." He smacked me on my head with his gun, "Touching reunion, sit yo ass down." Rubbing my head I did as he asked, not even flinching when he tied my hands again. He stood in front of me, the gun held casually in his hands. "You can still save him baby. Just say you sorry and promise to come home to me." "I can't do that Wolf. I refuse to be treated like dirt any more." Her voice was strong, he put me with my back to her, and I was glad, I didn't want her to see me if I broke. And when the gun lifted and pointed at me, I nearly did. I swallowed, "Really Amber? You gone give me up, give up all I can give you, for him?" He looked down at me, I sat up straighter and stared back, I was a man. If I had to die, it would be like a man. "What you gone do when he's dead?" She didn't reply, he cocked the gun, I took a deep breath, staring down the barrel of the gun. "Red, I love you." She needed to know, that I died loving her. His finger twitched on the trigger, I closed my eyes and waited. "Just for that, she dies too." And then the gun went off. ****************** He stood over the body. Strangely empty, he always thought when this happened he would feel something. But he was just numb, after years together, it had come to an end. Tears threatened but he fought them, he couldn't show weakness, not now, he had to show He was capable of being in control. "What we gone do?" His head lifted, his blonde hair gleaming in the fluorescent lights, he looked at the boys, men he'd know almost as long as he'd known the man lying dead at his feet. He dropped down and shut his eyes, the bullet hole in his head like a third eye, black and endless. Blood pooled round his head, his locs soaking it up. For a second he lost it, a single tear fell, landing on his face. "I'll get them for you Wolf. I promise." Standing he wiped his face and faced his men. "We bury our fallen leader, we pick up the pieces, we keep shit running. And then I find the bitch and kill her slow."

[redhoodff]

Chapter 10

***RED*** I sat at Larry's side the whole time he was at the hospital. I held his hand while they stitched up his head wound, listened to the doctor carefully when he explained the pain medication and what signs to look out for in case there was further damage. We finally left around 9, Larry was still holding my hand, he was cussing under his breath about the bandage around his head. "Don't pull at it Larry." Gently I reached up and pulled his hand away from his head, "But it itches." He pouted at me. I smiled at him keeping hold of his wrist, "I know honey. But you need to leave it on. At least until you get home." His face fell slightly, "Do you have to go now?" I thought about it for a moment, I felt responsible for what happened, even though he hadn't said. I know it was someone sent by Wolf that hurt him, and that must have been because of me.i shrugged internally, in for a penny and all that. "I can come home with you. The doctor said we have to keep an eye on you." His face lit up and I was grabbed into a bone breaking hug. "Really!? Cool I can cook for you and we can watch movies and." He word ended suddenly and looking up I saw that his face was deathly pale, sweat forming on his top lip. The dynamic shifted, now I was the one holding him, straining under his weight as his knees buckled, "Hey. Maybe we should take you back in?" He shook his head weakly, "I want you to come home with me." My heart melted and I smiled at him, "Ok, but maybe we should hold off on big plans. Let's see how you feel when we get there." I moved so his arm was over my shoulder and he could lean on me. "Okai, one day I cook for you." "Of course you will." But I wasn't so sure, part of me felt I wouldn't live to see that day. ***LARRY*** My head felt woozy as I handed Red the keys to my place. She kept one arm round my waist supporting me as she opened the door and then helped me inside. She snapped on the light making me hiss and flinch back from the sudden brightness, "Oh god! Sorry!" She flicked it back off, leaving me temporarily blind, she lead me inside and set me on the sofa. She moved away and a lamp came on, it's soft light much easier on my eyes. I watched her as she came to sit next to me, her hand came up and smoothed a lock of her hair behind her ear. "Do you need anything?" I shook my head, "can you just sit with me?" She nodded with a shy smile, I grabbed her hand and pulled her to me, she cuddled into my side, fitting like she had been made for me. We sat for a long time in silence, my fingers trailing slowly up and down her arm, her head under my chin. It felt nice, it felt right. "Does your head hurt?" I shifted slightly, now that she had mentioned it my head did hurt, a low level pounding behind my eyes. She didn't wait for my answer, instead she moved to sit up. Her face worried, she touched my head softly. "I'll make you something to eat and then you can take some painkillers, ok?" I nodded weakly, amazingly she leaned in and kissed my cheek. I was in shock as she got up and moved to the kitchen. The light came on and I watched as she got me something to eat. As much as I had wanted to cook for her, I liked watched her in my kitchen. I liked the idea of her catering for me. I must have fallen asleep because I jerked awake when her soft hand touched my cheek. I grabbed her hand and held it to me, a flush spread up her face as she smiled at me. "Food." Looking down I saw that in her other hand she held a plate with some kind of pasta in sauce on it. Gently I eased myself up and tried to take the plate from her. "Nope." Her eyes smiled at me as she sat beside my and picked up a forkful of food, "Open wide." My lips twitched with a smile as I did as she asked. My eyebrows lifted when I tasted the food, it was good, my tongue darted out to catch some of the sauce that didn't make it. I watched her pupils dilate and her mouth part as I did. Tension crackled between us as she fed me. She didn't let up until the last drop was gone. "Thank you." Again she flushed, "I hope it was ok." "Better then okai. Was amazing." She beamed at me, "Want your pain meds now?" I shook my head a grabbed her as she went to stand, slowly drawing her to me, "Non, I want to be in my right mind to feel this." Before she could protest, I slanted my lips over hers. Gently holding her wrist in case she tried to run. But she surprised me, she moaned into me and fought my hold, only to slide her arms round my neck to deepen the kiss. ***RED*** This was stupid, and dangerous, and did I mention stupid? But I didn't care, not one little bit. As Larry and I kissed, lips moving softly together, His hands holding me close, I found I didn't care at all. Fuck Wolf, fuck him and his bullshit, I was leaving. I was done. He hurt Larry, the one man who's given a fuck about me in years, he hurt him, he could have killed him. So I was done. He might kill me, he would defiantly kill me. So i was going to make love to Larry. That way if I did die, I would die knowing real love. He shifted, dragging me to sit astride him, his hands sliding up my top and touching my bare back. I shuddered and sighed into his mouth, his touch was like fire. Anxious now, like a part of my mind was worried we would be interrupted, I wanted to hurry. But he slowed me down, grabbing my hands when I tried to pull his shirt off. "Why so fast? Let me enjoy you." Again he lifted me, settling me back on to the couch and moving to loom over me. The bandage round his head was a stark reminder of what had brought me here, to his home. Gently I touched his head, "I got you hurt." He butted at my hand, making me move it from his injury, "don't think of this now. I make you think of other things." His head lowered, his nose skimming over my cheek, his breath fluttering over my neck, "You smell good." His lips touched me and I arched up, I wanted him to hurry, a small part of me was scared, something bad was coming, and I didn't know how to stop it. Almost as if he had read my mind he pulled me up and quick as a flash my top was gone. Instinct made me reach up to cover myself, but he caught my hands, "Don't hide from me." He pulled my hands down and bent to kiss my collarbone, "Beautiful, every inch of you." His voice was low, I could barely hear him, but I felt him. They way his hands skimmed over me, the soft touches of his lips on my skin, the way he eased my bra off me, my jeans off me. I felt beautiful, treasured, worshipped. For once I felt like something worthy of love, and I didn't want to lose this. As much as I loved his touch on me, a small part of my mind was distracted. I was cheating on Wolf. And yes he had done the same to me, over and over, but for years he had kept a roof over my head, in his own way he looked after me. That small part of my mind balked at the idea of hurting him, even if he's hurt me so much worse. The gradual betrayal of the abuse, the endless pain of hoping and praying he would change but never did. All of it crushed my spirit, and yet still, here I was half naked with another man, a man that treated me so carefully. And still I felt guilty. The guilt left the second his lips closed round my nipple and his hand burrowed into my panties and his fingers grazed my clit. I arched and gasped, "So wet. Just for me." And it was, I was shocked at how wet I felt. Now my body had sucked my mind back into the here and now I was amazed at its response. Sex had never excited me that much, even before it got hard to bare with Wolf, I was always a slightly unwilling participant. But right now, it was all I wanted, all I could focus on. Wolf always needed to lube me up, when he remembered. Or it would be painful for me, so painful, it burnt like raw fire when we had sex. Which I guess is why he cheated so much. Larry moved faster now, his own shirt getting pulled off and thrown off somewhere. I worried for his head but then he stood and yanked down his jeans and boxers in one go. He was huge, his body corded with muscle that I didn't expect. He was so slim and tall I didn't expect the strength. Not giving me time to properly appreciate him he pulled up and spun us so he sat and I straddled him. His fingers gripping me tight on my hips, "I wish I could go slow for you. But I just." His face clouded, the bad feeling that was sitting heavy on me must have affected him too. I silenced him with a kiss, reaching between us to stroke him. He was hot and heavy in my hand, his ragged groan filled my mouth. He didn't bother taking my panties off, he pulled them aside, stroked me once then lifted me and pulled me slowly down on to him. My breath caught and I flung my head back, mouth stretched wide with a silent cry, it felt so good, he felt so good. And then he began to move me. For a few minutes I just let him lift and drop me, the tingles that raced up my body stopping me from doing anything more. But then I wanted him to enjoy it too, I wanted him breathless and weak with pleasure like I was. So I began to grind my hips in small circles, his hiss and grunt letting me know I was doing what he liked. I couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was coming, I felt crushed under the weight of it. He felt it too, I know he did, our eyes met and his were just as wolf as mine must have been, and so we plunged on. Frantic, faster, racing the cloud of doom that was about to hit us. We only just managed to win, he swelled inside me, and it pushed me over. I came, hard, shuddering and pulsing around him as he burst also, his face buried between my breasts, growling as he kissed and sucked my skin. I went limp. Falling heavily on him, our skin wet with sweat, the smell of sex in the air. And that's how Wolf found us.

[redhoodff]

Chapter 9

***RED*** Tia dragged me to a Starbucks close by, looking up at the green and white sign I feel a surge of affection towards Larry. He loves vanilla frappe's, I'll try one today, even though it's freezing. Inside we stand in line Tia talking nine to a dozen, I nod absently and make noises when needed but my mind isn't here, it's back in the studio with Larry. Well, it's with Larry, but not in the studio, it's at his place, what I imagine it to look like. And it's in his room, his bed, and things are happening. I feel a flush spread up my neck, he makes me tingle, I ache to touch him, but we haven't touched since he wrote his number in my hand. I'm too worried about the fact that Wolf might be having me watched. I think he bought my excuse about trying to get Larry to pay up, but it can only last so long. Smiling at the girl handing me my drink I took it and followed Tia to a table. She made a sound of disgust at the dirty mugs and plates on it and set her own mug down loudly, "Sit." I did as I was told as she collected up all the dishes and strode off to the counter with them. I watched her go, absently pulling my straw into my mouth and sucking up some of the cold liquid. My eyebrows rose as the flavour hit me, tasty, Larry had good taste. I watched in amusement as a guy tried to chat up T as he took the dishes from her. He was pretty good looking, enough to make T look him up and down and nod in appreciation before she shot him down. His face fell as she spun and returned to me, I laughed lightly as she sat back down. "Breaking hearts still I see." She waved it off, "Not my fault he doesn't have the right equipment." I had to look away from her, she was watching me too closely. "You like Larry then?" I took a sip of my drink before answering, "Yea." She made a soft sound in her throat, "Is that wise?" My throat burned, "No," I only just managed to choke it out, "But what can I do?" She reached out and touched my arm, I felt my lip tremble, really what could I do? It was stupid and dangerous for us both, but I had feelings for him. I think I love him, dropping my head into my hands I sighed. Tia patted my shoulder, "Lets leave that for now. How are you? Has it got worse?" I nodded slightly, Tia had been around when it first got bad with Wolf. She and her mother had tried to get me out, but I was stupid, and in love and I thought he would change. "Still hitting you?" I pulled my sweater sleeves down over my hands and twirled my cup on the table as I nodded, "Recent?" I shook my head to that, he hadn't hit me since the night of the club, when Larry tried to save me. Her hand moved up my arm and settled on my back, "Honey, you know he's gone kill you both if he finds out." "Then I won't let him find out, Larry's a friend." "For now. I've seen how he looks at you, and how you look at him. How long do you think you could keep it hidden?" She leaned back and wrapped her hand round her mug, "Honestly Red, it makes me horny to be around you two. So much sexual tension." She sighed, "Damn I need a woman." I smiled, as she had intended, "Lets talk about you now. How was college?" Her face broke into a grin, "Oh girl, I love the girls in California. All so tanned and fit and," she growled lowly, "Shit. I miss it." "Why come back then?" He face became somber, "For you, Ma said you were coming into the store more and more often with bruises, or just not at all. She worried, I worried. I felt you could use a friend." I played with my straw, "Being my friend could get dangerous T." She shrugged, "I'm not scared of that bitch nigga." I flinched at her words, anxiously looking over my shoulder. "It's that bad?" I jerked my head round, ashamed at being caught, and shrugged, "Could be worse." She frowned at me, and opened her mouth to say something else but I grabbed her hand. "Please T. I can't, not right now. I just wanna have a drink with my bestie and catch up. Please." Her face tightened, but she nodded and pulled her hand from under mine. I heaved a sigh of relief, "So tell me about these Cali girls." We talked for ages, going back to the counter to get muffins once our drinks were done. "So basically," Tia tore into her muffin and threw a chunk into her mouth, "Her man caught us going at it in her dorm room." I clapped my hand over my mouth as I giggled, T sure hadn't changed, always going after the seemingly impossible and proving the world wrong. "Now I know he was pissed, but then he tried to say he was gone join in." She rolled her eyes and fake gagged, "Only dick I need in my life is plastic you feel me? So I was about to tell him to fuck off with that bullshit. But shorty beat me to it, jumping up buck naked and telling him he ain't needed, and never would be again." She smirked, "I ruined her. She cried for days when I finally broke it off." I shook my head with a smile, "But you still friends right?" T always managed to keep her ex's around, she was on good terms with them all. And believe me there were a lot. "Yea, she got a new girl now, one of my friends actually. I introduced them at a club. Actually, you think you could come gay bar hopping with me?" I scrunched up my nose, Wolf wouldn't like that, not one bit, I could see her get ready to argue when her phone buzzed across the table, "Don't make that face. We can lie and say we having a night in." She checked her phone and frowned, then went pale. "We have to go." Thrown by her sudden change in mood I stood slowly, "What's wrong?" "It's Larry. He texted me help. We need to get back. Like now." My heart was in my throat the while way back to the studio. When we jogged round the corner I nearly fell at the sight of an ambulance parked out front. I gave a yell when Larry was wheeled out strapped to a stretcher. Sprinting to him, I slowed when I heard him cussing, "I fine! Why you strap me down? I say I fine!" "Larry!" He jerked at my voice, his head was strapped down so he didn't get far. Reaching him I did something I've been dying to do for weeks, I grabbed his hand and held tight. "Larry what happened?" His eyes went quickly to the paramedic standing next to him, while mine went to the bandage wrapped round his head. "Hit my head." I frowned, "Ma'am? Are you coming with us?" I hesitated for just a second, "Yes, I'm his girlfriend." Larry's hand tightened painfully on mine and he lifted it to his lips. As I followed into the back of the ambulance I called back to Tia. "T?" "I got you. You been with me if anyone asks." I flashed her a grateful smile and then turned to Larry, somehow I knew Wolf was behind this. ************* He walked slowly down the hallway to the office. His loosely laced work boots thumping on the ground, he jacked up his jeans when he reached the door and knocked softly. "Come!" Quickly he opened the door and slipped inside, closing it behind him. The man behind the desk was resting his head in his hands, his locs fell in a dark wave around him. When his head lifted he looked tired, "You good boss?" He gave a small smile, "I will be once I know what's going on." Under his heavy gaze he was suddenly nervous. No one wanted to be the bringer of bad news, running his hand through his blond hair he sighed and met the dark brown eyes looking at him. "Wolf, boss, it's not good." Wolf inhaled deeply, leaning back in his chair, jaw flexing as he clenched and unclenched his teeth. "Tell me." The words came out in a rush, "So I delivered the message just like you asked. And then I waited, she came back with that gay chick and ran to him all worried. She held his hand and got into the ambulance with him. I followed it from there to the hospital, and when I asked about him they said he was currently getting stitches. And that his partner was with him." He stopped when Wolf's fists crashed down on the table, slowly he stood, the air around him crackling with his rage. "Dirty bitch." Turning he kicked his chair away from him, shoulders hunched as he tried to gain control. Taking a deep breath he turned and faced his number two. "We gone play a little visit." Yanking out a drawer of his desk he grabbed a 9mm and checked it was loaded before stuffing it down the back of his jeans, he then grabbed a set of brass knuckles and a small hunting knife. "By the time I'm done with them, they wouldn't want each other anyway."

[redhoodff]

Chapter 8

***RED*** Finding Tia again was a blessing, it was good to have a female to talk to, one who knew my deal. Tia always tried to keep in touch when she left for collage, but eventually Wolf managed to cut her off. But she kept up to date through her mother who worked in the corner store, I went there often to get food to cook for Wolf, so we spoke a lot. They both worried about me, and now Tia was back at least she was happy to provide an alibi when I wanted to see Larry. Which was often. I was always at the studio. I half expected Wolf to notice a difference, so when he did I was prepared, but I wasn't expecting the way he asked. "White boy says you been at that studio a lot babe." My hand paused in washing the dishes, striving to keep my face calm I looked up at him. He was sat at the kitchen table, a few days stubble on his jaw his locs slightly disheveled, he needed the roots touched up. I nodded, best not to lie, "I've been going there." He pulled his bottom lip with his fingers, "Why?" He seemed calm, but I knew if I didn't play this right he would erupt. Slowly I pulled my hands out if the warm soapy water and shook them off. Chewing my lip I dropped my head slightly, "Promise you won't be mad?" I looked up at him though my lashes and his face was confused, "What have you done babe?" His tone was hard and I shivered, "Well," pretending to be nervous, which wasn't hard since I was, I fed him the story Larry, Tia and I came up with, "I knew that you were busy, too busy to protect you turf. So I wanted to help, I went to try and persuade the guy to pay you. Only by talking!" I rushed the last part I case he thought I did it with my body. Looking at him again I saw his face had softened, "Come here." He held his hand out to me and I went to him, grabbing me he pulled me down to sit on his knee, "You a ride or die babe. You did that for me?" I nodded, keeping my voice small and hesitant, "I know you've got a lot on your plate, and he seemed like the type to respond better to a woman." I felt him smile as he kissed my neck, "Good girl, but it don't explain why you still go." I took a deep breath and began to play with my fingers, "This is the part that might make you mad." His eyebrow raised, "Oh really." "One of his teachers is Tia." Wolf knew Tia, and her mum, while he never liked any of my friends, he tolerated Tia the most because she didn't openly try and make me leave him, she kept her shit subtle. He blinked a couple times, "Huh, Tia the dyke?" I winced at the term, Tia has been out as gay since we turned 14, "Honey, please don't call her that." He glared at me, "I'll call her what I like." He leaned back at looked at me, I could almost see the wheels turning in his head. "I'm not mad. You've got an in now. Keep it up babe, I want my money from him, understand?" I nodded, trying to hide my glee, I basically had permission to see him now. "And can I see Tia? You've been out so much, I miss you, I get lonely." Again I chewed my lip, he smiled at me, his chest puffing out. "Aw does my baby miss me?" I gritted my teeth and nodded, the smug smile that went across his face made me sick. "You know you my number one girl baby. Alright," he pushed me up and stood, "You can see her. Long as she don't try no gay shit with you." He slapped my ass, hard, "That pussy belongs to me only." He yanked me to him and kissed me roughly, "Think you could do my roots tonight? I gotta head out, need to look my best." I nodded and murmured "Of course." He smiled down at me, "Number one girl babe." He turned at went out if the kitchen, as I watched him go, internally I was dancing. That was a oscar worthy performance. ***LARRY*** Red was coming round more often, Tia would always stand with us when she did, just in case she was being watched. It was good to see her with a friend, I kept getting looks at who she would have been if not for that guy. "So, you guys wanna do something outside of the studio?" Tia was sat beside me behind the desk her feet kicked up and her chair leaned back on two legs. From the corner of my eye I see Red stiffen, I know she won't be allowed to see me outside of here. To make things easier for her I shake my head, "You two can, I think I tag along long enough." I look at Red to see her eyes wide with worry, I have to fight not to hold her hand to comfort her, "I mean," I soften my voice, just for her, "Spend some time alone, catch up. I'll be here when you come back." Her shoulders was ease and she smiled shyly at me, "Great," Tia jumps up her chair rocking before falling on to all four legs, "Come on Red, let's get a coffee." I watch them go shaking my head with a smile, I haven't known Tia that long, but she's clearly a force to be reckoned with. Turning my attention back to my work finally, I sigh and tried to balance the books. I'm making good headway when my phone vibrates across the desk, without looking I grab it and open the text. I smile when I see it's from Lau. He's filming with Usher, and clearly loving every minute, he's sent me a picture of him and Usher, throwing up duces to the camera, "Wish you were here motherfucker!" Rolling my eyes I drop my pen to tap out a reply, "Maybe, but she not there." His reply comes back fast, "You got it bad bro." I shrug to myself, "Maybe I do." Spinning my phone in my hand I think about it. I'm not sure I have got it bad, maybe I just want to be a hero, the knight in shining armour for once. Sighing I shove the accounts away and lean back, copying Tia's earlier pose. Feet on the table, arms crossed over my chest I frown up at the ceiling. I drop forward when the bell for the door goes, looking up I see a tall, blond white guy heading towards me. His head is ducked low, eyes cold and menacing, my skin prickles, he's not good news. He taps the desk when he reaches it, "You Larry?" Slowly, cautiously, I nod. "Yea man, you want to dance?" It's a weak attempt at a joke, but hey, why not? He smiles, two dimples popping up in his cheeks, but if anything his eyes get colder. I hold back a shudder, jeeze, stone cold killer this guy. "Nah, I come with a message." From his waist band he pulls out a gun and casually puts it on the desk. I feel myself go pale, but I keep my eyes on his, "Message from Wolf." Shit, I do my best to keep my face blank, but I must give something away because he gets a gleam in his eye, "He wants you to know that your time has nearly come. He's gone want his money by the end of the month." He smirks at me, "He'll let you know how much exactly later. Oh and one more thing," The gun lifts of the table and before I can react it crashes into my face, my head exploding with pain, blood gushing from a gash above my eye. "Hands off his bitch." He laughs as he wipes his gun off on his black jeans and tucks it back into his waist band. My head throbs and as I lift it my vision blurs while watching him go,he paused and looked back, "You want her that bad, play ball. Wolf likes to reward the faithful. I might even get a go tonight for this." He grinned and the surge of rage I felt was nearly my undoing, everything goes black for a second but I force it back, he's still grinning, "Be seeing you Larry." He salutes me and then he's gone. My knees give under me as the pounding in my head gets to much to bare, my vision fades in and out as I try to send a text to Tia. I pass out before I can see if it sends.

[redhoodff]

Chapter 7

***RED*** The next couple were tense, but so sweet. Wolf was out a lot, which ever girl he had found she was keeping him interested much longer then the norm. But I wasn't about to complain, I got blissful time alone. And I could text Larry all I wanted. I rushed to memorise his number on the bus ride home. My hand was sweating so much I was afraid I would lose it before I could, thankfully Wolf wasn't home when I got it so I could scrub it off, but I would never scrub it from my mind. I didn't text him for a couple days, part of me thought that maybe I just daydreamed the whole thing. I stayed home, I did my normal thing, but soon I realised that there wasn't a point. Wolf never came home, he popped in maybe once every couple days to "check" on me, but even then he would just come in, eat something real quick, shower, change and be back out the door. It was a close to living alone as I've ever come. So after the second time he dropped in, and showed no interest in what I was doing I texted him. It was just a word, "Hello." That's all I could work up the nerve to say, but he came back instantly, making me think that he'd kept his phone close since he have me his number, just in case. Hello soon turned into long texts, we poured out our souls to each other. I haven't had a friend in so long I wasn't sure how to go about it, my biggest fear was that he would get bored of me and suddenly the texts would stop. That and Wolf finding out. But the longer we spoke the less I cared, I didn't have his number saved, I never mentioned him by name. If Wolf did find out, he could only come down on me, I would never give Larry up. "So what you does today?" I laughed at the text, even typing his English was bad. "Nothing. Like normal." My phone vibrated almost instantly, "Come see me." I chewed my lip, he asked everyday and everyday I said no, but today, I felt different. "Where and when?" ***LARRY*** I nearly dropped off my chair when her reply came back. Was she actually going to come? Shit, my automatic reaction was to call her, but I stopped myself, it might give her second thoughts. Instead I texted back, "Come to the studio." My hands sweated as I waited, "Ok, be there in 20." I gave a whoop of joy and jumped out of my chair, it clattered to the floor as I danced round the reception. "Someone looks happy." A laughing voice stopped me and I grinned at Tia, one of the dance instructors, "I am." She laughed and leaned on the counter, "What happen? You gone get some?" I shook my head happily, I like Tia, a tall beauty with skin the same colour as mine and deep green eyes. She was mixed and had explained her exact heritage to me during her interview, but it was such a mix that I forgot it almost instantly, all I remembered was that she had Brazilian and Irish thrown in there somewhere. She wiggled her eyebrows at me, "Well it gotta be a girl. Only girls give that look." I laughed again flicking up my chair with my foot and setting it back in place, "Maybe, I don't tell you in case you try take her." Before I had seen Red, I defiantly would have made a play for Tia, fortunately for me I had seen Red, since Tia was gay and very proud of it. "Only if she fine bro." "She is." She smirked as she wandered off to her next class, "Sure she is, you got good taste right? In that case hide her somewhere cos I'll turn her out if you give me half the chance." She threw up deuces as she vanished into her class, I smiled at the spot she had just been, she wouldn't get the chance Red was gonna be mine. I was watching the clock so hard I didn't notice her arrive. It wasn't until she was standing right in front of me that I jumped up, I wanted to hug her, but she always made it clear that Wolf had her watched sometimes. So instead I nodded and gave her a slight smile, she returned it, and dropped her head, but not before I caught a look at a blush spreading up her neck. We stood for a while her looking down at her hands on the counter, me at the top of her head. "You want to come into the back?" She shook her head, "No I'm cool here." "Can you look at me?" She sighed but her head lifted, it took all I had to not reach out and touch her. At least she didn't have any new bruises, I could be thankful for that. ***RED*** I felt so shy now he was right in front of me. On the walk down I practiced what I would say, I wanted to make him laugh, I wanted to be interesting for him. But I was tongue tied, all I could do was look at him. The little scar on his lip, I wandered how he got it, his dark eyes and perfect eyebrows. I held back a sigh, he was perfect, the sweet smile, even the slightly buck front teeth were cute. "Hey Larry! The speaker is broke in my studio." The sound of the voice, so familiar, had me turning. The girl stopped and we stared at each other, then she broke into a grin and ran to me. "Oh my god! Red!" Laughing I hugged Tia as she crashed into me, "Hey T." "Hey T?! Fucking hey T? I ain't seen you in years and all I get is hey T?!" She punched me lightly, "Where's the oh my god I missed you?" I smiled slightly and pitched my voice higher, skipping in place like I was excited, "Oh my god! I've missed you!" I stopped and put my hands on my hips, "Excited enough for you?" She laughed, "It's a start." "Uh, what going on. You know each other?" For a second I forgot Larry but we turned together to face him, both of us smiling, "Sorry Larry, Tia and I were best friends in high school." His face switched from confusion to delight, "So I help you find you friend?" I nodded, my smile slowly falling. Was this going to be another thing I had to hide from Wolf?

[redhoodff]

Chapter 6

***RED*** Once I relaxed, I managed to have the best day of my life. Larry was really fun to be around, he made jokes whenever he could see I was getting tense. He followed me round shops and didn't complain when I took a long time to look at things. Unlike Wolf he showed interest in when I picked up, gave opinions and didn't get mad when I decided I didn't want anything. Shopping wasn't normally something I enjoyed, normally I had to rush because Wolf wanted me home or if he was with me he rushed me and shouted at me if I didn't get what he wanted or wasted time in a store by not buying anything. Larry insisted that we stop to eat he dragged me to the food court and sat me down before going off to get food. While he was gone I checked my phone, half afraid that I'd missed a text or call from Wolf, but there was nothing. I was breathing a sigh of relief when it began to vibrate in my hand. Wolf's face glowering at me from the screen. I answered quickly, "Hey." "Hey babe. You still out?" "Yea, I'm just eating then I'll go home if you want." He paused and I could hear him talking and giggling in the background. I sighed to myself, he was with one of his women, "Nah like I said I ain't gone be home early. I'll eat while I'm out. You have a good time babe." "Yes Wolf." "Tell me you love me." In the pause I heard the sound of someone sucking their teeth, clearly he only wanted me to say it for her benefit. "I love you." "Good girl," the smugness in his voice was sickening, "See you later." Hanging up I slipped my phone into my bag and hugged myself while I waited for Larry to come back. My mind went back to all the times Wolf had made a fool of me by showing off his other girls. At first it hurt, it hurt so much, why couldn't I be enough for him. But eventually I began to hope one of them would take him. The front runner for that right now was Mary, a white girl he had managed to get pregnant a few years back, but she had ideas above her station, as he put it. She was always scrambling for money from him, and she always got on his case about me and all the other girls on his rota, all of this meant he almost hated her. The only thing that kept her around was his son and the fact that she had good pussy. I know he wanted kids with me but I was staying on birth control as long as possible, once I had a child for him I was stuck forever. "I don't know what you want." Larry's voice coupled with a tray sliding on the table pulled me out of my thoughts, "So I get a bit of it all." I raise an eyebrow at the mountain of food on the tray. They must have disappeared into my hair when I saw that he balanced another one on his other hand. I expected him to sit opposite me but instead he shoved me over so he could sit beside me. I shrank away from him, or tried to, since I had no where to go. His thigh burned me where it pressed up on mine. "You need to eat more." He frowned at me as he grabbed a fork and began to attack orange chicken and noodles. I shrugged, "I eat plenty, I just don't gain weight." I picked up my own fork, then put it down when I spotted a Cinnabon. Moaning in delight I scooped up the box and opened it, breathing the smell of sugar and cinnamon deep. He laughed, "I think you look like a girl that like dessert. I was right." I barely heard him, I was too busy demolishing my treat. I hear him chuckling next to me but I didn't care, Wolf never let me have stuff like this. I had to keep my figure, and since he didn't want me going to the gym, stuff like this was forbidden. Once I was done I sat back with a sigh, that was so good. Smiling slightly I turned to Larry who was watching me closely, slowly he reached out and with his thumb wiped the corner of my mouth. It came away with the sticky glaze on it and then, his eyes never leaving mine," he sucked his thumb into his mouth. "Delicious." It was like a bomb going off inside me. For the first time in a long while I felt lust explode low in my gut. But just as quick as it exploded, it was drenched in an icy wave of fear. I dropped my eyes and toyed with my fork, I could be attracted to him. It would get him killed, as much as it pained me, we could never be more then friends. And that was dangerous itself. ***LARRY*** The flare of heat in her eyes extinguished so fast I almost believed I imagined it. But as I looked at her, the flush in her cheeks, her mouth open as she breathed deeply, pressing her thighs together, it all lead me to believe I wasn't wrong. Maybe I had moved too fast for her? Looking away to give her some semblance of privacy, I speared a piece of chicken with my fork. "What was your dream when you little?" From the corner of my eye I watched as she pulled herself together, her face taking on a blank smile like a china doll. "I don't really know." She shrugged as she picked up her fork and began to eat, "Los of things, I wanted to dance, then sing, then act. I think the biggest dream was to model." Her smiled became real for a second, "My Nana said I had a face that was made for magazine covers." I had to agree, while not a classic beauty, her face was intriguing. Her freckles made me want to sit down and join them up to see what pictures I could make. "What about you?" "I want to dance, my whole life is all I want." She looked at me, "You never wanted anything else?" I shook my head, "For a while I was a chef, and I think it is a better dream, but dance calls to me." I tapped my chest over my heart, "It is in here, nothing can take its place." Her face turned wistful and she looked back to her food, "I need to actually buy something." She looked at me again, "If I go back with all the money he gave me he won't believe I went shopping." Fear darkened her eyes and she chewed on her chapped bottom lip. I jerked my head, "Okai, so you eat," I pushed her tray closer to her, "And then we find something." It didn't take long for her to find something, she settled on a long fur lined coat with a hood. She wanted it in black but I convinced her to get it in a deep red instead. When she tried it on I couldn't help but pull up the hood, the fur mingling with her wild hair, "Red riding hood." She gave me a smile and giggled lightly. "Red isn't even my real name." "Is not? Suits you, I guess cos of you hair?" She shook her head as she slipped out of the coat, I trailed behind her towards the till, holding her bag and her old coat over my arm. "No cos I used to blush a lot, and when I was born my face was strawberry red according to my dad." "Where is you dad, and you mum?" Her face shuttered, "Dead." I paused and touched her arm gently, "I sorry." She shrugged, "Never knew them. Died while I was a baby." She tried to pull away but I held on, "Still, I sorry you not know them." Her face crumpled for a second and all I wanted to do was hold her, but again I watched that china doll look come across her face. "Let me get this then I gotta go." She spun away towards the till, her stride purposeful. Outside the mall I tried to convince her to let me drive her home, but she was adamant. "He has the house watched. He'd kill us both." Reluctant I nodded but before she could leave I grabbed her hand, "I can see you again?" Her lip wobbled as she shook her head, "This has been the best day I've had for a long time, but no. I can't risk him hurting you, or me." The way she added herself as an after thought angered me. Pulling her back toward me I pulled out a pen and wrote my number on her hand, "You call me." I waited a second for the ink to dry then closed her hand into a fist to protect it, "To talk, if you need someone. You call me." I stared her down until she nodded, and only then did I let her go, watching with a heavy heart as she ran to catch her bus. New red coat flying like blood soaked wings round her.