Mack let out a breath she didn't know she was holding, her closed fist hovering over the bold wooden door in front of her. She inhaled deeply before exhaling, rasping her hand against the cool material. After a moment of silence there was scuffling behind it and the door swung open, Ben standing there with an all-to-familiar expression on his face. His irritation irked from him features - eyebrows pulled together in a scowl, nose wrinkled slightly and lips down-turned into a slight frown.
"What are you doing here?" He sassed, the very same irritation evident in his moody tone. Mack rolled her eyes and pushed past him, taking a seat on one of the leather stools at the kitchen counter.
"We need to talk." She deadpanned. Ben looked at his girlfriend as if she had just spoken Latin. She huffed and crossed her arms over her chest, taking a deep breath before continuing. "W-we should break up. I'm breaking up with you." She sighed, glad she managed to form the words. Ben's face of irritation was swiftly replaced with one of pure rage. He crossed the short distance between them a a few shoe strides, so he stood towering over the girl - his anger-filled eyes boring into hers.
"You can't break up with me." He laughed, his expression now one of amusement. Mack's scowl grew. She balled her fists, pushing herself out of the chair so she gained a few more inches to her boyfriend belittling height, trying to make herself seem big.
"What do you mean I 'can't break up with you'?! You don't control me, dick." Mack spat with fire, her glare shooting daggers threw Ben. He scoffed.
"Oh please. Why are you even trying to break up with me anyway?" He has to be joking. There was no way he didn't know why. Mack's palm connected with his cheek - or at least it tried to. Ben was fast, catching her wrist with his hand before she managed to strike him. He lowered his face closer to hers.
"You fucking raped me." She growled through gritted teeth. The idea was clearly funny to Ben, as he chuckled deeply. He cocked his head at her.
"It's not rape if you enjoyed it, slut. And as normal, I can tell you enjoyed every. Damn. Second." Ben laugh, his grip on her wrist tightening.
"I did not enjoy it, you sick freak! Did my screams for help not explain that to you?" Mack retorted, making Ben breathe a humourless laugh through his nose.
"The only freak you're seeing is that guy Parker. There's no way you two aren't fucking - the way you look at each other. You practically undress him with your eyes whenever you're in the same goddamned room as him." Ben shot back, the anger back in his face. Mack scoffed.
"Me and Kai? That's the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard! The guy's a dick, I'd never be into him!" She hissed, jerking her hand free of his grasp. She went to move around him, but the boy held his ground. He blocked her way with his body, grabbing both her wrists in his hands and pinning them to the wall behind her.
"Hmm, I beg to differ. I think you should remember who you belong to." Ben sneered.
"I don't belong to anyone, especially not you." Mack jeered, earning herself a harsh slap to her face. Her head jerked back with the force and Ben released her wrists, swinging his fist into the side of her face. Mack clutched her jaw where he had hit and glowered up at him, falling to the floor with the power of the next hit.
"You worthless girl." Ben growled, his foot colliding with her stomach in heavy kicks, winding the girl and making her grasp her middle from the pain. He bent down and hoisted Mack to her feet using her shirt collar, pinning her to the wall by wrapping his large hand around her throat. Her breathing restricted, Mack choked on the air she could get to her lungs and Ben tamed her head into the wall a few times, making a headache pound through her skull.
"I wasted so much time on you. All for nothing, you bitch." Ben glared, tossing his ex-girlfriend to the floor and kicking her abdomen one last time. "Get the fuck out of my house, and stay out! Fucking bitch!" He shouted, making Mack jump and scrabbles to her feet with a groan.
~
As Mack stumbled through the dark town, clutching her agonisingly painful stomach and tried to keep her mind off her pounding headache, she kept her sight down and paid no mind to what was happening around her. Her mind was elsewhere - thinking about Ben, about what he did but most importantly what he said about Kai. She'd never really let herself think of him for too long, being best friends with his sister over-complicated things and she didn't want to hurt Jo. But once the words had slipped from Ben's mouth it was like a switch flipped in her mind and she let the thoughts flood in. Kai. He was sweet, funny and obnoxiously arrogant. He was extremely hot and definitely didn't lack in the looks department, but he could also be a complete dick.
Mack was snapped out of her daze when she collided with something solid. Looking up slowly she caught the eyes of Kai, who was looking back down at her with a concerned look. She gulped, a warm feeling shooting through her at the contact of his large hands gripping both her upper-arms to steady her.
"S-sorry." She mumbled, ready to move out his was but the boy didn't budge. His eyebrows knitted together with worry.
"Kenz? What happened?" He frowned, studying her with intent. Mack opened her mouth to speak but only a choked sop came out, wracking her body with force. "Hey, hey. It's okay, I'll take you home." Kai spoke in a soft voice, rubbing her arms reassuringly. She nodded and let him place her arm around his shoulders, helping her walk presumably to where his car was parked.
Upon reaching his car, Kai pulled the passenger door open and sat Mack down on the seat, so she was facing him as he stood next to the car. He grabbed her hand in his and rubbed his thumb lightly over the cuts that scattered it. He looked up into her eyes and reached a hand forward, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear and faintly facing the back of his hand over her bruised cheek. She flinched away as his fingers touched the purple-black area and he paused.
"What happened to you?" Kai whispered, his eyes surveying over Mack's black and blue form. Tears stained her reddened cheeks and she mumbled back an answer, but it was incoherent. "What was that?" He pushed. Mack took a deep breath.
"Ben did this t-to me." She choked out, another sob wracking her small frame. Kai's jaw instantly clenched, his fists balling as his sides and he turned around, running his hands through his hair frustratedly. Mack admired his back, the muscles clenching as his arms tensed, the tight material of his white t-shirt clinging to him. He turned back to her, breathing heavy - like a bull. His hand rubbed over his mouth and he looked into her eyes with a mix of anger and pity clouding his.
"I cannot believe that dickhead-" Kai started but Mack cut in.
"Kai, don't. I was breaking up with him. He got angry and- and h-hit me. He's done it before, it's just this time-" she was overwhelmed with the tears again. Kai's hand cupped her good cheek.
"This time what, kenz?"
"He didn't stop." Is all the said, avoiding Kai's gaze.
"Kenz I- I don't know what to say. I'm sorry." He swallows thickly.
"It's not your fault, I can walk home." Mack dismissed, moving to push herself from the seat but instantly stopped, groaning in pain. Kai's hands were on her waist, supporting the girl and aiding her back into the seat.
"You're not going anywhere like that. Come on, I'll take you back to mine and patch you up. No one's home." Kai smiled at her, earning a nod from Mack and she turned to sit in the seat properly.
~
"You're very good at this." Mack commented as Kai carefully cleaned her cuts. Kai chuckled under his breath, wiping over her hand with a damp towel.
"You get used to it." He replied, turning his attention to her cheek. He nudged her hand away, which previously had been holing a ice-pack firmly to the sore area. Mack cocked her head to the side.
"What does that mean?"
"Oh, just that my dad isn't very sympathetic towards me. I always had to fix myself if I was every injured." He waved off, catching himself at his slip-up.
"What about your mom? Or Jo?" Mack frowned.
"My mom died when I was young. And Jo tried to help at first, but my dad wasn't a fan and soon forced her to stop." A sad look passed over her eyes at his words.
"I'm sorry." Is all she could muster.
"It's fine, I barely remember her anyway." Mack flinched with a hiss as he swiped the towel over a cut on her cheekbone, Kai gently dabbing it clean. His hand brushed her side and Mack cried out, recoiling from him with pain. "Where does it hurt?" Mack swallowed another groan of pain and lifter her shirt slightly, revealing her beaten and bruised abdomen. His eyes widened and he nodded. "Kenz, I hate to say it under these circumstances but I need you to take off your top." Kai spoke slowly.
"What?" She almost shrieked, eyes blown wide. Kai chuckled.
"So I can tend to your wounds, babe." He laughed, making Mack release a sigh of relief.
"Oh, okay. She slowly reached for the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head, letting it fall to the floor in front of where they sat on Kai's bed. Mack looked away with rosy cheeks and Kai's stare lingered on her chest for a moment before flirting down to her stomach and bruised ribs again. He took the ice pack from her hand and held it to the bruise, Mack letting out a gasp at the coldness. He cleaned the small cuts that littered her muddled before wrapping some bandage around her, stopping the bleeding and tying the bandage around itself.
"They we go, all done." Kai announced, putting the excess bandage on the bed beside him and and clapped his hands together. When he looked back up Mack was gazing at him, her eyes flicking between his eyes and his lips. It was then that he realised just how close they were, with mere inches between their faces. His eyes looked between her lips and eyes, cupping her face with his warm hand and leaning in.
Just as his lips brushed hers a knock sounded on his door, which soon burst open to reveal Jo. The two jumped apart instantly, looking everywhere but at each other. Jo's eyes widened as she saw them, Mack still only in her bra. Then her eyes landed on her bandaged stomach and bruised face.
"What happened to you?" She gushed, rushing forward towards Mack.
"Oh, um. I broke up with Ben. He got a bit angry." Mack swallowed. Her mind still focused on the almost kiss. Her and Kai had kisses before, but it meant nothing, simply the result of a bet. No, this time it actually meant something.
"You poor thing! You should stay the night, rest up." Jo suggested, tugging the girl's hand and leading her out of Kai's room.
"Okay." Mack responded, turning to Kai as they exited and mouthing a thank you. Kai have her a warm smiles n's moth back any time.
~
The weeks passed and Halloween rolled around, carved pumpkins and taking skeletons decorating the outsides of houses all over Portland. Mack was lounging over Jo's bed, while her friend rooted through her closet, trying to find something for Mack to wear to a party she was dragging her too tonight. Mack never intended on going out for Halloween - she never did - but Jo managed to convince her into going.
Jo turned around, holding up a black dress and a pointy black witches hat. She raised her eyebrows in question and Mack smiled, thinking they finally found the one. Before either of the girls could say anything, Kai's some up from where he stood with his arms folded over his chest leant against the door frame and a bag of pork-chops in his hand.
"Oooooh, cute." He commented, his signature smirk on his face. "You'll definitely get laid in that." He winked. Mack shot his a death glare and threw a pillow at him, which he dodged laughing.
"Get out, Kai." Mack shouted, amusing him further.
"Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable, Kenz?" Kai said with a devilish smirk, popping a pork rind into his mouth and chewing nonchalantly.
"Talking to you makes me uncomfortable." Mack retorted with a disgusted face which only made Kai's sly expression grow. Another pillowed was launched in his direction and he took a step back, holding his hands up I surrender and retreating out the room. Jo closed the door behind him before turning to Mack and rolling her eyes, making both girls giggle.
Mack ran her hands over her hips, staring at her reflection in the mirror. She looked nothing like herself. Her figure was shown off by the tight, coal-black dress that had a square neck-line and short sleeves. It ended just above her knees and was accented by a thick belt with a silver buckle around her waist. She wore black combat boots and a big, black jacket. Her hair was over her shoulders in her natural waves and a pointy-black witches hat sat atop her head. Jo stood beside her, wearing a brilliant Princess Leia costume. She had white robes on with a black belt and her dark hair was twisted into two buns either side of her head.
"Ready to go, ladies?" Kai said from the door, wearing a t-shirt, jeans and a denim jacket.
"No costume?" Mack teased. Kai rolled his eyes.
"Nope. I hate dressing up. I'm just the chauffeur." He winked, making jo scoff behind them.
Pulling up to the house that was hosting, Kai let the girls get out the car before getting out himself.
"I thought you weren't going in?" Jo asked. Kai gave her a tight smile.
"Changed my mind. Besides, Kenz will probably need someone whose arms she can jump into." He teased, making Mack frown.
"Why would I need to jump into your arms?" She asked, genuinely confused. Kai laughed.
"Jo didn't tell you?" His amusement was clear in his tone. Mack shook her head. Kai chuckled and stood behind her, placing his hands on her shoulders. "This, my friend, is a haunted house. The aim is to get through the whole house with people jumping out and scaring you at every corner." He said in her ear. Mack gulped. "Backing out now?" Kai taunted.
"N-no." Mack stuttered.
"You sure about that? You don't sound to convinced."
"I'm doing it." She demanded, starting to walk towards the door.
"O-Kay." Kai chuckled, following closely after the two girls. Screams already echoed from the house and Mack shuddered, linking her arm with Jo's. As they entered the house Mack let out a guttural scream, making Jo jump and Kai to chuckle.
Someone dressed as a murderous clown had jumped out at them, getting right in Mack's face and making her cling to Jo tighter.
"It's only getting started." Kai whispered in her ear, making Mack shiver and groan.
~
Half an hour later and Mack was clinging to Kai tightly, his laughter echoing in her ear as she screamed at every scare they passed. Mack let out a sigh of relief as they exited the house, quickly separating herself from Kai and brushing herself off. She coughed awkwardly as they stood in silence, waiting for Jo to catch up. The almost-kiss was still fresh in Mack's mind and there was clear tension between the two, driving both of them insane.
Mack turned around and instantly froze, eyes wide like a deer caught in headlights. The sight of Ben walking towards them made her feel nauseous and immediately tuck herself behind Kai.
"Kenz? What's wrong?" Kai asked, but before she could reply Ben cut in.
"I see you and Parker are still fucking then." Ben commented, gesturing to Kai's defensive stance at the sound of Ben's voice.
"Just fuck off." Kai growled, steeping in front of Mack. Ben tutted.
"So protective. You know she'll just move onto the next one when she's done, right? Slut like that can't keep her hands to herself, am I right?" Ben laughed, opening his arms out in a 'friendly' gesture. Before he could say anything else, Kai swing his fist - a painful thus sounding as it connected with Ben's jaw. Ben pulled back and rubbed his jaw, rage overcoming his eyes. "Oh, it's on, Parker." He growled, punching Kai square in the stomach.
Kai stumbles back, clutching his stomach. Ben arose forward, taunting him.
"That all you got?" He said with a devil-like smirk. His knee jutted out and got Kai in the stomach again, making him double over. Just as Ben was about to hit him again, Kai stopped his charade and grabbed Ben by his collar, pinning him against the wall behind them.
"Leave. Mack. Alone." Kai spat with gritted teeth, hitting Ben's head against the wall harder.
"Kai! Stop it!" Mack scream, wanting him to stop. "He's not worth it, Kai! Be better than him!" She shouted, grabbing his arm and attempting to pull. Kai exhaled heavily and closed his eyes, opening them the with less rage showing through. He didn't want to let go of Ben - all he wanted was to beat him until he passed out - but Mack's voice in his ear and hand on his arm clouded his mind, forcing him to reluctantly let go of Ben and turn around to a reassuring Mack. Ben glared at Kai before walking off, flipping him off as he left.