Looking at the stars

Turning Gold

Love is a vengeance

Put upon this breed

Party rubbed his eyes, squeezing them tight to keep the light from entering. His head ached, and the sound of loud voices in the main room of the diner made it ten times worse. He stretched and began to make his way to the dining room when he heard other voices blended with Jet's. He heard her voice. 

Memories from the night prior came back bit by bit. He remembered the initial discussion, his apology, her bright pink hair and brown eyes, the way those eyes lingered on his lips before their kiss. He remembered the way she laughed at the little jokes he made, and he realized he was screwed.

He made his way around the corner, he dreaded the awkwardness of the pending conversation he knew was bound to happen. He did, however, look forward to seeing her. He hoped she might smile at him, maybe she would be looking forward to their meeting as much as he was. However, this was not the case. When he entered the room all she did was turn his way, nod slightly, and go back to talking with Riot and Jet.

~~~

We walked into the diner, I could hear the faint sounds that proved people lived here. Every time Riot and I come here, well all but this time, Party would always be looming over us as if we were going to rob him blind. For the first time being here wasn't suffocating. I took a deep breath and let it go. 

" Party still asleep?" I asked the obvious.

"Why? You wanna see him?" Jet gave a small smile to Riot who laughed in response. I felt like I was missing out on an inside joke.  "I'd offer to wake him for you, but I can't stand that man hung over." 

" I was just enjoying the peace, trust me I can barely stand him sober." 

"Well, he can be difficult."

"Understatement of the century." We stood in silence for a moment.

"Well." Jet started awkwardly, "Let's get you fixed up." 

There was the small sound of walking, I turned briefly. Party, as if on queue, came around the corner. I gave him a small nod and returned my attention to Jet. Remembering the talk with Riot, I need to give Party a chance to be tolerable. I smiled a bit to myself, memories of stacking cups and laughter resurfaced.

Jet began to lead me to a sink, he poured water on the bandages so they wouldn't stick and reopen the surface wound. He carefully began to unwrap my arm, putting more water on places that were being stubborn. I winced when a slight draft caressed my skin. It felt nice after a moment. 

"I got some aloe, I'm just going to put it on, ok?" I nodded. 

I could feel Party looming somewhere behind us as Jet wrapped my arm and began on the other. When Jet accidentally tore a small bit of the healing skin, I groaned and heard Party inhale sharply it was then that I realized he actually felt bad that I got hurt. I know he had apologized, but there had been a small part in the back of my mind that thought he did it to appease Dr. D. 

"Sorry!" Jet winced at my pain.

"It's ok Jet, trust me I appreciate that you're helping. Besides nothing you can do will hurt as bad as getting the burn." I laughed half-heartedly, I almost felt bad when I saw Party. He looked guilty. 

Jet finished up and began to put away the supplies. "I made you a bag of the stuff you'll need to change the bandages. After this, the surface should soften so you won't need to use water to get them off in a couple of days. Just make sure you're careful when taking them off, if I missed a spot of aloe, you don't wanna repeat my mistake." He laughed a bit. "Anyway, I put some painkillers in there too, I know you won't admit it but I know that hurts like hell." He motioned to my bandaged arms.

"Thanks, Jet." I smiled up at him. "I owe you big time."

"Nah, think of this as payback for that time you and Riot saved our asses from a couple of scarecrow last month." I laughed a bit.

"If you say so." 

We all stood for a bit in a comfortable quiet. The only noises to be heard we from Ghoul working on the car, and Kobra somewhere outside doing target practice. Riot spoke up first.

"So, as much as I'd love to stay, we need to go to Dr.Ds to work out a mission we're supposed to go on." I nodded. I looked at Riot, she was looking at Jet, "And tomorrow, right?" I furrowed my brow, what was tomorrow?

"Tomorrow." Jet said back definitively with a nod.

I looked between the two trying to decipher what they meant. I turned my gaze to Party, hoping he knew. He looked just as confused as I was. I shrugged it off, assuming Riot would explain further in the car. 

She and I said our goodbyes to the guys and went outside to the Mustang. Getting into the car, bending my arms, basic motions felt easier as the aloe softened the skin that had begun to harden. It was like a sigh of relief. I still couldn't drive, if we got caught in a firefight I'd be useless behind the wheel. I stretched my legs in the passenger seat as Riot got in, closing the door. 

After we got going and the silence held heavy between us for too long, I had to ask. "What's tomorrow?" She smiled to herself.

"Jet invited us to a bonfire." 

I nodded slightly as it became obvious. She has a thing for Jet, and I know for a fact Jet has a thing for her. I sighed. I knew that meant I'd be dragged to hang out with the guys more often. I wanted their relationship to succeed, but that meant Party and I were going to have to get along. Or else it's gonna be hell.