Scarred for Love (MFM)

Chapter 4

It's been a few weeks since our first date and we have been on five more since then. Somehow, Derek always seemed to be gone whenever I'd come to pick her up. It had made me worry that this was making him uncomfortable.

However, Scarlett reassured me that he was just giving us time to connect and didn't want to intrude. I accepted the answer and she notified me that he in fact wanted to be part of the fifth date. Which I was stumped because I don't know what we could all do together. But we will worry about that when the time comes.

Anyway, on Scarlett and I's second date we went to see a movie that she was dying to see. A romantic comedy that I secretly wanted to watch as well because I'm a hopeless romantic. I love cliché romance. Our third date, we went mini golfing and go-karting. It felt nice to feel like a teenager again. On our fourth and fifth we ended up going to dinner at restaurants we haven't been to before, which is always fun in my opinion.

Now, we are just ending our sixth date. We went out to see "Wicked" at the downtown theater.

Like the other dates, I walk her to the apartment building door.

"How are you feeling? Is this going well?" She asked with concern in her eyes.

My eyes searched her unique sea foam colored eyes before answering. "Yeah, I'm having a spectacular time with you, Scar" I admitted honestly.

Throughout the last few weeks, our dates have ignited a feeling inside me that I didn't think I could have for anyone other than Derek.

I can't say it's as strong as my feelings for Derek, but it's still a big feeling that is continuing to grow with time. It's different, getting to know her on a whole different level than just friends who grew up together.

We still haven't moved past my goodnight kiss on the cheek. Mostly due to my nervousness about if it'd be appropriate. The fact of her being Derek's wife, boggles my mind and I just end up playing it safe.

"I'm glad to hear" her smile is so genuine "I never thought I'd get to share these moments with you"

"I was stupid to have not seen your attraction to me back then" I admitted.

"It's okay, DJ was all you could see" she waved her hand dismissively. "I understand. I was like that with you, you know" She admitted with a shrug "But you don't see certain things if you're not looking for it"

"I'm sorry" my cheeks burned with guilt.

"Don't be silly. You have nothing to apologize for" she wrapped her arms around my waist for a gentle hug, nuzzling her face into my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around her and laid my cheek on her head.

We stood in the embrace for a minute or two before I leaned back, arms loosely wrapped around her still. Her beautiful eyes met mine and my stomach tumbled with nerves.

One of my hands came to the side of her face, tucking a loose curl behind her ear before cupping her cheek softly.

Is this the right time? My heart beat rapidly in my chest as we gazed at each other. Her eyes flickered down to my lips and back up again, silently asking me for what she wanted.

The internal battle of if I should or not, ended with pulling her closer, brushing my lips delicately against her soft lips. I pulled back, flickering my eyes to hers before slanting my lips against hers more firmly. Kissing her felt good, better than good. It felt exhilarating.

Her arms tightened around me, pulling me closer as she hummed in satisfaction. My hands trailed down her body to her butt. I squeezed lightly, earning a soft moan before I hiked her legs around my hips.

Lightly pressing her against the wall, her sweet mouth opened to allow my tongue to tangle with hers. She sucked on my tongue and played with my piercing.

The sound of a car door snapped me back to reality. I pulled away breathing heavily. Scarlett's dazed look met mine and we both laughed before I let her down gently.

"That was hot" she said as she straightened her blouse.

"Yeah, it was" I grinned. "I look forward to our next date" I said as I grabbed her hand and kissed the top of it.

"Have a good evening Deck" she replied happily, turning to the door and disappearing inside to the elevator.

Wow. My fingers trailed over my lips, that tingled from the kiss we shared moments ago.

"I always thought I'd feel jealous seeing her kiss someone else" Derek's voice said out of nowhere, making me jump in fright and turn toward him. "Sorry" he chuckled as he sidled up next to me.

"No problem" I muttered and cleared my throat "I'm sorry, Did I overstep?" I asked worriedly. I know Scar had said he was okay with it. But it's a different story when it actually happens and to have witnessed it.

He shook his head "Nah, I knew it'd happen eventually."

"So, you don't feel jealous?" I questioned.

He stood in silence for a minute. Different expressions, I couldn't decipher, flickered on his face.

"No, I don't think so" he finally answered. My eyebrow hitched up.

"You don't think so?" I repeated.

"I mean, I feel something. Just not anything....bad" he explained "It was pretty hot, if I'm being totally honest"

"Ahh, yes she said you two have a voyeurism kink" I nodded. His cheeks pinkened a little.

"Yeah, we do. Anyway, how'd the date go? Other than the make-out session" he laughed.

"It was good, we saw Wicked at the theater" I told him and I felt a little awkward. "Are you really okay with this?"

"Deck, stop worrying so much. Yes, I'm fine with it" he lightly shoved my shoulder "If I wasn't, you'd know. You know me better than anyone"

My heart skipped at his words. Although, I'm sure his wife would know him better than me. Considering how much I've pulled away from him the last couple years.

"Okay" I softly said "What should we do for our next date? Since you will be involved, I just don't know what we could all do" I rambled. Gosh, Declan, you sound like a flustered teenage boy.

"I was thinking we could actually head to Coney Island for a weekend away" he suggested "Unless you can't" he added.

"We could possibly get away after midterms in two weeks?"

He pondered and nodded "Good idea, that weekend we don't have any games. Next week we are heading to Nebraska." He looked to me "Alright, then it's settled in two weeks we will go to Coney Island"

"Awesome, I'll see you later Derek" I turned to leave but he caught my shoulder. I turned and he wrapped me in a warm hug. My heart soared with the simple interaction. My arms wrapped around his broad frame.

"Thank you, Declan" he whispered.

"For what?" I asked, my ear against his chest. I could hear his heart thump calmly.

I still find it odd that I'm older yet quite shorter than him. I think randomly in my head.

"You're making Scar happy and that makes me happy" he told me as he pulled away. My body immediately missed his warmth.

"It's still a little weird but it makes me happy too" I replied and he gave a breathtaking smile.

"Goodnight Deck, drive home safe" he said before he, too, disappeared into the building.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The following Friday, as I prepared for my last evening class, I got a call from Derek.

"Hey" I answered while opening next week's lesson plan.

"Hey Deck, sorry to bug you before class but we are heading to Nebraska tonight and Scarlett has a stomach bug. I don't want to leave her alone sick, so will you stay with her until I'm back on Sunday?"He asked.

"I'm sorry to hear she's sick, she never told me" I frowned "Of course I will, I just have my last class and I'll head over there with some broth and crackers"

"Thanks bro, you're a lifesaver. I feel terrible about leaving her sick" he said sadly.

"No worries, I'll take care of her. Ope, class is about to start. Good luck this weekend!"

"Thanks Deck, I'll call later to check on her" he said before ending the call.

It saddened me that Scar never told me she was sick. I mean we are supposed to be dating. However, Derek is her husband. I sigh as a group of students come in. No sense in dwelling on it right now.

"Good evening everyone, you will have two hours to complete your midterm. Make sure you double check your answers. Your time starts now....." I say as soon as everyone is seated. The sound of papers flipping over and pencils scribbling fill the silent room.

After the last student turned in their midterm exam, I quickly gathered the papers and shut down my classroom. At least I'll have something to do while Scar rests this weekend. I quickly sent her a text that I'd be running to the store before coming over.

I hurriedly ran to my car to get to the grocery store. I bought ginger ale, sprite, three different kinds of crackers, some bread for toast and then both beef and chicken broth for her to choose from. I'm sure they have chicken noodle soup or something but I wanted to make sure she has the essentials in case they didn't have anything.

When I got to the apartment, the buzzer was already going off when I got close to the door. She must have been on the look out for me.

I tap my foot impatiently as I wait for the elevator to reach their floor. Once the doors open, I basically sprint to their door and it swings open.

Scar looks miserable with her hair in a messy bun(although it looks cute messy), she looks pale and wearing a kitty pajama set.

"Awww hun, you look terrible" I frown and gather her in my arms.

She snorted "Thanks, that's what every woman wants to hear" she retorted sarcastically. I tisked and ushered her inside, closing the door.

"You know what I mean. Anyway, I bought you all sorts of things for your tummy" I tell her, placing the bags of groceries on the counter top. "What do you want to try first?"

"I'll try some ginger ale first, hopefully that wi-..." she held her finger up and darted to the bathroom. I was quick to follow, rubbing her back as she crouched and hurled in the toilet.

"Poor thing" I cooed, continuing my attempts to soothe her.

"Gah, I hate being sick" her voice echoed in the toilet bowl. My eyes searched for a hand towel. I found one hanging on the towel rack. I grabbed it, turning the water on warm before wetting the towel.

"Are you done?" I asked her as I wrung out the excess water. She nodded miserably. I grabbed some mouthwash in a cup before turning to her. "C'mere" I said, squatting next to her. She turned her head. I delicately wiped her face off then gave her the mouthwash to gargle.

"Thank you, Declan," she said quietly after spitting. I helped her up and made our way to the living room where she had a big cozy blanket laid up on the couch.

"Sit and I'll get you some ginger ale and crackers" she made a face when I said crackers "I know but you have to make sure you're eating something darlin" I told her and lightly pushed her to the couch as I made my way over to the kitchen.

I poured her a glass of ginger ale, grabbed a puke bucket(which was an old ice cream bucket) and the crackers before settling down on the couch next to her.

"Wanna watch a movie?" She asked while sipping her bubbly drink.

"Sure" I told her and she smiled, grabbing the remote and turning it on to Netflix. "Whatcha wanna watch?"

"I don't care, I'm not picky" I shrug as she leans and rests her head on my thigh. She flips through the movies and lands on 'Love, Rosie'.

"This is a good one" I comment when she hits play.

As the movie starts to play, I pull the binder she has out of her hair and begin to run my fingers through her soft brown hair. She hums in appreciation, nestling in closer to me to where her head is more in my lap.

My phone buzzes in my pocket and I quickly fumble it out of my pocket.

"Sorry" I muttered sheepishly since she looked comfortable. She mouthed that it was okay as I hit the answer button. She settled back into place on my lap.

"Hello?"

"Hey Deck, how's my girl doing?" Derek asks. His girl. That is who she is. Not our girl. I inwardly sigh. Maybe he doesn't think this is permanent. Or maybe she has said something to make him think that way.

I shake out of my depressing thoughts "She's doing okay, got her to sip some ginger ale and hopefully about to get her to nibble on some crackers" I tell him and she turns her head to glare at me. I snicker and boop her nose.

"Awww, my poor baby" He says sympathetically. Scarlett made grabby hands at the phone and I let her take it.

"He is taking good care of me DJ" she told him assertively "We are now watching 'Love,Rosie' while snuggling on the couch"

I faintly hear his reply of "Okay my love-something-something- I'll call later tonight"

"Okay, I love you"

"Love you, bye" he says and she ends the call.

"He says he will be back Sunday evening, if that's okay?" She says while looking up at me. She paused the movie while we talked.

"You want me to stay until he gets home?"

"Yeah, why not? We can spend more time together, plus I hate being alone" she bit her lip. "I mean unless you have other plans" she quickly adds.

"Other plans?" I snorted "I'm not the most popular person Scar" she frowned.

"Don't you hang out with your one friend...uhm...Raiden?" She asked.

"Nah, he is living in Seattle. We only see eachother like once a year" I told her, which deepened her frown.

"You can always hang out with us, I mean I know I work alot but I know DJ would love to see you more. You sort of vanished after going to college. He misses his brother."

I sigh "There are reasons for that"

"I know, you wanted to get away but Declan....he's your brother. You guys were so close growing up. He feels abandoned" she said while playing with the edge of her plush blanket.

"I didn't mean for him to feel that way" I say with a frown "I just needed to see if I could get over him....but that didn't happen" I exasperated.

"How will this work if you can't even hang out with him?"She questioned. I looked at her stunned.

"Do you want to stop this?" I asked, gesturing between us. I knew it. She didn't want this anymore.

"No...no, Declan. Listen. I love you" She said while grabbing my hands. I looked at her shocked. Love? "Don't look so surprised, I'd kiss you but I'm sick" she chuckled "I have had love for you since we were teenagers, but to make this work" she said seriously and gestured between us. "You have to make sure you communicate and have a relationship with DJ as well, you're not just with me. You're with him and I. Maybe not the way you'd really want to be..." she trailed off.

"You're right....I-I'm sorry." I told her "I can offer to start going with him and Duncan on Thursdays to the bar...and Derek said something about Coney Island next week so the three of us will have a chance to be all together."

She beamed "Good, good. I'm glad to hear you guys planned something. Now, let's get back to watching the movie" she said before hitting play again.

I went back to running my fingers through her hair as she nibbled on some of the crackers I bought her.