Tough Times

@ Divergent
Matt shifted pulling the strap of his bag higher up on his shoulder, nibbling on the dead skin layered across his bottom lip. His feet carried him the some odd blocks home. He'd gotten his car taken away when his mom caught him with a dime of weed. She wasn't happy with her son's druggie habits. So it landed him walking to and from school. He hated it but since he was the only one of his friends that had a car, they were all stuck walking or taking the bus. Though he couldn't be bothered with his friends bullshit right now. He was more worried about getting his car back. It was his independence, and he hated not having it. It was his ticket to getting laid, no girl wanted to screw a guy that didn't have his own wheels. So more than ever he wanted to get his car back, he had plans, big plans for when he did get it back.

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Skylar watched as the bus slowed down, coming to a stop in front of her house. Gulping she pick up her bag, before taking her time on getting off the bus. She didn't know if anyone was home. But she prayed Zacky was. She didn't think she could face her dad. Biting on her lip she watched the bus pull away from the curb. Trying to distract herself from going inside she moved to the mail box collecting the various envelopes. Rifling through them as she made her way up the steps to the house. Twisting the knob of the door she frowned when it opened. She'd hoped it was locked and no one was home. Sighing she pushed the door open, before dropping the mail down on the table beside the door. Kicking her shoes off as a rule of her mother's. Fiddling with the strap on her messenger bag, she head right for the stairs. Hoping to go unnoticed.

Gabby walked into her house and threw her bag onto the floor next to the door. She sighed as she looked at the small table seeing her mom left a note. She rolled her eyes when she saw that her mom was gone for the night. Which was nothing new anymore. Gabby walked up to Matts room and grabbed the baggy out of his dresser. She walked downstairs to the back porch and packed her pipe. She sighed as she sat there and took a hit from the pipe. Gabby had gotten more into drugs lately since her mothers absence and Matt constantly willing to share. She wondered how long it would be before he got home.

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Zacky sighed as he walked between Matt and Brian. "Can I just be the one to say that this sucks dick." Brian finally said. Zacky rolled his eyes, "Don't bitch so much you need the exercise." He teased laughing. He looked at the time and saw that his sister would be getting home. "Fuck I gotta go." He said. He took off running towards his house. He came through the door and frowned when he heard his dad talking to Skylar in the kitchen. Zacky walked in and received a glare from his dad, "Nice to see your loser ass could make it home." His father said. Zacky looked at Skylar, "Go to your room Sky." He said softly. He frowned as his dad got up from his chair, "Don't think you can tell her what to do." He snapped. Zacky stared at him, "Go Sky." He said softly.

@ Bongs Before Bibles

@ Divergent
Matt chuckled at Brian's whining, he hated walking more than anything. But there was nothing any of them could do. "Who lit a fire under his ass?" Brian laughed out once Zack took off. Matt frowned knowing why he was in such a hurry to get home. He didn't know why nobody did anything. His parents knew that Zack and Skylar were being abused, but yet nothing had been done to stop it. So he'd taken it upon himself to teach Zack how to fight. Sighing he shrugged, letting Brian know he didn't want to talk about it. "Did you see Kassie today?" Matt nearly moaned out, he knew she was out of his league. But that still didn't stop any of them from checking her out.

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Skylar's eyes stayed glued to her father, from the moment he'd called her into the kitchen. She had a sickening feeling crawling up her, she knew that Zacky wasn't here to help. And there was no telling what he would do this time. She noticeably gulped, causing a smirk to form on his lips. A loud ruckus has her relaxing, Zacky was here. Though she didn't like the beatings she got she hated it more that he took them for her. Once Zacky appeared in the kitchen he demanded her to leave, but she was rooted to her spot. She didn't want him to hurt Zack any more. When he practically pleaded with her, she couldn't help but follow his wants. Watching Zack as she left she quickly fled the kitchen. Running up the stairs to her room, and locking herself in.

Brian laughed, "Yea I saw her but you don't have a shot with that." He said. Gabby sighed as she walked inside and laid down on the couch. She turned on the Tv, flipping through the channels. Gabby glanced at the door as Matt and his friends came stomping into the house. She looked back at the tv as she stuffed her face with chips. She knew that they would probably be ordering take out again but she didn't know with Matt. "Mom is gone again." She told him when he looked down at her.

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Zacky frowned as his father took a hold of him. He tried to shove him off but it didn't work. Zacky winced when he was punched in the stomach and shoved into the wall. He managed to get away after a few minutes then knocked on Skylars door. "Skylar open the door." He said softly. He rubbed the back of his head where he had hit the wall. He walked into her room once the door opened and locked the door. "It's okay." He said softly as he walked to her bed and sat down.

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@ Divergent
Matt scoffed at Brian's remark, he didn't like it when people made him feel insignificant. Matt might not have stood a chance with her, but Brian didn't need to go rubbing it in. He did have feelings too, though he wasn't some sad ass sap. Looking at the couch where his sister sat, he frowned hearing her. Of course their mother was 'working' late or out of town on 'business'. Hell he had to get a part time job during the summer just to help pay bills. Turning his frown to Brian, "you staying or going?" He asked, before getting an excuse from his friend about how he had to be home. Rolling his eyes he said good bye to his friend. "So Gabs where are my keys?" He questioned her. He knew she knew where his mom had hid them. "I'll make you dinner." He said trying to bribe her. Matt had learned a long time ago how to cook, and cook good.

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Skylar cuddled up to Zack the moment he sat on her bed. She hated the violence and it scared her every time her dad was this way. She was afraid he'd go too far and Zack would really be hurt. She sat up quickly when he winced at her grazing his stomach. "Are you okay?" She asked her doe eyes staring up at him. Her hand darted to the rim of his shirt, lightly tugging it up. It wasn't unusual for her to nurse him after an attack. She managed to succeed in pulling his shirt off with out him complaining. Shifting into the floor, she placed herself between his legs to get a better look. Her hands moving up to touch the bare skin under the slowly forming bruise. Her biggest worry was he might have a cracked rib.

Gabby looked up at Matt, then moved so she was looking over the back of the couch at him. "Exactly what are you going to make me?" She asked, teasing him. "I mean if i help you it better be some pretty amazing food." She said, giggling a little. She loved that her brother took care of her. He always had since their dad walked out and their mom became distant with both of them. Gabby listened to him and laid back on the couch, "Mom put them in her room inside of her nightstand." She said softly. She figured she could at least help her brother out.

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Zacky grabbed her hand when she went to couch the bruise, "I'm fine." He said softly. He knew that if his dad would have hit Skylar that she would have been hurt worse. Zacky scooted back onto her bed and laid back on her pillows. "I just need some rest is all." He said as he pulled on of her blankets over himself. He didn't want her to worry about him. "Come lay with me Skylar." He said softly. When she laid down he put his arm around her. "I'm glad i have you Sky." He whispered into her hair.

@ Bongs Before Bibles

@ Divergent
Matt heard his sister, and didn't know how to answer her. He wasn't sure what she liked anymore, her tastes were always changing. But he smiled at her teasing none the less, before rushing up stairs to their mother's room. Once he located his keys he rushed back down the stairs. All he had to do was make sure the keys went back before his mother came home. Shrugging it off he went back into the living room. "Come on brat." He told her pulling open the door. If she wanted him to cook for her they had to go grocery shopping.

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Skylar cuddled into Zack's side, her head resting in the nook of his neck. His words made her smile brightly, as she rested in his arms. "Me too Zacky." She whispered out, knowing he was slowly starting to fall asleep. Nibbling on her lip she closed her eyes. Her mind started to wonder over how she felt being tucked into his naked chest. Parts of her wanted to run a trail of kisses from his lips down his torso. Those thoughts had her shifting, uncomfortable. Her body responding from the fantastic, running through her mind. Though she knew it was wrong, she couldn't help herself. He was her's to love already, so in her frail state of mind she couldn't rationalize how much more wrong it was than she thought. And even though she had excepted that he would never be hers in the way she wanted him. Having moments like this made her swoon, and melt into his every whim. She knew if he asked her to there was nothing she wouldn't do for him. At that thought she couldn't help herself any more, leaning forward she placed a soft kiss to his clavicle.

Gabby sighed as he opened the door then got up. She grabbed her leather jacket, pulling it on as she walked out of the door ahead of him. She got into the car, leaning back against the seat as he started it. Gabby looked over at him, "So what are you making?" She asked as she ran her fingers through her hair. She looked out the window for a moment then looked over at Matt again. She turned up the radio and sighed as she relaxed. Gabby hopped out of the car once they got to the grocery store then walked in with Matt. She bit her bottom lip lightly as she glanced around the door. She smiled when she saw cookies then threw them into the basket that Matt was holding. "Don't look at me like that. You know you will eat them too." She said.

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Zacky relaxed in the darkness, but opened his eyes when he felt Skylar kiss his clavicle. "What are you doing?" He whispered. He loved Skylar but he knew that what was going through her mind was not right. Zacky looked at her and ran his fingers through her hair. "That's not a good idea." he whispered. He felt like he knew what she was thinking and he didn't want her to make a mistake. He had always looked at his sister in a different way then he should have, but he couldn't help it. Now that she was acting on it he didn't know if he could control himself.

@ Bongs Before Bibles

@ Divergent
Matt shrugged at his sister's question, he didn't know nor care what he was making. He told her however she help him and he'd cook for her. Upon entering the grocery store, he grabbed a basket. He decided they were only here to get things to eat tonight. But she had a different idea. "Really, Gabs?" He teased her. Shaking his head, "lets find something for dinner first." He said, but made no effort to put back the cookies.

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Skylar bit her lip, not believing he caught her. She thought he was a sleep, lifting her head. She gave him the doe eyed oblivious look, hoping he'd fall for it. "What are you talking about?" She asked furrowing her brow, she hoped he bought the act. She didn't want him to actually think she was trying anything, but offering him a small act of love. All she had to do was persuade him she only meant the kiss as an act of kindness, or thanks. And that shouldn't be hard, should it.

Gabby sighed, "Fine." She whined as she walked with him. She watched as he put the food into the basket then walked with him to stand in line. She crossed her arms as they stood there. She couldn't wait to get home and eat. Gabby yawned then looked down at the floor. She wondered if her mom would be out all night or if she would just come home extremely late. Gabby bit her bottom lip lightly as she looked over at the magazines on the rack next to her. She looked at Matt, "So you gonna tell me whats for dinner tonight yet?" She asked him, smiling a little.

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Zacky shook his head, "Nothing." He said. He held her closed and let his fingers run down her back. "Good night Skylar." He whispered. He figured if she didn't say anything he shouldn't act on it. Zacky snuggled against her and closed his eyes again. He slowly started to fall asleep with her in his arms. He was hoping his dad wouldn't come in her room tonight.

@ Bongs Before Bibles

@ Divergent
Matt chuckled smiling down at his sister. "Well missy. Since you can't seem to make up your mind I decided on smothered pork chops." He told her. It was one of his favorites, and the way he cooked it they didn't take long and went good with anything. Smiling he placed the basket on the counter, he didn't care if she didnt want or like them. He was already looking forward to it, but then again he didnt remember ever making them for her. So he'd just have to hope she didnt mind.

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Skylar sighed out, her whole body relaxing at him dropping the whole topic. But a part of her wanted to ask him what he was talking about, just to get a rise out of him. Though she knew, she felt it would add to her not knowing what he was talking about. But she kept her lips clamped shut. She was so over her head when it came to this kind of stuff. She didn't even dare to talk to her friends about it, because they'd demand to know who she was crushing on. And if any one ever got wind of her feelings for him there was no telling what would happen then. She sighed closing her eyes and cuddling into his side, a night sleeping on it would have to work. Because there was no way she was going to be able to rationalize this all tonight. Nibbling on her lips she shifted closer to him, letting herself relax and trying to get some sleep.

Gabby looked at him, "Sound good enough." she said as she watched him put the groceries up. She smiled as he paid then walked out with him. Gabby walked into the house when they got home. She threw her jacket on the table then ran into the living room and plopped onto the couch. 'Don't forget to put your keys back!" She sang to Matt, laughing as she relaxed. Gabby played with a strand of her hair as she looked up at the ceiling.

---

Zacky slept silently then woke up when he heard his dad banging through the hallway. He sat up slowly, trying not to wake up Skylar. He slipped out of the bed then walked over to the bedroom door. Zacky listened to where his father was going. He bit his bottom lip lightly when he heard his dad's bedroom door shut. He looked back at Skylar and smiled.

@ Bongs Before Bibles

@ Divergent
Matt laughed out as he carried the bags into the kitchen. "Yeah, yeah." He said rolling his eyes. Placing the bags on the counted he moved to the cupboards. Pulling out pots and pans, he would need. The first thing he did was fill up a pot with water. Placing it on the stove he turned on the burn under it. He'd let it heat before he added the potatoes. Turning his attention to the bags he started unpacking them onto the counter. He knew he'd need everything in the bags but the cookies and ice cream Gabby had added to the basket while they were shopping.

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Skylar jumped hearing the sound of her father's bedroom door practically slamming. Shifting she leaned up on to her elbow, while rubbing the sleep away from her eyes. Frowning she noticed Zacky wasn't in bed with her anymore. Shifting her gaze up to the door, she couldn't help but smile noticing that Zacky was smiling back at her. "What are you doing?" She murmured out, watching him closely.

Gabby walked into the kitchen and leaned against the counter. "Need any help?" She asked as she watched him unload the bags. She grabbed the ice cream and put it in the freezer. "How was your day by the way?" She asked looking back at him. Gabby smiled as she walked over to him and took the back from his hands. She threw the empty bag away and smiled.

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Zacky shook his head, "Nothing." He said softly. He walked over and sat back down next to her. "Just go back to sleep." He said as he kissed her cheek. He laid down and pulled the blankets over himself. He knew they had to get some sleep but he couldn't get relaxed enough to fall asleep.

@ Bongs Before Bibles

@ Divergent
Matt smiled at his sister, offering her him help. Smirking he knew she wasn't much help unless she really want to be. Gabby was the golden child, she was there mothers favorite. But she also was a little hell child when she wanted too. "My day was boring." He informed her, bit then again he didn't talk to his sister like he did his friends. So if anything exciting happened to him it was because of a girl. And that wasn't something he want her to hear about. He would kill any guy that ever put their hands on her. "How was your?" He questioned her.

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Skylar offered Zacky a lazy tired smile, before cuddling back into his side. She felt herself relax, feeling herself slowly start to doze. Only when she felt Zacky shifting to get more comfortable did she blink open her eyes. "You okay?" She questioned him, turning her head to peer up at him. Her bright blue eyes bore into his. Wondering why he wasn't going back to sleep, Zacky enjoyed his sleep. So she was curious as to why he wasn't drifting to sleep, but wide awake.

Gabby shrugged, "Mine was okay." She said. She went to the fridge and got something to drink. "Do you have anything planned for tonight?" She asked. She was planning to sneak out later to go with her friends so she was hoping he would stay home so there wasn't a chance for him to catch her out. Matt never got to happy about her going out alone.

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Zacky shrugged, "I'm just having trouble sleeping is all. I'm fine though so don't worry about it." He said as he kissed her forehead softly. He closed his eyes and attempted to fall asleep. He couldn't wait for the next day. He just wanted to get out of this house and be away from his father.

@ Bongs Before Bibles

@ Divergent
Matt shrugged, as he placed the potatoes into the now boiling water. Turning to the pan next to the pot he lit the fire under it before dropping some butter down into the pan. "I don't know. Maybe head out and see a friend or too." He suggested, the friends he was thinking of were girls that only satisfied him. But he doubted any of them would be willing to jump into his car and go for a drive only to satisfy his needs.

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Skylar sighed softly, cuddling closer to him. "Zacky." She whispered, still unable to dropped it. "It's not me is it?" She wondered, she knew how guys are. And Zacky wasn't any different, she'd woken up before feeling his harden member pressed against her. She knew it was hard for Zacky to get a girlfriend and keep her when his life was being controlled.

Gabby nodded, "Oh okay." She said. She bit her bottom lip lightly as she watched him cook. "Well i'm gonna go to my room." She said. She went up to her room and smiled when she heard Matt say that dinner was ready. She went downstairs and ate her food. Gabby rolled her eyes when she heard her mom come into the house. Gabby got up then went to her room, not wanting to talk to her room. She got dressed then waited for everyone to settle down for the night. Gabby slipped out of her window then headed down the street and got in her friends car at the end of the block.

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Zacky looked at her, "What do you mean?" He asked. He didn't want Skylar to blame herself for anything. He shook his head as she spoke, "It has nothing to do with you. I just don't feel safe going to sleep with him being awake." He said softly. Zacky bit his bottom lip lightly as he watched her.

@ Bongs Before Bibles

@ Divergent
Matt finished making food, rushing up stairs to his mom's room putting his keys back in her nightstand before letting Gabby know dinner was ready. Half way through his plate his mother walked in. She didn't bother greeting her children, just moved to her room locking herself inside. Matt sighed watching as Gabby ran to her room too. Sighing he set off doing the dishes, hating how his life was passing him by but he was playing dad. He needed something exciting in his life.

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Skylar bit her lip before shrugging. "I just thought with what happened earlier you were over thinking things." She told him, before looking down. "I don't want you to be mad at me." She told him, knowing that what had happened earlier was a bad idea. But she couldn't help it she wanted him to know how much she appreciated him. And her feelings were getting the best of her.