This One's For You

Kate was plagued with nightmares, and awoke with a cold sweat. When she checked the old digital clock on the nightstand, she groaned. 6:03. She tried to shut her eyes and sleep, but with the light shining through her window, and her dreams still haunting her, she threw her legs over the edge of her bed.

She walked into the bathroom, the tile cold against her bare feet. Regardless, she forced herself into the shower. The warm water granted her a form of clarity as the events from the previous day flooded her head. She decided to call Xavier once she got ready.

Finally, she turned off the water and wrapped the plush towel around her body. She brushed her teeth, avoiding the mirror on the medicine cabinet. Routine quickly kicked in, and she washed her face, dried her hair, and put on her makeup. When she finally re-emerged into her bedroom, she was almost set. Rummaging through her tiny closet, she pulled out a pair of jeans and a green tunic.

The clock read 7:01. She had no excuse not to call, so finally, she dialed the all too familiar number, walking to the kitchen as the phone rang. She started the coffee, knowing she’d be cranky all day without it.

“Katie?” he asked, and she breathed in relief. He sounded much better than he had earlier.

“Yeah. I figured we should talk about last night,” she said, trying to keep herself busy by pulling out a ceramic bowl. Hopping up on the counter, she rummaged through the worn wooden cabinets for her favorite cereal.

“Oh. Kate, I am so sorry,” he said, his voice sounding strained. The emotion in it warmed her, and she hopped down from the counter, box in tow. She sorted her thoughts as she watched the shaped rings of grain hit the curved white glass.

“It’s okay, Xav. Just promise me it won’t happen again,” her voice hit an emotion she tried not to let out. The one with pain, the one that knew she had no control over anything.

“I promise. There’s no way I would risk losing you, Kate.” The words melted her heart, and she smiled.

“Good. I’m glad it happened though. Between the two conversations, you managed to remind me you care, no matter how twisted it was,” she said softly, pulling out an old silver spoon from another drawer, and dropping it into the cereal. Her bare feet padded across the kitchen to retrieve the milk.

“Of course I care, Katie. I’ll always care,” he promised, and Kate nodded.

“Good. Well, I’ve gotta eat breakfast, babe. Call me soon?”

“Of course. Bye Katie,” he said, and with that, they hung up. Kate let out a sigh of relief. At last, she picked up the bowl and walked over to the old oak table. Before sitting down, she grabbed a book from the shelf and a cup of coffee. She ate silently, her eyes scanning the words, taking them all in. Occasionally she’d sip at the hot coffee, relishing every taste.

Her cell phone vibrated, and she jumped up, startled. She grabbed the phone off of the table, and chuckled to herself. According to it, Carlos the DESTROYER had sent her a text, as had Logan the annihilator.

Kate! Come hang out with us, pretty please (: --Carlos

Kate, we need a rematch. Therefore, you need to get over here and accept the challenge, defending your title –Logan

Kate couldn’t help but laugh, but before she replied, she brought her empty dishes to the small metal sink. She ran to the bedroom and quickly tied her hair up into a messy bun, with her bangs hanging past her eyes. She brushed them out of the way, but seeing as they were too short to tuck behind her ears, it was not highly effective. She searched for a pair of flats, and finally settled on a tan pair.

She managed to text the boys back, informing them she was on her way. She slung her canvas purse on her shoulder and headed out the door. Seeing as the elevator was out of order for the third time since she’d moved in, she trekked down the four stories. The minute she exited the lobby door, she groaned. It was raining…hard.

She didn’t have enough money for a cab, so she was left with no choice but to dart to the bus station. Five blocks away. She watched the raindrops plunk against the pavement for a few moments, then started her mad dash. By the time she made it to the place, she was just in time to make the bus.

She climbed on, her hair dripping wet, her clothes plastered to her body. People stared, but she ignored them, finding an empty seat near the back. She watched the rain hit the window, and followed them as they swirled from the wind. Her stop came up, and she prepared for her second run. The closest the bus got to where the boys were staying was another four blocks.

When she finally made it through the revolving doors, she was met with vicious stares, and she understood exactly why when she caught her reflection waiting for the elevator. She looked like a mess, certainly not the type to live here. Which technically, now that she thought about it, she didn’t. Still, she made her way to the eighteenth floor, found the right door, and knocked. Kendall answered, and his eyebrows furrowed together when he saw her appearance.

“You’re all wet,” he stated, and she stared up at him, amazed.

“State the obvious. It’s raining,” she shot back.

“Well, why didn’t you drive here?” he asked, meeting her gaze.

“I’m sorry. Let me just come up with five grand and buy a car. Oh wait, that’s right, I’m a poor college student, not a TV-slash-rock star.” Sarcasm dripped off every word and finally the light flashed in his eyes, and she nodded. Then, he noticed her shivering.

“My bad. Let me go grab you something not soaked to wear,” Kendall said, then pulled her inside and walked down the hall. James walked past her on his way to the living room.

“Kate,” he acknowledged, then stopped, looking at her funny. “You look like a drowned cat.”

“Thanks James. That’s just what every girl wants to hear.” Her eyes sent him daggers, and he held his hands up defensively.

“Down kitty,” he said through laughter, then quickly took up cover behind the couch. Carlos and Logan then looked up, then both quickly covered their mouths to hide the smirks.

“I’d watch out, guys. She has a mean right hook,” Kendall warned as he returned. He then handed some clothes to Kate, and motioned with his hands to the hallway.

“The bathroom’s the first door on the right, you can just throw your clothes on the rack,” he instructed, and Kate smiled at him gratefully.

“Thank you so much,” she whispered, then scurried to the bathroom.

She had to peel the clothes off of herself, the water had bonded them to her like a second skin. Then, she unfolded the clothes Kendall had handed to her. She knew they were going to be way too big, but they were warm and dry. She put on the gray sweatpants first, and rolled them up, managing to get them to stay up. Then, she buttoned the flannel shirt, which came almost to her knees.

She finally emerged from the bathroom, though, rolling up the sleeves so she could at least see her hands. She had fixed her hair, and it was now completely down, and her natural waves were sticking out in every direction. Then there was the fact that the rain had washed away her makeup, so she had no choice but to wipe the rest off. The boys all stared at her as she came out.

“I know, I look awful, I don’t wanna hear it,” she said as soon as she met their eyes.
“You don’t look awful. I think you look better in Kendall’s clothes than he does,” Carlos volunteered, and she couldn’t help but smile.

“Well, thanks,” she murmured, sitting down cross-legged next to him on the couch.

“Your hair reminds me of a poodle,” James declared, and again, her glare turned to him.

“What is it with you and animals?” she snapped, and he just shrugged. Kendall smiled from across the room.

“I like it, Kate,” he assured her, and she softened her gaze just a little.

“Okay. So what’s on the agenda for today?” she asked, looking around at each of the guys. None of them seemed to have a clue.

“Well, we wanted to go to the boardwalk, however, the torrential downpour put an end to that,” Logan said, and Kate couldn’t stop her lips from smiling.

“Good call,” she said, crinkling her nose.

“We could play a board game, or cards, or something,” Kendall suggested, and a murmur of agreement spread.

“What about poker?” Kate asked, and all of the guys stared at her again. “What?” she asked, throwing her hands into the air.

“You know how to play poker?” James asked in awe. This girl just got more and more interesting.

“Yup. I have since I was twelve. So what do you guys say? Of course, no wagers, seeing as I obviously need to save up for a car,” she said, glancing at Kendall, who turned a light shade of red.

“I say you’re on,” Carlos said, looking for redemption from the other day’s loss.

“Great. You have cards and chips somewhere, I assume?” Kate asked, and Logan jumped up to find them. James went to the kitchen and got them each something to drink and the others settled around the large dining room table.

Everyone finally got seated, and Kate shuffled and dealt. She was next to Carlos and Kendall, and James and Logan sat on the other side of the table, trying to evaluate how well she would play. Kendall sorted out the chips beside her, every so often glancing at her from the corner of his eye, which didn’t escape the others’ notice.

The game lasted for awhile; every time someone got close to getting out, they’d go big and win it back. Their was laughing, taunting, and in some situations, ‘not-crying’, as James called it. The other’s rolled their eyes, but allowed it. However, eventually, it was down to two.

“Okay, Logan’s out, so blinds are what, ten-fifteen?” Kate asked, shuffling the deck as dealing was returned to her.

“Sounds about right. Hope you’re ready to lose,” Kendall taunted, but Kate just smirked. Both watched each other as they looked at their two cards. Neither let their expressions give away anything. James, Logan, and Carlos all watched intently, whispering their guesses.

“My money’s on the drowned cat,” James admitted, earning him a glare from Kate. However, it didn’t last long, given his support.

“C’mon, Kendall. You have to win for our sake,” Logan pleaded, motioning between himself and Carlos.

“What are you gonna do?” Kate asked, raising an eyebrow at her opponent. He smiled deviously.

“I call, and raise you a hundred,” he said, pushing the chips forward. She raised her eyebrows again, smirking.

“I call.” Everyone watched as she burned the top card, then laid the next three. A ten of hearts was first, followed by a jack and king of hearts. A silence filled the room, and Kendall looked at Kate, trying to read her poker face. She knocked twice on the table, as did Kendall. Then, she flipped the ace of spades. Both called again, and the last card was flipped; it was the king of diamonds.

Kendall and Kate locked eyes in a stare down, while the others gasped. They’d never actually had a river this great. No one dared to breathe, they just watched for one to give. They could only imagine what cards the other possessed.

“All in.” The words escaped Kate’s lips, and Kendall smirked, his confidence reassured as he took another look at his cards.

“Alright,” he agreed, and all of the chips were in the center of the table. Both flipped their hands over at the same time. Kendall flung down his, the kings of spades and clubs. Kate’s expression was unreadable, but she pointed to her upturned cards. A cheer erupted once James, Logan, and Carlos saw.

She had the queen and ace of hearts. A royal flush. Kendall’s smile faltered, and his eyes widened. He’d really thought he had her with four of a kind. Kings, nonetheless. But he’d thought wrong, and couldn’t do anything but extend his hand.

“I don’t know what the hell just happened, but congrats,” he said, and she smiled, accepting his handshake.

“You were a worthy opponent, my friend,” she said, stacking all the chips in front of her.

“I’m just glad we didn’t play for money,” Carlos said laughing. She shot him a smile, laughing as well.

“Next time, buddy,” she teased.

“No way there’s gonna be a next time for me. I’m finally just admitting I’ll never win,” Logan said, leaning back in his chair.

“Hey, never say never,” Kate said, getting up and patting him on the shoulder.

“Easy for you to say, you always win,” he snorted. She rolled her eyes, giving him a hug.

“Group hug!” James called, and pretty soon, Kate was smothered between the four guys.

“Can’t. Breathe,” she choked out, and the guys finally loosened up. Kate took a dramatic gulp of air, and they all laughed.

“I gotta head home guys. I need to do some shopping before classes start,” Kate admitted, and the guys grumbled.

“Your classes don’t start for week,” Carlos pointed out, and Kate shrugged.

“I know, but I have to order books, and they take three days to arrive. Plus, I need to buy groceries, too.”

“Well, at least let me drive you home, it’s still pouring out,” Kendall said.

“I don’t know, I don’t want to be a burden,” Kate said, biting her lip and picking up her bag.

“It wasn’t an offer. It was a statement. I’m driving you home,” Kendall said, his voice staying steady and firm. Kate scrunched up her nose and ran her fingers through her hair. Kendall noticed she did it when she was nervous or thinking.

“Fine. But what about my clothes?” she asked, remembering they were still soaked and on the drying rack.

“Just leave ‘em. We’ll get them back to you eventually. Now let’s go,” he said, and she sighed, hugging the others goodbye. The ride was nice, mostly they just talked about the poker game. She gave him directions, and soon enough, they were in front of her building.

“Why’d you park?” she asked, picking her purse up from the back seat.

“’Cause I’m walking you inside. I’m curious to see your apartment.” Kate groaned, opening the door. They ran as fast as they could, and managed to avoid getting soaked through. Kendall looked around at the modest building, not complaining when she informed him they’d be taking the stairs.

“This is it,” she finally said once they reached her door.

“Okay. I’ll wait for you to get inside.” Kate smiled, she hadn’t really met anyone so chivalrous in awhile. Sure, Xavier opened doors for her every now and then, but he didn’t wait for her to get inside, or watch over her like Kendall and the guys did.

She opened the door, then let out a gasp. Kendall heard, and in a flash, was right behind her. She didn’t notice though, her focus was on the figure sitting on her couch. She hadn’t seen it coming.

“Hey, Katherine,” he said, and Kate cringed, watching as the figure stood up. Kendall got ready to defend her, but she spoke quietly.

“Hi, Jesse.”