Chapter 32: Latch

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Fourth down.

We needed a touchdown to win.

I will not fucking lose in someone else's turf.

"This is our last shot," deadpanned Alfie, looking at each one of us.

Frisco looked up at the night sky in concern.

"It's just a little rain, dude," I told him.

"Yeah, I know," he nodded, but I could still see that he was uneasy.

"What's up?"

"Tonight just feels off is all."

I frowned. "What do you mean?"

He shook his head. "Probably nothing."

"Frisco," called Alfie in the huddle, "you up for it?"

Frisco blinked, taken aback at the sudden attention from everyone.

"Sorry, what?"

I cocked my head a little, my eyes narrowing as I studied him. He didn't look like he was in any condition to play. He seemed pretty out of it.

"Dude, c'mon," sighed Alfie. "Keep your head in the game."

"I'll just make a run for it," I said, turning to my best friend.

He raised an eyebrow at me. "You sure?"

"It's only about forty yards," piped up Parker. "He can do it."

All eyes were on him.

"Too soon to kiss ass, bro," said Kurt, shaking his head.

The rest of the team snickered.

It already had been a few weeks actually. But Kurt and Alfie still couldn't let it go. Kurt was just prissy 'cause he didn't get his fun that night at the party.

While Alfie, on the other hand . . . Well, once you're on his bad side, you're stuck there. Don't get me wrong. That doesn't entirely mean he's out to get you. It simply means you're dead to him. Forever.

"Oz," he emphasized. "You sure about this, man?"

I looked him in the eye. "Just give me the ball, and I'll take care of the rest."

"Your call." He took a deep breath and turned to the team. "Alright, you heard the man. Cover him – especially you," he added, pointing to Parker. "That clear?"

Parker nodded determinedly.

"Now, let's win this game and get out of this goddamn boring town!"

"'Chargers' on three!" I shouted. "One – two – three –"

"CHARGERS!"

We scattered and took our positions on the field.

"Got your back, man."

I sighed, straightened up, and faced Parker.

"Don't push it."

He groaned and nodded. "It's just –"

I shot him a look, and that made him shut up. Thank God. At the sound of the whistle, I crouched back down.

Game time.

"Hut!"

As soon as Alfie passed me the ball, I took off running. I went as fast as my legs could take it. Parker did his job in paving the path for me, blocking some dickfaces along the way.

30 yards left.

Someone lunged from my left, and I dodged him just in time. It broke my pace but I managed to keep it up again.

20 yards.

Parker tackled someone, leaving me alone. Okay, no biggie. It wasn't the first time this happened. I could handle it.

10 yards.

Just a little more. Come fucking on.

Then, I saw a cocksucker about to block my path. But I juked out the safety at the last second and ran past him on the way to a touchdown.

HELL YEAH!

As if on cue, the buzzer went off. The crowd went wild, cheering so damn loud my ears deafened for a moment. I felt my teammates slap the back of my helmet – probably my ass too, but I was too sore to give a shit. We were one step closer to being State Champs!

I forgot it was raining till I took off my helmet and felt the pour on my head. Closing my eyes, I raised my head towards the sky and grinned. With the raindrops on my face, I felt so fucking free. It was best damn feeling in the world.

"Hey, Grinch!"

My eyes snapped open at the voice. I turned my head and saw my girl running towards me. Her dress was soaked wet but she didn't care, she was wearing the biggest smile.

I caught her and lifted her up in the air, causing her to burst out laughing. I knew we probably looked like we were in a sappy chick flick, but I honestly could not give a fuck.

I'm happy because my girl's happy. That's all that matters.

When I put her down, I didn't let go of her yet. Instead, I wrapped my arms around her and hugged her tight. And then, the words just came out.

No warning. No explanation. No nothing.

"I love you," I whispered against her hair.

I've known for a while now. I just waited for the right time to say it.

She stilled. For a moment, I panicked. Lots of possible bad scenarios filled my head. But then she relaxed, pressing her body into mine.

"I love you, too."

A slow smile made its way to my lips. I pulled away to see her face.

"You mean it?" I asked.

"Do you?"

"Every word."

She smiled warmly at me. "Me, too."

I stared at her, pushing wet strands of her hair behind her ears. She closed her eyes, and I noticed yet again how long her lashes were. I kissed her nose, making her smile wider.

We just admitted those three words while we were standing in the middle of the rain. Nothing could get more romantic than that.

"Hey, let's skip the party tonight," I suggested, trying to keep the hopeful tone in my voice. "We could just stay in and watch a movie or something."

Her eyes opened, her head tilting. "What about your friends?"

"Nah." I made a face. "Not in the mood for all that noise."

She bit her lip. "They might mind."

"Halo, baby," I began seriously. "I've been attending Friday night parties for as long as I could fucking remember. I'm way past that stage. So don't worry about my dickhead friends, alright? I want a break from all that shit. I just wanna cuddle on the couch with my girl."

"If you're sure . . . Ooh!" she exclaimed suddenly, her eyes practically twinkling. "Let's watch The Originals!"

I grimaced. "Whaaat?"

"Aw, come on," she begged, giving me that cute Bambi look. "I've been dying to watch the second season because I heard Kol finally fell in love with someone." Her eyes widened. "I mean, hello! If you've watched The Vampire Diaries, you'd know that Kol Mikaelson does not fall in love. He's heartless and cruel and cunning. That's why it's just so exciting!"

I chuckled.

God, anything for this girl.

"Fine," I sighed, giving in.

She made a fist in the air in triumph, making me laugh.

"Wait for me in the car while I go shower."

I let her drive Shade on the way here because it was required for all the players to ride the bus on away games. I bet I could convince Coach to let me have a slip, though.

"There's an extra towel on the trunk," I informed her. "Turn on the heater and warm yourself up, okay?"

Halo smiled and nodded. "Have I told you how secure I feel whenever I'm with you? You make me feel safe."

"No, but you should say it more often," I grinned. "I love hearing it."

"Because you looove me," she teased, wiggling her eyebrows.

I laughed. "I knew I should've kept it to myself."

"The Grinch has fallen in love!" She gasped, her eyes widening in realization. "Oh, my God. You're just like Kol!"

I shook my head in amusement. "Let's go before we get pneumonia. See you in a bit," I added, pecking her lips.

She giggled against my mouth, causing my grin to broaden. When I let her go, I winked at her before dashing off to the locker room.

I can't wait for the rest of night.

* * *

"You ready to go?" asked Alfie, on our way out of the tunnel from the locker room.

"Not going to the party," I said nonchalantly.

He stopped walking. "What?"

I glanced over to him. "I have plans."

He stared, as if seeing me for the first time.

"You never miss a party," he muttered.

I only shrugged.

"But we're celebrating!" he added, catching up to me and adjusting the strap of his gym bag on his shoulder.

I snorted. "We're always celebrating."

"Dude, it's Friday," he reminded me. "Where you gonna go?"

We made it to the exit and realized that it stopped raining. My eyes found Halo by my car. She was waiting outside, with a towel wrapped around her.

"I'm gonna chill with my girl," I smiled.

"Ah," my best friend dragged in understanding. "Netflix and chill," he leered.

I laughed and shoved him. "Not like that."

"Whatever," he chuckled.

But then, the smile on his face slowly disappeared. I watched as his eyes landed on Connie across the parking lot. She happily waved at Halo before facing Milo and Brooklyn, looking as if nothing bothered her.

"Con's still pretending it didn't happen?" I asked, because I was nosy bastard.

"Pretty much."

My brows raised. "Thought you'd prefer that."

He laughed in disbelief as he looked at me.

"What?"

"Well, it's not like you'll pursue her – and she knows that, because she knows you."

He nodded, frowning. "Yeah, yeah. I get it."

"You don't seem to like it, though," I noticed.

"No, I don't," he admitted, rubbing his face.

I hung my head. "Stop talking in fucking riddles."

"I'm not," he protested. "It's just . . . Fuck, she's driving me nuts," he added in barely a whisper, more to himself. He shook his head and faced me. "You know what, just enjoy your night with Buckley. I plan to have an awesome night, preferably with two chicks giving me all the attention I need – everywhere I need it."

I shook my head in amusement. "Don't you ever get tired of the booze and boobs?"

"Oz, we're young," he reasoned, raising both of his arms as he backed away from me. "It's part of life. Nothing in this world is permanent, you know. We're gonna grow old someday and before that happens, I'm gonna enjoy every bit of my fucking youth. Get it? Got it? Good. Hasta la vista, baby!"

With that, he turned around and headed to the bus. I sighed.

Someday, he's gonna eat his words. I hope I'm there to laugh in his face.

I walked to Halo and looked at her disapprovingly.

"I told you to wait in the car," I sighed, rubbing her arms to warm her up.

She smiled sheepishly. "I talked to the girls for a bit."

"That include Connie?"

She looked at me weird. "Of course."

I wonder if Connie told her about her sexcapade with Alfie.

"Who's she riding with?" I asked instead.

"Milo and Brooklyn," she answered, briefly glancing across the parking lot.

"Ah," I nodded, then smirked. "See, they're always with you that I keep forgetting Milo actually owns a car."

"Hey!" she said, playfully hitting my arm.

I chuckled. "You ready to go?"

"Yup, I'm ready for Kol," she sang, grinning.

"Oh, no," I told her seriously. "We ain't watching that show if you're gonna drool at the screen whole time."

She burst out laughing, making me smile a little.

"You know you're the only knight in my eyes," she teased.

My hands found her waist, and I closed the gap between us.

"Yeah?" I whispered. "And what d'you wanna be?"

"Hmm," she pretended to think, placing a forefinger on her chin. "I'm good with being me. After all, Halo Buckley has the coolest boyfriend in the world. What more can a girl ask?"

My grin could've fucking reached both ends of North and South pole.

Damn, this girl.

"Well, my lady," I began, chuckling, "please proceed to your chariot."

I've turned into a sappy, sappy creature.

Ah, who gives a shit.

I bowed and opened the passenger door for her, and she giggled a 'thank you' before climbing in. Then, I hurried to my side of the car and got in. After keying the ignition, I revved the engine and we hit the road.

We argued for a bit whether to drop by at the diner to get some food or not, but we ended up with the decision to order pizza instead.

I was so looking forward to our night together, especially after a long ass game. I just wanted to relax on the couch with my girl. Sure, we were gonna watch a show about fucking vampires. But hell, I'd only watch Halo anyways.

When we got to the house, my eyes automatically landed on the silver car parked in the driveway. My body instantly went on alert, and I fought the urge to groan.

"Shit."

Halo's head whipped to me. "What is it?"

I parked my BMW beside the Corvette and scanned the house. It looked pretty normal, only it contained a beast inside.

"Clyde's here."

Halo blinked. "Oh."

So much for just chilling on the couch.

"Am I gonna get eaten?"

I laughed, looking at her incredulously. I bet it was Alfie who filled her in with stories about my older brother. But when I saw real worry in her eyes, I leaned in and gently cupped her cheeks.

"No, I won't let him eat you," I assured her. She released a breath, as her body relaxed. Then, I smirked. "Because I will – and you're gonna enjoy it."

Her purple eyes widened in shock. "Oz!" she scoffed.

"Hey, you got that joke," I mocked, with a laugh.

It was no joke, though. I was actually very serious.

She snorted. "It was pretty obvious."

"I know," I grinned. "Now, come on. The sooner we know what my brother wants, the sooner we can kick him out."

We climbed out of the car and walked to the house. I caught Halo running her fingers through her hair, while she chewed on her lip. I grabbed her hand to make her stop.

"Quit fidgeting," I told her. "I got you, dork."

She stopped walking when we were on the doorsteps, making me glance at her. She stared at the door for a second, before looking up at me.

"If he doesn't like me, can I bail?" she asked worriedly.

"If he doesn't like you," I began, "he can bail."

She frowned at me. "But he's your brother."

The corner of my lips turned up, and I pinched her nose.

"And you're my home, dork."

Like always, she giggled and pulled her face away.

Just as I was about to turn and reach for the doorknob, the front door opened. Instead of my brother, I laid eyes on not just one – but two women in the foyer.

"Finally!" sighed one of the blondes in exasperation. She was fashionably dressed in corporate attire, while her hair was perfectly curled like those from the nineteen-fifties. "I was wondering where you were, you little booger," she added, glaring at me.

I froze. I – I couldn't find my voice.

"Oh, please," said the older one behind her, holding a martini with a hand. This blonde was dressed to impress – the old bats at the country club, at least. Honestly, she looked like a senator's wife or something. It made me wanna barf. "It's Friday night. I'm surprised he's even home early."

The younger one's eyes traveled to Halo, and she raised an eyebrow. That snapped me out of my frozen state.

"He's got . . . a girl with him."

"It's not the redhead, is it? That girl is too loud."

I rolled my eyes and opened my mouth to say something when Halo beat me to it.

"Hi, I'm Halo," said my girl warmly, waving a hand at them.

The two witches just stared at her.

"It's rude to stare," said a deep male voice.

All heads turned to the direction of the stairs. We watched Clyde walk down in all his charming glory. He was still wearing a suit. It was pretty obvious they just arrived from their respective lives in the City. Clyde had that infamous smile on his face as he neared us.

"That's not just any girl, mind you," he stated, his eyes on Halo.

I had the sudden urge to hide Halo behind me, even though I knew he wouldn't touch her – not when I was around. See, I knew he had my best interest at heart. That was exactly why I was worried, though. He simply didn't care about anyone else.

Family always comes first, no matter what the cost.

Clyde seemed to notice because his eyes narrowed at me in curiosity.

"I see," he nodded, his smile widening. "She's your girlfriend, isn't she?"

"No shit," I smiled sarcastically.

At first, the two women's faces were ebbed with shock. It was only for a tiny second, though, because they immediately composed their expressions and checked out Halo.

"Well?" pressed the older blonde, raising an eyebrow at me. She stepped closer in a swaying manner caused by her heels, and tilted her head. "Aren't you going to introduce us?"

I pinched the bridge of my nose and took a deep breath. When I looked at them, they were all waiting. So I turned to Halo, and she gave me a look that said she had an idea what was going on. If I was gonna dig deeper, I'd say she was pretty excited.

"Halo, meet my personal hell," I said, gesturing to the three blonde-haired, blue-eyed people in the foyer. "Also called my siblings."


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Tbh, the Lacy's remind me of the Mikaelson family. LOL!

PS. Totally dreading the next chapter. >_<

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