Chapter 21: Bullying Chase

A/N: WEEKDAY
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🍪Ellie's P.O.V

The second time I woke up, I felt much better and it turned out that Alec indeed kept to his word.

I was currently on my stomach, my chin resting on my palm as I stared at his sleeping figure next to me. He had one of his arms behind his head while the other laid at his side.

I couldn't help but gulped lightly, his arms doing that delicious flex in that position and we haven't even gotten to the best part.

My eyes drifted to his bare torso, his toned and tattooed body completely exposed for my eyes to feast on. Despite being a yummy piece of chunk, Alec's face was the complete opposite.

He looked ethereal with his long thick lashes gently kissing his closed eyes, his hair was a tousled messy and his mouth slightly ajar; a wisp of air leaving his mouth as he exhaled.

I bit my lip, stopping myself from smiling at seeing a hint of bruise on his cheek. HA! Take that Alec! These arms may seem like matchsticks but these sticks can pack a mean punch!

I scooted closer at him, bringing one of my hands up and started playing with his hair. The temptation was strong and besides, its better than playing with his hair than licking his abs.

My hand drifted down to touch his closed lids, feeling jealous at how his eyelashes were so long and curled at the end.

Boys seriously have it easy, I thought.

My pointer finger gently traced the bridge of his nose before my hand went to his cheeks, a hint of freckles dusted on his nose and his cheeks if you looked closely.

My hand continued its journey and followed his cupid bow before pausing, my finger hovering over his lips.

I shrugged, gently tracing his top lip before moving to the lower one. I let out a surprised yelped when suddenly his teeth gently nipped my finger.

I glanced up, meeting the electrifying gaze of Alec. I gave him a sheepish smile at being caught, pulling my hand away but was stopped when one of his free hand took a hold of it and gently placed it back to his hair.

He let out a sigh when my hand continued playing with his hair, his eyes closing in bliss. I couldn't help but grinned at his adorable manner.

"How do you feel? Does it still hurt?" He asked, his voice low and deep because of sleep.

"I feel much better and it doesn't hurt that much. I know I've said it earlier but still, thank you." I replied, bringing my feet up and occasionally bumping it against one another.

He hummed."We still haven't talk about what happened last night. Are you comfortable talking about it with the guys present?" He asked, opening his eyes to meet my gaze.

"Of course, are we going now?" I asked, making a move to sit up.

"No, just a little longer." He stopped me,"I miss being close to you." He confessed softly, his eyes carefully drifting across my face.

I raised a brow,"You should've thought about that before you agreed with that stupid solution." I remarked, an amused smile gracing my features.

Alec groaned, taking a hold of my arm and pulled my body roughly to his chest. I let out a surprised yelp, his hand pushing my cheek to rest gently against his upper chest.

He slipped an arm around my waist, pulling me flush against him. Our feet were tangled and my hand nervously tapped against his chest.

"Don't remind me." He grumbled, pulling his shirt up to cover my exposed shoulder when it slipped down.

"I'm still mad at you." I grumbled making him chuckle, pressing a soft kiss on my head.

We laid like that comfortably, basking in the presence of one another. Alec was the one playing with my hair now and a small smile graced my lips at his action.

The peace was cut short when the door opened loudly, Todd strolled in without a care in the world and grinned at seeing our cuddled state.

I felt my cheeks heat up, pulling away from Alec and moving to sit up. He let out an annoyed groan, earning a painful pinch from me.

"Good afternoon to the lady who got her period today!" Todd chirped, making a move towards the windows and pulling the curtains aside.

The sunlight streamed into the room and I could tell it was afternoon already from the way it shined brightly, my eyes wincing at the harsh light.

"Do you really have to bring that up?" I glared playfully, placing my hands in between my legs.

Todd nodded profusely."Of course blue! As your best friend, it's my job to remind you of your idiocy and embarrassing moments." Todd chided, turning to me

"Since when did we become best of friends?" I raised a brow, glancing at Alec who glared at Todd.

He rolled his eyes,"Since I let you drive my car." He answered, crossing his arms.

"Fair enough." I cracked a grin, shaking my head in amusement.

Alec cleared his throat, earning both of our attention. He glanced suspiciously between us before moving out of the bed and standing up.

"Do you have feelings for her?" He suddenly asked, turning to look at Todd with a stare that could make anyone pee in his pants.

I smacked my hand on my forehead, disbelief coursing in me at Alec's words. Todd looked rather amused and glance at me before mischief glimmered in his eyes.

"Blue didn't tell you?" Todd asked, his eyes widening dramatically.

Alec fisted his hands, glancing at me briefly before turning back to him.

"Tell me what." Alec huffed, his whole body tensing.

Yum, those muscles flexing. Jessica drooled.

Todd took a step closer, placing a hand on Alec's shoulder. A wide smile gracing his features and regarded Alec with a relaxed stance.

"Jealousy doesn't look good on you." He laughed, dodging the punch that Alec threw his way.

I couldn't help but giggle, Todd made his way towards the door and opened it before turning to us one more time.

"Lunch is ready lovebirds. Better hurry up, it's taking everything of Chase to stop Valentino from eating the pizzas." He grinned, closing the door behind him.

I turned to Alec."You're cute when you're jelly." I playfully stated, standing up from the bed and stretching my sore muscles.

"I'm not jelly. I'm a man." He huffed, taking his shirt from earlier and putting it on.

"If you say so." I playfully sang, making my way out of the room and downstairs.

I was greeted by the pack of skittles huddled in the living room in front of the huge flat screen and Xbox, a controller each on their hands.

I passed by them and followed the scent of the heavenly goodness that was calling to me. I made my way towards the kitchen.

I was greeted by Ark and Sage were cutting some fruits and veggies whilst Todd who was on the stove seemed to be flipping a grilled cheese sandwich, beside him was a plate where some of it were neatly stacked.

On the table was 3 huge pizzas that seemed to be fresh out of the oven, there were as a colorful salad, and a creamy baked mac and cheese.

I couldn't help but glance in surprise at all this homemade food.

"You guys made these?" I asked, taking a seat and eyeing it the pizza with hunger.

"Nope, Gordon Ramsay did boo. Of course we cooked this! The pack of skittles were complaining that we can't cook for shit when we made typical pancakes for breakfast earlier." Ark grin, slicing the apples with a dark look.

Ark is a competitive person and loves to prove someone wrong. I shuddered, she can be quite evil when she wants to be.

"I miss you bitch, how's your period cramps?" Sage interjected, popping a slice of watermelon in her mouth.

"Yeah, I missed you too. Though next time, smack the hell out of Alec when he makes stupid solutions to problems." I answered, giving her a smile.

Sage eyes twinkled,"You'd be the first to know when I do it." She grinned, making her way towards me with the bowl fulled of various sliced fruits.

I stood up, deciding to set the plates and utensils in the table. Ark seemed to realize this and pointed me where it was, earning a thankful smile.

"Val, how many times do I have to tell? You can't eat the pizza yet! Fucking control yourself."

I glanced behind me, amusement lacing my features upon seeing a frustrated Chase pushing a determined looking Valentino back towards the living room.

"Fine but you have to give me one of your slice." Val whined, letting himself be pulled back by Chase.

Todd chuckled,"I can't count how many times they've been going back in forth in here," He turning the stove on, bringing a plate of neatly stacked grilled cheese sandwich towards the table.

"Can you do me the honors blue?" He grinned, taking a seat in front of me.

I gave him a smirk, finishing setting up the table. I placed my hands between the sides of my mouth and did an intake of deep breath.

"Lunch is served! Come and get it you filthy animals!" I bellowed out, a few seconds before thundering footsteps made its way to the kitchen.

Valentino was the first one who entered the kitchen, taking a seat beside me with an excited look. Chase took the seat next to Valentino while Todd sat between Ark and Sage.

Connor took the vacant seat next to Sage. The twins who sat on each ends of the table whilst a vacant seat was next to me. Alec suddenly graced us with his presence and earned a knowingly look from the pack of skittles.

"Took you long enough A." Valentino smirked at him, an all knowing expression on his face.

"Get your head out of the gutter V." Alec shot back, rolling his eyes.

A round of chuckles greeted the table and just like that, we all dug in. Lunch was spent full of laughter and jokes coming from Val and Todd.

There were a few times where I had to stop myself from chewing to prevent myself from getting choked because Valentino and Todd kept bullying Chase due to the fact that he didn't give up his slice of pizza to Val.

"You promised me Chasey and I believed you so foolishly!" V dramatically cried, pulling at Chase's arm.

"Stop calling me that and I didn't promise you  anything." Chase deadpanned, an annoyed expression on his face.

"Just give him the fucking slice of pizza Chase." Todd mused out, a grin forming on his lips.

Chase sighed defeatedly, placing his slice of pizza to V's plate. I bursted out laughing when he leaned in towards Chase and placed a big fat kiss on his cheek.

That earned him a harsh push from Chase in the shoulder. We all bursted out laughing, a red tinged dusting his cheeks lightly as he wiped his cheek furiously which made the pack of skittles laugh harder.

"Ah, shit, my stomach hurts." Hayden chuckled, taking a hold of his stomach.

"We'll clean up from here." Alec announced, glancing at the four of us after the laughter finally dying down.

"Chase and I volunteer as a tribute to wash the dishes." Val piped in, quoting the 'Hunger games' book.

"I'll return the dishes to the cabinets!"

"We'll clean the tables!"

"I'll throw the trash!"

I couldn't help but smile at their enthusiasm in cleaning up. The pack of skittles may have a reputation of bad boys but their heart was gold and expressive.

"We'll wait in the living room." I nodded at them, knowing that I'd have to tell them what happened last night.

"You're okay okay now right?" Ark asked, turning to look at me.

Sage and Todd sat on the floor, their back facing us and completely consumed in playing the game that the pack of skittles were doing earlier.

"What happened last night was scary but I'll get over it boo. They've told you the truth?" I asked, my gaze stuck in the TV screen.

"Yes, Jayden explained it to me last night. Turns out that your theory about Donald was somehow right." Ark pointed out, pulling both her feet up on the comfy coach.

"Who would've thought? It makes me feel like a genius." I grinned cheekily.

We waited for a whole thirty minutes before the pack of skittles finally came into the living room. Alec took the seat beside me while the rest crowded in the vacant love seats and bean bags.

Todd and Sage stopped playing and turned the tv off, already knowing what was going to happen next.

I started retelling them what happened, trying my best to remember the exact words the guy from last night said. The guys occasionally piped in to ask questions which I answered.

"Do you guys know the phoenix guy?" I asked, glancing at them.

"You're sitting beside him right now." Hayden answered, glancing at Alec.

"You're Phoenix? but your name is Alec though." My brows furrowed in confusion before I glared at him."Don't tell me you lied about your name!"

"It's my gang name cookie. Identity is something that we like to keep a secret. Alex knows it and likewise but that's because we've been rivals for so long." Alec explained, rolling his eyes at my accusation.

I crossed my arm across my chest."So, the family that you mentioned on the twin's party was your gang members?" I asked, remembering the numbers of men that didn't go to our school.

"They are red but we consider each one as a family. Our bond runs deeper than blood." Chase replied, nodding his head.

"Donald was right, other gangs would try to see a glimpse of you Haven." Jayden thought out, earning our attention.

"The solution is simple, we won't let them." Valentino piped in, leaning unto Chase's side who pushed him away in annoyance.

They all nodded, seeming to be caught up in their own thoughts. Even Todd was surprisingly serious, taking in each detail attentively.

"You mentioned last night that Sage is your best fighter. I want to be able to defend myself properly if ever I get myself into one of those situations, I was hoping she would teach me on, if that's okay with you." I hesitated, turning to look at Sage.

Sage brightened up,"I'd love to babe and besides, Alec can't be with you all the time. It's best if she learns to at least hold them off, just text me the time and place, I'll be there." Sage nodded, pushing her curly hair back.

Alec's phone rang, earning all of our attention. He glanced at the caller ID before standing up."It's Annie. Excuse me," He said.

At the mention of her name, a wave of awkwardness settled on the air. The pack of skittles glanced at me cautiously, expecting me to lash my claws out.

I rolled my eyes, my mood dampening and the fact that I have my period is making things worse.

"There's some pizza left right? I'm craving one." I grumbled, standing up and making my way towards the kitchen.

"How can she be hungry again? She just freaking ate." I heard Val ask Chase, earning a loud smack from him.

I took a three slice of pizza from fridge, making my way towards the table and taking a seat. I brought one of my feet up, wrapping my arm around it and taking a bite of it.

Jealousy is not good with period. It can turn into something monstrous when not properly taken care of.

I wasn't jealous of her looks per se, far from that. I was envy of the level of friendship she had with Alec. Knowing that it was her idea and Alec actually agreed means that he confides in her and trust her.

I took another bite, chewing thoughtfully. Thoughts swarming on my head making me quite dizzy.

And that's something that someone can't help but feel threatened to. I couldn't help but feel something off about her though, a girl wouldn't propose that idea unless it would benefit her unless she really is just a generous friend and really wanted to help him.

I frowned, chewing my pizza thoughtfully and There's a possibility that she likes him and that doesn't settle well with me.

I let out a yelped when someone suddenly
flicked a finger on my forehead hard. I look up, meeting Alec's sky blue orbs.

"I know that face, what are you thinking biscotto?" He asked, taking a seat with his body facing me.

"Why did Annie call?" I cut straight to the chase, not even bothering to lie.

Alec looked amused, earning a glare from me before I turned to look away from him. He placed his phone down beside the plate and scooted his chair closer towards mine.

"She knew what happened and was calling me to check up on you." He answered, his hand smoothing down an area on my hair that seemed messy.

"You should've let me talk to her then." I moodily said, chewing harshly.

"You are adorable when you're jelly." He chuckled, repeating what I said earlier.

I ignored him, turning to look at the pizza instead. Alec sighed, raking a hand through his hair.

"I told her that you knew and that there wasn't any reason for us to fake date anymore." He revealed. I kept quiet but my ear perked up slightly at his revelation.

"Stop ignoring me and look at me biscotto," He demanded, his gaze burning on the side of my face.

I rolled my eyes, turning my gaze to him. Alec's electrifying gaze made me pause, his eyes were light but a certain edge seemed to be present in it.

He took a hold of my chin, angling my face up to his. I couldn't help but gulp lightly, his eyes trailed from my eyes, nose, and cheeks leaving a certain heat to before it settled on my lips.

He looked up to my eyes, his eyes seeming a shade darker than before."I'll tell you this again cookie, I don't like her—never have and never will. She's just my friend but you however." He paused, leaning in slightly.

I felt myself leaning in, earning a small smile from Alec. My heart beat went into an abnormal rate, the thought of kissing Alec made something stomp in my stomach.

I could feel Alec's warmth, my eyes closing on instinct, our faces only centimeters away. The air seemed to sizzle around us and it's like everything fell deaf to my ears.

Until I heard Valentino letting out a girly scream.

"Flabbergasted! Guys! Chasey! They're about to fucking kiss and its in my kitchen!" Valentino exclaimed, making my eyes pop open in surprise.

"I'm still mad at you." I let out a startled gasp and pushing Alec away from me hastily.

Considering he was surprised as I am, he leaned back far and since he was sitting with his body facing me, there wasn't anything to support his back and thus, Alec fell.

Alec's back was to the floor, his lower half erect with the rest of his legs resting on the chair.

Loud footsteps met my ears, followed by hoots and squeals. My cheeks heated up and I glanced at Alec's position with wide eyes.

They all entered the kitchen with excited expression but instead bursted out laughing at the sight of Alec's position.

"It's not what it looks like!" I protested, shaking my head profusely.

"I'll fucking gut you Val." Alec groaned out, clutching his back.

Valentino sobered up at his words, an alarmed look gracing his features. They all laughed harder though, their eyes closed and pearly white teeth exposed.

Seeing them happy made me happy too and before I knew it, I was laughing along them. Finding the situation humorous at the way it turned out.

That is until I felt something gush out of me, literally.