SWEET REVENGE -- FAILFANFIC.

[GREYtheFLAILER]

S W E E T R E V E N G E
-One-

I will never forgive myself, for letting this happen. Never will I live another day without guilt on my shoulders, and sadness within my heart. As I sit here, my love slowly bleeding out within my very arms, this is what I think of. It’s my fault. It should have been me. I love her, she can’t just... die. Her blood stains the floor and myself alike, pooling around the two of us; trapping us, in a circle of death, loss, and despair. Her eyes stay cracked open, looking up at me in fright. But they’re fading. Slowly, slowly, their color is paling; ice blue shifting into a bland, sickening grey color. A tear slips down the side of my face and drops from my chin to her forehead, as another round of sobs envelope me. Her lips are parted and bloody, as if she was trying to speak. Had she called to me, to save her? Was I supposed to arrive, and rescue her? Yes. I know I should have been there. I should have saved her. I lean down, just slightly, to press the softest of kisses to her forehead. I have to believe she will make it, after all, Paramedics are on their way. But... she isn’t moving. I search her eyes again, desperately. Why hasn’t she blinked?
“Cris!” My voice is hoarse and broken, the last of my composure leaking out with the pained yell. She can’t be dead. It’s not possible. She’s invincible. My Cris cannot die.


Had I told her I loved her today?


More tears drain down my cheeks, in which I refuse to deal with. I don’t want to lift my hands from her. She will come back to me, she has to.
“Help!” I screech, holding her limp hand within my own. I won’t let go. Never will I let go, until I’m sure she’s alright.
“Cris! It’ll be okay, wake up! Come back!” I yell again, my voice close to hysterical. I didn’t want to see this. Didn’t want to deal with it. Why hadn’t she breathed? Or blinked? Why wouldn’t she stop bleeding?
“Cris!” She can hear me, I know she can. She has to. I can’t be alone, now. I love her. She needs to stay with me. We’re going to grow old together, and have a family. We promised each other.


She can’t break that promise now.


She can’t... Leave me, now. Not like this. Tears continue to streak down my cheeks, as her skin begins to grow cold.
“Cris... I love you. You can’t go. Please. I promise I’ll be better. I promise I’ll protect you. Please...” I choke out, my voice raspy and incoherent. She still hasn’t breathed. Or blinked. Or moved. Damn it, why not? She needs to wake up. She needs to wake up and kiss me and say she’s alright. She needs to give me that little smirk of hers, and smack my chest for being over-sensitive. Like she always does.
“Cris!” I don’t register how desperate I sound.
“They’re in here, boys!” I turn my head, just briefly, to see a paramedic entering the room.
“See? Help is here... You’re going to be okay, Cris. You’re alright.” She doesn’t respond. Doesn’t move, doesn’t blink, doesn’t breath. I look towards the Paramedic suddenly, narrowing my eyes with obvious malice. Why are the morons just standing there?
“Help her! Can’t you see she’s bleeding?! Fuck! HELP HER!” I scream at them wildly, my breathing coming in quick, harsh little pants. They’re just looking at me with sad, sad eyes. Don’t look at me like that! I don’t need that pity! She’s alive! Save her!
“Save her, you bastards!” I scream again, my voice wavering, as more tears leak down my face. She’ll be okay. If they save her, she’ll be fine.
“Sir...” One of them starts, coming to kneel beside me.


I know that tone.
No.
No.
NO.


“She’s alive! Save her! Can’t you see Cris needs help?!” I ask again, screaming at the men. The man that was first to come in just sighs, his eyes flickering to the ground. Why won’t he help her? He needs to! She’s dying!
“She’s dead, sir.” I freeze, my entire body going cold. I can feel the color leaving my face, all too quickly, as my stomach churns. No, she isn’t dead. He’s wrong. Liar. My head begins to shake back and forth wildly.
“No! Y-You’re wrong! Liar! Bastard!” Words stumble from my lips, as one of the men grab my shoulders from behind. They’re trying to take me from her. No. No. Bad idea. Immediately I lash out at them, screaming and struggling as wildly as I can.
“Cris! Cris!” I scream, my voice shrill, yet broken. The men pull me harder, three of them taking hold of my arms, and dragging me from the room. I fight against them, attempting to stand and run, but I can’t get my legs to move. I’m frozen, staring at her as they pull me away. She looks so soft like that; vulnerable. Laying bloodied and broken. She looks almost... angelic, and yet in so much pain, at the same time. I want to take her pain away from her. I’m supposed to protect her. That’s what I’m here for. As I’m dragged from the room, I become suddenly vitally aware of the lump in my pocket.


I was going to propose to her.


We were supposed to spend the rest of our lives together.


Justin’s eyes snapped open suddenly, his breathing ragged and quick, his body covered in a thin layer of sweat. The man’s sheets twisted mercilessly around his body, not allowing any movement from his waist down. A sure sign of his lashing, throughout the nightmare. Since the funeral, his terrifying dreams had gotten terribly worse, and more frequent. However, knowing the girl he loved was rotting beneath the ground, now, was almost worse.


Almost.

[GREYtheFLAILER]

-Two-

Justin hadn’t come close to accepting what had happened. He’d wake up each and every morning still, roll over, and reach out for Cris like he always did. Normally, he’d put his arm around her waist and kiss her forehead or cheek, depending on how she was laying, before starting his morning routine. Now, however, Justin would simply reach out across the empty space in his bed, and feel nothing. He’d pause, frown, and reach out further, several times, before opening his eyes. Nothing. No one.


And then it would all come back to him.


This morning had been no different, and Justin was starting to wonder if this, too, was normal. What was “normal” anymore, anyways? Having your lover murdered definitely wasn’t. Or at least, Justin didn’t think it was. Though, it’s not like he thought about it often. In fact, Justin avoided the topic like the plague, both mentally and outwardly. If someone brought up his loss, he would freeze up completely. He’d feel his skin go cold, and his breath hitch in the back of his throat.


He’d experience it all over again.
Everything.
Every single detail would run through his mind quickly, like a flashback of sorts.
A flashback of love, pain, and blood.
The loss of her life.
And the loss of his.


But Justin would force himself into composure, and simply nod his head. He would avoid eye contact and look at the floor as he did so, usually as his hands balled into fists. This, of course, others didn’t always notice. They didn’t know what it felt like, what this felt like. Justin didn’t expect them to, though. He never expected anything from anyone. Not anymore. Justin didn’t believe it was good to rely on others, after what happened. He didn’t need anyone, to be happy. He could enjoy isolation, and stay happily with his head in the ground, unaware of the world around him.


Justin had changed a lot.
But he made no efforts whatsoever, to change back.


Justin thought of this as he stared blankly as the wall across the room, sitting at the table with his cup of cold coffee. The chair to his right, the one that was normally... occupied, was pulled out, as if waiting. Justin’s gaze shifted towards the empty chair, his lips pursing into a thin line. Was it mocking him? Sitting there, empty like that? She should be there, in that chair, talking with him about her morning plans. Justin shifted to reach forwards, his fingers brushing lightly against the startlingly cold wood. His expression shifted, contorting to one of discomfort, as he pulled his hand back, dropping it lazily beside his coffee cup. The seat shouldn’t be cold. Justin looked down at his coffee, in which had been sitting there for over an hour, before getting up with a grimace, and walking off towards the bedroom. He wouldn’t call it his bedroom, because it wasn’t just... his. It was theirs.


Justin wasn’t taking easily to the change.


Slowly he pulled open one of his drawers, before grabbing one of his folded shirts, as well as a pair of casual jeans. He stripped down easily and put the new, clean clothing on, before placing the dirtied clothes in his laundry hamper. The room was clean, for the most past, though there were still a few things, both Cris’ and Justin’s, scattered about the room. Justin didn’t plan on moving anything, either. Not her clothing, not her makeup... Nothing. Hell, Justin hadn’t even slept on her side of the bed, let alone moved any of her stuff. He would keep everything perfect. Maybe then, it would be as if he never lost her.


Justin shook his head, before stalking into the washroom, to gaze into the mirror. He looked like utter shit, to put it nicely. His brow furrowed, before he ran a comb through his hair, and brushed his teeth.


He did his best to ignore the unused toothbrush, in the drawer. He didn’t want to think about it. Didn’t want to look at it. Didn’t want to... deal with it.


After a moment of useless staring, deep in thought about nothing, Justin left the washroom and grabbed his hoodie off of his dresser. He slipped it on over his shirt and grabbed his keys on the way out, before exiting the apartment with haste, not sparing a look towards the living room. He didn’t need to go in there. He was afraid of what he’d see. Would it be bloody? No, people would have cleaned up. Right? Justin thought it seemed correct. But, would it smell like her? Like her blood? Immediately Justin ceased his mental questions, before hitting the little arrow facing downwards, on the elevator.


And he waited.
Oh, how Justin hated waiting.


Luckily though, before Justin started to actually let himself think, the elevator door started to open.


And he stood, silent, as he came face-to-face with Squall. His best friend. Justin moved out of the way as his friend stepped off the elevator, and made no effort to hug him back, when he pulled Justin into an involuntary embrace. Justin used to love hugs. But, now? He couldn’t hate them more. He watched his friend as the boy pulled back, his expression questioning.
“You okay, Jussin? ....I heard what happened.” Justin’s eyes slid towards the floor, his jaw clenching. Of course he fucking-well knew. Everyone knew. Every single fucking person in the entire universe knew. And they felt sorry for him. Justin looked back towards Squall, his expression flat.
“Yeah. Fine.” He said simply, an unheard of edge within his voice. Justin needed to go to work; he needed to occupy his mind. Which was what Squall was currently keeping him from.
“You sure?” His friend asked, and Justin drew in an aggravated breath.
“Yeah. I need to go to work. I’ll talk with you later.” Justin answered, before reaching his arm forwards to catch the elevator door. He walked in and turned around as the door closed, avoiding Squall’s concerned eyes. His friend lived on the same floor as him, on purpose, which Justin was suddenly regretting. He hoped he would just... leave him alone. That was all Justin wanted. Was to be left alone.


He would drive to the diner, work for the entire day, drive home, and sleep.
It was Justin’s routine. It was how he worked.


Justin walked from the elevator and out into the entrance of the large building, ignoring the whispers from the people at the front desk. He was used t it. They all knew Cris was the girl he loved. They all knew he was alone and vulnerable. He forced his gaze away from them and pushed the front doors open, heading towards his vehicle. Only before two men ahead of him caught his attention. Justin attempted to walk past, although the officers stopped in front of him, rather condescending expressions written across their faces. Justin made eye contact with the two, just briefly, before his gaze slipped back to the street before him.
“Justin Flyte?” The taller man asked. Justin nodded.
“Would you mind coming with us? We have a few questions, regarding the murder of Crissatha Pandora.” Justin closed his eyes tightly, attempting to once again reign in all of his uncharacteristic urges. How could they say her name so easily? He certainly couldn’t. After he figured the men would wait no longer, he wrenched his eyes back open, and nodded. Justin could answer some questions, couldn’t he? Yes, yes he could. If it could help the Police find Cris’ killer, he definitely could. The men both attempted a smile, which Justin thoughtfully ignored, before they started walking towards their Police cars.

So much for going to work.

[GREYtheFLAILER]

-Three-

The ride was painstakingly long, and Justin spent his entire time leaning silently against the window, his forehead pressed against the cold glass. He’d watched the world go past through his window, happy children being led across the street by their protective parents, couples walking hand-in-hand along the sidewalks, the occasional person walking their dog. Hmn. Maybe Justin should get a dog. Then he wouldn’t be alone, would he? Justin sighed, as the car made a harsh turn towards the right, causing his entire face to flatten against the glass. He straightened up immediately, running a hand over his face, with an irritated little groan. Was that a sign? No dog?


But the more Justin thought about it, the more he figured the dog would probably just die, too.


The Police Station came into view, and Justin couldn’t help but feel a tad nervous. What questions would they ask? Who did they suspect? Was the criminal here, already? Justin waited for the Officer to unlock and open his door for him, before stepping out into the cool spring air. He didn’t fight them, because he knew he was entirely innocent. He was coming here to answer questions, and then he would get on his way to work, and apologize. His boss wouldn’t get mad at him, Justin doubted, because he seemed to pity him. Like every other person. They all felt bad for him. Justin didn’t need that, though. That pity. He didn’t want it. He wanted people to treat him how they always did. Was that too hard to ask?


Justin knew it was.


He walked after the officers into the station, got patted down, before he was lead into an odd, white room with a table and two chairs. Was this what interrogation rooms looked like? Stupid question. Obviously it was. Justin sat down in the chair assigned to him, and leaned back in a somewhat lazy manner, before looking to one of the cops questioningly. Would they question him? Would someone else? One of the cops, the shorter one, nodded to the other, and walked out. He closed and locked the door behind him. Locked? Did they think he needed to be locked in? Wasn’t that illegal? They couldn’t keep him here against his will. Justin didn’t want to be here, sure. But that didn’t mean he would go into some wild rage, and try to escape.


Then again, maybe locking the door was best.


Justin looked up at the other man as he came ad sat down, doing his best to look like a good person. Not a person drowning in their own sorrow and self-pity, but a good, well-adjusted person. It was worth a shot, wasn’t it? Justin shifted, putting both of his hands on the table before him, as the officer sat down himself. He looked gruff; cautious, even. Did he know Justin was a ticking time bomb, that could very well explode with the wrong words? Justin hoped so. He desperately did.
“I’m Officer Greene, and I’ll be the one questioning you today.” Justin didn’t see the point for introductions. Not at all. They were only going to meet briefly, weren’t they? He forced himself to nod in recognition, so the officer could go on with the damn questions.
“I’m sorry for your loss.” Again? Really? Justin gritted his teeth, before coughing. Okay. He was fine. Everything was alright. This was for the better. The Cop wasn’t trying to mock him.
“Thanks.” Justin said quietly, before falling into another silence. The man across from him frowned, just slightly, before he decided to get with the program and move on. Finally.
“So, Justin, where were you at approximately 6:40PM, on the night of the murder?” This didn’t sound like it was going to help to find the killer. Justin paused, ignoring the emotions that seemed to be spinning out of control within himself.
“I was... Uh...” Justin blinked, letting out a little laugh, that was nowhere near amused.
“Getting her a ring.” Justin finished, and the Cop nodded slowly, tilting his head at Justin. What was that look? Did he think he was lying? Justin raised a brow, just to the slightest, in slight challenge. Go for it, buddy. Dare you to fucking try.
“You were going to propose, then?” The Officer looked away briefly, as Justin nodded in answer. He hadn’t been bothering to speak much, lately.
“And, did Crissatha have any enemies that you know of?” Did she? Justin figured she might; everyone did. But someone that would want to do... that, to her? Who would want to kill her? Justin frowned, and shook his head.
“No.” Justin said firmly, his confidence obvious. The Officer seemed annoyed, with his lack of communication.
“Do you remember seeing anything out of the ordinary, that night?” Justin’s lips parted, his eyes narrowing. Who the hell did this guy think he was? Justin’s expression took on one of complete and utter hatred, as he stared the Officer in the eyes.
“Aside from walking home to the girl I loved on the fucking floor, dead? No. Nothing at all.” Justin said, his tone venomous, sarcastic and full of warning. The man immediately looked behind him, where Justin figured the one-way mirror was, before standing. Was Justin done?
“Well, Justin... I think that’s all I need, for now. You’ll be assigned a holding cell for the night, until we can question you again.” Fuck no. He needed to work. He needed to go to work. He couldn’t... Get stuck here. Justin stood, all too quickly, his chair screeching as it raked along the floor, before falling over behind him.
“I’m not staying here. I need to go to work. You can’t make me. It’s against the law.” Justin said, his breathing accelerating. The Cop stood warily by the door, his hand dangerously close to the gun on his waist.
“We’re allowed to keep you for forty-two hours, legally. You’re a suspect in a murder.” Justin paused, there. He was a suspect? Didn’t they know who he was? What Cris was to him? They didn’t understand. Nobody did. Justin’s expression was pained, as he looked at Officer Greene.
“You’re a bastard. I loved her. I didn’t kill her.” Justin said coldly, as another man came into the room, and forced Justin against the wall. He wrenched his hands behind his back and cuffed him, before grabbing him by the arm and dragging him down the hall, towards the holding cells. This was unfair. Stupid and unfair. It was as Justin was being led past the entrance, he saw Lightning and Miyuki. Justin could tell being here hurt them, too. He could see from the lines in their faces, that Cris’ friends hadn’t gotten a good sleep, nor had they been in very high spirits. Both of their faces dropped when they saw Justin.


Did he look that bad?


“Hey, Justin!” Miyuki called out, and the officer holding Justin stopped momentarily. He didn’t seem patient, and for that reason, Justin wanted to talk with the two for as long as he could.
“Hey, guys.” He said flatly, attempting to walk closer. The officer, however, kept him firmly in his place.
“Justin? Why the fuck does this guy have you in cuffs?” Lightning asked, as the two walked closer. The stopped a few feet away, though, as if they didn’t want to get close. Did they think he was capable of such a thing, too? Justin hoped not. He hoped desperately not.
“Long story.” Justin said, his tone disappointed.
“When will you get out?” Miyuki asked, sending a harsh glare towards the Officer holding Justin.
“Two days, I think?” Miyuki’s eyes glanced back towards Justin, and she nodded. Just the slightest movement, and Justin looked up at the cop to see if he’d noticed. What did that little nod mean? Did Miyuki know who did it? He raised a brow, in slight question.
“Okay. We’ll talk then.” Miyuki said, before grabbing Lightning’s arm and dragging her off. What was with them? Justin was confused as hell, now. His expression showed that, as he was dragged down towards the end of the hallway.

------

This was great. Perfect. Wonderful. Justin leaned against the cars of his cell, with nothing better to do, as he watched the Guards talk across the room. They would cast glances towards him every so often, as if just to check he wasn’t trying to kill himself or anything, before returning to their conversation. Justin was willing to bet they were talking about something useless, and completely senseless. Like the weather. With an aggravated sigh, Justin turned so he was looking at the wall with the window. It was dark outside; it had to be about... 10:00PM? That was Justin’s guess. He wasn’t going to sleep tonight, though. He didn’t need people hearing his screams. Didn’t need people mocking him for his nightmares. Then, they might assign him to some sort of godddamn crazy-house.


That was all he needed.


It was at that moment, however; that small moment of doubt, when Justin caught movement outside of the window. Was it a few teenagers, who were actually stupid enough to roam around the Police Station? Though, after a few seconds, Justin saw a face. Miyuki? What the fuck was she doing at the window? Justin’s eyes widened slightly and he tried to motion for her to leave, but paused once he realized the guards may notice. Okay. No big.


They were only trying to break him out of jail.
Well, technically not jail. A temporary holding cell.
Close enough.


Justin watched as the two pulled open the already cracked window, and started ripping out the screen by hand. How was he supposed to get out of his cell, anyways? Justin cast a glance towards the Guards, each one with a set of keys on their waste.


Somehow, he didn’t think this was going to end well. But hey, he still hoped for the best.


Justin watched in silence as Miyuki slipped in first, being she was the abnormally small one, before Lightning slipped in second. They landed silently, and the two of them stayed firmly around the corner, safely out of view from the guards. Miyuki looked towards Justin and pointed towards the guards. What was that supposed to mean? Justin frowned, before realizing what she was attempting to get at. He needed them to come over here, so Miyuki could knock them out and get the keys. Knock them out, or kill them. Somehow, Justin had the suspicion it would be the second. Justin paused, trying to pull up memories of how he used to be a good distraction. Usually it involved flailing, laughing, and crazy behaviour. Which Justin was so not... able to do, right now. Especially with these handcuffs. Instead, Justin figured he’d pull a crazy-person act.


“Damn it!” Justin yelled, before standing and kicking at the bars savagely. He slammed into the walls of his cell, yelling and screaming incoherent words and phrases. The Guards immediately looked up from their conversation and jogged over, hands flying to the guns at their waist.
“Justin! Justin Flyte! Calm down, or we will force you to!” One of them men yelled, making his way towards the door. Justin continued screaming and ramming into the doors, as if attempting to get out with force. He pressed his head against the bars and spit towards the officers, just as a knife flew through the air, hitting the first Officer straight through the neck. Immediately blood spilled down the man’s neck and shoulders, as he collapsed sideways. Before the other man could react, another knife was thrown, plunging into his chest. The Cop sputtered, coughing up blood, before falling to his knees and slumping to the floor. Justin blinked, his chest heaving with both fear and adrenaline, as Lightning grabbed the loop of keys from one of their waists, and began attempting to open Justin’s cell.
“You’d think they’d label these damn things.” She muttered, before an alarm went off.
“Hurry it up, Lightning! I don’t want to have to massacre the entire damn station!” Just as Miyuki finished, the door opened, and Justin shouldered it out of his way. He let them pass through the window first, before hopping up onto one of the desks. He could hear running footsteps, from down the hall.
“Next time, guys, do me a favour and take off my cuffs? My arms would be pretty useful, right about now.” Justin muttered, before lowering his arms and stepping over them, as quickly as he could. At least his hands weren’t behin him, any longer? Justin then jumped towards the window, clawing with his hands as best he could, to slither though. Miyuki and Lightning grabbed him by the shirt and dragged him through, before Justin stood, and the three took off running.


Justin should have known they would have had the entire thing planned.


A van sat parked across the lot, doors open, just waiting. Police filed out of the station, the alarm still ringing in Justin’s ears, as they raced forwards. God, they needed to make it. They had to. Justin hopped into the van after the two girls and slammed the door shut, before whoever was in the front put the pedal to the metal, and sped out of the lot. Sirens started going minutes later, as the vehicle raced down the darkened road, and Justin attempted to look through the back window t see how close their procures were. Miyuki unlocked Justin’s cuffs as he did so, and he nodded towards her in thanks.
“Thanks.” He said breathlessly, before looking towards the driver’s seat. Sephora? Justin felt a small smile tug at his lips, as he thought about it. The three of them had come to get him out of his temporary jail. It was almost like old times.
“They’re gaining on us, Seph.” Lightning said, glancing towards the brunette driving.
“Yeah, yeah, I know. We need to jump out soon, alright?” Wait... Jump? Justin felt his stomach twist.
“Jump?” He asked, uncertainly within his voice.
“Well, we’re not going to outrun them. Guys, open up the side door.” Sephora said demandingly, as they turned towards the river. Oh god. Justin knew this road was a dead end. A dead end at the river. She was going to drive the vehicle into the river. Wonderful. Miyuki opened the car door, as Sephora sped up, causing Justin to stumble towards the back of the van. She then reached across the seat, for the bags she had there, and placed them on top of her foot, which was currently on the gas pedal. Then, she slipped her foot from underneath the bag, and gave a little victorious smirk when the car sayed accelerated.
“Guys, ready? We need to be fast.” Sephora asked, though I had the feeling it wasn’t much of a question.
“Yepp!” Miyuki nodded.
“I’ve been ready my entire life.” Lightning said with a grin.

Justin didn’t get to answer. All at once, Sephora ran towards the back of the vehicle, grabbed him by the shoulder, and leapt from the open vehicle. Miyuki and Lightning were mere seconds after, and they all hit the muddy ground near the same time.
“Get into cover, guys. Follows the river north until we meet up again.” Sephora said, before standing and taking off into the bush. She was more of a solitary person, but Justin would much rather stay with a group. As much as he’d hated being with people since the incident, this was an exception. He never planned on escaping from the Station. Justin got up and ran after Lightning and Miyuki, whispering their names so they would slow down. They did, but only after the group of three had run a fair distance. Justin looked over his shoulder as he ran, noting the Police cars now pulling up to the scene. Amazing.

Maybe he did have a reason to be thankful.

[GREYtheFLAILER]

-Four-

It had been quite the long trek, along the river. Justin didn’t know where the small group would be meeting with Sephora, nor did he have any idea if anyone else was going to be there, but he was thankful for this, either way. This... Rescue. It kept his mind from meandering into topics he’d much rather steer clear from. As much as Justin felt comfortable in his own home, there were still far too many traps. Like the chair, the toothbrush, the living room. Everything was just... so dangerous. One minute Justin would be as close to fine as he could be, and then he would lay his eyes on something. Something that would trigger a memory of her, in which would make him break down. Again. Justin let out a little sigh, as he thought of this. He was so entirely pathetic, wasn’t he? He would never be himself again, that was for sure. In the two weeks that had passed since the incident, his character had taken a full 360. He didn’t feel like himself, so why should he bother acting like it?


The group had long abandoned the crash-site, and lucky for them, the Cops had no idea how they had escaped. A few helicopters had gone by overhead, but lucky for the group, they were very well sheltered, given they were in the middle of a damn forest. Justin’s eyes had adjusted better to the dark, and although he may normally be afraid of a forest at night... Well, he knew worse things would be waiting for him, if the Police caught him. Just think about it. When he was accused of murder, he mysteriously escaped his holding cell. That, of course, put the target on Justin’s back. Smart? He hoped so.


Because, see, with the Target on Justin... The real killer should feel safe. Right?


The thought had been in the back of Justin’s mind for quite some time since the incident, though he’d never really... Though of it, seriously. Would he do exactly what had been done to Cris? Justin knew he wanted to, as sickening as it may be. He wanted to kill the bloody murderer with his bare hands, and watch the life fade from him slowly, tauntingly. He would spit on the criminal, and dump his body in the fucking trash. It’s what he deserved, hell, that’s where he belonged. The only problem?


What if he had a family? What if the so-called killer, had a woman that loved him?
Would she feel like Justin did? Would she go through all this pain?


The man shook his head slowly, banishing the doubtful thoughts from his mind. He always came up with some, sad reason not to attempt to get even. Revenge was a scary thing; something Justin knew he should avoid. But it was so tempting. So, entirely tempting.
“You with us, Justin?” Miyuki asked, stopping ahead of him, and raising a brow. He stopped, centimetres from walking into Lightning, before giving her another brief nod.
“Yeah, yeah. I’m fine. Let’s go, I don’t want to keep Sephora waiting.” He said simply, causing both Miyuki and Lightning’s expressions to shift. Pity. He hated pity. Justin rolled his eyes and walked past the two, before continuing along the river. Even his friends were treating him differently. It was so fucking stupid. Justin closed his eyes briefly, before wrenching them on at the sound of a voice.
“Oh, don’t worry. I’ve already been waiting for over a half an hour.” Sephora said with a small smirk, hopping from the rock she was sitting on with ease. Oh, maybe that’s what the looks were. Sephora had been there the entire time. Justin just hadn’t seen her. He looked towards Miyuki and Lightning apologetically, but Lightning cut him off before he could start.
“Don’t apologize, jerk.” She said with a little smirk, though Justin didn’t bother returning the gesture. He simply looked towards Sephora for guidance. The group of friends had always looked towards her as their “leader” of sorts, as odd as that may sound. She seemed to be the only level-headed one of them all. Well, aside from if one was to get on her bad side. She tended to get stabby, when annoyed.
“Why are you guys looking at me? This was your idea.” Sephora said, raising a brow at the two.
“Well, it’s not like we can go back to our own houses. The Police have probably already been there, and are waiting for us.” Miyuki rolled her eyes, her hatred for authority obvious.
“So, what? Are we just going to live out here and lurk around like fucking bush-people?” Justin asked, though not in an amused tone. Whatsoever. He somehow made what normally could have been a funny comment into a dangerously miserable one.
“No. Thanks for your positivity though, Justin.” Sephora said, sending him a little glare. He happily returned that gesture, however. It was harder to smile; much easier to glare.
“Has anyone called Raea? Can she help?” Lightning asked, tilting her head.
“You really want to get Raea involved?” Miyuki asked, her expression challenging. Raea was always the innocent one; she didn’t deserve the Police coming after her.
“Well, what else do you suggest we do?” Lightning asked in return, a little irritated. Justin didn’t like his friends to be bickering, though he didn’t feel the nagging need to interject, like he usually did. Instead he stared off into the moving creak, his thoughts wandering.
“I don’t know! I’m not some sort of fucking genius.” Miyuki retorted, and Sephora sighed in aggravation.
“Guys, shut up. We don’t want the entire world to hear us.” She said simply, and the three paused, looking to Justin. He raised his gaze from the stream and raised a brow, but each and every one of them just... Stared. He let out a small sigh.
“What?” He asked, his tone flat and to the point.
“What do you want to do?” Lightning asked, and Justin knew his answer before he spoke. He looked at her, a small little smirk pulling at his lips. It wasn’t his normal, happy-go-lucky smirk, but a smirk in which had never taken place on Justin’s lips before.

It was then he realized... Revenge was far, far too tempting.

“I want to kill him.” Justin said slowly, shocking the others into a silence.