Just Tonight

  Badass, gang leader, all around jackass took in someone? Someone he wasn't inclined to take in? That was a little hard for me to wrap my mind around.

  "Ethan took you in?" I asked, shaking myself from my thoughts.

  "Yep. It's a little hard for you to believe I'd say. Trust me though, you don't know him like I do," James said, picking up his pizza. I nodded.

  "I'd say. I'm sorry all of that happened to you though. You didn't deserve it, James." I whispered the last part, surprised to find tears surfacing in my eyes. James just smiled and continued eating.

  An hour later we waltzed through my apartment door, laughing between each other. Danny was on the couch, asleep and my dad was nowhere to be found. I sat our leftover pizza on the kitchen table before skipping into my room, James hot on my heels. We crashed into my small room and sat on the bed, swinging our feet back and forth at each other.

  "How long have you guys lived here?" James asked, flicking his hair out of his face.

  "About three years. We used to live in the gang house when I was little," I said, laying back on the bed.

  "Seriously? You lived there?" James asked, laying down beside me.

  "Yep, I practically grew up there. We moved out after Dad stepped down," I said softly, closing my eyes.

  "What is it like, having Buddy as a father?" James asked hesitantly. 

  I thought about it for a second. When I was little, Dad wasn't always there. Sometimes I'd wonder if he really cared about us, but that didn't last long. The main thing that got to me was everything he taught us, everything he told us. My dad was wise, but he was also barbaric. 

  "It was different, I guess. He wasn't there a lot until he stepped down. He taught me and Danny a lot though, and I know for sure it'll always stick with us," I said quietly, drumming my fingers on my stomach.

  "I wish I was your brother, Ember. Not to sound creepy." James said.

  "I wish you were too, Jamie. Since you're not though, I'll just adopt you as my brother."

  I didn't hear what he said after that. Drifting off to sleep, I dreamed of death.

  "What the hell is going on here?" A voice screamed, interrupting my peaceful sleep. Groaning, I rolled over onto my back. 

  "Ember Davis Hanely, why is there a boy in your bed?" My brother asked as I opened my eyes and sat up.

  I looked from him, to my dad, to Jamie. This definitely didn't look good. I opened my mouth, only to be cut off my a peachy, I'm-a-morning-person James.

  "We fell asleep last night, Sir. Nothing happened," James said quickly, sending Danny and Dad both a reassuring smile.

  "Nothing better have fucking happened." My dad hissed before storming away. I just sat there, stock still. That was a first. Dad never yelled. 

  "James, why don't you leave?" My brother suggested, moving out of the doorway. James nodded before hugging me and walking out the door. 

  "That was rude." I said, flipping back over onto my stomach. 

  "Why was he here, Ember?" Danny asked.

  "Like Jamie said, we fell asleep."

  "Are you sure that's all that happened?"

  "Yes, now get out," I spoke harshly, lowering my head to the pillow again. I listened as Danny left the room and shut the door before closing my eyes and going back to sleep.

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Awh, feel bad for James? I sure do! Are you getting my hints? I hope so. I'm thinking of switching actors for James... Vote, comment, fan. Happy reading!! Oh, and the A Trophy Fathers Trophy Son is in the external link. It's a song by Sleeping With Sirens I thought went sorta well with James story. Check it out! 

AH! Question: Ethan and Ember chapter next, or Ember and James?? I want YOUR opinion!