Sharp Edges

Same Time Next Week

Cian

The estate is dead quiet by the time I make my way to the alley behind the shops, the kind of silence that only exists in places like this—too still, too expectant, like it's waiting for something to go wrong.

Danny and Ross are already there, leaning against the side of the off-license, passing a joint back and forth. They straighten up when they see me, Ross flicking the roach to the ground and crushing it under his heel.

"'Bout time," Danny mutters, pulling his hood up against the wind.

I smirk. "Relax. You waiting on your bedtime story or something?"

Danny scowls, but Ross snickers. "Nah, we just like getting paid on time, lad."

I pull out a roll of cash and start peeling off notes, handing Ross his cut first. He nods, tucking it into his jacket without counting. Danny, on the other hand, takes his and thumbs through it like I'd bother shorting him.

"All there," I say, lighting a cigarette. "Unless you're feeling robbed, in which case, feel free to fuck off."

Danny scoffs but doesn't argue, stuffing the money in his pocket. "Where's the rest?"

I take a slow drag, exhaling the smoke through my nose. "Coming in tomorrow. Few lads still owe me."

Danny mutters something under his breath but doesn't push it. He knows better.

"Still got that posh school shite going on?" Ross asks, smirking. "You in with the big leagues now, yeah?"

I let out a low laugh. "Something like that."

Danny shakes his head. "Can't believe they let you in there. What'd you do, blackmail the headmaster?"

"Something like that too," I say, grinning.

They don't need to know how I actually got in. The cash I handed over to secure a spot. The way no other school would touch me with a ten-foot pole after BCS.

Ross elbows me. "Bet them Tommen girls love you, though."

That makes me laugh, the image of Ruby Biggs' scowling face flashing through my mind.

"Yeah," I say, smirking, "they fucking adore me."

Ross chuckles, but Danny just snorts. "Watch yourself. Those rich girls are more trouble than they're worth."

"Good thing I don't mind a bit of trouble."

I take my cash, shove it into my pocket, and step away from the alley.

"Same time next week?" Ross calls after me.

I raise a hand without looking back.

The air is colder when I step onto the main road, the streetlights casting long shadows over the pavement. My fingers twitch in my pockets, brushing against the money.

Saoirse is still at Ciara's. Good. She's better off there.

I should head home, but I don't want to. The thought of sitting in that house, listening to Da grunt at the telly while he nurses another pint, makes my skin crawl.

Instead, I light another cigarette and keep walking, the bitter taste settling on my tongue.

Ruby Biggs.

That sharp mouth. Those eyes that see straight through you.

She fucking hates me.

And I fucking love it.

————

This fanfiction is inspired by Chloe Walsh's "Boys of Tommen" series. All original characters and settings are the property of Chloe Walsh.