Chapter 14
"All thanks to you, Scar," Kelly continued, her eyes not quite meeting Scarlet's but still intense. "I wouldn't be able to confront Sarah or Max if it wasn't for you."
Scarlet's expression shifted, a flicker of something unguarded flashing across her face. For a moment, she was quiet, letting the words settle in between them. Then, slowly, she reached out, her fingers grazing Kelly's arm as if trying to ground herself in the truth of what Kelly was saying.
"You've always had that strength, Kel," Scarlet said quietly, her voice softer than before. "You just needed someone to help you see it. I'm just glad I could be here for you when you needed it."
Kelly's lips curled up slightly, a soft smile tugging at her mouth, though there was a touch of sadness there too. "I don't know if I would've found it on my own... or if I would've even tried. But you made me want to. You made me feel like it was worth it."
Scarlet's hand lingered on Kelly's arm for just a beat longer, her thumb brushing over the skin. The connection between them, always charged and intense, felt even more palpable now. "You're worth it, Kelly. You always have been. Just... don't forget that, alright?"
Kelly nodded, her heart suddenly heavier with something she didn't quite know how to define. "I won't forget," she promised, her voice steady but with a quiet sincerity that made Scarlet's chest tighten slightly. It wasn't just the words—there was something deeper there, something unspoken between them. Something they both understood, even if they didn't yet have the words for it.
Scarlet gave her a half-smile, her usual confidence returning. "Good. Now," she said, her voice shifting back to its familiar playful tone, "how about we get out of here before you start getting all emotional on me?"
Kelly rolled her eyes, but there was a warmth in her expression as she looked at Scarlet. "You're the one who always gets me like this," she teased, though the hint of gratitude in her voice lingered.
"Yeah, yeah, I'm a terrible influence," Scarlet said, pulling away slightly but keeping that knowing, almost teasing smile. "But you wouldn't have it any other way."
....................
The night was quiet, save for the soft hum of music in the background as Kelly and Scarlet lounged on the couch, Kelly's head resting against Scarlet's shoulder. The air was warm, and the soft glow of the lamp illuminated their faces, casting a gentle, intimate light on the room. Kelly had been mulling over something for a while, and now that they had some time to themselves, she finally decided to ask the question that had been on her mind.
"Scar," Kelly began, voice low but serious, her fingers tracing the fabric of Scarlet's shirt absentmindedly. "I need your help with something."
Scarlet turned her head slightly to look at Kelly, her brow arched in curiosity. "What's up?" she asked, though her tone was light, almost playful.
Kelly hesitated for a moment before speaking again, her words spilling out with a mixture of vulnerability and concern. "Jax... used to be my crush. And now... I think I can help Sarah with him, but I have no idea how. You know him better than anyone, and, well, you've helped me with him before. So, I was wondering..." She trailed off, unsure how to finish the thought.
Scarlet's lips curved into a knowing smirk as she crossed her arms over her chest. She leaned back a little, studying Kelly with amusement, and it didn't take long for her to piece together what Kelly was asking.
"You're lucky that you're mine and not his," Scarlet teased, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "I guess I've trapped you since that kissing practice, huh?"
Kelly rolled her eyes, but her lips twitched into a smile. She nudged Scarlet playfully with her elbow, responding with sarcastic flair. "Thanks. Never would've known I'd end up with my own personal love tutor. You're so kind to offer your expertise."
Scarlet chuckled, the sound rich and genuine. She leaned forward, resting her chin in her hand as she thought for a moment, her gaze softening. "Alright, alright, since you asked so nicely..." she drawled, clearly enjoying the opportunity to tease Kelly. "I'll help you, but first, let's get something straight. If you ever need anything about Jax—anything at all—you come to me, understand?"
Kelly smiled, her heart fluttering at the trust and connection that hung between them. "Deal," she said, eyes softening as she met Scarlet's gaze. "But I'll need more than just advice. This is Sarah we're talking about, not me."
Scarlet's smirk softened into something more tender. "I know, I know," she said, voice dropping into a quieter, more serious tone. "You've got to be careful with Sarah. She's sensitive, and Jax has his own issues. But here's the thing: you can't fix them, Kelly. They need to work it out on their own. Just help Sarah figure out how to not lose herself in the process. And as for Jax—" she leaned in a little closer, her voice low and almost protective, "—he'll only take what you give him. If you're not strong enough to make him earn it, he'll take advantage of that."
Kelly absorbed her words carefully, nodding slowly. "You think Sarah can make him work for it?"
Scarlet let out a quiet sigh, her fingers brushing a lock of Kelly's hair behind her ear. "I think she can, but only if she knows her own worth first. You've seen how he is—he's charming when he wants to be, but he's got walls up. And so does she. If they're both honest with themselves, maybe they can make it work. But that's a lot of 'ifs.'"
Kelly nodded again, feeling a sense of clarity with the way Scarlet laid everything out. "Thanks," she said softly, giving her a warm smile. "You always make it sound simpler, even when it's not."
Scarlet's lips curled into a teasing grin as she leaned back against the couch. "I'm just that good," she said, the confidence in her tone unmistakable. "But if you want my real advice, just tell Sarah to stop being afraid of what she wants. Jax isn't the only one who's scared to take a leap."
Kelly tilted her head, processing that thought. "I'll tell her," she said quietly, her voice thoughtful. "I think she needs to hear that."
Scarlet grinned, her eyes twinkling with a mix of affection and mischief. "Good. And when it all blows up in her face, you can come crying to me, 'cause I'm pretty sure Jax is gonna be a mess. But hey, that's what I'm here for, right? To clean up everyone's messes."
Kelly chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm glad you're mine," she said, almost to herself.
Scarlet raised an eyebrow, her smirk returning. "Oh, don't get all sentimental on me now. You'll ruin my reputation."
Kelly rolled her eyes playfully but smiled again, feeling a warmth in her chest. "I'm just glad you're here."
They shared a moment of comfortable silence before Scarlet leaned back, her expression shifting to something more thoughtful. "Well, if you want to help Sarah," she said, her voice dropping to a teasing whisper, "you've got to keep your own head clear. You can't help her if you're all wrapped up in your feelings for me."
Kelly blinked at the sudden shift in Scarlet's tone, her heart fluttering at the sudden vulnerability she sensed underneath the teasing. She reached for Scarlet's hand, her voice soft but steady. "I can balance it, Scar. I'm learning how to."
Scarlet looked at her for a long moment, then gave her a soft, almost secretive smile. "I'm proud of you," she said, the words so genuine they caught Kelly off guard.
Kelly's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she didn't know what to say. But she squeezed Scarlet's hand, her own smile matching the warmth in Scarlet's eyes. "Thanks... for everything."
With that, they settled into the silence once more, the weight of their connection settling between them as they both thought about the future—about Sarah, Jax, and whatever it was that lay ahead for all of them.
Kelly leaned back on the couch, playfully pouting as she stretched her arms above her head. The air between her and Scarlet was light, comfortable, and a little mischievous. They had just finished talking about Sarah, Jax, and everything in between, but Kelly wasn't quite done teasing yet.
"Too bad you're not my personal tutor anymore, Scar," Kelly said with a dramatic sigh, her voice dripping with mock sadness. "Guess I can't have a crush on any guy in school again."
Scarlet raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Is that so?" she replied, her tone laced with amusement. "Because you can still practice, you know. But only with me."
Kelly blinked, caught off guard by the directness of Scarlet's response. She couldn't help but smile, a little surprised at how forward Scarlet was being, but also delighted by it.
"Oh?" Kelly said, feigning surprise, her voice playful. "So now I'm your student again, huh? And you're gonna teach me all the right moves? How generous of you, Scar."
Scarlet leaned in slightly, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Don't act like you don't love every second of it," she teased, her gaze never leaving Kelly's. "Besides, who else is gonna teach you how to kiss like that? I'm the one who got you all tangled up in these feelings, remember?"
Kelly laughed, rolling her eyes but feeling the warmth of her smile spread. "Oh, I remember," she said with a wink. "I'm just saying, it's a shame. No more crushes to distract me from my favorite tutor. Guess I'll have to focus on my... special lessons now."
Scarlet's smirk deepened as she leaned even closer, her voice dropping to a low, teasing whisper. "Oh, I'm sure I can keep you plenty distracted, princess," she said, her tone laced with playful confidence. "Just say the word."
Kelly's heart skipped a beat at the intensity of Scarlet's gaze, but she kept her cool, forcing herself to stay in the game. "I think I'll pass," she said, pretending to be disinterested. "I've already had enough of your... lessons for one day, thank you very much."
Scarlet chuckled softly, sitting back with an almost satisfied smile. "You're lucky you're mine, Kelly," she said, her voice softening just a little. "Otherwise, you'd have no one to practice with."
Kelly tilted her head, studying Scarlet for a moment. "Lucky, huh? You think so?"
Scarlet's eyes softened for a fraction of a second, her playful edge dissipating. "Yeah, I do."
Kelly smiled at her, the weight of their connection settling between them as she sat up, gently nudging Scarlet's arm. "Well, maybe we can start practicing a little more often then. Just for fun," she said, a hint of flirtation in her voice.
Scarlet's grin returned in full force. "I can think of a few things to practice," she said with a wink. "But we'll take it slow. One lesson at a time."
Kelly raised an eyebrow, her playful grin never wavering as she crossed her arms. "Since when did you mellow out, Scar? I thought you'd threaten to kiss me or something by now," she teased, her voice light, but her heart racing with the undercurrent of their usual tension.
Scarlet leaned back, her expression darkening for a moment, then softening into a smirk. "I could do that easily, Kel," she said, her voice low and dangerously smooth. "But you wouldn't be able to handle it, would you? You're too soft and innocent, little bird."
Kelly's breath caught in her chest, the teasing lilt in Scarlet's words sending a shiver through her. She narrowed her eyes, a challenge flickering in them. "Oh, really?" Kelly said, her voice dropping to a quieter, more confident tone. "You think I'm too innocent to handle you?"
Scarlet's smirk deepened, leaning in just a little closer, her gaze locking onto Kelly's. "I know you are," she said, the words like a caress against Kelly's skin. "But maybe you like it that way... feeling like you're getting a little lost in me. Isn't that what makes it fun?"
Kelly shook her head, but her smile lingered, warmer this time. "You're a total mess, Scar," she said, though the affection in her voice made it clear she didn't mind one bit. "And you're right. Maybe I do like you... like this."
"Good thing you're small, i could pull you back into my arms anytime"
Kelly rolled her eyes, though the warmth in her chest was undeniable. "I'm not small, you're just taller, and a tiny bit older," she shot back, crossing her arms defensively.
Scarlet chuckled softly, her gaze never leaving Kelly's face as she leaned in just a bit, her tone teasing. "See, you're doing it again, Kel," she said with a playful smirk. "No wonder I have to warn you about kissing you. You're just too cute when you get all defensive like that."
Kelly felt her face heat up at the compliment, but she wasn't going to let Scarlet off so easily. "I'm not cute," she muttered, turning her head to the side, though her smile betrayed her. "And I'm definitely not some damsel you can just pull into your arms whenever you want."
Scarlet's smirk only widened as she took a step closer, her hands resting on her hips in that confident, effortless way she always had. "You keep saying that, but I think you secretly like it," she teased, her voice low, almost purring. "You like when I pull you close, don't you?"
Kelly met her gaze, the challenge still in her eyes, but there was something else there too—something more vulnerable. She wasn't sure what it was yet, but it was undeniable. "I guess I'll let you think that," she said with a small smirk, "but just know, I don't give in that easily."
Scarlet's lips curled into a knowing smile, but she didn't press further. Instead, she just leaned back, her gaze lingering on Kelly as if she had already won a silent victory. "Don't worry, Kel," she said softly. "I don't need you to give in. I like the chase too much."
Kelly couldn't help but smile back, her heart pounding a little faster than she'd like to admit. "Yeah, well, I like making you work for it," she shot back, the playful tension between them never feeling more real.
Scarlet's gaze softened for a moment, her eyes lingering on Kelly with an expression that was both teasing and fond. "Then I guess we're both in for a lot of fun, huh?"
Kelly met her gaze without hesitation, feeling that spark between them ignite once more. "Yeah," she said, her voice steady now, "a lot of fun."
Then, without a warning, Scarlet's lips met Kelly's in a sudden, electrifying kiss, catching her completely off guard. The kiss wasn't playful this time; it was firm, deliberate, as if Scarlet had been holding back all this time, and now, she was letting it all out in one intense, unrestrained move.
Before Kelly could react, Scarlet pulled her closer, wrapping one arm around her waist while the other hand slid possessively to Kelly's hip. The move was so fluid, so confident, that it took Kelly's breath away. Her body responded before her mind could even catch up, the intensity of the kiss drawing her in. But at the same time, she couldn't deny the rush of emotions—confusion, vulnerability, and a growing sense of fear mixed with something else entirely. It was as if Scarlet was claiming her in a way Kelly didn't know how to handle, as if she was suddenly exposed, like her heart was laid bare.
For a second, Kelly was too overwhelmed to do anything but let Scarlet's warmth consume her. Her hands rested on her chest, unsure of whether to touch Scarlet back or pull away, her body frozen by the sudden onslaught of feelings. There was something so possessive in Scarlet's touch, so assertive, that Kelly felt as though she was being enveloped, her every inch of space claimed by Scarlet's embrace.
When they finally pulled apart, Scarlet's gaze intense, though there was a flicker of something softer in her eyes. Kelly stood there, dazed, her chest rising and falling in rapid breaths as she tried to regain some control of herself.
Scarlet smirked, her voice lower than usual. "How about now, Kel?" she teased, but there was an unmistakable warmth in her voice, as if she were waiting for Kelly to come to some realization.
Kelly was still trying to process, her heart hammering in her chest. She couldn't deny that there was something about this that sent her emotions into overdrive. Part of her wanted to protest, to push away, but another part of her... part of her didn't want Scarlet to stop.
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