UPDATES

HER FRIENDS ARE SO JEALOUS,
YOU KNOW HOW BAD GIRLS GET,
SO BAD IT MAKES HIM CRY;


Every now and then – in life – you come across these days, situations,
moments that are going to define your whole existence onwards. Those
twists and turns in the path that lead you into new and uncharted
directions. You may get scared or confused, hurt even … but the track
always plays on, it never stops. Which may be the only absolution
you’ll ever get in life, the fact that it’s linear … always heading on, time
never stops. But you’re never secure against change. It ALWAYS comes
around. But there are different kinds of change. The one that you
trigger yourself to improve or simply vary your life … for diversity
sakes, or simply because the old life sucked. Then there’s change that
fate puts upon you, like a burden … like a big mastermind deciding over
the destiny of lab rats in a labyrinth. Toying with you, taunting you …
testing you. Because what’s life ultimately but one big trial. JFK said:
‘It’s not what we give to this fast paced world that’s defining us, it’s the
decisions we make.’ So when faced with one of life’s crossroads people
decide differently … turn into different paths. This was going to happen
today … a crossroad, if Dionne saw it yet or not, life would change. In
her favor or not … that was up to her decisions.

The night was warm and humid outside, stars spangled across the dark
black firmament. It was the evening of the ‘Young Republicans honor
the White House’ ball. One of the countless functions in the political
year. An event where influential party members would try to garner
new voters, secure former ones and mingle with the current. Election
wasn’t too far away and not only had the Democrats recently lost
political interest by the younger generation. Dionne was here because
she was a strong supporter. She believed more young people should get
their heads out of their little world in their rooms and see the bigger
picture. Do something to shape this world and not create their own
virtual one. Which was why she was here tonight … easily one of the
youngest attendants, a high anticipated one too. People could see her
commitment, it wasn’t hard, and the blond wasn’t exactly a subtle one.
Jacob and her, in the young Republican chamber of DC, were also
anticipated as the poster image of a future political couple. Engaged
from an early age, dedicated, beautiful, perfect … strong. They were the
special guests of the evening.

Standing outside in between the huge columns of the entrance area Dee
listened to a United Nations Secretary who was also a member of the
Republican Party. He was a middle aged men, way overweight and with
a receding hairline. He wasn’t handsome … AT ALL. She couldn’t help
but think of Jake while half heartedly listening to his elaborations on
the Libya crisis and the refugee situation. It was an interesting subject
if delivered right but she couldn’t help but stare at the man’s crooked
yellow teeth and the strings of spit that showed whenever he opened
his mouth again after a quick inhale through his potato nose. He wasn’t
going to let Dionne get her two cents in, no he rather liked playing it
smart and giving her the beady eyes. She wanted to shiver, so hard … and
she could’ve put it on the faint breeze brushing past her naked
shoulders and through her slightly wavy hair. But she didn’t, she kept
face, straightened her shoulders casually and smiled, a pleasant nod
here and there. They were standing in this one sided discussion for 10
minutes at least, the champagne flute in her hand the only thing she
could hold on to.

Dee had come a bit early, wasn’t she the more politically involved of
the couple anyways. But it was pretty much like with Jon and her. No
matter how hard she tried people always only really saw the man’s
little effort and even IF they for once acknowledged female
commitment they’d put it down as coaxing of the male. That was the
whole problem with the conservative party – as much as Dionne
valued their ideals – they were … conservative. The slender blond in
the rose colored silk gown readjusted her Stan Winston diamond
earrings worth more than a car casually … it would only be a few more
minutes now till Jacob would arrive – her knight in shining armor –
and steel her away from the Secretary. She’d smile and play it sorry, but
ultimately be over the moon that finally someone handsome and kind
was around. Someone she really cared for … probably more than she
would admit even to herself. Jacob’s arrival would be the highlight of
the evening …seeing him in a tuxedo like he was born in one, smiling
charmingly. She had to admit it would make her day … in so many ways.
But … fate was playing twister today.

’Levi!’ Dionne’s brows frowned almost invisibly while all alarm
signals inside of her went off. She kept looking at the Politician go on
and on about cotton tents and latrines. Not even hearing a word
anymore, her ears somewhere else. It was not only the name that she had
heard from somewhere close, dropped into the multitude of
conversations going on out here like a needle, but also the voice that
had said it. So familiar, yet her mind didn’t want to draw a connection
instantly. ’I miss you.’ … said with true emotion. The girl had heard
the man say these words before, to her, and they had sounded so totally
different. She swallowed hard … concentrating, trying to cut that fat
asshole before her out of her perception. She wanted to punch him, so
he would shut up … only then realizing how her cheeks started to hurt
from the frozen smile. She heard him say he hadn’t been with anyone
last summer … her breathing got harder. Something was wrapping its
hands around her neck, twisting, squeezing … she cleared her throat.
”This is … REALLY interesting Mr. Secretary but … could we continue
that conversation later? I think I saw my parents.” Dionne told the
man friendly, a certain tension to her voice, but low enough so Jacob
wouldn’t hear. ”Certainly …” he replied nicely.

But he wouldn’t leave, imposing an awkward situation on the two. He
probably expected her to go and talk to her family … but she couldn’t
leave! Giving the man a pushy glance Dee kept the fake smile, her face
saying so much more than words. ”Oh … of course! the man replied
as the revelation dawned on him. Raising his glass slightly at the pretty
blond he retreated slightly embarrassed, leaving the strong postured
girl alone by the behemoth column. Now it was silent … what had she
missed, what was Jacob saying?! Dionne tried to stand there casually,
observing and not looking out of place. Mariana knew?! What the hell
was going on?! What did the shriveling waste of double X chromosomes
know?! That Jacob was not only lying and cheating on Dee but also
playing the backfield?! This was outrageous … she wanted the UN guy
back right here so she could beat him to pulp imagining it was the
Jacob/Levi/Mari trio. Anger was bubbling up inside the pretty frame,
her free hand, slender fingers clenching into a fist. It was a sublime
view actually … seeing her, countenance changing, like a switch being
turned. This was the crossroad, imposed by people who had NOTHING to
do with her, she was alone … and Dionne had just decided which way to
go from here.

Downing the champagne the blond placed the glass on the edge of the
column pedestal. Sorting her perfect hair out she took a deep breath …
fighting back the water that was threatening to ruin her plan. Looking
into the distance she could see the illuminated dome of the Capitol, the
heart of the US Legislation. It gave her strength somehow … it was still
there … her goal was still there, and just like another flicked switch
that charming smile came back. It made her face light up with new
beauty. She could deduct the phone conversation was done with …
almost a silent minute had passed before her heels were the next thing
to hear. She rounded the column in a wide circle so Jacob wouldn’t
think she had been right behind it. Seeing him ‘unexpectedly’ her face
lit up even more. ”Hey!” she chimed pleasantly, extending her
arms to hold the handsome man by his wide shoulders as she leaned in
for a gentle kiss. He looked exactly like she had imagined … everything
but his face. Maybe he was not looking at her as he used to … maybe SHE
didn’t. Everything was different now … but Dionne was not the kind of
woman who’d let even a frail thing like fate ruin her life. She was
stronger than that; she’d take the reins into her own hands. It was in
that moment that everyone was invited inside … for the one dance that
always kicked off events like this … and today, irony aware, it was
Jacob and Dionne, the perfect couple, who’d have the honor to start the
dance.

A milestone on the path of life … and no one to share it with …



-----------------------------------------
WORDS! 1578. // OUTFIT! HERE. // SETTING! // CREDIT! BELLA DOESN'T OWN A SWAN ? @ CAUTION, BBY.

D O N ' T F R E T P R E C I O U S I ' M H E R E. S T E P A W A Y F R O M T H E W I N D O W.
COUNTING BODIES LIKE SHEEP TO THE RHYTHM OF THE WAR DRUMS
S A F E F R O M P A I N A N D T R U T H A N D C H O I C E A N D O T H E R P O I S O N D E V I L S.

Levi Thomas had a way of changing Jacob's mood as instantly as the wind could change directions. A tribute of the brunet's that Jacob tried to deny from the moment they had met. But no matter how much Jacob ignored it, wouldn't admit..didn't make it any less true. That exact moment was proof of that alone. With Jacob leaning against the column in front of the building, a smile hard to erase from his lips, and his voice soft as they spoke over the phone. After spending a month and half as miserable as Jacob could be, one phone call with Levi had changed that. The smile that graced his lips was real, his eyes reflecting the smile as he ended the phone call with the lanky brunet. Like that, with a tap of his finger, Jacob felt better. The depression that had settled deep within his shoulder blades, the heartache that had imbedded within his eyes, lifted. Because again, despite how bad Jacob had fucked up, things were not over between Levi and himself. Running his fingers through his hair, a deep relieved sigh mixed in with a chuckle passed through his lips as he placed the phone back in his jacket. Glancing around, Jacob stayed next to the column for a solid minute, taking it all in. For a moment his mind flashed to tonight, making his smile deepen just before he turned around. Walking passed the column, his blue eyes fell upon Dionne.

The smile didn't shake, didn't alter as it had for the past month. It stayed, the affect of it authentic. He was happy. At that moment, knowing what he would be going home to tonight, Jacob was out of his depressed little mood that had engulfed his life for the past month and half. Just an hour earlier, when he had been getting read, Jacob had felt a heaviness settled over his shoulder. It had taken an extra push for him to make it to the event tonight. Knowing that it was important to his parents, to his peers, and even to Dionne; Jacob had felt the want to skip the night. Even an hour before he was meant to make his appearance, Jacob thought about just staying in his apartment. Eating Thai food, lounging around the couch as he caught up on TV shows he had never heard of before. A few friends had noticed the difference, his parents too busy to realize what was going on with their son. Jacob had learned to perfect the Prescott facade since he had been ten years old. It hadn't been hard to put it back up when he had to make appearances at his parent's house. They hardly noticed the difference. To them there hadn't been one. That was how well they knew their son.

But a few friends, sprinkled through out the SOS and some who had no connection to the society saw the difference. And as much as Jacob tried to deny it, they wouldn't believe him. Dionne would be one of those. It wasn't the depressed feeling she had focused in on, but Jacob's lack of sexual interest when it came to her. Same difference. As much as Jacob tried to hide it, it became more evident each time Dionne made a more than obvious pass at him, and he simply let it slid. Tonight would be different. Tonight, Jacob could go back to pretending. Jacob could act because by the end of the night, Jacob would be where he wanted to be and with who he wanted to be with. Tonight, everything would go back to normal. And that's when it changed. AT that thought. The idea that being with Levi Thomas was the norm of Jacob. When Jacob wasn't with Levi, he didn't feel himself. Levi was real. What he felt for him was real. What they had, though rocky at best, was real. The only real thing Jacob could get a hold on. That was why his world became faulty at Levi's absence. Before Levi, Jacob was content holding his world together doing what his father asked of him. With no reference to how good it would be to have something so real in his life. Now, having had it for almost three years, Jacob couldn't stand to be without it. The one real thing Jacob had ever touched, and he kept throwing it away. Not again. Not after tonight.

He didn't know how it would be done. If Levi would be willing to continue the pretense, as long as they both knew what was happening between them was real. To move it from shaky ground to solid ground, yet still have it on hidden ground. It would shift, be supported. Still be real. He'd think of something. Together they would. Because just as Jacob had stated at the end of the summer to Levi, Jacob simply couldn't go on another three months without Levi. The one month and half where they hadn't spoken to each other was evident of that. And if it took breaking the arrangement he had with Dionne to fix things between Levi and himself, Jacob would do it. No matter how easy the arrangement was between the blonde and himself. It was hard, finding someone else who knew the perimeters of a false relationship. What could be done, what couldn't. What was to be trusted. And despite that a bond had formed, a sick little friendship. One that had been filled with annoyances the passed month and half due to Jacob's inability to pretend anymore, but one that they both had been content with.

It hadn't occurred to Jacob that his conversation could have been overheard. He had been -somewhat- careful. He had looked around, everyone else had been busy with their own conversations. He had kept his voice low, and his intentions hidden from view. Any thought that Dionne had heard anything hadn't even crossed his mind. The only thing that had crossed his mind was that Levi had just made that night bearable for Jacob. With the smile still lingering on his lips, it widen at the sight of Dionne. Hands reaching for her waist, he accepted the hug, gave one in return. "Hey," returned after the small kiss, his hand easily reaching around her waist, as he led them both into the building. Chipper, almost, Jacob glanced down at her, "I thought I'd be waiting for you another thirty minutes," though relief settled through Jacob to know he could end the night earlier than he thought. If he played his cards right, he could leave at ten, be home a full thirty minutes earlier. If he played his cards..just right. Talk to the right people, get his father to nod off that he had done everything that had been required of him that night. Pay enough attention to Dionne so that she was satisfied. Pretend that there was some other paper to due.. Go home. Give Levi his key.

Clearing his throat, he glanced down at Dionne, the smile turning into a half smirk, his eyes falling to the champagne colored gown that hugged her body. "Not that I would have complained." His father had been correct in that aspect about Dionne. She was, despite her young age, the perfect arm candy. Much more, with her brain and her need to make something of her life other than being a powerful man's house wife. She had plans of her own. She was going to make them happen and it didn't depend of if she had a man by her side or not. Not that she wouldn't use it to her advantage. That was something the two of them had in common, they knew how to get what they wanted. Knew how to play the game. And they had found an ally in each other. One that would be hard to let go of, but if Levi asked it of him... Jacob would end it. And because of their arrangement, not one of them would get hurt if Jacob did.

That was the beauty of the night, which had only just begun. The daylight gave away to the darkness and the heat of the day seeped into the coolness of the spring night. Having spot his parents a few feet away, Jacob had started in their direction. "The Prescott Parents. You ready?" more teasing than anything else. To everyone that surrounded Jacob, it was obvious that he loved his parents dearly. He would ...and had done everything they had ever been asked of him. But before either of them could make it to his parents, they had been paused. Asked nicely and quiet loudly if Dionne and he could start the night with a dance. Surprised made him blink, but the Prescott charm made that the only evidence of being taken aback. Graciously accepting, Jacob led Dionne to the center of the room. A quick glance at his father, that validation for pride that Jacob always asked for, was given in a nod. A single tip of the chin, narrowed eyes as his father placed his hand on his mother's back. A mirrored image Jacob took to Dionne as he paused, his blue eyes resting on Dionne's face.

He took her hand and gave her one small twirl around. Inadvertently showing off Dionne. A Van Buren and A Prescott. Together. What more could be asked from him. Placing one hand on Dionne's lower back, while offering his other hand for her to place her hand in, he gave her a small smile. "Let's put that dress to good use." He brought her close, the top of her head almost making contact with his chin. The smile, though small, simply couldn't leave his lips. Not for the life of him. Tonight, for the first time in over a month, would be a good night.

---

tag; Dionne
notes; Hmmm... I tried? But I'm still blah -cries-
words; I don't count past ten
wearing;You seemed to know exactly what he is wearing
credits; template by delilahh @ CAUTION!, lyrics to
Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums by A Perfect Circle

HER FRIENDS ARE SO JEALOUS,
YOU KNOW HOW BAD GIRLS GET,
SO BAD IT MAKES HIM CRY;


Dionne couldn't remember WHEN exactly that 'business agreement'
between her and Jacob had become something else. Something that
wasn't so detached anymore, something she couldn't let go just like
that, something that left her tangible. It was only the moment that she
heard Jacob commit to Levi that she knew ... that she knew it wasn't at
all just strictly beneficial, Jacob and her. Not that she thought the feeling
was mutual, not that she thought she was in love. Dee was far too
practical, too controlling, too self centered for that. At least for loving
someone she knew didn't requite the feeling. Maybe it was just her hurt
pride. Maybe the fact she couldn't understand why Jake had to keep
this a secret from her ... for ALL the time of their fucking relationship! It
was all a lie ... and personally, the blond didn't see why she should treat
his infidelity any differently just because they had - yeah - a 'business
relationship'. God how she became to hate this phrase. He had been
dishonest, scurrilous and an ass to her face. All qualities she didn't care
for. Now she was looking back at almost an entire year of her life that
had been even more of a lie than she had thought it to be. Not only had
she pretended to be in a relationship but her 'boyfriend' also had
pretended to pretend being in a relationship! Which sounded confusing.

Smiling at him fondly Dionne decided to focus on the pleasant memories,
ignoring the foul taste of deception. She figured her playing HIM for
a fool now would be more believable that way, it was the key to good
acting, no? Convincing yourrself even that it was true?! Taking his
embrace pleasantly there was no need to act offensive. She wasn't
going to ditch Jacob for this. No! How stupid would that have been.
Why should she chastise herself for something he did. She had gotten
together with Prescott to gain something ... and the blond wasn't done
gaining it yet. He should've known better. Dee wasn't some dumb bint
you could play along like a dog. Jake knew that ... still he pranced
around gayly thinking he could keep her all light and easy?! Wasn't
that what his father had tried to do? Well, she wasn't Mrs. Prescott and
HE wasn't going to get away with it. But ... like a lion stalking its prey
the pretty girl was going to take her time. Gently push the knife in to
prolong the agony and then twist it for pure pleasure. Pretty much like
Jacob had done for the past weeks. Unnoticed ... subtle, yet now it
seemed as horrible as could be.

Lacing one arm through his Dionne strolled inside alongside her
boyfriend. A Debutant's smile on her face, proud ... despite it being
all pretense. But that was what life was mainly about anyways.
"Actually I was here earlier than you ..." she chuckled,
squeezing his arm gently and acquainted. "... getting this political
talk out of the way that you don't like!" All too many times Dee
had thought Jacob to only stand by bored whenever she was chatting
up a politician or delegate. Actually her being early had been a
sign of goodwill. An attempt of hers to mend whatever was going
on the past few weeks. Only now she felt stupid about it. Everyone
was already gathering in the banquet room. Ladies in fancy dresses,
diamonds sparkling everywhere, men in tuxedo's ... like a pack of
penguins. Her parents weren't here though. The second last
generation of van Burens wasn't that into DC politics. Daddy was
busy building his governor campaign and mother ... well, she was
probably at some Spa scrubbing her sorrows away. Not so the Prescotts.
They lived in the capital and thus were huge functionaries in
the party, at almost every event, such as tonight.

"Well, I am always ready for your parents." Dee chuckled. It
was true, she liked them and the feeling was mutual. Jacob's parents
- just like her - saw the incredible potential in their unity. Also they
knew that sometimes in life 'love' wasn't the most important factor
to happiness. In many ways the blond felt much more related to
them than to her own parents. Which was another reason why she
was determined not to let Jake ruin everything just because he
couldn't keep it in his pants. It was not just her he was spiting with
it ... he was ruining his own life as well. Despite everything, Dionne
cared about that too. She wanted him to have all chances, he
wouldn't have if everything came out. He'd sink down into obscurity
and mediocrity ... loosing all his aspirations and achievements.
Maybe she should've talked to his parents about it, she certainly
trusted them. But the slender girl was actually determined she
could handle the situation alone. She was adult enough, she was
determined enough ... and she was certainly manipulative enough!

They didn't even make it to the Prescott adults, the community
demanded they start off the evening with a dance. Like a horse before
a race Jacob showed her off as they arrived in the center of the
room. The huge chandelier above shooting pretty light-spost on the
two. Chuckling at his comment the string orchestra started a slow
waltz. Cuddled up closely to the tall man Dionne could smell his
aftershave, closed her eyes for a second. She was at that very
crossroad now, the brink of a decision. From exactly this point in time
on her life would be different, altered by a decision she made. Even
Jacob, holding her so gently, protectively ... wasn't going to see her
in the same light anymore. Which maybe was a gleam of light ... for
he had robbed her of said illusion as well. They started into a slow
dance, perfect in its own rite. In unison with the music, people
looking at them in the center of attention. Admiring, smiling, judging ...
everyone seeing in them what they had wished for themselves but
never had achieved. Which angered Dee even more ... the fact
they had everything and Jacob thought he could decide for them
to throw it all away.

"You should enjoy this dance ..." she told him with a smooth and
silent voice, looking up at him. Smiling beautifully, yes, but her eyes
were serious. They could talk easily, far away enough from anyone
to hear. The music building a protective cocoon around the dancing
couple. "... it will be the last time you're leading us!" Dionne
could see the slight confusion in his eyes, how he played it off with
a handsome chuckle, not really understanding. It didn't change her
stance at all. From the outside they looked perfect, content ... but
Jacob was the only one able to look into her blue eyes and what he
could see was terrifying. "You thought that you could keep things
from me ... that you could make decisions on your own that would
affect us both. Which proves to me you're not ready to take the reins
in our relationship. So I will do it for you!" The confusion in her
dancing partner rising the blond could see he was on the verge of
putting it all together. Seeing the fear build up in his eyes was
exhilarating ... honestly.

"Oh I can't believe you're actually going for that weed with the full
head of hair and the puppy eyes ... couldn't you just get a dog instead?!
And yeah ... I am talking about Levi!" The fact it obviously took him
longer than expected to realize what the hell she was talking about made
the girl roll her eyes but then smile instantly at the people around as she
realized attention hadn't shifted. Looking back at Jacob Dee raised one
brow conspicuously. She could feel his confident grip on her loosening,
trying to pull away not only emotionally. "Oh don't be stupid!"
she scolded him, holding him tight, not letting anything on towards the
crowd. "You don't want anyone to realize something's off ... so here's
what you're going to do." Shaking her hair out casually, with eyes
closed temporarily the girl took a deep breath, wetting her lips before
she smiled again. It was an evil smile ... if you knew her like Jacob did.

"We're not gonna break up ... however, you'll have to let Levi go.
Tell him ..." Dionne pondered funnily squinting an eye though Jake
was probably not for laughing. "Oh why do I have to be creative ...
you'll figure something out!" Slapping the small of his back playfully as
if he had made a mocking remark toward her the blond laughed lightly
looking all around the people encircling them. "He's such a lune!"
Dee said loudly enough for everyone to hear, triggering an amused reaction
bordering adoring. Focusing her attention back on Jacob her voice lowered
again. "Also you'll clean out all the shit you might have of him ... we
don't want any bad memories around when I move in. Only to keep an
eye on you of course ... because CLEARLY ... you can't be trusted!"
Giving the man a bit of time to process the blond tilted her head to the side
a bit scanning his face. Squeezing him lightly and warmly she smiled
"Oh come on ... smile! Tonights the start of your new life!"

But Dionne wasn't actually delusional enough to think he'd thank her for it.


-----------------------------------------
WORDS! 1602. // OUTFIT! HERE. // SETTING! // CREDIT! BELLA DOESN'T OWN A SWAN ? @ CAUTION, BBY.

D O N ' T F R E T P R E C I O U S I ' M H E R E. S T E P A W A Y F R O M T H E W I N D O W.
COUNTING BODIES LIKE SHEEP TO THE RHYTHM OF THE WAR DRUMS
S A F E F R O M P A I N A N D T R U T H A N D C H O I C E A N D O T H E R P O I S O N D E V I L S.

There wasn't a concerning thought over Dionne's words. He didn't think twice about them, his arm staying firm around her waist. His blue eyes fell down to hers when she looked up at him, a small placate smile on his lips as he nodded his head. At that moment, he couldn't care less. He was three and half hours, three hours tops, away from going home and seeing Levi again. Jacob was happy. He was buzzing. He wasn't even paying attention. That was his first mistake. One he would pay dearly for. One he would regret for the rest of his life. If at that moment he could change it around, switch up what would happen, he would have done it at the snap of his fingers. But Jacob had no clue the world of hurt that Dionne was about to set him through. Didn't even expect her capable of it. Not until she spoke again.

Confusion settled first, deep within his blue eyes. The small blonde in his arms was going off about a decision he had made, and Jacob wasn't quite sure which decision she had been talking about. Over the past month Jacob had literally done nothing. The biggest decision he had made had been between Thai and Chinese food. He had signed up for next semester courses, had even considered taking a few summer courses, but other than that Jacob hadn't done anything to warrant Dionne's anger. The idea that she could know about Levi hadn't even occurred to him. Not yet. Not until she had said his name. At first, with the description, Jacob had thought she was talking about Mariana, which had caused him to sigh. A tired sigh, that had him shaking his head. Leave it to both Dionne and Levi to be jealous over the one person that had the most platonic relationship with Jacob. But any thought of Mariana was driven right out of his head when she said his name. Four letters. Two syllables.

The confusion was replaced with disbelief. His grip loosen around Dionne, his thoughts clouding his judgement. "What?" Forgetting for a second, for the second that Dionne allowed him, that they were surrounded by the elite of D.C., Jacob had tried to step away from her. Tried to shake his head, tried to deny it. "What are you talking about?" A sorry attempt to deny her accusations. The Prescott charm that had been over confident had been deflated by her knowledge of Levi. She was already speaking again, scolding him for not keeping his mind sharp to their surroundings. He stepped back up to her, his hands staying in place, his gaze staying on hers. At the mention of the crowd around them, the people that were still staring at them, he glanced at them. His gaze sliding cover the crowd behind Dionne before he looked back down her. Shock switched to denial. Parting his lips to rebut Dionne's words, Jacob kept the pace of the dance. But her words cut through his and he stayed silent. Her demands, almost sounded like a child wanting to get a hold of their toy again. A ball, she wasn't fond of sharing. A ball she wanted for her self. If she hadn't been talking about Levi, Jacob would have laughed it off.

"We're not gonna break up ...

Tilting his head a fraction to the right, he narrowed his eyes in question. She answered it a split second later.

however, you'll have to let Levi go.

Jacob's immediate concern had not been over if his relationship with Dionne could be salvaged. Hadn't even occurred to him. What worried him was her talking loud enough that someone could hear her. Or worse, that she would tell everyone else by the end of the night. That didn't seem to be in her plan though. Her little mind, devious as it was, had something else she wanted Jacob to do. Something Jacob was no where near ready to do. Not after the month he had spent. Especially not after the phone call that had just happened between Levi and himself. Something that made his jaw clenched, and his grip tighten. If Jacob had any hope of denying her accusations, it went right out the windows of the J.F. Kenndy Center at his reaction. his back stiffen at her slap, his body turning rigid. An awkward step or two in the dance before he loosened up again, his face lifting to glance at the crowd. A forced smile, far different from the one Jacob had entered the Center with, slid onto his lips. Dry and dirty.

Swallowing past the lump that had formed in his throat, he glanced back down at Dionne. And this time she looked different. In control. Sinister. As if she enjoyed having this upper hand on Jacob. Finally able to control him the way she wanted. A puppet. Marionette of sorts. The scary part was she had just found the strings to push him around. And Jacob wasn't quite certain he was able to cut himself loose. He had just realized not twenty minutes before that he wanted Levi to stay in his life no matter the cost. Now that was being pushed, and Jacob was NOT ready to push back. It was proof that no matter how much Jacob wanted something, h would change it to fit the image of what his father wanted. The idea of his father finding out, Jacob's eyes flickered in his direction, but fear of his father reading into that moment with Dionne, Jacob glanced back at her. "You're wrong." Was all he could say, in hope she would doubt her self for only a second.

That was all Jacob needed. A second of doubt and he could talk himself out of any situation. Turn it around. Make her feel like an idiot for even thinking that Jacob could ever... Shaking his head, Jacob continued on. "There is nothing going --," but the fucking blonde was persistent. Going off about how anything of Levi's needed to leave Jacob's apartment. And for a moment Jacob wondered if she had found something of Levi's in his apartment. His clothes, his books, his tooth brush.... A scoff, a harsh dry one, forced it's way pass his vocal cords, his eyes almost rolling, as he looked down at her. She had finally paused, finally took a break of accusing, demanding and humiliating him. And Jacob wasn't sure where to start. "I can't be trusted?" he asked, the fear still tightening his vocal cards, making his voice slightly deeper, harsher than usual. The confidence was gone, replaced with indecision.

He could only repeat three words he had stated earlier in hopes she'd doubt her self.

"You are wrong."

How the fuck Dionne could have find out, Jacob didn't know. He had always been careful, obviously so. Enough to annoy Levi every other time they got together. Mariana only knew because she had caught the- Jacob's thoughts shifted, his lips tightening as it hit him. The phone conversation. Fucking Stupid. Idiot. Fuck.

"You heard wrong."

As if that could fix anything.

---

tag; Dionne
notes; I didn't know Dionne spelled out EVIL.
words; I don't count past ten
wearing;You seemed to know exactly what he is wearing
credits; template by delilahh @ CAUTION!, lyrics to
Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums by A Perfect Circle

HER FRIENDS ARE SO JEALOUS,
YOU KNOW HOW BAD GIRLS GET,
SO BAD IT MAKES HIM CRY;


Dionne could understand Jacob’s mind had switched to safety mode.
Limited processing and functionality … purely acting self preservative.
He didn’t want to realize what she was saying, didn’t want to understand.
She got that more than anything; it was what she had expected. The whole
situation was far too complex for one man to grasp right away. Though
it would sink in, she was sure of it. Maybe it would take a few minutes,
hours, days, maybe … but he’d understand the extent of the predicament
in the end. Jake would understand his life was going to change, under
the guidance – or oppression – of his once thought ally. The girl who
everyone considered arm candy to his greatness at most. Maybe he
himself was the one who underestimated Dee after all. Thought her to
be a little pretty girl who was feisty too but probably butter in his
hands. He might have thought to have his ways with her, no fear she
could turn on him, nothing a charming smile or nice gesture couldn’t
fix. It had been true for the most part, but as they say, there was the
straw that broke the camel’s back, and Dionne was done with it. The
past few weeks crap had accumulated and today was the day she’d clean
the slate.

Jacob’s misconception was amusing the pretty blond. All her compassion
for the man seemed to have subsided the minute she heard him proclaim
his love for another person, behind her back. The moment he practically
planned to throw their arrangement out of the window, without telling
her. It was the worst abuse of trust she had experienced so far, in her
mind, and he was going to pay for it. Of course she didn’t feel bad about
it, Levi was just some obscure asshole she neither knew anything about
nor cared to. If she’d been in a position of power already he’d be sleeping
with the fishes and they’d not have to have this conversation now. She’d
just pat Jake’s shoulder fake understandingly once he’d heard of the
soul mate’s demise. Unfortunately, an alternate plan had to be put into
place and this was it. Plan B … the one that didn’t involve any deaths …
yet. This made it so much more beautiful! She had power over him now
… the power to discern which way to go, making decisions for the both
of them, like Hillary! However, Dee wasn’t going to wait until her hair
had a faint grayish blond color and her face looked like a pancake for
that. No, she was having her moment of grandeur tonight.

”Whatever you say …!” she chuckled dryly, averting her glance
again to take in the starry eyes of everyone looking at the perfect
couple. It was very reminiscent of the two ... that even in this highly
troubled moment they were admirable. Their act was so well played,
their façade so perfect, even in times of deepest despair people chose
not to see it. Possibly because admitting EVERYONE had problems
would make their own aware again. But taking some illusive perfect
couple for an image at least suggested the semblance of hope, of hope
that there was better. Even if you couldn’t have it, by following its
very step at least one would live precariously through them. So hell, if
anything Dionne could even spin it so she was trying to save the
exemplary role they had. The entire social system on campus was
likely to collapse if the king and queen would fall. But all that was only
the frosting on the cake that was revenge now. The pretty blond was
done being tossed around. It even seemed like slowly but steadily she
was also leading the waltz they were dancing. With Jacob going numb
in her hands, eyes fixed on hers in panic, merely swaying to the beat
like a weeping willow tree in the wind.

Furrowing her brows lightly as he told her she hadn’t heard right
Dionne couldn’t believe this was seriously the best he could do right
now?! The almighty Jacob Prescott, trying to weasel his way out with
the feeble attempt of instilling doubt in her? What a joke! That was
like trying to light a match in a tornado! She knew pretty well what
she’d heard outside. As a matter of fact, the blond could recite you every
single word of the conversation … well, for Jake’s part at least. Everything
that had come from Levi’s end of the line was both obscured and irrelevant.
She didn’t need to know what the tiny little maggot had to say. If the
feelings Jacob had were requited – which they probably were.
Everything aside the scrawny weed-head would’ve been not only
annoying but also incredibly stupid thinking he could possibly do any
better. Well, sorry Levi but Prince William has gone off the market!
Shaking her slightly wavy bangs back confidently Dionne fixed Jake’s
bowtie a little while they continued dancing like nothing was
happening. ”If it’s any consolation dear … you don’t need to
understand how or why I know. As long as you understand the terms …
AND the possible ramifications if you don’t!” the pretty blond
told him intently. ”Only imagine if you’d go see Levi tonight and I
would find out …” Mocking him by playing it hurt over the
thought she was merely taunting the tall man. ”I’d have to call you
mother, all … sad and broken, telling her how you cheated on me with
that lowlife imbecile! I think that would really upset your parents …
not to mention our friends!”

Gasping in fake shock Dee quickly played it down as one more indecent
joke on his part with a bright chuckle. She was just too good at this
game, it was even scary. ”And let’s face it … I am really good when it
comes to pretending … damn!” she added in thoughts. ”I really
should’ve slept with you! The line ‘… after all I pretended to have an
orgasm every single time’ would have been such an awesome punch-line
conclusion! But hey … at least I don’t have to preemptively see my
gynecologist now!” Sending one more cold smile his way Dionne just
hoped the age of incomprehension was over and that the revelation
would dawn on the young man soon that he better just nod and smile, do
as she said and get it over with. Because frankly … there was no easy
way out, she made sure of it. Like a general she had it all planned out,
within seconds after overhearing their phone conversation. It was a
gift, one to be reckoned with!


-----------------------------------------
WORDS! 1118. // OUTFIT! HERE. // SETTING! // CREDIT! BELLA DOESN'T OWN A SWAN ? @ CAUTION, BBY.

D O N ' T F R E T P R E C I O U S I ' M H E R E. S T E P A W A Y F R O M T H E W I N D O W.
COUNTING BODIES LIKE SHEEP TO THE RHYTHM OF THE WAR DRUMS
S A F E F R O M P A I N A N D T R U T H A N D C H O I C E A N D O T H E R P O I S O N D E V I L S.

Denial. If nothing could be proved, if nothing was concrete, then denial was always the safe bet. Unless one was betting against Dionne Van Buren. What she had heard or seen, she wasn't doubting for a second. That much Jacob could see in her eyes. Unwavering. Certain. Ready to pull a punch. And the sickening part, the part that had a slick heat of undecipherable emotion lap at the bottom of his stomach, was that he could see she was enjoying the moment. Dionne had the upper hand, finally in their relationship, as fake as it was, and she was enjoying the moment. Not only the fact that power was situation positions between the two of the, but that she had something so grand to hold over Jacob's head. And all because he couldn't have waited another minute to try to fix things between Levi and himself. What he had ended up doing was destroying it beyond repair, this time without any way to fix it. Jacob kept silent, his mind working around the situation. Every time Dionne dared a glanced toward the crowd, he'd mirror her, offering a smile. Slowly but surely Jacob recovered. His steps turning more confident, his hold tightening as he thought a way around it.

Jacob Prescott could handle this. This wasn't the first time someone had found out about his relationship with Levi. And each and every time Jacob had taken care of it. Of course both the times Jacob really had no control of what had happened. Mari was a good friend, and had reacted in a way that Jacob had never expected.... but was more than grateful for. And Oliver. Oliver was no longer alive. And for a moment, a mere second of a moment, he looked down in Dionne with that thought in mind. But it didn't last longer than a dance step between them. Jacob still hadn't come to terms what had happened with Oliver. Hadn't admitted his fault. Gideon had been the one to place too much drugs. And how the fuck were they suppose to know that Oliver would down it all in one sitting? How the fuck were they suppose to know that Oliver did cocaine at all? The mere thought of trying to do ... brought that slick heat higher into his stomach. The sick feeling riding up to his throat. That wasn't an option. Not even an imaginable option. Shaking his head softly, he glanced away from her.

There had to be another way. He could talk to her. Though the way Dionne pounced at the chance to accuse Jacob and use what she knew against him.. he also knew that wasn't an option. Much less than Jacob trying to pull another Oliver with her. He could talk to Levi about it. Explain what was happening. If Levi knew maybe they could work around it. They had pretended for almost three years, they could do it more. Especially in front of Dionne. Jacob could simply act like he was no longer seeing Levi, he could... And for a moment Jacob found his back bone. The one that had hidden at the accusation in Dionne's words. The fuck was he doing coming up with a plan to hide from the petite blonde in front of him. This would affect him as much as her. Maybe not on the same level, but if it got out that Dionne's perfect boyfriend had been sleeping around on her with another guy... it wouldn't just hurt his image. It would damage Dionne's. She wouldn't try it. Not for a second. And like that, Jacob took charge again. His grip on her hand tightening, his jaw relaxing, his gaze finding hers again. A smirk appeared on his lips, and his feet picked up the pace.

"Dionne,"

Jacob Prescott wasn't going to be pushed around by Dionne. Not over this. Not when Levi had come to mean far too much to Jacob. It was the only thing in Jacob's life he wasn't willing to give up. No matter what the little blonde threaten. That was until Dionne mentioned his mother. And what strength and confidence he had been able to gather within wobbled. Dangerously so. "You..." the rest of it stumbled and fell apart. Crumbled into pieces at the mention of his parents. The idea of his parents finding out, of his father losing that respect that Jacob had worked so hard to get. Blue eyes flashed quickly to his Father's. Offering a halfhearted smile, Jacob looked away. Defeated. There was no way around this. No weaseling to do. No charm could fix it. Dionne was set in her ways, and it became evident when she threaten to reveal the truth to his parents. Because then, she wasn't threatening that word would get out. His parents, would fix it. And Dionne's image wouldn't be tarnished at all. Not by Jacob's discretions.

Nodding his head slowly, Jacob unclenched his jaw. An action he hadn't realized he had done earlier. It must have looked awkward to the crowd. Seeing Jacob so confident in his step to physically going numb to the point Dionne had to force him to move then to to see him clamp up. Clenched jaw, grip tight. Jacob could attribute it to desire later on if anybody asked. It was strange, how Jacob could charm his way out of any situation..yet this one... there was no way around it. Only the way out was the option Dionne had offered him. The thought of it, made him sick. That slick heat lapping dangerously closer to the end of his throat. He was going to be sick. Just like the morning he had heard the news of Oliver's death. Keeping control of his body was the only power Jacob could hold at that moment. So he held it tightly. With every ounce he could Muster. At least till the end of the dance. He could do that.

And despite the threat, despite the nightmare of his parents finding out, Jacob could only chuckle at her last words. If there was one thing Jacob couldn't fail at, it was remaining calm and cold. Even when fear and disgust gripped at his innards in a death grip. Even though he knew he was going to come out this losing Levi. Even though.. Jacob would end up losing the one thing that meant anything to him, Jacob had that Prescott cold nature in him. Once he got his bearings Jacob's body was under his control. Fear and anger be damned. His eyes turned cold and hard, narrowing at Dionne. "At least now I don't have to continue the charade of finding you desirable in private." Cold. Hard. Dirty. The one thing Jacob had figured about Dionne over the past several months. Despite wanting to be a powerful woman, an intelligent woman, and a woman who had a powerful man by her side, Dionne lacked a specific kind of confidence. It wasn't sexual appeal. She knew she had it. Flaunted it when she felt it. Used it when she deemed appropriate. But that was all for show. When it came to behind closed doors, with no prying eyes, there was that need to be acknowledged. That desire to be be found desirable. The blonde could hide it behind cold placate blue eyes all she wanted, but Jacob had realized it. Only through his only lack of desire due to Levi, but he had realized it. And was now using it to deliver one tiny sting.

Just then the crowd swelled forward, several other couples joining in the dance. The barrier around them broken, and their space shared with those around them. His father and his mother had stayed on the outskirts, chatting quietly with another man and his arm trophy wife. Another power couple. A couple Jacob couldn't even put a name too, his mind completely taken with what had just transpired between him and Dionne. Keeping his eyes on Dionne, not trusting her to keep her mouth shut for a moment, he pulled in her a direction off the dace floor but away from his parents. One hand fell to his side, the other to the top of his head. A quick run through his hair and he tilted his head in her direction. He couldn't argue with her. Not there. And he already knew, from her words, if he could argue..he would be arguing a losing fight. His one fear of how people would react if they ever found out...was coming true. And Jacob.. Jacob would handle it like a Prescott. Damnit.. if he didn't.

And as if to prove, one last time to himself that he could be without Levi... To prove that he could be the son that his father wanted from him. Jacob nodded his head. "By tomorrow morning," The sick feeling returned, gripping his throat. He cleared it. Disgust lashing out through his vocal cords at what he would be forced to do later that night. "You'll have what you want." He already hated himself for being so weak. For being the coward that Levi had called him at the beginning of the summer. Jacob had always known it. Now Dionne was just realizing it about him. "For that to happen. I have to leave now," he leaned downed, pressed his lips against her cheek. An image for the rest of the room. Pulling away, he kept his eyes on hers. Proof that, despite his cold words a second before, that he was serious. That he would do what she wanted. That she had won. He'd give up Levi, to stay the Proud Prescott Son.

He was a fucking coward.

---

tag; Dionne
notes;I love how DEATH was an option for both of them. HAHA
words; I don't count past ten
wearing;You seemed to know exactly what he is wearing
credits; template by delilahh @ CAUTION!, lyrics to
Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums by A Perfect Circle

HER FRIENDS ARE SO JEALOUS,
YOU KNOW HOW BAD GIRLS GET,
SO BAD IT MAKES HIM CRY;


It was funny, how – for a moment – it seemed like Jacob got a glimmer
of hope in his eyes. Obviously a feeble notion, a little spark firing in
his brain like a light in the dark showing a way out of it. It was what
people unanimously called a glimmer of hope. A deceptive beam posing
as salvation but ultimately just a misguided firefly soon to be zapped
by the mosquito trap that was Dionne. Because whenever the otherwise
petite and gentle blond formulated a plan, device a strategy to get what
she wanted, there was never a way out. No exit sign glowing … no
backup. At an early age already she had learned to consolidate her case
before pushing it … like any good politician should. It was one of the
van Buren lesson’s of life. Or better … a lesson of life as a van Buren. Dee
wasn’t stupid enough to confront Jake and demand him to break it off if
there was a way around it! She had absolutely no desire to stand there
in the spotlight like Carry at prom while her ‘boyfriend’ spilled pig
blood all over her briskly rebuking her pathetic uprising. No, pride
was a way to big part of the girls life as to take any chances … after all,
you don’t wound what you can’t kill, right?!

And right now it was clear that if Jacob would ever come back from
this – if her spell on him would break – there was going to be hell to
pay. Not even a van Buren came around to taunt a Prescott and lived to
tell about it. It actually had her worried a bit. Because if you could find
a minor flaw in her plan after all, it was the fact she had no clue how
long it could hold … she couldn’t really force the young man to stay put
for the rest of their lives. Eventually he’d develop a spine and revolt …
or she’d grow sick of the pretence and find some influential yet
submissive Republican who actually cared to be with her. Sadly
though Aaron Schock was already taken, even though she could’ve
overlooked the part of him being an ILLINOIS representative to the
congress on behalf of his tight abs and handsome smile. When being a
member of party that included half the US population at retirement
age you took what you could get. Because no one wanted to look like
Laurel and Hardy on a family picture for the Washington Post. Jacob
would’ve been perfect … he had potential, was young. Could’ve been
way farther than Schock at the same age.

But Dionne didn’t see it happening anymore, things had changed. He had
made his decision, one that was practically suicide for ever stepping a
foot into any office by support of the Republican Party … loving a man.
To be honest, even now that she had pushed him back on track, the boy
was probably not very inclined to pursue a high profile career
anymore either. So the best she could do really was use him till
something better came along and then drop him like a used towel.
Which was a rather sad notion … for the slender blond had grown pretty
fond of his chiseled charm and humor. In an ideal world – shaped and
controlled by Dee – he’d liked her too. At least in the capacity she could
see herself ‘like’ him. They’d be a real couple and she wouldn’t have
been forced to bribe into pretending. But as she saw her hopes dashed
the only thing that had come to mind was taking control and saving her
own reputation. Truthfully she didn’t like forcing Jacob, hurting him,
cornering him … it was sad to see him hurt! But … it was better than
having herself hurt, was it.

Mirroring is regretful nod as sign of approval Dionne smiled gladly.
She had no intention to make this anymore hard on him as it had to be
for the penny to drop. As soon a she understood the tension was gone and
her eyes seemed much more warm and happy now. Surely though it
required a certain coldness to be happy about winning this kind of
unfair argument. But the end justified the means, didn’t it?! Of course
Jake didn’t see it that way. He was angry, sad, disappointed and enraged
… probably a mix of it all. His words about not having to pretend
finding her attractive anymore stung. However delusion ran deep
enough to assume that EVERYONE found her desirable, if they admitted
it or not. So no, she didn’t believe him. But the part that hurt wasn’t his
alleged misguided eye for beauty … no it was the fact that he had only
said that to hurt her. A vindictive streak Dee hadn’t anticipated. But in
the great picture it was probably justified. What did she expect
honestly, a thank you hug?

People joined into the opening dance but Dionne didn’t really notice.
Jacob guided them toward the edge of the room slowly, not letting her
out of eye sight. She knew what this was about; he needed to get away
without causing fuzz … away from her to be precise. She couldn’t blame
him. Nodding again at his promise she could live with the ultimatum.
He told her she’d get what she wanted … which was oddly validating. But
it also made her reconsider her motives … was she really just doing this
because she was afraid of the loss of popularity? The loss of face in
public? Or was it something much deeper, the loss of him as a person.
The prospect of being alone, undesirable to the man she found most
desirable … which slowly brushed the confident smile of the pretty
face as she let go of him. ”Well … the movers will stop by tomorrow at
nine … better don’t sleep in!” Dee demanded, brushing a little bit of
fluff from the tall man’s shoulder in a casual gesture. ”I’ll tell your
parents you felt sick … which I am sure you do!” Slowly the devilish
smirk creeped back onto her face … wasn’t evilness just the best way to
cover up fear!



-----------------------------------------
WORDS! 1046. // OUTFIT! HERE. // SETTING! // CREDIT! BELLA DOESN'T OWN A SWAN ? @ CAUTION, BBY.

D O N ' T F R E T P R E C I O U S I ' M H E R E. S T E P A W A Y F R O M T H E W I N D O W.
COUNTING BODIES LIKE SHEEP TO THE RHYTHM OF THE WAR DRUMS
S A F E F R O M P A I N A N D T R U T H A N D C H O I C E A N D O T H E R P O I S O N D E V I L S.

Everything had changed. In the time length of a dance. His relationship with Dionne was shattered. Collected and placed together with duct tape. What comradely feeling he had felt for the blonde standing in front of him, dissipated with each word she spoke. Evaporated with each breath she took. No longer was Dionne the girl that he shared and enjoyed some secret with. Didn't hold the mentality of 'us against the world.' All that was gone. Any connection they had was broken. And Jacob didn't miss it. Not for a second. He did regret it. Wished he had never succumbed to his father's wishes to start a relationship with Dionne in the first place. Being weak got him in this situation in the first place. Being weak would cost him Levi. And he'd hate that. He'd hate Dionne for it. And just a bit of him, a small part that had been hiding it self since he was a child, would hate his father for putting him in his situation.

Though in reality he had no one else to blame but himself. Had he been more private, had he waited another night to make the call. Or had he not been a fucking pansy about the whole thing and had simply called Levi a month ago. Had he stayed strong against his father. Had he not started a fake relationship with Dionne knowing the kind of girl she was. None of this would have happened. Or maybe had he never stepped into that bar many years ago. Had he not gone home with Levi that night of the event. Had he stayed strong and vigilant. But that was impossible because even now with the slick heat of sickness lapping at the tip of his esophagus he wouldn't give away the moments he had spent with Levi. What fucking stupidity was that. With Dionne staring him down, with the probability of everyone finding out... even his father..and Jacob wouldn't trade the moments he spent with the brunet. That should have been evidence enough, reason enough for Jacob to realize that no matter what Dionne threaten that it would never be over between him and Levi. He should have realized no matter how he tried to cut his ties, and believe that he could stop being around him..there was nothing Jacob could do about it. He was fucking stuck. Had been since Levi had walked up to him and promised he wouldn't tell a soul. And even now, knowing that he would talk later tonight with Levi just to tell him that it was finally over with them.. Jacob couldn't regret their past.

He'd regret it later. When he couldn't get Levi out of his mind, and Levi's scent lingered on his sheets. He'd regret having spent any time with Levi when it would hurt just to remember. To realize again that the only thing real in his life, despite how he had kept it a secret from everyone, wouldn't be within in reach any longer. Jacob's face stayed straight and unwavering. Only his eyes moved toward Dionne when she had leaned forward to brush something off his shoulder. Standing still for a long moment, he shook his head. A slow deliberate movement. Jacob was a coward when it came to Levi. There was no if, ands or buts about it. But Jacob wouldn't allow Dionne to speak to his parents for him. Ever. He could do that. He would do that. And he'd do it with straight, steady shoulders and smile on his face. He'd prove his worth. Had done it plenty of times. And just because Dionne was hurting him where it counted... didn't mean he still couldn't hold face. He couldn't do it much longer, he felt it breaking inside. Scratching to get out. The slick heat lapping increased in volume. "I'll speak to them," the edge of his confidence was there.

Jacob paused for a second longer. His head tilting a fraction of an inch as he kept his gaze on Dionne. He took a step forward, a side step as if he were to walk pass her, but his body stilled when he was next to her. A hand went to her back, light on her skin, fingertips barely making a touch. The thought alone of touching Dionne at that moment was enough to make him angry. He kept his distance, but his words were only for her ears. He leaned forward, his lips a whisper away from her ear. His eyes were hard, cold, void of the sick emotion turning in the pit of his stomach. "Don't think for a moment," his voice was clipped, "that because you have this on me, that you own me. You have your apartment. You will stay there." Jacob leaned back, his eyes finding Dionne's. He raised an eyebrow. Demanded a challenge from her. His fingertips slid up her back, his hand resting on the back of her neck. Her hair a barrier to the delicate skin. For a moment Jacob wished he could squeeze the life out of it. Just for a moment. "You can come over. Make sure it's to your liking. But you will not move in." He offered her a half a smile, bordering on a smirk..but it still lacked any life. It was dead. His features. As dead as Oliver.

He took a step away from her. Didn't even bother to look at her as he parted ways with her. "I'll see you in the morning," the words fell from his lips. The word good was accompanied with a tilt of his lip. A grimace. A reminder just how bad the night was going to be... but he couldn't let himself dwell on that. Not at the moment. Not until he was away from everyone glances. His gaze found his parents on on the other side of the room. The walk there seemed further, but when he reached them..the look on his face was enough to express that something was wrong. His mother, spared him a glance before she spoke to him. In a hushed tone, she placed a hand on shoulder as she leaned up to give her son a kiss on the cheek. "You look dashing. Just a bit ill. Fix that. You have a few people to meet," but that was all he let his mother say before he shook his head. His blue eyes found his father's, "Must have ate something earlier today. Not so good. Got to head home, but I'll make the necessary contacts tomorrow." Jacob didn't know if it was the fact that he looked as sick as he felt. But his father didn't question it. Simply nodded his head and have Jacob a pat on his shoulder. His mother had given him a hard look, but busied her self with a couple that was settled behind his parents.

With a nod of his head and Jacob was walking out. Didn't spare Dionne a glance. Didn't care where she was, or what she was doing. Could care less who she was speaking to. Placing his hands in his pockets, Jacob made a swift exit toward the back. He had been around Kennedy center enough to know his way. Had once sneaked Levi into a corner before leaving with him. A dangerous game. Yet one that hadn't caught up to him, till now. Once he cleared the room and was outside the back of the house. Once he took a few steps to the side, and realized no one else was around.. Jacob's stomach cleared itself. The slick heat emptying it self onto the perfectly manicured lawn.

---

tag; Dionne
notes;Jacob is a hunny b.
when he isn't contemplating Dionne's death.
words; I don't count past ten
wearing;You seemed to know exactly what he is wearing
credits; template by delilahh @ CAUTION!, lyrics to
Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums by A Perfect Circle