The Price of Face

Chapter 10: The Beginning

Warnings: Very long chapter. (As in, 11,000 words.)

Much love to my beta, Airenko. This story would be a mess without her.

"See," Johnny paused, shifting over to the left so that his body was completely out of the rain. Peanut shuffled over, frowning as his whole right side stuck out in the rain from under the umbrella. Though, Johnny didn't seem to notice as he pulled out a pack of cigarettes. He tapped them lightly against the palm of his hand, tugging one out, and sticking it in between his lips. He offered the open pack to Peanut, and he nearly dropped the umbrella as he tried to grab one. Johnny put the pack of Marlboros back into his pocket, pulling out a hotrod shaped Zippo. After a few times, he lit his cigarette, then Peanut's, taking a puff as he tucked the lighter back into his coat. "People have very obvious places in life, Peanut, " Johnny continued, the cancer stick hanging from his lips. He looked over at Peanut whose extremely greasy hair seemed to repel all of the waterThe rest of him wasn't fairing as well as he was soaked though, shivering in the cold. Johnny smiled. "Ya can't be a pimp and a prostitute too," he said, and Peanut nodded fervently. "There's no such thing as a leader who follows, or a follower who leads. It's one of the other."

"So, that means you're a pimp, Johnny?" Peanut asked, then flushed and added quickly: "I mean, a leader. Yeah, you're a leader…"

"Yeah, I am." Johnny nearly added, 'So, that means you're a prostitute, Peanut?' -but he kept his mouth shut. Poor Peanut was looking as meek as it was right now, soaked from the rain. He could only rag on his friend so much. Peanut nodded in understanding, blowing the smoke out through his nose so that he could focus his hands on holding the umbrella. He watched the smoke barely travel before it got engulfed in rain. Lightning suddenly streaked through the sky, followed by a roar of thunder, and Peanut yelped in surprise, the cig falling from his mouth.

Johnny sighed, shaking his head; and Peanut gazed down at it like a sad puppy, reluctantly putting it out with his heel. "You said more were coming, right?" he asked, motioning downward towards the boxing club. Johnny peered over from the edge of the movie theatre roof, and Peanut moved the umbrella so that Johnny stayed dry. (Much to his delight, he got a brief soaking.)

Johnny straightened, nodding. "Yeah, I'm right as rain. You saw Harrington walk here, and through the rain, no less. Something's wrong." He looked over at Peanut, whose gaze was still on his sopping cigarette. Johnny sighed, plucking the cig from his own mouth and deftly handing it to Peanut. He brightened, and even though this was a ued cig and it was almost like he was kissing Johnny Vincent- which he wasn't, of course, and would never like to do, of course. He took it thankfully, taking a deep drag of it. "Preppies are like sharks; he's leavin' a trail of blood and they're gonna sniff it right out real quick. They'll come. I'm sure of it."

Peanut sighed. He always believed in his boss; but the right side of his body was soaked, and he wasn't sure how much more his battered leather jacket could take. Almost as if it was a sign from God, over the bridge a form became visible. The figure was pedaling as fast as possible on a bright Aquaberry bike - and as it rapidly neared, Johnny's lips curled into a sneer. "Ha!" he snorted. "It's that no-show fairy Derby had to fight in place of!"

Chad was panting, his dark face drained of all color from his exertion. The bike wobbled in the rain, and the two greasers snickered when Chad nearly slipped.

Peanut smirked, tapping the ashes off of his cancer stick, and watching them float down as Chad's bike screeched to a halt in front of the Club. He jumped off of his bike, wheeling it over, and taking slight refuge under the awning of the club. Johnny snickered, motioning at Peanut to get his attention. "Watch this." he whispered, his eyes glinting. Peanut watched Johnny avidly as he turned his head to the side, clearing his throat loudly. The loogey he hocked was perfect, hitting Chad right in the eye. If thunder hadn't conveniently rumbled past, he probably would have heard the two greasers cackling above him. But, instead, he was ignorant of it all, cursing the rain, Tad Spencer, and Derby Harrington all in one.

Johnny and Peanut were laughing with glee, and by the time they were done, Chad had finally gotten the courage to venture inside. "See? Now, go get the guys from Coventry, and make sure they take the back ways. I don't want any of the preps seeing them. This plan's gotta go on without a hitch, understand?"

Peanut nodded, the umbrella bobbing slightly. Johnny suddenly plucked the cigarette from his mouth, taking a drag of it and smirking.

"Good," he said, watching as Peanut gaped and stammered nonsense at him over his stolen cig. "Leave me with the umbrella, and go."

"Al'ight, boss." Peanut sighed, handing Johnny the umbrella, and stepped out from under the partial sanctuary. Maybe Johnny did try to start an alliance with the preps. Maybe Johnny did donasty things with Derby. And maybe he didn't. Peanut would follow him to the end, anyway. He hunched his shoulders slightly as thunder rumbled by, walking towards the ladder.

The blinds were drawn tight, blocking off any light from coming through. The bar's only source of light was the small green desk lamp on the bar, and it threw erratic shadows over the floor. Bif and Derby were giants, the two wine glasses skyscrapers. Derby's face was stark with shadows, bringing out the seriousness of his expression. His face was blank, and he held the glass listlessly, taking a dainty sip of red wine. Bif downed his whole glass quickly, letting the bitter taste sting his tongue. He looked over at Derby, who still had that vacant expression on him.

"So…" Bif said softly, idly fingering the neck of his glass. Derby's eyes snapped into focus, and he frowned, irritated.

"What?" he snapped. There was a bang from downstairs, but it wasn't from the thunder; it was the sound of the big double doors closing as yet another person walked into the boxing club. Derby grit his teeth at the sound. Tad was building up reinforcements, an audience for the spectacle he would soon perform. Panic suddenly seized him at the thought, and he waved a dismissive hand at Bif, scoffing. "Stop bothering me, I still need to think-"

"It's been over an hour." Bif interjected, watching as Derby's face turned sour. "Don't you think it's time to realize that the truth needs to be said?"

Derby's eyes narrowed. "My, you've been very brash today. I don't think I particularly like this new streak of… traitorous ideas you're exhibiting."

"No!" Bif protested, eyes glowing wide and his hands flying up in a pacifying gesture. "Derby, you know I don't mean any harm. It's, well… you know, it would be so much better…"

"Easier said than done," Derby snarled bitterly, slamming his drink back. "You're a right moron, Tremblay." he added scathingly. Bif grimaced, gripping his glass tightly. It was difficult staying calm and ignoring the painful twang the arrow had caused in his heart - but he had to. If he lost his head, there would be no sense amongst them, as Derby had already succumbed to his emotions.

"You know it's the truth." There was empathy, but no pity in his voice. "I can't see everyone else knocking you down just for that." Derby's face darkened, and his head drooped slightly. Shadows covered his entire face, and Bif swallowed thickly, continuing, "Who would want Tad as a leader anyway? His great-grandfather was a construction worker for god's sake! Money doesn't buy class…"

"Or," Derby suddenly yelled, looking at Bif venomously. "I will be unfit as a human being in everyone's eyes because I was sodomized by Johnny Vincent!" Bif fell silent, looking away awkwardly. Derby - for lack of anything better to do - fumbled with the bottle of wine, pouring himself another glass. He inhaled the contents in one gulp, coughing and trying to ignore the tears that brimmed in the corner of his eyes that weren't entirely caused by things going down the wrong pipe. "It's so easy for you to say, Bif. It didn't happen to you! You weren't subjected to what I was!" The marks were gone but the wounds were still fresh. Could he do what he requested of Derby if he was in his place?

"Derby…"

"I'm not finished!" he growled, jumping out of his seat, and stalking over towards Bif. They were nose to nose, Bif on his tall barstool and Derby standing. "I… understand, to some degree, on what your train of thought is. But it's preposterous! The world isn't as perfect and innocent as you see it! It's not possible for me to be truthful- it's suicide, Bif!"

"I thought we agreed about this! You would get over all of this, and tell the truth!" Bif yelled loudly, gripping his seat tightly. Derby hadn't expected it, and he took a step back from the shock. Bif jumped down from his seat, pushing Derby back. "Or was last night nothing to you, Derby?! Is this all just one big scheme, one big battle to win the war of who gets to be captain of it all?"

"Bif, it's not-"

"Fuck it, then!" Bif had reduced to an animal, his eyes livid as he jumped down from his seat. He was taller than Derby, and for once it actually showed as their chests bumped and he pushed up against him. Derby stood his ground out of sheer shock as Bif loomed close to his face. "After all of this- after all I've done, all I've…!" He was flustered from his anger, barely able to spit out words. "You're a stubborn ass, Harrington!"

"Bif, listen to me, this is important! I can't just do this, you understand. It's not what we do."

"You don't care, do you?" The anger had deflated right out of Bif. It left him feeling achingly empty and depressed. "About… us…" Derby frowned, cupping Bif's face and tracing his thumb over his cheek.

"Bif…" That face… he gave Derby those sorrowful, sappy eyes, and Derby could almost feel the pang in his heart. Bif's hand covered Derby's, and he stroked his cheek. "Don't say that. I do." Bif's small smile lit up his entire face.

"So that means you'll tell them, right, Derby?" He curled his hand around Derby's, not noticing how it stilled and his fingers pressed slightly against his soft skin.

"I…" Derby smiled thinly. "I'll think about it, Bif, okay? I'll really think about it."

Bif's face changed suddenly, and he pulled away from Derby. "Think about it!" he cried incredulously, "We don't have any time left to think!"

"I told you, I'll think about it." Derby grunted.

"You said… you said…" His voice was quivering with anger.

Derby's eyes widened, finding his gaze suddenly on the door towards his left. His cheek was stinging, and it took him a few seconds before he let out a small yelp of pain, reaching up to touch his red face. He pressed his fingers against his cheek, looking over at Bif with shock. Bif just stood there, hand still raised, looking as shocked as Derby. He hadn't really known what had overcome him, but it was the sudden anger of it all, the realization that everything he had worked for was just a futile effort. Derby looked down at the floor, still trying to compute why in God's name his cheek was stinging - it obviously could not have been Bif Tremblay.

"… Bif…?"

Bif leaned forward suddenly, and Derby flinched, anticipating another blow. Bif let out a pitiful noise, wrapping his arms around Derby in a hug.

"I'm sorry… I…"

"It's alright…" he mumbled, feeling awkward in his tight grasp. "Can you do me a favor, Bif?" He felt the other's head nod against his shoulder, and Derby patted Bif's back "Just go down there and scope out what I'm going against, okay?" His voice was soft and placating.

Bif pulled away. "Alright…" He cast a forlorn look at Derby, who had sat back into his barstool, hand resting on his cheek. "You… know we can win with the truth, right? It's the only way-"

"Please," Derby closed his eyes, letting out a soft sigh. "Just do me that favor? Thank you." he said shortly, waving dismissively at Bif. Bif frowned, shaking his head, and turning towards the door.

"Of course…."

The double doors swung shut behind Bif.

"This is so terribly awkward." Gord said in hushed tones to Parker, leaning closer so that he could keep his voice down. Parker nodded, unconsciously leaning away as he looked out of the corner of his eye for Chad. Poor Chad had gotten dragged off by Tad to do some dirty work. Why always Chad? First it was Derby forcing Chad to dress for a fight he never even accomplished; and now Tad, to do God knows what. (And it was slightly insulting- even though Chad was a good friend, he wasn't the most competent person.) Parker shifted uneasily on the uncomfortable weightlifting bench, turning back to Gord. Well, he would rather be with grabby Gord than with Spencer, or with the fallen duo upstairs.

"Yeah…" He looked over at the soda machine where Justin and Bryce stood. Justin seemed excited; maybe Tad had made a promise that he would look into a jock alliance? Parker frowned. "What do you think is going to happen?"

"What I think, or what I would like?" Gord asked. Parker gave him a half-hearted shrug, and Gord sighed. "Well, I'd rather have Derby and Bif to be the so-called leader. They know what they're doing. And, oh," He clasped his hands together, getting that look in his eyes that told Parker to scoot over. Unfortunately, the weightlifting benches were too small, and he would fall off if he did. "They're such a cute couple. I could just eat Bif up! He's too adorable, always doing everything for Derby. I bet Derby is the top. Or maybe he's the bottom. Oh! Wouldn't that make a perfect movie, a couple, one obviously dominant, the other submissive - but in bed, their roles are reversed, and the poor boy's dominant side fades to black when in the arms of his lo-"

"Gord!" Parker shouted, his face and ears bright red. Too much information. Too much information. (Where the hell was Chad?!) "Wh-what I meant to say… is…" He couldn't get the words out. The thought of Bif holding a woeful Derby right before they did the horizontal tango was sticking in his mind like a thorn. "What do you think will happen? Who's the most likely to win?"

"Oh." Gord looked a little disappointed, and he shrugged. "Tad. Not as interesting or romantic, but, he seems more responsible. He didn't try to make an alliance, and he wasn't doing naughty things with a greaser."

"You dated Lola Lombardi. Actually, if I'm not mistaken, you still go out with her sometimes…" Parker pointed out.

Gord smiled wryly, leaning forward. "We don't do naughty things, unless you call shopping with a girl who has sheer fashion genius naughty." Parker gave him a blank stare, and Gord scoffed. "We don't do anything bad, you know. All we do is shop."

"Really? So… all she is, is a shopping pal?" Parker asked.

Gord nodded. "Basically. A rather demanding one, but she has fine taste."

Parker scoffed, waving his hand. "You shouldn't bother with her, she's a bloody greaser, for God's sake. I would go shopping with you, if you wished."

He knew he had said too much when Gord's eyes seemed to take on that sparkle, and he leaned forward, grasping Parker's arm. "Oh, really? You would?" He sounded like a child who had been promised a visit to the zoo. "I'd love that! We ought to go to Aquaberry tomorrow, then, just you and me! Chad can come along, if he wishes. They just came out with the new seasons ties, so you'll have to find me a nice one that matches my eyes-"

"Okay, okay!" Parker said, wincing slightly from Gord's vice grip. Though, he couldn't help but smile as Gord meekly pulled away from his arm. "I'll go shopping with you, alright?"

Gord beamed. "Wonderful!"

The front doors suddenly opened, and Chad staggered inside. He pushed the door to the foyer open, holding it as Tad walked in with his umbrella in tow. He shook it off, leaning it against the wall before walking through. The conversations fell to a hush as Chad turned to the door, locking both of them. Tad didn't want anybody disturbing the show.

Chad immediately sat down on the weightlifting bench next to Parker. He looked wet, a drowned puppy that had been pulled out of the river at the last second. Parker frowned. "So…?"

Chad shook his head wearily. "You… don't want to know." Gord raised a brow, but neither of them bothered him.

The room fell hushed as the doors opened from upstairs. Eyes were glued there, but it wasn't Harrington; Bif walked out, his hands trailing on the door as if reluctant to let it go. But he did, stuffing both hands into his pockets and seemingly oblivious to the stares as he took the steps down carefully, two at a time. When he finally looked up, his eyes were locked with Tad's.

Tad smiled. "Hello, my fellow elite!" He ignored Gord in the corner, who erupted into whispers, nearly pushing himself onto the frightened Parker. Tad walked over towards Bif who stood at the bottom of the stairs, looking slightly confused. "You left quite abruptly this morning." he said, his eyes swiveling over Bif's body. He tsked lightly, pinching the fabric of Bif's sleeve. "You should have come back in! Your clothes are damp."

Bif pulled away, frowning and tilting his head up. "We didn't need one." Tad stiffened slightly, taking a slight step forward. It startled Bif backward, and Tad smiled wider. The façade was endearing, but Tremblay was no leader.

"That's nice…" he said airily, a hand on his hip. Thunder rumbled in the background, and Tad looked over his shoulder. "Would you mind talking somewhere more private?"

Bif was suspicious, but he nodded. "Of course not."

Tad turned, motioning for Bif to follow. Bif ducked his head down so that Tad could talk without going over a whisper. "You see," They were walking towards the double doors. "I know how you feel about Harrington-"

Bif straightened, reeling back. "You know, Derby just wanted me to get him a soda, I think I'll-"

"Tremblay!" Tad barked, nearly grabbing the taller prep's collar. "Please, hear me out. I'm not here to preach or prosecute."

Bif reluctantly turned around. "…Fine." Derby had told him to come downstairs and scope out the threat. Maybe a personal talk with Tad could help him understand how he was going to approach everything, and send in the coup de grace against Derby.

Tad smiled. "Thank you. As I was saying, I know how you feel about Harrington. It's understandable, and frankly, I don't care. Gord can do whatever he wants, and so can you." He waved his hand dismissively, pausing to push the glass doors open into the foyer of the Club. They walked through it, and Tad made sure the door was closed completely before he started to talk again.

"I know you like him. Maybe… even more?" Tad ventured. Bif visibly shifted, looking away.

"No, I don't. I don't know what you mean; he's just a friend." His face said differently. Tad took a step forward, patting Bif's back. He flinched under Tad's touch.

"It's alright, Bif," He used his first name so endearingly, his tone so understanding, "You don't have to say anything; as I said, I don't want to prod, but no matter what you feel, I do understand what's happening."

Bif just nodded. Tad smiled, moving his hands off. "Love hurts, doesn't it?"

Bif shook his head. "I don't…"

"There he is… after he's humiliated you publicly, he's still not understanding, is he? Yelling and not letting you get a say in. I bet he's up there right now, planning my demise, and not taking your words into consideration at all, is he?" Tad fudged it all: the sincerity, the guesses. When Bif grimaced, his face fell. He thought he got it all wrong.

But then Bif closed his eyes, letting out a sad sigh, and opening them slowly. "He's always so stubborn…"

Tad nodded solemnly, though gleeful inside. "I understand..." He didn't understand the full scope of it all, but Bif seemed to react the most over the last part. So Derby wasn't listening to his subjects? A fatal mistake on any king's part… "I hate when people use you when it's convenient, but when it's not… you're nothing."

Bif shifted uncomfortably, hands jammed into his pockets as he looked at the ground. He didn't realize that Tad was leading him into a trap like last time, but he was too emotionally clouded for his head to work straight. "He knows that I'm right about what to do… but he won't admit it! He won't get over his fears…" He looked more melancholy; not noticing the way Tad's face was split in a Cheshire Cat grin. "He never listens to me…"

"Look," Tad hesitated for only a second, than very smoothly slipped his arm around Bif's shoulder in a comforting, friendly way. Bif looked up, surprised; but he didn't pull away. "I know how you feel… and I want you to realize, Bif, that even though some people don't appreciate you, I do. I see your talent. You're a bloody brilliant boxer, you're loyal," Easily manipulative, emotional, a tad clingy, naïve. "And I would choose you over anyone else to help me keep the clique under control." He squeezed Bif's shoulder for emphasize.

Bif blinked, taking a deep breath. That was a lot to take in all at once. The praise, then the offer; the offer of second-in-command. A back-up plan if everything fell through, if Derby couldn't get through his fears, and succumbed to Tad Spencer and his letter of lies. It was a wonderful offer. In most instances, the second-in-command suffered a fate almost worse than the leader- Chad was an exception, though his respect fell so much that it took a while before a few people could even bare to look at him. And Bif didn't know if he could take a severe fall as easily as Chad could.

Could he be next to Tad's side? What would Derby think?

No. If Derby lost, he probably would transfer schools. There were other boarding schools, ones where he could buy a new face to wear - a new and fresh person.

Tad watched him questioningly, trying to gauge his reaction. Bif bit his lip, looking over at Tad.

"I'll think about it. If things happen, well…"

Tad smiled, interrupting Bif. "Of course. I understand." He pulled away from Bif. They stood there, silent, before Tad gave him a small nod. "I'll leave you be. I need to talk to Chad about some things."

Bif nodded, rubbing the back of his neck. "I understand." Tad left him, hearing only snatches of conversation as the Plexiglas door of the foyer closed. A few of the preps gathered around him, talking as good-naturedly as preps do. His gaze switched to the doors leading up to the bar.

'You're willing to bring yourself down with me?'

'This is not just our relationship, this is bigger than that!'

'Don't… don't you walk away from me, Tremblay! I thought you cared about me!'

'You're my weakness, and you're my heart! You're everything I should despise, everything I should push away and defeat!'

Bif felt his stomach twist into knots as he made his way back up the stairs.

Derby was startled out of his thoughts as the doors leading to the foyer opened at his left. He was about to ask why he came up that way, but Bif was on him too fast - hands grabbing his face, and lips brashly crushing against his. He was so needy, and Derby let out a small groan, leaning back in his chair as Bif's tongue thrust into his mouth. Derby's hands wrapped around Bif, settling onto his lower back and pulling him close as their tongues danced.

They finally parted to breath, and Derby had to duck his head away as Bif tried to almost immediately ensnare him in another kiss. "Bif!" His face was flushed, his hair out of place from the rough handling. "While I appreciate you trying to cheer me up, I really need to take the time to think-"

Bif was on his neck, sucking on his jaw, and kissing downwards - nipping gently so that he left oh so faint marks. "Don't think," he rasped, "Just… please?" His lips traveled back up, but Derby jerked his head away again.

"Bif, this is serious, we can't-"

Bif was fluid, sitting on Derby's lap, straddling him in the chair. He lifted slightly, grinding downwards, his arms around his neck. The friction made them both moan, and Bif gazed at Derby wantonly, leaning forward so that his lips brushed against his ear. "Please, Derby," Derby let out a short breath, feeling his pulse hitch as Bif's teeth hooked onto his earlobe, tugging. "While we're both still together, please…" He lifted slightly, rocking on Derby's lap, and he finally gave in, groaning, and pulled Bif in for a kiss.

"You're so dirty sometimes, Bif," he hissed when they broke, shivering as Bif's cool hands slipped under his shirt. If only Derby knew… Bif faked a quick smile, before trailing kisses up Derby's neck. "Nnn…" Derby's throat rumbled under his lips, and his hands ran over his body.

Bif was mapping the curves and feel of Derby; warm skin, the light outline of ribs, the blonde peach fuzz on his belly- Derby squirmed slightly, panting airily into his ear. Maybe he could feel it too; that tense feeling that this was the last show, the urgency of it all. Both sets of doors were unlocked, but they knew that they had all of the time in the world. They were locked out from the others only by their presence, because nobody wanted to be seen with the two ruined preppies. Bif grinded suddenly, getting goose bumps at Derby's sharp gasp. Maybe he knew, but only Bif knew that it was true, that this would be their last tango if Derby didn't make a miracle happen.

Bif didn't know if he could believe in miracles anymore.

Bif suddenly pulled his hands away, sliding off of Derby. He sat in his chair, his vest and shirt pushed up so that the lower half of him was exposed - his face flushed a light red. Bif made to undo his belt, but Derby pulled him up, towards his lips. They kissed, groaning into each other's mouth. Bif's eyes fluttered open.

He saw Tad.

He pulled away with a gasp, but of course it was just Derby Harrington. Just Derby, unknowing and ignorant of it all. Bif didn't realize he was frowning. Derby gave him a questioning look, but it faded to a smirk as he started to undo his belt. "That eager, Bif…? Not that I'm complaining,"

Bif grabbed his hand, sighing. "Look, Derby-"

Thunder rumbled overhead, so loud that they both jumped. Downstairs, there was a shriek, and a large bang. Both of the boys looked towards the door as the sound of yelling came from below. There was more banging. It sounded like someone was at the door. The conversations from the preps downstairs were loud and frightened, and Bif pulled away from Derby, smoothing out his hair as Derby looped his belt back into his pants and tucked his shirt in.

"What the hell…" Derby grumbled, irritated. The pounding was continuing, and then the sharp smack of something. Bif's eyes widened, and he ran towards the double doors of the bar. Derby frowned. "What's wrong?"

Another sharp smack. "Eggs!" He started to push the door open. Derby's eyes widened, and he ran towards Bif just as he was about to walk through the doors. "Derby-!"

"I need to go through first," he hissed softly, holding the door open so it wouldn't slam shut. "We need to be calm, it's-" Another bang, more wet smacks. "It's… do you think?" Bif grit his teeth, making a motion to push past Derby. Derby let out an audible growl, shoving him back. Before Bif could yell anything, Derby was out the door, and he followed quickly, cursing in his mind.

Derby took the stairs slowly, eyeing the crowd. Nobody noticed. Everyone was concentrated near the foyer, where the front doors had been locked. Somebody- something- was banging insistently on them. The wet smacks of eggs were heard from outside, and from there they could hear loud yells from outside - nasty jeers.

Tad was absolutely pale, staring at the door. The pounding relented for a second, and only the sound of rain was heard. Tad jerked the doors leading to the foyer open, staring at the outside doors as if they would explode at any second.

"Hey!" Somebody yelled from the other side of the doors. "Are you trust-fund fairies gonna come out, or are we gonna haffta storm the castle?" There was a chorus of laughs from the other side of the door. Gord let out a scandalized gasp, his hand flying up to his mouth.

"Dear god, the greasers-!"

Tad whirled suddenly, letting the doors to the foyer close. "Look, it doesn't matter," he said, struggling to keep his voice in check. Why him, why now? "They can't get in through those doors." He chuckled. "Not even Hal is husky enough to burst through them. They're solidly built."

Tad spoke a little too soon. There was a loud slam, as if something just broke, and the door buckled slightly. It didn't open, but it was obviously bending to the relentless pounding. It was going to come down soon if they kept it up.

"What do we do…?" Gord mumbled, before his eyes lit up. "Oh! I know, Chad, why don't you go out there as our ambassador, and try to calm those nasty paupers down?"

"Are you daft! Me, go out there?" Chad asked. Gord shrugged.

"You got an A from Galloway last quarter, so you have a way with words."

"I am not! That's a ridiculous notion!"

"Then what else are we supposed to do?"

Tad took a step forward. "Look, you two, we need-"

"Maybe you should go out, Gord. You certainly are quite close with the greasers, especially that Lola…"

Gord flushed. "She's different!" he said defensively, "And, if I'm not mistaken, she told me about a certain someone asking her out on a date!"

Chad clenched his fists. "Why you-! I never!"

"You wanted to go out with Lola Lombardi?" Parker asked, incredulous. Chad grit his teeth.

"I… oh, I did not ask her!"

"You did too, you dirty liar! She told me when we were trying on shoes-"

"Everyone!" Derby's voice boomed through the club, accompanied by thunder crashing - his face lit up from the lightning. Bif tried to contain his smile as almost everyone jumped in surprise, and Gord let out a girly scream. They all turned to look at him; nobody had even noticed that he was in the room. It was like he had suddenly appeared in their time of need. "The Glass Jaw is under attack from the oil stains; the scum of the earth; the greasers." he continued. His words were emphasized by the dull sound of a few eggs cracking against the building outside. Derby was a terrific speaker; his words seemed thought out even though they were just coming off the top of his head. His voice was smooth, masculine and calming - he could sway anybody with that voice.

It was all a terrible cacophony in Tad's ears. He couldn't let them drink the poison. "And, we need-"

"Harrington! Are you really in a position to rally us into battle? It's you who has brought this predicament upon us!" Tad accused. The crowd collectively murmured their agreement. They had all seen the notes on the bulletin board. Derby had tried to make an alliance, and with the greasers of all people. It made Justin's jock alliance proposal pale in comparison. "You," Tad pointed, then to Bif, "Both of you aren't even fit to speak to us. The audacity you have…"

Derby bristled, and Bif nudged him slightly with his shoulder, trying to remind him to stay calm. "I did not start an alliance with the greasers. Why the hell would I-?"

"Why the hell does anybody do anything?" Tad interrupted, turning to the crowd. He was rallying them up. "I mean, Gord is having a fling with Lola Lombardi. We all flirt with danger," he made an exaggerated shrug, shaking his head as he chuckled. "But, there is a point where you take it too far. Especially when it endangers everyone…"

The crowd was against him, mumbling their approval with Tad. Derby looked downright murderous. "I did meet with Vincent, but I did not go with any intention whatsoever to start an alliance." he said suddenly. The crowd fell silent.

"Really? What did happen, Derby?" Tad grinned. The way Derby flinched made his spirits soar. He had cornered a giant. "If it wasn't Johnny insisting to meet so that the alliance could be broken, then tell us what happened that night."

Derby froze, his eyes widening. "I… I can't say." Tad's smile widened, and thunder crashed from the heavens above.

"Interesting… Don't you think so?" He was speaking to the collective group, nobody in particular. They played their part as the majority, responding in affirmative mumbles. "Denying any sort of alliance, but refusing to tell us what you were there to do. I think that's incredibly suspicious." He took a step forward towards the crowd. "Frankly, Derby, I think you're lying. You did go there to make an alliance, and turn on all of us. Didn't you?"

"I…" Derby grit his teeth. Bif nudged him again, and Derby's hands balled into fists. "No! I did no such thing-"

"Then what! What did you do, Harrington! Did you meet the king of the slums for crumpets and tea?" The crowd giggled, and Derby's face flushed. Bif nudged him harder, trying to mask the look of worry on his face. He wasn't going to do it, was he? Derby was shaking slightly.

"No, I… How do you even know I met him! Maybe the letter is fake-"

"Then why in all God's name would greasers be pounding at our door if I didn't just air out someone's dirty laundry!" Tad countered, pointing back towards the double doors. Derby's face fell.

"I…" The crowd was silent. They were waiting. Derby had nothing to give.

"Derby…" Bif hissed under his breath. Tad's face was split into a wide grin. His face was a mix of emotions; relieved, happy. He had won. "Tell them the truth. You've got to…"

"No," he said. It was barely heard, his voice strained. "I can't, I can't."

Tad was staring expectantly at Bif. This was his cue. Tad had won, and this was the time to decide. He could be with the winners; or he could stay with Derby. Tad crossed his arms, tilting his head. Well? Derby was trembling, grinding his teeth as the crowd mumbled.

It would be so easy to walk over to Tad's side. Derby's face would fall. It would change very quickly, from one extreme to another- surprise, anger, hurt, defeat. That would probably make Tad smug, because it took a lot to get under the skin of Harrington. Bif was one of those things. When he was by his side, Bif would calmly mention about something, maybe even something as meaningless as 'Oh, I agree with you, Tad.' He wouldn't need to say anymore. His eyes would say it all; 'I tired, I really did, but you couldn't do it. I can't fall with you. I can't. Not when I don't know- not when I'm not sure about your feelings. You understand?' And Derby would continue to fight, but it lacked the luster it had before. It would be all desperate struggle, the flailing of a fish out of water. Tad would take him down quickly. There might even be a scuffle. But Derby would walk away in the end, head hanging.

How easy it would be.

Bif leaned forward slightly, ducking his head down. His breath was hot on Derby's ear. "Derby, you've got a choice." Bif's voice was so low, Derby was not sure it was even real. But he knew it was real by the way it wavered slightly at the end - a tinge of sadness. It was human, it was real. "You've got a choice. Tell them the truth," There was a slight pause, as Bif's eyes flickered over to Tad, then back towards Derby. His lips brushed his earlobe discreetly. "Or, I'm leaving."

Derby stiffened. Nobody noticed as Bif straightened himself out, looking away. Derby turned to look over his shoulder, incredulous, absolutely shocked. Bif gave him a sad look. "Bif…"

"What's the price of face, Derby? You decide." he whispered passively, looking away. Derby turned away from him, looking back towards his jury.

"So, Harrington, you never explained. Care to-"

"It started last week. On the night that the club was broken into," Derby interrupted, his face a cold monotone. Bif stared at Derby, his eyes wide, but he listened quietly. Tad grinned.

"Oho! So, did you two talk about alliances, and do some naughty things before he left you to get bothered by some public school twat?" he sneered.

"No," he was absolutely calm, focusing on some point beyond Tad's head. "Johnny was the one who ambushed me that night. Not a public school misfit." The crowd, including Tad, all fell silent, staring at him oddly. What did he just say? Derby turned his head, crossing his arms. "It was him, not a public school student. He did some things to me. I was caught off-guard, and he got the best of my…" He paused, making a disgusted face. "Weakness, and he beat me up."

There was silence. Derby waited for Tad's interjection, but there was none. Just stunned silence.

"Afterwards, I was a bit upset, you understand," he said, sounding bored. It was the only emotion he could really stand to show - any others would infer to some sort of weakness. "Bif and I fought, and a few days later, Vincent sent me a letter. The letter was about that night. He wanted to give me… money." He suddenly smiled. "For 'damages'. I declined, and we left. There was nothing to the meeting. That's it."

There was silence. Then, very slowly, Tad looked up at Derby. "Then, why have we not heard about this from Johnny? He usually likes to brag when he bests you."

Derby stiffened. The slight nudge from Bif's shoulder prompted him forward: "He did some nasty things to me. He didn't want any of the greasers to find out- especially Lola." He said it so simply, so bluntly, that it took a few seconds for the words to really sink in. Gord suddenly let out a gasp, nearly shouting out, but Parker clamped a firm hand over his mouth. "He's a bit upset now at you, Tad, for digging this up. He thinks that this might lead to the real discovery of what happened. That's why-"

He pointed towards the door, which was still being pounded on. It was buckling a bit more, giving into the greasers. "We're under attack."

Everybody started to talk at once. This was so scandalous! Better than an alliance; it was sodomy. They really didn't know how to act. Should they be in favor of Derby, who was truthful but weak? Or Tad, who was a liar and caused them all of these problems in the first place? Their voices grew louder, especially now since the pounding was getting louder - the eggs and thunder not helping much.

"Everyone!" Tad yelled, but nobody paid any mind. He frowned. "Everyone! Hello?"

"I think Spencer is a right arse!" Gord's voice rung through the crowd. "We now have to deal with greaser's because of all this! A good person should know when to keep dirty business hidden and when to let it out."

Tad glared "Excuse me?"

Nobody paid any mind. "Can you believe it? Johnny goes that way?" Parker asked, astounded.

"Dirty greaser! I saw him leering at me in the locker room (Two words.), and I thought it was just because we hated each other's guts!" Justin snapped.

"Oh, poor Lola is going to be so upset when she finds out Vincent's like that. Maybe she'll officially dump him…"

"I knew you asked her out, Chad!" Gord yelled shrilly.

Tad was twitching. "Hello?"

"Derby!" Bif barely kept his voice below a yell. He grabbed the back of Derby's shirt, tugging urgently. "You've got to get everyone to work together! The greasers-" There was a loud bang, followed by the clash of thunder. "They're going to bang the door down."

Derby turned around, grinning madly. "Not yet!" He leaned up so that he was closer to Bif, "Listen, Bif, just listen." He looked toward the bickering preps, and where Tad was vainly trying to organize them. "What do you hear, Bif? Just listen, and tell me, what you hear?"

Bif tried to find some words before numbly shaking his head. "Derby, look, I don't-"

"You're not listening." His smile was simply wicked. "Can't you hear it? It's a cacophony. An anarchic mess of music." He walked over to the judging table behind the ring, standing atop of it. Bif followed. "It's a symphony in disguise. All it needs is a conductor."

"Derby!" Tad was flustered, his eyes darting from him to the door like a cornered animal. How could he have done it? He dashed his whole plan, smashed it to bits, and here he was. How did he do it? Impossible! He wasn't supposed to lose! He had everything going for him… evidence, gossip, popular vote. What went wrong? Derby was just a rich, spoiled brat with a pretty voice. "Harrington, what the hell are you doing? Get down from there!"

Derby wasn't listening; he was looking down at everybody. It was a perfect mess. He knew how to fix it all, and there was nary a situation that could have given him a better way to prove his superiority. A perfect chaos waiting for a king. Bif had climbed onto the table next to him, and he looked over at his worried face, smiling. Yes, everything was perfect.

"Harrington, you-!" Tad yelled. There was a collective yell from people as the first double doors suddenly burst open, Norton and Hal tumbling through. All they needed to do was take down the Plexiglas doors, and they were through. All of the preps stopped in shock, just watching in a state of limbo. They stared at the greasers, and the greasers stared back.

"My fellow elite!" Derby's voice boomed through the room, accentuated by the crash of thunder, the sky lighting up. "As is obvious, our fine establishment is under siege, and we need to act quickly, and with perfection!" His eyes swiveled throughout the crowd. "Chad, Parker!" The two preps stood at attention, and Derby pointed at the ring. "There are a few cricket bats under there, hand them out. Gord, I want you to go upstairs," His hands pointed up, "There are cartons of eggs in the refrigerator. Bryce, Justin, I want you to stand at the foyer entrance doors of the bar. It's locked, and it would be a terribly stupid idea for the greasers to try and burst through - but you should keep guard until we're all outfitted. Tad, you're coming with Bif and I."

Everyone suddenly went into movement. The dull pounding of Norton and Hal at the doors was their tempo, and everyone did their assigned jobs. Tad stood, simply mesmerized as Derby hummed to himself, clasping his hands in front of his chest as he oversaw everyone with a pleasant smile on his face.

Where had he gone wrong?

When had Derby gone right?

A cricket bat was thrust hard into his chest, startling him back into reality. "Tad, would you wake up?!" Chad snapped. Derby and Bif were on the desk; he leaned forward, whispering something into Bif's ear. Bif smiled, giving Derby a quick kiss before jumping off the table. Derby looked back, noticing Tad's eyes on him, his smirk broadening.

He slipped gracefully off the table, walking over to him. Tad's face was flushed, his eyes wide. "You just..!"

"Just what?" Derby asked cockily, shrugging. "You're the only one who saw it." Chad rushed past him, and Derby grabbed his sleeve. "Go upstairs with the others, alright?"

Chad nodded, giving both Tad and him an odd look before running up. Derby waited quietly, gazing at his watch, and tapping his foot.

There was a sudden noise from the foyer, so loud that it rang through the mostly sound-proof room. Tad turned, gazing as a few of the preps had burst through the double-doors of the bar, running down. Hal and Norton stumbled backwards, yelling out in surprise, and then dashing out. The preps chased them, and Derby sighed airily. "I love rumbles…" he said offhandedly. He walked towards the door, unlocking it and pushing his way through.

Tad just stood there, looking sour, cricket bat limp in his hand. Derby looked back, smiling.

"Are you coming?"

He followed him out the door to the yells of a battle royal.

They rushed out all at once, initially driving back the greasers. It didn't last long. They were already adjusted to the rain, the darkness, and the thunder - and the preppies weren't. Johnny stood out in the middle of the rumble, a cigarette in his mouth, Peanut standing next to him with an umbrella. It was so utterly ridiculous, and Derby hated Johnny for being so confident in his win.

"Time to rumble, boys!" he yelled with a grin, and the greasers all suddenly yelled, rushing forward.

Derby shouted in surprise, narrowly missing the punch from an unknown greaser. He put up his fists, blocking the punches with his forearms. When the greaser relented, he struck out viciously, catching him in the gut. The greaser yelped, doubling over, and Derby pulled away. He had to find Bif, and he narrowly missed a punch from another greaser as he looked for that telltale auburn hair. It stuck out anywhere; he was so tall. "Bif! Bif-" He stopped as the wind was forced out of his lungs. Hal was carrying a two-by-four, wielding it like a club, and he had given Derby a harsh blow to the side. He barely managed not to fall, his ribs sore as he weakly put his fists up.

"Haha, you prissy little prick. Ya think you can block a board?" Hal jeered, taking another swing. Derby ducked, staggering forward as the board whooshed over his head. He twisted his torso to land a left uppercut, and his ribs bloomed into white-hot pain. He cried out, the punch falling short and not having half the impact it was meant to.

Hal fell back a little, nearly tumbling in the middle of Chad fighting Norton and Vance. Derby stumbled backward, looking around anxiously. Where was Bif?! He should have spotted him by now… what if he was already down? "Hah, huff… That was nuthin!" Hal straightened quickly, board still in hand. Derby grimaced. He couldn't take many of those hits again; especially wielded by that monster of a greaser. "C'mon, you pan-"

"Hah!" Bif grunted, appearing from behind the greaser, and swinging the cricket back downward with all his might. The sound Hal's thick head made when it met the wood was downright nasty, and Hal's eyes rolled into the back of his head as he fell hard against the ground. Bif was panting, leaning over slightly, the bat loose in his hands. Derby rushed over to him.

"Bif, you…" Bif looked up, smiling weakly. There was blood dripping down from a small gash in his head, though diluted from the rain that pelted on them.

"Sorry, I'm a little late."

"Bloody hell, your head!" Derby cried, eyes widening. Bif reached up, flinching when his hands collided with the sticky blood.

"Somebody has a slingshot… " He trailed off, straightening slightly, the cricket bat up. "Duck!"

Derby did as he was told, falling low. His hands scraped on the ground, and he looked up as a punch flew through the space that he had just been. Bif lunged forward, managing not to step on Derby as he whacked whatever greaser had tried to hit him. Derby turned around, straightening up. There was another greaser- Vance- that was approaching Bif from behind, and Derby ran towards him, striking wildly so he could just drive him back. "Bif-!"

Bif dodged a sloppy punch from Vance, watching as the greaser tumbled forward, and collided right into Gord. He turned to Derby, rain running down his face. "Come on! We need to get to Johnny-"

"You two!" They both turned. Tad's hair was plastered wildly onto his face, a cricket bat slung over his shoulder - there was egg dribbling down his shirt. He grinned, trotting forward, careful not to slip on the slick pavement.

"Spencer!" Derby hissed, lunging forward, and Bif quickly grabbed his arm.

"Not now! We're losing as it is, you don't need to help those oil slicks!" Bif whispered into his ear, watching Tad closely as he approached. Tad grinned, eyeing the two, lightning lighting his face up.

"Sorry to break up your make out session, old chap," He glared at Derby, "But-"

"Look!" Bif suddenly stepped forward in between the two. He was much taller than Tad, and he waved the bat at him. "We don't need this right now! We're going to go beat Vincent and Peanut, why don't you take care of Norton, he's one of our bigger-"

"DON'T-!" Tad's arm suddenly wheeled back, and he hit Bif - before he could even react - across the face. Bif crumpled like a sack of potatoes, crying out in pain. "TELL ME WHAT TO DO!"

Derby cried out, bending down, and sitting Bif up. His nose was crooked, pouring blood, and he wheezed, hacking hard. "What the fuck is wrong with you?" Derby snarled, standing. Bif groaned, hanging his head as blood dripped from his nose. Derby stepped around him, raising his fists. Tad just smirked in his face, the cricket bat over his shoulder. "We're on your side, Spencer!"

"My side!" Tad laughed, grinning savagely. "You know it better than anyone, Derby! We're preppies- it's every man for himself! Everybody was ready to abandon you; you and your god damn pompous ways. Nobody cares!" He stepped forward, swinging the bat. Derby jumped backwards, yelling as he slipped, and stumbled back onto his hands and knees. He scrambled up, narrowly avoiding Tad's foot. "If I manage to eliminate you out here before I take down the King of the slums over there with his pee-wee sized friend, then all the better!"

"You're a fool, Spencer!" Derby cried. "We need to work together on this! I'll be damned if we're taken down by a bunch of common scum-"

Derby stopped, having to duck as Tad wildly swung out with the cricket bat. "Work together… you realize Tremblay was this close in going against you?" He held up his hand, his finger a scarce hair apart. Derby glowered at him. "That close. If you wouldn't have given them that sap story… he would have been mine," he hissed possessively, looking down at where Bif was still nursing a broken nose.

Derby lunged for Tad when he looked away, punching. He caught his face, jumping backwards quickly enough that he couldn't hit him with the bat. Tad cursed, pressing his free hand to his eye. "You're going to be sorry for that, Harrington!" Tad snarled, stalking forward. Derby backed up, but Tad was fast- he suddenly ran forward, feinting towards the left. He took it, and Tad suddenly veered to the right, jabbing the end of the bat into Derby's stomach. He wheezed, stopping, and Tad took the opportunity to knock Derby upside the head.

He crumpled; and Tad laughed, continuing on his way. Now they were gone, he had bigger fish to fry. He walked through the rain, a lightness to his step. All he needed to do was take down those two, and nobody would say anything! He grinned. What could they say against their savior, the person who took down Vincent where Derby could not? Up ahead was his prize. Johnny stood under the umbrella, smoking a cigarette with Peanut. He pushed through the fights, finally getting close enough that it caught Peanut's eye. The greaser frowned, eyes narrowing.

"Larry!" Tad yelled, flashing him a cocky grin. "Care to pull away from your boyfriend for a second to actually join the fight? Even the two lovebirds," And he jerked his thumb back to where Derby and Bif were, "Over there have gotten more punches in than you have."

Peanut's face turned bright red, along with his ears, and he took a step forward - shaking his fist at him. Spencer. If one person could get his blood boiling… "You little-! Come on, you stinkin' rich boy!"

Johnny frowned, grabbing Peanut's shoulder. "Look, Peanut, I know he's done some things to you, but don't you-" Johnny was cut off mid-sentence. Peanut had made up his mind, and he thrust the handle of the umbrella roughly into Johnny's chest. He spluttered indignantly, nearly dropping it as his bodyguard stalked forward, cracking his knuckles. Tad smirked, swinging his cricket bat idly through the air.

Peanut stopped abruptly in front of Tad, around six feet away. Those cricket bats were hard, and he knew that it would be no fair fight against him with one of those things. There was a piece of half-broken plank not far away, which he eyed. It was halfway the distance between him and Tad, and he lunged down for it. Tad laughed, kicking the piece far away where it skittered over the pavement.

"No, Larry, sorry," Peanut barely missed the swing from Tad, dropping to his stomach, and feeling the wood nick his ear. "I've got to take you out quickly, so I can get your dull-headed leader out for the count." Peanut yelled, rolling quickly away, and springing to his feet as Tad made another swing. He ran forward, taking a swing at Peanut, and catching the corner of his shoulder.

Peanut grit his teeth, suddenly putting his hands up. "Not this time, Spencer!" he yelled, his voice carrying over the clash of thunder. He spread his legs slightly, readying himself. Tad snorted. Did he think he could withstand a blow to the head? He swung with all of his might towards him.

Peanut growled, grabbing the cricket bat. He nearly fell over; Tad had realized what he was doing a split second before the bat hit his hands, and he was carrying the momentum - but Peanut wrenched it backwards, hard. Tad whined in pain, immediately dropping it as his wrists twisted in an odd angle. Peanut stumbled backwards, clutching the wide side of the bat. He flipped it around, wrapping his hands tightly around the handle. His face split into an odd grin, watching as Tad's face drained of color. He took a step backwards, but Peanut lashed out, smashing Tad in the ribs.

Tad let out a wheeze, bending slightly as he clutched his ribs; and Peanut took the opportunity to elbow Tad in the face. Tad reeled, leaning backwards and slipped on the slick ground. "How's that, Spencer?" He raised the bat, striking Tad in the face as he struggled to stand. "Who's the small on now, huh? Who's the Peanut now?" Tad let out a wheezing cry as Peanut landed another crushing blow against his torso.

There was suddenly someone on top of Peanut, hitting him in the side hard, and tackling him away from Tad. He fell roughly onto the pavement, feeling his head crack onto the ground, and the cricket bat fly from his hands. It hurt, and he felt his mind spin and throb. He groaned, hand to his forehead as he felt the person on top of him shift slightly, looming over him. "Peanut!" That was Johnny's voice… Johnny… Peanut opened his eyes, managing to spot Bif's fist just as it was driven into his face.

"Fuck!" Peanut cried, grabbing his nose, and lashing out at Bif. Bif took a solid blow in the nose, and he growled in pain, grabbing Peanut's jacket. He jerked him up, landing another solid blow to Peanut's face.

Johnny was seething, glaring over at Derby, who was calmly watching the whole thing. He glanced over at Johnny, and his face split into that maddening smirk. "Sorry, Vincent, but you should have kept your dog on the prize," he teased, and Johnny grit his teeth.

He wanted a cigarette to try and block out the sound of Peanut's struggle with the prep on the slick pavement, something to help him ignore the pain. Derby could do it easily, but Bif was just his dog; Peanut was Johnny's friend. He adjusted his umbrella, taking out a pack of cigarettes. He lit one, looking over at Peanut and Bif before looking away. "You're a right bastard, Derby. You know he was gonna go after Spencer. He hates his guts."

"At least you're not that brainless," Derby said with a chuckle. "You should appreciate a good set-up when you see one."

Johnny frowned, blowing smoke out of his nose.

"God damn it!" Peanut was grappling with Bif, and they rolled over onto the hard ground - Peanut suddenly on top. He landed a few blows before Bif kicked upward, landing the money shot. Peanut wheezed, leaning forward, and Bif pushed him off. He straddled him again, punching the greaser a few times. Peanut yelled out in pain, his arms flailing out- his hand fell onto the cricket bat; and he grabbed it, quickly hitting Bif across the face.

Johnny grinned, watching as Derby's cocky demeanor suddenly fell as Bif fell backwards, yelling. "Oooh, that must've hurt, huh?" Peanut was on top of Bif, but Bif wasn't going to go down so easily; he growled, head-butting the other. Surprisingly, he connected hard enough with Peanut's chest that he fell back - the bat skidded out of reach. Johnny was absolutely enthralled with the match, his eyes on them both. He never saw Derby approach, and he certainly didn't expect the punch to his stomach.

Johnny yelled, reeling backwards, his cig falling to the ground. The umbrella clattered downward, and Derby scooped it up. Johnny was quick, though, and he regained from his stumbled by suddenly lunging forward, tackling Derby down. The umbrella fell from his grasp, sliding across the wet pavement.

They grappled for awhile, grunting and growling, rolling each other over. Johnny finally managed to get his arm free, and his knuckle aimed right for Derby's eye. Derby let out a pained cry, pulling off of Johnny.

"Asshole!" he panted, grabbing Derby and punching him again. "Made me waste my cig-"

Johnny was knocked off of Derby from a blow to his head. Bif wielded the bat like a golf club, and he snickered. "Bloody greasers don't know when to quit." He wiped a bit of blood that was trickling from his gashed lip. Derby sat up, grabbing Johnny roughly, and hauling him up.

"My tooth!" Johnny spat, blood dribbling from his mouth, bright red on his lips. "You knocked out my fucking tooth!"

Derby punched him again, and Johnny howled, trying to throw Derby off. But Derby suddenly twisted around Johnny, grabbing his arms and securing them behind his back.

Johnny grunted, trying to punch his way out of Derby's grip. But he held fast, wrenching Johnny's arms into a stronger hold. Johnny kicked backwards, narrowly missing Derby's groin - and instead hitting his thigh. He nearly tumbled over, but managed to stay standing. "You're gonna regret this, Harrington, you flouncing fuckin' fairy-"

Johnny's head snapped to the side from the strength of Bif's slap. Derby snickered, twisting both of Johnny's arms behind him securely in the moment of weakness.

"I hope you realize how incredibly imbecilic it was for you to do this," he hissed. Johnny growled, starting to struggle. Derby pulled his arms slightly, and Johnny's shoulders flared up in pain. Things definitely weren't supposed to bend that way, and he stopped.

"How'd you let any of this get out, you dumb prep?!" Johnny yelled indignantly. "I wouldn't have come if you didn't let this all out!"

Derby jerked Johnny's arm back, and he yelled. There was a small pop before Derby finally let his go back into a less compromising position. "They all know, Vincent. Everything. I told them."

Johnny's breath was haggard, "What! You… I'm goin' to kill you!" He started to struggle again, and Derby yelped in pain as Johnny stepped on his foot. His arms loosened slightly, and Johnny would have wriggled away if it weren't for Bif. The first punch driven into his stomach knocked his breath out, and the second gave Derby enough time to strengthen his hold on him.

Bif landed another blow into Johnny's soft stomach, enjoying the sound of his pained yells. "Vincent, you don't realize how long I've wanted to do this to you," Bif grunted, landing a few more punches. He stopped, letting Johnny catch his breath. He sagged slightly in Derby's arms, his chest heaving. Bif leaned forward, smirking. "You're going to really regret starting all of this," he hissed quietly. "For touching him,"

Johnny couldn't even spit back a reply before Bif started to pound mercilessly into Johnny. He struggled for a little, trying to avoid the hard punches to his body, but Derby held him firm, twisting his arms up in an agonizing way. "How do you like that, Bif!" Johnny cried out, tears springing in the corners of his eyes as Bif's fist connected with his side, then again to his stomach. "He's crying! You think he'll beg? Maybe like I did."

"I'm not a judge, Derby, and I don't wish to be," Bif growled, concentrating on the force behind his fists and the pain that he was doling out. "I'm only the executioner."

"St-stop!" Johnny wailed. Bif punched him squarely in the eye for that, giving him a few more body blows.

"Stop!"

Bif snarled. "Begging is going to get you nowhere, Vincent. I'm going to beat you until you're bleeding-"

"No," Chad yelled out. He was looking rather ragged, the front of his vest torn. "Stop! Listen!" They both stopped, and Derby dropped Johnny in surprise. He wheezed, falling to his hands and knees.

There was the sound of sirens. Bif stared at Derby, and the rumble suddenly stopped.

"Jesus Christ, it's the fuzz!" At that, everyone suddenly started to run. People dropped their weapons, and scattered towards bikes and stores as the cop car came into sight - sirens blaring. By the time they got there, there was nobody really left, save anyone who had gotten knocked out. Luckily, that only happened to a few people.

"Why, look at that. A bunch of those snot-nosed rich kids and greasy punks were at it again…" The one officer exclaimed, stepping out of his car. He walked over towards one of them, prodding the panting boy with his foot. "Hey! You alright?"

Johnny groaned, and promptly vomited all over the officer's shoe.

Derby gasped, his back arching. Sweat beaded on his skin, and he grit his teeth as he gripped the blankets, knuckles turning white. "No…" His breath came out in sharp pants, and he dug his heels into his mattress. "N-no…"

Bif groaned, rolling onto his side, his eyes fluttering open. It took him awhile to realize that Derby was the one making the sounds, and a little bit more that he was obviously distressed. "…Derby..?" Derby whined in his sleep, and Bif pulled close to him, wrapping his arms around him. Derby tensed, hissing, his eyes snapping open.

"Johnny…" Derby's breath caught in his throat. The arms around him weren't trying to hurt, and it wasn't Johnny's greasy hair, but Bif's soft auburn that was tickling his bare chest. Bif pressed a few wet kisses against him, yawning, and looking up at Derby. He was still half-asleep. Derby smiled slightly, his heart still pumping from the adrenaline of his nightmare. "Bif…"

"You had a nightmare…" Bif stated, yawning against his warm skin. "Are you alright now?" He shifted, wrapping an arm around Derby's waist, his legs tangling around the other's. The heaviness of Bif's body was strangely comforting.

Derby pet Bif's hair, struggling to get control of his breathing again. "Yes… I'm fine."

"Good," he mumbled against him, his cheek against Derby's heart. They both fell silent, and Derby continued to pet Bif's hair. Bif's breath played hot on his skin, and it eventually fell into a pattern. In. Out. In. Out. He placed a hand on Bif's back, tracing his shoulder blades, thumb sliding over the soft skin.

"Still having nightmares about that night… horrible…" he murmured to himself.

"You're still having nightmares?" Bif mumbled groggily, and Derby tensed. Well, he wasn't exactly asleep. Bif looked up, his eyes half-lidded.

"Yes, I am…" Derby said. Bif rubbed at his eyes, rolling himself fully on top of Derby, his chin resting on his chest. Derby grunted, frowning. "You're heavy…"

"Are you alright…? It's been a few weeks…"

Derby frowned more, looking away. "Yeah, I am. Just… forget it…"

"I'm sorry…" he said softly, pausing to yawn, "I shouldn't think of it as time, should I? It's not like it's going to go away just because it passes." Derby's eyes softened, and he looked down at Bif. "I just hope… the nightmares stop eventually."

"I do too…"

They fell quiet. Bif let out a small sigh. "Do you want to talk about it…?"

"I told you. It was about that night…" he mumbled offhandedly, and Bif pressed a few sloppy kisses against his chest, gently biting a nipple. Derby squirmed, flushing. "Bif-!"

"Tell me the whole thing," He said with a sleepy smile. Derby rolled his eyes, but the hard bite made him gasp, and swat at his head.

"Fine, fine! It started with us at the house, on the couch downstairs." Derby gave in, petting Bif's head. Bif murmured appreciatively, leaning into the touch. "Me and you, we were talking. I don't know what we were saying; I guess it doesn't really matter. But when I turned away, it wasn't your voice anymore, and you weren't saying what you were saying, but something…different. I looked back, and Johnny tackled me back against the couch." His hands tightened in Bif's hair. "And… he started…" He trailed off.

Bif frowned, sliding up Derby's body, and kissing his lips, silencing him efficiently. "That's enough. Let's just go to bed." He rolled off of Derby, lying next to him. Derby yawned.

"If you suppose…"

"Yes…" Bif snuggled up close, wrapping his arms around Derby. "I know I said you should always talk about these things, but… it's too late at night for you to be upset. Besides, I won't get to sleep if you're upset. And I've got a test tomorrow…"

Derby smiled, letting out a short laugh as he closed his eyes. Bif yawned, and Derby pulled him close, just enjoying his warmth in the cold room. They were melded together like puzzle pieces. Derby's hands were wrapped around Bif's torso, his thumb rubbing his ribs - his skin smooth under his touch. Bif shivered and mumbled, pressing his face into Derby's neck. Derby smiled softly, closing his eyes. It was odd, how such little motions could make him so happy.

"Good night, Derby," Bif murmured into his neck.

"Night, Bif…" He would give it all for him, give it all for this. The thing that meant the most to him cost the least; no need to buy it, no need to bully it with influence, no need to fight for it. It should have startled Derby to even think about it, but he was peacefully calm. "I love you…"

Bif pulled away from his neck, wide-eyed.

The end. Done! Finite! Thank you, everyone, for reading! Hope you enjoyed the show; I'll be here all week!

Since this is over, this would definitely be a good time to leave your last reviews, maybe add the story to your favorites list, since you loved it so much, right? ;D I'd love if people gave me ideas for my next story. Should it be slash? Prep-centric? Pete/Jimmy? Peanut/Johnny? Should I do a story with OCs?

…. I was kidding about the last part guys! Don't worry; I'm not that cool/horrible yet. ;D (Depending on your view on OCs, I personally think the latter.)

Again, thanks for reading!