How's everyone doing? ^^ I'm so sorry for the wait, things have been pretty busy for me. I cannot tell you guys how much it means to me that you've all been so patient and eager for this chapter. As always, I'm happy to be presenting my latest installment of UP and hope you all are too. Now, since there was an extended wait on this chapter, there were also a number of reviews left. This is most likely the last chapter where I will be leaving extended shout-outs for each review, but I will try to acknowledge everyone regardless- remember, your comments are what keep me motivated!
Electriclove99: Why thank you, haha. I work hard to make sure my writing is enjoyable, so it's nice to know that it is appreciated to such an extent.
InkyWonk: Thank you so much! It's wonderful to hear that you're taking interest in the most recently added events. Your enthusiasm as well as your lengthy reviews are great motivation for me, so thank you xD It's as if I'm hearing your opinions as you read! I can't wait to hear more from you- I hope you enjoy chapter five
Coolcat199: Thanks! :D Enjoy the latest chapter!
Tina Pestooo: I'm glad you take notice of my efforts, lol. As for the killer, I'd love to hear your reasoning behind these assumptions. I actually do take fan ideas into consideration, but cannot guarantee they will be used. If you have any ideas you feel would be beneficial to the story, please feel free to express them. They may just end up in the next chapter
GoGurl LovU4ever FKA GoGurl: Lol, your ideas really are interesting. I even considered trying it out, but you'll find I went another route… Regarding Declan and Ava, I suppose you'll just have to find out!
Pokinzgirl: I appreciate your enthusiasm and hope you enjoy this chapter
GuiltyPleasure3: Well, you're about to have your question answered, haha. Your review was one of my favorites- I loved reading your opinions on various sections (Sorry again about the dream scene, lol). I think their complicated relationship is what makes writing this story all the more fun. It's interesting to see how their relationship builds. Anyways, enjoy xD
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Guests: Thank you for all your support and enjoy the newest chapter! So sorry for the wait!
XxKimi-Kill-HeartxX
Disclaimer: I do not own any part of the Bob's Burgers series nor any of the other pop culture referenced.
"Valentine's Day?" Logan repeated cynically.
"Valentine's Day."
Scotty smirked at Logan's eminent frown and threw another dart. He swore after missing the bull's eye for the umpteenth time, settling for a cold beer and a comfy seat on the couch.
"Scotty, I don't think-"
"You owe me man and you know it." He said in reference to Ava.
Logan let out a low grunt, but said nothing in reply. He knew he couldn't, since there really was no rebuttal to the truth.
"Fine. What's on Valentine's Day?" Logan questioned, more to get the answer out of the way than anything.
Scotty put up his feet and slumped down into his seat. "What do you think? It's this huge party a bunch of the elites of the town are throwing, and, this year, everyone in town is invited."
Logan straightened his posture at the mentioning of that.
'Everyone in town'? Then that means…
Logan's mind immediately shifted to Louise and the undercover operation they were a part of and he sighed. This was exactly the kind of event Bosco said to attend, but Logan couldn't help but feel a little frazzled. In all honesty, how on earth was he supposed to convey a message that Louise and he were an item to one person without alerting the rest of the town? And to a person whose identity they had no awareness to? It was all just absurd, and it only increased the pressure of the entire situation.
For the time being, Logan decided to agree to attend, because, as it currently stood, he had no other cards to play besides the ones he was instructed to manipulate.
This is just the beginning of hell, isn't it? He thought sardonically.
Scotty grinned at Logan's response.
"See? I knew you couldn't say no."
"Yeah, especially when you don't give me any other option." Logan rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, yeah, don't act like you're not appreciative. Now you can go with that four-eared brat without drawing attention."
Logan choked on his beer. "Excuse me?"
It was Scotty's turn to roll his eyes. "Do me a favor and refrain from the whole denial thing. You might as well hold up a sign that says you're infatuated with the girl and, even then, your face would serve as a better indicator."
Logan glared at Scotty, tempted to nail his best friend in the jaw right then, but contained the impulse. There was a more pressing matter he wanted to bring to light.
"You do realize if I brought my student to a public event like that, I would get fired." He spat sarcastically.
"Make something up- you're intelligent enough."
Logan let out a cynical laugh. "Thanks, man. Didn't know I was that capable." He replied, before an idea surfaced in his mind.
Wait a minute…
"I have to go." Logan said, grabbing his coat.
"What? Where?"
"Never mind that- look, I'll talk to you later."
"You're still going, right?"
"Yeah," Logan called from the hall, "I'll be there." He affirmed before closing the door shut behind him.
xXx
Louise let out a disgruntled sigh as she kicked her legs back and forth.
"Louise, your guidance counselor will see you now."
"Great." Louise muttered let than enthusiastically.
Without looking up at her counselor she threw her backpack to the side and propped up her feet.
"So, what's this about Ms.- AH!" She shrieked, recoiling at the sight of Mr. Frond before her.
"The hell are you doing here?!" She continued, horrified.
Mr. Frond gave her an indignant stare. "Louise, that is hardly the manner with which you should be-"
"I got rid of you a long time ago!"
Mr. Frond scoffed. "That's hardly the case, Louise. It's only been four years since I've acted as your guidance counselor."
"Yeah, sure, call yourself whatever you want."
He looked at her upset. "Louise, I'm a certified-"
"Where's the old bag?" Louise questioned, looking around the room.
"Ms. Edith is retired Louise, and I have dutifully taken over."
Louise cracked a grin. "Is that what you call it?"
Mr. Frond held his tongue. "Louise, I called you here today, because, after extensive examination, it's come to my attention that Ms. Edith was far too lenient in her dealings- particularly with you."
"Oh, come on, Liz was a great guidance counselor- she basically let me do whatever I wanted."
"Which is exactly where the problem lies."
"I'd hardly call that a problem."
Mr. Frond rubbed his temples in order to calm himself. "As is stands, you are the only student on this entire campus who does not actively participate in society one way or another."
"That's not true! I do plenty of things- like I went to Fischoeder's parties, and-"
"I mean in a constructive manner, Louise. You have not once volunteered since your first week, and, I'm warning you, if you don't start now, I won't let you graduate from SU."
"What?!"
"Louise, you're an extremely intelligent young lady, so I don't understand why you don't just do what is required of you and get it over with."
"I show up to class- that should be more than enough."
"Louise, getting straight A's isn't the only thing that's important at SU. You have to be able to-"
"Actively volunteer and give back to my community- yeah, yeah, and so what? You're telling me there isn't a single other student who doesn't think that's ridiculous?"
"How is it that a student that possesses so little incentive retains such a high grade point average?" He asked rhetorically. "Anyways, after looking through each student's files-"
"Jeez, how long did that take you?"
"You seem to be the only student who lacks the discipline she needs to motivate herself to volunteer."
Louise rolled her eyes. "So what're you gonna do about it? Put me in some volunteer boot camp?"
Mr. Frond straightened his glasses as he held up a sheet of paper to his eyes. "No, you're going to have to put in several more hours with your volunteer coordinator, Mr. Logan Bush, to catch up with the rest of your peers, starting with the town's upcoming Valentine's Dance."
"Excuse me?"
"You will be at every preparation meet and attend the event so as to prove you are an active member of society."
"And Logan just happens to be thrilled with this?"
"You really shouldn't be addressing your professor in-"
"Are you kidding me right now?! Everything was fine until you showed up, and now I have to get in, what? Eighty hours of volunteer before the end of this year?"
Mr. Frond clasped his hands together in front of him and rested them on his desk. "I would believe so, but you have no one to blame but yourself, Louise. Rules apply to you too."
"Like hell they do." Louise said, grabbing her bag and moving for the door.
"I will be seeing you at every meet, or you can kiss college goodbye Miss Belcher!"
Louise slammed the door behind her and stomped off to anywhere that wasn't Frond's office.
In a moment's decision, she stormed over to Logan's classroom, not even entirely sure he'd be there.
She burst through the door, her mood a little better upon finding it was unlocked and Logan was at his desk, putting his things together.
She threw her stuff to the side, and, without really addressing him, went off on a rant.
"That annoying little- I'll kill him!" Louise screamed, throwing her arms in the air and Logan looked on with a slight unease.
"Frond is back, and if I don't complete my year's requirement of volunteer hours, that butt cheek isn't going to let me graduate!"
She continued going off until she had rehashed all of her conversation with her alleged advisor and heaved an annoyed sigh.
Louise then looked at Logan, as if expecting him to completely blow up at the absurdity of it all.
"This is a good thing in an aspect, you know." Logan said as he rifled through some papers.
"Are you kidding? Did you not here me mention eighty hours? You know, I'm blaming you- you should've enforced this from the start."
Logan glared at her. "I did."
"Well not enough." Louise seethed, continuing to pace back and forth.
Logan turned around and leaned himself against his desk. "Louise, think about the whole thing Bosco said- we had to attend these things one way or another, and now we can show up together without getting into trouble."
Louise stopped pacing as she remembered the serial killer's case. In all honesty, that had completely slipped her mind throughout this entire sequence of blind rage. Now that she thought about it, they were racking their brains for an excuse to show up together, and she immediately scolded herself for not coming up with this sooner. No matter though, it wasn't like there was an event to attend as of late. The idea presented itself at the perfect moment.
"So we just show up together under the very real reason of volunteering."
"Precisely."
"How does that attract the attention of the serial killer then?"
Logan shrugged. "We either eventually figure something out or, as much as I hate to admit this, hope that this guy is both intelligent and gullible enough to focus his attention on us."
"The exact words I always anticipated hearing in my lifetime: get the serial killer's attention."
"That's not how I put it." Logan defended.
"That's what you insinuated." Louise shot back.
Logan gave her a frustrated look. "You're the one who wanted to do this."
"And I don't regret my decision. It's just-" She stopped herself short, and was met with an unsettling silence.
Logan gestured for her to continue, but she kept her mouth shut, much to his dismay.
"You know," He began sardonically, "We really need to work on this whole talking thing."
She glowered at him, but still kept quiet until she felt comfortable to speak again.
"Have you heard about this dance?" She questioned, shifting away from the problem Logan was trying to address.
He sighed at her habits, but answered nonetheless. "Yeah, I was talking to one of my friends the other day about it."
"You have friends?" She asked mockingly as a smirk presented itself on her face.
Logan only rolled his eyes. "Yes, Louise, it's shocking, isn't it? Just as astonishing as you showing up to that Christmas formal in a sexy, scarlet dress."
Louise burned bright red, which resulted in Logan bursting into a fit of laughter. He didn't hold back either- she had that one coming.
"That's not funny, Barry!" She crossed her arms and turned her back to him, willing her face to return to its normal shade.
No such luck.
Logan calmed himself the best he could and managed a sentence. "Then why am I laughing?"
Not the best choice of response on his part.
"Because your sense of humor sucks!" Louise glared back at him, grabbing her backpack. "I'm going now." She muttered, discontent.
Louise pushed aside the door and began walking down the empty sidewalk when Logan called after her.
Louise groaned but stopped in her tracks, turning around and placing her hands on her hips.
"If you're just going to crack another joke, Barry, I swear to god-"
Logan held his hands up, asking her to humor him. He then plucked a red, frilled flower and handed it to Louise, which promptly caused her to clamp her mouth shut in confusion.
"What-?"
"Will you go to the Valentine's Party with me?"
Louise tinged pink. "What are you asking me for? We have to go together."
Logan shrugged at her. "Well, either way, I'd want to go with you."
That was enough for Louise to flush scarlet all over again.
"Your face is brighter than the carnation."
She gave him a half-hearted glower and snatched the flower from his hand, twirling it between her dainty fingers.
"Carnation?" She reiterated.
He nodded at her. "What? You don't know your flowers?"
"I'm surprised you do."
"My mother's the head of the community garden, remember?"
Louise rolled her eyes at the memory. "How could I possibly forget? She's still pissed at Dad and me for how things ended back then."
Logan chuckled, but suddenly gazed at Louise with an all-new seriousness.
"What is it?" She asked of his change in expression.
"Is that a yes then?"
Louise sighed. "It can't exactly be a no, now can it?"
Logan gave her another long stare before speaking again, and, to Louise's surprise, he didn't let the matter go.
"Well, if it were up to you- would you say yes?"
Louise looked at him dumbstruck, suddenly at a loss for words. What was she supposed to say to that anyhow?
"…I don't know…"
Logan rose a brow. "You don't know?"
Louise found herself completely engrossed in the flower in her hands.
"Louise."
She kept her head down.
"Louise."
"Hm?"
He rolled his eyes and forced her chin up to look him in the eyes. Her eyes widened as she felt her heart nearly rip out of her chest.
"It's a simple question."
Louise threw her hands to her sides, flustered. "Well, why does it matter?"
"Why are you being so stubborn?"
"I am not stubborn."
"Oh, and that really helps your case."
"Logan."
"Louise."
They were locked in a silent stalemate until Louise answered.
"Parties have good food, and this one would require a date, right?"
Logan gave her a funny look before nodding. "I suppose…"
"Well, if I was really hungry, I'd kind of have to say yes. Just to meet requirements."
"Are you serious right now?"
Louise pressed her lips together in a fine line. "Yes."
"You just spun the question into another 'have to' situation. Why can't you just answer me in a normal manner?"
"Because."
He sighed. There's absolutely no winning with you… Logan thought, deciding to let it go in the end.
"Okay, whatever." He groaned.
Louise looked up into his frustrated gaze through her thick lashes and frowned. Then, on a complete whim, she blurted out another sentence.
"Well, of all the annoying people in the world I would want to go with you, because you're not as annoying as I thought you were."
Logan almost missed that, considering how fast she was speaking.
He looked down at Louise and saw she was sporting her usual, frustrated glare with her cheeks burning a bright red. And, just like that, any aggravation he once harbored washed itself clean from himself. Louise wasn't amazing with expressing herself, but he could see how hard she was trying, and it was all for the sake of making him happy.
He paused before brushing her bangs behind an ear and smiled.
"Thank you," He whispered.
She only nodded, trying desperately to keep hold of the carnation in her trembling hands.
For some reason, he loved her awkward attempts at conveying how she felt. He loved her haphazard emotions. He loved-
His eyes widened at his thought process, and he quickly pulled away from her, composing himself.
"You should probably be heading back- it's getting late."
Louise turned her attention to the ground once again, let out a small 'uh-huh', and ran off to her dorms.
During her run, all she could think about was how she should've said thank you for the flower, or how she should've said goodbye, or how she should've-
She let out a huff as she slowed to a stop in front of her dormitory. None of it mattered anyways. Nothing was allowed to change between them.
Nothing.
Louise quickly went inside then, choosing to ignore the subject until she felt like returning to it.
Upon reaching her room, she swiped her key card and pushed open the door, not anticipating the chilly temperature in her dorm.
"Jessica? You in here?" She asked.
No response.
She frowned, and noticed the window was open.
What the hell Jessica, you left our friggin' window open god's sake… She shuddered, moving to place her backpack on the floor and her flower on her desk when she noticed something on her top bunk.
"The hell…?" She rose a brow, going up the ladder and grabbing what appeared to be a flower, and promptly hopped off to meet the cold, carpeted floor.
Louise sat herself down in the nook of the L-shaped couch and propped her feet up, studying the flower.
From the look of it, Louise could immediately tell it was another carnation except, instead of red, it was a bright yellow.
Did Logan leave this hear…? No, that's impossible- he couldn't have gotten here before me, especially without me noticing.
Louise furrowed her brows, suddenly bothered by the whole idea. She didn't understand why, but something just seemed…off.
She shook her head, trying to calm herself, and, without a hint of hesitation, opened the window once more to throw the flower out and locked it shut. A sense of relief washed over her as she glanced back over at the carnation Logan had given her. Louise moved to sit at her desk and fell asleep, twirling the sweet-smelling flower in her hands.
xXx
"I am going to die of boredom." Louise complained, throwing her head back in exhaustion.
Logan rolled his eyes. "Come on, Louise, we're almost done here, just give me a hand with this sash…thing." He trailed, gesturing to the wall décor he was currently holding.
"Why does everyone else get to go home an hour before us?"
"You know why, Louise. This way, you get more hours out of the way- hours that everyone else doesn't have to worry about."
"I'm not worried about it."
"Which is exactly what concerns me…"
Louise groaned before getting out of her seat. "What do you need me to do?"
He smiled at her. "That's the spirit."
"Don't make me sit back down."
He pursed his lips together before continuing. "Your arms are slender enough to wrap this around the bars up there," He said, gesturing to the balcony and the columns supporting it. "All you have to do is secure this at each of those large pillars, and then we're done."
"Completely done?"
Logan nodded. "Yeah, and then tomorrow's the dance. Now come on, I'll hold the ladder."
Louise climbed up the ladder and began doing as instructed, soon falling into the monotonous rhythm of tying, going down the ladder, moving the ladder, going back up, and tying all over again until she reached the last one.
"There's extra fabric hanging off here," She called down to him.
"Alright, I'm going to go get some scissors for you, just sit still and you'll be fine."
"Feign a seizure- got it."
Louise took the time to scan their surroundings and let herself have a prideful moment. She and Logan had been working on this stupid dance for the past two weeks, and she had to admit, the place turned out pretty nice.
The hall was a lot bigger than the one belonging to SU, but that was a given considering this building belonged to the town. The floor was covered in a lavish, burgundy carpeting that radiated against the chandeliers' lights, and the dance floor spanned more than far enough to fit an entire town's population.
Well, their town at least.
The tables were in the far, back left and right of the room, while the bar was near the entrance on the right-hand side. The stage was in the back-center and there was a grand staircase in the middle-front of the room. It led to the balcony and rooms Louise knew to be either lounges or places that held miscellaneous items. The walls were an elegant marble that complimented the carpeting and golden-lining of the balcony. The building was classy and fun, reminding Louise of a '1920's' sort of theme.
"Got 'em." Logan called.
"Finally- give it here." Louise held out her hand and cut the remaining fabric, coming down the ladder shortly after.
The two cleaned up the remaining decorations and grabbed their things, ready to head home.
"I think we did a pretty good job here, Four Ears." Logan said, praising their work.
"Pretty good? We did pretty friggin' fantastic if you ask me." Louise grinned, placing her hands on her hips. "You know, I think I'm actually excited for this thing tomorrow night." She added as an after-thought.
Logan rose a brow. "You are?"
Louise's eyes widened upon processing her own words.
"Uh, well we worked hard on this- that's all." She replied, slipping her coat on in a frenzy.
Logan dropped the matter, choosing to accept her answer, and put on his own coat.
As Louise buttoned up her coat, her mind wandered as she thought of tomorrow night. From what she was told, it wasn't as formal as Fischoeder's parties, which she found to be a relief. She couldn't stand the thought of having to wear another over-the-top gown.
Louise seethed when she remembered the torn-up thing. She quickly shrugged it off, however, knowing she was able to exchange the dress.
It turned out that her mother had gotten the dress from Fischoeder since he had an abundance of them in his stock hold at the mall. Getting another one from him and ensuring he kept his mouth shut about it was easier than Louise anticipated it would be. It was strange, but she found herself caring little about the whole ordeal- there were a lot more pressing matters on her mind as of late.
"…Louise?"
She blinked a couple of times. "Yeah?"
Logan gave her an inquisitive stare before answering. "You spaced out."
"And?"
"And- never mind. Come on, I'll drop you off at the dorms."
Louise gave him a short nod in response and followed him out the front doors and back to his car. Upon arriving home, she noticed Jessica was flipping through a Forbes magazine.
"Is that mine by any chance?" Louise stated more than questioned.
Jessica shrugged and plopped the magazine onto Louise's desk. "Yeah- I got bored." She said, but then held her hands up in mock surrender. "If you must kill me, make it quick."
Louise rolled her eyes and threw aside her things before resting herself on their couch.
She let out a weary breath. "Wow, you never really realize how exhausted you are until you actually take a break."
Jessica let out a small laugh. "Well, volunteer work does that to you. Especially when you've been skipping for the past semester."
"I stand by my decision."
"Yeah, sure you do," Jessica paused, "So what're you wearing on your date with Professor B?"
Louise shot upright and scrunched her face. "Who said it was-"
"Relax. I was just joking. Everyone knows you two are basically in charge of the event."
Louise cleared her throat nervously. "I knew that. It was just in poor taste."
"'Poor taste'? Since when has any joke been in 'poor taste' to you-"
"Never mind that! I'm tired so I'll just figure it out tomorrow."
"It's kind of casual since the whole town is invited, isn't it? You should wear that sweater and skirt outfit your sister got you for your birthday last year. You haven't even worn it yet."
Louise turned her back to Jessica and laid back down. "Yeah, there's a very good reason behind that."
"It just sits in the back of your closet collecting dust."
"And it will continue to until further notice."
"And for Christmas she got you those really cute boots-"
"Which keep the outfit company in the back of my closet, mind you."
Jessica sighed. "I wonder why she gets you gifts like that when you never touch them."
"Your guess is as good as mine."
"Maybe she figured you'd need something nice eventually- and you certainly do for tomorrow's event."
"Forget about the clothes, Jessica."
"She must feel so awful- your sister, I mean- knowing her gifts are cast aside without a second thought."
Louise turned back around and propped herself up on her forearms, squinting at her friend.
"Are you guilt-tripping me?"
"No, of course not."
"Good."
"It really is a shame, though. She must feel like the worst gift-giver in history."
"For the love of- I am not wearing it and that's final."
xXx
"Who knew you were such a softy?" Jessica chuckled from the couch as Louise straightened her sweater in front of their full length mirror. The mirror was more Jessica's than hers, actually, considering how little Louise used it in the first place.
"Shut up. I needed something nice and this just happened to be available."
"Whatever you say…" Jessica remarked snidely as she rummaged through the back of their closet.
Louise glared at her before sitting herself on Jessica's bunk and picking up a black, suede boot with stiletto heels that measured about two inches. The shoes stopped just above her ankles and had laces that tied in the front. The laces served more as frivolous décor than anything else.
She wore an over-sized, cream sweater, and a maroon, skater skirt paired with black leggings. Her worn ears flopped forward as she tied her laces and then back when she stumbled to her feet.
"Found it!"
"Found what?"
Jessica held up a statement necklace with an assortment of flowers in different shades of soft pink and bold red.
"This would go perfect with that outfit!"
"I'm not wearing that. My hairs down and that necklace is gonna get caught in it."
Jessica rolled her eyes and held it out for Louise. "Come on, it's not like there's a better time to wear it. Just take it."
Louise looked at her friend wearily and begrudgingly took it. She found no sense in arguing over something so petty anyhow. After putting on the necklace, she stuffed her phone and keys in her skirt's pocket and slipped on her blush-pink coat.
"You're not going?" Louise asked.
"Three different guys asked me, but I've got dinner reservations with an old friend."
"On Valentine's Day?"
"Yeah, but it's not like that."
"You think he sees it that way?"
Jessica paused. "Huh, I don't really know…oh my gosh…I don't know! I'll be right back!" She stammered as she grabbed her phone and ran out the door.
"And I'll be gone!" Louise called after her, closing their door behind her.
xXx
Louise made her way down to the lounge and suddenly halted at the sight of a couple of women staring out the front windows. Upon a closer look, Louise recognized them to be Harley and Abbey.
"Harley? What're you guys staring at- GAH!" Louise spluttered as Harley nearly plastered Louise's face against the window.
"Professor B is waiting for you outside! Oh my god this is, like, so romantic!"
"Get off of me," Louise complained as she tore herself from Harley's death-grip, "And it is not romantic- we're in charge of the event you idiot."
Louise's insult flew right over Harley's head. "Are you kidding? Everyone totally sees you two as a thing. That, or you and Declan."
"Me and who or me and who-now?" Louise seethed.
"You and-"
"Shut up Harley, it was a rhetorical question." She muttered before storming out to meet Logan.
Logan met eyes with Louise after a few moments and smiled.
"You look beautiful."
Louise stopped in her discombobulated tracks and stared at him wide-eyed, astonished that he would say something like that in such an open area. She, however, refrained from saying anything until they were in the car and away from the dorms. She could practically hear Harley's annoying giggling as Louise faltered in her footsteps.
Once they were safely in Logan's car and on their way to the event, Louise finally replied.
"Thanks for the compliment- even though someone could have easily heard."
Logan smirked. "Seriously doubt that. No one was within earshot."
"People were staring, though."
"Well, when you look like that it's kind of hard not to."
Louise's face instantly colored.
"Your mouth has no censor, does it?"
He laughed, and Louise took the time to study his outfit for the party.
Logan was sporting a regular, white dress-shirt and black slacks that matched his black dress shoes. He wore his dress-shirt with the sleeves rolled up just past his elbows, showing off his toned, lean arms. His tie was the same shade of red as Louise's skirt, and his hair was tousled perfectly.
It's like he just got out of bed… Louise trailed, her cheeks tinting.
"Here."
Louise rose a brow. "Already? The ride usually feels longer."
"Maybe you're excitement made time go by faster."
Louise glared at him. "That's one of the stupidest things I have ever heard."
Logan just chuckled as he let himself out of his car and went to the other door to help Louise out. He then promptly locked his vehicle shut.
"Ready?"
Louise scoffed. "For what, might I ask? Hosting a Valentine's party, being stuck with you all evening, or the possibility of crossing paths with a serial killer?"
"Any and all of it, really."
"It's kind of too late to hesitate, so I'm obligated to say yes."
Logan gave her a long once over before giving her hand a quick squeeze. For reasons Louise couldn't quite explain, she didn't want him to let go, but at the same time it wasn't exactly the most appropriate action to sustain at that given moment.
Shortly after, Louise and Logan entered the building and fell right into position. A few hours had passed and everything seemed to be going relatively well at the party.
"God, it's like everyone in town RSVP'd yes to this thing…" Louse couldn't help but mutter at the sight before her.
"Including me." A snarky, familiar voice chimed in.
Louise grumbled. "Hello, Ava."
"Awh, what's the matter Louise? Not so happy to see me?"
"When have I ever been?"
Ava never bothered to answer her. "Where's Logan?"
"How should I know?"
"You're always latched to his side like an annoying mutt."
"Ava, I'm busy, and so is he."
"You don't seem all that busy."
"You can't say that for certain."
"Just tell me where Logan is."
Louise felt something snap inside her. "Why are you so hell-bent on knowing? Because in all honesty, I think he's doing everything he can just to avoid you."
Ava glowered. "I don't think you've completely grasped what kind of power I have over you. My father could have you expelled."
Louise rolled her eyes and turned to face Ava full-on. "No, actually, he can't. He needs probable cause, and you being intimidated by me is not it. And even if you could, I don't think you'd like to have to tell your precious 'daddy' that you want someone expelled because you're having boy trouble, because, frankly, that seems both childish and beyond embarrassing."
Louise didn't bother waiting for a response as she pushed past Ava and towards the staircase.
"Where's the fire, Four Ears?" Logan commented as Louise hurried for the stairs.
Louise rolled her eyes, but decided to stop and answer him.
"If you must know, I'm trying to get as far away from your stalker as possible."
Logan rose a brow. "Stalker?"
She crossed her arms. "You're either feigning ignorance or you really are an idiot."
Logan glared at her. "I'm neither, actually. Who the hell are you talking about?"
Louise scoffed. "I'm out of here."
"Louise, wait!" Logan called after her.
"Logan! What's up?" Scotty walked up to Logan and slung an arm around his friend. "Woah, who died?" He commented of his friend's upset disposition.
Logan sighed in slight annoyance as he brushed off his friend's arm.
"I need to talk to someone…" Logan muttered as he walked off into the crowd.
"What's his deal?" Scotty pondered aloud as he stumbled away in the other direction.
Logan kept walking in the general direction he saw Louise moving away from until he spotted who he was looking for.
He moved to get her attention, but clamped his mouth shut when he noticed she was in a tense conversation with an older couple.
"…almost bankrupt! Your only job was to find someone wealthy and marry into their family and yet you can't even manage that." The older woman hissed.
Ava groaned. "Mother, I said I'm trying! I don't know what more you want from me!"
"Well try harder, because this family can't stay afloat much longer."
"Dad, try to talk some sense into her!"
Ava's father looked between the two helplessly. "Your mother's right. We're just barely managing, so we're counting on you to save this family." He said with a hint of finality, walking away with his wife.
Logan stood there, at a complete loss of words.
So that's what she needed me for… Logan thought platonically. It was strange, really. He should've cared more, but anything involving her didn't matter. All he could think about was finding Louise.
He walked up to Ava.
"Oh, Logan! How's-"
"I heard you and your parents. I'd appreciate it if you left me and the people I care about alone, because you're not getting what you want from me."
With that, he turned and went to find Louise.
xXx
That's it, I need some air. This party has been going on fine without my help for the past hour. Louise thought as she moved up the stairs and into one of the lounge rooms with a balcony.
The area was stunning to say the least. The fireplace in the middle of the left wall was the only source of light, which gave the room a dimmed, romantic lighting. There was a beautiful sofa set in the center of the room that elegantly mixed various shades of red with a gold lining along with a simple rug laid out underneath. The coffee table was made from a white marble and in the center of the back wall stood glass, double doors that led out to the balcony. Other than that, there were side tables and sophisticated furnishings that complimented the room's overall theme.
Louise quickly made her way over to the double doors and pushed aside the sheer, white curtains. She undid the latch of the doors and stepped out onto the balcony, breathing in the fresh air.
"Much better…" She said happily to herself aloud.
"I'll say."
Louise turned around in alarm, unfamiliar with the voice that responded.
She nearly collapsed when she saw a knife pointed at the center of her neck.
"Hello, my dear."
The man before her sported a back sweatshirt with the hoodie up, as well as jeans and sneakers to match. His face was shrouded by a black bandana, leaving nothing exposed save for his cold, merciless eyes.
"What do you want?" Louise spat, narrowing her eyes with a newfound resolution. She may not have had the upper hand in her current predicament, but she sure as hell didn't want to start off the confrontation looking like a weak, helpless girl.
He shrugged casually, abruptly closing the gap between them until he was mere centimeters from Louise's face.
"I want you to realize your faults and fix yourself."
Louise couldn't stop herself from scoffing. "You're deluded."
The masked man didn't exactly take her comment lightly, because before Louise knew it, he had his hand around her neck.
Louise choked.
"Not so high and mighty now, are we?"
Louise clawed at his death grip unsuccessfully.
The man chuckled, but let go of her nonetheless. He did, however, replace the knife against her neck.
Louise stifled another scoff. It wouldn't exactly be the wisest action considering…
She did, however, start to frantically look around her for something- anything that would get her out of this, or at least buy her some more time.
Her searching only heightened his amusement.
"Look all you want- hell, you can even try and pull out a phone- nothing's going to work. I made sure of that."
Louise struggled to keep her breathing even. "L-look, I'd do what you want, but I really don't have any idea what you're getting at."
This comment, oddly enough, caused the man to lower his knife, as if in some contemplating mood.
After a few moments of running his fingers along the sharp blade, he spoke in a raspy, ominous tone.
"Did you like the flower I left you?"
Louise almost questioned him until it dawned on her exactly what he was talking about.
The yellow carnation…
Louise felt a new amount of dread build up in her throat.
"How long have you been watching me?! H-how on earth did you get in-"
He backhanded her, throwing her body against the balcony's hard, unforgiving concrete.
Louise let out a cry- more so in terror than in pain.
The man knelt down to her and took her chin in his grasp so she was forced to meet his gaze. "You women are all the same. Well, next time I catch you with scum like him, you better believe I won't be as lenient as tonight." He rose to stand above her small frame. "Nice meeting you, Louise Belcher. There's no need to see me out, you won't be awake for my departure."
Before Louise could reply, the masked man knocked her out with one, swift impact to the head.
xXx
"Tina-Tina, come on, just stop for a sec!" When he saw that pleading was going to get him nowhere, Jimmy Jr. grabbed Tina by the arm and whirled her around instead.
"What are you-"
"Tina, just level with me here. I know I'm not perfect, okay? It's just that-"
"It's just that every time I try to be happy with someone else you suddenly start falling for me. Then, after I leave them, you're back to being your normal, jerk-ish self!"
"Jerk-ish!"
"You know what I mean! And anyways, I'm done. I came here with Josh, and I'd appreciate it if you'd let me get back to him. I can't believe I agreed to talk to you. It's always the same thing with you…" She muttered, walking off into the crowd.
Jimmy Jr. groaned and walked over to the bar, ordering himself a round of shots. Tina was right. He always went back and forth with her, and what did she do to deserve that uncertainty?
Jeez, I'm as bad as Dad was with Mom…like father like son, I suppose…He trailed, and downed a shot.
Meanwhile, Tina went towards the dancefloor- Josh was most likely there- when she ran into an extremely restless man.
"Logan? What are you doing- what's wrong?"
Logan looked down at Tina and contemplated telling her he was worried about Louise, but decided against that- telling Louise's sister he was concerned for her was only going to incite panic.
"Oh, nothing. I just needed help with some party management, but I can't find Louise."
There, this way, he wasn't entirely lying. After all, he was searching for her. Being half honest wasn't the best thing in the world, but it certainly wasn't the worst.
Tina relieved the tension building in her shoulders. The way he was moving, it seemed like something awful had happened to someone- that someone most likely being Louise where Logan's anxiety was involved.
"I saw her head upstairs- she looked like she needed air. Louise does that if she's in a crowd for too long." Tina informed, nodding over to the main staircase.
Logan thanked Tina before briskly moving past the guests, making sure not to seem too hurried until after he was out of Tina's vision.
He quickly made his way up the stairs and almost went to open every door when he noticed one left slightly ajar. He placed his hand on the knob and immediately wondered why he felt a draft when he could see there was a fire going through the crevice the partially-open door left.
Logan nearly lost himself when he saw what was in front of him upon revealing the room's entirety.
There, lying on the balcony, was Louise's lifeless form.
"LOUISE!"
He ran over to her without a second thought and propped her up in his arms.
"Louise?! Louise, wake up!"
He brushed Louise's bangs aside and felt his breathing accelerate even further when he noticed the large bruise marking her otherwise unblemished skin.
He picked her up and placed her on the closest couch and locked the door shut.
Logan immediately dialed 911, but was met with static and a sharp click.
"Looking for some help?" An unknown voice spoke.
Logan unconsciously looked around himself. "Who the hell-"
"Don't bother calling the police or an ambulance- you won't be able to without my knowing. As for Miss Bunny Ears, there's no need to worry. She'll wake up in a few minutes, but that's only because I wanted her to. Next time you associate with her, it'll be more than just her pretty face that gets damaged."
There was another click before the line went dead.
Logan dropped his phone and looked at Louise's lifeless form.
What the hell were they thinking getting involved in something like this?
Logan moved over to the bar table in the far corner and wrapped some of the ice up to bring down the swelling on Louise's head. He then sat down next to Louise and gently placed the ice over her bruise, watching her silently slumber. What else could he do? Drag her out of the room and past the entire town?
As he adjusted the ice on Louise head, Logan noted that his hands were shaking. But not out of fear for the killer.
It was in fear of Louise's life.
After about ten minutes, Louise finally started to come to, with one of her first actions being to attack everything- and everyone- in sight.
"Louise! Louise, it's me!" Logan yelled as he held back her arms.
Louise let in a shaky breath and slowly lowered her arms, but immediately rose one back up to her throbbing forehead and groaned.
"What in the-?"
"He's been long gone, but that's not important right now." Logan said, looking at Louise. "Are you okay?"
Louise quickly nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Logan sighed and glared at the floor.
"What?" Louise questioned.
"You're lying to me. Again."
Her eyes widened. "I am not-"
"Cut the crap, Louise! You nearly tore my head off in a frenzy and you're telling me you're fine? We need to stop all of this- now and for good."
"Are you kidding me?! No! If we stop then someone else is going to get hurt!"
Logan rose to his feet, indignant. He had had enough.
"Where are you going?!"
"You need me to do this, and if I don't participate, than there's no way you can get hurt."
Louise shot up to move after him, but immediately regretted it when she felt the room spin. She instantly collapsed to the floor.
Logan turned around and rushed to her side, holding her gently in his arms. He was mad, sure, but he sure as hell, wasn't going to leave her here alone. Not after everything that just transpired.
"Louise, please try to see reason. This is only going to get worse, and we don't know what that psychopath is capable of."
"Exactly why he needs to be stopped," Louise huffed, gripping his arm for support, "You can't ask me to pretend all of this never happened. You need to stop asking me to give up because that's not who I am or ever will be."
Logan did not hide his distress in this situation, but did come to understand something. All they ever did was fight and hide things from each other, and it was getting them nowhere. They were both stubborn in their own sense, but he knew he wasn't going to win against Louise in regards to this. He had to realize that if there was any way to make it through this, it was by supporting her entirely.
It was either that or be forced to deal with the consequences.
"I'm sorry."
Louise looked at him skeptically. "What?"
"You've told me time and again that you're seeing this through, and I gave you my word I'd help. From now on I'm done convincing you otherwise. It's counterproductive, and it always results in us fighting. Besides, I knew that this was going to be dangerous, so I'm not going to start running when things are looking dim."
It was small, but Louise managed to muster up a smile. Surprisingly enough, she also relented something as well.
"I'm sorry too- for keeping things bottled up, I mean. It's not helping and you're right- we always end up fighting. I'm going to try and be more forthcoming about everything. It's just not exactly easy for me, being honest and all that jazz." She let out a small laugh, and Logan smiled.
They were making real progress, and amidst all the chaos, he was beginning to feel a little hopeful.
"Well, at least we managed to get something done." Louise added.
Logan rose a brow at her. "And what might that be?"
"We got his attention."
Logan's eyes widened.
"Then that's it then, isn't it? Everything's set in motion."
Louise nodded and managed to prop herself up against the couch.
Logan followed suit, picking up the wrapped up ice that fell to the floor after Louise woke up.
He handed it to Louise and stared at the fire.
"Bosco's gonna wanna hear about this as soon as possible."
Louise simply nodded again. "That's a given."
They sat there in silence until Louise spoke up again.
"What do you think's gonna happen from here?"
"Honestly? No idea. Everything just gets more and more convoluted as we keep going, so I'd just rather not think about any of it for the time being. After all, it's Valentine's Day."
"One of the weirdest I've ever had."
"Can't argue with that, Four Ears."
They were silent again.
"What time is it?" Louise asked.
Logan checked his watch. "Quarter 'til midnight. The party ends soon, and we're in charge of cleaning up."
Louise groaned, which incited a chuckle from Logan.
"Don't worry- I'll take care of it."
"But what about Frond?"
Logan shrugged. "What Frond doesn't know won't kill him."
Louise gave him a sly smirk. "Well, well. And here I thought I was the only one who liked to bend the rules."
"I wouldn't be the Logan you know and love if I didn't."
Louise rolled her eyes. "Pushing it, Barry."
Logan smiled, but it was short-lived when he focused on Louise's injury.
"Come on- I'm driving you to a doctor."
"And be questioned on how I got it? No way."
Logan sighed. "Four Ears, we have to get that checked out. You can just tell them something else- like, you got hit by a door."
Louise held up her hand to her chest and feigned a gasp. "Lie to a doctor? Why, I could never - oh screw it- I thought I could hold up the act, but I couldn't." Louise wobbled to her feet and pulled down her ears to cover the bruise. "Let's go lie!"
xXx
"T, for the billionth time, it's just a bruise. No concussion. No serious damage. Now leave me be."
Tina groaned, but reneged nonetheless. "Okay…but that must've been some door."
"Yeah, especially when the moron wasn't looking behind him before slamming the door shut."
"And you're sure you don't remember who did it?"
"Nah, I was out like a light, and the guy must've ran off when he found out he hit someone by mistake."
"Well, at least Logan was there for you. He always is these days…"
Louise stopped in her tracks and let those words sink in.
He has, hasn't he? She thought, and couldn't help but smile.
"Anyways, don't tell Mom. She'd interrogate the entire town until she found out, so it's best to just leave her out of it."
Tina simply nodded, which prompted Louise to question her behavior. Her sister was sort of out of it.
"Oh, it's nothing. Honest."
Louise scoffed. "Yeah. Honestly lying."
"It's just Jimmy Jr. stuff again, no biggy."
Louise groaned. "What did he do this time?"
Tina sighed. "Nothing out of the ordinary- I guess I'm just tired of being tossed back and forth in his mind. If he's not sure, then I'd much rather prefer if he just leave me be."
Louise walked up to her sister and put a hand on her shoulder. She wasn't great in this area, and it just made her feel worse that she couldn't seem to do, or say anything more to make her sister feel better.
Regardless, Tina let a small smile grace her lips. Louise cared, and that's all that mattered to her.
"Wanna check out the new ice cream place by our house? I heard they have all these crazy flavors."
Tina mulled over the idea. "Nah, I really have a lot of homework to do- you go on ahead without me."
Louise hesitated.
"Really, Louise. I'm fine." Tina smiled and waved her sister goodbye before heading in the opposite direction.
Seeing nothing better to do, Louise walked to the newly-opened ice cream parlor alone.
She stepped into the place, only to be greeted by a familiar voice.
"Louise?"
She looked to her side and saw Declan standing by himself as well.
"Declan?" She walked up to him. "I'd ask you what you're doing here, but that'd kind of be stupid."
He laughed. "Yeah, I've been pretty excited about this place's grand opening for a while. They're supposed to have some pretty bizarre flavors."
"Yeah, well it beats having only vanilla and chocolate from my dad's place."
Declan rose a brow. "Your dad owns a restaurant?"
Louise nodded. "Right by here actually."
"Can we check it out after this?"
Louise cringed. "Eh, you sure? There are better places to go."
Declan burst out laughing. "Shouldn't a daughter look up to her father's work?"
"Why? I'm not gonna lie about it. That would just be sad."
Declan contained his laughter. "What kind of restaurant does he run?"
"It's a burger place. Bob's Burgers."
"Huh, I think I've heard of it. Just never bothered actually going there."
"Most people don't."
Declan chuckled and went to order a gelato. Louise ended up choosing a cotton candy ice cream in a waffle cone. She moved to pay, but found Declan had already done so for her.
They walked out of the parlor together.
"You didn't have to do that."
He shrugged at her. "Five bucks won't kill me."
"I sure hope it wouldn't." She smirked.
They walked towards her family's restaurant, tossed their garbage in a nearby trash can, and finally entered the restaurant.
Linda was currently up front handing Teddy his burger and fries.
"Hey Teddy. I see my dad's burgers still haven't killed you."
"Louise." Linda chided.
Teddy just smiled at her. "Louise, it's so good to see you! How's college life been treating you?"
"Fine- this is actually a friend from SU. Declan- Mom and Teddy. Mom and Teddy- Declan."
Declan moved to shake his hand, and was met with a crushing grip.
"Nice to meet you," Teddy started, but lowered his voice, "You ever hurt this child, and I will come after you with a chainsaw, you understand?"
Declan quickly nodded and backed away so that Louise sat in between them.
"Awh, a little friend from school! Bob, come out and say hi to Louise's friend! He's absolutely adorable!"
Declan smiled at Linda, and simply shook her hand.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Belcher."
Louise groaned, suddenly regretting coming here at all.
"Lin, give me a minute- I'm topping off a burger."
"Do it later! Your daughter is here with a guest!"
Bob gave a very audible groan before walking out of the kitchen and behind the front counter.
He looked over at Declan and shook his hand.
"You must be Louise's friend."
"Yeah, Dad. Who else is it supposed to be? The creepy, old guy in the back booth?"
"Louise, for the love of- sir, I'm sorry, please don't leave, she didn't-"
The door slammed shut, leaving just Louise, her parents, Declan, and Teddy.
Bob threw his head back and groaned. "Great. Now I've got a burger made that no one's gonna eat."
"I'll take it." Declan offered.
Bob focused back on Declan. "Oh, well, thanks. I'll go get it."
"You sure? I mean, I wouldn't want the last place I eat to be here."
"Louise, don't ruin this for me!" Bob yelled from the kitchen.
Bob brought the burger over to Declan.
"What do you think?" Louise asked. "Sub-par dining experience written all over it, huh?"
Bob gave Louise a deadpan expression. "Thank you, Louise. Thank you."
"Just doin' my job, Dad."
"It's actually really good." Declan commented. "I'll have to come back here again."
"Wait, seriously?" Bob asked, astonished. He then looked over at Louise and grinned triumphantly. "Here that, Louise? It's really good."
"Yeah, Dad. You lost a customer and gained another. You're back to square one. Congrats."
"Just let me have this." Bob muttered, heading back into the kitchen.
After finishing his meal, Declan paid his bill, thanked them, and left with Louise.
"Well, that was a lot of fun." He said.
Louise reveled in the night air. "Uh, I think you're mistaken. We were just at my dad's restaurant. Not the best definition of fun."
"No, really. You're parents are really great people."
Louise shrugged. "If you say so."
Declan stopped walking.
"We should do this again."
"What? Go visit my parents?"
"Hanging out." He clarified.
Louise turned around and looked at him curiously.
"Yeah, sure. I don't see why not."
He was quiet for a few moments, as if working his way up to say something else.
"Um, Declan? You okay?"
He glanced up at her, as if broken out of a trance.
"Yeah, completely fine. Here, I'll give you my number so you can text me the next time you feel like doing something."
Louise pulled out her phone and let him put in his number. Afterwards, she let out a small laugh.
"What?"
"I thought you'd turn out to be some really annoying partner, but you're actually not that bad of a person."
He smiled. "Well, I'm glad."
They spent the rest of their time walking back talking about a number of things, and before they knew it, they were in front of Louise's dorm.
"Until next time." Declan nodded before turning back to his dorm.
"Yeah…until next time." Louise said- more to herself than anyone.
She walked into her dorm and noticed some of the potted flowers that were growing in the lounge area. Her mind wandered from there, until she remembered the yellow carnation she received.
She and Logan had gone to see Bosco the day after the party, and had figured out that the meaning behind the flower was some sort of disapproval towards Louise's relationship with Logan. Subsequently, whatever ideas Bosco had about the killer's motives were confirmed: he targeted couples that didn't exactly have the best relationships.
Besides confirming what they already knew, the psychopath was also displaying some behavior changes. That is to say, he was either becoming more impulsive in regards to confronting his victims or he saw something unique with Louise's case.
After all, the killer had only presented himself before murdering the woman, but he had made himself known to Louise without ending her life. They had deliberated whether or not this had to do with inadvertently confronting the killer at the Halloween party or, again, if it had something to do with Louise in particular.
Whatever the case was, Louise was glad that he was still refraining from leaving SU's grounds. The police had placed cameras from the police department all the way back to SU, and, thus far, no one was tailing Louise and Logan on their trips to the police.
Louise let out a disgruntled sigh and shook her head free of her current thought process. It was too late at night to be thinking about something so dark.
Quickly, Louise made her way back up to her dorm room and carefully let herself in so as not to wake Jessica. After getting herself ready for bed, she took one last look at the campus outside her window before drifting off into a much-needed slumber.
Again, so sorry for the wait and thank you guys for being so patient. Please leave a review and tell me what you think!