17. Creed
Chapter 17
Creed
I 'm restless after the authorities came here. I need Vaughn to come home and Hux to be free. But I know that this is all far from over, and hopelessness settles in my gut like lead. I've tossed and turned ever night while Kay fights through her nightmares. More than once, I've held her close, whispering calming words in the darkness, trying to anchor her.
I tell her she's safe. But I don't truly believe it. Adam hasn't tried to retaliate yet and that unsettles me. On top of that, Kay wants to go home tomorrow to get some clothes I dont't blame her its been damn near a month since she's been home. But I just know that’s not a good idea. I glance down at her sleeping form. Hux's blanket tucked under her chin, pink hair a tangled mess around her petite face.
My heart breaks for her. Her panic attack today will definitely set her healing back, so I’ve stayed with her tonight to at least try to give her some semblance of peace. But I just can’t relax, so I decide to head downstairs and grab a drink.
Heading down the stairs, my chest feels heavy. Music plays over the jukebox in the corner and Candi is wiping down the counters, dancing and singing to some heavy metal song she loves.
"What's cookin', good lookin'?" I say, loud enough to carry over the music.
Candi rolls her eyes good-naturedly, resting her elbows on the bar between us. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Creed," she says, with a grin tugging at her perfectly painted black lips.
"Will it get me a stiff drink? The service in this place sucks."
She mocks offense, a hand landing on her leather jacket over her heart. "I'd say take it up with the owner, but he's a bit preoccupied."
"Oh, burn."
Candi has always covered up her pain with dry humor, and I know not having her brother here is taking a toll on her.
"You doing okay?"
Her brows tug together at my question. "Fine. You win. What do you want to drink?"
She begins by grabbing a mixer and filling it with ice. Another thing she uses to keep her busy. I don't really want to talk about our problems either, so I’ll follow her lead. It’s way more fun to drink your sorrows away anyway.
I lean back against the bar, watching as Candi expertly mixes my drink. The music pulses around us, the bass reverberating through the room.
"So, what's the special tonight?" I ask, trying to lighten the mood.
Candi smirks, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Special? You mean besides the pleasure of my company?"
I chuckle, shaking my head. "As enticing as that is, I was thinking more along the lines of a drink that packs a punch."
She nods, grabbing a bottle from the top shelf behind her. "I've got just the thing."
As she pours the drink, I can't help but notice the tension in her shoulders. Despite her playful demeanor, I know she's struggling with her brother's absence. It's been weighing on her, even if she won't admit it.
"Hey, seriously though," I say, lowering my voice so only she can hear me. "Are you holding up okay?"
Candi's smile fades slightly, and she meets my gaze with a mixture of rage and fear. "I'm fine, Creed. Just keeping busy, you know?"
I nod, understanding. "Well, if you ever need to talk, I'm here."
"Thanks, Creed. I appreciate it. But all I need is this," she says, raising her glass as I do the same.
"To keeping busy and drinking away our problems."
Candi laughs, clinking her glass against mine. "Cheers to that," she agrees.
I take a sip of my drink, relishing the burn as it slides down my throat. Candi watches me with amusement, her blue eyes twinkling in the dim light of the bar.
"So, what's the deal with you and Vaughn? Are you at the 'fuck and make up' stage yet?"
I nearly choke on my drink, caught off guard by her bluntness. "What are you, my therapist?" I deflect.
Candi raises a pierced eyebrow, her expression unimpressed. "Come on, Creed. I've known you too long to buy the whole 'I don't want to talk about my problems' act."
I scoff, leaning back on my stool. "Are you mocking me? I do not sound like that."
She rolls her eyes, her gaze scanning the ceiling as if searching for her lost patience among the peeling paint and exposed beams. "Come on, spill."
With a heavy sigh, I run a hand through my hair. "It's complicated, okay? We had a big fight, and now... I don't know. Things just aren't the same."
Candi pours another shot, sliding it across the bar to me. "Sounds like you could use another."
I take the shot, letting the burn sear through me before slamming the glass back down on the counter. The heat of it settles low in my belly.
"Thanks," I mutter, more to myself than to her.
Candi leans against the counter, her gaze softening as she studies me. "Look, Creed, stop being a selfish dickhole. This fight doesn't just affect you, you know. And sooner or later you're going to have to deal with it."
I nod, feeling the weight of her words sinking in. "I know, Candi. I just... I don't know where to start."
Candi gives my shoulder a playful slap. "Start by talking to him. Stop being a drama king. You're both so damn stubborn. So just swallow your pride and kiss and make up or whatever." She waves her hand in the air.
I raise an eyebrow. "And what if he doesn't want to make up?"
"Then you punch him in the face," she says with a grin.
I chuckle at her attempt to lighten the mood. At this point I'm just pushing her buttons to avoid my feelings and she knows it. But the thought of our broken bond suddenly hits me like a punch in the gut and the humor vanishes from my face.
"What if he hurts me again?" I murmur.
She leans closer, her lilac scent washing over me. "Then I'll punch him in the face," she growls out, eyes narrowing into slits. Candi has always been protective of me.
I break eye contact first, my emotions spiraling all over the place.
She places a hand on my shoulder. "But seriously, Creed, you won't know until you try. And trust me, it'll be a lot easier once you stop overthinking it. You guys are pack. Kay and Owen too."
I let out a sigh, running a hand through my hair. She's right, I'm being a selfish dick.
"Thanks, Candi. I needed that."
"Anytime, big guy," she says, patting me on the back. "Now, are you going to sit here moping all night, or are you going to do something about it?"
I smile, feeling a newfound determination stirring within me. "I think it's time to face the music."
"That's the spirit," she says, flashing me a mischievous grin. "Remember, Creed, if life gives you lemons, punch it in the face and demand chocolate."
I chuckle at her cryptic words, the alcohol beginning to dull the edges of my pain. "What the hell does that even mean?" I slur, but Candi just laughs, winking at me before telling me goodnight.
Regardless, she's right, and it's time to stop running, to stop avoiding the inevitable. I'll face Vaughn, I'll face our issues head-on, and I'll fight to win him back.