Sacrifice

❤~Ayre~❤

I sighed, blowing my neon pink bangs out of my face. Shivering, I crossed my arms over my chest, struggling to keep myself warm in the biting wind. My teeth chattered and I exhaled loudly once more. On pure impulse, I had stormed out of the hotel I had been staying at, sick of hearing Fhyre, Juliet, Eternity, and Fox's conversation.

Truly, I was touched by the thought that they had wanted to cheer me up. I mean, I knew they meant well with their ideas, but I really wasn't in the mood for a party, and the thought of Jett... Just made me want to curl up and cry. Which I was on the verge of doing before I had left that dreadful hotel.

The sidewalks were nearly empty, the occasional stranger walking past without meeting my gaze. After the same man passed me nearly five times, I figured something odd was transpiring around me. I wasn't worried in the least, however, considering I wasn't an unsuspecting, normal teen girl. Like I looked.

Eyes red and puffy from crying, nose bright crimson, cheeks flushed, sniffling; I looked like the most vulnerable female on the planet. I wasn't paying attention to where my feet were leading me, just walked on and on without thinking very much.

Eventually, the dull click of my shoes on the pavement ceased, and changed into the crackling of twigs and leaves. Shocked, I realized I had taken myself to the very outskirts of the forest I had met Jett in. With a foreboding sigh, I continued walking on.

Half of me hoped I would see the first Digit again, while the other half of me hoped I'd just get lost within the trees, a forgotten memory by the time anyone began to look for me. Way to think positively.

Out of nowhere, a hand shot out of the darkness, clutching my shoulder. Instinctively, I opened my mouth to scream while simultaneously kicking backwards. Apparently, my assailant hadn't expected this, and an audible groan escaped from whoever's lips it was. I had nailed him in the groin, I realized happily.

Turning around, I glared at the man who had been following me for quite a while. As if I hadn't noticed the heavy footsteps behind me. I just hadn't been paying attention, or caring, really.

"May I help you?" I deadpanned, black eyes completely flat and cold. The man's eyes widened slightly as he met my look with his own. He wasn't all that bad looking, but his hair was a tad greasy and his teeth were a tad yellow for my tastes. His eyes were an ordinary shade of brown, ranging from the bark of a tree to milk chocolate.

He quickly regained his composure, the shock of my reflexes wearing off on him. Instead of replying to me, he smirked, and five other figures emerged from the darkness. I sighed heavily, as if this made any difference to me. After all, they were just humans. I figured I would humor them, just for the heck of it.

Forcing my fingers to tremble slightly, I called on my acting skills to help me. My eyes began to water, and I pleaded, in a high pitched voice that was most definitely not my own, "Please don't do this to me. I'm innocent. I don't want any harm." Gag me.

"Ya won't be innocent fer long, girlie," a snide voice remarked from behind me. Grubby arms wrapped around my waist at that moment, and I didn't even flinch. He was slightly surprised by this fact, and I rolled my eyes.

Pretending to put up a fight, I squirmed. "Oh no! Whatever shall I do?" I tried to keep the mocking resentment out of my voice as I played the victim. I was actually rather enjoying myself before a deep voice seemed to come from above.

"Get your hands off the girl, and back away," an all too familiar voice ordered menacingly. A shadowed figure hopped down from it's previous perch on a nearby tree branch.

Jett.

My breath hitched at the sight of him. So graceful and elegant and... Not mine, I thought to myself bitterly. Although my heart beat a tad faster, I managed to regain control of my emotions. My face was an expressionless mask, a facade I placed in order not to get hurt again.

"I don't need your help," I drawled, glaring at the other boy. He acted as if he hadn't heard me, turning maroon eyes on my "captors".

Running a hand through his midnight black hair, he scowled. "I said," he repeated slowly, narrowing his eyes, "Back. Away."

"We're not scared of ya, ya filthy brat," the man behind me spat, and taking advantage of his loosening grip, I spun around and brought my knee up. Satisfied as his face contorted in pain, I stepped back and allowed him to collapse to the mud-coated floor.

He kneeled down and reached out a hand to latch onto my leg, but I stepped out of reach, instead lashing my foot out and kicking him square in the forehead. With a startled squeak, he nearly flew backwards into the nearest tree, sliding down the trunk and slumping to the floor, still.

At this point, his companions were backing up, fear blatant on their faces. I could imagine that Jett and I made quite the intimidating pair. He seemed to exude dominance over these silly humans, and I put my hands on my hips, attempting to appear haughty.

"She's not worth it," one of the men murmured, tugging on the sleeve of his friend. Together they turned on their heels and made a hasty exit. I smirked triumphantly. Only one assaulter remained--one conscious one, anyways. He gulped, beads of sweat forming on his grimy forehead.

"We're not gonna kill if you if you just leave now," I stated, surprised when I heard my tone had an odd edge to it. Perhaps Jett was affecting me more than I had liked to admit.

"I-Is he dead?" The guy asked, brows creasing with worry. Wow, a rapist who actually cared about his cronies. That was a new one.

"Not yet," Jett snapped, shooting a warning glare at the goon.

Without a backwards glance, he ran away into the night, no doubt searching for another quarry. I hoped the next victim wasn't an easy catch for them, either.

"I didn't need your help." Before I could even think about what I was saying, I turned my back on Jett. Everything was silent in the night, and the only thing that shone was the full moon. Not even a full day had passed since I had last seen Jett, and now here we were.

Together.

Alone.

"I was just passing by," he muttered, as if that explained everything. As if that explained anything.

I couldn't help myself from asking, a bit irately, "So, where's Racquel?" I knew there was venom in my voice, but I hadn't expected Jett to flinch, as if my words pained him. Which, obviously, it did.

Jett shrugged as I turned my head slightly, in order to take in his profile. He was definitely a sight to see, wearing a black button up shirt (had probably gotten tired of going shirtless for so long), and black pants. His pale skin and dull eyes seemed blindingly bright on this backdrop of darkness.

"You don't care, I suppose? Kiss and ditch, is it? I feel bad for the next one," I sneered. I no longer had control of my mouth, it was taking me away with it, on a wave of loathing. Jett visibly flinched, but remained silent.

"Who'll it be? You're running out of females in your group, Jett," I jeered. "Saracen? Or perhaps Eternity?" Closing my eyes in thought, I mockingly counted off my fingers. "Or maybe, you'll be desperate enough to try Juliet out?"

Jett's head snapped in my direction, his mouth open, working to form words but unable to do so. I continued on, relentlessly. It was time he felt my pain, as much as I felt his. But even as I thought this, I knew there was a tiny part of me that still loved him. I was trying to crush it completely, but it wouldn't budge. Damn it.

Blowing out a deep breath, I shook my head. "I'm sorry," I apologized softly, and Jett seemed even more taken aback. Perhaps it was my freakish mood swings that had his eyes widening, confused. "I shouldn't have said that. Sorry."

"It's-no, I deserved that," the first Digit admitted, casting his gaze to the floor.

"Well, anyways, thanks... I guess." I made a noncommittal sound in my throat, suggesting that I hadn't even needed his assistance in the first place, but he had meddled, and I was reluctantly grateful for his help. All in a sound.

Pivoting, I began to retrace my footsteps, leaving the way I had come. Jett's voice stopped me. "Wait, Ayre, wait."

I turned, raising an eyebrow expectantly. He seemed... uncharacteristically troubled. "What is it?" I inquired, my curiosity piquing against my will.

"I... I've been kicked out. From my side, I mean." Jett was fidgeting, so he crossed his arms over his chest, raising his eyes to meet mine.

I peered at him suspiciously, "What do you mean? I hardly think the other Digits would be able to survive without you there."

Jett raised his shoulders halfheartedly, "Greyson told me that I wasn't acting myself, and that I needed to leave. Said they didn't know what to do because... Because I couldn't think straight.

My jaw might've hit the ground at that moment, but I didn't bother to care about my flabbergasted appearance. "Greyson did what?!" I shouted, incredulously. There was absolutely no way that silent, introverted Greyson would want to become leader of Jett's group. It just wasn't possible.

Nodding, Jett crossed the clearing to lean against a nearby tree. He shifted uncomfortably for a second before saying, "Greyson thinks I've gone soft."

I gasped. "He wouldn't dare... Oh, please tell me you at least kicked his ass after that? What did the others say?" Quickly, I shut my mouth, before it could get carried away again. Why did I even care about the affairs of the others?

"Say..." Jett began slowly, "Why don't we talk about this somewhere else?"

"Where would you suggest?" I shot him a baffled look. A dark forest was as good a place as any.

He chuckled, a not-quite-smile forming on his face. It was more like a grimace, in my opinion. "Coffee store? Better than here."

You don't care about him anymore. Remember that. He broke your heart. Do not swoon. No. You don't care. You. Do. Not. Care.

"Alright, suit yourself." We took off out of the forest together in silence, neither of us initiating another conversation. I was completely appalled by the other Digits' behavior.

Obviously Greyson was on some kind of crack, because if he thought he could lead three other useless, not to mention less powerful, Digits into a world war where they came out successful... Well, he was crazy. Jett was the most powerful, why would they even think... I shook my head. They were smoking something. Definitely.

The first corner we arrived on held a quaint little coffee store titled, "The Bean". We walked inside, sitting at the closest table towards the door. The store was otherwise empty, save for one or two other customers who had stopped by for a late night drink.

"So, what you're telling me is that you've been evicted from your own team?" My eyebrows were probably hidden by my bangs at this point, from how high I was raising them.

"Basically," Jett replied, observing the table rather intensely. "And I was wondering... if you could help."

Help? What the hell would he need my help for? I decided to play it cool and make this as distressing for him as possible. Batting my eyes suggestively, I smiled, "How may I be of service?"

It was Jett's turn to quirk an eyebrow in surprise. He questioned, "How good are you at acting?"

I rested my elbow on the table, placing my chin in my palm. With a serious look on my face, I pretended to mull the question over. "Hmm... I suppose my acting skills are up to par. I also give rather good speeches..."

"What do speeches have to do with anything?" Jett's expression was clouded with confusion.

Murmuring seductively, I answered, "Acting isn't the only thing my mouth is useful for."

Blinking, I noted with complete satisfaction that Jett looked a bit uncomfortable with this statement. Which was perfectly alright with me. And then he smirked. The hell?

"Oh, really? Would you like to prove that to me?"

I gave a derisive snort. "Wouldn't you like to know?"

Jett regarded me as if I were a particular interesting test subject. It was my turn to twitch slightly, feeling exposed under his vermilion colored eyes. "Actually yes, yes I would."

Sniffing haughtily, I turned my face towards the side, allowing him to admire the view. "Too bad you missed your chance already," I whispered, just loudly enough for him to hear me. I couldn't see his reaction from my peripheral vision, but I knew the remark had hit home. He immediately changed the subject.

"Are you going to answer my question?"

"What question?" I was the picture of innocence.

Jett's tone was exasperated. He seemed to be losing patience with me. Good. "Can you act or not?"

"Of course I can." I turned to face him and leaned forward on both my elbows, lessening the distance between us. "Would you like to see me in action?" The question was only a tad suggestive, but Jett took the bait anyways.

"Hit me with your best shot."

I smirked, ready for the challenge. Rising from my seat, my smirk widened into a grin at Jett's dumbfounded expression. "What are you--" he started.

I straddled his legs, coming to a rest on his lap. Memories of us kissing brought the necessary blush to my cheeks, and I began to pant slightly, analyzing the emotions that flitted across Jett's face.

First, it was utter bewilderment, then barely masked pleasure as I had sat on his lap, then outright arousal as I breathed in and out, making sure each inhalation and exhalation were shallow. I looked perfectly shag-able, and I knew Jett had come to this conclusion long before I did.

Leaning closer and closer towards him, I tilted my head slightly just before meeting his lips, instead directing my mouth towards his ear where I moaned a word. "Gotcha."

I backed away, sending a pointed look towards Jett's pants, which were bulging slightly. He immediately placed his hands on his lap, obstructing my view. Smirking again, I took my seat on the table.

"How's that for acting?" I inquired nonchalantly, sweeping my bangs out of my face.

"You'll do," he mumbled, begrudgingly.

"You're too kind. What do you need an actress for, anyways?"

"My own personal entertainment." It was Jett's turn to smirk as I openly ogled at him. Then I realized he was joking.

"Asshole," I said under my breath.

"I heard that," Jett smiled a bit, showing off bright white teeth. I rolled my eyes, feigning annoyance. He continued without missing a beat, "To get back into my team's good graces."

"And why in the world should I help you?" I eyed him suspiciously. What was he gonna do, blackmail me?

"You don't have to."

I stared at him, open-mouthed. "Are you kidding me? You expect me to help you of my own free will?"

"Well," he drawled, "considering it was you who got me into this mess, I figured you'd be able to get me out."

Anger coursed through my veins, as I barely managed to refrain from shouting, "Oh, don't you even try blaming the fact that you went 'soft' on me!"

"I never said that," the first Digit countered smoothly, seeming unfazed by my irritation.

"Then what were you insinuating?"

"That you help me because you are merely a good person?"

"Like any of us believe that."

"I do," Jett said softly. I cautiously searched his eyes, wondering if he was being sincere. Which, I knew was true. There wasn't a hint of dishonesty on his face. It was more agonizing than I had expected it to be.

I sighed heavily, as I had taken to doing often in times of great agitation. "Fine," I gave in finally, not knowing what weird spirit had just possessed my body. "I'll help you if you bloody well need it so much. But don't think this makes us friends."

Jett chuckled, "Oh no, most definitely not." His lips curved into a mocking smile and I scowled.

"So, you need an actress because...?"

"I need to take you back to my base and present you as a hostage. After I prove to them that I have you, I will let you escape," Jett explained slowly, surveying my reactions to his plan.

"Basically you're leading me into a trap," was what I said. What I was thinking was, No way in hell do I believe for a second that you're gonna let me escape. I'm not that stupid.

Maybe I was.

"I swear to you, I am not leading you into a trap." His face was so solemn I couldn't help but believe him, even though I cursed my stupidity while simultaneously nodding.

"So, basically, you need a sacrifice to prove to your little Demon Team that you're hard," I smirked as he looked away when I said "hard". Which was exactly how I had left him a couple minutes ago. I tried not to maniacally cackle out loud.

Jett nodded.

"And that sacrifice..."

He nodded again, urging me on.

"Is me."

"Right."

"Fine."

"You'll do it?"

"I'm not scared of a fight."

I grinned. This would be fun.

Fun indeed.

~~~

Hehe, yay for dirty innuendos! XD Your post next! ^^ Sorry if this was short/suckish, I tried my best. :'D

End