━ NEUROSIS ━
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR.

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WITH ONE FINAL BOOM of the metal, thanks to Javi and his trusty tree branch, the night had officially begun. Their night. Their doomcoming.

In pairs, the group made their grand entrances underneath the decorated archway. First came Jackie and Shauna, then Mari and Akilah, then Misty and Ben— who wore a tight lipped smile as the Quigley girl clung to his arm — Violet stood next in line, holding her hand out with a smile as she waited for Lottie, who hurriedly rushed over to her side.

"What time do you call this, Matthews?" Violet quipped. "I was beginning to think you'd stood me up."

Lottie took her hand with a smile. "Now what kind of person would I be if I left you hanging around?"

"A less fortunate one." Violet grinned with a shrug. "Obviously."

Lottie chuckled. "Y'know what I love about you?"

"Oh I like this game." Violet responded. "Do tell, Matthews."

The Matthews girl leaned closer, a teasing smirk gracing her lips. "How humble you are."

Violet let out a laugh, shrugging in a faux defence. "Feel free to tell me if I'm wrong. Though I don't think that's the case, is it?"

Lottie paused briefly and pursed her lips, pretending to think over her words before responding with a smile. "You're right... I guess."

"You guess?" Violet raised a playful brow. "You're killing me here, Matthews."

"Just keeping you on your toes." Lottie shrugged innocently, a flash of amusement glimmering behind her eyes. She briefly ran her thumb along the back of Violet's hand before tugging her along, closer to the archway. "Now, are you ready? I think the others are getting mad we're taking so long."

"Wait." Violet paused and remained silent, allowing her eyes to take in Lottie's appearance once more, her lips tugging the corners of her mouth at the sight. Because, oh, what a sight it was. "Okay, I'm done."

"Done? With what?" Lottie asked between chuckles.

"Taking you in." Violet stated simply. "Before anyone else gets to."

Lottie bit down on the corner of her mouth, not bothering to stifle the flush of her cheeks. "And how did that work out for you?"

"Annoying, actually. Because, well you look... my god." Violet huffed dramatically. "I'll have to force the others to keep their eyes closed. It's the only option."

"The only option, huh?"

"The only option." Violet repeated. "It's for the greater good."

Lottie grinned. "And let me guess, you're the greater good?"

"Oh, I'm always the greater good." Violet winked, her lips toying an amused smirk.

"I don't doubt that for a second. But, now hear me out..." Lottie raised her finger as if she had some groundbreaking idea. "We don't do that. People need to be able to see where they're going y'know."

"They don't actually." Violet countered. "Blind people get by just fine."

Lottie let out a laugh at her words. "I think the others can keep their vision for tonight, okay? The only pair of eyes I want on me or care about is yours anyway."

Violet hummed, a small smile forming. "I like that answer."

"Perfect." Lottie kissed her cheek happily. "So no temporary blindness for the others?"

"No temporary blindness." Violet saluted. "Scouts honour."

And with that, the two girls finally made their debut through the archway hand in hand, smiling at the cheers and applause from the rest of the group who had been waiting. Though as Lottie turned her head to the side, her gaze consumed by the Crawford girl leading her, she suddenly couldn't bring herself to pay any attention to the others.

For her smile could do nothing but grow.

"Fucking finally." Natalie joked, nudging Violet's arm as the two girls joined the others. "I figured we'd be rescued before you guys decided to grace us with your presence."

"Aw, I'm sorry Nat." Violet faux pouted as she patted Nat's shoulder. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long."

"Longer than you should've." Natalie remarked. "I'm third wheeling with you guys tonight, by the way."

"I'm guessing things with Travis still aren't going well?" Lottie frowned.

"Nope." Natalie replied, popping the P. "Not since Jackie opened her mouth about Bobby fucking Farleigh."

"Jackie told him about that?" Lottie scoffed in annoyance. "Why?"

"I don't know." Natalie shrugged. "'Cause she's Jackie. She can't help herself."

"Whatever." Violet was quick to chime in. "Travis is a man-child anyway. And I, for one, think you're better off without him." Violet turned to look at Natalie, wiggling her brows. "Besides, tonight you can show him what he's missing."

Natalie rolled her eyes playfully. "Yeah, sure, okay."

"No I'm serious." Violet shrugged. "You look hot."

"Thanks, Vi." Natalie let out a chuckle, smiling at the compliment from her friend. The situation with Travis may have been gnawing at her brain, but at least for a second Violet's words managed to make her feel a little better. "You don't look too bad yourself."

"A compliment from Natalie Scatorccio? Damn, I'm flattered." Violet grinned.

Though as she turned to face Lottie and noticed the Matthews girl's raised brow, she cleared her throat, quickly dropping her previous grin.

"Hi Lot." Violet greeted coyly.

Lottie pursed her lips, amused by the look on Violet's face. "Flattered, are we?"

Violet shot the girl a guilty smile, before seemingly dodging her question and instead running her fingertips down the Matthews girl's arm. "Have I ever told you how pretty you are?"

"I know what you're doing." Lottie hummed with a slight grin. "Can't say I'm as flattered as you though."

"Oh look!" Violet exclaimed, switching the conversation once more as she pointed to the archway. "It's Tai and Van! Let's all look over there instead, in silence!"

The Matthews and Scatorccio girl shared an amused look, both girls slipping out a chuckle at Violet's actions. They turned their attention to Taissa and Van, as did the rest of the group, watching as the pair walked down the path hand in hand with smiles, although Van's smile seemed to be more of a nervous one.

Mari nudged Akilah's shoulder. "Are they..."

Akilah nodded, rolling her eyes at Mari's cluelessness. "Duh."

Taissa turned to Van, picking up on the redhead's nerves. After her run in with the wolf, after what it did to her, Van's confidence had taken a huge hit. So, the fact that she had shown up, that she had joined the others, it was a big thing for the Palmer girl.

And Taissa couldn't have been prouder of her for doing so. Just as the rest of the group couldn't either.

The Turner girl smiled at her girlfriend before grabbing her face and pulling her towards her, the pairs lips attaching immediately.

The others watched with grins and chuckles, a few letting out cheers of celebration for their two friends.

"Woo hoo!" Violet cheered with an added applause. "Give her tongue, Tai!"

Though they didn't break away from their kiss, the Palmer and Turner girl clearly heard Violet's words. For the pair simultaneously raised one of their hands, flipping Violet off jokingly.

Violet chuckled at their response. She felt a light nudge on her shoulder from Lottie, who's attempt at scolding her fell through, as the Matthews girl couldn't help but laugh along.

"Come on," Violet started, intertwining her fingers with Lottie's and beginning to tug the girl along with her. "I think it's time I try some of Mari's famous mushroom stew."

"And the alcohol." Lottie added, wiggling her eyebrows. "We can't forget about that."

Violet laughed. "How could I?"

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VIOLET LET OUT a dramatic sigh, allowing her head to fall onto Shauna's shoulder, who was comfortably perched next to her on the log they shared. Shauna glanced down at the now empty bowl which hung loosely from Violet's hand before leaning her head against hers, chuckling at the girl's reaction to the food.

"I take it you enjoyed Mari's stew?" Shauna said.

"Enjoyed it?" Violet let out a breathy laugh. "I feel like my life is complete, Shipman."

Shauna grinned, nodding along. "It's definitely better than worms."

"Oh absolutely." Violet agreed. "Where the fuck was Misty hiding all these mushrooms? I could've been fine dining instead of vomiting for weeks on end."

"No fucking clue." Shauna shrugged. "But I'm glad you've been able to eat something. We were getting pretty worried."

"You and me both." Violet replied, pouting when she glanced over at the tree trunk which held the remaining food. "God, I'd go back for seconds if I could."

Shauna's gaze travelled down to her own bowl. She took note of the little amount of food she had left before holding out her bowl to Violet.

"You can finish mine?" The Shipman girl offered.

Violet shot Shauna an appreciative smile, yet shook her head. "No, no, it's okay."

"Really, I don't mind." Shauna said honestly.

"I couldn't." Violet wafted her hands in decline of the offer. "You're eating for two after all."

Shauna nodded, yet remained silent. Although Violet's words were meant with no malice whatsoever, they still brought a slight shiver down Shauna's spine. The fear, the uncertainty, the guilt, behind her situation was still there, and extremely raw. And Violet's words only served as a reminder.

The Shipman girl shuffled uncomfortably and readjusted her dress, a wave of self-consciousness hitting her.

The Crawford girl sat up straight, looking at Shauna. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, just..." Shauna trailed off. "The dress is itchy, that's all."

Violet frowned. She knew that's not what was bothering her. As Shauna attempted to readjust her dress once more, not quite being able to reach the spot she was aiming for, Violet placed her bowl on the ground.

The Crawford girl reached up, helping Shauna comfortably adjust her dress before smiling at her reassuringly.

"Better?" Violet asked.

"Yeah." Shauna sighed, though her words didn't bring much convincing. "Much better."

"I think you look beautiful, by the way." Violet complimented softly. "I really like your dress."

"Oh," Shauna blinked, almost surprised she had received a compliment. Yet still, despite her surprise, she smiled timidly. "Thanks, Vi."

"You're welcome." Violet tapped Shauna's bowl of food. "Now eat."

Violet then lowered her head slightly, her gaze now set upon Shauna's stomach. A small smile drew at the corners of her mouth at the sight of the bump.

"Because what kind of person would I be to take away your food, huh?" Violet asked in a playful tone, directing her question to Shauna's stomach. "So you eat the mushrooms. And remember what your aunt Violet sacrificed for you today, got it little one?"

The interaction etched a warm smile across Shauna's lips. She chuckled, raising a brow at Violet's words. "Aunt Violet, huh?"

"Well, yeah." Violet shrugged, as if her words were common knowledge. "What else would I be? The dad?"

Shauna grinned. "That would actually make this situation a lot easier."

"Woah, down girl." Violet quipped. "You're too late, I've been whisked away already. Oh, wait, you prefer it that way don't you—"

"Oh my god, Violet!" Shauna scolded, though a glimmer of amusement flashed behind her eyes at the girl's jest.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" Violet raised her hands in surrender. "It just slipped out! Don't take away my title of Aunt Violet, please."

The Shipman girl shook her head, letting out a quiet laugh. "Fine, fine. But only because I think you'll make a good aunt. Despite that comment."

"Oh, I'll be great at it." Violet said confidently. "I know a lot about... okay, I know nothing about kids. But I'm sure me and the little one will get along just fine. I'm already their favourite, I can tell."

Shauna hummed. "I'm sure you are."

Before any of the girls could continue their conversation, it was quickly brought to a halt at the sight of the Taylor girl walking towards them.

It was Violet who noticed her first, the Crawford girl's sentence trailing off as her eyes followed Jackie the closer she drew. Then after taking note of Violet's expression, Shauna followed the girl's gaze, it ultimately landing upon Jackie too.

By the dull look on Jackie's face as she approached, it was clear their prior conversation would no longer hold the same jokey, lively, tone as before. But then again, recently in Jackie's presence... nothing could.

Jackie grew more and more distant by the day with the pair. Her fuse was shorter, her responses to any conversation could barely be counted as responses at all.

Shauna was confused about it all, and despite being a little annoyed, she simply couldn't stop her attempts at drawing any enthusiasm from Jackie. After all, the Shipman girl would always crave approval from Jackie Taylor.

Violet on the other hand, she was simply just mad. Mad at herself, for forgiving Jackie for abandoning her. Mad at Jackie, because she did it all over again.

She hated to admit it, but Jackie's attitude towards her recently stung. A lot more than she thought it would. Why? She didn't know. But nonetheless, it was crystal clear to Violet now. That this was all her and Jackie's relationship would ever be.

An endless cycle of disappointment.

"Please have some food." Shauna's voice pulled Violet from her thoughts. "For me?"

Violet watched as Shauna nodded towards Jackie's bowl, which was still full of food. Jackie briefly glanced over to Violet, although the moment Violet's eyes met hers she looked back to Shauna.

The Taylor girl worked up a tight-lipped smile and brought her bowl closer to her mouth. Seemingly happy with this, Shauna then turned her attention elsewhere. Which, luckily for Jackie, gave her just the right amount of time to sneakily tip her bowl of food behind the log they all sat on.

Violet scoffed, having not missed the action. Jackie's eyes were quick to find Violet's once more, and the Taylor girl's face scrunched in distaste.

"What's the problem?" Jackie found herself asking, her tone nothing but condescending.

"Nothing." Violet rolled her eyes.

Jackie pursed her lips. "It doesn't really seem like nothing."

Violet chuckled wryly, finding Jackie's clear attempt at winding her up amusing. For Violet knew she could do it 10x better.

"Sorry, my bad." Violet shrugged. "I meant to say nothing important. Or was it... nobody important."

Shauna glanced between the two and let out a sigh, her eyes shutting briefly in preparation for whatever was about to come. She had been in the middle of too many arguments when it came to Jackie and Violet, so she knew the warning signs far too well by now.

Jackie's lips parted a little at that, and for a moment Violet could've sworn she saw a slight frown adorn the girl's lips. But she was quick to brush it off with a quick clear of her throat, and as the pair held their gaze with one another, Jackie's expression became more unreadable by the second.

It was as if the gears in her head were turning, planning, plotting, whatever she was going to say next. And the moment she had landed on whatever it was, she pushed her tongue against her cheek, inhaling sharply before turning to Shauna.

"Do you think I should ask Travis to dance?" Jackie asked Shauna, presenting a curious look.

Shauna gripped the bridge of her nose. "Jesus christ Jackie, are you still serious about this?"

Violet's brows furrowed, caught off guard by Jackie's words. She expected a jab, a sly comment, Jackie to dramatically storm away, hell anything but that. This wasn't how their bickering matches usually went.

Travis? Where the fuck did Travis come from?

"Duh." Jackie deadpanned. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"What the hell are you talking about?" Violet couldn't stop the question that slipped from her mouth. And the second she noticed the proud smirk Jackie easily flashed her, Violet's jaw clenched in annoyance.

She knew then, that she had played right into Jackie's hand.

"Oh right, I forgot to tell you..." Jackie started lowly, shooting Violet an apologetic look. Which was nothing but fake. "I've decided I'm not dying a virgin anymore."

Violet's brow quirked, her head tilting a little at the sudden declaration. Her gaze bounced around as she processed Jackie's words, along with a perplexed chuckle erupting from her throat.

It wasn't very often Jackie Taylor left her speechless, but in that moment in time, she absolutely was. Because nothing could've prepared Violet for that answer.

"Riiiight, okay." Violet wiped a hand over her face as she sighed. "And who exactly are you planning on..."

Then, Violet paused. Froze, even. For the rest of Jackie's plan clicked in her brain.

She found her gaze flicking towards Travis for a brief moment, then over to Shauna, reading the Shipman girl's expression. Searching for an answer, confirmation, or even something that would shut down the idea Violet had in her head.

Because surely Jackie wouldn't do that. Surely she wouldn't stoop so low, as to make a move on Travis. Sure, she may have some sort of vendetta against her and Shauna for some unknown reason right now, but Natalie? What did Natalie do to deserve that?

However, the moment Shauna's gaze reached hers, the guilty confirming look behind her eyes was enough for Violet to confirm her theory wasn't incorrect.

Violet instantly looked to Jackie, her eyes narrowing. "Are you fucking serious right now? Travis?"

"Yeah," Jackie shrugged. "Who else?"

Shauna side glanced at Jackie after that last part. The Taylor girl ignored her, but she saw it.

"Who else? Anyone else Jackie!" Violet scoffed. "What about Nat, huh? How's she gonna feel about this?"

"Natalie and Travis broke up weeks ago." Jackie defended. "They hardly talk anymore. Right, Shauna?"

Shauna's lips parted, looking between the two girls awkwardly. "I, uh... I don't know."

"Don't look at her." Violet chimed in, scolding Jackie. "You can't use Shauna as an excuse to get you out of everything, Jackie. Especially not this."

Jackie scoffed. "I was just asking her a question—"

"You're unbelievable, you know that right?" Violet cut her off. "I mean, god! What the fuck is wrong with you lately?"

"Nothing!" Jackie snapped. "Maybe I just want some normality in this hell hole!"

"Normality? Right, cause this is normal. The way you're acting, have been acting for weeks, is normal." Violet fired back. "Y'know, whatever is going on with you, taking it out on me and Shauna is bad enough, but now Nat too? This isn't..."

Jackie rolled her eyes as Violet trailed off. She rested her chin on her palm, a wry smile on her lips as she prodded, "This isn't what?"

Violet clenched her jaw, a sharp exhale escaping her nose. "This isn't the Jackie I wanted to know again."

The Crawford girl held her gaze with Jackie. Watching as her words sunk in, watching as Jackie's posture stiffened ever so slightly, as her previous smile faltered, as something unreadable mixed behind her eyes.

Jackie swallowed thickly, any remnants of her argumentative demeanour shattering simply just by Violet's words. She wanted this, she wanted an excuse to argue, an excuse to silently punish Violet for all her lies and betrayal.

She had to.

Because if Jackie couldn't have Violet, she figured it would be easier to have her like she used to. The jabbing, the arguing. It wasn't how she wanted. God, it really wasn't. But what else would it be? Now, after everything?

And if she had to settle for just having a single piece of Violet, she would. Even if it was bad. Even if Violet had unknowingly ruined it this time. She simply couldn't let that piece go.

But in that moment, hearing Violet's words, seeing the look on her face, she began to question whether it was even worth it anymore. Jackie felt like she had to push Violet away, for what she had done, and for her own sake, but what if she had pushed too far?

What if this time, there was simply no coming back from the damage that had been caused?

Jackie let out a subtle shaky breath as she tucked away the fallen strands of her hair. Her lips parted, as though she were to speak, but whatever was on the girl's mind it seemed as though she couldn't put it into words fast enough.

"Violet..." The Taylor girl started feebly.

"Jesus, sorry I took so long. Ben was holding me hostage so he wasn't alone with Misty." Lottie joined the group, placing a kiss atop Violet's head before sitting down on the ground in front of the girl, leaning her back against Violet's legs.

Shauna chuckled awkwardly, the previous tension still lingering in the air. "Yeah, I uh... I don't blame him."

"Taissa and Van are on duty now, so I'm sure he'll be fine." Lottie chuckled. She turned her body slightly to look at Violet, handing her a cup with a smile. "Oh! Here's your extremely late drink, by the way."

Violet blinked, the sight of the cup Lottie was holding out to her grabbing her attention. She turned her focus away from the Taylor girl and over to Lottie, working up a smile.

"Thanks, Lot." Violet took the cup, resting her free hand over Lottie's shoulder.

Lottie smiled at the action and lifted her arm, fiddling with Violet's hand which hung over her shoulder. Jackie watched the interaction between the two with a tightened chest, her jaw already clenching at the sight before she had time to process that it was doing so.

Without another word, Jackie got to her feet and left the group. Shauna and Violet's gazes were quick to follow the girl's movement. And their prior annoyance returned once more as they watched Jackie saunter over to Travis.

Violet scoffed as she raised her cup to her mouth. "Un-fucking-believable."

Lottie glanced at Violet over her shoulder, frowning at the clear frustration emitting from the girl. "What is it? What's wrong?"

The Crawford girl flicked her gaze to Jackie once more for a brief moment, watching her lead Travis to where the drinks were. She inhaled sharply before turning back to Lottie, her heart instantly warming at the sight of her doe eyes looking up at her.

She wasn't going to let Jackie and her pathetic behaviour ruin her night. Their night. She couldn't. Especially not when Lottie had been so excited about Doomcoming. And as far as Violet was concerned, the only person she needed was right there in front of her.

"Nothing." Violet smiled, leaning down and kissing Lottie's forehead. She got to her feet and walked to stand in front of Lottie, holding out her hand. "Come dance with me?"

Lottie's eyes practically lit up at the question, and she took Violet's hand without a second thought, beaming as Violet pulled her to her feet.

"Of course." Lottie answered happily. "I thought you'd never ask."

Violet turned to Shauna, pointing at her with a grin. "I'm coming back for you, Shipman."

Shauna chuckled at the offer. "You make that sound like I don't have a choice."

"That's because you don't." Lottie joked before quietening down to a low whisper, which was broken between chuckles. "Shauna run for your life, I can only distract her for so long!"

"Woah, hey!" Violet grinned, pulling Lottie along with her. "Come on you, before you give her any more ideas."

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[ AUTHORS NOTE ! ]

oh my it's been a while, wayyyy longer than i wanted. anywho, not much of doomcoming has been included in this i know, but for the plot i have planned i kinda needed to drag these parts out before the night all goes to... well complete shit LMAO

also i am quite excited to get back to the adult time line briefly after doomcoming because i have a little something planned for violet... hehe... i wonder what?? or who???

[ not proofread! ]