Love In The Fast Lane [Addison?]

[Tristan Butcher]

Heading out of the bar, the door banging shut behind him, Tristan paced the sidewalk slowly - his destination? Well, anywhere as long as it was far away from the scene he had just left. Inside him, a frustration that had been working it's way slowly throughout his veins since Addison had first began to talk to that scrawny looking guy - rushing along with the blood and adrenaline - had just exploded, like a hand grenade all over the bar-room. He didn't know what made him snap so hard - it's not like he'd ever behaved like that over a girl before. He just couldn't understand it.

It had been that little voice, niggling at the back of mind - which was already partially pickled, due to the beers he'd had beforehand. That cold whisper made his blood boil; it spoke to him, the voice. It showed him that no matter how much he wanted to believe that he could really fall for someone like Addison; no matter how willing he was to give up his lifestyle in order to be with her and to keep her happy, he just wasn't ever going to be good enough.

The voice had shown him that she could never feel the same about him, which cut like a knife deep inside. Tristan wasn't the type to "feel" anything. As far as he was concerned, whoever created life in the form of himself had wasted an organ giving him a heart. Not that he was cruel or bitter - he just never had a reason to actually love anyone. It was new and unfamiliar, and now it had sent him over the edge.

Hearing a familiar voice call out to him, he continued to walk at his own pace, before finally slowing to a hault, frowning to himself before turning about to face the girl. At first he couldn't look her in the eye, but then he made himself do it - he wasn't afraid of many things in life, but he completely hated it when someone gained the upper hand over him in any situation.

"What was that all about? I should ask you the same thing", he replied, raising his brow and ignoring the throbbing in his knuckles from where he'd smacked that clown.

[Addison Darling]

"Tristan! Oh hell! Tristan!" Addison raced out of the bar after Tristan, her head still reeling from the past events. She didn't even understand how all of this started. One minute she had been speaking to a guy she had never seen before and the next minute weird things were happening! At first she thought he was doing it. There was no other explanation! Then all of a sudden, they were reluctantly locked at the lips, and it was very clear that that was not where Addison or Scott wanted to be. Nothing made sense inside that bar! Things just escalated from there until Addison was finally able to pull away, and then BAM!

She had seen Tristan inside the bar, and she had been so sure he wouldn't mind her talking to the poor guy. He seemed awfully busy, and the guy just seemed to be having a bad time. Addison just wanted to help him and make him feel better and now...all of a sudden it seemed like her own life was out of control. Nothing was making any sense, and all she had been doing was trying to make a new friend! She didn't know how, but she knew that creepy guy back in the bar had something to do with it. She knew she could blame it on the few drinks she'd had, but she was certain they had nothing to do with what had gone on. She hadn't been in control of her own body!

Addison ran to catch up with him, trying to think of something to say. Trying to think of some way to explain what had happened to him, when she didn't even know herself. As she thought about it, she just began to get angry. She wasn't an idiot, and she heard things he might not have wanted to her to know. He had been with tons of other women, even while getting to know Addison, so how could he be angry with her over just one kiss! Regardless of if she wanted to kiss that fool or not, he had no right to be angry when he had been sleeping around! She may have made a mistake, but it was nothing compared to what he had done to her heart. She finally caught up as he stopped and faced her.

"I don't know what happened in there Tristan! That wasn't me! I would never ever do something like that, and you know it! That was always your kinda thing I hear."

Hands on her hips, her eyes betrayed how hurt she was. How could he even believe for one second that she would betray his trust. She loved him. She knew it was wrong and that her parents wouldn't approve, but she loved the man standing in front of her. She looked down at his knuckles, reminded of the showdown he had just had with someone neither of them knew. It was hard to believe that Tristan would do such a thing, and especially over someone like herself. She reached out slowly for his hand, attempting to make sure he was alright.

"Let me see your hand.. You hit him pretty hard you know.. Could've messed up something.. I know he's going to have one hell of a black eye in the morning.."

tagged→ Tristan!
words→ five sixty-six
notes→ Aw...damn Jenson
credit→ VIOLET BBY, of CAUTION TWO POINT OH

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[Tristan Butcher]

"My kind of thing?"

The words echoed around in his head as he said them, a look of complete disbelief floating across his face. He shut his eyes over momentarily, and shook his head, a laugh issuing from him - it wasn't cold and it wasn't hearty either. It was the laugh of someone who might just have given up the will to live. He knew it wasn't the sort of reaction anyone would expect at a time like this - heck, he hadn't even expected it either - but it just came naturally, almost wearily.

He took a step towards Addison, his laughter subsiding as his face changed to a mixture of amusement and sheepishness. He couldn't believe she was coming back at him with such a nasty remark - it wasn't like he ever thought that he'd run into her again when he'd been with those other girls. Why wouldn't he go on living his life as normal? He was a guy; a poor one at that, living on his own and trying to get as much enjoyment out of his life as he possibly could, in order to make up for the rough parts. Was it wrong to find that between the sheets?

"Last I checked you'd stayed away from me because of your parents", he bit back. "And that's great, Pidge! Kudos to you for not wanting to get sucked into my world, I mean why would you want to? But what I did before you came back is my business, you got that? It's still my business. Listen to street gossip if you want, but don't get on my back for living my life like any other warm-blooded male would."

After the words had left his mouth, he immediately regretted them, running his hand through his hair and suppressing a groan; well shit, what did she expect him to do, just stand there? And since when did he let any chick make him feel guilty? Forcing himself to calm, he sighed and looked up at the girl in front of him - she had the right to be mad at him, but he wasn't completely being himself back there. Something had gotten to him, and he couldn't explain what it was that had made him see red. He guessed it was just seeing her kiss someone else - he'd started falling for Addison almost immediately when he saw her again, and well, he couldn't control those feelings because he'd never had to before.

"I'm sorry...", he mumbled, holding out his hand as she began to fuss over it, wincing a little but disguising his pain almost as quickly in a bid to seem brave. "It's fine, doesn't hurt a bit. Though somebody might want to get that kid some ice."

[Addison Darling]

She knew she had hit a nerve, and it also made her aware of just how low she was sinking. Her emotions were getting the best of her, and she was letting them dictate what she said. She wasn't being fair and she knew it, but she absolutely couldn't let him see that she knew she was wrong. Pushing her hair out of her face, she watched as his face turned from anger to amusement. She took a step back, waiting on him to say anything and her face turned to a look of disbelief and anger at his retort.

"Oh is that why I did it? Ever thought, maybe. Just maybe Tristan, that it wasn't my choice. That after my parents almost lost me, they never let me out of that building again until I turned sixteen. If I hadn't wanted to get sucked into your world, why would I even bother talking to you now! You think I don't know you're a street tramp?! It's not much better being this perfect little porcelain princess! I'm...I'm sorry..I was just angry, because if all of that's your business then why isn't me kissing other guys my business? At least, if that's what I choose to do, which it isn't. You don't know what happened back there anymore than I do."

It was obvious her leaving had hurt him. She supposed it had to, because she had been his only company during those days. Then her parents snatched her away and told her she was never allowed to see the street urchin again. She was much better than that and, when it was time, her parents would select a lovely young man for her to fall in love with. She had never even been given the chance to search for him, and their meeting again had been by pure luck. On the one night Addison chosen to sneak out, he had been at the bar. It had always been love at first sight for her. She had chosen who she would love, and it was Tristan.

Taking his hand gently in hers, she examined it for a moment. She pressed down gently on it. She almost hoped something was hurt, because maybe he'd learn a lesson about punching people he didn't know! Scott hadn't done anything wrong, and he definitely did not deserve to punched in the face over her. She giggled quietly as he disguised the pain. Of course he had to play the role of a brave man who never got hurt.

"I'm sure someone has, now that they're sure you won't be going back and punching any more random people. You'll be lucky if they let you back in there Tris." She smiled slightly and let go of his hand. "Looks like you'll be fine. Maybe just a bit of bruising. Luckily you've got me to nurse your poor hand back to health. We should get some ice for you, y'know. If we do, maybe the bruising won't be so bad." She looked away for a moment, before looking up at him. "Why'd you do that Tristan? He was just some guy who maybe liked me. Why'd that get under your skin so bad?"

tagged→ Tristan!
words→ five sixty-five
credit→ VIOLET BBY, of CAUTION TWO POINT OH

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[Tristan Butcher]

Tristan looked up at her sharply as she hit back with an excuse; inside he knew that he had no right to react as he had, just because some guy was interested in her. It was a good point, but he wasn't about to let her know this. Instead, he thought about that day when her parents found her; it was a good thing, but at the same time Tristan couldn't help but feel pissed after all those years. Maybe, just maybe if he'd had that company all along, he wouldn't have turned out the way he did.

For the longest time since then, he'd begun to categorize Addison along with his mother; heartless and not interested in being with him for more than a few days. Her leaving him, even after she promised she would come back to see him, had cut like a knife. It had made him bitter about families; couples, too. He believed that, in the end, they'd just give up on you. And he'd told himself that was what Addison had done all those years ago.

But now she was here, right in front of him, nursing his swollen hand and fighting her own corner; he didn't know what to think. He had been torn when he first ran into her at the Poison Apple a few weeks back. He'd been both ecstatic, and at the same time anxious about getting too close to her. He had it embedded into his brain that she would just get up and leave again, or her parents would come back. Sure, she was a big girl now. But he knew these fancy upper-class folk. They were the biggest jerks around, who'd sooner spit on you than spare you a dime. So he'd played it cool, up until tonight that is.

"W-well, fine it's your business. Kiss whoever you want, but don't insult my intelligence Pidge. One of you knew what was going on in there, people don't just automatically start snogging the faces of each other. And even if they did, well I ... I can't help being involved. You forget how bad this place really is, but I don't. I'm still in l-"

He paused, staring down into her warm eyes and feeling a knot twist in his gut nervously; what was this, spill your guts day today? He ran his good hand through his hair and shook his head, moving a step closer to her, soothed by her gentle touch.

"- I, what I mean is, I'm still protective over you. From the last time. A girl like you shouldn't be wandering around dodgy bars on her own, especially downtown. It's not safe."

When she pressed down on his hand with a little added pressure, Tristan did everything he could to prevent the "Ow!" that escaped his lips. He frowned and then looked up at her sheepishly, shrugging. Right now, he wasn't so interested in going back to the bar. After all, there were too many weirdos around.

"They'll let me back", he replied confidently. "They'll let anyone in these days."

He thought about her question, feeling put on the spot now. Looking her over, he held his tongue for a bit longer; he wanted to let her know the truth. Hell, he'd almost done it just a few moments ago. However, he knew that he wasn't ready for that kind of step. He wasn't used to committment; to being a one woman man. It was easier to hide behind dozens of women and then move along - even if the satisfaction was wearing thin now. All he knew was that he loved her, but then, the last time he loved someone - even for a day - well, they'd walked right out of his life without a care in the goddamn world.

"Like I said...I'm still protective when it comes to you. I just...I...I guess I didn't like to see some guy taking advantage of you", he lied hastily. "I care about you...alot."

[Addison Darling]

Addy knew that everyone expected her to be like her parents. Everyone expected her to grow up all nice and proper and get married early on. They expected her husband to go into her father's business, and to have that simple fairytale life that little girls dream of. However, Addison had always been determined to be different. Her life wasn't going to be planned out for her. She decided early on that she would make her own decisions and she would live her own life. She had already made many choices that they disapproved of, such as getting a business degree and thinking about opening a restaurant. She just wanted to be happy, and they didn't see that.

She understood that Tristan believed her to be like every other woman in his life. It was obvious he had never had anyone stable in his life. No one had stayed longer than a month, and it killed her that he put her in that category. She had never, ever meant to hurt him. Life had just..happened. It had pulled them so far apart that she never thought he'd ever want to see her again. Especially not in the frilly dresses and idiotic heels her parents made her wear everywhere until she turned eighteen. She just assumed he had gone out and made new friends.

"Tristan how many times do I have to tell you that I had no idea what was going on? It wasn't my choice to kiss him! I just met him for goodness sakes! If I was going to choose anyone to kiss in that bar it would've been you, not some random fool!"

She gasped and covered her mouth, before turning her face away from him. Hair covering her blushing face, she pushed onwards in the conversation, almost hoping he hadn't heard her.

"I know where I am. I'm not some little girl anymore Tristan. I don't need a big strong bodyguard everywhere I go.. I appreciate your concern though..It's sweet that you worry about my well-being.."

She bit back a giggle as she saw him struggle to hold back an exclamation of pain. Maybe he wouldn't go around punching people, now that he knew he would get hurt too. She doubted it though, because she knew him well enough to know he did whatever he pleased. It was one of the reasons she felt so drawn to him. He led such a free life, whereas she was stuck in a cage for most of her life. He could do as he pleased, and that was all she ever wanted out of her life. Her face turned even redder, if even possible, as he said he cared about her. She was so unused to anyone publicly expressing any sort of affection towards her.

"Well thank you Tristan.. I'm sorry I got so angry..I guess you had every right to be angry, if you thought he would take advantage of me..People have been warning me to be a tad more careful. I'm sorry I said..well all of that..I don't own you and I have no right to be angry who you're with..I have no idea what came over me."

Sighing, she turned away from him. It almost sounded as if he was going to say he loved her for a moment, and her hopes had gotten quite high. She knew she cared for him immensely, but she had no idea how he felt. He had simply acted like a protector since she ran into him a few weeks ago. She didn't know what she was supposed to do or say to make him notice that she wasn't a little kid anymore. She just wanted him for herself, and it was so hard to sit back knowing that if she said nothing, he would go back out there and find someone else. She contented herself with the idea that he did care at least..It had to be a start in the right direction..

tagged→ Tristan!
credit→ VIOLET BBY, of CAUTION TWO POINT OH

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[Tristan Butcher]

Hearing her apology made him realize just how irrationable they were both being towards one another. They both had no rights over each other, so why was it damn difficult for them to live their lives as they had been doing before they met up again? Tired from arguing, and even more exhausted from thinking about what had just transpired back at the Poison Apple, Tristan ignored the throbbing pain in his knuckles and took hold of Addison's hand as she turned her head away from him, wearing a somewhat downcast expression.

"We both said things that, well, we didn't want to", he responded to her, content to just stroke her feminine little hand with his thumb as he held it in his larger, rather rough palm. He offered her a faint smile, raising his brows slightly. "I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you? I'll take you to dinner. I know this great little Italian place downtown?"

He silently hoped she'd say yes, upon giving her one of his most charming, debonaire smiles - few women could resist it, believe it or not. There must've been something appealing about a young vagrant scraping by to survive and getting into scuffles. The ladies loved it. Of course, there was only one lady he wanted to charm right now. The rest? They might not have existed, for all he cared.

Chancing a small glance back at the doors to the bar with a grimace, he reached his free hand up to rub the back of his neck - the guilt for the trouble he had caused finally setting in. When he was next at the bar, he'd find the poor guy and buy him a beer to say sorry. It was the least he could do for the black eye he knew he'd already landed him with.

[Addison Darling]

Her face broke into a slight smile as he stroked her hand with his own. Everything felt okay. Almost like that whole bar scene had never happened, and she was content to let it continue on that way. "Of course. I'd love that. Might be good to meet outside that bar for once anyhow.." She couldn't help but giggle. The only times they'd seen each other recently had been at this bar, and it had mostly been idle chit-chat. This was their first real conversation since she left his care as a kid.

She giggled as he smiled at her. It was one of those smiles that she knew no woman would be able to resist. She knew that even if she had tried, she would have had no luck in saying no. She wouldn't have even wanted to say no. Tristan was her knight in shining armor. He was the one who would save her from living a mediocre life. Besides, this restaurant was sure to give her plenty of ideas to work with for her own restaurant.

Things were changing so rapidly that she almost couldn't believe it. A couple of weeks ago, Addison was just a girl stuck in The Towers with no big plans for her life. Now all of a sudden, here she was with a man she never she'd see again in her life. Tristan was standing in front of her and offering to take her to dinner. It was fantastic.

All of a sudden, thoughts began to fill her head. What would her parents do if they found it... This was going to have to be a secret. Her parents wanted her to marry a business man or someone who would help her lead a safe and steady life. Tristan was none of that, but it didn't matter to her. She wanted her life to go the way she wanted it to go. She would do whatever she had to to make this thing work.

tagged→ Tristan!
credit→ VIOLET BBY, of CAUTION TWO POINT OH

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