Christmas & New Years in Zadence. (Finished)

[Leave with Naomi]

From what little I've seen of him, this seems to be the most in character for him. By the way, the story and the characters look interesting. When you officially begin the story, will we be able to submit characters or do you already have your entire cast planned?

[Leave with Naomi]

I'm sure there are other names on the list who will play along "for the kids".

[Leave with Naomi]

Screw playing along. Naomi's got the right idea.

I think I picked up on some of that Australian slang with "arse" lol. Is the story set in Australia as well? Anyway, this definitely has my interest. Small-town stories are close to my heart!

THE VOTING IS CLOSED! Readers chose 'Leave with Naomi'


Just want to quickly say that I really appreciate and love the interest this story is getting. Can't wait to continue and introduce you to more of the town and it's residents. Next part shouldn't take too long.

They might. I'm just not too knowledgeable about it.

[Go to the party with Tyler]

Naomi and Chelsea's relationship (as well as Naomi's appearance) reminds me of the Life is Strange videogame. Did you take any inspiration from that?

[Go to the Party with Naomi] - Going with this because Naomi is much nicer than Tyler, and Kyle and Tyler's friendship doesn't seem too deep. It seems Kyle is more like, hmm, a hanger-on, who doesn't have many options friend-wise. That said, I'm sure Tyler will find it in himself be thoroughly upset by it anyway lol.

THE VOTING IS CLOSED! Kyle will go to the party with Naomi.


I was waiting for more votes but I think we've waited a little too long, sorry about that. So I've settled the tiebreaker with my own vote. I'll soon get back to writing and get the next part to you ASAP. Hope you enjoy.


QUESTION: What do you think of the characters introduced so far? Got a favorite? Someone you dislike? I'm curious to know.

I'm so glad you're into it! And thanks for your thoughts on the characters.

Sorry this part took so long to release guys. It's taking me a bit longer to tell this Christmas tease than I intended but hopefully it's keeping you interested. Anyway in this part I experimented a little with featuring text messages. Please let me know if you think it was done well or could use some improvements. Anyway here's the part and I hope you enjoy.


Kyle

Kyle couldn't hold back a smile and nodded, though perhaps too quickly. "Yeah, that sounds awesome!" Naomi smirked at him "Aren't you adorable." And Kyle blushed before realizing something "So... uh how are we getting there? To the party I mean." Naomi chuckled "Don't worry, you won't have to pick me up at seven." She teased. "I imagine we'll walk, I don't have a driver's licence." Kyle nodded "Neither do I."

Naomi then proceeded to pull a phone from her pocket and slide it over to Kyle "Just give me your number, I'll text you and tell you where we'll meet." The pair then proceeded to exchange numbers. "Awesome, wasn't too interested before, but I have to admit I'm looking forward to tonight now." She winked and Kyle chuckled awkwardly "Uh, yeah so am I." Naomi grinned before turning around and muttering to herself "Shit..." Kyle looked past her "Is something wrong?" Naomi groaned "My friend has taken off, I'm gonna have to look for him. I'll text you later, Kyle." She said as she took her phone and stood up. "It was nice meeting you!" Kyle waved with a big smile and Naomi grinned, waving back "You too, pretty boy!" And she left.

Kyle then bit his lip, wondering what he was thinking "You're into Chelsea, you idiot! Don't develop another crush." He criticized himself before shrugging "She's really cool though..." he argued with himself. he sat alone debating his feelings before he looked at his phone, realizing his brother should probably know he had plans with someone else now. He reached for his phone and proceeded to text Tyler that he was going with someone else now. Soon after he realized he had a new text message. He proceeded to read it

Naomi: "Didn't give me a fake number right? "

Kyle laughed, she was really fun... he then mentally slapped himself again.

Chelsea

Chelsea grinned as she looked in the mirror at her grandfather's house. Admiring the outfit she'd chosen. She went simple this time, wearing a black tanktop and a pair of shorts. She'd been working out and wanted to show off her figure.

She heard her friend behind her giggling "Bold and simple, just like you." Chelsea mockingly gasped at her friend "Did you just call me simple?" Tiffany and Chelsea enjoyed teasing each other like this. Tiffany was of average height so just a bit shorter than Tiffany, she had dark skin, long brown hair and green eyes.

Tiffany smirked "So who are you showing off for?" Chelsea smirked "Everyone. But also myself, it's kind of an ego boost." Chelsea said as she turned a little to glance at her behind and Tiffany laughed "That's enough, princess! You look great, I promise." Chelsea laughed "Okay, fine!" And sat down to take a quick break as she glanced around, admiring the decorations she had set up and smiled "Oh man, this is gonna be so awesome!" She cheered, obviously very excited.

Tiffany sat next to her, clearly pondering something "So how'd the last minute invites go? " Chelsea layed back "Don't worry they made it, I made sure Tyler got his, and I also threw one in for Kyle..." Tiffany quirked an eyebrow "Who's Kyle?" Chelsea gave a playful glare "You know, Kyle. He's Tyler's brother. Dark hair, always sitting by himself drawing..." Tiffany nodded "Ahh right, the adopted kid, he's a bit of an emo though." Chelsea jabbed her shoulder "Don't be mean! I thought it'd be good for him. And no one is to pick on him, I'm serious!" Tiffany raised her hands in mock surrender "Hey you don't need to worry about me, though some of the people you're inviting aren't the nicest of people." Chelsea pouted, hoping she hadn't unintentionally set up Kyle to have a horrible Christmas.

Tiffany sensing her concern stood up and smiled "Alright that's enough screwing around, we've got to set up more food and especially drinks for the amount of people who are gonna show up." Chelsea groaned "Ugh, being popular is so hard!" She whined and Tiffany laughed forcing her to her feet "Oh poor you! Come on let's get to it, princess." She said giving her playful slap on the bottom. Chelsea glared before laughing and getting back to work, still incredibly excited for tonight.

Corey

Corey sat at a bench in a nearby park alone. Selfishly being annoyed that Naomi was making an effort to hang out with other people. He knew it was unfair of him but he couldn't help it. He then checked his phone to see a text from Naomi

Naomi: "Made a new friend!
Said he could come with us, tonight. Hope that's okay. Meet at your place?"

Corey: "Fine"

Corey replied bluntly and coldly, making it obvious he was annoyed. Though as he thought about it he figured it'd be best to avoid confrontation with his mother, or worse her boyfriend. He quickly texted again

Corey: "Actually could we meet at the park instead? Wouldn't want your boyfriend to be scared away by the drugs."

Naomi: "Fine by me "

He tried to tease her and she simply replies with an emoji? Corey groaned, frustrated he couldn't even win a text argument with her.

Corey sighed as he dreaded being forced to interact with someone he didn't know "Please don't be a cunt, please don't be a cunt..." He muttered to himself when he suddenly got another text, this time from his friend Zack who he hadn't seen a while. He read the text

Zack: "Hey man, how's it going?"

Corey: "Miserable."

Zack: "Same as usual then? "

Corey smirked, how'd he always make friends with people who liked to tease him? He knew Zack meant well and was just trying to make him smile.

Zack: "How's my family doing?"

Corey: "You talking about your blood or your gang?"

Zack: "Both"

Corey: "Your brother is still hanging around with Tyler. I try to avoid your gang so can't tell you much."

Zack was part of the local gang in town, his family disapproves for obvious reasons but for some reason it made Zack happy, Corey of all people knew how important that was so he let him be.

Corey then scratched his neck, considering whether he should ask his next question so he just went for it.

Corey: "I'm running low."

Zack: "Uh huh. Try and hold on for the holidays. I should be back by the time school starts up again."

Corey groaned but didn't complain to him via text. After a bit of silence he got one more text.

Zack: "I gotta go, man. Merry Christmas."

Corey: "Merry Christmas. Can't wait for you to get back."

And with that the conversation was over. Corey decided to light a cigarette while he waited, hoping it'd calm him down before Naomi got to the park.

Tyler

Tyler waved goodbye to the kids in the neighborhood and breathed a sigh of relief as he climbed into his car, it was barely more than a small truck as his mother wouldn't let him get anything more expensive. Some crap about it being more humble or something. However he had spray painted it and added some stickers to make it look flashier. He removed his hat and mask "Shit, this thing is hot!" He laughed and turned to see one of his best friends Carl smirking at him from outside the car. "What's so funny, four eyes?" Carl chuckled and shook his head "You couldn't resist could you, just had to pick a fight with Corey didn't you?" Carl is a tall and rather slim boy. As opposed to Tyler being more built and muscular. He has short, light brown hair and blue eyes.

Tyler smirked and shrugged "I don't know what you're talking about." Carl shook his head and climbed into the passage seat "No bullshit between us remember?" Tyler sighed "Why do you always have to be so serious?" Carl stared blankly, offering no reply and Tyler groaned "The guy is a walking disease. Weighs everyone around him down. Especially Chelsea." Carl nodded "Might be so but Chelsea wouldn't agree, you risk ruining your friendship with her. Plus it'll ruin your family's reputation. The mayor's son in a street fight won't go unnoticed." Tyler groaned at the mention of his mother, he could hear her scolding him now.

Before Tyler could reply his message tone went off and he checked his phone to see had a text message from his brother Kyle.

Kyle: "A friend invited me, going with them instead."

A very blunt and short message "What the fuck?" Tyler groaned "Since when does Kyle have friends?" Carl chuckled "Speaking of bad reputation..." This earned a glare from Tyler "What's that supposed to mean?" And Carl simply looked at his watch "We better get moving if we're gonna get that present for Chelsea." He dodged the question and Tyler began driving.

They made it to the market and as they stopped Tyler couldn't stop thinking about what Carl said "What were you saying? About Kyle?" He asked and Carl sighed "Come on, buddy. Let's not do this now. Don't want to go to a party with a foul mood." Tyler sighed, considering whether he should let it go in favor of a good time or pressure him about Kyle's supposed 'bad reputation'

[Pressure Carl for an answer] [Let it go]

[Let it go]



I'm sorry, I couldn't resist That being said, I do indeed believe that it would not be a good idea to pressure Carl right now. He made it clear he does not wish to answer right now, so this can only cause trouble between them.

Really liked this part as well! I didn't mention it before, I quite enjoy this more grounded style of the story, it nicely sets it apart from many of the other stories on here and gives it something unique. That being said, I wouldn't be too surprised if something odd happens eventually and I wouldn't mind that either, but for now, I enjoy the tone!

THE VOTING IS CLOSED! Tyler will 'Let it go'


I'm actually really surprised by this result. Only two of you voted but still, I expected readers to naturally want to defend Kyle. I'm not complaining! Just surprised. Anyway I must again apologize for the wait, I keep wanting to wait for more votes that aren't coming. But hopefully you'll be happy to see the story get going again.

Kyle

Kyle had hoped to leave sooner before Tyler could see him to avoid awkwardness but he should've known that was a foolish hope. He had dressed in a simple black hoodie and pants, deciding against dressing up and saw Tyler outside as he was sneaking out. Tyler was wearing his team's jersey when he saw Kyle and he smirked "You think Chelsea will be impressed by a hoodie?" Kyle sighed "Maybe she's not the type to judge by people's fashion." He glared and Tyler frowned "Alright, relax I'm sorry. Are you coming or not?" He said as he gestured to his truck with Tyler's friend Carl standing next to it. Kyle shook his head "No, I told you. I'm going with a friend." And proceeded to walk past.
Tyler groaned at this "Don't bullshit me, kid. We both know you don't have friends." That stung, albeit probably unintentional as is all the cruel things Tyler does but nonetheless he does it. What truly angered Kyle was the way he belittled him by calling him 'kid'

Kyle turned and glared at him, clearly furious and Tyler instantly regretted his words. Carl then spoke up "Tyler, maybe you don't want to do this in front of me? Or better yet openly out on the street?" Kyle nodded "Great plan. See ya." He said bitterly and bluntly as he gave a lazy salute before he marched away.

Kyle had been walking for a bit in his angry state but eventually felt the need to vent. "Fucking cunt!" Kyle angrily muttered to himself as he walked towards the park.
"Shit, pal who pissed in your cereal?" Kyle turned to see a guy presumably around his age sitting on the swing. Red hair, pale skin, lean but muscular. "Sorry. Thought I was alone." He shyly apologized. The guy shook his head "It's fine man. Vent a little. Apparently it's healthy, despite the fact nobody wants to hear about your problems." He said bitterly and Kyle sighed "It's... just people." The guy raised an eyebrow "People?" Kyle attempted to explain "They just... they piss me off." He smiled then, seeming to understand "Yeah, me too." Then he stood up and offered a handshake. "Corey." He introduced himself Kyle reluctantly shook his hand "Hey, I'm Kyle."

Corey nodded "Kyle huh... got a face to the name now." Kyle looked at him with a confused expression and Corey explained "I saw you at the diner. I'm Naomi's friend. She told you I was coming right?" Kyle widened his eyes in realization "Oh! Yeah she mentioned a friend was coming." Kyle brightened up at the mention of Naomi "She's pretty cool, huh?" Corey sighed "Fucking hell..." but couldn't contain a smile at Kyle's mood change.

Kyle looked around "She's coming right?" Corey shook his head "Don't panic, lover boy. She'll be here soon." Then he looked over his shoulder "There's the devil now." Kyle turned and saw Naomi approaching and awkwardly smiled and waved. Naomi smirked and waved back. "Hope you two boys have been playing nice." Corey rolled his eyes "We were just talking." he said bluntly. Naomi was now wearing a black tanktop without her jacket and Kyle took notice that she was rather well built and her arms were nice to look at. Corey whispered in his ear "She'll eat you up if she catches you staring..." he teased and Kyle blushed as he averted his eyes "So! Uh... shall we get going?" Naomi chuckled "Yeah, pretty. Let's go."

On the way to the party they walked together on the street, with a fair bit to go they had time to chat and soon Naomi smiled, leaning close to Kyle "So Kyle since we're friends now we should get to know each other shouldn't we?" Kyle thought he saw Corey roll his eyes, wondering why he seemed so anti social, though he probably didn't have room to talk on that front "Uh, yeah! We should." Kyle responded and Naomi stared obviously waiting for Kyle to say something before playfully poking his forehead prompting Kyle to talk as he realized he was staring and he chuckled "Um, right. So obviously I like to draw. I spend a lot of time on it." Naomi nodded with interest "Yeah, sketches right? Or portraits?" That earned a snicker from Corey which earned a shoulder jab from Naomi. Kyle nodded "Yeah... though not everyone appreciates it..." Corey smirked "Not a surprise there."

Naomi glared "Corey..." She warned and Corey shrugged before turning to Kyle "They find it creepy right?" He asked him bluntly and Kyle didn't answer unsure how to respond and Corey continued "I bet they call you all kinds of nasty shit, creep, emo, loner..." Kyle looked down as his words struck as some of them were close to the truth. Naomi frowned noticing this and glared at Corey "Give us a minute Kyle." She said and Kyle nodded as he saw her clearly annoyed with him and overhead her whisper "The fuck is your problem, Corey? You can't treat people like this!" Kyle sighed as he waited for them to finish, things were fun at first and he was honestly excited but now things weren't looking great, maybe he should've gone with Tyler... As that thought entered his mind he scowled and shook his head. Kyle chose to remain optimistic, Naomi was really cool so he chose to hope things would look up when they got to the party.

From then on things were pretty awkward on the way to the party, Naomi was clearly upset with Corey and he himself was quiet the rest of the way but Kyle couldn't get a decent read of how he was feeling, though he assumed he didn't like him. Thankfully it wasn't much further to the party from there which was evident by Naomi suddenly leaning closer to Kyle and pointing "There it is, the Princesse's Castle" Naomi smiled and she seemed playful but Kyle couldn't help but feel she sounded a little bitter.

Kyle looked ahead to the cabin and it was really nice, it was obvious Chelsea came from money and that she spent a great deal of time decorating the place. There were Christmas lights everywhere and some props such as Gnomes made to look like Santa. "Chelsea must've worked hard on this!" Kyle exclaimed, it was stunning. Naomi nodded "Yeah she always got pretty excited about this stuff, you should see her on Halloween." Naomi chuckled, clearly thinking back on memories but then she seemed a little sad. Naomi noticed Kyle wanted to say something and she playfully jabbed his arm "I'm fine, don't worry. Let's head inside." Kyle nodded hesitantly, clearly a little nervous but walked ahead with Naomi.

As they were about to enter Naomi suddenly turned to look at Corey. "Are you not coming?" She asked him and Corey shrugged "I'll just hang out here for a bit." Naomi sighed looking between Kyle and Corey "Don't get into any trouble okay? I'll be right back" She said and Corey didn't answer. Naomi frowned but went inside with Kyle.

Kyle felt incredibly awkward after that and hesitantly brought it up "Is everything alright?" And Naomi nodded "Don't worry about it, he gets moody sometimes but he'll be okay." Kyle reluctantly took her word for it as they got to the door Kyle was suddenly very nervous and fiddled with the package in his jacket pocket. Noticing this Naomi smiled placing a comforting hand on his arm "Got a present for her, huh?" She asked him bluntly and rubbing his neck nervously he nodded "The uh, sketch I made of Chelsea, I thought she might like it but... what if she finds it creepy?" He sighed "I don't think she even knows me."

In response to this Naomi playfully rolled her eyes "Ok pretty boy, enough moping." She said to him bluntly "Corey can be a dick sometimes don't dwell on what he said and if Chelsea is anything but flattered then she's an idiot." That last part seemed a little aggressive to Kyle but he laughed nonetheless. Naomi smiled "Never know until you try."

Kyle took a breath as if it'd give him the confidence needed as he looked into the window by the door, there were a lot of people and it seemed pretty loud, he had no doubt he'd look out of place. Before he had time to hesitate Naomi knocked on the door for him, giving him a wink and before he could run someone answered the door. It wasn't Chelsea, but her best friend Tiffany. Kyle didn't know her but he'd seen her hanging out with Tyler and heard about her being friends with Chelsea. Tiffany had a bright smile that almost instantly dropped as if she realized who was at the door and expected more. "Are you guys lost?" Tiffany asked quite rudely, This earned an unamused glare from Kyle when suddenly Naomi chuckled "Maybe... is this not the club of annoying dickheads who think they're better than everyone?" Tiffany gasped, clearly offended "Excuse me? Naomi who do you think you're talking to?" At that Naomi's expression lit up "Oh this is the right place, isn't that great Kyle?" Naomi giggled as she shoulder barged past Tiffany and Kyle silently followed with a smile. Tiffany shouted "You can't just show up uninvited because your Corey's friend or that you used to be friends with Chelsea!" But Naomi ignored her as they walked inside.

Kyle looked around, there indeed a lot of people as well as some loud Christmas music playing, Kyle felt extremely out of place and put his hood over his head as if it'd hide him. This earned a smirk from Naomi "As cute as this is I'm pretty sure everyone can still see you." Kyle blushed but didn't answer as he continued looking around. He then saw Naomi helping herself at a table of snacks. "It's free food! It'd be stupid to miss out." She said as she threw Kyle a piece of a sausage roll to him. Catching it, Kyle shrugged and ate it, nothing special just like the usual party sausage rolls his dad liked to buy but Kyle did like them.

Naomi playfully threw some food in Kyle's face "You're way too quiet Kyle, say something please! Have fun with me. Or else!" She threatened as she threw more Kyle couldn't help but laugh, forgetting about the crowd for a moment as he raised his hands in mock surrender "I am, I am! I promise." Naomi smirked accepting his surrender.

Naomi soon turned to see a huge pile of wrapped presents. "Holy shit." She laughed and Kyle widened his eyes "Surely this isn't all for her." He exclaimed and Naomi giggled "Nah she's not that greedy. They're for everyone. She's done this before. Chelsea's got money and she likes throwing it around to buy people's friendship." She said before helping herself to one "Shaped like a video game or a movie." She said as she pocketed it "Just hope it's good." Kyle didn't reply as he spotted Chelsea across the room, chatting with a few people. Naomi noticed this and encouraged him "There's your chance. Go on, I'm right behind you." Kyle shook his head, suddenly feeling really nervous and anxious "There's too many people, and I've never actually spoken to her before, I can't." Naomi frowned "You can come on, Kyle you got this." She tried to convince him but Kyle was still reluctant. And to make matters worse he looked out the window and saw a familiar truck approaching the cabin. Kyle glared, he couldn't risk dealing with Tyler now on top of this. "I'm sorry I can't." And immediately stormed off "Kyle hold on!" Naomi called but Kyle didn't come back and Naomi would quickly lose him in the crowd.

Tyler

Tyler sighed as he sat in the passenger seat of his car as he and his friend Carl made their way to Chelsea's party. Carl insisted that he drive since Tyler was in a foul mood after arguing with his brother. Carl saw Tyler and attempted a reassuring smile "Cheer up, man. We're nearly there, guarantee you'll light up again once the party starts." Tyler narrowed his eyes at Carl "I love you man but seriously you're not good at the whole comforting thing." Carl chuckled and shook his head "Maybe so but I'm not wrong. You'll be fine once the mood is right and you're with friends." Tyler reluctantly nodded "You never are, as you repeatedly remind me." He sarcastically quipped and Carl smiled "See, you're yourself already, I got you man." Tyler finally let loose a smile which Carl was clearly prideful of.

Soon they arrived at the address and was already packed this was obviously the place with the the amount of bright lights and beautiful decorations. It was a nice place, beautiful grass, some well kept plants. "Chelsea's grandad took good care of this place" Tyler said and Carl nodded "Shame all you misfits are gonna ruin it." He joked and Tyler laughed "Too bad we're late." And Carl smirked "Wouldn't be late if you didn't always leave your presents last minute." He teased as Tyler reached for the gift from the back "You better not snitch on me." He warned and Carl shook his head with a smile "Never."

As they got out of the car Tyler looked to his friend."Hey... Carl?" Tyler said and Carl turned "Why are we friends?" He asked him bluntly but with a smirk to hide behind to avoid potential awkwardness. He couldn't help but wonder. They were so different in a lot of ways. And though Carl would never say it to his face, Tyler could tell he didn't like Kyle.
Carl quirked an eyebrow as if Tyler asked something silly. "Because we need each other, Golden Boy." Carl said and seeing that Tyler seemed disappointed with his answer he sighed "Come on you know why. Disappointing family like mine, you being my friend has done a lot for me and I'm grateful for that." Tyler nodded "I suppose that's something. But hey, I'm grateful too just so you know." Carl nodded back before letting out a chuckle "Come on let's get inside before we get too sappy." Tyler laughed at that and followed him inside.

As they entered it was painfully obvious they were late as the place was crowded with familiar faces and not so familiar faces but they all knew him. Which was clear by everyone turning to the door. Carl turned to him and whispered "Say something, Star Player/Son of the Mayor." And Tyler smiled and waved "Uh, hey guys sorry I'm late." He said awkwardly earning a few laughs and a roll of the eyes from Carl. "Merry Christmas everyone!" Carl said on behalf of Tyler with most people saying it back. Tyler bit his lip "I'm sorry, you know I'm not great with public speaking." Carl sighed "It's just a friendly greeting Tyler" he teased and Tyler shrugged.

Immediately after they naturally joined the party. Carl was eyeing the snack table while Tyler made a beeline straight for the alcohol "Sweet!" He said excitedly before turning to Carl who seemed a little distracted "Hey you aren't drinking tonight right?" He asked him, making sure he wouldn't be driving home drunk or his mother would have his head. Carl turned slowly "Huh, what?" Tyler smirked "There someone here you got eyes for?" He teased "Sure your precious reputation can handle that?" He teased his friend and Carl sighed "Nothing like that, I think Tiffany is waving me over." Tyler chuckled almost immediately "Tiffany? Chelsea's friend? She's a bit high maintenance man, are you crazy?" And Carl chuckled "It's not like that, I told you. I'm gonna go see what she wants alright?" Before he left Tyler grabbed his arm "Hold on! You're driving me back right?" He said gesturing to the drinks and Carl nodded "Yeah mate I've got you. Just give me a yell if you can't find me." He said as he left not offering much explanation.

Tyler shrugged, he accepted that Carl could be a bit strange at times. Probably natural for such a complicated family. And with that he grabbed a cup when he heard a familiar voice. "You always go straight for the drinks before saying hi!" He heard a playful female voice and turned to see the host. "Chelsea, hey!" He laughed quickly hugging her "Sorry, Merry Christmas." Taking a second to get a look at her he saw her wearing a black tanktop and a pair of shorts "You look awesome!" Chelsea smirked "Thank you, Merry Christmas Tyler." She said with a friendly smile. Soon she looked around and frowned "I was really hoping your brother would come. This would be good for him." She said clearly disappointed and Tyler looked around wondering if he had shown up "I think he might be coming, he just didn't come with me." Chelsea eyed him suspiciously "You didn't ditch him right?" Chelsea scolded Tyler because she remembered some of the times he complained about Kyle hanging around him. And Tyler sighed "Other way around actually."

Chelsea seeming confused and slightly concerned crossed her arms "What happened?" And Tyler rolled his eyes searching for a change of subject when he remembered why he was late. "Kyle's fine, forget about that. Let me give you this before I forget." He said as he pulled a necklace from his pocket. "Not the most unique present I know and you could probably buy your own but I wanted to get you something and the party was super short notice and--" Suddenly Chelsea put a finger to his lip and took the necklace "Hush, you dork! It's fine, I love it." Tyler chuckled "Well that's good." He said before pushing a cup into her hand "Come on have a drink with me." Chelsea smiled "So long as you save your energy for a dance." Tyler laughed as he wrapped an arm around her It would be my pleasure babe" and they joined the large crowd for some fun.

Corey

Corey was stalling quite a bit as he made excuse after excuse not to go inside "Just one more cigarette break" he sighed, he hasn't felt comfortable hanging around with people other than Naomi for a while, most people anyway. And once he realized Tyler had arrived he really didn't want to go inside, not that he was scared of him but for Chelsea's sake to avoid making a scene and ruining her party she was so excited for. He put his cigarette out and tried to force himself to go inside when he saw Tyler dancing with Chelsea and being pretty handsy. "Fuck this." He complained as he genuinely thought about leaving but then he some hushed whispers around the corner. "He's here with Naomi." Corey heard someone mention Naomi and from then he couldn't not eavesdrop.

Corey carefully leaned against the wall trying to focus on the whispers. "I know he's his brother but he's weird! He shouldn't be here." Corey heard a female voice that of Chelsea's best friend Tiffany. "Tyler wouldn't agree... but you're right, it's not a good look." Then Corey heard a male voice, it was Zack's brother Carl and friend of Tyler. Corey sighed thinking about how Chelsea was surrounded by such trashy people.

"I don't care what it looks like, Carl. He creeps me out how he watches everyone and just draws shit and Chelsea doesn't need any drama from Naomi." Tiffany snapped at Carl and Corey got a little annoyed at the mention of Naomi and Chelsea as he remembered their falling out. It also sounded like they were talking about Kyle, Corey felt proven right about what he said to him earlier.
"Yeah okay, I hear you, calm down." Carl reasoned before sighing "I'll take care of it okay. Don't worry about it." Tiffany sighed "Yeah okay... thank you. Just trying to look out for Chelsea." Corey scoffed "Pathetic excuse." He muttered to himself, low enough that they didn't hear. "She's lucky to have you, don't worry I got this." Carl reassured her and Corey heard footsteps moving further away as well as another going back inside. Taking a peek Corey saw Carl walking away. Corey didn't like how things seemed so he followed him. "Sorry Zack..." Corey silently apologized to his friend as if he could hear him.

Soon Corey from a distance saw Carl meet up with a small group of people, a couple nerdy looking guys and one taller guy, probably a football player from school. "Hey, guys." Carl whispered "We have a bit of a problem. Kyle's here and he needs to go. He makes people uncomfortable and he makes certain people look bad."
"You're talking about Kyle's brother, Zack." Corey scowled at the mention of Tyler and that apparently Kyle's his brother.
Carl sighed "He won't find out, it's not like we're gonna kill him. Mostly just scare him, maybe a small bruise or two, the guy does have a temper." Reluctantly the group agreed and moved, following Carl, presumably looking for Kyle.

"Fuck me!" Corey angrily muttered to himself wondering if he's supposed to do something about this. He didn't fancy getting his arse kicked by a bunch of nerds but while Kyle did seem a bit weird he doesn't deserve to get beat up and kicked out for coming to a party. Then again he did just find out he's related to Tyler, how can you be family and not also be a cunt. Perhaps Corey was being too harsh, though he wasn't comfortable with him hanging out with Naomi, Kyle hadn't actually done anything to wrong him yet. Plus Naomi probably wouldn't appreciate if Corey knew and just let Kyle be kicked out. And presumably Kyle doesn't deserve it, Corey had to decide whether or not he cared.
Corey sighed as he watched the group get further away. "To intervene or have just one more cigarette..."

[Defend Kyle] [Don't defend Kyle]



Chelsea

Chelsea laughed as she and Tyler danced rather merrily. Despite Chelsea catching his wandering hands occasionally and scolding him for it. It was more a fun dance between friends than a romantic one. Tyler smirked as he tried to spin Chelsea but failing by bumping into her and almost tripping himself. Chelsea giggled "Tyler! You haven't drank that much, you can't be that much of a lightweight." Tyler groaned "Look I can only do so much when winging it, I'm not perfect, despite what my mother would tell you." He said rather defensively "I'm just teasing Ty, relax." Chelsea smiled as she fondly used her nickname for him.

Suddenly someone bumped into Chelsea from behind. "Shit, sorry!" She heard someone say "It's okay." Chelsea said as she turned and widened her eyes as she saw a familiar face. Her hair was shorter and a different, colour but there was no mistaking that Chelsea saw her old friend Naomi in front of her. "Oh..." Was all Chelsea could manage to say. Naomi sighed as she too realized who was in front of her "Oh, hey. Don't mind me just looking for someone." And without another word Naomi moved on past her. "Wait! Naomi hold on!" Chelsea followed her leaving a confused Tyler behind. Grabbing an annoyed Naomi's arm Chelsea managed to stop her, and also realized that Naomi felt a bit stronger than she used to. "What do you want?" Naomi turned around clearly not thrilled to see Chelsea. "I just--" Chelsea whined as she struggled to find the right words "It's been so long, I didn't expect to see you here. Are you here with Corey? Is he here?"
"Yeah well someone has to be there for him." Naomi snapped, Chelsea didn't expect her to be so aggressive "What's that supposed to mean?" Chelsea asked, not liking the implication and Naomi sighed, clearly wanting out of the situation "Nothing, okay can I go? I'm trying to find... my friend."

Chelsea frowned "yeah okay." Before trying to force a smile "Well who's your friend? Maybe I can help!" And Naomi shook her head "No, that's not a good idea." She said quickly before once again turning to leave and Chelsea got frustrated "Naomi, please! I don't deserve this." She snapped earning a glare from Naomi and few party guests turned, clearly overhearing Chelsea shout. Chelsea frowned "Can, we... go upstairs maybe to talk?" She whispered and Naomi shook her head "No we can talk here." She said much louder clearly intentionally and Chelsea got nervous "Naomi please not here!" She insisted and Naomi scoffed "Why? Why is it so important what these dickheads think? Fuck... you're so lucky." Naomi didn't hide the venom in her tone and she didn't seem to want to. "What do you mean?" Chelsea asked and Naomi stormed towards her "You're so selfish, you were born into money, you're brother wants to die--" Chelsea snapped "No! Please don't say that."
Naomi chuckled bitterly "Why? It's true and you're still more concerned with what people think. You surround yourself with absolute garbage human beings but still people think you're a good person. And some actual decent people are so naive to like you and see something good in you. That's why your lucky, Chelsea." Naomi ranted for everyone to hear and Chelsea was stunned, unsure how to take it all in before Naomi looked at her with disgust "I hate you." She let out before finally storming off

Chelsea looked around to see everyone staring and she began to panic, she didn't know how to fix the damage that had been done, when suddenly she felt a hand on her shoulder, she turned to see Tyler with a concerned frown "Hey... are you okay?" He asked. Forcing a smile Chelsea nodded "Yeah, I'm fine! I-- just need a quick bathroom break." She moved past him and up the stairs "Merry Christmas everyone." She said cheerfully attempting to get the party back in motion and quickly went into the bathroom before she could see if her attempt worked or failed miserably. As she sat down and looked in the mirror she once again attempted to force a smile before she faltered and began to cry.

[Defend Kyle]

This will definitely improve his standing with Naomi and possibly gain him a friend in Kyle. I'm curious to see how this party ends, but I'm more intrigued to find out the main plot of this story.



By the way, do you think you might be willing to accept reader submitted characters in the future, for this story?