Chapter Text
ACT III. Her breathing quickens, her palms slick with sweat as she feels the tension building as the anticipation of tonight's events weighs heavily on her. Is this how every purger feels before they plunge into the abyss of sin? Her involvement isn't regretted, quite the contrary - it's just foreign since she's used to watching all the chaos from the safety of her own home. Amongst it all, she feels exposed, an experience she was all too familiar with years ago.
She hesitates at the foot of rickety, moulded stairs as their bodies linger at the bottom in silence. Just by looking at them, she can tell that every step they take will be accompanied by a slight creek. A hand much larger than hers engulfs the softness of hers, his rough callouses in stark contrast to her soft ones. He would give anything to feel those fingers teasing his brunette locks deep within. It would end with a fierce tug as she begged for mercy while he played her like an instrument with her most sensitive area, the sweet nectar quenching his thirst as he took what she could give. She tilts her head back toward the body next to her. His padded thumb glides rhythmically along the side of her hand, bringing her attention back into the room. Mask meeting mask. She can tell how brightened his eyes have become since entering the room and finding all the trinkets that seem to have brought Ransom to life. The plastic monstrosity that would cause nightmares for any child is the only thing she sees instead of his face. Much like her own.
" Ready? "
Against the backdrop of the eerie atmosphere of the room, his low words blend into the darkness of the room. All will be over when they reach their target. There will be no more mockery in her life, because she will gain her rightful place in the hearts of popularity and society - words of rattiness will be a thing of the past, and newly whispered revelations will concern those who murdered Rachael Kenny on dear old Purge night. Her dear old best friend Harlow was the one to take her life without anyone realizing it. She was simply too delicate for murder, so it wouldn't be possible for sweet Dixie Harlow to do such a thing.
Her response is not awaited by Ransom. Taking hold of her lithe fingers, he laces them through his own. Feeling the dampness of her palms, he squeezes reassuringly. While the weight beneath each plank shifts, he pushes forward, slowly testing out every step. It wouldn't be long before one of these snapped eventually. Each step they take towards the party upstairs, the bass loudly reverberates around them; hiding the obvious thudding of their hearts as they approach. It's as though they can feel the vibrations through the heavy-handed door handle as they come to. With a sharp shove of Ransom's shoulder, they barrel into the dimly lit corridor with newly found courage. An illuminous party with strobe lights and illuminating lighting is painted over each wall in front of them, with drunken talks and boisterous laughter reverberating throughout. Dixie will give it to him. On occasion, Dalton throws some of the most entertaining parties, but she hasn't attended any of the infamous Purge parties. The parties, the drugs, and the freshly imported alcohol are what make him popular apart from his playboy persona. Much like Ransom in that aspect.
Rhythmically, bodies move to the loud bass of techno echoed within the walls. Some dressed in fancy attire, others in more comfortable clothing - all adorned with some sort of mask or makeup to conceal their identities. There is a sense of awe about tonight, almost like a masquerade ball. However, it is a party for vengeance and those in attendance are being kept unaware of the night's massacre raging outside. The air is almost blissful with everyone oblivious to tonight's events and fuelled instead by drugs and alcohol. A world created by them that pleases them, dancing around in their own heads. It is again a matter of privilege that allows high-class humans to take part in the festivities without being hunted. The trust funded adults living their lives in harmony without a care in the world while those without funds are fighting for their rights to live outside. It was their parents' security blanket system that they relied on. Absent of any self-responsibility.
" Excuse me, "
An accidental drunken nudge nearly sent her toppling into the man next to her, but his hand steadied her, helping to keep her upright. A narrow look crosses her face as she watches the girl stumble into the dining area. A red plastic cup and another cup's liquid sloshed over the sides and landed on the polished floor. This left behind a sticky residue that would be a right bitch to clean for whatever poor soul was left to do so, perhaps the help whoever was fortunate enough to make it through the night. Oh, what poor soul is going to be cleaning up much more than spilled liquor.
" M' sorry. "
After slurring her words and laughing apologetically; muffled by the over painted mask, the blonde grips the thick fingers between her own firmly. Teeth clenched tightly, her jaw slowly begins to hurt with the tension.
" Mother fucker. "
It might have been the feeling of unease that made her feel so unhinged, ready to attack the girl who invaded her space with her fake apology. Angsty doesn't even begin to describe how the blonde was acting. Having both of them standing off to the sidelines and staring into the room full of people would be somewhat concerning if the room were more sober. Avoiding interactions with others and keeping to themselves. As she feels the dagger tucked away in the waistband of her jeans, she is almost afraid of moving for fear that it might fall to the floor and reveal their plans.
" Would you relax? You're going to give us away. " A hiss to her right allows Dixie to step closer to the warmth of his body as she acknowledges his words. She wraps her arm around his like a snake trapping its prey, just as she did when they trekked through hell. It's like he's become a security blanket for her that she hadn't even realized she needed.
There's no doubt he feels smug about it.
" C'mon pretty girl, let's go scope the premises and see what we're dealing with. " They move purposefully through the corridors towards the main gathering in the living room, keeping their hands locked. To allow more space for dancing, couches have been pushed to the side. Streamers line the polished floors, along with spilled fluids and food. As a result, the house is a complete mess. However, neither participant seems to be worried about it, since at 7am it won't be their responsibility to clean it up.
In order to hide the newcomers from prying eyes, they quickly emerge into the throng of bodies once they enter the room. She is quick to recognize quite a few people around her as she looks around her surroundings. In her college years, she spoke with some, while at family functions, she spoke with others. A situation like this shows how much money talks. There isn't a real friend in this room, but rather a business associate whose parents work alongside their own. Considering who someone's family is and how much money they have, strangers know so much about them. A person's personal knowledge of another is never really relevant. It's frightening really.
When you look at the middle- and lower-class folks, despite having less money, they still seem to live better, happier lives, even though they don't have the mansions and cars to show off. The people you love are the people who will stand up for you no matter what. Families stick together and help each other out. The world that Dixie and Ransom live in doesn't necessarily reflect that.
There is something rather sad about the poor living a much simpler lifestyle, yet they get punished on this dreaded night.
Shame, really.
At this point, the pair are sitting on one of the couches in the far corner, Dixie perched comfortably on Ransom's lap, his hand splayed across her jean-clad thigh
At this point, the pair are sitting on one of the couches in the far corner, Dixie perched comfortably on Ransom's lap, his hand splayed across her jean-clad thigh. Since they arrived, nobody has noticed their unannounced presence, so they have been able to take a thorough look around in peace. Currently, they can see Rachael and Dalton huddled together on the other side of the room, who are both very close to one another. How delightful. Both their targets are wrapped in one another's arms, completely unaware of what the night is going to bring them. Her ears would be filled with steam if she were a cartoon character. Why should she be able to live her life free in the arms of a guy she has been crushing on since they were children? Once upon a time, he was infatuated with Dixie, who - okay, maybe led the poor fella on, but it was all part of her charm before she got him into her bed. He certainly did not pack much punch, he was a major disappointment. Now we have Miss Rachael picking up leftovers from her ex-best friend.
Her appetite for hurting this girl was endless. And she cannot wait to sink her teeth into her.
As if sensing her slight distress, Ransom pulls the petite closer to him. While his mask's lips echo across her hairline, his fingers trace patterns on her thigh. He could not get enough of the honeyed smell of her shampoo. If only she could see his faces underneath the plastic, she could see the way his lips curve in appreciation as he says " Your vengeance will come soon enough, baby. " The way his smile captures the attention of everyone around him, hidden from the members in the room.
" I hate her Ran, like really, really fucking hate her! " Like a child whining for their bottle, she allows her head to fall comfortably onto Ransom's shoulder. Her own fingers run up to lazily trace through his soft, velvety brunette locks. Her heart melts when she feels the sweet comfort of his embrace. While her manicured nails scratch his scalp, he involuntarily shudders at the sweet pleasure she is giving him unknowingly.
" Soon little Dove. " It's almost like he's cooing at her like a mother to her baby. In comfort, he runs his hand through her blonde locks. " You just have to have some patience. The night will be ours before you know it, sweetheart. "
In slow motion, he wraps both arms around her, squeezing her impossibly close. Her flawless frame fitting him perfectly and met his expectations. A missing piece of the puzzle.
" Mmm, you're so warm. " She says to him as she continues to rake her fingers through his now tangled strands of richness, wiggling closer to his frame if the space allowed. She could bask in this cosiness for the rest of the night if her mind would let her give in to the darkness. However, she didn't come here for comfort, she came here to murder.
Purge & Purify.
A sense of peace was interrupted when Alannah Myles Black Velvet was introduced. She watches her counterpart unabashedly glisten in merriment as the blonde lets out an excited shriek. It was almost impossible for her to conceal her own mischievous smirk.
" Dance with me? "
With her palm outstretched towards him, she watches as his own azure eyes flicker between her offering hand and the room around them. Many move rhythmically to the beat with partners, while others do so alone. A pregnant pause prompts her to wonder whether he is about to decline. In anticipation of disappointment, she prepares for the inevitable, only to be surprised when he engulfs her hand. With a hint of giddiness in her step, she pulls him into the middle of the room.
" Mississippi in the middle of a dry spell . . . "
The dance floor is crowded with couples who are embracing each other. As the leader indicates how to move, the follower's hips sway from side to side. There is a strong rhythmic pulse in the music, as well as melodies and lyrics that are interpreted by the pair. In the dimly-lit, fluorescent room, the couple are oblivious to the many other bodies around them.
" Mama's dancin' with a baby on her shoulder. "
Dancing makes her synapses jump like beans in a tin, but more importantly, this song has a massive choke hold on her. Dixie couldn't be more alive if she was shouting from a mountain top. The sound of music is like a drug that carries her higher and higher until her mind buzzes with pure joy. It seems as if her soul will shine so brightly that her skin will glow, as if her aura will begin to shine. Because the night is so young, her limbs are so vibrant from the strobes that she could dance for millennia and then some.
" The boy could sing, knew how to move, everything . . . "
As he watches the way her hips sway to the beat of the song, Ransom stands back, yet still so close to her body, eyes glistening with lust. Despite being so carefree, she appeared to be completely at ease. His attention was captivated by her movements. He was enthralled by the way she dipped. In a sense, it was like a vampire wanting to sink their teeth into the skin of their neck to taste its saccharine sweetness. He just wanted to taste her skin. As far as he's concerned, she would be delicious.
" Black velvet with that slow southern style. "
The rhythm controlled their movements as they fell in step. They lost all sense of the surroundings and people around them. Despite the fact that there were many people in the room, the two only had eyes for one another.
" Up in Memphis the music's like a heatwave. "
A smile spread across her beautiful face as her darkened eyes glistened. She conveys her emotion through her mask's over-the-top smile.
" Mama's baby's in the heart of every schoolgirl. "
Ransom's fingers tingled with delight as uncontrollable feelings swept through his body. He brushes his hand across the masked cheek. He was free to act according to his body's desires, no chains or restrictions holding him back.
" The way he moved, it was a sin, so sweet and true . . . "
She wraps herself around his neck as he cradles her close to his chest.
" Black velvet and that little boy's smile, "
Like a curtain blocking out the sunlight, her golden locks fell over her eyes. There was nothing more he desired than to gaze into those doe-like eyes.
His hand clutched onto hers when she drew her hand away to brush her hair. In a careful gesture, Ransom placed her thin hand on his woollen shoulder. A delicate tuck of her tresses behind her ear was met by a twinkle in her eyes as she looked up at him in lustful greeting. Dixie pushes herself onto the tips of her toes, plastic brushing against his ear as she whispers ever so softly, " What's got you so soft Ranny? "
[ You, it's always you. ]
" A new religion that'll bring ya to your knees. "
She continues to sway sensuously as his fingers dig into the curves of her hips almost painstakingly. It was only her painted mask and mischievous eyes he could see in the dark of the room. They danced like no one was watching, but of course some glances were exchanged by others. There was no reason for him to care. There was only one thing on his mind: the blonde in front of him, her delicate hands on his shoulders, her body moving like a rope uncoiling, and her wild eyes gleaming.
" I'm in need of you! "
In his struggle to maintain his composure, he quickly turned the girl around so that her back was flush against his chest. In addition to feeling his hips digging into hers, she felt an obvious sense of need from him. He allows his hands to fall to her sides, moving his arms slowly upwards, her own still wrapped around the comfort of his neck; movements not stopping no matter how hard she was making it for Ransom.
" . . . Black velvet if you please. "
He holds her close, too close. As his arm fully enveloped her front, she had no choice but to become one with him. But here she was-completely his. She let go and dropped her head back onto his shoulder, a favourite place of hers as her eyes sparkled up towards him.
" Be a good boy tonight and I might just let you have me. " in many different ways you can think of; her mind is quick to speak.
He's almost feral when those words pass her lips, the grind of his hips eliciting a pool of arousal from her; soaking through the lace of her undergarments. " Can't I have a taste of you now? "
Her spine tingles at the raspiness of his voice. He ghosts over the front of her jeans and she can't help but arch into him. His other hand cupping her breast through her long-sleeve shirt. It's the gasp that leaves her parted lips that has him squeezing the soft flesh between his own and the other cupping her most intimate area teasingly. The pulsing heat of her core radiating onto his palm deliciously.
" We've got the whole night to play. "
Although that's true, Dixie wants to make sure they finish what they came here for before she allows him to indulge in his deepest fantasies. She is not willing to be sidetracked by the male behind her, even though he is making it very hard for her.
" Yeah, we do, but wouldn't you want to help me get rid of that shady bitch first? "
It is as if her breath quickens as the pads of his fingers trace along the hem of her waist, dipping dangerously low into the warmth of the core of her body. Nails dig into the base of his scalp, leaving crescent indents as one long finger gathers towards her centre. He teases the delicate bundle of nerves as he gathers her sweet juice.
Blessed be our new Founding Fathers was she soaked.
" Because ... because if you do that, then you'll be rewarded. "
With painfully slow movements he continues to tease her, enjoying the way her breath fans against his neck. He would give anything to rip that stupid mask off, so he could ghost his lips along the collar of her throat. He enjoys watching the way it bobs with each gulp of air.
" Mmhmm, " She closes her eyes in blissful ecstasy as she listens to his mumbled words, " You can do whatever you want with me. " Whatever your heart desires.
It's this that catches his attention, and with slight disappointment even though she told him no beforehand, his fingers slip but not before adding slight pressure to her hooded button making her jolt. " Fuck, Ran. " She can't help but moan wantonly as she presses herself into him, purposely allowing herself to knead against him. She feels him press harder against her.
Seeing him bring his finger to his mouth under the cowl of his mask, she watches him take in her arousal; eyes meeting and gaze not once wavering.
" You m'dear taste del-ic-ious. " If only she could see the grin on his face. " My new favourite flavour. "
Shit.
She almost regrets stopping him from touching her more. Once they finish what they came here to accomplish, she can indulge in his pleasurable desires. The quicker they get rid of the vermin in the room, the faster they can explore each other's bodies with no interruptions to be had.
They are so engrossed in each other's gaze that they don't notice the silence in the room; the music has been cut, and the only sound they can hear is whispers.
" Is that a knife? Why do you have a knife tucked into the waistband of your pants? "
Fucking Ransom and his horny dance moves. Looks like the genie is out of his lamp.
Eyes that are as bewildered as azures pause in defeat as they contemplate what to do next.
" Who the hell are you? "
God that voice. She sounds like a screaming slut in the corner, that wailing banshee. She turned towards her, her eyes stormy and filled with hatred, the other patrons in the room taking the tiniest steps back from them. God, what she would do to go over there and end it all now. But first, she wants to play. Become the hunter chasing his prey.
" I'm giving everyone in this room at least ten seconds to disperse before I decide to cut you all open. " She says loudly as she walks towards the couple in the corner. " Everyone except you two. "
Everyone pauses because they don't know what to do next. It's the first time they've experienced anything like this on Purge night. They are usually kept away from the violent outside world and within the safety of interior walls. In response to their lack of motion, she stomps her foot and proudly displays her dagger. The glint of the blade mocking.
" 10, 9, 8, 7 . . . "
A sing song countdown has the patrons of the room heading for the doors like a stampede fleeing impending danger.
" Security device deactivated for 60 seconds. "
There is a loud yell from those escaping the home in conjunction with the security system blaring. Pussies. A bewildered look on the faces of the two feeble humans in front of her has her laughing. Dalton, the ever so macho Martyr, is ready to sacrifice his little plaything if necessary. What a man.
" Alarm resetting in 10 seconds. "
The sound of a click of shutters being nailed to the ground echoes throughout the room. The feeling of Ransom's presence behind her is comforting and has her feeling powerful. His arm places itself around her shoulders, his other hand sporting his own blade, his shoulders vibrating with laughter at the whimpered pleas coming from the meek pair.
" Now, I'd like to play a simple game. "
She crosses one foot over the other, leaning into her male counterpart, his cologne still lingering.
His eyes are filled with pride at the way she's taking over, as he glances down at her, " What game is that baby? " The large tent in his trousers was readily apparent.
" How about a little game of hide and seek? "
Dalton and Rachael, both of whom have lost their ability to speak, are asked the question. Both shiver in the corner, pathetic tears running down their cheeks, washing away their painted identities. " Now would be a good time to speak you fucking assholes. "
" Hide and seek, that's it? "
It is difficult to hear Rachael Kenny's high pitched voice over the wobbling. It makes the blonde very happy when she sees the brunette shrink back into the corner like a pathetic baby.
" That's it. However, my version of hide and seek is, you hide, we seek. Each individual has to stay in this house, not that you can leave anyway; " She amusingly laughs. " You have to stay hidden until the siren sounds at 7am. If you are caught before then, well . . . you don't want to find out what happens, because it doesn't end well for you. "
The whiny question tumbles from Rachael's lips as she continues to try and make herself appear smaller. She's trying to avoid her inevitable death in an amusing way, despite the fact that it doesn't seem to be working.
" Win the game and you won't have to find out. "
" You're fucking sick, you know that. " These wise words were delivered by the man in the corner who was holding the girl in front him to avoid an attack.
" Oh, hunny. You haven't seen sick yet. " As she steps closer to them with the blade pointing at them, she taunts. " I'm giving you both 2 minutes to hide and it better be somewhere good if you wanna stay alive all night. "
There's no movement from either of them, both wide-eyed and staring at her as though she's grown two heads.
" Well, carry on, skedaddle, you've already wasted 30 seconds of your time. "
The brunette is pushed forward in a flash by Dalton, and Rachael falls at the feet of the blonde as he barrels out. His own footsteps clambering up the stairs above. Dixie looks down at the pile below her, her foot coming into contact with the other girls side. " Well, come on . . . MOVE! " She hurries away with tears streaming down her face.
She can't help but laugh as she turns towards Ransom, his gaze already fixed on her. The safe confinement of the abandoned room allows him to pull his mask above his head and show off his handsome features and perfectly sculpted jawline. Her own smirk widens as she follows suit.
" You're one vicious little bitch, aren't ya? "
Shrugging her shoulders, she watches as his hands finally grasp the softness of her cheeks as he closes the distance between them. His thumbs caress the blush pink hue left behind by their earlier encounters. " Christ I can't wait to have my way with you later. " His voice is thick with arousal and it takes a lot for him to not have her bent over the edge of the couch and burry his cock deep into the comfort of her wet folds.
" You ready to play some cat and mouse? " She bumps her nose against his.
Leaning forward just a bit more, he catches her lips with his own as he indulges in some sweetness. The soft poppied cushioned heaven against his own pillowed flesh. He gently nips at her lower lip, pulling at it playfully and releasing it with a pop.
" Baby, I was born ready. "