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{Part Three in the Seasons Pack}

Fiddling with the cigarette behind his ear and thinking about lighting it, Dirk lowered his feet from his desk when his buzzer went off. Clicking the answering machine, he drawled a slow, “Yes?” toward his secretary.

“The band is here.”

A sigh. And then, “Fine. Send them in.” He let his finger off the button and straightened his tie. “Ungrateful brats showing up half an hour late. Do they know how hard it is to make a record with my company?” Fiddling with the glowing crystal around his neck, Dirk blew smoke rings out of his mouth to pass the time until finally a knock came at his door.

Waving away the smoke, Dirk stood and beckoned for them to enter. The three of them entered timidly, each carrying the instrument of their choice. Crossing his arms, Dirk raised an eyebrow. “So like-”

“You three were half an hour late. Now a good friend of mine promised that you would make the cut, but so far, you’re so far down under the line that I’m tempted to push my little button and get you three thrown out of here. However, I believe in second chances, unlike some people. Get in the studio and let me hear your stuff before I change my mind.”

Normally second chances can blow me, but this is a second chance life I’m living, so why the fuck not?

Dirk fiddled with his equipment and placed the headphones on his head. Giving them a thumbs up, he leaned back in his chair and listened to what they had. Playing with the cigarette in his hands, he tapped his foot on the floor to the music. They were definitely good, and he was sure that people would buy up their stuff. What kind of image would be good for them though? Tapping his fingers on the desk, he waited for them to finish their song before pressing the button to speak to them.

“My friend was right; I’m impressed. It takes a lot to impress me, so congratulations. You three, however, are my friend’s project so I’ll sign the paper when he brings it to me. Think about cleaning up a bit though. Grunge is, well, I get it, but at least be clean. Grunge doesn’t mean being dirty. You can grab the necessary paperwork from my secretary.”

Taking his headphones off, he set them to the side and stood when the band members left the booth. He shook each of their hands and led them to the door. He watched them walk out into the hallway and caught sight of his secretary arguing heatedly with some other woman. Tilting his head to the side, Dirk just had to smirk. Nice legs.

Crossing over to his desk, he pressed the button for his secretary. “I’m taking a break so I don’t want to be bothered. Thank you.” Leaving his suit jacket hanging around the back of his chair, Dirk loosed his tie and undid the top two buttons on his shirt. Sliding open the door that led to his outdoor patio, he made himself invisible to the human eye. He stepped on onto his patio and jumped on the railing before overlooking the entire city.

He felt the heat of the sun hit his face and he sighed happily as the crystal around his neck buzzed in tune with his power. He never felt better than he did during summer. Grasping the cigarette from behind his ear, he blew on it until it lit, and he placed it in his mouth with a smile. He never used lighters anymore. Fire was a fickle thing, as he found out personally.

He closed his eyes, remembering that moment after…

”What in the fuck?” Dirk asked, looking around at the small area with the large crystal in it.

“Oh hey, another person!” A boy in blue said, popping up.

“Jolly good show,” said another, walking up with his dog.

“Who the fuck are you people?”

“John Egbert. I’m the blue one!”

“Jake English, and this is Becquerel. You can call him Bec. We’re green.”

“Blue? Green?”

“Yes ‘ol boy. The little circles on the floor. Go ahead and try out the other two to see which one is yours.”

Dirk stared at the two dubiously, but stepped on the orange one. It lit up in an instant. “Huh. So why the fuck am I here?”

“You’d have to be dead,” John said with a smile. “I died of hypothermia.”

“I fell out of a tree.”

“I was driving my car way too fast, and I crashed. I smelled the fire and I tried to get out, but I guess I didn’t get out fast enough.”

“Fascinating. So we’re waiting for one more then.”

“And then what?”

“We don’t know.” The two boys chorused together, returning to their circles.

“One more person huh? This is kinda weird.”

Dirk was dragged out of his reverie by a hand pulling him backwards. His cigarette flew out of his mouth as he tried to regain his balance, but landed flat on his ass. Catching his cigarette between his two fingers, and whipping off his sunglasses in anger, he glowered up at the person who dared to catch him unawares. He soon realized that she was yelling at him.

“Are you freaking crazy? You could fall from up there! You’re lucky I came in when I did because it looked like you were going to fall!"

Oh. It was that girl in the skirt with the nice legs. How did she make it past his secretary? And more importantly, wasn’t he invisible? Narrowing his eyes as she continued to go off on him, he swapped back and forth between invisibility and visibility with less than desired results. She was still staring at him and berating him for something.

Standing up, he placed his shades back on his face and stuck his cigarette between his lips again. He placed a hand on the girl’s head, laughing inwardly when he realized that he was nearly a foot taller than her. “Calm down squirt. I wasn’t going to fall. I thought you were arguing with my secretary?”

“She got distracted so I snuck past her,” the girl stated proudly before she registered just what he said. “Squirt?! I’ll have you know that just because I’m average height, and you’re a freakishly tall giant does not mean that I am so little!”

“You’re little to me. Take a seat across from me here, and we can talk about why you pulled me down on my ass when I was thinking.”

“I thought you were going to jump. That’s why.” She said, rolling her eyes but sitting down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

“So why are you here then?”

“My name is [Full Name], and I run a college newspaper. Think of it as a dare mind you, but my boss bet me that I couldn’t get an interview with the top producer in music. Naturally, I had to prove the asshole wrong.”

Dirk laughed, knocking some ashes from his cigarette into the ashtray on his desk. “I like you squirt. You’ve got real fire within you. I’ll give you your interview.”

“Really?” She asked, smiling up at him happily.

“Yeah really,” Dirk said, leaning back in his seat. “So go ahead and-” Feeling a vibration in his pocket, Dirk pulled out his phone and saw the caller ID. “Excuse me, this is my brother. You don’t mind if I-?”

“No, please. Go right ahead.” [Name] said, writing some things down on her notepad as Dirk turned his chair around.. I didn’t know he had a brother.

“Sup?”

Did you really have to turn the heat up this early in the season?

“Of course. Summer is the best season after all.”

Fuck you. How’s the producing business?

“Busy as always. I’m doing an interview right now.”

You? Interview? She’s either hot or you’re getting some ass.

“Hey now, fuck you. Let’s just say she caught me in quite a predicament. Thought I was going to jump off my railing.”

Weren’t you invisible?

“Yup.”

Wait so-

“You slow your roll. I’m not like Spr-Jake or John. Ain’t gonna happen.”

You’re gonna be so whipped.

“You shut the-huh. Bastard hung up on me.” Turning back around in his chair, Dirk pocketed his phone with a smile. “Sorry about that. Dave is rather unique as a twin brother.”

“No, that’s fine I don’t mind. Family comes first after all. I’ve just got a couple of questions here for you, but please feel free to elaborate. You’re the only who’s offering the information here so only give me what you want me to know.”

“Darlin’, I could probably show you more than I could tell you,” Dirk said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk as the girl’s face turned red.

Coughing slightly, she smiled at him. “Mr. Strider, you probably could, but I’d rather you tell, not show. Now, if you please.”

For the next hour, Dirk answered all of [Name]’s questions, while tossing in a couple innuendos to keep her on her toes. She never fell to his advances though, which kept him thoroughly entertained throughout the whole interview. Finally, she snapped her notebook shut with a smile and stood.

“Thank you so much for your time, Mr. Strider.”

Dirk stood and walked her to the door. Turning toward him, [Name] extended her hand. Dirk took it and pulled the girl quickly toward him. “Instead of a handshake, how about a kiss darlin’?”

Dirk leaned down, only for his lips to meet notebook. He met [Name]’s eyes, which danced with mirth. “Sorry Mr. Strider. I believe in keeping contacts at an arm’s length, and I certainly don’t kiss after the first meeting. Have a good day.”

She opened the door and let herself out, while Dirk leaned against it to watch her walk out. “Hate to see her go, but damn do I love to watch her leave,” he muttered. “Feisty little squirt. [Full Name] huh. Looks like you’ve made it onto my list. I’ll have you one way or another darlin’, of that you can be sure.”

-

Sitting at his favorite bar later that night, Dirk spun around in his chair feeling a little more than bored. He was actually going to try to hit up one of his favorite girls, but for some reason, he just didn’t feel the urge to. “Which is fucking weird as shit,” Dirk muttered to himself, downing another shot of whiskey. He gestured for another one. “If you can’t fuck, then get drunk.”

“You’re a right mess aren’t you?”

Turning in his chair, his shades met the shades of his brother. “Fuck off.”

“Where’s your squeeze of the night?” Dave asked, hopping up on the stool next to his brother and gesturing for some whiskey as well.

“I don’t have one.”

“No shit.”

“Did you come here just to tell me off for my lack of ass, or are you here for a real reason?”

“Can’t a twin visit his brother without a motive?”

“No.”

“I figured you’d want to get drunk and you’d want company. I am your brother after all. Jake and John found theirs and now you have yours. Must be hard to move from girl to girl to girl, and then have to settle for just one.”

“What if she fucking sucks at sex man? That’s the problem right here. I’m only interested in the body. My heart is not for fucking sale here.” Dirk said, running a hand through his hair. “She’s a little spitfire though, and she’s got nice legs.”

“She smart as well?”

“Yeah I guess so. She pulled my ass from the railing to ensure I didn’t fall, even though I had no intention of doing so. And she had all her notes lined up with her pretty little handwriting. She’s got small hands too, did I tell you that? She’s about a foot smaller than me as well. Little squirt. What are you staring at me for?”

“You’re gushing about her.”

“Fuck you I’m not.”

“You are.”

“Dammit Dave, if you’re gonna berate me for this shit, then get the fuck out.”

“I’m not berating you, Dirk. This is a good thing. You can finally stop sleeping around.”

“I can’t just sleep with one girl, David. God dammit, I need a full course meal to keep me tamed.”

“And that’s why Jake, John, and I think you’re an asshole.”

“You, Springlish, and John Frost can shut the fuck up. I live my life how I want, and that’s that.”

“Dirkus, I want you to do me a favor.”

“Fuck do you want, David?” Dirk asked, downing another shot that was put in front of him.

“Tomorrow, I want you to go see John and Jake.”

“Why the fuck-”

“Shut the hell up and listen. I want you to watch them. I don’t want you to visit, but I want you to watch them. See how happy they are. You haven’t been happy since you died in that wreck all that time ago.”

“Yeah and I wasn’t happy with you being an idiot and falling down that fucking hill either. You were supposed to live on.” Dirk muttered into his glass.

“Twins stick together forever bro,” Dave said, knocking his head against his brother’s softly. “Now come on. Let’s get you home.”

“Alright.”

-

The next morning, Dirk stood in front of his house and stretched as Dave skated around idly. “So why didn’t you go for a skateboard?”

“It wasn’t like I had a choice,” Dave said, swirling around in his rollerskates. “Besides, you were going fast in that car, so you obviously can run fast now. Like the Flash. Or you’re like. The Stride.”

“That’s fucking lame.”

“Well, I guess we get to be lame then. I’m like Roller Skating Rick up in here or something.”

“Or DJ Skate.”

The twins glanced at each other before laughing softly. “We’re so weird.”

“Yeah but it’s cool,” Dirk said, reaching over and messing up Dave’s hair.

“You fucker.”

“Alright I’m off. I’ll visit John’s house first, and then loop around through Jake’s apartment. He usually has Sunday’s off, so it’s my lucky day.”

“Have fun!”

Giving his brother the bird, Dirk took off in a flash. Dave blinked once and Dirk was gone, leaving the younger twin to skate in front of his brother’s house like a weirdo.

“Excuse me?”

Dave looked up to see a woman smiling at him. “Yeah?”

“My name is [Full Name] and would you, by any chance, be Dave?”

“Oh, so you’re [Name]. Nice to meet you. Yeah. The name’s David Strider, but I just go by Dave. What’s up?”

“I was wondering if your brother was home. I have a copy of my college newspaper for him so-”

“You look younger than that. How old are you? Like twenty?” Dave asked, skating around the girl curiosity.

“I’m actually twenty-three, thank you very much,” [Name] said, sticking her tongue out at Dave.

“Oh so he wouldn’t be robbing the cradle then.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Nothing, sorry. I tend to speak out loud sometimes. You actually just missed Dirk, but let me give you his cell phone number. He should be free later this evening for you to give him a call.”

“Oh thank you so much!”

You owe me for this big bro.

-

Cracking his neck, Dirk made sure he was completely invisible before following John and his girlfriend at a distance. He paid attention to the boy’s body language when it came to the girl. The way he smiled at her had Dirk grimacing. Bouncing on the balls of his feet, the elder Strider raced forward ahead of them and hid behind a tree so he could see John’s expressions.

“Fucking hell.”

He noticed right away that the boy was happier. Since he, Dave, and Jake all had jobs out in the real world, they often worried about John. But Dirk could see that he was carrying a backpack and he was holding his girlfriend’s hand. It looked like they were going to the college or even a library to study.

“This sucks. Over to Springlish’s place then.” Stretching his legs quickly, the boy took off past John, making sure to smack him in the head as he went.

“Ow! What the-?”

“John, what’s wrong?”

“Not...sure? Feels like something hit me.”

“You’re so strange, John. Come on we’re gonna be late.”

“Coming!”

Dirk chuckled to himself as he ran over to Jake’s apartment. Stopping himself in the alleyway, he took a breather as he relaxed against the wall. “Maybe I should stop smoking….nah.” Lighting himself another cigarette, he craned his neck around the corner to watch Springlish and his girl leave the apartment to take Bec on his walk.

“Jesus Christ. These boys are both whipped.”

Dirk ran past the two of them and focused in on Jake’s face. Dave was right, of course. John and Jake were both happier than he had ever seen them.

“Shit.”

Running over to Jake, he started walking beside him like he had been there the whole time. Taking a drag of his cigarette, he waiting for the boy to notice him.

“Jesus jumping Christ Dirk! You scared the hell out of me.”

“Heh. How’s the walk? Hey there Bec.” Dirk said, reaching down to scratch the pup behind his ears.

“Is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“What I heard from Dave, of course!”

“You didn’t hear shit, and we’re keeping it that way.”

“Can’t live the life of an asshole forever, Dirkus.”

“I was doing a pretty damn good job of it, Springlish.”

“I’ve heard that she’s a nice lass, ‘ol boy. Good job on her.”

“I’m the only who’s met her. How can you say that?”

“Dave talked to her of course! Didn’t you know that?”

“Little shit. Catch ya later, Springlish.”

Taking off quickly, Dirk ran his way back to his house. He was unsurprised to see Dave still there. After all, he had only been gone for about twenty minutes. Grabbing his brother by his jacket, Dirk brought his face close to his. “The fuck did Jake mean when he said you talked to [Name]?”

Dave just smirked at his brother. “Why are you getting mad? She’s just a girl you can fuck and drop right?”

Breathing in through his nose, Dirk’s frown deepened as he shoved his brother back and turned angrily. “You’re a fucking prick, David Strider.”

“You’re an even bigger one, Dirkus Strider.”

“You’re moving in on my fucking territory.”

“She’s not your territory if you don’t want her.”

Whirling around, Dirk punched his brother square in the jaw. “You stay the fuck away from her, David. And I mean it.”

Breathing heavily and staring at Dave’s askew shades, Dirk watched the youngest Strider wobble on his skates before he got up from the ground. Placing a hand on his jaw, Dave cracked it a few times before he let loose a laugh. “And that’s how I know that you truly care for her. By the way, she’ll be calling you later tonight with news of her article about you. I gave her your number. See ya.”

Dirk watched Dave skate away nonchalantly, and the man brushed some hair back before straightening his shirt. “Insufferable fuck,” he muttered, but smiled moments later. “You’ll knock me on my ass later I’m sure.”

-

Standing out on his porch in a pair of jeans, Dirk lit up a cigarette and leaned against his railing. Letting his head hang back, he removed the cigarette from his mouth and blew the smoke up. “Man.” His phone vibrated against his hip, and he pulled it out of his pocket. “Unknown number huh? About time you came after me, darlin’. Hello?”

Mr. Strider?

“The one and only darlin’. And please, call me Dirk.”

I assume that Dave relayed the message to you then?

“Message?” Dirk asked, placing his cigarette back between his lips.

Are you smoking again?

“Yeah?

That’s bad for your health you know.

“If you’re so worried about my health, [Name], I do have quite a problem that you could help me-”

Moving right along. I have the newspaper right here, and I was wondering if you would like to read my article.

Dirk chuckled. “Sure. I’m always interested in things written about me. Why don’t you come on over here a spell? I promise to keep my shirt off.”

Don’t you mean on?

“I might get heat stroke. It is a hot summer after all, and after seeing you, I’d be feeling a little more hot under the collar.”

Mr. Strider-

“Dirk, and I’ll see you in half an hour sweetheart.” He clicked the end call button and blew out some more smoke. “Oh yeah. She wants me.”

About half an hour later, [Name] parked her car outside of Dirk’s house and got out with her newspaper in hand. “Okay, [Name], you can do this. Get in, give him the newspaper, and then get out. You don’t need to spend another minute there even though he probably has a nice body that you should definitely stop thinking about. Okay.”

Making her way up onto his porch, she rang the doorbell and waited. Footsteps approached and [Name] clutched the newspaper tighter in her hands. Opening the door, Dirk smiled down at her. To [Name]’s approval, and perhaps disappointment, he had a shirt on. However, he was barefoot, and those jeans looked like they were low on his hips-

“Like what you see?” Dirk asked with a smirk.

“Just surprised to see you in anything other than business suits, Mr. Strider. The paper as promised.” [Name] said, handing him the newspaper and stepping into his house when he moved to let her in. “You have a beautiful home.”

“Thank you. You would be a welcome addition you know.”

Choosing to ignore his attempts at flirting, [Name] stepped closer to the living room with a smile. “Shall we? You might have some questions for me regarding what I wrote.”

“Sure,” Dirk said, smirking inwardly. If this is the way she wants to play, then I’ll play. Down boy, down.

Sitting on the sofa, [Name] sighed as she tried not to burrow herself farther in it.

“Comfy isn’t it?” Dirk asked, sitting down right next to her and placing his arm on the back of the couch. “Best sofa I could find.”

“It is lovely,” [Name] said with a smile, ever wary of the arm Dirk had thrown behind her. No matter how innocent the gesture, she knew the ulterior motive behind it.

“So you wrote this whole piece yourself then?” Dirk asked, focusing his gaze to the front page. “I’m impressed at the picture. I don’t remember being photographed.”

“My photographer is very, very good at what he does,” [Name] said with a wide smile. “He’s a good friend of mine, so we help each other out.”

Dirk merely grunted, reading through the paper as fast as his eyes would allow him. He flipped through a couple pages to finish out the passage before nodding. “Acceptable. You are an excellent writer.”

“Oh you liked it? Thank goodness.” [Name] said, leaning back into the cushions of the couch in relief. “I was afraid you wouldn’t.”

Smiling at the girl, Dirk lowered his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him. “Nonsense. It’s a nice piece about me, and it helped you win a bet.”

Afraid of her voice squeaking, [Name] nodded and removed the arm around her before standing quickly. “Thank you for allowing me to provide you with the paper. I will see myself out then.”

“Now that I won’t allow,” Dirk said with a smile, placing the newspaper down on the coffee table and following [Name]. “I must be the gentleman and see the lady to the door.” Coming to the front door, [Name] held out her hand with a smile.

“Thank you, Dirk.”

“Being as this is our second meeting, I do believe that we have upgraded from just a handshake darlin’,” Dirk said, grasping her hand and pulling her to him. “So how about that kiss?”

Rolling her eyes, [Name] pulled Dirk down to her level and glared at him. “Fine. But just this once.”

He smiled innocently at her. “Just this once?”

“Yes.”

Winding her arms around his neck, she pressed her lips to his in a chaste kiss. Drawing away, she was startled when Dirk grasped her more tightly and brought his mouth back down to hers. He tried to gain access to her mouth that she refused, so he let his fingers trail up under her shirt, causing her to gasp. Taking advantage of the easy access, his tongue trailed about the wet cavern before battling for dominance against hers - dominance that he won. Pressing her body against the wall next to the door, Dirk lifted her leg and placed it around his hip, allowing him to move closer to her.

Feeling just how raring to go he was, even through the thick material of his jeans, [Name] knew if she didn't get out now, she never would. Fiddling with the doorknob, she ground herself against Dirk, hoping that he wouldn't be expecting that. He stilled in surprise as [Name] flung open the door and slipped out of his grasp.

Smoothing back some of her hair and trying to steady her breathing, she nodded. "Good night then."

Dirk watched her go with the promise of fire dancing in his eyes. Pushing his shades higher up on his nose, he smirked. "I'll have you yet, [Name]. Just you wait."

-

The next day, no matter what she did, [Name] could not concentrate on any of her work.

"What're ya thinking about?" Her best friend and photographer asked with a smile on his face.

"Hm? Oh, Dirk. Mr. Strider rather."

"He's been been a big topic for you lately," Andrew murmured, turning in a circle in a chair.

"Well he is a client of mine. In a way."

"He's gotta be bad news. But either way, I was wondering-"

"Oh hold on Andy. I've got a text here."

Flipping open her phone, [Name]'s eyes scanned the message.

My bed is very comfortable you know. What I wouldn't give to see you writhing and nak- Snapping her phone closed, [Name] tried to get rid of the mental image of her in Dirk's bed.

"Him again?"

"Yes. He's not a bad guy. Misguided perhaps. But he is good at what he does."

"I say just file something against him," Andrew grunted. "Anyway, how about lunch? Like we used to back home. My treat of course."

"Oh I'd love to Andy, but I'm swamped with this stuff so-"

"Say no more. I'll snag you something on my way back."

"Thanks Andy. You're a life saver."

"Nah just a good best friend," Andrew said with a smile as he left the newspaper office.

Trying to focus on some of her work, [Name] jumped when her phone rang. Answering it quickly, she murmured a greeting while putting it up to her ear.

How's college darlin'?

"Mr. Strider! To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"

Now what have I told you time and time again? It's Dirk. Don't worry though. I'll have them pretty lips of yours murmuring my name in the throes of passion eventually.

"In your dreams, Dirk."

Yeah. There too.

"You're crazy."

About you perhaps. Dine with me tonight. I'll take you somewhere nice.

"I take that to mean not your house then."

Maybe after we eat. A man has to have dessert after all.

"Fine. Is it far?"

Nah not to far. I don’t drive, so it’d be a local place.

“Meeting at your house or mine?”

Mine. After all, you’d have a ride and all that.

“True. I’ll be at your house at seven.”

Six.

“Impatient are we?”

Maybe. I want to have you to myself for an hour. I promise not to ravish you - much.

“Oh that’s comforting.”

Dirk laughed, a rich baritone that had [Name] getting goosebumps. See you tonight then, sweetheart. I can’t wait.

Hanging up her phone, [Name] shook her head. “I’ve made a date with the devil. I’m so screwed.”

-

Parking her car outside of Dirk’s place for the second night in a row, she found him out on the porch waiting. He had an unlit cigarette hanging out of his mouth as he leaned against his railing, looking rather dashing in his tuxedo. As she walked up, he let out a low whistle. “You’re killing me, baby.”

“Not yet, but maybe at some point I will,” [Name] grumbled, wondering why she chose her little black dress and heels when she was going out with Dirk Strider of all people. “Hands off mister.”

Dirk chuckled and tucked the cigarette in his jacket pocket as he held out his hand. “C’mon darlin’. What’s a little hand holding?”

“The last time I gave you my hand, you practically fucked me against your wall,” she muttered, but took his hand anyway as they walked down the sidewalk.

“If you’d like a repeat performance, I’m right here,” he said with a smile.

“It was hard enough going to classes today without thinking about it, so I don’t think a repeat performance is in my future.”

“Funnily enough, it was hard for me to stop thinking about it too.”

“No more of your innuendos, Dirk,” [Name] said, bumping her hip against his. “Let’s just enjoy a good meal.”

“Fine, fine. But can I just touch-”

“Nope.”

They entered the quiet restaurant where the maitre’d took one look at Dirk before snapping his fingers. “A pleasure to see you again, Mr. Strider. Your usual table is ready.”

“Thank you, Cornelius,” Dirk said, slipping some money into the man’s pocket. “Keep up the good work.”

“Thank you sir.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised,” [Name] murmured as Dirk pulled her chair out for her and pushed it back in after she sat down.

“About what?” He asked, taking a seat across from her with a grin plastered across his face.

“That the man knows who you are and that you have a particular table you sit at.”

“What can I say, baby? Everybody wants to be a king. Luckily, I’m high enough up there into the royalty status.”

-

After relaxing and trying to have a good time, [Name] found that Dirk Strider wasn’t the cocky bastard that she thought him first to be. It might have been the wine talking, but she saw a caring brother mixed in amongst a man who just wanted to help bring good music into the world. Walking and chatting with him after they left the restaurant as if she didn’t have a care in world put [Name] at ease.

“Well you’re certainly responding to me better. Are you sure you aren’t drunk?” Dirk had to ask with a smile.

“I don’t get drunk, Dirk. You’d be surprised how I change my opinion of people when they stop being cocky assholes and actually talk to me like a normal person.” She answered, sticking her tongue out at him.

“What can I say? I feel like I have something to prove when I’m with you.”

“You don’t have to prove anything you dork,” she murmured, hitting his arm before taking his hand and lacing their fingers together. “Just be yourself.”

“As my lady commands,” Dirk murmured, bringing their conjoined hands to his lips and kissing the back of hers. “I can be civil.”

“For how long?”

“Oh, for at least a good minute or so.”

“That’s not that long you know.”

“Well, it’s the best I’ve got.”

Stopping by her car, [Name] looked up at Dirk who merely smiled down at her. “Well, I guess this is it.”

“Yeah. Or you could come inside.”

“Would I regret it tomorrow?” She challenged.

“Did you regret tonight?”

Looking down at their conjoined hands, [Name] steeled her resolve. “No. Come on then.”

“What seriously?”

“Idiot.”

The door clicked softly behind the pair as they disappeared into Dirk’s house.

-

Faster. He had to go faster. Moving the gear shifter and speeding through the streets, Dirk braked hard and spun his wheel to round a particularly tight corner that had tripped him up time and time again. “Not this time motherfucker!” He exclaimed, exhilharted with the rush his car was giving him.

Coasting in between the other lazy cars, Dirk probably should have been worried about how fast he was going at that time of night, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. He was tempted to call his brother just to let him know about the sweet ride he had gotten hold of, but all it took was one split second when his eyes were off the road for everything to go wrong.

He spun the wrong way, hit something with his passenger side before he coasted into a large pole. His head hit the steering wheel, and he was out like a light.

Groaning when he came to, he felt his head where it was bleeding and sighed. “Fuck. Wrecked the car.” Sniffing, he thought he smelled smoke. “A fire? Shit!” Trying to undo his seat belt to no avail, he realized that the buckle had been forced down within the seat and that he was good and stuck. “God dammit!”

Pulling at the seat belt to try and loosen it from around him, he watched the flames lick at his car more though his shades. Trying to slip out of his seat, he cried out when he found a piece of metal lodged into his knee.

“How the fuck did that happen?” Breathing in and out heavily, the blonde boy sighed and leaned back into the seat. “I’m sorry Dave.” He felt the car blow up around him, the flames and smoke searing his body and-

“No!” Dirk vaulted up into a sitting position, putting his hands on his face and chest to ensure that he was still alive and still here. Looking down at his bed partner, he was surprised to see her up and looking at him worriedly.

“Dirk?”

“[Name], I-”

“Bad dream?” She stared into his orange eyes with a small smile.

“Yeah.”

“I get those too. Come on.” She forced him to lay back down, and she placed her head on his chest, playing with the crystal around his neck. “This is pretty.”

“It helps me to be summer.”

“Be summer?” She asked, tilting her head up a bit to stare at him confused.

“My dream...it’s when I died for the first time. Me, Dave, and our friends John and Jake are all representations of the seasons. I’m Summer.”

“And I’m the Queen Bee,” [Name] said, yawning behind her hand.

“Hand me the cigarette.”

Rolling her eyes, she reached over to grab the cancer stick. “These things are bad for you.”

“Not if you can’t die from them. Watch.”

[Name] watched with fascination as Dirk merely blew on the cigarette, and it lit by itself. Sitting up and using his chest as leverage for her hands, she stared at him hard. “How did you do that?”

“I told you. I’m Summer.”

“Can you make it rain?”

He scrunched up his nose. “I don’t do rain.”

“I was wondering why you always felt warmer than normal. Hm.” She laid down against him and yawned again. “Either way. I have classes tomorrow, so good night. Try not to have anymore bad dreams, Dirk.”

He wrapped an arm around the girl and put out his cigarette, allowing her to snuggled closer to him. “As long as you’re with me, I don’t think I will.”

[>One Month Later]

Much to his chagrin, Dave always managed to embarrass Dirk whenever the boy brought up [Name]. Dirk had been happily going steady with the girl, and he hadn’t any complaints so far. Tapping his fingers on his desk, he thought about calling her but decided against it. She was busy with the newspaper, so he wouldn’t be in her way.

“Oh there you guys are,” Dirk said, rising from his desk, helping the two men out as they struggled to carry the equipment. “Here let me help out.” Grasping some of the items, he showed them into the soundproof booth and closed the door, demonstrating where he wanted the new speakers. “They can’t be in the way of the door here see? Think you guys can figure something out?”

They both nodded to him and the man walked back to his desk. Tossing off his shades with a sigh, he looked over at his cell. Picking up his phone, he saw that he had one missed call and one new voicemail message from [Name]. Smiling to himself, he sat back in his chair and clicked to listen. D-Dirk please! Pick up your phone! T-there’s a shooter here; and I can hear gunshots. Please, please answer me! I’ve called the police, but I need you here. I need-End of message.

Dirk shot up out of his seat so fast, it nearly toppled over. “Fuck fuck fuck!” Opening the patio doors, he launched himself on the railing and looked out into the city below. Making himself invisible and gripping the crystal around his neck for good luck, he let himself fall against the building before he began running down the windows and metal.

Speeding through the city, he speed-dialed his brother.

Yeah?

“[Name]’s college now! There’s a shooter!”

What the fu-

Dirk hung up on his brother, just in case [Name] tried to call him again. Stopping himself by the school entrance, he made himself visible as he walked over to the police line. “What’s happening?”

“You can’t go in there sir.”

“My girlfriend is in there, sir, and if you don’t let me in-”

“Please, sir, calm down. The shooter has been found dead, and only one other person has died.”

“Who?”

“The name has not been released yet but-”

“Who?!” Dirk clenched his hands into fists and whipped his head to the side as they wheeled a body out on a gurney. [Color] hair hung out from the sheet, and Dirk paled as he slid under the police line and ran to the gurney.

“Sir! Somebody stop him!”

Lifting up the sheet, Dirk set it down quickly and turned away, his back muscles clenching tightly in anger. “Why…? Why only her?” Shaking and clenching his fists, Dirk took off running as fast as his legs could carry him. Slowing down when he was in a clearing, he dropped to his knees and ripped the crystal from his neck.

“Is this what you put me here for?! To lose my life and then to lose her? Take this stupid thing!” He threw the crystal as far as he could, putting his face in his hands and yelling as if his life depended on it. “I’m fucking done! An immortal life is nothing...without...her…”

“Dirk.”

“Go away Dave.”

“I just heard it on the radio. They’re saying that Andrew Jameson is responsible.”

“Her best friend?” Dirk asked, tearing his eyes from his hands to look at his brother in surprise. “But...why…?”

“From what I gathered from the student gossip, Andrew loved her, but she was too blind to see it. And then she had you. I guess you can piece it together.”

“S-she was so scared. She trusted me to protect her, and I fucking failed. I’m done, Dave. I can’t do this anymore.” Dirk moaned, burying his hands in his hair and pulling on it. “I...can’t.”

“You have to. At least until Summer is over. You only have a couple weeks left.” His brother murmured, picking up the crystal. Kneeling down in front of Dirk, Dave opened his brother’s hand and placed the crystal within it, closing it in his grasp. “Do it for her.”

Dirk reached up to push his shades up higher on his nose before he realized that he didn’t have them on. He immediately tried to hide the tears falling down his face. “A Strider never fucking cries.”

“There are exemptions, big bro, and you know that,” Dave muttered, reaching out to hug his brother tightly.

“I failed, Dave. I failed to keep her alive. Just like I failed to keep myself alive or even you.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I was going to call her Dave! If I had just gone over there o-or if I had called her-!”

“You don’t know that it would change anything.”

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

[>Three Weeks Later]

Dirk scrubbed at his face as he tried to stay awake. The past couple of weeks had been hard on him. The media coverage had eventually uncovered Andrew’s diary, which cited that he was jealous of [Name]’s relationship with Dirk, and that if he couldn’t have her, no one could. Dave had tried to keep his brother out of the media as much as possible, but Dirk’s name was already up in high regard.

He was his own CEO of his own company, and when the press wanted answers, they wanted answers. Dirk tried to answer them as best as he could, but even he was wearing down by now. Every question, every comment, tore a little bit more out of his heart. There were most nights that he wished he wasn’t immortal so he could end it all. Sighing and rubbing at his tired eyes, Dirk turned around in his chair to stare out his patio window.

“Rain? Stupid crystal; I didn’t make it rain.”

“I did.”

Freezing, Dirk’s hands gripped the armrests of his chair. That voice...it couldn’t be… Turning around in his chair slowly, the man was greeted to [Name] in all her glory. She was smiling at him as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Rocketing out of his chair, he grasped the girl up in his arms and held onto her for dear life.

“If this is a dream, please don’t fucking wake me up,” he croaked, burying his face in [Name]’s neck.

“This isn’t a dream, Dirk. I’m here. It’s okay; I’m here.”

“B-but how?”

“I think I’m part of your power now,” [Name] murmured, sheepishly. “After all, hot tempered summer needs a little summer rain now and again.”

“Oh thank you. Thank you whoever you are. Just fucking thank you.” He refused to let go of the girl until she was pushing at Dirk’s arms with a laugh.

“Alright you big teddy bear, let me go. I missed you too.”

“I’m so sorr-”

“You don’t have to apologize, Dirk. It was my fault.” [Name] murmured, looking at him sadly. “I saw Andrew out in the hallway, so I grabbed him and told him what an idiot he was for standing around when there was a shooter. He told me ‘Just the person I was looking for’ and put the gun to my head. Told me all about how he had waited around for me, and that I didn’t see it. So he was going to kill me and then kill himself so we could be together forever.”

“Oh, baby,” Dirk murmured, gathering the girl up in his arms again.

“I didn’t feel anything after that. I woke up in front of some odd crystal thing, and suddenly, I just knew what I was meant to do. I’m part of you now, Dirk, and nothing is going to change that.”

“So you’re here to bring rain to summer?” Dirk asked, taking her hand and leading her to the window.

“You can just call me Summer’s Rain.”

“I like it,” Dirk murmured, pulling the girl close to him and placing his lips on hers.

“Ew gross. For the love of god Dirkus, get a fucking room.”

“Shut up David,” Dirk muttered, turning to look at his brother.

“So you got her back. I guess whatever deity is up there really took your crying to heart.”

“You cried?” [Name] asked, turning to Dirk with a surprised look on her face.

“Fuck off Dave. Are you going to take the crystal or what?” Dirk took it off and held the chain out for his brother.

Taking the crystal, Dave’s eyes flashed bright red behind his shades and his skates disappeared from view. “Oh yeah. I forgot that I can do that even without the crystal.”

“You’re a fucking moron.”

“Whatever. Just get back to sucking face or something. Fall will be here within the next couple of days.”

They both watched Dave leave before [Name] turned to Dirk with a sad smile. “So I guess I can’t go to college anymore?”

“It wouldn’t be advised since everyone knows your name, but if you were to be introduced in one of the town’s near here as [Name] Strider…”

Squealing, [Name] launched herself at Dirk. “Yes! A million times yes!”

“I thought you’d say that.”

“I get to go back to my classes!”

“...What.”

Description
{Part Three in the Seasons Pack}

Fiddling with the cigarette behind his ear and thinking about lighting it, Dirk lowered his feet from his desk when his buzzer went off. Clicking the answering machine, he drawled a slow, “Yes?” toward his secretary.

“The band is here.”

A sigh. And then, “Fine. Send them in.” He let his finger off the button and straightened his tie. “Ungrateful brats showing up half an hour late. Do they know how hard it is to make a record with my company?” Fiddling with the glowing crystal around his neck, Dirk blew smoke rings out of his mouth to pass the time until finally a knock came at his door.

Waving away the smoke, Dirk stood and beckoned for them to enter. The three of them entered timidly, each carrying the instrument of their choice. Crossing his arms, Dirk raised an eyebrow. “So like-”

“You three were half an hour late. Now a good friend of mine promised that you would make the cut, but so far, you’re so far down under the line that I’m tempted to push my little button and get you three thrown out of here. However, I believe in second chances, unlike some people. Get in the studio and let me hear your stuff before I change my mind.”

Normally second chances can blow me, but this is a second chance life I’m living, so why the fuck not?

Dirk fiddled with his equipment and placed the headphones on his head. Giving them a thumbs up, he leaned back in his chair and listened to what they had. Playing with the cigarette in his hands, he tapped his foot on the floor to the music. They were definitely good, and he was sure that people would buy up their stuff. What kind of image would be good for them though? Tapping his fingers on the desk, he waited for them to finish their song before pressing the button to speak to them.

“My friend was right; I’m impressed. It takes a lot to impress me, so congratulations. You three, however, are my friend’s project so I’ll sign the paper when he brings it to me. Think about cleaning up a bit though. Grunge is, well, I get it, but at least be clean. Grunge doesn’t mean being dirty. You can grab the necessary paperwork from my secretary.”

Taking his headphones off, he set them to the side and stood when the band members left the booth. He shook each of their hands and led them to the door. He watched them walk out into the hallway and caught sight of his secretary arguing heatedly with some other woman. Tilting his head to the side, Dirk just had to smirk. Nice legs.

Crossing over to his desk, he pressed the button for his secretary. “I’m taking a break so I don’t want to be bothered. Thank you.” Leaving his suit jacket hanging around the back of his chair, Dirk loosed his tie and undid the top two buttons on his shirt. Sliding open the door that led to his outdoor patio, he made himself invisible to the human eye. He stepped on onto his patio and jumped on the railing before overlooking the entire city.

He felt the heat of the sun hit his face and he sighed happily as the crystal around his neck buzzed in tune with his power. He never felt better than he did during summer. Grasping the cigarette from behind his ear, he blew on it until it lit, and he placed it in his mouth with a smile. He never used lighters anymore. Fire was a fickle thing, as he found out personally.

He closed his eyes, remembering that moment after…

”What in the fuck?” Dirk asked, looking around at the small area with the large crystal in it.

“Oh hey, another person!” A boy in blue said, popping up.

“Jolly good show,” said another, walking up with his dog.

“Who the fuck are you people?”

“John Egbert. I’m the blue one!”

“Jake English, and this is Becquerel. You can call him Bec. We’re green.”

“Blue? Green?”

“Yes ‘ol boy. The little circles on the floor. Go ahead and try out the other two to see which one is yours.”

Dirk stared at the two dubiously, but stepped on the orange one. It lit up in an instant. “Huh. So why the fuck am I here?”

“You’d have to be dead,” John said with a smile. “I died of hypothermia.”

“I fell out of a tree.”

“I was driving my car way too fast, and I crashed. I smelled the fire and I tried to get out, but I guess I didn’t get out fast enough.”

“Fascinating. So we’re waiting for one more then.”

“And then what?”

“We don’t know.” The two boys chorused together, returning to their circles.

“One more person huh? This is kinda weird.”

Dirk was dragged out of his reverie by a hand pulling him backwards. His cigarette flew out of his mouth as he tried to regain his balance, but landed flat on his ass. Catching his cigarette between his two fingers, and whipping off his sunglasses in anger, he glowered up at the person who dared to catch him unawares. He soon realized that she was yelling at him.

“Are you freaking crazy? You could fall from up there! You’re lucky I came in when I did because it looked like you were going to fall!"

Oh. It was that girl in the skirt with the nice legs. How did she make it past his secretary? And more importantly, wasn’t he invisible? Narrowing his eyes as she continued to go off on him, he swapped back and forth between invisibility and visibility with less than desired results. She was still staring at him and berating him for something.

Standing up, he placed his shades back on his face and stuck his cigarette between his lips again. He placed a hand on the girl’s head, laughing inwardly when he realized that he was nearly a foot taller than her. “Calm down squirt. I wasn’t going to fall. I thought you were arguing with my secretary?”

“She got distracted so I snuck past her,” the girl stated proudly before she registered just what he said. “Squirt?! I’ll have you know that just because I’m average height, and you’re a freakishly tall giant does not mean that I am so little!”

“You’re little to me. Take a seat across from me here, and we can talk about why you pulled me down on my ass when I was thinking.”

“I thought you were going to jump. That’s why.” She said, rolling her eyes but sitting down in one of the chairs in front of his desk.

“So why are you here then?”

“My name is [Full Name], and I run a college newspaper. Think of it as a dare mind you, but my boss bet me that I couldn’t get an interview with the top producer in music. Naturally, I had to prove the asshole wrong.”

Dirk laughed, knocking some ashes from his cigarette into the ashtray on his desk. “I like you squirt. You’ve got real fire within you. I’ll give you your interview.”

“Really?” She asked, smiling up at him happily.

“Yeah really,” Dirk said, leaning back in his seat. “So go ahead and-” Feeling a vibration in his pocket, Dirk pulled out his phone and saw the caller ID. “Excuse me, this is my brother. You don’t mind if I-?”

“No, please. Go right ahead.” [Name] said, writing some things down on her notepad as Dirk turned his chair around.. I didn’t know he had a brother.

“Sup?”

Did you really have to turn the heat up this early in the season?

“Of course. Summer is the best season after all.”

Fuck you. How’s the producing business?

“Busy as always. I’m doing an interview right now.”

You? Interview? She’s either hot or you’re getting some ass.

“Hey now, fuck you. Let’s just say she caught me in quite a predicament. Thought I was going to jump off my railing.”

Weren’t you invisible?

“Yup.”

Wait so-

“You slow your roll. I’m not like Spr-Jake or John. Ain’t gonna happen.”

You’re gonna be so whipped.

“You shut the-huh. Bastard hung up on me.” Turning back around in his chair, Dirk pocketed his phone with a smile. “Sorry about that. Dave is rather unique as a twin brother.”

“No, that’s fine I don’t mind. Family comes first after all. I’ve just got a couple of questions here for you, but please feel free to elaborate. You’re the only who’s offering the information here so only give me what you want me to know.”

“Darlin’, I could probably show you more than I could tell you,” Dirk said, leaning back in his chair with a smirk as the girl’s face turned red.

Coughing slightly, she smiled at him. “Mr. Strider, you probably could, but I’d rather you tell, not show. Now, if you please.”

For the next hour, Dirk answered all of [Name]’s questions, while tossing in a couple innuendos to keep her on her toes. She never fell to his advances though, which kept him thoroughly entertained throughout the whole interview. Finally, she snapped her notebook shut with a smile and stood.

“Thank you so much for your time, Mr. Strider.”

Dirk stood and walked her to the door. Turning toward him, [Name] extended her hand. Dirk took it and pulled the girl quickly toward him. “Instead of a handshake, how about a kiss darlin’?”

Dirk leaned down, only for his lips to meet notebook. He met [Name]’s eyes, which danced with mirth. “Sorry Mr. Strider. I believe in keeping contacts at an arm’s length, and I certainly don’t kiss after the first meeting. Have a good day.”

She opened the door and let herself out, while Dirk leaned against it to watch her walk out. “Hate to see her go, but damn do I love to watch her leave,” he muttered. “Feisty little squirt. [Full Name] huh. Looks like you’ve made it onto my list. I’ll have you one way or another darlin’, of that you can be sure.”

-

Sitting at his favorite bar later that night, Dirk spun around in his chair feeling a little more than bored. He was actually going to try to hit up one of his favorite girls, but for some reason, he just didn’t feel the urge to. “Which is fucking weird as shit,” Dirk muttered to himself, downing another shot of whiskey. He gestured for another one. “If you can’t fuck, then get drunk.”

“You’re a right mess aren’t you?”

Turning in his chair, his shades met the shades of his brother. “Fuck off.”

“Where’s your squeeze of the night?” Dave asked, hopping up on the stool next to his brother and gesturing for some whiskey as well.

“I don’t have one.”

“No shit.”

“Did you come here just to tell me off for my lack of ass, or are you here for a real reason?”

“Can’t a twin visit his brother without a motive?”

“No.”

“I figured you’d want to get drunk and you’d want company. I am your brother after all. Jake and John found theirs and now you have yours. Must be hard to move from girl to girl to girl, and then have to settle for just one.”

“What if she fucking sucks at sex man? That’s the problem right here. I’m only interested in the body. My heart is not for fucking sale here.” Dirk said, running a hand through his hair. “She’s a little spitfire though, and she’s got nice legs.”

“She smart as well?”

“Yeah I guess so. She pulled my ass from the railing to ensure I didn’t fall, even though I had no intention of doing so. And she had all her notes lined up with her pretty little handwriting. She’s got small hands too, did I tell you that? She’s about a foot smaller than me as well. Little squirt. What are you staring at me for?”

“You’re gushing about her.”

“Fuck you I’m not.”

“You are.”

“Dammit Dave, if you’re gonna berate me for this shit, then get the fuck out.”

“I’m not berating you, Dirk. This is a good thing. You can finally stop sleeping around.”

“I can’t just sleep with one girl, David. God dammit, I need a full course meal to keep me tamed.”

“And that’s why Jake, John, and I think you’re an asshole.”

“You, Springlish, and John Frost can shut the fuck up. I live my life how I want, and that’s that.”

“Dirkus, I want you to do me a favor.”

“Fuck do you want, David?” Dirk asked, downing another shot that was put in front of him.

“Tomorrow, I want you to go see John and Jake.”

“Why the fuck-”

“Shut the hell up and listen. I want you to watch them. I don’t want you to visit, but I want you to watch them. See how happy they are. You haven’t been happy since you died in that wreck all that time ago.”

“Yeah and I wasn’t happy with you being an idiot and falling down that fucking hill either. You were supposed to live on.” Dirk muttered into his glass.

“Twins stick together forever bro,” Dave said, knocking his head against his brother’s softly. “Now come on. Let’s get you home.”

“Alright.”

-

The next morning, Dirk stood in front of his house and stretched as Dave skated around idly. “So why didn’t you go for a skateboard?”

“It wasn’t like I had a choice,” Dave said, swirling around in his rollerskates. “Besides, you were going fast in that car, so you obviously can run fast now. Like the Flash. Or you’re like. The Stride.”

“That’s fucking lame.”

“Well, I guess we get to be lame then. I’m like Roller Skating Rick up in here or something.”

“Or DJ Skate.”

The twins glanced at each other before laughing softly. “We’re so weird.”

“Yeah but it’s cool,” Dirk said, reaching over and messing up Dave’s hair.

“You fucker.”

“Alright I’m off. I’ll visit John’s house first, and then loop around through Jake’s apartment. He usually has Sunday’s off, so it’s my lucky day.”

“Have fun!”

Giving his brother the bird, Dirk took off in a flash. Dave blinked once and Dirk was gone, leaving the younger twin to skate in front of his brother’s house like a weirdo.

“Excuse me?”

Dave looked up to see a woman smiling at him. “Yeah?”

“My name is [Full Name] and would you, by any chance, be Dave?”

“Oh, so you’re [Name]. Nice to meet you. Yeah. The name’s David Strider, but I just go by Dave. What’s up?”

“I was wondering if your brother was home. I have a copy of my college newspaper for him so-”

“You look younger than that. How old are you? Like twenty?” Dave asked, skating around the girl curiosity.

“I’m actually twenty-three, thank you very much,” [Name] said, sticking her tongue out at Dave.

“Oh so he wouldn’t be robbing the cradle then.”

“I beg your pardon?”

“Nothing, sorry. I tend to speak out loud sometimes. You actually just missed Dirk, but let me give you his cell phone number. He should be free later this evening for you to give him a call.”

“Oh thank you so much!”

You owe me for this big bro.

-

Cracking his neck, Dirk made sure he was completely invisible before following John and his girlfriend at a distance. He paid attention to the boy’s body language when it came to the girl. The way he smiled at her had Dirk grimacing. Bouncing on the balls of his feet, the elder Strider raced forward ahead of them and hid behind a tree so he could see John’s expressions.

“Fucking hell.”

He noticed right away that the boy was happier. Since he, Dave, and Jake all had jobs out in the real world, they often worried about John. But Dirk could see that he was carrying a backpack and he was holding his girlfriend’s hand. It looked like they were going to the college or even a library to study.

“This sucks. Over to Springlish’s place then.” Stretching his legs quickly, the boy took off past John, making sure to smack him in the head as he went.

“Ow! What the-?”

“John, what’s wrong?”

“Not...sure? Feels like something hit me.”

“You’re so strange, John. Come on we’re gonna be late.”

“Coming!”

Dirk chuckled to himself as he ran over to Jake’s apartment. Stopping himself in the alleyway, he took a breather as he relaxed against the wall. “Maybe I should stop smoking….nah.” Lighting himself another cigarette, he craned his neck around the corner to watch Springlish and his girl leave the apartment to take Bec on his walk.

“Jesus Christ. These boys are both whipped.”

Dirk ran past the two of them and focused in on Jake’s face. Dave was right, of course. John and Jake were both happier than he had ever seen them.

“Shit.”

Running over to Jake, he started walking beside him like he had been there the whole time. Taking a drag of his cigarette, he waiting for the boy to notice him.

“Jesus jumping Christ Dirk! You scared the hell out of me.”

“Heh. How’s the walk? Hey there Bec.” Dirk said, reaching down to scratch the pup behind his ears.

“Is it true?”

“Is what true?”

“What I heard from Dave, of course!”

“You didn’t hear shit, and we’re keeping it that way.”

“Can’t live the life of an asshole forever, Dirkus.”

“I was doing a pretty damn good job of it, Springlish.”

“I’ve heard that she’s a nice lass, ‘ol boy. Good job on her.”

“I’m the only who’s met her. How can you say that?”

“Dave talked to her of course! Didn’t you know that?”

“Little shit. Catch ya later, Springlish.”

Taking off quickly, Dirk ran his way back to his house. He was unsurprised to see Dave still there. After all, he had only been gone for about twenty minutes. Grabbing his brother by his jacket, Dirk brought his face close to his. “The fuck did Jake mean when he said you talked to [Name]?”

Dave just smirked at his brother. “Why are you getting mad? She’s just a girl you can fuck and drop right?”

Breathing in through his nose, Dirk’s frown deepened as he shoved his brother back and turned angrily. “You’re a fucking prick, David Strider.”

“You’re an even bigger one, Dirkus Strider.”

“You’re moving in on my fucking territory.”

“She’s not your territory if you don’t want her.”

Whirling around, Dirk punched his brother square in the jaw. “You stay the fuck away from her, David. And I mean it.”

Breathing heavily and staring at Dave’s askew shades, Dirk watched the youngest Strider wobble on his skates before he got up from the ground. Placing a hand on his jaw, Dave cracked it a few times before he let loose a laugh. “And that’s how I know that you truly care for her. By the way, she’ll be calling you later tonight with news of her article about you. I gave her your number. See ya.”

Dirk watched Dave skate away nonchalantly, and the man brushed some hair back before straightening his shirt. “Insufferable fuck,” he muttered, but smiled moments later. “You’ll knock me on my ass later I’m sure.”

-

Standing out on his porch in a pair of jeans, Dirk lit up a cigarette and leaned against his railing. Letting his head hang back, he removed the cigarette from his mouth and blew the smoke up. “Man.” His phone vibrated against his hip, and he pulled it out of his pocket. “Unknown number huh? About time you came after me, darlin’. Hello?”

Mr. Strider?

“The one and only darlin’. And please, call me Dirk.”

I assume that Dave relayed the message to you then?

“Message?” Dirk asked, placing his cigarette back between his lips.

Are you smoking again?

“Yeah?

That’s bad for your health you know.

“If you’re so worried about my health, [Name], I do have quite a problem that you could help me-”

Moving right along. I have the newspaper right here, and I was wondering if you would like to read my article.

Dirk chuckled. “Sure. I’m always interested in things written about me. Why don’t you come on over here a spell? I promise to keep my shirt off.”

Don’t you mean on?

“I might get heat stroke. It is a hot summer after all, and after seeing you, I’d be feeling a little more hot under the collar.”

Mr. Strider-

“Dirk, and I’ll see you in half an hour sweetheart.” He clicked the end call button and blew out some more smoke. “Oh yeah. She wants me.”

About half an hour later, [Name] parked her car outside of Dirk’s house and got out with her newspaper in hand. “Okay, [Name], you can do this. Get in, give him the newspaper, and then get out. You don’t need to spend another minute there even though he probably has a nice body that you should definitely stop thinking about. Okay.”

Making her way up onto his porch, she rang the doorbell and waited. Footsteps approached and [Name] clutched the newspaper tighter in her hands. Opening the door, Dirk smiled down at her. To [Name]’s approval, and perhaps disappointment, he had a shirt on. However, he was barefoot, and those jeans looked like they were low on his hips-

“Like what you see?” Dirk asked with a smirk.

“Just surprised to see you in anything other than business suits, Mr. Strider. The paper as promised.” [Name] said, handing him the newspaper and stepping into his house when he moved to let her in. “You have a beautiful home.”

“Thank you. You would be a welcome addition you know.”

Choosing to ignore his attempts at flirting, [Name] stepped closer to the living room with a smile. “Shall we? You might have some questions for me regarding what I wrote.”

“Sure,” Dirk said, smirking inwardly. If this is the way she wants to play, then I’ll play. Down boy, down.

Sitting on the sofa, [Name] sighed as she tried not to burrow herself farther in it.

“Comfy isn’t it?” Dirk asked, sitting down right next to her and placing his arm on the back of the couch. “Best sofa I could find.”

“It is lovely,” [Name] said with a smile, ever wary of the arm Dirk had thrown behind her. No matter how innocent the gesture, she knew the ulterior motive behind it.

“So you wrote this whole piece yourself then?” Dirk asked, focusing his gaze to the front page. “I’m impressed at the picture. I don’t remember being photographed.”

“My photographer is very, very good at what he does,” [Name] said with a wide smile. “He’s a good friend of mine, so we help each other out.”

Dirk merely grunted, reading through the paper as fast as his eyes would allow him. He flipped through a couple pages to finish out the passage before nodding. “Acceptable. You are an excellent writer.”

“Oh you liked it? Thank goodness.” [Name] said, leaning back into the cushions of the couch in relief. “I was afraid you wouldn’t.”

Smiling at the girl, Dirk lowered his arm around her shoulders and pulled her close to him. “Nonsense. It’s a nice piece about me, and it helped you win a bet.”

Afraid of her voice squeaking, [Name] nodded and removed the arm around her before standing quickly. “Thank you for allowing me to provide you with the paper. I will see myself out then.”

“Now that I won’t allow,” Dirk said with a smile, placing the newspaper down on the coffee table and following [Name]. “I must be the gentleman and see the lady to the door.” Coming to the front door, [Name] held out her hand with a smile.

“Thank you, Dirk.”

“Being as this is our second meeting, I do believe that we have upgraded from just a handshake darlin’,” Dirk said, grasping her hand and pulling her to him. “So how about that kiss?”

Rolling her eyes, [Name] pulled Dirk down to her level and glared at him. “Fine. But just this once.”

He smiled innocently at her. “Just this once?”

“Yes.”

Winding her arms around his neck, she pressed her lips to his in a chaste kiss. Drawing away, she was startled when Dirk grasped her more tightly and brought his mouth back down to hers. He tried to gain access to her mouth that she refused, so he let his fingers trail up under her shirt, causing her to gasp. Taking advantage of the easy access, his tongue trailed about the wet cavern before battling for dominance against hers - dominance that he won. Pressing her body against the wall next to the door, Dirk lifted her leg and placed it around his hip, allowing him to move closer to her.

Feeling just how raring to go he was, even through the thick material of his jeans, [Name] knew if she didn't get out now, she never would. Fiddling with the doorknob, she ground herself against Dirk, hoping that he wouldn't be expecting that. He stilled in surprise as [Name] flung open the door and slipped out of his grasp.

Smoothing back some of her hair and trying to steady her breathing, she nodded. "Good night then."

Dirk watched her go with the promise of fire dancing in his eyes. Pushing his shades higher up on his nose, he smirked. "I'll have you yet, [Name]. Just you wait."

-

The next day, no matter what she did, [Name] could not concentrate on any of her work.

"What're ya thinking about?" Her best friend and photographer asked with a smile on his face.

"Hm? Oh, Dirk. Mr. Strider rather."

"He's been been a big topic for you lately," Andrew murmured, turning in a circle in a chair.

"Well he is a client of mine. In a way."

"He's gotta be bad news. But either way, I was wondering-"

"Oh hold on Andy. I've got a text here."

Flipping open her phone, [Name]'s eyes scanned the message.

My bed is very comfortable you know. What I wouldn't give to see you writhing and nak- Snapping her phone closed, [Name] tried to get rid of the mental image of her in Dirk's bed.

"Him again?"

"Yes. He's not a bad guy. Misguided perhaps. But he is good at what he does."

"I say just file something against him," Andrew grunted. "Anyway, how about lunch? Like we used to back home. My treat of course."

"Oh I'd love to Andy, but I'm swamped with this stuff so-"

"Say no more. I'll snag you something on my way back."

"Thanks Andy. You're a life saver."

"Nah just a good best friend," Andrew said with a smile as he left the newspaper office.

Trying to focus on some of her work, [Name] jumped when her phone rang. Answering it quickly, she murmured a greeting while putting it up to her ear.

How's college darlin'?

"Mr. Strider! To what do I owe the pleasure of your call?"

Now what have I told you time and time again? It's Dirk. Don't worry though. I'll have them pretty lips of yours murmuring my name in the throes of passion eventually.

"In your dreams, Dirk."

Yeah. There too.

"You're crazy."

About you perhaps. Dine with me tonight. I'll take you somewhere nice.

"I take that to mean not your house then."

Maybe after we eat. A man has to have dessert after all.

"Fine. Is it far?"

Nah not to far. I don’t drive, so it’d be a local place.

“Meeting at your house or mine?”

Mine. After all, you’d have a ride and all that.

“True. I’ll be at your house at seven.”

Six.

“Impatient are we?”

Maybe. I want to have you to myself for an hour. I promise not to ravish you - much.

“Oh that’s comforting.”

Dirk laughed, a rich baritone that had [Name] getting goosebumps. See you tonight then, sweetheart. I can’t wait.

Hanging up her phone, [Name] shook her head. “I’ve made a date with the devil. I’m so screwed.”

-

Parking her car outside of Dirk’s place for the second night in a row, she found him out on the porch waiting. He had an unlit cigarette hanging out of his mouth as he leaned against his railing, looking rather dashing in his tuxedo. As she walked up, he let out a low whistle. “You’re killing me, baby.”

“Not yet, but maybe at some point I will,” [Name] grumbled, wondering why she chose her little black dress and heels when she was going out with Dirk Strider of all people. “Hands off mister.”

Dirk chuckled and tucked the cigarette in his jacket pocket as he held out his hand. “C’mon darlin’. What’s a little hand holding?”

“The last time I gave you my hand, you practically fucked me against your wall,” she muttered, but took his hand anyway as they walked down the sidewalk.

“If you’d like a repeat performance, I’m right here,” he said with a smile.

“It was hard enough going to classes today without thinking about it, so I don’t think a repeat performance is in my future.”

“Funnily enough, it was hard for me to stop thinking about it too.”

“No more of your innuendos, Dirk,” [Name] said, bumping her hip against his. “Let’s just enjoy a good meal.”

“Fine, fine. But can I just touch-”

“Nope.”

They entered the quiet restaurant where the maitre’d took one look at Dirk before snapping his fingers. “A pleasure to see you again, Mr. Strider. Your usual table is ready.”

“Thank you, Cornelius,” Dirk said, slipping some money into the man’s pocket. “Keep up the good work.”

“Thank you sir.”

“I can’t say I’m surprised,” [Name] murmured as Dirk pulled her chair out for her and pushed it back in after she sat down.

“About what?” He asked, taking a seat across from her with a grin plastered across his face.

“That the man knows who you are and that you have a particular table you sit at.”

“What can I say, baby? Everybody wants to be a king. Luckily, I’m high enough up there into the royalty status.”

-

After relaxing and trying to have a good time, [Name] found that Dirk Strider wasn’t the cocky bastard that she thought him first to be. It might have been the wine talking, but she saw a caring brother mixed in amongst a man who just wanted to help bring good music into the world. Walking and chatting with him after they left the restaurant as if she didn’t have a care in world put [Name] at ease.

“Well you’re certainly responding to me better. Are you sure you aren’t drunk?” Dirk had to ask with a smile.

“I don’t get drunk, Dirk. You’d be surprised how I change my opinion of people when they stop being cocky assholes and actually talk to me like a normal person.” She answered, sticking her tongue out at him.

“What can I say? I feel like I have something to prove when I’m with you.”

“You don’t have to prove anything you dork,” she murmured, hitting his arm before taking his hand and lacing their fingers together. “Just be yourself.”

“As my lady commands,” Dirk murmured, bringing their conjoined hands to his lips and kissing the back of hers. “I can be civil.”

“For how long?”

“Oh, for at least a good minute or so.”

“That’s not that long you know.”

“Well, it’s the best I’ve got.”

Stopping by her car, [Name] looked up at Dirk who merely smiled down at her. “Well, I guess this is it.”

“Yeah. Or you could come inside.”

“Would I regret it tomorrow?” She challenged.

“Did you regret tonight?”

Looking down at their conjoined hands, [Name] steeled her resolve. “No. Come on then.”

“What seriously?”

“Idiot.”

The door clicked softly behind the pair as they disappeared into Dirk’s house.

-

Faster. He had to go faster. Moving the gear shifter and speeding through the streets, Dirk braked hard and spun his wheel to round a particularly tight corner that had tripped him up time and time again. “Not this time motherfucker!” He exclaimed, exhilharted with the rush his car was giving him.

Coasting in between the other lazy cars, Dirk probably should have been worried about how fast he was going at that time of night, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. He was tempted to call his brother just to let him know about the sweet ride he had gotten hold of, but all it took was one split second when his eyes were off the road for everything to go wrong.

He spun the wrong way, hit something with his passenger side before he coasted into a large pole. His head hit the steering wheel, and he was out like a light.

Groaning when he came to, he felt his head where it was bleeding and sighed. “Fuck. Wrecked the car.” Sniffing, he thought he smelled smoke. “A fire? Shit!” Trying to undo his seat belt to no avail, he realized that the buckle had been forced down within the seat and that he was good and stuck. “God dammit!”

Pulling at the seat belt to try and loosen it from around him, he watched the flames lick at his car more though his shades. Trying to slip out of his seat, he cried out when he found a piece of metal lodged into his knee.

“How the fuck did that happen?” Breathing in and out heavily, the blonde boy sighed and leaned back into the seat. “I’m sorry Dave.” He felt the car blow up around him, the flames and smoke searing his body and-

“No!” Dirk vaulted up into a sitting position, putting his hands on his face and chest to ensure that he was still alive and still here. Looking down at his bed partner, he was surprised to see her up and looking at him worriedly.

“Dirk?”

“[Name], I-”

“Bad dream?” She stared into his orange eyes with a small smile.

“Yeah.”

“I get those too. Come on.” She forced him to lay back down, and she placed her head on his chest, playing with the crystal around his neck. “This is pretty.”

“It helps me to be summer.”

“Be summer?” She asked, tilting her head up a bit to stare at him confused.

“My dream...it’s when I died for the first time. Me, Dave, and our friends John and Jake are all representations of the seasons. I’m Summer.”

“And I’m the Queen Bee,” [Name] said, yawning behind her hand.

“Hand me the cigarette.”

Rolling her eyes, she reached over to grab the cancer stick. “These things are bad for you.”

“Not if you can’t die from them. Watch.”

[Name] watched with fascination as Dirk merely blew on the cigarette, and it lit by itself. Sitting up and using his chest as leverage for her hands, she stared at him hard. “How did you do that?”

“I told you. I’m Summer.”

“Can you make it rain?”

He scrunched up his nose. “I don’t do rain.”

“I was wondering why you always felt warmer than normal. Hm.” She laid down against him and yawned again. “Either way. I have classes tomorrow, so good night. Try not to have anymore bad dreams, Dirk.”

He wrapped an arm around the girl and put out his cigarette, allowing her to snuggled closer to him. “As long as you’re with me, I don’t think I will.”

[>One Month Later]

Much to his chagrin, Dave always managed to embarrass Dirk whenever the boy brought up [Name]. Dirk had been happily going steady with the girl, and he hadn’t any complaints so far. Tapping his fingers on his desk, he thought about calling her but decided against it. She was busy with the newspaper, so he wouldn’t be in her way.

“Oh there you guys are,” Dirk said, rising from his desk, helping the two men out as they struggled to carry the equipment. “Here let me help out.” Grasping some of the items, he showed them into the soundproof booth and closed the door, demonstrating where he wanted the new speakers. “They can’t be in the way of the door here see? Think you guys can figure something out?”

They both nodded to him and the man walked back to his desk. Tossing off his shades with a sigh, he looked over at his cell. Picking up his phone, he saw that he had one missed call and one new voicemail message from [Name]. Smiling to himself, he sat back in his chair and clicked to listen. D-Dirk please! Pick up your phone! T-there’s a shooter here; and I can hear gunshots. Please, please answer me! I’ve called the police, but I need you here. I need-End of message.

Dirk shot up out of his seat so fast, it nearly toppled over. “Fuck fuck fuck!” Opening the patio doors, he launched himself on the railing and looked out into the city below. Making himself invisible and gripping the crystal around his neck for good luck, he let himself fall against the building before he began running down the windows and metal.

Speeding through the city, he speed-dialed his brother.

Yeah?

“[Name]’s college now! There’s a shooter!”

What the fu-

Dirk hung up on his brother, just in case [Name] tried to call him again. Stopping himself by the school entrance, he made himself visible as he walked over to the police line. “What’s happening?”

“You can’t go in there sir.”

“My girlfriend is in there, sir, and if you don’t let me in-”

“Please, sir, calm down. The shooter has been found dead, and only one other person has died.”

“Who?”

“The name has not been released yet but-”

“Who?!” Dirk clenched his hands into fists and whipped his head to the side as they wheeled a body out on a gurney. [Color] hair hung out from the sheet, and Dirk paled as he slid under the police line and ran to the gurney.

“Sir! Somebody stop him!”

Lifting up the sheet, Dirk set it down quickly and turned away, his back muscles clenching tightly in anger. “Why…? Why only her?” Shaking and clenching his fists, Dirk took off running as fast as his legs could carry him. Slowing down when he was in a clearing, he dropped to his knees and ripped the crystal from his neck.

“Is this what you put me here for?! To lose my life and then to lose her? Take this stupid thing!” He threw the crystal as far as he could, putting his face in his hands and yelling as if his life depended on it. “I’m fucking done! An immortal life is nothing...without...her…”

“Dirk.”

“Go away Dave.”

“I just heard it on the radio. They’re saying that Andrew Jameson is responsible.”

“Her best friend?” Dirk asked, tearing his eyes from his hands to look at his brother in surprise. “But...why…?”

“From what I gathered from the student gossip, Andrew loved her, but she was too blind to see it. And then she had you. I guess you can piece it together.”

“S-she was so scared. She trusted me to protect her, and I fucking failed. I’m done, Dave. I can’t do this anymore.” Dirk moaned, burying his hands in his hair and pulling on it. “I...can’t.”

“You have to. At least until Summer is over. You only have a couple weeks left.” His brother murmured, picking up the crystal. Kneeling down in front of Dirk, Dave opened his brother’s hand and placed the crystal within it, closing it in his grasp. “Do it for her.”

Dirk reached up to push his shades up higher on his nose before he realized that he didn’t have them on. He immediately tried to hide the tears falling down his face. “A Strider never fucking cries.”

“There are exemptions, big bro, and you know that,” Dave muttered, reaching out to hug his brother tightly.

“I failed, Dave. I failed to keep her alive. Just like I failed to keep myself alive or even you.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“I was going to call her Dave! If I had just gone over there o-or if I had called her-!”

“You don’t know that it would change anything.”

“I didn’t even get to say goodbye.”

[>Three Weeks Later]

Dirk scrubbed at his face as he tried to stay awake. The past couple of weeks had been hard on him. The media coverage had eventually uncovered Andrew’s diary, which cited that he was jealous of [Name]’s relationship with Dirk, and that if he couldn’t have her, no one could. Dave had tried to keep his brother out of the media as much as possible, but Dirk’s name was already up in high regard.

He was his own CEO of his own company, and when the press wanted answers, they wanted answers. Dirk tried to answer them as best as he could, but even he was wearing down by now. Every question, every comment, tore a little bit more out of his heart. There were most nights that he wished he wasn’t immortal so he could end it all. Sighing and rubbing at his tired eyes, Dirk turned around in his chair to stare out his patio window.

“Rain? Stupid crystal; I didn’t make it rain.”

“I did.”

Freezing, Dirk’s hands gripped the armrests of his chair. That voice...it couldn’t be… Turning around in his chair slowly, the man was greeted to [Name] in all her glory. She was smiling at him as if she hadn’t a care in the world. Rocketing out of his chair, he grasped the girl up in his arms and held onto her for dear life.

“If this is a dream, please don’t fucking wake me up,” he croaked, burying his face in [Name]’s neck.

“This isn’t a dream, Dirk. I’m here. It’s okay; I’m here.”

“B-but how?”

“I think I’m part of your power now,” [Name] murmured, sheepishly. “After all, hot tempered summer needs a little summer rain now and again.”

“Oh thank you. Thank you whoever you are. Just fucking thank you.” He refused to let go of the girl until she was pushing at Dirk’s arms with a laugh.

“Alright you big teddy bear, let me go. I missed you too.”

“I’m so sorr-”

“You don’t have to apologize, Dirk. It was my fault.” [Name] murmured, looking at him sadly. “I saw Andrew out in the hallway, so I grabbed him and told him what an idiot he was for standing around when there was a shooter. He told me ‘Just the person I was looking for’ and put the gun to my head. Told me all about how he had waited around for me, and that I didn’t see it. So he was going to kill me and then kill himself so we could be together forever.”

“Oh, baby,” Dirk murmured, gathering the girl up in his arms again.

“I didn’t feel anything after that. I woke up in front of some odd crystal thing, and suddenly, I just knew what I was meant to do. I’m part of you now, Dirk, and nothing is going to change that.”

“So you’re here to bring rain to summer?” Dirk asked, taking her hand and leading her to the window.

“You can just call me Summer’s Rain.”

“I like it,” Dirk murmured, pulling the girl close to him and placing his lips on hers.

“Ew gross. For the love of god Dirkus, get a fucking room.”

“Shut up David,” Dirk muttered, turning to look at his brother.

“So you got her back. I guess whatever deity is up there really took your crying to heart.”

“You cried?” [Name] asked, turning to Dirk with a surprised look on her face.

“Fuck off Dave. Are you going to take the crystal or what?” Dirk took it off and held the chain out for his brother.

Taking the crystal, Dave’s eyes flashed bright red behind his shades and his skates disappeared from view. “Oh yeah. I forgot that I can do that even without the crystal.”

“You’re a fucking moron.”

“Whatever. Just get back to sucking face or something. Fall will be here within the next couple of days.”

They both watched Dave leave before [Name] turned to Dirk with a sad smile. “So I guess I can’t go to college anymore?”

“It wouldn’t be advised since everyone knows your name, but if you were to be introduced in one of the town’s near here as [Name] Strider…”

Squealing, [Name] launched herself at Dirk. “Yes! A million times yes!”

“I thought you’d say that.”

“I get to go back to my classes!”

“...What.”