Showing off..Chase/Aly tag Any

[Aly Durrand]

It was the same routine every day. Lunch off campus at some fancy place where they knew Chase. He officially moved to LA in the beginning of August and since then, two months later he was known at most places and most restaurants. Chase threw money around as a way of showing off, and he had to show off his new girlfriend of course. What was Aly to do except go along. Oh how she had changed over the summer. Rejection, being in trouble Aly was a shell of herself so to speak. She was stone cold as ever, except for when it came to Brit. Funny enough Brit was the only one who made her feel good. Chase was just an abuser, but of course no one knew that. Only maybe two people suspected, but Aly was good at covering herself up.

This was the same old routine. Aly and Chase left and went some where to eat where he could show off. It's not like she had a chance to say no, nor would she want to. Saying no was not an option with Chase. She had to say yes, be good and not make trouble. Heaven forbid f she mentioned Jasper. Nope, not good.

Chase drove Aly to an upscale restaurant. One where anyone with money would be scene. The setting was near the beach but close to the new school. They sat outside where everyone could see and someone passing by could talk to the duo. Aly was quiet as Chase spoke looking for anyone he might know or recognize so he could so something to boost up his self esteem, even if he seemed to be full of it.

"Sit up straight Aly. I hate when you slouch." He said criticizing her, but with a smile.

Aly stood up praying for anyone they knew to come over and talk to them so Chase could be distracted.

[Jasper Hastings]

Jasper's summer had been horrid. Riley had gone off to Europe to visit their mother and Jasper had fooled himself into thinking that if he returned to New York for a bit that things would be different. He visited his father in prison...bad idea. He visited his old friends...worse idea. It seemed that Chase Andrew's had taken over there...taken his spot as the guy everyone followed. Thankfully, he was away for the summer...Jasper would have killed him if he saw him!

But no matter, he'd then gone to Europe to join his sister...possibly the worst idea of all. Nothing was the same. Jasper was not the same. He'd lost his mojo so to speak. He tried to meet girls but there was just something off. None of them were Aly. All he could think about was Aly and how he'd completely sabotaged it all. It wasn't a good feeling.

But the summer had come to an end and Jasper found himself back in LA once more, his sister ready to start her senior year of high school. Jasper could have of course had a place at any University but college life bored him so he was going to stick it out in LA one more, figure out what his sister's plans were for the following year and go from there. He was also going to figure out how to make things right with Aly. He'd sent her a ton of gifts over the summer but her father had said that she was away and wouldn't say where. Had she gotten the gifts? He had no idea. She hadn't called though.

It was lunch time and Jasper was bored. Riley was at school and he really had nothing to do for the day. Not one to dine by himself, Jasper had called his financial adviser for a meeting. He did after all need to figure out what he'd be doing with his money since his whole family was living off it right now. Riley's trust would kick in in March, but that was still away aways. Jasper figured it was about time he make some investments. That would put his head in the right place at least he hoped it would.

Walking into the dining area, the man he was meeting wasn't there yet, so Jasper decided to go to the bar. Ordering a drink, he noticed a familiar face walk inside: Aly. And she was with Chase Andrews.

Jasper fumed! How dare Andrews try and take his girl! How dare he come to his city! There were more than one reason that Jasper hated the guy and it had nothing to do with the fact that he'd always tried to one up him time and again. While Jasper could be cruel, he'd never physically hurt a woman, something he'd witnessed him do on more than one occasion. Something that Jasper wanted no part of.

He already knew that he had royally screwed things up with Aly but he still cared about her very much. As much as he knew he should stay out of it, he knew he had to say something before she ended up getting hurt.

He walked up to them, surprisingly nervous, which was a new feeling for him. He didn't even look at Aly as he was too afraid to catch her eye. "Andrew's what are you doing here?" he asked, his tone threatening.

[Chase Andrews]

ALy had the gifts of course. They were hidden in her room. Some where Chase would never look. cause if he found them she would no doubt wind up back in the hospital needing to come up with some other excuse for her dad and step mom, and an excuse Brit would not by. The gifts had been great, necklaces, bracelets, cards, candy, things Chase bought her except with Jasper there was no fear of what came next. Still Aly stayed with Chase cause he wanted her and thats what she wanted.

When she heard Jasper's voice her body language stiffened. She didn't dare look at him or else Chase would be mad, and she didn't dare look at Chase for risk of the glare that would come. No doubt this alone might get her smacked. Oh how she prayed it didn't. So Aly kept quiet. Normally she would have some quick witted response about Jasper being alive. But she kept her mouth shut, which alone was unusual cause Aly always had something to say, especially when you pissed off, and Jasper would probably know this.

Chase looked at Jasper then narrowed his eyes at Aly. She better not have known Jasper would show up, or else. He hated being surprised. Chase was a control type of guy, and surprises were not on his list. Especially ones he thought had disappeared. Chase had head from contacts in New York about Jasper's return so of course he made sure that while Jasper was in New York he heard all about chase taking over.

Chase gave Jasper a sly smile. "I am having lunch with my girlfriend. We re met over the summer and it was love at first sight." Chase said kissing Aly's hand. "Right Aly?" Now chase's tone was threatening toward Aly.

She just shook her head and let out a fake giggle, "Yeah." She said as she continued to look at the menu.

"Of course by the end of the summer I could not let her go, so I moved here. To LA to finish my senior year with Aly by my side. We go to the same school and have most of our classes together." Obviously for a reason, but no one needed to know that. Chase gave Jasper a smug smile, one of those I have won smiles, "What about you Hastings? I figured you would be off losing money some where since you don't have to be stuck to school anymore."

[Jasper Hastings]

Jasper wasn't stupid. He knew people. He had their acts down to a science...that's why he'd always been in charge. Maybe after he'd left Chase had been able to fool and win over a lot of people but Jasper still had his number down. And now, all he could think about was not how he'd screwed thing up for himself and Aly but how he was going to have to get her away from Chase.

He kept his eyes focused on Chase. He didn't even glance at Aly once, not because he didn't want to, because he really did. He really wanted to just give her a look to let her know she'd be okay. Jasper obviously had no idea what Aly had gone through was going through. He'd just seen it before so could only assume that it was what he thought. After all, guys like Chase never changed.

Jasper let his lips curve into a small smile even though his mood was anything by smiley. It was all an illusion, all and illusion to make Chase think that Jasper didn't care one lick about Aly. "My sister is still in school," he said simply, "and I am her guardian right now until she turns 18. Let's just say mom has really taken to life in Paris," he said casually. He wouldn't blame Chase now if he brought up Jasper's dad. Had Jasper been in Chase's position, he certainly wouldn't have let that go. But there was no reason to open that door. Chase could say what he liked, but Jasper wasn't about to bring it up.

[Aly Durrand]

"How is Riley doing. Aly showed me pictures, She has grown up quite a bit. I promise to keep an eye on her while in school. I wont let any one look at her the wrong way, you have my word." Chase said with a sly grin. He listened closely as Jasper spoke and bit back the urge to punch him. He looked back at Aly. "Excuse us...now." His voice was sharp with her. Meaning if she didn't listen then she would be in trouble.

Aly stood up immediately and turned. part of her hit Jasper, "So...sorry." Aly said, "I will go freshen up." Aly gave chase a smile. "I won't be too long." She said, but before she left Chase of course had to get a forceful kiss in. Aly took off toward the bathroom. She was glad he asked her to leave. She didn't necessarily want to be around for this.

Chase watched her go, "She is lovely. Great in bed too. Although when you mention your sister, does get me thinking." chase winked. "Have a quick seat." Chase motioned as he sat back down. "How is your dad? I hear his new place is a little cramped." Chase commented with a tiny laugh. "You have fallen a long way Hastings." Chase said attempting to bring Jasper down. "Like your old man. You and he are like two peas in a pod."

[Jasper Hastings]

It was funny that Chase was fighting back the urge to punch Jasper because Jasper was also fighting back the urge to punch Chase. He didn't like the way the boy spoke about his sister. Really, Jasper didn't like the way any boy talked about his sister usually, however he knew what Chase was, so it made it extra bad.

As he told Aly to leave and she did without saying a word, that told Jasper that it had already started. Maybe he hadn't hit her yet--or at least Jasper hoped that he hadn't--but Aly Durrand did not just listen to people. No way did she leave unless she wanted to. This was not a good sign. His first thought was to get Riley involved...have her say something. But he thought better of that. There was no way he wanted his sister involved. He didn't want to risk her getting hurt. She knew what Chase was. She was probably the only other one. It made Jasper wished he'd said something a few years ago when he'd found out, however that was just how it was in the New York society life. No one said anything, they knew how to keep their mouths shut. Whatever you had one something, they might have worse on you.

At one time, Chase had been Jasper's protege. Chase was a year younger and clearly just like Jasper so it had been an easy friendship. Only when Chase hadn't been able to control his anger and Jasper had witnessed the boy slap his girlfriend across the face. Jasper had tried to explain to the boy that that just wasn't how things were done. There were much better ways to handle things, but he didn't listen. He did it again and Jasper cut ties with him. After that, Chase always had tried to one up him. He always wanted to get in Jasper's way...take him down a notch. It hadn't happened until the ordeal with Jasper's father.

But this is why it was all harder. Chase knew him and he knew exactly how to push his buttons...make him lose his temper. "Oh yes, Aly's very good in bed," Jasper boasted, knowing the minute he said it that he'd messed up. It was saying things like that that would get Aly in trouble. Jasper had to play it cool. He couldn't let his feelings for Aly mixed with his hatred for Chase affect him.

Jasper paused a moment to collect himself as he sat down. "If you really think I have fallen, then you are clearly mistaken," he said, his tone in a true Jasper fashion. "I am not my father and I am not going to lower myself to you," he told him. "Riley knows what you are and she will tell me if you even look at her the wrong way. As for Aly, if you even think about hurting one hair on her head, of trust me, you'll see what I am capable of," he said, glaring at the other boy.

Standing up, Jasper pushed in his chair, wondering what his odds were of getting to Aly before she returned to the table. Slim. Chase would have his beady little eyes on her like a hawk. "Good seeing you Andrew's," Jasper said cordially, "now if you excuse me, I'm actually meeting someone here today," he said.

[Chase Andrews]

The mention of Aly in bed made Chase grip his glass so hard it almost broke. He would need to talk to his girlfriend about keeping secrets and then he will have to teach her not to keep them. Chase kept his expression calm but cold. Although now and then you could see his face twitch in anger. He hated the man sitting across from him. Chase had always been in Jasper's shadow and now he had a chance to take over and Jasper was still on top some how. It was annoying.

"You sound jealous. I promise to take very good care of Aly. Your concern for her is touching, but she is my girlfriend and for now she will stay that way. As for your sister, well, I am sure even she can be persuaded to keep her mouth shut." Chase said with a laughter that wasverging on creepy. "Jasper, I am in this town now and I have learned a few tricks along the way. Do not threaten or make promises you cannot keep." Chase commented. Just then his phone began to ring and he looked at it.

"I would hate to keep you from your lunch, but I also must take this, so have a good day. I will tell Aly you said bye." chase stood up and walked awayto take the phone call moreprivatly, which was counter productive cause as he did that Aly was out of his line of vision for once. Chase was out side over by the end of the building and Aly was still inside.

In fact she walked out of the bathroomright as Jasper walked back inside. She lookedup and saw him, but no Chase for a moment.

[Jasper Hastings]

Jasper had gotten to him. Maybe Chase had gotten to Jasper but Jasper had also gotten to Chase. Otherwise the other boy would never have run all the was outside to take a simply phone call, presumably leaving Aly out of his site.

Jasper eyed his business adviser, whom he was meeting for lunch, and signaled him that he'd only be a moment longer, then his eyes turning toward the women's bathroom and right at Aly as she stepped out. With a serious look on his face Jasper walked right up to Aly and took her by the arm. "Come along," he said. "We need to get you out of here before Andrews gets back," he said, so intent on getting her away from the other boy that he forgot to explain what he was doing at all.

He started to lead her away figuring that he could let her escape out the back door and let his driver take her wherever she needed to go. Back to school probably although he didn't really like that idea considering Chase had apparently enrolled in their school. But one call to the principal could most likely keep Aly safe. Jasper preferred not to involve the police or anything like that, but he supposed it might come to that if Chase didn't back off.

[Aly Durrand]

Aly did not expect this. But before she had a chance to speak Jasper was leading ehr toward the back door. "Jasper, what are you doing? I cannot just leave, okay." God if she left, that was it. When Chase found her he would be fuming. "He is my boyfriend." She reminded Jasper. "I have to get back to the table. I can't leave." Notice hw she said cant versus didn't want to. Cant obviously inplied just what it mean there was something keeping her here no matter what. It didn't matter if she did want to leave for a moment of peace, she could not leave.

Aly removed his hand from her arm. She lightly covered his hand as she did this. her hand shook a little. "I have to get back. Hopefully he hasn't noticed I have been gone too long. Girls don't take long in the bathroom, right?" Aly's voice was a bit shaky. She did not seem like the same Aly. She was like a shell. She didn't fight back and just took everything that came her way.

"It was nice seeing you, and thanks for the gifts, but um...you should not be involved okay. Chase he um...doesn't like you." That was an understatment. The man hated Jasper. Chase was no Jasper and sometimes sher imagined Jasper when she and chase were getting more intimate. However, she would never say that of course. Aly sighed and looked to the floor. "It was good seeing you, but...watch your back and please don't tell anyone I said that...he might find out." This scared timid Aly was different. Very different.

[Jasper Hastings]

Now this wasn't the reaction Jasper had expected. Maybe in the back of his mind he really had expected her to fight him on this, refuse to leave, but he'd expected an Aly fight...not this pathetic attempt to convince him. "Aly, I'm not letting you go back there. I know what Chase is...what he does. This is my fault," he told her pausing for a moment. "I should have said something before, back when we were all in New York. But you know how it is there. Lips sealed," he said, "I mean half the people knew what my father was up to but no one said a word until after he got caught because that's the mentality there. I should have said something when I found out. I mean...why do you think I casted Chase away?" he said.

Jasper didn't know what to do. It was one of those rare moment in his life when he genuinely wanted to help someone and didn't expect to get anything in return. And Jasper always expected things in return. Unless it was something from Riley, he never did favors for the heck of it. But Aly had somehow broke through that and now she was with scum, so Jasper had to do everything in his power to stop it.

"Listen, Andrew's won't do one thing to me. He knows that he can't. I'll cancel my lunch, take you back to school myself. Or you can just stay at my place if you feel safer until we can sort it all out," he said. "Listen Aly...I know I haven't been...the best friend to you in the past...but I'm not going to let some asshole with an ego trip do this to you. You're Alyson fucking Durrand. You're the one in charge...the one who calls the shots. Don't forget that," Jasper said. He was talking more quickly now. He could see Chase coming back inside...looking angry at the site of Jasper and Aly together. It better not be too late...

"Aly...please...just come with me," Jasper said, practically pleading with her. Part of him even wanted to go on about how he'd only screwed everything up because he cared too much but he knew that this wasn't the time to go into that. He just needed to get Aly help.