Friend In Need – Tyler, tag Skye

[Tyler Durnham]

Well, his day had certainly been a rather interesting one, even by Tyler’s standards. It started with meeting his tutor, a girl he knew he’d much rather make out with (at the very least) than study with, though his marks demanded otherwise. He’d have to make sure he was making a big improvement in his French class before trying anything with her. Otherwise if something bad did happen, such as Lana getting a bit too attached to him, at least he wouldn’t have to put up with her anymore in tutoring sessions three times a week. He hoped that improvement came quickly though, the girl was cute, he could have some fun with her.

Then there came the enjoyable, if confusing lunch / make out session that he had shared with Lexi, of all people. The girl had surprised him, and he always loved a woman doing that. But she also left him wondering exactly what the hell happened. At first she was all cool, calm and collected, happy to play hard to get. Then he kissed her, more than once, and she was practically putty in the palm of his hand. And then, as though a switch suddenly was flipped, she was back to being a tease again. And left him feeling as though he’d been used for pizza. It wasn’t a completely unpleasant feeling.

The pep rally was tonight, and he was sure that would be the perfect start to the weekend, where he would make his way to two whole days of winning Sarissa over. He was sure he could seduce the girl this time. But for now, he actually needed to be serious and responsible, two things he would rather avoid.

He’d gotten a voicemail from a very upset Skye, and as he’d been within earshot of the fight that occurred between her and her boyfriend, he had a very good idea why she was so upset. And he was also very aware that the call was most likely for her brother, also named Tyler. After all, though he considered the girl a friend, he was sure that if she was in need, she’d been more than likely to call her brother than a guy she had a brief fling with a year or two back.

Still, with Tina and Bree conspiring to make him some kind of a moral, decent, human being, he felt he couldn’t ignored the situation. So with a quick call to Skye’s brother, and a stop to pick up the medication her brother asked him to get, Tyler arrived at her place, knocking on the door. Things were so much easier when all he had to focus on was sleeping around.

[skyeturner]

Skye had walked home, ditching the rest of her classes. She'd resembled a drowned rat by the time she got there, and thankfully her foster parents were still at work. She didn't want to upset them. They were good people. After letting herself into the empty house, Skye had walked back to her bedroom. Her actions and movements were stoic, zombie like. She got out of her wet clothing, taking a long hot shower. If she did not get the chill out of her body, she could end up sick. Changing into a pair of black yoga pants and a tank, Skye made herself something to eat, though she had no appetite.

She was confused as to why her brother never shown up after she had called, but she let it go. her head was throbbing, her heart still racing, albeit slower then it had been at lunch. Thank god it was Friday at least. It might give the other students time to move on beyond her embarassing incident in the halls. She'd lost her entire bottle of meds back in the hall, which meant she'd have to go to the pharmacy later on. She'd already called her therapist and told her what was going on, also setting up and appointment for Monday afternoon.

The dancer curled into a corner of the couch to watch a movie. Well tv series anyway. She was midway through the current season of The Tudors when there was a knock at the door. God help him if it was Nate. She still did not want to talk to him yet. Pausing the show, the girl got up and walked over. She knew she looked a mess, her hair, though now clean and dry hung loose about her face and shoulders, highlighting the paler then normal palour of her skin. Her eyes were slightly glassy, and still slightly red rimmed from crying earlier. Opening the door, she blinked slightly in shock.

"Tyler?" She asked, confused. "Not the one I'd wanted but hi?"

[Tyler Durnham]

“Hi.” Tyler chuckled, taking in the sight of Skye with some concern. Life had been getting considerably more complicated since he’d started caring about more than just himself. Maybe, just maybe it had become a bit more fulfilling, not that he would ever say this to anyone. As far as anyone else need be concerned, he was happy just sleeping around with as many girls as possible and partying. He didn’t need anyone thinking otherwise, he did have a reputation to maintain. Having female friends, those he didn’t actively seek out to sleep with, was starting to become enjoyable though. Maybe there was something to be said for that.

“And I thought so. You called the wrong Tyler.” he pointed out, watching her expression as she quickly understood. “But, we’re friends, so I thought the least I could do was drop by. And I’ve spoken to your brother, he told me to give you these.” He rummaged through his pockets until he found a little pill bottle, handing it over to Skye. “He said he’ll call you a little later tonight.”

He leaned against the doorframe, his hair just a little damp from the rain. Skye clearly looked like she’d seen better days, and now that he was here, Tyler knew he couldn’t just leave. He’d have to try this whole being a friend, listening, being a shoulder to cry on sort of thing. “So, can I come in?”

[skyeturner]

She knew she looked like death warmed over, and frankly at the moment, she didn't care. She could have been dressed in a potato sack cloth with her hair in dreds and really not given a crap. She was surprised to see Tyler there, though he explained a moment later.

"Oh..sonof.." She trailed off, shaking her head. "that explains why he didn't show up when I called...god I'm sorry.." She felt ungodly foolish. Skye had been planning on calling her brother later and letting into him fiercly. She gave Tyler a barely there ghost of an almost smile. "I appreciate you stopping by...." She paused when he held out the meds, saying her brother asked him to run them by. "Oh..thank god...I lost the rest earlier.." She took the bottle from the dark haired boy, curling it tightly into her hand. "How much do I owe you for the pickup?" She asked.

She looked at him, leaning againt the door frame, tiny droplets of water clinging to his dark hair. Tyler was a good guy, they'd gone out a couple of times before she had moved away her sophmore year, but nothing had gone further. She'd had major feelings for someone else and Tyler was a playboy even then. "Yeah..no one else is here..but yes please.." She moved out of the way. "But that does not mean you can try anything with me.." She warned him.

[Tyler Durnham]

“Nothing to be sorry for. In fact, I’m glad for the mistake. Was worried about you.” Tyler didn’t feel as though he needed to say exactly why he was worried, she of all people would be aware of how public the argument was, how she came across in said argument, and just how quickly rumours flew around the school. So pointing out the obvious felt self serving and pointless, besides, even in her current state, Skye was cute, though not nearly as much as normal, and he wasn’t one to waste time with a cute woman.

“Always happy to. Besides, it’s been too long since I’ve paid you a visit.” Tyler told her with a soft laugh, before shaking his head. “No, you owe me nothing. Just doing a favour for a friend, so don’t even think about paying me back.” he told her. It wasn’t as though he needed the money anyway. And he was more generous with what he had then some people might realise. He was a little curious about just what the medication was for, but that was something he didn’t ask her brother about. Another one of his good qualities, again, good qualities that some people wouldn’t think he had, was that he knew when to mind his own business. The footballer enjoyed his privacy, so he never interrupted the privacy of others. If she wanted to tell him, fine, if not, well then, that was her decision, he wouldn’t lose any sleep over worrying.

He walked inside the house when she moved back to allow him too, walking straight into the lounge room as a loud laugh let him. “So you remember what I’m like. Don’t worry, I promise to be a gentleman while I’m here. Well, I promise to try to be a gentleman.” he teased before raising his hands up in surrender. “I’ll keep my hands to myself.”

With this said, he flopped down on the couch, gesturing for Skye to do the same besides him. “So, want to tell me what’s troubling you? I’m becoming a good listener as of late, it seems. Feel free to try me.”

[skyeturner]

Skye cringed, burying her face in her hands for a few minutes. "I'm guessing everyone at school knows..not just those that were in the hall." She shut the door after Tyler had walked into the house, turning to follow him. Her arms were wrapped around her torso gently, a sort of..self assuring, protective mannerism.

"Yeah..a really long time.." She answered. "In fact...I don't think you've stopped by since I moved back to town...it's just been locker visits and whatnot...when you aren't being stalked by your little entourage." There was another almost smile flickering across her lips. "I'm guessing Ty gave you the address?" Some people knew why she was with foster parents, but she wasn't sure if Brian's assault would be something Tyler would have known about.

"Course I remember what you're like..it's hard to forget." Skye took a seat on the couch, curling up into a small Skye-ball in the corner. "You better keep your hands to yourself..not really looking to be touched by anyone right now.." She looked at him as he asked what had gone on.

There was a quiet sigh before she started. "Caught Nate kissing another girl at lunch today...I think he tried telling me he was innocent...bullshit..I knew what he was like when I agreed to be with him...it would have been like me dating you..you know? Total horndog.." She felt her eyes mist over again, and she wiped a hand across them before they could get worse. "My fault for thinking I could have something good I guess...maybe I don't deserve it..." Skye chewed on her lower lip for a second. "I walked away from him..and ended up in a full blown anxiety panic attack flashback thing...right in the hall..." She shook the pill bottle. "They keep that shit from happening..I'm just...screwed up."

[Tyler Durnham]

“Hey, I can say the same to you, you haven’t made an effort to drop by my house for a visit since you’ve been back.” Tyler pointed out with a grin, not minding this in the slightest. It wasn’t as though he had many friends over, well, it depended on the definition of friend. In regards to friends he had intimate relations with, yes, there were many, but besides that, he generally caught up and partied with friends elsewhere, except on the odd occasion, such as for a guy’s night. The pool house was a great place for late nights of drinking and poker.

“And stalking? When you put it that way, it sounds bad.” he smirked. “I’d argue with that. I like to think of it instead as my...entourage,” he chuckled, rather enjoying the term, “Admiring me from afar. Or sometimes up close. There’s no harm in it, and they enjoy it, as so I, so who am I to spoil it for them? It’s the price I pay for being so very, very good looking.” the footballer laughed. “And yes, he gave me the address. He agreed with me that it was about time I pay a visit, friend to friend.”

At the repeated warning, he held a hand over his heart, pretending to look hurt. “Now, while I’m glad you find me memorable, I’m hurt by your lack of faith. You know, I am fully capable of being around a girl and not hitting her. Granted, it’s not common, but doesn’t mean I can’t pull it off. I’ll just have to prove it to you, fine.” Tyler grinned, letting his hand drop to his side. He wasn’t a complete bastard after all, it was obvious Skye wasn’t in any mood to be flirted with. And he hadn’t been lacking in women lately, so there was no real need to push his luck.

He remained quiet as she spoke about her troubles. He’d been around enough women to know that was what they enjoyed. He wasn’t at all offended at her comparison between him and Nate, because they both knew it was completely true, at least in reference to him. He was a horndog, as she had put it, and rather proud of it too. There was no reason for him not to be. He was too young, rich and good looking not to make the most of his blessings, and let others enjoy them too.

Ah, so now the medication made some sense. Though he’d never known that things had been so bad for the girl that she need such things in the first place, even with their past association. He almost felt guilty for this, but everyone had secrets, he couldn’t be expected to know everything about all his friends. “Hey, that’s not true.” he tried his best to console. “You do deserve good things, great things, in fact. And I’m speaking as someone who knows you, so trust me.”

Tyler couldn’t see himself ever dating someone, at least not for a very long time, and if he did, he at least would be a gentleman and not hurt whoever the lucky woman was if she wanted him to be faithful. And if he didn’t think he could, he wouldn’t date just the one to begin with, which is exactly why Tyler wasn’t a taken man in the first place. So if Nate did cheat when he pretended to be faithful, it brought down the guy a lot to his mind. Honesty was something he appreciated. He’d always tried to be honest with the women he was with.

“Trust me, I’m more than happy to be the first in line to give Nate a beating.” he offered with a small grin. “But you said he insisted he was innocent? Did you try talking to him at all? Find out his side of the story? I’m not saying you saw things wrong.” he quickly pointed out. “But I know as much as anyone, sometimes there’s more to a situation than meets the eye. You should at least try hearing what he has to say before making any decisions Skye. Or if you want, I could talk to him.”

[skyeturner]

Skye shrugged. "It hasn't exactly been the best time since we mvoed back.." She looked at him for a moment. "Not to mention, it's hard getting my name penciled in your day planner with your constant dates and one night stands.." She pointed out the obvious.

There was a definite roll of blue eyes as Tyler went on. "See...now this is why I refused to go out with you more then..what was it...4 or 5 times?" She asked. "Your ego..it's gotten even worse..but I still love you." She loved him as a friend, nothing more, never had, never would. "And you might be good looking but its all surface...there's nothing deeper then skin with you at times." Skye could be honest with him and not worry about his getting pissed at her. It's how they were.

"I'm surprised Ty did not tell you why I was here...this isn't Brian's place.." She looked around. "Oh bullshit...please if you thought you could get away with it..you would be hitting on me and trying to get into my pants...and don't lie..we both know its true."

Skye shook her head. "Sometimes..I really doubt it, whether I deserve anything that's halfway decent,,I mean..look at my family...my mother couldn't stand me..left when I was barely a teenager...my father..an alcoholic douchebag who couldn't keep his hands to himself if his life depended on it..my brothers, love them as I do and am glad they are around..they have their own lives..I mean..look..Ty sent you over here instead of bringing the meds over.." Skye rested her head on the back of the couch, her hand absently massaging her still wrapped knee. The rain made it ache really bad, which did not help things.

There was a snort from the girl. "I think he tried saying he was...but I really don't care right now..it hurt bad enough to throw me into an attack...I don't want to go through it again." She looked down at the couch for a moment. She remembered seeing Nate and the girl in the cafe, kissing, and her stomach rolled over and tears sprung back into her eyes. "Why is so hard Tyler?" She asked. "Why is it so hard for someone to truly want me..and no one else? Even if he was innocent today..he's still a flirt..and he doesnt know how much it hurts me you know?"

[Tyler Durnham]

“Again, the way you’re saying it, you’re making it sound as though you think it’s a bad thing. It’s quite the opposite actually, it’s important to have an active social life, it keeps me busy and satisfied. And what you call dates and one night stands, I call outings and casual, intimate encounters. Besides, regardless, I always have time for a friend. Especially one so beautiful.” Tyler grinned, not bothering to try to censor himself much. They both knew what he was like, that there rarely was a time where he wasn’t flirting or being playful, so he felt there really was no need to. Besides, he would never change himself for anyone, friend or not.

“Now, I think your memory’s failing you, it was at least six times. And I know for a fact that you enjoyed all six of those times. And if you hadn’t moved away, I think I would have been able to eventually talk you into going out with me again. As if you could resist me for long.” he teased, that very statement proving Skye’s next point. “Worse? I like to think of my ego being very healthy. It’s good to think well of yourself, and as I just so happen to think very highly, that must be great.” He actually agreed with that, that there was no problem with him holding himself in such high regard. It was clearly warranted after all, and he wasn’t the only one who thought of himself in such great light.

He raised an eyebrow at this in amusement, before offering a laugh. “Even though I’m hard to get a hold of and have such a bad ego? That’s very kind hearted of you.” His smile grew more sincere though. “And ditto, by the way.” Of course he cared about the girl strongly, he did care greatly for all his friends. But no matter what he felt, he still couldn’t bring himself to say those three little words to a woman, regardless of who it was. And his opinion of her grew more with what she next had to say to him. “Yes, but those times are somewhat far and few in between, I hope. Besides, deep is overrated. And you think I’m good looking, that’s something at least.” he laughed.

“No, he remained quiet on that fact.” he mused, before that all too familiar grin crept across his face again. “Ok, maybe you do have a point there, so I won’t argue. But like you said, only if I thought I could get away with it, and I know I can’t so I’ll be completely gentlemanly. Although, I think you would enjoy me hitting on you, a bit of an ego boost. So if you happen to change your mind, I’m more than happy to oblige.” And he would too, in a heartbeat. He was a red blooded guy after all, and she was a hot girl, so of course he would make a move if he thought he could.

“Skye, don’t say that. The failures of your parents have nothing to do with you, you deserve much more than to let them influence you now. And Tyler didn’t send me over here, I insisted on coming over. And you of all people know, I can be very hard to say no to.” Tyler reminded with a smile. “Besides, you’ve got friends who care about you. So you’re not alone in this, and you do deserve good things. And yes, before you ask, I’m just as surprised as you are about how nice and genuine I sound.” he teased.

Shrugging lightly at the question, just as clueless as she was, Tyler grabbed a nearby box of tissues and held it out to the woman. “I really have no idea. I’ve managed to avoid the whole mess of relationships so I would have to deal with stuff like this.” He thought it over for her sake, trying to come up with some sort of reasonable answer. “Nate always struck me as a smart man, even despite this stupid move of his. So I’m sure he knows just how much he’s hurt you, and I’m sure he’s suffering himself, as he should. It always seemed to me, when I saw the two of you together, that you worked, you know?” He supposed that was a good way of putting it. “Which means he’ll be regretting this now. I’m not saying to forgive him straight away, far from it. Just that when you feel ready, you give him a chance to explain himself before letting rip into him.” If he ever dated and screwed up colossally, which was likely, he’d want someone telling the lucky woman to give him a chance. And at least that way if Nate was really screwing around, whatever he got next would be completely justified.

Leaning back against the couch, he let his gaze turn to the tv. “So, what are we watching Skye?” he asked, reaching out and playfully squeezing her hand in an attempt to calm her. “And could we be watching with snacks?”

[skyeturner]

Talking to Tyler was usually a good thing, and it was already making her feel a little better, despite the circumstances. "I won't lie...ther eis a small part of me that wishes I would let you do something in front of nate..but even if I am mad at him..I wouldn't want him to feel what I did today..you know?" She took the tissue box from him and set it on her lap with a sigh. "This sucks you know?" She told him. "I finally let it happen..Nate and I..there's a lot of history there..he's not the guy I was into when you and I went out though..but anyway...he had some problems that I didn't want to deal with, so I didn't get involved. Brian moves us back here..and who do I find is my locker mate?" She smiled dryly.

"Turns out hes clean and sober...and i'm tired of fighting it..so i give in..I love the stupid guy.." She groaned. "I want to trust him, I really do..it just...floored me when i walked in there...and this morning, he was flirting with some skank...it didn't help things at all I guess." Skye blew her hair out of her face as she exhaled. "I know he was there..trying to calm me down during the attack..I just...ugh!" She sounded frustrated. "I don't know what to do...if I call him now..and let things go..and he does it again..then I look the fool...do I wait and see if he comes over?"