Party time, my friends! I'm very pleased with this chapter. I was super inspired so I was able to write this quickly. It was so much fun to dabble in romance.

Warning, this does get a little spicy so read at your own discretion.

To all the guests, thank you for leaving your thoughts! I appreciate them.

fairfloss88: Thank you for your review! You're so kind! :3

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I love reading all your thoughts and feelings, it's truly so amazing! :)

I don't own anything. Read and enjoy!


"In many ways the world is nothing but a pile of shit. But it can also be very beautiful."

― Stephen King, Thinner


"You should've seen your face!"

Penelope's cheeks reddened in embarrassment while Eyeball's was red from laughter. The whole hike to town consisted of the brunette cackling over the disastrous car chase. Even now as they sat on the curb outside the malt shop, the boy couldn't stop laughing at the girl's expense.

"I think Billy's kid brother could drive better than you, and I've seen him drive his bike into a pool before."

"It's not that funny, snake!"

He clutched his stomach as his giggles came down. "Sorry, mouse, nothing that fun has happened to me in a long time."

She groaned and buried her head in her hands. He bumped their shoulders together.

"Get a few lessons, and I'll phone you when I decide to rob a bank and need a quick getaway."

"Knowing you, that'll probably happen very soon," she shot him a teasing smile.

Before he could retort, she waved her finger in his face. "Nuh uh, no more making fun of me. You're needing to atone for your sins. Start with buying me a milkshake."

"Only if you actually drink this time," he smirked. "You're dangerous with those things."

He dutifully returned with two milkshakes, but he held it out of reach. "We need better scenery, let's roll, doll."

Intrigued, Penelope followed his down the sidewalk. The sounds of cars zooming past them and passersby having their own fun night played around the teens, their own unique music as Eyeball led them to a small bar. A Closed for Maintenance signed hung on the door.

"A closed bar is a nice scene?" She asked, disbelieving.

He simply smirked and knocked a specific beat on the door. Seconds later, a heavy-set man opened the door, and a large contagious smile spread over his face.

"Eyeball Chambers, my man!" His voice boomed. "I haven't seen you or Ace creeping around here for a hot minute!"

Eyeball Chambers returned his easy smile. "Hey, Arnie, I wanted to show my company here a good place."

The tall man turned his attention to Penelope. "Well, you've come to the best place! Arnie's Bar and Grill ain't open to the public yet, but you're welcome to come in here and test out my new recipes!"

"How do you know each other?" she asked as Arnie allowed them to step into the darkly lit bar. Renovations certainly had this place in an upheaval as many tables were covered, chairs were shoved against the wall, and cans of paint littered the floor. But green and blue overhead lights gave the place a cool glow and set a relaxing vibe. A jukebox sat in the corner inviting someone to play music.

Arnie hollered over his shoulder as he strolled into the kitchen. "That lil' shit and his punk friends tried to spray paint my windows when I first moved in here!"

"In our defense, this place looked abandoned." Eyeball laughed. He placed the milkshakes on the only table without a tablecloth. "After kicking our asses, Arnie gave us some damn good burgers and drinks, and now the Cobras are the only ones that know he's about to open the best bar in Castle Rock."

"In the country, you bastard," Arnie's voice sounded from the kitchen. Eyeball rolled his eyes, and Penelope giggled as they took their seats. Pots and pans banged loudly in the kitchen, and then Arnie was swinging open the kitchen door with two plates full of food.

"This is Arnie's Magic Burger," the man announced proudly as he set the plates before them.

The girl's mouth watered as the scent wafted to her nostrils. "Why's it magic?"

"Don't ask, girl, just experience."

Instantly after the first bite, she muffled a groan as the different flavors hit her tastebuds. Once his business opened, he might drive every other restaurant out of town.

"Now, what I want to know is why a pretty girl like you dating this shithead." Arnie jerked a thumb at the boy with a mouth full of food. "His ugly mug is enough to scare off any grim reaper, and I just know this man doesn't have a personality."

Penelope chuckled nervously when Eyeball looked at her expectantly. "We're not dating. He just owes me."

"Ha! Every Chambers owes someone something," Arnie laughed.

Penelope wondered what that meant.

Eyeball waved the man away, annoyed. "Killing the mood here, Arnie. Why don't you put on some music and let us eat?"

Arnie grinned and went to the jukebox. As a jazzy tune filled the bar, he placed two large mugs filled with dark liquid before them. "Ya'll have fun now." He winked and returned to the kitchen.

Trying to fight her blush, she grabbed and sniffed the drink. "He gave us alcohol?"

The Chambers male remained unfazed. "Arnie's cool, and Ace and I are the only ones that give him honest opinions on his drink choices. It's fine, doll."

When she didn't move, a teasing smile curved on his mouth. "Live a little, Summers."

He took the first swig. She smiled and took a sip.

They laughed and talked as Arnie came in and out refilling their glasses. Penelope's cheeks hurt from smiling as Eyeball told her stories of his escapades as a Cobra. Even though he was definitely filtering the bad stories, she appreciated the lighthearted ones he chose. Warmth bloomed in her chest while he listened intently to her own stories.

"You stole a fucking dog from Old Man Holloway?"

He shook his head, impressed, and lit a cigarette and took a puff while he watched Penelope out of the corner of his scarred eye as she explained why he had seen her with Chris earlier.

"I've never done so much as cheat on a test! And now I'm stealing dogs and running from cops," she laughed out of breath.

His brown eyes sparkled with amusement. "Sounds like you've had quite a day."

"Only because I've gotten tangled with the Chambers boys."

His eyes coolly observed her as he blew a puff of smoke thoughtfully. "We're not so bad."

"Definitely not as bad as the reputation suggests," she agreed. "At least Chris isn't."

"You only think that cause you don't live with him."

"I'd love to have a little brother." She gulped the rest of her drink. Man, was this her third cup?

He snorted. "Well, you can have mine."

"Then I'll spend all my time with him then."

A toothy grin flashed at her. "You'd miss me too much, princess." He took a hefty sip from his drink. "Ladies always miss the scar."

She glanced at his marred eye. "Is that the source of your charm?"

"You found out my secret."

He smiled at her laugh and brushed away the empty plates and cups. A familiar, slow tune came from the jukebox, and Penelope clapped her hands.

"I love this song!" she squealed.

The boy looked away, thought for moment, then gave Penelope a soft, boyish smile she didn't realize he was capable of having.

"Let's dance," he suggested. Before she could answer, he was up and pulling her to her feet. One arm circled her waist, and the other held her hand. Flashes of them at the pond appeared in her mind. Then being so close to him was angry and intense as they argued, but now, the intensity still lived, but she found herself anticipating what would happen next.

"I've only had one dance partner," she admitted. Now, memories of her and Dennis dancing like fools in her living room awakened throbbing pain in her chest that she now realized had subsided all day thanks to running around with Eyeball.

"Well, I hope I can compete." Eyeball's hushed voice breathed against her ear.

"No one can . . not with him." Her throat constricted as she recalled how easily Dennis once spun her and held her like she was the only thing that mattered.

"Then I'll have to pull out all the stops."

"I don't think I even remember how to dance. It's likely I'll trip and fall."

He chuckled. "Then I'll fall with you."

Willing the unwelcome, stinging tears away, Penelope shut her eyes and leaned into his chest, and let Eyeball spin her around the room, allowing him to be the one with the strength.

Earth angel, earth angel

Will you be mine?

My darling dear, love you all the time

I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you

"Are we friends now?" She felt his voice rumble in his chest against her cheek.

"I don't have friends."
"What about Palermo?"

She didn't reply. Penelope always held Connie at arms' length, but over the past few days, their encounters with the Cobras allowed them to grow closer. "Everyone has an exception."

Earth angel, earth angel

The one I adore

Love you forever, and ever more

I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you

She looked into his brown eyes, his face mere inches from her own. "And I thought you didn't hang out with girls."

"Everyone has an exception," he murmured softly.

In circles they spun around the bar. Their steps matched perfectly as the music guided them. Penelope only knew Eyeball in that moment. His deep chocolate eyes never left hers, not giving any indication of what he was thinking.

I fell for you and I knew

The vision of your love, loveliness

I hope and I pray that someday

I'll be the vision of your happy, happiness

"Hey, Chambers, I'm heading out! Close up shop for me!" Arnie called from the back.

Without breaking eye contact, Eyeball yelled back. "You got it."

Her heart beat faster. Why was it getting so hard to breathe? Her feet could hardly feel the ground while Eyeball's arms swayed her so easily it was like they were gliding in the air. He looked at her so intently, a little crease appeared between his brows. Her fingers itched to gently smooth it away, but they stayed still.

"I forgive you, Eyeball," she heard herself whisper. A tiny strained smile appeared on his handsome face.

Oh, earth angel, earth angel

Please be mine

My darling dear, love you all the time

I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you

I fell for you and I knew

The vision of your loveliness

I hope and pray that someday

I'll be the vision of your happiness

"Maybe it's best you don't, princess."

"You saved me from getting arrested."

"You didn't rat me out," he pointed as they twirled around another table. "We're even now."

The heat of his palm burned through her clothes as he pressed her closer. His dark scent of cigarettes and mint filled her senses. Every sense was only him. He leaned down and rested his forehead on her shoulder as the music around them continued to play. Her heart jumped in her throat at his close proximity.

"I'm glad it was you driving down that road."

Earth angel, earth angel

Please be mine

My darling dear love you all the time

I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you

She had said it so quietly. At first, she thought he didn't hear her. A few moments passed.

Then his head turned, and his lips met her neck.

Surprised, she jumped and bumped roughly against a table. His eyes flicked to it, and then he abruptly grabbed her waist and hoisted her on the table. His large hands roughly pulled her hips snugly against his, and the sound escaping her was positively shameful.

"You already danced with danger, darlin'," he whispered with half-lidded eyes. "Why not go a little farther?"

She couldn't concentrate with him rubbing her thighs so softly. In a weak attempt to push him away, she placed her hands on his chest.

"I know enough to not get bitten by a snake." She whispered, nose brushing his.

His eyes practically glowed. One hand left her thigh to push her hair away from her neck. "Afraid you might like it?" He breathed against her neck. Heat began to pool in the pit of her stomach. The hand still on her crept farther up her skirt. She vaguely remembered the tear from the fence. Tearing her skirt a little more didn't seem so bad.

Suddenly, his lips fleeted across her pulse point. "Come on, Summers," he murmured, rough fingers moving along the inside of her thigh. "I'll take real good care of you."

The mint and cigarette smell of him curled around her. His teeth raked across her skin, causing her to gasp again. She clutched his shoulders, completely shocked this was happening yet not fighting against him. Adrenaline stilled coursed in her veins. She needed to do something rash – something thrilling. Her hand flew to his curls and roughly pulled, wanting to feel them beneath her fingers.

He groaned, eyes fluttering close. "Playin a little rough?" his fingers seared fire against her inner thigh. "Whatever you want, pretty Penny."

I love you, Penny.

The spell instantly broke.

"What did you call me?"

He stopped. She grabbed his hand and shoved it away from her crotch. He lifted his hands, completely startled by the mood change. "Uh, Penny?"

She jumped off him. "Do not call me that."

"Why?" his eyes wide and confused. His scar pulled over his eye in such a way, it reminded her of an injured puppy. She turned her back to him. She couldn't believe how close she came to doing something . . .dangerous with him. How easily she forgot about somebody else.

"I don't like it! No one calls me that!" she began to walk away. But Eyeball was quick.

He turned her around, trying to catch her eye. "All right fine, I won't call you that. I got a whole list of names I can use. Just don't . . . walk away from me, please?" he said, still confused, but accepting. His hand settled on her shoulder. An innocent touch yet it still sent buzzing along her skin.

"Since when are you so nice?" she grumbled.

The innocent touch turned not so pure as he rubbed her shoulder suggestively. "You'll find I can be very nice, baby."

Her eyes rolled and he laughed. She shook his hand off, pretending that she didn't miss his touch.

Outside the building, Eyeball turned towards her with his hands on his hips and a smirk on the lips.

"Thanks for a fun night."

"I guess I'll see you around," she said, unsure what to say. After what they did, she wasn't sure continuing to interact with him was good idea.

He appeared thoughtful then held his hand out. She went to shake it, but his hand immediately closed around hers and jerked her forward. His lips brushed her cheek and sparks erupted where his skin met hers.

"Maybe you will." He muttered.

With a cigarette tucked behind his ear and a mischievous glint in his eye, he turned walked away leaving the shell-shocked girl behind him, watching until he turned the corner and disappeared from sight.