Don't f--k with the Carters

The door slammed behind them, and the dim light of the room welcomed them inside. Ruby slumped on an old couch, her boots on the table while Nate started to open every drawer and cabinet.

“So, your thoughts?” Nate asked. “You’re the smart one, so tell me.”

“Which one?”

Ruby held her gun tight between her fingers, as her other hand cleaned the dirt off the weapon.

“The big guy, fucking material or what?”

“He got a big mouth, and he’s kinda weird.” Ruby said with a wince.

Nate turned around, and jumped on a table, sitting on it. He smiled at Ruby's words.

“This guy is a furry.”

Ruby snorted loudly, sending her head backward as her laughter covered the place.

“It’s kinda hot, though.”

“You can have him, dude is straighter than a lamp post.”

Ruby tapped the handle of her gun against her open palm, her features curled up in thinking.

“Do you think he would howl like a wolf in bed?”

“Jesus,” Nate smiled, laughter coming out of his lips. “I’m sure he fucking does.”

“He could be easily controlled, though. He looks even more braindead than you.”

“Ouch, shots fired.”

Ruby rested her boots on the floor, her arms set on her legs.

“Right, what about Mags?”

“I like her.” Nate said, his fingers strumming against the wooden table. “She’s a smartass, maybe a bit too smart.”

“Yeah, but I think she’d be the one more open to negotiation. The Operators seem to like caps more than blood.”

Ruby put her gun on the table, and her fingers slid between her hair to tie them up. As she was about to reach for her hairband, she found her wrist empty.

“Shit.”

Nate reached for his pockets, and took out a hairband.

“Here.” He said, handing it to his sister.

“Aaw, you’re still doing this. Cute.” Ruby said, laughter in her voice.

She tied her hair together, and got up. Ruby walked around the room, juggling with her gun.

“Mags is the one we can trust the most, I think. As long as caps are involved, and landing between her hands, she’ll be loyal.”

“Less problem for us.”

“One might be trouble, however.” Ruby said, as she came to sit next to Nate.

“Nisha.”

“Yup. I dig the style and how she’s not afraid to get her hands dirty, but something is off about this chick.”

Nate nodded. He was playing with his knife, making it twirl between his fingers. They were shaking a bit, as his body was slowly calling for liquor.

“She’s a strong head, and Disciples seems way too devoted to her.”

“Exactly,” Ruby said. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she ever tried to kill one of us, or both.”

“Better watch our backs with her.”

Ruby nodded, and lowered her gaze to her brother’s hands. She curled her fingers around them as she noticed a twitch.

“You’re starting to shake.”

“Yeah, been a while since my last glass.”

Ruby jumped off the table, and took Nate’s wrist in her hand.

“C’mon, let’s get a drink.”

Nate attached his knife back to his ankle, and followed Ruby to the door.

“Hey, maybe we should ask Gage to come.”

Ruby started for a second, then opened the door. Her gaze was fleeing from Nate’s.

“Yeah, yeah.”

Nate nudged her, a smile across his face.

“You like him, don’t you?”