CITIZEN/SOLDIER

 As talkative Aleja was, she had a feeling that she shouldn’t interrupt and accidentally talk over the other so she stayed as quiet as she could while listening intently to what Blake needed to tell her. This definitely felt important. However, of all the things, the fairy did not expect that Blake would be part of Homeland Security… and to be involved with the supernaturals at that. 

“Oh.” She honestly didn’t know how to react to that. Was it because she worked at Braxton’s that everyone knew she was a fairy? However, this wasn’t about her so she wasn’t going to ask why Blake was revealing this to her. The woman had her reasons after all. “That’s.. Wow. That’s a really important job.” She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to react, “So.. Why are you telling me this?” 

--------------------

She didn’t realize she’d been holding her breath until it came out in a small huff as she smiled at the question asked. Blake had expected a plethora of them, but this one for some reason just struck her as comical. Probably because thinking about the answer put her in one of those situations where she could either laugh or cry.

“I, uh...I recently found out first hand how damaging it can be to keep such big secrets from the ones you care about. Both for the person left in the dark, and for the person having carry the weight of it all. I just,” she paused to take a deep breath, “I guess I just really like having you around, and I felt that it would be best to cross this bridge before something forced me to burn it.”

 "The whole covid thing really threw a wrench into everyone’s plans.” Aleja couldn’t go to the gym anytime soon but she was glad that Brax was still giving everyone their paychecks for now. However, if this continued, she had a feeling that she might have to find a job somewhere else. 

Taking a seat next to Blake once she got back, the faerie couldn’t help the smile on her face. “Well, glad to be of service.” She laughed, “Did you….want to talk about?” She asked with a bit of hesitation. Was she being nosy? It sounded like Blake was having a rough day - or a couple of rough days and Aleja did hear that talking about it might be a good thing. 

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There was a lot that Blake was still unsure of at this very moment. But, if there was one thing that was certain for her, it was the fact that she didn’t want to have to go through anything even remotely similar to it again. She still wasn’t sure where she’d failed to reassure Hartley that she could be completely honest with Blake, no matter what, but she didn’t want to risk creating the same environment with Aleja. “So...I think before anything else, there’s something that I should probably tell you about me...and I hope that once I explain everything, it’ll be clear why this wasn’t something that I like, provided up front before.”

She really hoped that would be the case, because more rejection at this very moment just would not go down easy. “I’m not just the Town Secretary. I actually work with Homeland Security as part of their Supernaturals Division, and have been tasked with keeping an eye on the Nexus and the town. In order to prevent any mass panic, of course, they’d rather it not get out that HSI has their eye on supernatural business...”

Aleja was still skeptical but if Blake said it was fine, then she should leave it be. Instead, she started to clean up and put all the things back into her kit. “My god.. I hope I didn’t give you a concussion.. I think we should really head to the docs just in case…” She bit her lip as she stood up. “I’m going to put this back.. and maybe put on some clothes.” With all that was happening, Aleja forgot she was just in a bathing suit so now she felt severely underdressed. 

She quickly slipped into her room and found something to throw on. “So.. Why are you here? Not that I don’t like your company, I mean, love the surprise visit but did you need something or did you just want to chill?”

“I really don’t think they’re going to let us into the doctor’s right now, especially when we’ve already stifled the bleeding,” she replied, her tone sounding far closer to her usual self. “Besides, this wouldn’t be my fist concussion, so I already know that there’s not going to be much they can actually do about-” she stopped mid-sentence as it dawned on her that Aleja was right, and the other woman had been wearing far less than Blake was used to seeing her in. “-it.” she finished lamely.

Having managed to unswallow her own tongue by the time Aleja started asking follow up questions, Blake simply shook her head slightly -and immediately regretted the action- and said, “I’m not entirely sure, if I’m honest. I just felt like I needed a walk, was thinking about how the last few days have gone down, and I guess I was just thinking about how just being around you makes me feel better and my feet did the rest.”

bvdgexofxdishonor​:

She wasn’t exactly sure what the catalyst for it all had been. They had been awkwardly going through small-talk on the ride to the address -she and Hartley making amazing work of ignoring the three ton elephant in the backseat with her- and had even managed to continue the light conversation all the way up to the front door. Blake had knocked, there had been no answer. Miller came in, announcing the involvement of the sheriff’s department…

And that’s when shit hit the fan.

There was the sound of rushed movement inside the house as the occupants clearly all geared towards the back exit. Miller had already been resting her hand on the butt of her service weapon, and had it out and the safety off before she’d even began taking off towards the back of the house. Rounding the corner, she came face-to-face with two burly men and one that clearly looked like he’d seen better days - the ones probably prior to the meth addiction that clearly riddled him now. “Fallcrest Sheriff’s Department, put your hands where I can see them and don’t make a move!” she called out, gun trained on the men. She knew to expect just about anything, but having the methhead toss a fireball at her was still not something one could prepare for. She dove to the ground, and next thing she knew, Blake was holding a gun of her own as she came in behind her and began to exchange fire with the other two men. Miller ran on instinct and once again picked up her gun and joined in the firefight. Between herself and Blake, they managed to wound the methhead while staving off the two larger men, but as it looked like they were loosing the upper hand, something happened in almost the blink of an eye…

Now she was drenched in blood that wasn’t her own, doubled over trying to catch her breath after radioing in the three, now-dead, suspects. “Well…I think lunch’s been postponed,” she managed between breaths.

———————

Hartley had planned to stay in the car until this whole thing was over since it wasn’t her job and she had no business to butt in. While she thought that, she could still hear the conversations going on outside and inside the house. Things already looked like it wasn’t going to turn out well but before she could even tell them, her two friends was having a gun fight with whomever was inside. 

Then everything changed in a flash and all went downhill from there. 

She didn’t know what happened but out of nowhere, her senses was flooded by the overwhelming scent of blood. Anything that happened afterwards was a blur. It took a split second for the vampire to go from sitting in the car and barreling into one of the suspects. While she wasn’t a fighter herself, she was capable of holding her own against the larger man. Perhaps she was taking his attacks as well but Hartley couldn’t tell. Her attention had locked onto his blood, and not a moment later, the room was covered with another layer of blood. 

The veins beneather her eyes pulsing violently as the young vampire continue to lose to her own bloodlust. Right after the first body hit the floor, Hartley sped towards her next victim and the same results repeated. When the last body hit the floor, her attention went to the next victim in the room - however when she caught sight of her best friend, reality sank in as her fangs and bloody veins disappeared. “.. B-Blake..” Her eyes widened as she soaked in the scene. She messed up. “I..” What was she supposed to say? She looked over to Miller for help as she subconsciously backed away from the two. The scent of blood was too strong and if she stepped any closer to the two women, Hartley was scared what might happened. 

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It was just supposed to be a routine visit. It would take only fifteen minutes, tops. Even Miller had agreed everything was mundane enough for Hartley to accompany them as a civilian...then again, she of all people should know that know that very little remains ‘mundane’ around Fallcrest.

Blake had gone ahead and let the Sheriff take care of confronting the inhabitants of the home because, after all, that was her role in this exchange. However, when she realized what the human woman was being faced with, instinct took over and she immediately drew her concealed weapon and head towards the sound as back-up. It didn’t take long for her single clip to run dry as she laid down some cover fire for the Sheriff, but considering they weren’t exactly dealing with ignorant mundanes here, it didn’t take the witch long to get back in the groove of using her telekinesis. It had been a long while since she’d been able to flex her powers though, and it didn’t seem like it would be enough.

Then there was a blur of movement, and she found herself covered in warm viscous liquid.

One glance over to Miller and she could see that what covered them both was blood and bits of viscera. Eyes wide in confusion she looked up to see Hartley -soft, warm, innocent, Hartley- latched onto one of the men’s necks. Blake took the sight in, slowly piecing together some of the puzzle in the time it took her friend to finally drop the guy - or at least, what was left of him, that is. She was jarred out of her stunned stupor by the sudden change of the veined and fanged bloodthirsty woman, to that of her best friend, scared and trembling, face covered in blood.

All it took was Hartley’s broken attempt to call out to her, for Blake to begin to take a step towards her, but a firm hand pressed the the front of her of her left shoulder made her stop.

“I was just.. suntanning. Since it’s summer and the weather’s been really good and since I can’t really go to work yet. It beats staying indoors and being cooped up. I definitely can’t handle that so I just go on the roof every now and then when i get the chance.” She shook her head, “I wasn’t doing anything important honestly.” 

Aleja didn’t expect Blake to try and get herself bandaged so the faerie quickly sat down and took over to finish wrapping up Blake’s head. While she didn’t get injured all that often and she healed quickly, Aleja still had enough experience since there were humans around her who got hurt. “Is that too tight?” She asked as she finished up, pinning the ends down. 

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“Getting your daily dose of vitamin D is very much important,” Blake reassured, with all the seriousness of medical resident. Granted, with her sense of humor, it was hard to tell if she was being sarcastic or if she was just concussed.

“Well, I’m hoping.” She sighed, accepting defeat. “I’m sorry, honestly. I didn’t think anyone was going to be visiting.” Not that should excuse her of not caring that her thermos had rolled away from her while she was on the roof. Aleja started looking through the contents of her kit. She got this from someone a while back but she didn’t really had the chance to use it nor figure out what exactly was in here except for bandages. 

“I’ve got some alcohol.. some wipes.. Bandages.. What else do you need?” She mumbled as she took everything out. She got up again after setting the kit onto the coffee table in front of them, “Wait. You need a towel.. and a shirt.” She dashed into her room again and not a second later, returned with said materials in hand.

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“Stahp apologizing,” Blake whined. “If anything, I should be apologizing to you for not texting a head. I mean, even without the laceration, it sounds like I would’ve still been interrupting your ... whatever you were doing on the roof.” Had the other woman mentioned what she was doing up there already? She might have. At this point Blake wouldn’t be surprised if she’d blanked out on the woman’s confession of being a thermos serial killer...

bvdgexofxdishonor​:

By this point, Miller had made peace with the fact that this was now Hartley and Blake’s world, she just lived in it.  So as Blake led the way to the waiting patrol car, she brought up the rear and made an attempt at continuing the conversation as normal as possible. “To be fair, you wouldn’t be the first staff member from the school district to become personally acquainted with the backseat of my car, and at least you get to say that it wasn’t in cuffs,” she pointed out.

Once they were in the car and on their way out of the parking lot, Miller ventured a glance in her rear view mirror and could not say she envied the blonde.

——————–

“Right.” She looked out the window as they head out. “So where are we going again?” Hartley asked as she leaned forward so she’s closer to the other two in the front. Blake said it wasn’t going to take long but the blonde really wouldn’t mind if they took the whole day. Perhaps she could procrastinate yet another day from telling Blake.  

Looking up, she caught a glance from the Miller and she couldn’t help but look apologetic. “Wait, I can’t tell you’re saying that a few of my coworkers get arrested or you give them rides.”

----------

“We’re going to serve up some folks that decided they wanted to build an in-ground pool without the proper permits,” Blake said almost dismissively as she pulled on her seat belt. “Like seriously, it doesn’t take that long to get the permit and it’s like ninety-nine percent guaranteed to be granted so I have no idea why they’d just skip right over that.” The aggravation in her voice made it more than obvious that this was not the first time this has happened.

Glancing back at her friend she grinned and said, “I’m not here to judge on what you make people do for rides, but I don’t thin placing them in cuffs would be what most folks do.”

“I should have a kit lying around somewhere..” She bit her lip as she led the other woman into her house. “Um.. Let’s - Okay. Wait in the living room while I grab it.” She guided the other to said living room, making sure that Blake was sitting on her couch before she ran off to dig out that she should have somewhere. Faeries healed faster so Aleja never really had that much use for it. 

After a few minutes, she reemerged with the kit in her hands. “I found it!” She sat down next to Blake and opened up the kit. “Let me help clean you up. The least I can do after.. nearly giving you a concussion..”

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The witch allowed herself to be led around the other’s home, not really having the best depth perception at the moment -and starting to feel a bit dizzy... Taking a seat as instructed, it dawned on her that she was likely to make a giant mess in Aleja’s living room by the time the trainer returned. Thinking quick, she maneuvered her way out of her shirt and used it to apply pressure to her wound and try to keep the mess to a minimum.

As Aleja took a seat next to her, the redhead couldn’t help but chuckle a little. “Aww, you sweet summer child. You really think there’s a chance your accidental blunt-force trauma managed to split my head open without rattling the contents?”

She was about to close her eyes again when someone shouted and it sounded really close by. Shooting up again, she leaned forward to see a familiar face clutching her head. “…Oh, shit!” she scrambled to her feet and went to the ledge and slid off her roof. Landing somewhat gracefully on the ground, she started fussing over the woman’s new injury. “I am so sorry! I didn’t know you were there. Not that I deliberately threw my water bottle but like, it rolled off when i set it down and I figured that no one was going to be here but me.” 

Aleja gently held Blake’s hand and tried to lift it off so that she could see the wound. “I.. You.. Maybe.. I think you need stitches.. Maybe we should go to the hospital?”

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It was the sound of the now all-too familiar voice that got Blake’s attention. The initial ringing in her ears had subsided, and she was now keenly aware of Aleja’s frantic apology. She was still caught up in processing the display of athleticism that it took to essentially climb down one’s roof, but the mention of stitches suddenly made her hyper-aware of the ‘wet’ spot on her forehead and the murkiness to her sight on the left.

Closing her left eye to keep the blood out, she looked up at Aleja as best she could with her right eye and said, “I don’t really think there’d be a point to that. With everything going on right now, they may not even let me into the ER. If you have a first-aid kit I’m sure I can find something...probably...”

Aleja definitely was not accustomed to staying indoors but she would like to think she’s fairing a lot better than her boss. Only having been out for grocery shopping, the faerie stayed indoors for most of her days. However, since summer was rolling around, she might have snuck out a few times when she believed there was fewer people out in the streets for a short run. Except today, she felt like lazing around which was why Aleja could be found just suntanning on her roof. What she didn’t plan was her water bottle rolling off the roof when she placed it off to her side. 

“Oh shit-…eh.” She shrugged as she laid back. It was her house and she wasn’t expecting guests anyways.

________________________________

Blake was never one to really to care for the company of other people, especially not en masse. However, she wasn’t really a fan of being left alone with her thoughts recently either. After everything that happened with Hartley, the redhead was forced to confront the reality of how she was keeping a part of herself from people she cared about as well. It didn’t matter how often logic dictated that this was a different situation with different circumstances and things at play. At the end of the day, she was just left feeling like a hypocritical douche canoe.

Opting for a change in her current bummer of a routine, Blake grabbed a mask and decided to head over to someone who she knew was guaranteed to put a smile on her face. But it was almost like the universe was hellbent on getting her to crack, because as she approached the house something clobbered her from up high. “Jesus! What the fuck?!” she exclaimed as she brought a hand up to her head.

bvdgexofxdishonor‌:

Miller tensed up at the sound of the familiar voice coming from the doorway behind her. The Sheriff had given the blonde her word she’d have her back when she was ready to tell her redheaded friend about, well, everything. This, however, was not how she’d planned on the setup going. She didn’t get much time to dwell on things as Blake called to her about bringing Hart along on their venture. “Yeah, I’d be fine with it. Someone would have to ride in the back of the patrol car though…”

“I don’t have to come along, really. If I’m in the way. Like, it’s no worries. I can always come by later or something.” She didn’t know if it was relief or more terror when Miller confirmed that she could indeed join in on this trip. “I can sit in the back.” She offered. Hartley should have planned out how this was going to go but as of right now, she was just winging it and hope for the best. 

“Nonsense, you’re already here. Besides, you won’t get in the way. We can literally head out to serve the notices and then we can all grab lunch,” Blake said, already leading the trio out of her office. The HSI officer had gotten so used to her previous life, that being back in town and actually having friends whose company she enjoyed made her want to take advantage of any opportunity to spend time with them. “It’ll be fun! Like a girls night, but during the day.”

“Oh, I’ve just been here and there. A bit all over the place really. But that was only because I kinda just floated around after college - backpacking wherever life took me until I found a gig at a gym, which was supposed to be temporary but here I am!” She smiled, “I like Fallcrest so far. Everyone’s nice. The cities are usually very busy so compared to that? I very much prefer the quieter life here.”

Aleja laughed out loud, “I am definitely not going to tell anyone that I got my ass kicked by my client. Not that I have much of a rep yet, but it’d sure take a blow when I’m supposed to be the one training people.” She shrugged, “But if other people hears about it, I know who to track down now!”

Blake wasn’t normally one to take an answer that wasn’t really an answer at all. At this point, she’d normally be dissecting the phrase to ask for specifics and details, and though most would think it was due to her training, it was really just an aspect of her personality. Growing up around people with dubious intentions would do that to a person. However, she found herself just nodding and figuring there would plenty of time to ask for details later...hopefully. “Anyway the wind blows sounds like quite the adventure,” she said with smile.

Leaning into the feigned hurt, Blake stated, “You wound me, fair maiden. For is not my honor of enough caliber to suffice as proof of reticence with your most guarded secret?”

“Oh god. If I don’t want to do them, I don’t think I want to talk about them either.” She laughed, “Although I wouldn’t know what I could possibly say about the paperwork he gives me. They’re probably all confidential anyways so legally  I can’t tell you anything about them.” She pointed out before giving the other a smile. “Maybe I can.” Aleja shook her head, “Braxton is something else. I don’t know why he hadn’t found someone to do all of the paperwork instead of having all of us do them. This is the weirdest team bonding if that’s what this is supposed to be.” 

“I’m going to stay optimistic about this.” She laughed, “Because so far everyone’s been nice and so I like to think that there’s no one in town that’s an asshole because otherwise, they would be driven out of town already. Yes, that’s what I like to think.” It was hard to tell if Aleja was being serious or not but optimism was key. “Maybe I just need to work on dodging faster. I can’t have word going around that a trainer’s got a glass jaw. We did end our session after the hit.” She laughed. 

“Fair enough,” she said with a chuckle. “So, in an effort to keep you off the topic of Brax and paperwork, why don’t you tell me a little bit about where you moved from? Maybe how it compares to Fallcrest so far.” 

Blake smiled at her words, appreciative that the woman was opting to stay optimistic. It was a trait she often lacked herself. “Hey now, the only one’s present to witness the hit were you and me. Since I’m assuming that you don’t plan on telling this to all your clients going forward, are you insinuating that I would go around spilling all your secrets? Ale, I’m hurt,” she said placing a hand to her chest.

“See, that’s the thing though. I don’t know if what I say would be boring or not. It’s all subjective, isn’t it? I could be talking about just weight lifting techniques and someone might think it’s the most interesting topic. Or like if I want to talk about the nutrition values of each meal. You’d be surprised what people love to talk about - whether or not they expect a reply is another matter.” She laughed, “So you two grew up together? That must be nice. ‘I’m childhood friends with the mayor.’ I don’t think I know anyone like that.” Aleja shook her head, “I’m pretty sure that’s why he hired so many people. I never see him in his office for long. That man is always walking around at the gym.” 

“Not everyone thinks like that unfortunately. They think they should be able to get away with everything just because they paid. I don’t know what gave them that idea.” She shrugged, not thinking much of it as it was something she got used to very quickly. “I’m just thankful that I haven’t come across anyone like that here in Fallcrest. Here’s hoping that it stays that way.” She smiled, “It’s fine! I’m not bruised at all - well, maybe my ego is.” The faerie let out a chortle at that. “Your reflexes are spectacular. I don’t think there’s anything I can do to help with that.” She complimented, “Your fighting techniques are all very good too.”

“That is definitely a fair point,” Blake conceded with a small smile. “I suppose it would also depend on whether my attention is more enraptured with the subject, the tone, or the person speaking...the world may never know. Though, if you start describing the paperwork that Brax makes you fill out, I might have to tap out.” Blake offered her a smirk and a knowing look as she said, “Well, maybe now you can say that you’re at least getting know someone like that.” She wasn’t going to push her luck, but she would certainly appreciate walking away at the end of the night with a clearer look at the direction they were headed. “You’d think it would have struck him by now to just hire one person to do the paperwork,” she noted.

“A deep-seeded sense of entitlement that has been fostered the majority of their lives by one aspect or another,” She replied. Growing up in a coven of witches where name, lineage, and even money could be a big factor, Blake had some experience with the matter. “I...wish you the best, but also wouldn’t hold me breath.” Blake still looked remorseful at the whole thing. “I may just request that you wear protective headgear. Can’t risk that lovely smile, I’m sure it’s the only thing that keeps a few of the patrons going back,” she said with a small laugh. Blake shook her head at the other’s words. “I appreciate the kudos, but everyone has something that needs to be worked on. I’m sure you’ll find it.”

Carefully opening the door, she poked her head in - only to find that Blake was talking with someone. “Hey Blake - Oh, you’re busy. Sorry. I should have called ahead.” She mentally scolded herself for not even thinking that Blake would be occupied; she was so distracted by figuring out what to say that she didn’t give her friend a head’s up. “I’ll swing by later or something. You know what? I’ll just text you or - yeah. Sorry! Really, I didn’t mean to.” She mumbled as she leaned back out into the hallway.

“Hart! Hey,” Blake greeted before her friend proceeded to begin rambling off an apology. Shaking her head, she stood up from behind her desk and walked closer to the doorway. “What? No, you’re fine. Honest,” she said. Her eyes widened as an idea struck her. “Actually, you have perfect timing. We were about to head out to actually serve a couple of people, you could joins us, and we could grab lunch as soon as it’s done.” The secretary turned to the other person in the office, “It’d be like a ride-along, right Sheriff? So there wouldn’t really be a big deal. It’s also not like we’re going after violent offenders or anything.”

“I’m glad that I’m not boring you.” She laughed, having gathered that from the statement. Aleja knew she talked a lot and it wouldn’t be the first time to be called out on it. The faerie was very selfconscious about it but once she was excited, she’d soon forget that not many people enjoyed someone who rambled their mouths off. It was lucky of her that Blake didn’t seem to mind. “You’re friends with the Mayor? Wow, how did you wind up befriending him?” She laughed, nodding along, “I’m pretty sure that Braxton hired people just so that they could share his pain whenever there’s paperwork to be filled. The man hates it so much. I’m not a fan either but I’m not as allergic to him as he is.”

Aleja shook her head, giving a small shrug. “Not much I can do about it. They pay us. We turn them away if they’re causing too much trouble, but other than that, there’s no real reason. I’ve told a few many times that I could go to the next client but they’re insistent.” She sighed, “Luckily I haven’t come across any of that yet here in Fallcrest. Maybe the people here are just nicer.” She smiled, “Well, I just have to make sure I’m in tip top shape to avoid another blow to the jaw. Bruises to the face isn’t a good look, I’m afraid.” Her eyes widened when the glass toppled over but luckily it was saved by Blake’s quick reflex. “You saved it though, so all is good.” The girl oblivious to why it happened.

“I’m fairly sure that you’d have to be actively trying to bore me in order for me to think you’re boring. And, if that were the case, I would hope you would at least tell me what I did to make you hate me,” she joked with a faux pout. It was short-lived, but if Hartley managed to see her now, she’d never hear the end of it. At the question of how she befriended Oliver, she chuckled and said, “Managed to hit that one in a million where we share the same birthday and our parents already knew each other. Had either of us been straight, I’m sure our wedding would’ve been fabulous.” She snorted at the thought of Brax doing paperwork. “I would not put it past him to just bring in more trainers as a way to avoid paperwork, but at least he’s selecting the best.”

Blake let out a sigh of frustration as she said, “Just because people pay you doesn’t give them the right to treat you however they want. They’re paying for a service, not for ownership of you.” At the mention of that at least not happening in town, she added a grumbled, “They’re not, but I’m glad they haven’t been assholes to you.” Her face screwed up in a wince at the mention of bruising, and she let out another “I’m sorry” followed by, “I took the opening almost reflexively.” Blake took a moment after catching the glass to just take a breath, and thank whatever deity was around to hear it that no one saw anything. Turning back to Aleja, she smiled and said, “So I take it my reflexes won’t need as much work then?”