OurSpeakEasy

The more silence that was surrounding Bucky, the more he wanted to get up and shout at the top of his lungs. He went to bed at 'way too late' o'clock and didn't  sleep. What had happened kept replaying in his head, playing with all the different outcomes. But that didn't change the current outcome that had you laying down in a sterile room trying to recover from the bullets he had put there.

 "Fuck...," he breathed as he got up from the bed and walked over to the bathroom. Seeing himself in the mirror, he wanted to smash it to smithereens, but that wouldn't stop his reflection from being there. A mirror is still a mirror.

 Quickly finishing up there, Bucky walked back into this room, the alarm clock said 5 am. Great, people should be getting up and doing their morning shit. If he left, people would definitely look at him and if he was caught visiting her, it could be even more awkward.

 Face the music and just get over it already, Bucky thought as he got himself together and headed out. Steve gave everyone the day off because of how close she is to everyone. No one would be able to think straight.

 Bucky's whole body went on autopilot and he started walking towards the recovery rooms. Steve and his idea must have worked because no one was operating on her anymore.  

 Steve caught Bucky first, "Going to see her?"

"Uh.. I was thinking about it."

"Good," Steve nodded and put his hand on Bucky's metal shoulder. "She would like that."

 "Did our idea work?"

"It wasn't easy, but the short answer is yes. The long answer is that I don't know what is going to happen should she wake up."

Bucky nodded and headed towards the rooms again. He really should go and apologize immediately, but then again he shouldn't even be in her presence. Here he was, standing outside her door, breathing like all the air was suddenly taken out of the room. Opening the door, he was shocked on what he saw.

 She was pale. So fucking pale. Heart beat was all over the place, breathing mask was on her face, IV was pumping God knew what into her. Finally, his body got with the program and he planted himself in the chair next to her bed. Her hair was braided and away from her face.

 He should say something. Has to say something. Bucky was the reason she was there and looking like she was next to death. Taking in a huge breath he let it out slowly and slightly shaking, "I'm - God, I am so sorry."

 Everyday he would say that and he would sit with her for hours. It was his own way of doing a penance and also keeping a close eye on her should anything happen. His routine was getting pretty bleak, it was go to sleep at an ungodly hour, sleep for 5 hours max with a ton of nightmares in-between all that, get up, shower, and come here. At times someone would bring him food of some sort and check on her as well.

 Missions were being handed back out, but nothing too big. Everyone was still relatively distracted, including himself.

 The first indication that things were looking up was when her heart rate went from erratic to steady. The next was when all the other vitals started doing the same thing. Everything was going back to be as normal as they were before he fucked them up.

 Finally after almost a week of him sitting on his ass in her recovery room and going through the scenario a thousand times she took the biggest inhale of breath he had ever heard. Immediately, he got up and went over to her bedside. She was looking around frantic and trying to get her body to respond to her commands. With all of that, her heart rate was going nuts and she was panicking.

 "No, no. Shhh. Baby, it's alright. You're alright. We are back at the compound. Everything is alright," was all he could come up with.

 But she was still freaking out and not listening to him at all. Bucky thought about calling for Nat or Wanda, but stopped that one short. He should take care of this, he put her into this mess and he should be the one to calm her back down.

 Making a quick decision Bucky had undid the railing of the hospital bed. Putting his knee on the edge of the bed, he got up and got right into her line of vision, "Hey, I know. It's alright. You're okay, you're alright I swear."

When Bucky finally got her attention and line of sight, he went in closer and put his normal hand on her face, "We are at the compound. You are fine. Everyone is fine."

 Staring deep into her eyes, and not caring what was shown coming out of his own. The beeping of the heart monitor started to slow down and he kept holding his breath, waiting for her powers to kick in. But when they didn't, Bucky kept physical contact and moved his other hand towards her head, "It's okay. We are safe. I am so fucking sorry, Baby. I am sorry."

 Her hand moved between their bodies and went for the mask, moving it down a little, "You missed."

 Bucky closed his eyes, "I know. I am the reason why you are in this position."

 "How long have I been out for?"

"Over a week. Everyone is devastated that I did this to you," Bucky gladly admitted.

 "You have got to stop saying it like that," You said while taking a long look around the med bay that you were in.

 Bucky didn't move from where he was, "Because it is the truth?"

Your eyes landed back on his and looked at him confused, "Because it was an accident, James."

His eyes closed when you called him by his real name, "I fucking shot you."

"Twice if I recall. But it was an accident. He went one way, you went another and shot before you could recalibrate. It happens," You reasoned and your body started to become more relaxed.

 Not happy with your answer, Bucky moved off you and sat back down on the chair that he had practically claimed. All of the sudden, he didn't know whether or not it was a good idea to touch your hand. Considering how close he was a moment ago. "I don't make mistakes like that."

"Everyone makes mistakes. Century old super assassin or not," you again reasoned out.

 Huffing out a puff of air, Bucky leaned back on the chair and looked at the wall on the other side of the bed. Now that he knows that you are okay and don't blame him. What happens now? Would you still harbor harsh feelings for him? Hate him - could he live with himself if you did? What if -

Suddenly, you hand was in his and you were looking right at him. Not through him, but at the guy sitting down on the chair. "Stop."

"Stop what?"

"You are thinking so loud that you are the loudest thing in the room. Even beating out the heart monitor," you joke and smile softly.

He kept staring at your hand in his and sighed out, "I am half ass expecting you to use your powers on me in revenge."

This time, you sighed, "I don't blame you. I would never harm you over this."

"But you should I know better. My reflexes are better than this - how could I ever do this-"

"Did you mean it??"

That made him stop again, "What?"

"Did you mean to shoot me? Twice?" You looked at him like that was the answer was pretty obvious. And it was.

"Of course not. Never." He adamantly said.

 You smiled and nodded your head like it all made sense, "Then I am not mad. It was an accident. I would never harm you on purpose and you wouldn't harm anyone let alone me either. Accidents make us human, Bucky. Super solider or not. You are still human under all that."

Bucky let out a long breath and sniffed a few times, "I am really so so fucking sorry."

"I know you are. And I accept your apology," you said while smiling at him like you two understood something secret.

Staring at the blank TV, he saw more than the thing could ever produce. Bucky was on his -nth drink since him and the whole team came back in an absolute panic. Taking a huge gulp, he knew that he wouldn't be alone for long. Someone was going to ask him what the actual fuck happened and he didn't have any answers. None that made her fine and sitting beside him begging to turn the TV on.

 "Bucky...," Steve approached carefully and sat down beside him.

 He didn't respond, he didn't know how. So, he answered by taking another long sip on the alcohol.

 Steve sighed heavily and leaned forward to grab the bottle from the table. Uncorking the bottle, he reached over the filled Bucky's glass more than what was socially acceptable. Before Bucky knew it the bottle was back on the table and Steve was looking at the side of his head, "What happened?"

Isn't that the question of the fucking day, Bucky thought before taking another sip. Finally, he set the glass down on his lap, "I screwed up, Steve."

When Steve didn't say anything, he knew how much trouble he really was in, "Buck, I need to know happened to make sure it doesn't happen again."

 "I didn't lose it if that is what you were thinking," Bucky quickly said while playing with the glass. Seeing the red stains that were on his hands, he glared at it. His gloves could have only soaked up so much of the blood.

 Shaking his head, Steve said, "I didn't think you did. I know this was an accident. But I need to know how to prevent another accident if it is fixable."

 Bucky took a smaller sip, then began telling what happened, "We were working together as we were told to and have done a handful of times before. A member of Hydra came after her and she was using her powers and doing hand to hand combat. An impressive combo of both, but when I went for the asshole, he went one way and I kept on path."

"Which resulted in her being seriously injured."

"Seriously injured.... a fucking shot her, Steve. Twice," Bucky growled and took another huge gulp of the brown liquid. He didn't actually see what he grabbed, but he was quickly finishing the bottle.

 Steve's face went stoic and he let his head fall back against the back of the couch. He didn't say very much after that and just sat there with Bucky. Reports had to be written and an incident report had to be filed, but all of that can absolutely wait until later. He could tell Bucky needed him here and not as someone to tell him that he is a good guy still and that this wasn't his fault. Bucky wouldn't and couldn't believe that right now. To him, this was all his fault. If she died... Steve might lose Bucky forever.

 "Steve?" Natasha called out as softly as she could.

 Giving one last look to Bucky, he got up and walked over to Natasha, "What is it?"

"She is in critical condition. We will have to wait and see. Her powers are proving a bit of a challenge. As soon as anyone touches her skin her powers kick in."

Steve sighed and nodded, "The brain still trying to protect the body from anymore damage."

 "The brain causing her more damage. No one can get close to take the bullets out. They stay in there...,"

"Yeah, I know. I know what happens when you don't take bullets out."

Natasha nodded and went back towards the room. Steve stayed where he was with his hands on his hips trying to find a solution to this, "I'm not going to pretend you didn't hear that, Buck."

Bucky's eyebrows popped up quickly and went back down, "I heard her."

"Got any ideas on how to get her powers to calm down long enough?"

"Getting a bullet out hurts more than it going in. The brain still registers pain even though the body is out cold. Waking her isn't an option. We are going to have to distract her powers to be one place and not another," Bucky reasoned out loud before taking another mouthful.

 "Meaning, we are going to have to possibly try and inflict more pain to her."

Bucky cleared his throat before croaking the only answer he could see, "Yeah."

 "I'll run this idea by them. It will be okay Buck, promise."

A few weeks after your combat test, you were starting to pick at the stitches. You were told a scar would be definitely there, but you could just add it to the pile you already had. Sitting with your crew, you moved your food and ate a few bite-fulls.

 "You alright?"

Looking up, you saw your second sitting down next to you, "Sure. You and I have to talk in private later. Some of your deals don't hold up under my scrutiny."

He cleared his throat and nodded, "Just let me know when." With that he got up and left the table. As you began your moving of food again you heard a loud voice that you could still hear in your nightmares.

 "Come on, ya'll!" Brandy yelled out for what seemed like the 20th time in the past hour.

 Grounding your teeth at her voice, you kept your head down. Starting another fight while you were involved with so many was not exactly the best idea. "She does it again, I'm going to stab her," you hear as another body sits beside you.

  You smirk, "You first. I'll help."

A chuckle was what you got back. Finally looking up you saw Maria, "What do you need?"

"To apologize. I shouldn't have gone after Saya like that. And then ending up cutting you... I knew she would block me. I just didn't think you would get in between us."

You nodded and sighed into your food, "It may take a little more time for me to forgive you fully."

Maria nodded her head in acceptance, "I figured. But I thought I would make amends with you."

"And Saya?"

With that, she let out her breath long and slow, "That's gonna take time."

 "Time that you may not have," you deadpanned.

 Maria said nothing and looked around. You could tell they both wanted to make things right. But not a clue on where to start.

After a few more moments of silence it was broken by the southern voice, "Awe, did you two make up now?

Maria glared while keeping quiet. So you took up the silence, "Fuck off, Brandy."

"Come on, IRA. You can do better than that, right ya'll!"

Brandy got everyone's attention. You sighed and slowly got up, "Back off, Brandy. You don't want me to slice you where it hurts."

She laughed while looking at her crew, "You think you can hurt me?"

Facing her, you kept your arms down to your sides, "It isn't that hard, Brandy. You are as open as a book for children."

Brandy crossed her arms over her chest and stuck her hip out, "Oh really?"

You smiled like you knew all the secrets in her house, "Really."

She swung her hands around like she was directing a circus, "Well then. Come on now!"

Making a show of it like she wanted, you took a moment and walked away from the table you were sitting at. Circling her, you kept your smile, "There is a massive difference between us. Would you like to know what that is?"

"Sure," she said still being cocky.

Your smile got bigger, "Excellent. Let's see... I was my father's first choice. Yours ran out of options. And when I say he ran out of options, I mean he ran out of sons."

With that her whole face changed. She was no longer cocky and her stance became more of someone who just had their whole world fucked with. Instead of stopping, you continued, "You weren't the first choice. Or even the second. You were the very last option your father had."

Her crew stood and stared at you but then called out, "Brandy!"

She didn't seem to hear them and kept her eyes on you. One more should do the trick, "Your Daddy had no other choice other than to put you here. You aren't a true Legacy. You are a backup for the backup. If your brothers were still around, you think you would get as far as you had? That's the real sad part... you haven't realized it yet."

Brandy kept staring at you. But her crew moved towards you, going of the own violation. Before they could get too close, you let out your hidden blades. That made them stop dead and Brandy to come back to the present, "Leave her."

She then turned around and left the room, her group following very close behind her. Maria got up and stood next to you, "How did you know?"

"She mentions it often. How her brothers died and that she was given the reigns. Her family is southern pride. They aren't exactly women friendly unless absolutely necessary. But we are so used to hearing her story, we block it out. I was filing it under 'shit I could use eventually'."

Maria shook her head, "That is why you are more scary than people think."

Shrugging, you turned towards her, "There is a reason I don't use anything against anyone. But it's still there" You lowered your voice by quite a few decibels, "Like I know about your medications you should be taking but haven't."

Her face changed slightly but didn't give much away, "And?"

"And nothing. I'm not going to get on you about that kind of shit, it's not my place," you simply stated while staring off where Brandy went.

 Regarding you one more time, she started walking towards her crew while you sat back down.

 "She is going to get you back for that," Marcus said while walking by you. Clearly talking about Brandy and not Maria.

 Crossing your arms, you leaned against the stone pillar that was disintegrating in the combat zone. Looking over to the other two people you were with, your score was going to be lacking as fuck if you were graded as a group. Saya sat by you a few feet of you looking calm and waiting. Maria was sitting on a topside tomb waiting as well.

 "You two willing to put your shit aside and do this?" you asked to neither of them in particular.

As you suspected, both of them glanced at you but said nothing. You let out a long breath and nodded. Saya then shifted and got your attention, "I'm fine."

"Yeah, that's why neither of you are talking and the tension is so thick I'm sure it will break your sword."

She said nothing but went back to staring at the next pillar. Sighing, you pushed off the pillar and went over to Maria, "Seriously though..." Regarding you with venom on her face she tilted her head and still said nothing. Putting your hands up in a mock surrender, "Alright. But you two have to fix this shit. Like fucking yesterday."

Maria finally sighed and some of the venom left her face, "Stay out of this."

"See, I keep hearing that but I haven't seen either of you start making amends," you said nonchalantly while checking your hidden wrist blades and flexing your fingers in hand gauntlets.

"Don't. It doesn't matter anymore," she quickly said while sitting up on the tombstone head.

 A rock falling off the wall got your full attention, "Here we go."

Instantly, both of them were up and on full alert. You just hoped that they were able to pass this test and not aim for one another. Adjusting your bands and the hand gauntlets one more time, you got into position and waited for what was inevitably going to come.

Sure enough, men come over the wall and around all the corners. Letting one more breath out, you went for the first one you saw. Punching him square in the jaw that were sure you dislocated. The next tried to avoid you, but you outmaneuvered him and got him down on the ground. Over and over you were out doing the men one by one.

Suddenly, two jumped you at the same time. Letting your right knife out, you stabbed the guy in the shoulder. Just as quickly, you activated your left knife, you stabbed both into the other attacker in the chest. The guy fell to his knees and your arms dropped with him before you retracted both of them.

Looking up, you saw that Maria and Saya were doing well on their own. But you noticed that Maria wasn't totally focusing on her targets, she was focusing on Saya. Before you could really focus on what you were looking at, Maria aimed at Saya and swung around. You somehow got in between both of them and caught the end of Maria's fan. With your reactions being as heightened as they were, your arm went up to protect your neck and face. A long slice went down your arm from your elbow to your wrist. Cutting your hidden blade band which made it fall to the ground.

An ear piercing whistle went off and you flinched a bit, "Maria! What the fuck were you thinking?"

When silence was all that came back at him he sighed and looked down at his clipboard, "Saya, 10. Maria, 5. Whatever it is you are doing... it isn't working. And then you, 9, welcome back. Get yourself patched up. Then see Master Lin, he will be expecting you."

Saya jumped to your side and picked up your band, "I'll take you."

Before you could leave the arena you got into Maria's face, "It fucking matters." You looked over at Marcus and then her again, "I'm not willing to die because of a boy. Figure your fucking shit out, Maria."

"Oh, how nothing has really changed," you whispered to yourself as you gathered your barrings at the dining hall.

"You're back! Thank fuck!" Petra said in a rush.

"That great?" you asked as you made your way through to grab some food.

"Do I have stories to tell you... But you might want to get your people back in line. They haven't exactly been good," she whispered to you before taking off. She wasn't embarrassed about being seen with you nor you with her in all honesty. But you weren't a rat and she knew to come around you in small doses.

Getting what you thought was good, you made your way over to your table. Dropping your tray rather loudly, you got the attention of every member of your crew. Some were pleased to see you, others were pissed about it. You already knew why - The party would be over and you were back in charge, "I need an update on what has happened while I have been gone."

You sat down as a few of your crew members began filling you in on who was new and where everyone stood. Nodding with what you understood and making note of what you didn't, you kept up with the chatter.

 "How was your sabbatical, Irish?"

Smiling, you stood up and regarded the small Japanese woman in front of you, "Who is calling it that?"

"Master Lin. It's what he called it so we would stop asking questions," she smirked.

"Sounds better than the real reason. I'll take it. But, uh, do you got a minute?" Her head did a quick dip and then backed away from the table so you could get out. When you were both out of hearing shots of both of your crews you asked, "What the hell is going on?"

Saya's face never even flinched, "I'm sure your people have told you."

"Only what they think they know. We both know there is another reason. You were interrogated? Chico is dead. Some rat named Marcus is around and stirring the pot. Maria is loosing her grip. What the actual fuck Saya."

She sighed heavily and shook her head, "You know I regard you as an equal."

"That's because I kicked your ass a few times," you smirked.

Rolling her eyes, her smirk returned but very small, "All of this is none of your business though. Stay out of it. Too many people are already involved. I respect you enough to tell you to back down. This isn't a 'I'm telling you what to do' thing. This is a 'I am trying to save you' thing."

You're eyebrow went up, "We both know that I don't need saving."

"We do. But this Marcus is fucking things up for too many people. You don't need him in your life. Especially if you are going to go into the family business as early as you are."

Before you could respond Brandy started speaking loudly, "Well, look at who it is ya'll!"

As you bit back your lip, you waved a little at her, "Hello Brandy. Nice to see you."

She didn't say it back but kept looking you up and down. You were in the same school uniform as she was. Finally, she found her tongue, "So the IRA didn't blow you up..."

Neutral is how you kept your face as Saya looked at you in a bit of shock, "Now now Brandy. I may just have come back from my Sabbatical. But don't forget who you fall under."

Brandy got up into your space as Saya backed off. This had nothing to do with her, so she was staying out of it. Her blonde hair tilted with her head, "I've made new arrangements with your people."

Without missing a beat you smirked, "Which I am making null and void until I can review what my second has done in my absence. What we had before is back and enforced as of right now. That goes for anyone who made a deal with my second - all deals are under review."

Looking taken back, she looked at your second for help, but he stayed where he was and looked away. Brandy straightened her back, "I may not consider that agreement again."

"I'm not worried about it, Brandy. Now, leave. I have unfinished business to take care of," you dismissed her entirely as you faced Saya again.

 Huffing, Brandy left and gathered her group of bitches to lick their wounds. You regarded Saya again, "Let me help you fix some of this."

    "I'm glad you are coming back to Florence. I've missed you."

    You chuckled at Damion, "We visit one another constantly. There isn't a day that goes by without one of us seeing the other."

    Damion threw you a lopsided grin, "Not what I meant."

    No, you knew full well what he meant. He missed the intensity, having you there with him, "Well, I only have an hour left. Be patient."

    "Was never one of my strong suits."

    Rolling your eyes, you looked out the window. You were incredibly lucky that the flight was sparsely booked so not too many people were around you.

    Rhys huffed in the isle, "While I am still mad you chose him over me. I am beginning to understand Rayne's worries."

    "It would have been the most horrible trap in the world if it was one," you sighed out and kept a level head about this.

     "But they were there and waiting. That's the problem. Their call to arms attracted other Sensates, including you. That could have been a massive pay load of us for them."

    "The Cannibal was there only for Riley and her cluster-mate. It seemed everyone else seemed irrelevant," you said replaying the night over in your head.

    Damion seemed to catch on to what you were saying, "It's personal for him."

    You nodded, shifting in your seat to face them both, "We know about Iceland and the fact they have somehow stayed one step ahead. This is no longer business as usual."

    Something clicked with Rhys, "It's revenge. So he is totally preoccupied."

    "But, that doesn't mean we go into the light so quick. Other clusters still made backdoor deals with him. It would be a fools errand," you warned.

     Rhys nodded before dropping his connection. Leaving Damion with you, "I'm already at the airport."

     That made you laugh while you looked at him shocked, "Seriously?"

     "I am not going to hide how excited I am about you coming back. Business or pleasure. Doesn't matter - you will be here."

     "You are still going to have to wait."

     He chuckled and held your hand, just waiting for time to run out. As expected, you landed and wondered over to the end where Damion was practically crawling out his own skin. Once you eyes locked with his an easy smile broke across your face. Damion wrapped you up in a massive hug. Immediately a rush of air hit you both.

     After you both regained your composures Damion grabbed your hand, "Come on. Let's get you situated and rested. You can try to connect with them later."

-----

    The next day after you got used to one another and had a long sleep you sat down at Damion's kitchen table. He sat across from you, "I don't mind you telling them where we are. Just be careful with that."

    Nodding, you shifted around and settled again. Picking up the connection with Riley. You looked around their small flat, "Could do worse in all honestly."

    Riley looked up from her cup of coffee, a little stunned but welcoming at your intrusion, "Hello."

    You smiled, "Hi. Nice set in Amsterdam - Well, before BPO crashed it."

    "Thank you," she smiled which caused the guy to come into the same room you two were in.

   “You talking to me?"

    Riley looked at him and then you, "Actually, a friend from the rave."

    His eyes went wide as he searched the apartment on instinct, "Really? It worked!"

    She just nodded as you moved around him, "I made eye contact with him too and he doesn't see me... must be some good blockers. What's his name?"

    "Better than some alternatives that we had tried. Can you tell her your name?"

    "Uhhh," he looked around and then let out an airy laugh, "My name is Will. Will Gorski."

    "Wouldn't have been easy," you heard yourself say as you looked over to Will. "I hope to actually meet you one day, Will. But I am going to guess that his enthusiasm is because there was a plan behind the show."

    Riley looked at Will and chucked, "I am sure he would want to meet you too. Especially if you went and then made contact a few days later. That takes courage. But yes, the plan was to see how many sensate clusters we could connect to."

    "Or plain undiluted stupidity. Take your pick. Well, you have connected to mine. As humble as my cluster is... if you need anything..."

    "We will let you know," Riley smiled and then looked at Will who seemed very confused and completely left out of the loop.

    "Wow. Already willing to give us a life line?" Will asked honestly shocked.

     You shrugged and smiled, "My cluster is some the most softest people you will ever encounter. It was an unanimous decision to throw you a life preserver before you drowned. We have our own tricks up our sleeves - maybe not your level. But tricks none the less."

    Riley smiled and wiped her eyes with her sweater, "Thank you."

    Bowing you head a little, you looked around again, "Where the hell are you anyway?"

    "Well... we haven't told anyone but our cluster," Riley began.

    "You don't have to tell me. Trust is a two way street right?"

    She nodded while you split your attention to Damion who hasn't moved from his spot. You arched an eyebrow at him. Immediately, he nodded and let his posture be more opening.

    Going back to where Riley and Will are you smiled and then moved the scenery from their hide out to Damion's apartment. Riley looked around almost enchanted by what she was seeing. Finally, she settled and Damion, "He is part of your cluster..."

    "He is. This place is actually his. I left for it a day after the show. He was the closest one and I have a feeling this place holds more then what people are letting on."

    Damion chucked, "That's because you think the Queen of Naples is involved."

    "She is always involved in something," you admitted and let Riley walk around the modest apartment.

    "So you are in...," Riley was trying to come up with the right country.

    "Italy. I am going to try and stay here for as long as I can."

    Riley hesitated before threw you a very small smile, "I can tell you that we are still in Europe. But that is it. Will is still very..."

    "Worried is probably a good word."

    "Thank you for trusting us enough to make your presence known," Riley said as you mentally went back to their apartment.

     Will looked pleased that the interaction was happening, but still the lines of worrying were present. You went in between them, "Tell him that it will be okay. And that your cluster isn't as alone as you think."

“You haven’t asked.”

“If I wanted you to lie to me again, I would have.”

  "This is a horrible idea and not what I meant when I said you should get out more," Your cluster mate said rather harshly.

   Resisting the immediate urge to eyeroll because you were in public, you whispered, "They did that set for a reason. To find others and a call to action on some level. It may not be such a bad idea to be on their side when things continue to go south."

   They glared at you while you took a sip of your morning coffee, "I won't support this endeavor."

   You smirked behind your mug, "Wasn't exactly asking."

   Sighing heavily, they conceded, "Riley is in Amsterdam still, so you should leave the city. Damion is the closest in Italy. Take a plane and go there. He can be your fall back should something go wrong when meeting them."

   It was a logical step. Damion was the closest and that you two actually met by accident when you went on vacation in Florence. The whole meeting was intense and oddly comforting.

     "Heard my name," Damion smiled and sat in the chair in between Rayne and you. Taking in the scene of the coffee shop, his brow furrowed, "What the fuck are you doing in The Netherlands?"

   Rayne gave you up faster than you thought they would, "This one decided to go that rave that that cluster organized and BPO crashed."

   His whole face changed between anger and worry, "You did what?! You could have been caught! What the...."

   "I know! Okay?!" that outburst got you a few curious looks. Waiting them out, you continued quieter, "I wanted to see for myself. Everything else doesn't matter. 

   Damion shook his head dismayed, "That was reckless at best. If you got caught..."

   He didn't have to finish that one. You two had the strongest bond. You knew he felt more protective over you than the others. It would have absolutely killed him if you were caught. 

   Mentally leaving the cafe and Rayne you went up behind Damion's sitting frame and circled your arms around his neck, "I'm fine and nothing happened."

   "We both know that isn't the point," he said leaning back against you.

   You smirked, "We do. But this cluster may be onto something."

   He sighed and looked up at the ceiling, "So what is your plan now?"

   "Rayne was right before you showed up. I need to get out of Amsterdam. With BPO here in full force and The  Cannibal as well - leaving is the best option," you said while letting him go. He would have stayed like that as long as you were.

    "My door is never closed to you."

   "You are always welcome at mine in Thailand," Mali said sincerely. 

   "The Firefly Festival is lovely in Japan," Sota smiled. 

   Ender smiled sadly, "Venezuela isn't exactly a safe place right now... but I would in a heartbeat."

   "My closest friend, Ghana would welcome you," Serwa said while putting her hand on Ender's shoulder in comfort. 

    Rayne finally came back, "Canada welcomes anyone. Even it's wayward." Rayne waved around themselves at the last statement. 

   "Stop it, you aren't wayward. Dude, Christmas in July... it would blow your mind here in New Zealand!" Rhys laughed and stood next to Rayne. 

   You were overwhelmed with the outpour of love and excitement each person had. All of you dreamed of meeting. However, circumstances had only the few privileged ones could move as freely as they all wanted. 

   "I - uh," you wiped tears quickly from your eyes. "Thank you - all of you for your generosity. But I have this pull to stick around Europe."

   Damion nodded and looked around at the others, slight disappointment etched into each of them. You took the floor back, "I swear, once BPO is no longer the threat it is... We are going to pool our resources and make sure that we all meet and enjoy each others company far more than we do now. Please believe me."

   Serwa smiled and stepped towards you, "We will always believe you. You were the first to want to travel to see each of us until we learned of BPO."

  You let out a huge breath of air as you stood outside Happy's apartment door. Today wasn't going to be the easiest. You had made plans with your ex for you to come and get your car and the rest of your stuff. How all those things would be given to you was going to probably be another story. 

  Happy and you got pretty comfortable in the month that you had been in the building. Not passing without saying hello and checking in on one another. He offered you rides to work when you were leaving at the same time. It was on his way. 

  Even the occasional, 'I forgot my keys can you please buzz me in' were done. Once Happy was drunk forgot his keys and the apartment number you lived in. So, he went around to your balcony. Him knocking on it scared the shit out of you. Even going so far as you have a small break down from how scared you were. 

  Next day, he came over and apologized. Suggested that you trade numbers so he can warn you before he does that. But now, this was going to be something different than drunkenly knocking on some glass. 

   Breathing again you raised your fist and knocked on the door. He opened the door and smiled, "What's up?"

   "I uh- I'm going to get the rest of my stuff. I am wondering if you could come with me if you have the time."

   You knew he could tell you were scared, "Of course. Just give me a few minutes and I will knock on your door when I'm ready."

   Nodding, you said your thanks and headed back towards the apartment. This was going to suck and not in a good way. A few minutes later, a soft knock came from your door. Opening it you smiled up at him, "Thank you."

   He didn't say anything which you learned pretty quick was his way. Strong silent type. Happy just lead you out of the building towards his truck. Getting in you told him where your old place was and let him take it from there.

     Pulling up you held your breath. You had no idea what you were going into. Could be tense but peaceful. Could be an all out war. Who knew with him. But once you saw what your car looked like, you knew it was going to be war, "Ohh, come on!"

   "That yours?"

   "Yeah... of course it's mine. He just couldn't leave it alone!" you yelled while you threw your head back as far as you could. 

   Happy visibly tensed and put the truck in park, "How much do you think he fucked with?"

   "If he went after my car... all bets are off. And he's home too. Insisted on being here so 'I don't steal any of his shit.'"

   You opened the door and hopped out. At the same time the door to the house opened and he stood there smug as fuck, "Hey, Baby."

   "Get fucked prick. How much damage did you do?"

   He moved out of the door and extended his hand to let you in. While you took the lead you noticed that Happy stuck right behind you. All of your stuff in a pile in the front room completely destroyed. Nothing was salvageable. Clothes shredded, pictures burned or torn, things broken and smashed to little bits. You tried to remain calm as you turned to him, "You were always classy." 

   When he realized you weren't going to give him the satisfaction of graveling, screaming and breaking down, he got pissed, "That's all you got?"

   Shrugging, you walked passed him and into the rest of the house. Sure enough, everything you had was gone and probably in that pile. Happy got close behind you, "He got everything?"

   "Absolutely everything he could get his hands on. God, Happy. What am I going to do?"

    He stayed silent while looking around, "Start over, Baby. Do what you have been doing for the last month. Don't worry."

   Taking a huge breath in, you turned and headed towards the bedroom. You hid one thing you knew he would never find. Sure enough behind the panel in the closet, the small case was still sitting there. Happy stood at the door, "Should we go?"

   You nodded and stood up. He grabbed your arm and lead you out of the house.

  "Hold on!"

   Not wanting to stop, you did anyway and turned, "What?"

   Faltering, he stopped for a moment before continuing to come closer, "I don't like this new attitude on you."

   Putting on your fakest smile you chuckled, "Tough shit."

   Before you could turn around and continue on your way, he grabbed your other arm and tugged. Hard. It almost took you right off your feet. Happy snapped at that moment, grabbing your ex and slamming him against the wall. The next thing we all knew Happy had a gun to your ex's head daring him to make any move at all that would justify him pulling the trigger. 

   As you watched the scene unfold in front of you, you clutched the small case to your chest. Finally getting the courage, you spoke up, "Happy? Can we just go, please?"

   That seemed to register and he began letting your ex off the wall, "If you go anywhere near her or where she lives now. I will find out and hunt you down. Come on, try it fucker."

   With the gun still pointed at his head, your ex stayed silent, but even you knew he got the message. Happy then put the gun away back in the holster you didn't notice before. Grabbing your arm gently, he guided you out of the house and towards his truck. You spared a look at your car, "It might turn over..."

   "There is liquid all over the ground. He punctured the rad and water bottle. You turn it on and it will explode the engine," Happy reasoned while going with you to the passenger side of the truck.

   Once he hopped in, he began the drive back to the apartment building, "What was the one thing you were able to get?"

   You smiled fondly as you opened the black case, "My parents wedding rings. They died together a few years ago. I spread their ashes as they wanted, but kept their rings. I couldn't let myself get rid of them."

   He nodded and focused on the road. Taking his strong and silent persona to the fore front again. After pulling into the parking lot of the building he sighed, "I'm sorry he got everything."

   You shrugged a bit, but still sad about it, "I knew he was going to do something. I just didn't think it would be that extensive."

   Parking, he just sat there with you still in his passenger seat. Without a word he reached over and put his hand over yours. Then moved it slowly so you were hold hands. You smiled a little but avoided eye contact, once it was made you were sure he was going to run. Taking a deep breath of his own the rest of his tenseness eased out, "Tomorrow after work I will swing by your old place and take the plates off the car. You can surrender them after."

   "Sounds like a plan to me. Thank you again."

   He nodded and then slowly let go of your hand. Opening his side of the truck you followed suite. Once you were walking together he looked uncomfortable again, "Can I ask you something?"

   You nodded, "Of course."

   "Want to come over for dinner?"

    That shocked you into a momentary silence, "Yeah. That sounds great. What time?"

   "6ish?"

    "Okay. See you at 6ish then," you said as he opened the main door for both of you. "Wait, you know how to cook?"

   "Momma Lowman didn't raise no fool, Baby," he winked as he kept walking down the hall. 

Sighing heavily you put down the box you were holding and opened your new apartment door wide open. Kicking the box inside, you slid it across the floor into the kitchen.

You didn't have many things to bring into this apartment. But what you did have was fucking heavy. Once you were satisfied with where you had slid the box you turned on your heel and went to get another. Instead, you almost slammed right into someone wearing leather.

"Whoa, easy there."

"Oops. Sorry!" you said while your face went a little red. Embarrassment was always something that showed on you no matter what.

He grunted his response and proceeded down the hall. You waited a few seconds before following him down the hall to your stuff outside. The boxes you packed were made for easy travel from the truck you borrowed to your apartment down the hall a bit. The big pain in the ass would be the couch that was sitting there like the evilest thing in the world. It took you and your friend to haul it up there. Getting it down and in was going to be a bitch.

Grabbing a few more boxes the guy you practically ran over rushed past you back into the direction he came from. Moving out of his way a bit you kept moving. If you stopped, you were going to give up. Or end up kicking the box that you were sure had some breakables in it.

"How were you planning to get that couch in that apartment?" 

You whipped around and gave a smile, "Not a clue. Still working on that."

He grunted and looked around for a moment, "Name's Happy. I live down the hall."

"Ah, well, it is nice to meet you Happy," you said while walking down the hall again.

This time he followed you, "In a rush?"

"No no. I know if I stop I won't want to finish and I am kind of on a time crunch with this vehicle. It's my friends and he wants it back soon so he can go to work," you quickly explained.

"No one helping you out?"

"Just me. Let's just say I am not on the best of terms with the rest of my family," you threw a sad smile and headed towards the truck again. Happy went into the direction of the parking lot.

Once you had the last of your boxes, you were prepping on how you were going to get that fucking couch in this place. The logistics in your head weren't working out no matter how hard you looked at it.

"Fuuuuck. Maybe if I can get it off the truck someone can help me bring it into the building at least," you reasoned and began the death walk.

But as soon as you got outside Happy was inside the bed of the truck getting it unloaded with two other men. You slowed down and watched for a moment.

Happy spotted you and waved you over, "Hey!"

Your legs moved before you could tell them to, "Hey. What are you guys doing?"

Happy looked at the couch and truck, "Really?"

Laughing at your own comment you shrugged, "Just making sure my eyes don't deceive me."

He smirked at you, "They don't. I decided that I would spare you the pain of doing this and got some brothers to help."

You regarded the two new men, "Thank you very much guys."

"No problem Lass. Why don't you show us where we are putting this thing?"

Nodding in agreement you chuckled, "Follow me."

Some minutes later, the couch is exactly where you wanted it. They refused to just drop it anywhere and insisted to place it properly. You clapped your hands together and sat down, "All moved in."

"Seems a bit bare," Happy said while looking around at the sparse boxes around your living room, dinning room and kitchen.

"I have to invest in a lot of stuff, it is true. Let's just say I didn't have a lot of time to grab what would have really helped me," you sighed while looking around yourself.

All three men looked kind of uncomfortable, not knowing where to take that statement. Instead of letting the silence become deafening you opened the fridge, "I have some beers if you guy would like some as payment for helping me out."

Instantly I got a round of yes' and crowd around the fridge. Handing them out, I closed the door and just stood there as the beers were halved in seconds, "That hits the spot. Thanks Lass."

You smiled, "Thank you for getting that beast in here."

Smiling back, he downed the rest and placed the empty by the sink, "We should get going though. Come on guys. See you around!"

"Definitely," you replied as you stood by the door letting the men out.

Happy hung back a little and just watched you. Finally he cleared his throat, "If you ever want to get the rest of your stuff just let me know."

"That is kind of you to offer. Thank you."

"I'm serious," he said while looking down at you, "I know that this isn't close to everything. There is usually only one reason why someone would take this little and move in with someone else's truck."

You felt like you should hide behind the door you held open, "I don't know you well enough to talk about this."

"I know. But maybe one day you will. And I am hoping it will be one day soon. Getting new shit is expensive," he cracked a smile at the end.

 With your lips forming your own smile you nodded, "I will let you know."

You sent word that you wanted a sit down with Alvarez. Whether or not you were going to get that is a different matter. Mayan's from a different chapter have come in for a few days.

"You should bring back up," Chibs said while rotating his beer bottle.

"It's a sit down. I am not interested in starting a war," you reasoned.

He grunted, "Sit downs go array all the time."

Sighing, you relented, "If I take Happy will that make you feel better?"

"A bit, yeah! I don't need my newly patched VP to die on me. Plus I don't need anyone haunting me."

You smirked, "I don't think that could happen. We gotta go." Getting up you looked over to Happy, "Hap, you're with me."

He nodded quickly and gathered his things.

"Lass, be careful," he sighed.

"I'll be okay. Promise," you smiled before walking out of the clubhouse. Happy right behind you.

Cutting off your engine, you got off and watched your surroundings. You already drew attention to yourself by being the only two non-Mayan members at a Mayan party. But you being a pull patched female definitely drew more attention. 

Happy stepped in behind you as you walked towards the party, "No killing, Happy. This is just a simple conversation." He said nothing in return, but you knew he would listen.

"Someone rolled up in the wrong neighbourhood!" you heard before the crowd began to lose their focus on the party.

The regular chapter members seemed pretty okay with SAMCRO's presence. But the others are on edge.

"I'm here to see Alvarez, sent word hours ago I was coming."

Someone who wasn't part of your usual chapter came forward, "We were told the Vice President was coming."

Putting out your hands, you shrugged, "And here I am."

"Come and sit while we figure this out," he said while pointing to a table with multiple chairs.

Walking by you went for the chair against the wall. You could tell Happy was uptight, "Easy, brother."

A young guy came and sat down, "Redwood Original. Thought only really old white guys have that patch."

Grounding your back teeth you said nothing and didn't even look at him. But he was insistent, "A female, A Vice President and an Original. You must have blown every man in SAMCRO for those," he went to touch you when Happy exploded up and grabbed the guy by the collar. 

Slamming his upper body on the table, gun pointed at his temple. You acted like none of this was out of the ordinary and kept yourself stoic. When several people went to his defense; you brandished your own gun, "I wouldn't gentlemen."

They all stopped and waited. The one on the table gritted out, "What makes you so special?"

You smiled, "A little of this, a lot of that. The usual."

Happy growled, "And yours is the disrespect."

"If we kill your guard dog?" someone finally gained confidence.

You asked casually, still acting like this was the plan the entire time, "What is your name?"

"Angel. From Santo Podre."

"And the idiot on the table?"

"Taza. My Vice Presidente," Angel admitted.

You raised your eyebrows and chuckled, "VP. Who would have thought."

"Who are you?" the one named Taza breathed out.

Cocking your head to the side, "Well..."

"She is who you will never be. Try all you might." You smirked and looked over to see Alvarez standing there, "Wanna explain this?"

"Nope," you sighed while standing up to greet him. Putting your gun away.

"VP? Congrats. Your parents haunt you yet?" Alvarez said tone low for only you to hear. 

"I am trying to keep the peace," you said before you shook your head.

Looking around you his eyebrow quirked, "Interesting way of peace keeping."

Both of your hands went up in a mock surrender, "He went at me first. Then tried to touch me."

"That true, Taza?"

You moved out of Alvarez's way and sat back down. Happy kept his iron grip clamped down and steady, "Yeah! Okay, it's true. No woman should be VP. Period."

"She isn't just any woman. And I don't appreciate you throwing an important alliance away for this," Alvarez said sitting down across from you.

Taza growled, "I don't know who she is!"

"You might as well tell them. He might have respect after that."

Smirking, you sighed, "Alright. You convinced me. I'm a Winston. My grandfather Piney Winston was a co-founder of SAMCRO - part of the original 9. My father was Opie Winston. My Godfather was Jax Teller."

Total silence took the party. Even Taza stopped fighting with Happy.

"What I am is a fucking Redwood Original Legacy," you said more seriously. 

"Any other questions?"

"No," Taza said quickly, "Sorry."

As soon as that word came out Happy let up but kept a close eye. You looked behind Alvarez to the massive group behind him, "You can all go back to your business."

Alvarez smirked and dismissed everyone. Even Happy took the order, but stayed close. Hell, he was my Sgt. At Arms for more reasons than one.

"What do we need to talk about?"

"The other patched members that aren't completely yours here. We got some intel that they are getting a little too close to a cartel there," you laid out all of the cards on the table. Keeping the peace required that of you.

He kept his face entirely neutral, "How reliable is your intel?"

You shrugged and looked around, "I'm here. That's how reliable."

"If they are?" Alvarez ventured.

Glaring hard, you leaned forward, "If they are then it is only a matter of time before you get replaced. And I quite like you Marcus."

"You are also worried about the drugs getting into Charming," he leaned forward as well.

"Charming, Oakland, Indian Hills. Anywhere where our patches meet. The alliance that my family died for needs to keep in tact."

Sighing, he looked around, letting his body slump back into the chair. You spoke again, "Keep the peace! I'm not asking you to kill a source of money. I'm saying keep the cartel you are working at arms length. And out of Charming would be on inherited bonus."

"I can't guarantee all of that," he admitted while looking around defeated.

"Your the National Presidente. You lead, they follow. Who ever doesn't - make an example of them," you said sitting back. 

Finally, Alvarez chuckled, "I now understand why Chibs wanted you as his VP. You would keep the Jackson wanted."

You smiled sadly, "Yeah. Too bad I had to lose everyone for it."

His face fell and you got up to leave. Happy went a head of you towards the bikes and past the crowd. 

"Hey! They were good men, you father and grandfather," Alvarez called behind him.

"So I've been told!" you said and let that hang. But then called out, "See you around, Alvarez."

While he nodded, Angel came walking towards both of you. Happy looked pissed and went to pull out his gun again. You grabbed his hand and looked at the Mayan, "What?"

"Look, I am sorry for what my VP did. That was fucked up."

"I accept your apology. If he does that again..."

Angel said nothing and stood there. You nodded before leaving and heading towards the bikes.

We are very thirsty right now, and I thought I would put a drop in the ocean. I did try to incorporate both of their languages... please let me know if I messed them up. I am just a white girl who speaks Canadian English and Quebecois French -- please be easy on me.  

Nicky woke up first with a deep inhale, watching the sun stream through the open window in their room. Carefully, he looked behind himself at Joe. Nicky knew he was still very much asleep. With even more finesse, he moved around and went face to face with the one and only love of his life. Nicky began thinking about all the times they have spent together, the rough times they had to be apart. But those rough times never outweighed the together ones, like simply laying in a bed together very innocently. No matter what, his mind kept going back to different parts of their past together.

"Shhh. Go back to sleep," Joe whispered while wrapping his arm around Nicky.

Nicky silently chuckled, "I didn't say anything. Just watching you sleep."

Breathing in, Joe winked one eye open, "Didn't have to say anything. You think too loudly."

At that, the other man laughed, "Just reminiscing."

"Any time in particular?" Joe asked with both eyes closed. Giving into his other half's thing of watching him sleep.

Nicky took his time answering. He was being distracted by the moment he was in. Finally, he shook his head, "No, bouncing around through moments and times. Good and bad."

Without opening his eyes, Joe let his hand drag up and down Nicky's side and arm, letting it come to rest on his neck, "More good than bad as I recall."

"Like Malta," Nicky quipped.

Joe smiled at the memory Nicky was conjuring up like a wizard, "Greece has similar moments."

"As does Comino. But Malta, I will hold dearly."

With one massive inhale Joe opened his eyes finding Nicky already looking into his soul, "Anything else you were thinking about?"

Nicky shook his head, “No... well, maybe something..."

Joe groaned and leaned forward first giving Nicky small kisses. Even with that, they were already getting breathless. Nicky initiated the kissing going much deeper, making Joe fight fire with passion. Nicky's hands were going places that made Joe's stomach completely tighten with anticipation.

Nicky noticed this chuckled breathlessly, "Veramente?"

"Ya Habib Alby," Joe whispered as his own hands were matching Nicky's. Nicky groaned while he was keeping up with all the passion he was feeling and getting back from Joe.

Suddenly a knock sounded at the door of their room.

Both men went still and sagged a little. Nicky looked at the door and blew out hot air as Joe sighed heavily, burying his head in the pillow and Nicky’s shoulder. It was Nicky who found his voice first, "Yes?"

Nile's apologetic voice came back at them, "Sorry. You guys have 20 minutes until we have to leave. Sorry."

Joe sighed heavily again and as he was about to respond, he heard Nile quickly retreat away. Looking over casually at Nicky, Joe noted how he was just trying to catch his own breath and settle his heart. Suddenly, he got up higher than he was and began kissing Nicky again.

Nicky kissed him back for a moment before breaking contact, "We have to leave soon, Joe."

Joe shrugged, "We have 20 minutes. We've had less time and we knew this was coming, we have everything by the door."

Three days. You have been in this cell staring at the still impressively white walls for three fucking days. Clearly they wanted you to go insane before going to this tribunal. Then again, you know they think they have been drugging you nightly. What a pity when they find out the truth. 

You ate just like Nick had asked you to. Only a little the first night, but when you didn't feel any drug effects, you felt okay to eat. It was pretty basic food, but you still took it. 

The lock slammed open and walked in Nick, "Today is the day of the trial. You ready?"

"Of course, but I am not sure what your plan is after I leave here," you got up and stepped forward. 

He came towards you with a pair of handcuffs, "I got in touch with some people from your resistance. They are in place for when you 'leave' the trial."

"How will I know when to 'leave'?"

"Trust me. You will definitely know when," he said while putting the handcuffs around your wrists. Clicking in them gently. "After we leave this room, you have to act like you hate me. If you don't, our plan will go out the window faster than everything."

"I don't think that will be much of a problem," you sassed as you got in front of Nick to walk out the door.

"Perfect. Now, walk."

Keeping your next comment to yourself you began walking through the building. Next, you were lead out of the building entirely and into a black car. About half an hour later, you were pulled out of the car into another building. This one actually looked like a court house. 

Women in green, brown, and red were milling around. Some stopped and stared at you. You smirked a little and walked in with the group that was leading you in. Getting in, a bunch of men in suites were sitting around this table. Winslow was sitting at the head with the seal of Gilead in front of him. 

"Welcome. I just wanted to thank all of the Commanders that are here for this tribunal. I know these things can get annoying and way from our wives."

He got a few grumbles back and all the attention was back on you. With out much of a thought you whispered out, "Yep. Just jerk each other off a little while longer. Don't mind me."

Nick gripped your arm harder and told you to stop. I rolled my eyes and took his advice. But that was hard when they started with a bunch of opening prayers, asking for Gods advice, and a bunch of over the top shit that you could careless for. 

"Please just kill me at this point. Or let me back in the blank room," you said after about 5 minutes of this droning. 

They stopped dead and Nick sighed, "You couldn't resist."

"Okay, fine. Let us discuss what we are going to do with this 'resistance' fighter," Winslow said condescendingly.

You lifted your head in an act of defiance, "Yea, lets do that."

Grumbling met you back and you smirked. Winslow cleared his throat, "You are being charged with a multitude of sins and charges. The list is honestly too long to sound off." 

"Awwe. Come on, you like droning on and on tho."

Nick gripped your arm again, "Jesus Christ, stop."

"Commander Blaine, if she does anything else again. I implore you to use your judgement on a fitting punishment." Winslow said without looking up from his papers. 

"Yes, sir," Nick said while you could definitely feel him glaring at the back of your head. 

"As we were discussing. The Canadian Government has declined our swap. They are unwilling to even discuss swapping the children," another Commander on the tribunal stated. 

"So even your government doesn't even want you," Winslow chuckled while going through more paperwork.

"Don't," Nick whispered quickly before you could open your mouth. So instead, you sighed hard and shifted your feet.

"With her government not willing to cooperate. We have a few other options," the same Commander as before said again. 

"We do," Winslow said loudly, "We can give her the coveted status of Handmaid, give her to the colonies, or a public execution."

Nick finally spoke up, "Making her a Handmaid would be a terrible idea. She could kill a Commander as soon as she is placed."

"You're God damn right I would," you smiled pleasantly.

More and louder grumbles were sounded around the room. Winslow got the room again, "So that would be a disaster. You would definitely run away from the colonies. So, it seems like we don't have any other options."

As soon as he said that gun shots were sounded outside. Winslow stopped dead and began looking around franticly. You stayed put and watched the scene unfold. Commanders hid under the table while Guardians came out of nowhere, guns drawn. 

"Hit me," Nick said harshly. 

Without much of a thought, you swung around and used both of your fists. Hitting him squarely in the head. He stumbled backwards, dropping the cuff keys in the process. You snagged them up and was about to run out before he grabbed onto your leg. Whipping around you dropped to your knees and acted like you were wrestling him, "What?"

"There's a baton on my belt, grab it. Use it and get out of here. One more hit and make it look convincing."

Looking around franticly, you saw Winslow trying to keep track of you while watching out for his life. Taking a deep breath in you reasoned with your own head, "Sorry about this." 

With that you hit him again and took the baton. Hitting him in the stomach with the baton, you found a safe place a few feet away from him and got the handcuffs off. He looked at you and nodded, "Go."

You sighed, "Always at my table. You hear me?"

He grimaced in pain while rolling away giving you an open to start your escape. You began to sneak out of the building. The gun fire drawing all of the guards to one end of the building. 

Going up to the entrance, you quickly hit both guards on their heads to make them go down, but not die. Just enough to make them look away from where you were going to go. Then booked it and began running away from the building like it was on fire. Women started to really stare at you. Without much thought you yelled, "The resistance is looking for all of you! Never give up hope!"