#brokenrealityx

It had taken a few weeks and some grueling hard work, but together they had managed to clear out the old school building and make it into a type of home base while the winter months swept through. Normally, they would have been on the move but neither of them had an end point any longer. The Firefly base was supposed to be where they would go their separate ways, but the fire stole that goal from them. They had made it, she had gotten reunited with Kyle, then a bloater and a fire stole it all from her in a matter of seconds.

She was in a state of shock for a few days, but once that faded, it was replaced with anger and guilt. Angry at him for dragging her out of that building kicking and screaming when she should have died with her brother. Though with some space, that seemed to fade away as well.

"What are you in the mood for tonight?" She questioned, plopping down on their makeshift bed as she scrolled through her music library. Thanks to the generator, listening to music just before bed had become a nighttime routine. "I think.." She raised her brows, a smile evident from her screen's dim glow as she awaited his answer. Though, she didn't know if she was prepared for his response. "...what?" She slowly shifted her gaze to him

She searched his face, waiting for him to laugh or smirk but neither came. There had always been something between them, but she wasn't aware if he felt the same. After all, he had a horrible habit of starting a fight or leaving a snide remark any time the tone got remotely serious between them. That was the main reason she kept her distance; she assumed he felt differently due to his tone and actions.

{ bailey } "No one cares."

Jax plops on the bed, lying sideways, looking at her. "So...what are we doing tonight? Don't tell me you're not bored.. I mean, this settlement is a bit too.. original." / @brokenreality--x unprompted askbox visit always accepting ! !

♘ ― unoriginal? all of the settlements were unoriginal. though, she wouldn't dare say that out loud considering her men put in more than enough effort just to ensure that they functioned correctly. they were meant for surviving not having fun, which sadly didn't go hand in hand very often in their situation.

she looked up at him from the floor where she sat, back against the wall and her head leaned back as her body language gave away her own boredom all too easily.

but really, what was there to do for fun in a post-apocalyptic wasteland besides running head-first into imminent danger?

❝ well, yer' usually full 'a big ideas considerin' how often yer' gettin' inta' trouble. so what are we doin' tonight? ❞ she wasn't actually expecting him to answer, especially when she had so much on her list to do in terms of chasing down her sister, but she wasn't opposed to doing something to destress for a change.

She lay there with a blissful smile, eyes closed, as the music from her old phone softly filled the room. There weren't many moments they got to relax, but this was definitely one of them. However, that peace broke the moment he spoke up. "Already? I've barely had a moment to catch my breath, thanks to you." She slowly sat up and noticed he was already packed and lacing up his boots. "Yeah, gimme a minute."

She sighed, putting her shirt back on before reaching for her other clothes, only to find her jeans. Her brows knitted together in confusion as she picked up the jeans in search of her underwear, but they were nowhere to be found. "Jax, did you take them as a trophy or something?" Sadly, it didn't surprise her in the least. She narrowed her gaze at him before rolling her eyes, quickly digging in her pack for a clean pair.

The bright smile slowly faded from the blonde's features when she felt the cool metal touch right between her shoulder blades. "Don't make a scene. My friend is waitin' for ya in one of the back rooms." The male nudged her with the barrel of his gun, causing her to comply, making her way through the crowded party hall with a rather stoic face. Unluckily for her, the shawl she was wearing was enough to conceal the male's gun, so for any wandering eyes, it simply looked as if he was guiding her along. As the two passed one of her friends, she wanted desperately to reach out for him, but to avoid any harm to herself or the other partygoers, she simply offered a smile and nodded in acknowledgment.

She remained quiet as they turned to one of the side halls, and now out of public view, the male shoved her a bit more aggressively. She stumbled a moment, only to catch herself before looking back with a glare. "Watch it!" He didn't reply, simply pointing his gun towards one of the doors further down the hall. "Keep walkin', doll."

They had almost reached the end of the hall when the man made a clicking noise and nodded to a door on the left. "Right through here, Miss Evans." He punched in the correct code, and the door opened for the two of them. The male pushed her forward, but remained just outside. "I'll be here if ya need me, boss." Harper looked at her former escort with a grimace before looking ahead, finding a male standing in front of a window, gazing out into the deep sea.

She nearly scoffed at his statement, crossing her arms as she neared the sofa in the middle of the room. He was right, with the music and the chatter of the party, no one would hear a thing. "True. But you know, I do have people expecting me. I'm supposed to entertain in an hour or so." The blonde reached into her purse, retrieving her cigarettes and lighter, trying her best to calm her nerves, but her shaking fingers gave her away almost immediately. "What is all of this about?" She placed the cigarette between her lips and attempted to strike the lighter, but her hands were a shaking mess. She cleared her throat, trying to hide any trace of fear. "Was the gun really necessary?"

Harper grunted loudly as a fist collided with her stomach, but she quickly recovered; she knew one mistake could cost her, her life. This wasn't the first scuffle she and Jax had been involved in, but it was the first time they were outnumbered. If she could use her guns, it wouldn't have mattered too much but this town was crawling with the infected. One gunshot would send a horde darting their way. 

With her eyes locked on the hunter's movements, Harper predicted the punch and sidestepped before he could land another hit. "Asswipe." She sneered and swung the pipe at his head, making a satisfied ping! as it came into contact with his dome. Before she could swing again, a searing pain jolted through her entire arm, causing her to drop the pipe and scream out. She immediately reached for her shoulder, hoping to prevent some pain with pressure, only to find the hilt of a blade protruding from her skin.

She reached for the knife as she stumbled back, trying to get some distance between her and her attacker, but by the time she turned around, Jax already had the goon in his arms with a knife to his neck. Without a word, he sliced her attacker's neck, making sure it wasn't a painless death. With the last of the bandits dead, Harper used the wall for support before looking over to him. She could tell by his clenched jaw and actions that he was pissed, but she didn't fully realize why - until he spoke.

And just as quick as it came, her smile faded to something much more deadpan. Her head fell back, tilting towards the sky as a scoff escaped her. At this point, she wasn't even disappointed. She should know by now the types of answers he would give and yet she still found herself asking, somewhat interested. "Why do I even bother?" A smirk grew as she shook her head, finally looking back at him. "Have you always been this much of a pain in the ass? Or did that become your specialty after the world went to shit?" She couldn't help but laugh softly.

@brokenreality--x

"Judy..." West didn't know what else to say, hearing her voice, turning and discovering she wasn't a dream. She was really here in this bar in Boston.

He opened his arms to hug her, and if she accepted, he'd hold her tight like he used to. His breathing shifted from normal to a little too fast, all that suspicion he held for her so long ago before letting himself believe that he loved her... Why had she left him? Why was she back?