@ru5t • continued from
Wraith was headed to the garage anyway to tinker on Alé when she heard the tumble of tools. She hesitates, cursing herself for leaving her gun upstairs. Well, it’s not too late to go grab it; she heads back to their room, picks up her holster, gives Kali a scratch under her chin and Bash a quick kiss, before heading downstairs again.
Maze and Rocket are in the kitchen chatting, Rocket perched on a stool as Maze makes food. Rocket’s dog lies, patient, just outside the doorway to the Canteen. Wraith backtracks when she sees them. “Hey, is anyone supposed to be in the garage right now?”
Maze nods, attention shifting to Wraith. “Tech’s doing some maintenance for the Web,” she explains. “Why?”
Wraith gestures, thumb over her shoulder. “Heard a crash or somethin’, like… tools fallin’ over?”
Maze goes pale. “Tech,” she breathes, abandoning the food and dashing from the kitchen. Wraith follows after a confused glance at Rocket. Maze reaches the door first, pulls it open and steps out. Wrath follows, but nearly runs into the door again when she sees what’s waiting. “Jesus,” she swears, one hand going to her mouth.
Maze studies the scene, quickly putting together a likely series of events. The eyes alone are enough to tell her this was deeply, deeply personal. Her gaze is gentle as it finally settles on Tech, and she gives a nod of agreement. “Now he knows.” She doesn’t care who he was, trusts Tech that he deserved it. All she hopes is that Tech is physically unhurt, and found some catharsis in the action.
Wraith’s eyes are fixed high. “It’s a lotta fuckin’ blood,” she says faintly.
“Five quarts in all,” Maze responds. “Give or take. You only need to lose half of it.” She takes a careful step closer to Tech, hands open at her sides. Not hiding, not reaching. Her eyes stay on Tech, but she aims over her shoulder at Wraith, “Go tell Rickie we need to use her shower. And…” Maze considers for a beat. “Ask Cos for a change of clothes.”
“Are you—?”
“It’s fine,” she assures. “Go.”
Wraith doesn’t need to be told twice, disappearing back into the building.
Mazie waits for the door to close before speaking again. “Tech,” she says, nothing but gentle concern. “Are you hurt?” It’s difficult to tell under all of the blood.
















