After whumpee gets back to caretaker and is physically recovered enough they test their caretaker by doing things that would get them punished by whumper. swearing, insulting caretaker, dropping breakable things, purposefully messing with stuff so it‘ll break, anything like that.
Caretaker doesn't realize what is going on and is slowly going insane and cant help but wonder if maybe something in whumpee broke enough that they find joy in acting out.
Finally, after weeks of this going on, caregiver snaps when whumpee breaks an emotionally important object and shouts at whumpee. By the next morning whumpee is gone, and caregiver is scrambling to get them back and apologize.
Hello my lovelys :). I am back with another part to this story. Don’t all come at me ok? It was all Taron and his idea! Thank again for all the love and comments!
7
“Keep a little fire burning; however small, however hidden.”
It had been a longer goodnight with Elton and David then Taron had wanted and his friends had kept them talking before Taron made his excuses and guided Robyn into the kitchen where he made her two slices of toast and filled a glass with water for her.
“Eat Robyn.” He insisted as he lifted the triangle slice of toast to her mouth. He grinned when she took a bite from the corner, taking the toast from his hand. “And drink.” He picked up the glass for her.
“Jesus you are worse than my mother.” She complained in-between chewing the toast and taking the glass from him. “And you need to introduce Kerrygold to Elton.”
Taron smiled as he took a seat at the table next to her with his own slice of buttered toast. “I will talk to him about getting some Irish butter into his fridge. So, you feeling better?”
“Right as rein.” She smiled, her grin growing as Taron’s eyebrows creased. “Much better. Thank you for my toast and water.”
“God it makes it sound like a scene from Oliver when you say it like that.”
She laughed with him. “Thank you for understanding about my case Taron. It might seem trivial but there are things in it I would like to have. Probably not the Robyn you are used to. Needing girly things.”
Taron opened his bow tie at the back and pulled it off. “I have noticed that you are a woman Robyn.”
“So, I have heard, a lot.” She answered. “Stella? And a certain V-neck top?”
“Shut up.” He threw his bow tie her way. “I have routed through your bathroom. I have seen things. I know how easy going you are and how you don’t need the so-called finer things in life apart from your air con and amazing shower but I know there is a girly girl in there somewhere. I have definitely seen her tonight.”
“I’ve been fancy fancy?” She questioned.
“Fancy fancy.”
“Sometimes it is nice to have a little luxury. Anyway, going back to getting my case, I think it makes more sense to get it now rather than wasting time we have tomorrow together.”
“True.” Agreed Taron as he took of the cummerbund from around his waist.
“Are you treating me to a show Egerton? Because, honestly, I will not object!” She asked grinning as he opened the top four buttons of his shirt, enjoying how Taron chuckled, taking his time as he opened the fourth gold button.
“I know I have to get dressed up but I bloody hate these things. I am glad to take some of the extra parts off. At least you have looked comfortable in your dress all evening.”
“It is actually quite comfortable to wear and I love it very very much. I might not take it off.”
“I am very much ok with that decision.” Agreed Taron as he finished off the last of his slice of toast. “It is one of my favourite looks of yours.”
To distract herself, Robyn used the silence, to take her hoop ear rings out, leaving them beside Taron’s gold cummerbund. “Maybe I will find another excuse to wear it someday.” She quietly said, looking at him from under her eyelashes.
Taron got off his chair and moved closer to her. He found himself biting his lip as she looked up to him and dipping his head, kissed her forehead. “I think this dress has been perfect and beautiful but I want to see that green one.”
Robyn laughed as he slipped his arm around her shoulders. “I have a green t-shirt I can wear instead tonight. So, lets go and get my case.”
“Ugh such a one-track mind.”
“Says the man who keeps talking about my V-neck shape dress.”
“A red-blooded man Robyn and this is where I mention the boundaries!” He added grinning, stepping back as she went to swot at him. “We have crossed many.” He stepped over to her again and kissed her head. “Right if we are going to get back here at some sort of a decent time, we should leave very soon. It’s already after twelve.”
“Yeah you are probably right.”
Taron took a step back. “Did you just tell me I was right? Robyn Quinn admitted someone else was right?”
“Ok we don’t need to linger on that.” She smiled. “We should head to the hotel.” Robyn stood up and started to walk away from Taron but he grabbed her hand and twirled her into him for a hug.
“I like this change in roles this weekend. I like looking after you. You need someone to look after you.”
“I have cwtch.”
“You need someone who is not stuffed and glittery and steals my corner.” Taron enjoyed the sound of her laughter and she may have laughed at his words but he believed in what he said. “Right my love, lets go. Elton told me he would ask Anthony to wait outside for us.”
The blacked-out car was waiting outside of the gates to Elton’s home and Taron opened the door for Robyn to let her in, while he walked around to take the seat behind the driver.
“It won’t take an hour Taron. Traffic will be light. Probably about forty minutes.” Explained Anthony from the front of the car as his passengers got comfortable in the back. Taron moved the arm rest that held the refreshments up so they could sit right beside each other in the back seat.
“That’s perfect Anthony.”
“Thank you so much for driving us.” Added Robyn.
“Always willing to help out any friend of Taron’s.”
As the car started to makes its journey to Holborn, Taron had thrown his arm around Robyn’s shoulders and she had nestled into him as he sat slightly sideways allowing Robyn to lean into him, her head just at his chin as she rested on his shoulder. They were only in the car for five minutes before Robyn was dozing against him, wearing his suit jacket, which she hadn’t taken off her yet, still feeling the chill from the very late-night air. Taron was happy to let Robyn lay against him as she slept, knowing she had been up very early and had a long three days at work.
“Will I turn the heat up?” Anthony asked as he looked in his rear-view mirror to see his female passenger asleep.
“No thank you Anthony. It’s perfect in here. Thank you very much.”
“Happy to help Taron.”
Although he had felt how cold Robyn had been while they stood outside on the balcony, now as she used his body as pillow, he could feel that she had finally warmed up, his jacket helping to keep her warm. He wrapped his right arm around her protectively, his hand slipping under his jacket, so he could lay it flat across her left waist, her arm resting just above his on her ribs. Robyn sat against him with her legs crossed and once again his eyes followed the skin of her exposed left leg, mentally reminding himself to thank Stella once again for helping him with the choice for dress they had picked for Robyn. Taron had seen Robyn in shorts and t-shirts and even in a towel but it was nothing compared to the outfit she now wore. Shaking his head a little, trying to rid himself of the thoughts running through his mind, reminding himself that they were friends, his eyes wandered from her legs up past the diamond belt that snuggly outlined her fabulous figure before he quickly darted his eyes over the top of the dress, the V-neck slightly deeper with the way she was laying against him. He was glad Robyn was asleep because she would definitely have felt how his heart started to race as she lay comfortably against him.
“Jesus Taron, stop it.” He scolded himself but he couldn’t help but gaze down again, his eyes closing as he took a deep calming breathe. The butterflies hadn’t left his stomach since had seen Robyn walk towards him and they were causing mayhem as were his emotions. He had to pinch himself a few times when he looked at her and remembered she had made every effort in every area possible to get to him, to be there for him and support him as he faced his first public appearance and she had made some effort. He realised it when he walked back with their drinks as she stood talking to Elton and David and she was laughing, joking and smiling, looking very much like she belonged with everyone around her. Her whole face lit up and Taron felt blessed to have such a wonderful woman and best friend in his life.
Opening his eyes, he took one more look down and sighed. “I love you.” He whispered into her hair and closing his eyes again, rested his cheek on her head. If Robyn could take a quick nap, he was going to take advantage of her warmth and have a quick snooze too.
He dozed in and out of sleep and gently shook Robyn awake when they had stopped outside the hotel she had got ready in.
“Come on sleepy head. This was your idea.”
Robyn stretched a little and opened her eyes. “I wasn’t asleep. I was just resting my eyes.”
“Hmm sure you were. Out for the count chicken.” He felt a little chill when she moved from his chest.
“Resting my eyes.” She repeated as she rolled her neck a little. “Or maybe catching a quick nap. You know you make a good pillow.” She said as Anthony opened the back door for them, the cold air rushing in, making them both shiver.
Robyn took Anthony’s hand as he helped her from the car, Taron shuffling out afterwards, standing close beside Robyn as they stood outside the front of the Premier Inn in Holborn.
“We will be as quick as we can.” Taron said as he closed the door of the car.
“Take you time. I will wait here for you both.”
“Right chicken, lead the way.”
Taron let Robyn take the lead, but he pulled open the door for her so she could enter the warmth of the hotel first.
“Good evening.” Robyn said to the man at the reception desk as he watched with interest as the two walked into the reception dressed extremely well.
“Good night.” The man called back.
Taron stood beside Robyn as they stood in front of the lift and she pushed the call button. “What do you think he is thinking?” He whispered to her.
“Honestly?” Robyn asked, watching as Taron nodded. “That you are getting some.”
Loud laughter filled the quiet reception as Taron couldn’t hold his chuckles in, his shoulders shaking, his hands going to his eyes. “Robyn, seriously?”
“Well you asked me what he was thinking and with the way we are dressed? That is definitely what he is thinking.”
“Do you trust me?” Asked Taron as he stood right up against her.
“Always.”
“Good.” Taron slipped his arm in behind his jacket that still kept Robyn’s shoulders warm and pulled her right into him in one fluid motion and bent his head to kiss her cheek before he dipped his head lower and kissed the side of her neck, Robyn moving her head a little giving him better access to her skin. His lips were soft and gentle and his stubble tickled her in all the right places.
The lifted dinged and the doors opened, making Taron lift his head but kept his arm tight around her waist and he walked her into the lift. He knew without a doubt that they were being watched very closely so once they turned around to face the open door, Taron placed his left hand on Robyn’s right cheek and without a second thought placed a kiss on her lips as the doors of the lift closed tight.
Once it was just them alone, Taron immediately moved away from her with his hands held up in front of him. “Don’t hit me.” He had expected to see that disapproving look on Robyn’s face but instead her lips bore a smirk.
“You, Taron Egerton, are very naughty and going to be in a shit load of trouble if he recognised you and I would never hit you. I might playfully slap you but never hit you.”
“So, am I getting some?” He asked laughing.
“I think you got enough. If you have left scratches on my neck, you are dead.”
Taron closed the gap between then and lifted her chin with two fingers of his left hand and ran the fingers of his right hand lightly across the skin of her neck he had just kissed. “Nothing.”
“You sure?”
“I promise. I am sorry for jumping right in there without warning and for the kisses.”
“I accept your apology but we will be having no more of that behaviour. Remember there are consequences for unwanted behaviour.”
“Do kisses count as unwanted behaviour?” He asked her as the lift stopped on the fifth floor.
Robyn didn’t answer him but walked out of the lift and made her way to her hotel room, routing for the key from her bag as she walked. When Taron asked her if she trusted him of course her answer was going to be yes without a doubt but she had no idea he was going to assault her neck with an influx of indulgent kisses that made her stomach drop, her heart race, her cheeks flush and the spark flare so hard she needed a fire hose to extinguish it. Taron had held her so tight against him and while his grip on her waist was firm, his kisses were smooth and gentle and Robyn nearly rolled her eyes with the tickly sensation that his facial hair left as his lips trailed her skin, even moving her head to give him more access to her neck. The kiss on her lips was not new but unexpected and more so than the affection, was the way Taron had pulled back immediately to make sure she wasn’t ready to absolutely murder him for taking such a risk with her. It was a respect Taron had for her that she valued above everything else and although he was had taken a huge gamble with his actions, his immediate reaction once the doors of the lift closed, made her love him even more and understand that he absolutely respected her just as much. However, her neck still burned delightfully where his lips had just been and it was spreading quickly down her body.
Taron had to hold his hand out to stop the doors of the lift from closing on him as he was stood frozen when Robyn walked away from him and didn’t answer his question. Stepping out into the corridor, Taron was a few meters behind her and he walked slowly along the carpeted floor his thoughts in a complete jumble. He thought he had worked through these emotions and pushed them aside but they were quickly resurfacing and starting to bubble over. He was sure he was in for a serious tongue lashing from his friend but instead she had chuckled at him and made a joke about the whole thing. He had taken a gigantic leap into a serious danger zone but when Robyn moved her head to give him more access to her neck, he ran with his choice and added extra kisses, inhaling the faint scent of her perfume. He was so thankful she hadn’t been angry at him but somewhat enjoyed his playfulness, ready to tease him about his actions. It made his heart soar that she absolutely trusted him but as he looked down to the purple carpet, he sighed. He was in serious trouble and getting deeper and deeper into a hole he was sure very soon he would not be able to dig himself out of. He thought back to the promise they had made to each other in Robyn’s kitchen where they would always be friends but the more time he physically spent with her, the more he was wondering if the risk of more than friends would be so bad.
“Earth to Taron?” He looked up at the sound of her voice. “You overthinking things?”
“No.”
“And try to sound more convincing.” Robyn stepped over and wrapped her arms around his waist, Taron’s going over her shoulders. “You know I am not upset with you right?”
“I know.”
“I really am not.”
“I know Robyn.” He hugged her close.
“It was very mischievous and I appreciated the need for a good show every now and again and it is good to practise your acting skills.”
Taron laughed. “My acting skills?”
“Sure.” She moved her hands from him. “I mean you haven’t worked in a while; you might have forgotten somethings.”
“Like how to act.”
“Yep so it’s good to get some practise in before next weekend.” Taron shook his head at her but found himself smiling. “And there it is.”
“There what is?”
“That smile.” Robyn held up her key. “Ready to enter the mess?”
“Sure.”
Robyn held the key up against the door handle and waited for the lock to open before she pushed the handle down and opened the door. Setting the key into the slot for the electricity, Robyn moved back and let Taron into the room.
“Wow Robyn.” He said as walked into her hotel room. “I don’t think we can be friends any more.”
“Can I defend myself first? You have seen my Florida case and my closet, so you know I can be messy” She asked as Taron picked up her blue dressing gown and moved it out of the way so he could sit down on the end of the bed. “I literally had just over an hour to get ready to come and meet you. Stuff got left in places.”
“Stuff?” Asked Taron as he held up her bra by the strap that was lying beside him.
Robyn casually pulled it from him along with her dressing gown. “Yeah stuff.”
Taron pulled a garment of clothing from under him and her laughed. “Seriously? You brought my shirt with you? Are you giving it back to me?”
Robyn turned and looked to him, reaching over to pull the Hawaiian patterned flower shirt from his hands. “Absolutely not. This was my payment for your snooping.”
“Then why do you have it with you?”
“I was wearing it.”
“Wearing it?”
“Yes, wearing it. I wore it to the training this morning because I felt a bit sad that I wasn’t going to get to see you. It was before Emma got me here.”
“You actually wear this?” He asked.
“Sure. I have worn it to work too. It’s a good shirt and you are not getting it back. It’s mine.” Robyn folded it carefully and placed it in her case.
“Did you bring cwtch?” He asked as she sat on the chair opposite him, taking his jacket off and throwing it his way. He caught it and draped it over his legs.
“Cwtch doesn’t have a passport or like airplanes.” She reminded him as she put her little star stud ear rings back in.
“Oh yeah I forgot about that.”
“You missing your sleep buddy?” Robyn asked as she put all her make-up and brushes that she had left strewn over the desk back into her make-up bag.
“Maybe.”
“He is house sitting for me.”
“He’s a good blue dinosaur.”
“Yes, he is.” Robyn opened the buckles on her shoes and sighed as she pulled them off. She threw them into her case which was open on the floor. “It won’t take me long Taron.”
“Take your time.” He answered watching as Robyn stood up and lifting the skirt of her dress so she wouldn’t trip, walked into the bathroom. He pulled out his phone out to look through photos he had taken during the night, smiling at the silly faces they had pulled together for many selfies, enjoying the full length one someone had taken of them. They made him smile and he thought back to when they stood together in front of her mirror in her bathroom. He had made a joke about walking the red carpet together that night but Robyn had always given him a firm no as an answer. He was flabbergasted at even with all her protesting, how easily it came to her, being in his world. Still smiling he slipped his phone back into trousers pocket.
Robyn collected her few toiletries from beside the sink, putting them in her wash bag double checking her reflection in the large mirror, smiling a little that she was still quite well put together and her lipstick had lasted the night through with only two extra applications when Taron wasn’t looking. She quickly ran her index finger under her eyes, to wipe some of the eyeliner that has spread the wrong way. She let her finger run down to her neck and stretched a little, checking in the mirror to see for herself if Taron’s sudden kisses had left a mark. They hadn’t left a visible one but his lips on her skin had left her with something else fizzing inside. After another glance in the mirror and with her skirt gathered in one hand, she strolled back into the bedroom, Taron still sitting on the bed patiently. Robyn quickly collected the rest of her things and dropped them in her case. She then sat on the bed beside Taron and pulled on her blue converse.
“I think this is my favourite look of yours yet.”
“What?” She asked.
“Converse and a fancy fancy dress. Only you can get away with that combination.”
She smiled. “And I am ready to go.”
“And you were quick.”
“I am getting good at the fast packing thing. I am hoping that someday I will actually get to enjoy packing a case.”
“You sure you have everything?” He asked. “Did you do a double sweep?”
“Nah I have everything.”
“‘Cos we are not coming back here.”
“Anthony would drive me back if I asked him.
Taron grinned. “I know but I will actually be putting my foot down. We are not making this journey again so please check you have everything.”
Robyn stood up and lifting her dress again, made a show of opening every drawer and noisily put the toilet seat up and down in the bathroom and turning the water on and off while washing her hands. “Nope all clear.” She said grinning walking back out to him and sat beside him. “Have everything.”
“You are one of a kind Robyn Quinn.” Taron stood up and gave his jacket to her. “Please put it on. You will freeze outside and you packed away my shirt that you were wearing. Didn’t you bring a jacket or a jumper?”
“I am sure I have a jumper in the bag somewhere but who knows what I threw in last minute.”
“Well take this.” Taron held it out for her to put her arms through. “I don’t want you to get cold or sick.” Without questioning him Robyn stood beside him and put his suit jacket back on. “It goes well with your dress, matches and everything.” Taron took some steps away from her and picked up her suitcase, lifting the handle so it was ready to be wheeled. “No smart comments about wheeling it yourself either. I know you can do it by yourself but I have it.”
“I am saying nothing.” Robyn headed to the door, opened it and pulled out the card key, letting Taron out first. “We are going to have to pull out some of the same chemistry once we are back in reception Taron. We have literally been ten minutes in that room.” She said as they walked to the lift. “That guy will be wondering what the hell is going on or something else entirely.” She pushed the button for the lift.
“You could let your hair down a little, mess it up a bit.”
Robyn chuckled and stepped into the lift. “You could pull your shirt out from your trousers, open another button or two.”
“Or I could attack you with more kisses.” He suggested as he pushed the button for the ground floor again, leaning towards her.
“I think there has been enough of that.” Robyn laughing as she moved out of his reach and stepped into the lift, waiting for Taron to follow her and once he had, she pressed the G button on the key pad. “I really hope he doesn’t know who you are Taron. He figures it out and says something, we are screwed.”
“How about I just hold your hand then. Like you said we were only about ten minutes and we look pretty put together still.”
“Well that is true. We don’t look like we have been too naughty and bad.” He laughed.
The doors opened and they walked out of the lift together, Taron using his right hand to pull Robyn’s case behind him, his left slipping into her right. Heading for the reception, Robyn placed the card key on the counter. “Checking out.” She said. “Thanks so much.”
The man at reception gave her a sideways look but took the key. “Sure, no problem. Have a nice night.”
“Thanks, you too.”
Taron said nothing but kept a grip on her hand and only let go so he could open the door to let Robyn out first. Anthony greeted them at the door of the hotel and took the case from Taron.
“Thanks Anthony.” He said as he opened the door of the car for Robyn.
“I could get use to this star-studded treatment.” She grinned, pulling the material of her dress in so it wouldn’t get caught in the car door, Taron closing it with a grin once she was settled. He stepped around the back of the car, thanking Anthony again and got in the other side of the car.
“I was brought up with manners and I will use them around a beautiful lady.” He replied to her comment before he had closed the door.
Anthony was back in the car and had pulled away from the curb within seconds.
“Another quick trip back Taron.”
“Sure Anthony. Thanks again for doing this for us.”
“Like I said, anytime.”
Taron turned to Robyn. “Ready for another nap?” He asked.
“I am actually pretty awake.” She answered. “The packing has given me a little more energy.”
“Well can I request a cuddle then?”
“I will always agree to a cuddle.”
Taking up position, Taron tucked her into her chest and Robyn automatically placed her hand on his chest over her heart. “Still beating.”
“Still beating.” He repeated.
A long heavy sigh left his body and Robyn felt it. “You ok Taron? You’ve been pretty quiet since we arrived at the hotel.”
“I am good Robyn. A lot of excitement today and I think I have finally hit a low energy slump.”
“You sure? You have been a ball of energy all evening.”
“Like I said, low energy slump.”
“You know I can tell if you are lying to me.”
Taron laughed a little. “I know chicken.” He gave her a squeeze. “I definitely know that but I am perfect. This evening had been everything and more for me. Thank you for coming.”
Robyn smiled into his shirt. “You are very welcome. Thank you for inviting me.”
“It was actually Elton who invited you.” He corrected.
“Hmm.” She answered him. “Sure it was.” Closing her eyes, she snuggled a little more into him. Taron had always been so wonderfully comfortable and she loved hearing his heart beat in his chest. It was a truly beautiful sound to her. She felt him place his hand on hers over his heart and another long breathe filled his lungs. As much as Taron had enjoyed the evening, so had Robyn. His world hadn’t been as scary and daunting as she thought it was going to be and with Taron keeping ever so close to her, it made it ever so easy to engage with all of his friends and acquaintances. There was one little problem she found herself facing though.
Her skin was still on fire from his kisses and where before his hand in hers just felt warm and comforting, now it tingled and sparked with electricity.
Ororo had put herself down for an upcoming wall check. She had done a few of them since the incident with the lab experiment zombie, one bad experience was not enough to ward her off of doing her duty. She needed to head out like anyone, so she had come out to the gate.
“Storm, Frank’s been taken ill,” said Harry, who had a strong Yorkshire accent and a radio in his hand, “I ain’t surprised, he were in a right state this morning.”
“What’s wrong with him?” She asked with concern.
“Asthma attack, the changing weather set him off or something. Someone had to run for a ventolin pump, he didn’t realise he was carrying an expired one. I’d wager he’s still feeling poorly.”
“I will have to check in on him later.” She said with a worried frown, she would have to make sure there was a check on the medical supplies for anything else that might have gone bad. “Is there someone else who can come with me?”
“No one here, I’m afraid. I’ll make some calls, see if there’s aught to be done about it. I’m sure someone will volunteer if they find out who they’ll be partnered with.”
“Cheeky,” Ororo scolded, Harry responded with a wink. She decided to double check her equipment again while Harry put his mind to solving the problem.
Summary: Dahlia sneaks on an out of town mission, when Cash catches her, he pushes her too far when trying to make his point.
Dahlia:
Dahlia knew that when Cash saw her he was going to be furious but she didn’t want to stay home–she was tired of him seeing her as a girl and not as a fighter, and she felt like now was the time to show him, when they were far away from home and he couldn’t just tell her to go home so easily. Once he saw her he was going to have to let her stay. Otherwise…he’d be sending her home by herself, and she knew he wasn’t about to do that. Not to her. So she had followed him and his boys to the train station, making sure to stay far enough away from him and the rest of them, but making sure to have her eyes on him.
When they got to the train station, she got onto the train after them, and followed them into the same compartment. And it had all been good so far, she was watching him laugh and have fun with his guys, but she was suddenly hit with the urge to pee, so she got up, making sure to have her hood up and quickly walked down the aisle, past Cash and the guys, hoping that he didn’t recognize her as she made her way towards the bathrooms.
Cash:
Cash was on a high, the boys had one good raid out of town. Now they were traveling out a bit farther this time. in an attempt to bring home more food. He had given all the boys explicit instructions, but for now they were having fun on the train goofing off. It was the rare occasion that Cash was letting his hair down so to speak, but nobody was going to try anything with a gang of boys all together on a train.
Cash noticed a woman going by, the boys all commented on how hot she must have been if she had her hood up. Cash was checking her out as well, but than he realized he recognized that ass, it was one he tapped often. Pushing up from his seat. “Yeah she’s hot you fuckin tossers because that’s my god damn girlfriend.” He walked up to Dahlia before she could enter the bathroom and gripped her wrist roughly. “What the fuck are you doin on this train? I thought I fuckin told you to stay home because this place was no fuckin place for a woman.” He growled low in her ear god he wanted to kill her right now.
Dahlia:
She gasped, ready to start fighting off some creep when she heard Cash’s voice in her ear. She was caught. Even though she was a little bit scared–after all, she had gone against Cash’s wishes, and she knew he wasn’t happy, but she wasn’t afraid that he would do something to her. She felt suddenly lucky that it was Cash that had stopped her and not some random creep like she had originally thought.
Dahlia wasn’t ready to face him yet. She had thought that she would have time to come up with an explanation and show him that he didn’t have to worry–but he was too quick. She knew he must have recognized her when she walked past him on the train. But even though her heart was pounding, she put on a smile and looked at him. “Fancy seeing you here,” she tried to lighten the mood. She was barely noticing the hand on her wrist, even though it definitely wasn’t comfortable, she was more focused on how she was feeling trapped, between him and the bathroom door.
Cash:
Cash was livid, seeing red. This was supposed to be a fun mission for him and the boys, and she had gone and messed it all up by being there. Cash ran a hand over his lower face as he looked at her with daggers for eyes at the moment. He’d make her regret ever going against his words, and ever following them. This place they were going was dangerous he didn’t need to be worrying about her.
“Don’t.” He started pointing at her annoyed as he tightened his grip before he let her hand go and he slammed the door behind her head with his fist. “What the fuck were you thinking? I mean are you fuckin kidding me now? This isn’t some shit you can just run into.” He ran a stressed hand through his hair. “Now I am going to have to keep my damn eye on you the entire time, if you want to spend time together or some shit its not fucking when we go on a god damn mission.”
Dahlia:
Dahlia was quickly realizing that she had underestimated just how angry Cash was going to be at her. She had thought that he would just laugh or something and they would move on, but by the look in his eyes, she knew that that was not going to happen–that he was furious with her and she didn’t know if she could fix this. But she wasn’t going to back down. She couldn’t, not when she made it this far.
She closed her eyes and let out a hiss of pain when he tightened his grip on her, but then he was letting go. She let out a shout when he slammed the door behind her head, staring at him, her eyes wide. He had never done something like that, and she suddenly felt scared. But she reminded herself that Cash wouldn’t hurt her. “I’m sorry,” she finally managed to say. “I just want you to see that I can do this. I’m just as good as you and the guys. I can fight, Cash, if you will let me,” she argued. “I didn’t want to stay home and let you go by yourself…I wanted to be there.”
Cash:
Cash would never lay a hand on Dahlia, scare her shitless maybe. But he wouldn’t hurt her no matter how furious he was with her in the moment. He should have been proud she was so fearless in defying him. But at the same time he was now worried with having her out. Hearing her hiss of pain, he let her wrist go, not wanting to inflict anymore upon her. “Yeah you better fuckin be sorry Dahlia. I love you, but this was real damn stupid of you. I say no for a reason.” He said, frustration clear in his tone with her.
“You want me to see you can fight? That doesn’t mean you fuckin ambush a mission! You can now put everyone in danger. God you are just so stupid sometimes.” He took a step back shaking his head, he was disappointed in the moment. “Well you want to prove yourself, don’t fuckin get killed you understand me. So help me god Dahlia you defy me again? I will leave your sorry ass in Edinbrough.” He turned as he sighed. He went back to the boys telling them that the plans had changed.
Dahlia:
The one thing that she knew was that Cash wasn’t going to hurt her no matter how angry he may be with her. It just wasn’t what he did. He would make her life difficult in other ways, though, she knew that much. But she was really starting to realize that maybe she hadn’t thought this one through like she should have. She frowned, but when he released her wrist, she rubbed it gently for a moment.. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, looking at him. “I love you too, Cash. You know that I do.”
Even though this wasn’t going the way that she had hoped it would, and she certainly didn’t appreciate Cash telling her how stupid she was, she was determined to show him that she could handle herself and this would be fine. She met his eyes when he told her not to get killed. “I won’t,” she said, the confidence returning to her voice. “I promise. And I will listen to you,” she promised. “For real this time.” She didn’t quite know what do do, so she went into the bathroom and came out when she had calmed down and sat a few rows away from Cash, figuring he didn’t want her there.
Cash:
Cash didn’t know what to do with Dahlia now, he spoke with the boys as him and Nate switched the men around, he watched her sit a few seats away as he sighed. He knew she said she’d listen, and that she loved him. But it didn’t mean that he still didn’t worry. Pushing up from his seat he went over to her as he sat next to her. He was silent for a moment before he turned his hand over and left it out for her to take. “I can’t exactly throw you off the train, and I need all the boys on this mission, I sure as fuck am not going to send you home alone. So you are stuck with me now. You are to stick by my side and we will go out and hopefully have a bit of fun.” He turned his head to look over at her.
“I am a prick, because I care. Jumping on this mission was stupid, really stupid. I would have started you out smaller, but you went head first, so hope you can keep up love.” Cash was still pissed off at her.
Dahlia:
Dahlia didn’t look back at Cash even though she wanted to- her stubbornness to not appear weak was too strong, and she just looked forward instead of looking at him the way that she was feeling. She knew she messed up big time, but she couldn’t erase it and go back, she had to live with the consequences, no matter what they were. When someone came over and sat next to her, she knew it was Cash, but she was surprised to see him. She didn’t say anything to him either, but when he held his hand out for her, she took it after a moment. “Okay,” she said, finally looking at him. “I told you that I would listen to whatever you thought was best. And I promise you, i’ll stay by your side and I won’t go anywhere else.”
“I know that you care, Cash, I never thought that you didn’t. But I did this because I was trying to get you to listen to me, but you weren’t,” she finally explained. “I am not worried, I know that I can.”
Cash:
Cash knew she wanted to look at him, so he just moved and sat with her. He waited for her to take his hand and than loked at her after that. “I know you did, but you have a good way of showing that you listen after I did tell you to stay home.” Cash reached into his pocket and set a pistol down onto her lap. “You will need that, I sure hope you know how to shoot, and don’t shoot me in the damn ass on accident or something.” He teased a bit as he nodded. “Good you are going to need to stay close, these are uncharted waters for us.”
“Well you have bloody damn good way of getting my attention that’s for sure.” He rolled his eyes. “Don’t get fuckin’ cocky on me now.”
Dahlia:
Dahlia wasn’t willing to forget about this, but she was going to do what she had to to make things less…tense between them. Because that wasn’t going to help anyone, that was for sure. She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t think I said I was going to stay home. You just thought I did.” It was true, but it was a big technicality. She looked down at the pistol that he placed in her lap and bit her lip. “I know how to use it,” she said, looking over at him. “Adn don’t worry, I have no intentions of shooting you anywhere, including in your ass,” she said with a laugh. She nodded. “Don’t worry about me, i’ll stay close.”
She smirked. “If I wasn’t your girlfriend, I think you would be slightly impressed,” she teased. She laughed. “I’ll try not too,” she teased.
Cash:
He gave her a look, as he shook his head. “I fuckin told you to stay home, I believe I told you that this shit wasn’t for you.” He shook his head, as he then ran his free hand over his other leg, as he gave the boys the signal that their next stop was the one they wanted. “I figured you do, hold your own yeah?” He dropped her hand as he stood up. “Never can be sure.” He said as he just bit his lip, of course he’d worry but he’d put that out of his mind.
“If you weren’t my girlfriend I woulda thrown your ass off of the fuckin train, told you to pack it on home.” He shook his head as the train came to a stop. “Lets go this is our stop.” The boys all jumped down onto the platform as he looked up at Dahlia. “The boys are going to go raid food. Were going to go kill a Kings Guard.” He told her, a devilish look on his features. “Still think you have it in you?”
Dahlia:
Dahlia bit her lip and then looked at him, shrugging. “Maybe you did,” she agreed. “But I thought differently. I guess we’ll see what happens,” she replied. She was slowly getting comfortable with him again when it was almost time for their stop. She ran her hand through her hair and then looked at him. “I can hold my own,” she said, with a smirk. At least she thought that she could. If she really could would be another question, and one that she wouldn’t see until she was put to the test.
“Yeah, I know, but I am your girlfriend so that was never going to happen,” she said with a shrug. She got up when the train was stopping and looked over at him, feeling suddenly unsure with herself, but knowing better than to do something that would show that. And then he told her what they were going to do, and if it wasn’t Cash, she would have thought that he was lying, but she knew that he wasn’t. “Of course I am,” she replied, meeting his look.
Cash:
Cash wasn’t agreeing one bit with any of this, he knew Dahlia. She wasn’t some little flower to him, but she wasn’t as ruthless as one needed to be to stand in this war. She was much like Mason to him, someone he needed to protect. Cash had no idea how to do that when she defied him, so now he’d take her over the edge, and hopefully he could pull her back from it. “Shit isn’t like robbing a store Dahlia, some pussy who won’t shoot for the kill, here? They will go for the heart before they put two bullets in your head.” He warned, if she wanted to be out there he wasn’t about to start sugar coating things.
“You are bleedin’ lucky that you are, although I am seriously considering renegotiating that status at the moment.” A girlfriend didn’t try to get herself killed, no. He searched her features and noticed a bit of fear, good he thought, at least he knew she wasn’t going to be completely stupid about this. “Good, because you are taking the shot come on stay close.” Cash made his way down the platform, as he pulled her down an alleyway. Pushing her up against the building gently he put a finger to his lips. “First thing’s first, listen. Listen to every footstep around you, listen to the heavier ones, the Kings Guards boots are newer, they still have that same heavy stiff foot fall, compared to a normal person working out of their tattered shoes if they have any. If you hear those heavy foot falls than you know they are coming.” He whispered to her, as he looked out and down the street, they were in enemy territory. “The boys are going to do some raids, steal what they can. Distract the main guards, while we take out our guy, this is a bit of revenge.” There was a boy cash lost not long ago, one he didn’t speak about. But he was going to take out the bastard that took his man, the kid was young. The same age as Mason it was why he didn’t let the boy go outside of the city limits. He learned one costly mistake, he hoped Dahlia wouldn’t be his next.
Dahlia:
For Dahlia, she was very quickly realizing that she hadn’t thought this one through at all, and if she had than she should have joined him on something at home, where she wasn’t going to be worried about getting lost or hurt the way that she was now. But when she came up with the plan, she had been sure that Cash was never going to allow her to come with him, that he was going to send her home or have one of his men babysit her until they went home. But this was different. And she knew hat she couldn’t show fear to him. She wouldn’t. At least not if she could help it. “I can handle it,” she said simply, looking at him, but she didn’t think that she could. But it was too late to get out of this.
At his next comment, she just looked at him for a moment, feeling…shocked and a little bit hurt that he would say something like that. “You don’t mean that,” she said, shaking her head. There was no way that he actually meant that, she knew that he didn’t, he was just saying it to hurt her, and to make her feel bad for screwing up so royally. And maybe it worked, just a little bit. Her eyes widened. “Wait, me?” She asked, but he was already pulling her along, and she knew the time for talking was over. Her mind was on hyper drive, he expected her to take the shot? He expected her to kill someone? Her mind was racing a thousand miles a minute, and she couldn’t open her mouth to get any of the thoughts out, she was stuck in silence. Dahlia’s eyes met his when he started to explain what his plan was. She nodded her head after a moment. “Okay,” she said softly, knowing that she had to listen to his advice. It was important to listen to him, because he knew what he was doing and she truly had no idea what she had gotten herself into. “Revenge?” But she had a feeling she knew what this was for.
Cash:
Cash wanted to make her regret ever coming, to realize that he had some means to his madness. Now she was going to come out with him, because he couldn’t spare a man. Each boy had a pair, each man had their assignment. Each strike that Cash took, was carefully thought out between him and Nate. His wild ideas brought to a reality. The boys knew that this was a retaliation mission. One long overdue. Cash wouldn’t let it go either, until he saw the other man’s light go out once and for all. The way, his anger flared at the thought of the man he wanted to dispose of. “Sure you can.” He gruffed, knowing full well she had no idea what the hell she was getting herself into.
Cash didn’t make a comment if he meant it or not. He was thinking with his logical brain at the moment, not with his heart. He couldn’t let that matter get in the way. “Yes you, you are going to take the shot.” He said as he found them a spot to just talk, he laid out his plan to her, as he watched the tremble of her hand. He reached down and grasped them gently. “Take a deep breath, fear is okay but whatever you do, don’t stop like a deer in headlights.” Cash told the woman knowing full well that’d get them both killed. “You fuckin know whose revenge I am getting. It’s time to do so.” Cash just moved to sit on a crate, it was a safe spot for them to wait, for the boys to move into action. “You can always go back to the train, hide out in the bathroom until we return.” He offered her wanting to see if she’d back out.
Dahlia:
For Dahlia, she was entirely too stubborn to back out even if she had the chance. After losing her parents, it had hardened her into something new. For the first time she had felt real hatred, but to actually take a life? Even if it was one of the Kings Guards? That was something that she never thought that she would have to face. Not in her life. But here she was, preparing herself for it the best she could. Dahlia looked at him and frowned when he seemed to doubt her. Her resolve doubled, wanting to prove him wrong. But deep, deep down she knew that wasn’t going to happen, it wasn’t true.
She swallowed and just nodded her head when he said that she was taking the shot. She wasn’t able to form some word or make sense of what they were going to do. So she just…let it drop for now and tried not to think about it too much. When he took her hands in his, she focused on him and looked, taking a few deep breaths. Looking at him was calming her down, she listened to his words and took a few more deep breaths and nodded her head. “I won’t,” she promised, looking at him. But she didn’t know if she couldn’t do that. That was something that couldn’t be helped. “I know,” she said, nodding her head and taking a few deep breaths. “I know why. It’s time for revenge,” she said, leaning over and kissing his cheek. “I’m not backing out,” she said, shaking her head.
Cash:
Cash knew she liked to think of herself as this hardened girl to the world, strong and ready to take on anything. But he knew that deep down she wasn’t going to be able to handle it. Cash had a pretty good judgment of people, he knew the people he took in inside and out. Taking a life wasn’t something done lightly, and he truly hoped he knew his woman that she would back out like he thought she would. However she had a damn good poker face and that she was going to test his limits for what they were worth.
As she freaked out a bit, he kept his voice low and steady, he’d calm her down if it was anyone else he would have thrown them off of the mission already. “That’s my girl.” He relented as he then dropped her hands. “Time for fuckin revenge, eye for a bloody eye. Good.” He looked to his left as he heard some commotion starting up. “Looks like the party’s begun.” Cash grinned, he loved the chaos as he led Dahlia down a few back alley ways, he knew just how to get to the bastard they wanted.
Dahlia:
Dahlia closed her eyes and took a deep breath, running her hand through her hair and when she opened her eyes, she looked at him and tried to move past this and move on. She wasn’t going to freak out now. She had to not freak out and she had to show Cash that he was ready to do this, that she could show him that she wasn’t going to mess this up, that she was ready to be a member of the group.
His voice was calming her down as she stood there. She was slowly starting to realize that she had to calm down, and focusing on Cash was certainly helping. She looked at him and smiled faintly. “I’m your girl,” she repeated, trying to sound more confident. She nodded her head and looked towards the noise as she heard the commotion start. “Let’s go,” she agreed, nodding her head, letting him lead through the back alleys, she took a few deep breaths, not knowing where they were going.
Cash:
Cash just wanted her to go back to the girl he knew, because this version of Dahlia wasn’t the one he liked so much. No he saw a scared girl, trying to prove herself to the big bad wolf, and that really didn’t fly with him. He just hoped he could get them through this mission alive.
Cash could sense she was calming down which eased his nerves a bit. “Yeah you are, damn straight you are. And my girl can fuckin’ do this.” He encouraged as they walked through the streets he noticed a man on his own watching the fighting, talking over their wireless to the other men. Cash stopped Dahlia and stood behind her. “That’s our man and this is our shot, go ahead aim and shoot.” He told her. They were no more than a few feet away from the man in silence as he just held her sides to steady her.
Dahlia:
Dahlia was glad when she was finally calming down. She knew that it was so beyond messed up that they were doing this, but she understood why. She understood wanting to avenge him. She knew how much it had broken Cash up when he died, how…he had blamed himself. And knowing that she was helping him get the revenge he wanted and deserved…it made it a slightly easier pill to swallow (though not by much). “Of course your girl can,” she said with a nod, giving him the first real smile. Dahlia had no idea who it was that she was supposed to shoot, and she was glad to have Cash there to guide her. Even though she was starting to feel herself waver again. She nodded her head when he finally pointed out who their man was. She lifted the gun and aimed. She had no idea that she was shaking until Cash held her sides, steadying her, but her hands were still shaking. She lined up the shot, and had her finger on the trigger, but she froze, unable to do it, unable to move.
Cash:
Cash’s life wasn’t all roses, and quite frankly if she wanted to see the good, she had to see the bad. He had been waiting for a long time to get his revenge, to avenge the guard that took one of his men, an innocent boy. “Good girl.” He teased smirking a bit as they went into the alley way, he led her to where the guard would be. He noticed her hand shaking and that she had froze. “I knew you weren’t ready.” He moved behind her pressing his body to hers before he covered her hand with his and his finger slid into the trigger as he looked up. “Anton.” He said as the man looked an Cash took the shot, as he took the pistol and fired two more rounds.
Dahlia:
Dahlia had known that bad stuff happened, but she had never been there to witness it, she had always been somewhere else, at home, and for the first time she was realizing why Cash was the way he was, why he had her at home all the time. It all made sense to her now. But she couldn’t turn back and change it either. “You know it,” she replied, grinning at him. She had been so sure that she could do it, but she just…couldn’t. “Cash…” she trailed off, not knowing what to say, before he suddenly was behind her and his hands were covering hers. It was almost like it happened in slow motion, suddenly his hand was on the gun, and he was calling for the man to look at them-Anton- and the gun went off. Dahlia stared as the bullets hit him, her eyes wide as she stared at the scene in front of her, unable to look away but wanting desperately too.
Cash:
Cash didn’t think she’d be begging to come out any time soon. When she said his name he shook his head. “I know.” He knew all along, she was too good for this war, she liked to think she was hardened to it all, however she really wasn’t. She would always be his good girl, it was why he reached forward and pulled the trigger himself. Cash felt no remorse maybe that made him a monster. Either way he really hadn’t cared. Cash pulled the weapon from her fingers as he stepped closer, he watched the man reaching up gasping for a breath before Cash took one last shot, he turned to Dahlia stained in red as he looked at her. “You weren’t ready to come out.” Was all that he could say.
Dahlia:
Dahlia didn’t know how this was going to change them. She didn’t know if Cash was going to be disappointed in her for not pulling the trigger, or if he was going to be okay that she didn’t. That was the thing about Cash. He was hard to read sometimes, and she just…really didn’t know what to think or do right now. It was hard for her to realize that she wasn’t as strong and hard as she thought that she was. She watched as Cash pulled the gun from her hands, not knowing what he was going to do. She took a few deep breaths as she watched him take one last shot, her hand covering her mouth as she watched him kill the man. “I know,” She managed to get out, her eyes not leaving the dead man.
Cash:
Cash was glad she hadn’t pulled the trigger, he didn’t want her to be him. To be this sort of person. But he wasn’t going to show that hand. He just watched her as he took the last shot. “Lets go Dahlia, get out of here before someone see’s us.” He grabbed her arms and guided her away, he glanced at the watch he wore. “Run, we have to get back to the train the boys won’t be able to hold it for long.” He knew that he was pushing her right now, but he didn’t care as he began to run holding her hand tightly as if to pull her along until they were on the train once more, the boys grew silent, seeing him covered in blood. “So tell me you got some good shit.” Cash said talking like nothing was out of the ordinary.
Dahlia:
Dahlia’s heart was pounding as it all started to hit her what had happened. She let him grab her arm and nodded her head when he said that they had to get out of there and run. She started to run with him as he guided her away from the scene, not really thinking about what she was doing other than running with him. She nodded her head. “Okay,” she said, frowning at the thought of them being left behind. She didn’t really know what they would do if they didn’t make the train. She needed him to push her and get her back to the train, she was starting to shut down and realize what they had just done. On the train, she sat there, staring forward, not saying anything as Cash acted like nothing happened. “We got a ton, Boss,” Mason said excitedly. “Enough to last for a good while.”
Cash:
Cash could see her shutting down, he needed to get her back to the train, as they made it back in plenty of time. He looked at the boys who were all happy and proud. “Good than tonight you boys will eat like Kings you did good work.” He told them as he took his girlfriend’s hand he pulled her up and into the next cabin before he sat her down again. “Talk to me Dahlia, don’t fuckin shut down that won’t help shit. You will go down the rabbit hole faster than I can make you scream my name.” He tried teasing her as his hand slid over her thigh gently attempting to comfort her. “Dahlia, it had to be done, he was a fucker, took one of our own the sick bastard.” Maybe he was the sick bastard but the lines of the war were so blurred that it didn’t even matter anymore.
Dahlia:
Dahlia didn’t hear anything that Cash said with his boys, she was just shutting down and unable to cope with what had just happened. When Cash came and took her hand and pulled her up, she didn’t fight it, she went with him, not really thinking about anything other than that man. It took him saying her name for her to look up and meet his eyes for her to realize that she had even shut down the way that she had. “I..” she swallowed, trying to put her thoughts into words. She had to give him a faint smile when he spoke. “Funny,” she said, shaking her head. “I just…” she trailed off. “I know. I know why it happened,” she said softly. “I wanted revenge too. But seeing it…” a few tears fell down her cheeks. She didn’t even know why she was crying, it certainly wasn’t for that man.
Cash:
Cash wondered if he had taken it way too far with her, he shouldn’t have been that way but he wanted to scare her away from the life he had. Cash reached up and wiped away her tears as he moved to sit next to her, he wrapped his arms around her as he held her tight. “I really fuckin’ love you. I hope you bloody well know that.” He told her sighing softly. “Were gonna head home, than you are going to take a hot shower okay? We can curl up in bed and let the boys have their fun alright?” Cash kissed her head gently as he sighed softly.
Dahlia:
Dahlia looked at him and closed her eyes when he wiped away her tears and then moved to sit with her and wrapped his arms around her. She immediately curled up into him, immediately feeling safe as he held her. She always felt safe when he held her. She nodded her head .”I love you too. I really, really love you,” she said softly. She nodded her head when he spoke. “You don’t have to baby me, you know,” she said, looking up at him, wanting to show him that the girl he loved was still there. “But I love it when you do,” she relented. “And I’d be happy to just have you be there with me.”
Cash:
Cash just relaxed back in his seat as he held her close to him his hand running over her leg to comfort her. “you better love me.” He said as he rolled his eyes. “I thought it was called takin care of you, tho if you don’t want me too than the hell with you.” His tone was playful though. He knew his girl was still there, but it still seemed like she needed a bit of comfort and he was attempting to do that for her. “I fuckin knew it, so you know what let me take care of you tonight.” He said softly, he didn’t do it often enough. “You know I’m proud of ya, even if you totally froze, still proud.” He admitted.
Dahlia:
Dahlia looked up at him and smiled when he held her close to him. She laughed softly and gave him a look. “Of course I love you,” she said, shaking her head like it was crazy to think that she didn’t, even for a second. “Oh, is that what it’s called? But of course I want you too, i’ll always let you take care of me,” she said. She appreciated that Cash was trying to be there, that meant more to her than he would realize. She nodded her head. “Okay,” she said. “I would really like that,” she told him. Dahlia looked up at him, surprised. “Really?” She asked. “Even though I screwed up?”
Cash:
“I know you do.” Cash never really had to doubt that at all. Nor did he really think he was going to question it. “Yeah that’s what its called.” He rolled his eyes, but than gave her a smile when she said she would let him take care of her. Which was a good thing because he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “Yeah even though you screwed up. I really didn’t think you’d do it anyways. I wanted to test how far you’d go to prove a point, but I am glad that you wouldn’t go as far as killin a man.”
Dahlia:
Dahlia looked at him and smiled, nodding her head. “I know that you don’t always think it, but you’re an amazing man, Cash. And I wouldn’t be here without you,” she said, kissing his cheek. She didn’t really think there was much choice in this, but she didn’t care, she was happy to have him take care of her. “So what did the boys get anyways?” She asked curiously. Dahlia frowned when he said he didn’t think she would do it. “I just…I couldn’t. I really tried, Cash. But I’m sorry that I couldn’t do it for you.”
Cash:
“Amazing man that I think just pushed you a bit too far.” Cash was going to keep an eye on her for a little while yet. He just wanted to make sure he hadn’t pushed her over the edge, he’d feel to responsible for it. He smiled however, at the kiss. “Lots of food by the looks of it. Few other goodies, they raided a boot store as well so hopefully we get some new shoes this week.” He shrugged as he saw her frown. “I didn’t want you to do it, that’s the point. I gave you the most outrageous job because I wanted to make sure that you were still on the good side, and you are. You didn’t fail, you passed what I really wanted out of you.” Cash explained. “Though you so owe me dinner.” He teased playfully.
Dahlia:
“I was testing you. I shouldn’t have done what I did,” she said, looking at him. She could admit now that she was wrong about it. That she shouldn’t have done what she did, that she should have listened to him. Dahlia nodded her head and smiled. “We were really running out of food, it’s good that they got more of it. And new boots will definitely come in handy. Yours are practically done,” she said, gesturing to his feet. Her eyes narrowed and she knocked into him teasingly. “Next time you want me to fail a test let me know beforehand?” She teased, wanting to go back to how it used to be, to go back to normal. “Dinner? I will make you whatever you want,” she promised, kissing him.
Cash:
“No you shouldn’t. But you can hold your own, so around town you can go out more with the boys.” Cash relented she got her way, but not before learning a lesson or two, ones that will undoubtedly keep her alive. “I do what I do, to keep you all alive. Its not easy out there and sometimes I get it wrong. But I don’t want to lose a fucking one.” He told her honestly, as he laughed and nodded. “I know I may have told them to pick you a few things up in your size, that weren’t boots.” He smiled, he did think about her after all. “Where’s the fuckin fun in that?” He asked amused as he looked down at her. “We may have to find out what we got.” Cash just kissed her back harder pulling her closer.
Dahlia:
Dahlia looked at him. “Wait, really?” She asked, looking excited. She leaned over and kissed him a few times. “You’re the best boyfriend in the world,” she grinned at him. She was happy that her plan hadn’t been a complete failure, that he was going to let her go out more. She nodded her head. “I understand, Cash. I really do. I know that you’re in a hard position, and i’m not going to disappoint you. You won’t lose me,” she promised, squeezing his hand. She grinned at him. “Oh, you did, did you? I hope your guys have good taste,” she said with a laugh. She shrugged her shoulders. “I don’t know, it could be fun,” she said, biting her lip. She looked up at him. “Well whatever they got, i’ll make you whatever you want from it,” she said. She kissed him passionately, wrapping her arms around him.
Cash:
“Yes really, but don’t go fuckin thinking that its going to be anything crazy a few raid missions at most. You ain’t ready for more shit than that yet. Your time will come maybe.” He didn’t want to use her as a weapon in this war though, however, her kisses made it an easier pill to swallow that he’d let her off the leash he had been keeping her on. “I better not, or I’ll burn the whole fuckin world in my wake if I do. So for the sake of those around me, make sure it never happens.” Cash didn’t give a shit, if he lost her he lost the shred of hope and humanity that she provided him. “I sure hope they do as well.” He then looked down at her. “Damn straight you will.” He groaned against her lips as they kissed but someone knocked on the cabin door. “You bloody tosser, every fuckin time.” He said as he looked over at Jimmy. “Sorry boss but we arrived.” He rolled his eyes. “Fine.” He said as he pulled away from Dahlia. “We will finish this later.”
Dahlia:
She shook her head. “I don’t care what it is,” she promised. “I just want to get out,” she said, looking up at him. After what he had put her through today, she wasn’t about to go against him that easily. “I’ll do whatever you want,” she said, looking into his eyes, making sure he knew that she was being serious. That she wasn’t about to disobey him. Dahlia knew that he wasn’t being sarcastic, or anything. She knew he would do it. “You know that I will not do anything that would make you lose me,” She said, shaking her head. She didn’t even think about the possibility of losing Cash. It was completely unfathomable. She was never going to lose him. He was so strong, nothing could take him down. She nodded her head and grinned. “I really hope they do,” she said, with a grin. “Whatever you want,” she promised, continuing to kiss him, knowing it was going towards sex again. But then there was a knock at the door and she pulled away, pouting. “You have terrible timing,” she said, petulantly as she looked at Cash. “Yes we will.” Jimmy rolled his eyes. “I don’t know which of you is worse.”
Cash:
“I know you want to get out, fucking jumping on a mission you had no business being in proved that.” He sighed softly, glad that she was actually going to listen he knew what he was doing. “I know you wouldn’t, but this is war and we are literally goin against the fuckin’ power it isn’t easy.” He reminded her. Cash just enjoyed kissing her, knowing once they started kissing it almost always led to sex. He growled. “Me when I am fuckin horny you prick. I got a hot piece of ass that I want.” He teased the boy as he grabbed him around the neck as he pulled him closer and ruffled his hair before letting him go. “Lets go, after all you may need help in the shower.” He winked, he had one thing on his mind now and that was getting to the making up part of their fight from earlier.
Dahlia:
Dahlia had to laugh, he had a point. “Well, I got your attention, which was all I really wanted,” she shrugged, leaning forward and kissing him quickly. She nodded her head when he spoke. “I know it’s not easy, Cash. But I promise I won’t screw up this time,” she said, after a moment. “I just want to help you,” she admitted. She glared at Jimmy for interrupting them, and Jimmy held his hands up in surrender. “I’ll have to remember that for next time. Stay away from boss man when he’s horny,” Jimmy said, pretending to write himself a note. He grinned and laughed when Cash grabbed him and ruffled his hair. “Oh, I certainly can’t do that by myself, I need a big strong man like yourself to help,” She grinned, kissing him one more time for good measure. She was enjoying teasing Jimmy.
Cash:
“You damn well nearly gave me a fuckin’ heart attack.” He told her shaking his head but he kissed her back regardless. “I know you want to help me, but Jesus woman.” Cash often wondered if Dahlia truly knew what she was for him, how she was his conscious when he needed it. His pick me up when his mood went sour or when he felt helpless that she was his hope. Cash would lose himself if he ever lost her. That was how much he cared about her. “Exactly you tosser, stop being such a fucking cockblocker when all I want to do is get laid.” He teased the boy as he kissed her again grabbing her ass to tease Jimmy. “Don’t be jealous I can touch mate, one day a girl may give you a second look.” He teased as he walked into the other cabin and grabbed a few bags. “Take separate paths back we can’t go marchin through town with all this shit to our place, it will be raided quick.” Cash handed some stuff to Dahlia before he led her down one route back to their place.
Dahlia:
“I did,” she agreed with a nod. “But you love me and I love you, so you’re not complaining,” she replied with a grin. Dahlia loved Cash, and that included all of his flaws, although if she were to be honest, she didn’t think that he had all that many flaws. Maybe the ones he had were rather large, but she saw into what he tried to hide so hard. She knew that he loved his men, he loved her, he loved the people that he was fighting for. Otherwise he wouldn’t do half of the things that he did on a daily basis, not just for her, but for Nate, and Jimmy and Mason and all of the other guys. “It’s not being a cockblocker when you two are literally always touching each other,” Jimmy countered, rolling his eyes when Dahlia squealed and laughed, kissing Cash again. “I’ve had plenty of girls,” Jimmy grumbled, going back to the other guys. “Aww, I think you hurt his feelings,” she teased with a laugh. Dahlia watched Cash explain what needed to be done, making sure to take what he wanted her to and bit her lip as she followed him back to their flat.
Cash:
“I love you? Is that what that funny feelin is?” He teased her shaking his head, knowing the girl loved him without a fault it seemed something he appreciated. Cash was an open book despite his walls with her. “Well let me touch damn it, once I am satisfied I can keep my hands off.” It was a total lie, Cash just had a thing for Dahlia and being close. Maybe it was the intense feeling of the war. Cash just shook his head amused. “He will get over it and toughen up.” Cash led her back to their flat as he than just put the bags down. “Boys take stock of everything write me a list.” He instructed knowing it’d take time as he held Dahlia. Leaning into her ear. “Shall we finish what we started on the train?” He asked his girlfriend.
Dahlia:
“That would be it,” she replied easily, grinning at him. “I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you sooner,” she teased easily. There was something about their relationship that helped them get through all the crap they went through. She couldn’t imagine this war without him by her side. It was what made it all tolerable. “Ha, that’s a good one,” She replied with a laugh and a grin. She couldn’t imagine him keeping his hands off of her. They never could. She nodded her head. “You’re right,” she said, grinning at him. When they got back, she put her stuff down as well and bit her lip when he told them to write a list of everything that tehy had gotten. She turned to him and grinned. “Let’s go,” she said.
Cash:
“Making me wait woman always.” He teased back a grin on his face. Cash knew they needed each other at this point it wasn’t a question. “Right its a total lie, but can you blame me?” He smirked knowing she couldn’t. Dahlia knew just how good looking she was and Cash, cashed in on that. “Don’t have to tell me twice.” Cash didn’t care if the boys were in the house as he led her to the bathroom and just locked the doors as he started the shower in an instant he was on her and he figured the next few days were going to be a little rough pleasurably for them.
Dahlia:
“You could do well with learning some patience, my love,” she reminded him, a grin on her lips. Cash and patience were two things that certainly didn’t belong together. But she would continually tease him that he had to be patent. It just didn’t seem to work. “No, I can’t,” she said with a laugh. Dahlia didn’t pretend to think that she wasn’t good looking–she was confident in her looks, and being with Cash certainly helped. She laughed and grinned at him, taking his hand as they went to the bathroom and he locked the door. She kissed him passionately, looking forward to the next few days and the pleasure it was going to bring.
“It’s amazing what fits into this Smart” Xander Plath yelled at his buddy, Ashe Klick, as he loaded up the last of their luggage into the diminutive car.
“Yeah, except that now I don’t fit in the Smart, Xander” Klick leaned his lanky body against the wall of the garage, reached into his pocket for his e-cig and took a long drag from it. The vapor wafted and curled around the corners of his thin lips and diffused through his dirty blond hair.
Plath’s broad shoulders dropped, the smile that had been on his stubbled face dropped into a stern frown, “We can make this work. I really want to take the Smart.” He moved all of the luggage out of the tiny red car and placed it on the street next to the car. He moved his large frame into the car and reset the passenger seat, pulling it a bit forward to create a little bit more trunk space.
Klick took a last drag from the dying e-cig and dropped the electronic stick into his gingham shirt’s pocket. He smoothed down the fabric over his thin body and pushed himself off of the wall. “Let me pack it. I got the required Tetris skills,” he smirked sliding a thin finger up the bridge of his nose pushing back his thin-framed glasses.
“By all means, do it, Mr. Guru. I refuse to take the Humvee,” Plath scowled at the monstrosity sitting just in front of the little red Smart. He popped the trunk glass and liftgate open and moved onto the grass of the sidewalk, laying back and shielding his coffee-brown eyes from the setting late afternoon sun. His chest rose and fell slowly under his “Samus is my Queen” t-shirt, rising up slightly to show off his slightly toned, tanned stomach. He pulled up his legs and waved his knees back and forth in the slight breeze flowing playfully through his urban camo shorts.
Klick arranged the luggage on the ground behind the Smart. They each had a small duffel filled with their clothes. They were sharing a single gun case. Each had a laptop backpack. And then the mid-sized cooler. “We gotta ditch the cooler.”
Plath sat up, propping his torso on his developed arms, “No. We need that. It’s for the road food.”
Klick arrange the duffels on top of each other and closed the liftgate. He reached over the gate and placed the gun case next to the duffels. Next to that, he wedged in his backpack and then placed the other backpack on top. “You carry the cooler in your lap, then we’re ditching it somewhere.” He closed the glass and dropped the cooler next to Plath.
“Let’s go, stupid.” Klick dropped into the driver’s seat, readjusted all the mirrors away from Plath’s preferences, clicked on the radio to some rock/metal mish-mash station, opened up the panoramic roof shade and turned on the little 3-cylinder Smart engine. Plath settled in next to him, pushing the seat back to make room for his long legs and balanced the cooler on his lap. He tried wedging it into the footwell unsuccessfully.
An hour into the trip, Klick regretted not taking the Humvee. “This little thing doesn’t have cruise control. We gotta switch.” He punched Plath’s leg.
“Nu-uh, we settled on three hours each,” he unbuckled his seat belt and awkwardly shifted around to extract the gun case from behind them. Resting the case on the cooler, he popped it open and removed one of the Glock 19s and proceeded to take apart the gun for cleaning. “How long we got?”
“Five hours. Clean mine too?” Klick tapped on the center console and launched a video call to their boss, Skylar Donovan.
Skylar Donovan was head of the Software QA Department at OnSight Games, and top handler for all the field agents. He had approached them a year ago with a strong proposal for a significant pay hike to their $12/hr, and a little extra work that required a certain mindset. The jobs were easy, but required a degree of finesse that both men possessed, and the willingness to straddle the line between legal and illegal. His deep voice resonated through the small cabin when he answered, “Gentlemen, how are we this fine and hot afternoon. Why’d you take the Smart?”
“Plath wanted the Smart, he felt the Humvee would instantly give us away. I’m inclined to agree, Skylar. Unless that was the point, are we too old in our ways and you needed to get rid of us?” Klick changed lanes and mashed the pedal to the floor to pass up an 18-wheeler, but the Smart accelerated ever so unimpressively slow.
“Ha, if I wanted to get rid of you, you two wouldn’t be sitting in that tiny contraption racing along the 5,” Skylar leaned back into his chair, the camera refocused on the beautiful Santa Monica sky of Ocean Park Blvd before it refocused on Skylar’s face, “No need to worry about job security, boys. Just get the job done and make sure you’re back next week in time for E3.”
“Skylar, why the fuck couldn’t we just fly into San Francisco? It would have been so much easier than having to deal with this bullshit drive. Fly in, shoot the fucker, fly out. Done.” Plath was working a cleaning brush through the barrel of his gun, hidden just below the window, his tongue peeking out from the side of his mouth as he cleaned.
“Because, gentledorks, flight manifests. We’d have to generate fake documents and identities and then cover up all the security footage. It’s far easier to have you fuckers drive the fuck up there, than to fly you the fuck up there,” he paused and sipped on his mug of coffee, “you have your instructions, right?” Skylar adjusted his thin black tie over his pressed white shirt and shifted his sunglasses back up his nose. His clean-shaven face made him look drastically younger than his 33-year-old age suggested.
Klick licked his teeth and leaned over Plath to pull a small envelope from the glove compartment, “Got it here. Really, the company can’t handle a little negative review on our biggest game?” His foot was getting tired, he pulled the small red car onto an off-ramp and into a gas station. They sat while the call continued, air conditioning turned up full blast.
Skylar ran his hand through his deep brown hair cropped short on his head, removed his sunglasses and shifted closer to the camera, “It’s not your place to question how the organization runs. And you know this isn’t just about a game review. Chiang stiffed us on his end of the deal, and you know we can’t have loose ends thinking they’re superior to us.”
“I still think this is all stupid for what we are.” Plath had finished and moved onto disassembling the other gun. Dirty rags rested on his shoulder, his legs rocking the cooler and gun case back and forth.
Skylar leaned back, contempt in his green eyes, “We could return you to the bullpen, go back to testing video games. Oh, wait, no we can’t. You know too much.”
Klick rang in, “We’re fine, Skylar, he’s just upset because we’ve been in the Smart for an hour. We’ll check back in when we get to San Fran.” Skylar nodded and ended the call. The air outside of the car contrasted heavily from the ice bucket inside the Smart. Like walking into an oven left on broil. The pair walked the short distance from the pumps to the mini mart, arriving soaked in sweat. “The fuck is wrong with you, dude?”
He waved Klick off and walked to the fridges, picking up a pack of Red Bulls and Dr. Peppers. Klick gathered up armfuls of chips, beef sticks, corn dogs and burgers. They gathered at the register, dropping their scavenger contents onto the counter and fanning their sweaty bodies.
“I didn’t think I’d be 27 and working in video games doing these little side trips, dude.” Plath handed over his debit card to the cashier and popped open one of the Red Bulls. He took a bite of a corn dog and typed in his PIN. The cashier began bagging the road food.
“Fuck, it’s better to be working in video games and doing these little side trips. Dude, we’re getting a week in San Francisco, we get to drive a fucking Smart, and we get to be away from the office,” Klick moved away and grabbed a back of ice and dropped $7 onto the counter from his wallet. The cashier gathered it up and resumed bagging.
“You boys not from ‘round here, is you?” the man’s drawl dropped to the counter and bounced into their heads, his hands scooping up the food and placing it in a paper bag. His eyes shifted back and forth between Klick’s and Plath’s.
“Nope, just passin’ through. Got hungry,” Klick replied and shot the man a confident smile.
“Thanks,” Plath scooped up the bags and exited with Klick in tow.
“This ice is going to be a bag of water by the time it hits the cooler!” Klick ran to the Smart, pulling the door open and dropping the liquified ice chunks into the cooler. Plath arranged the drinks in the cooler and placed it on the ground in front of the seat and moved around to the driver’s seat.
Two opened Red Bulls in each cup holder, a corn dog in his hand and the other hand on the wheel, they skidded off the gravel and back onto the hot tire-melting pavement of the 5 North.
Another hour had passed when Klick was awoken from his nap by the Smart sliding to a stop in the gravel of some desolate looking back road. “Where are we?”
“Took a bit of a detour there, seems the old man at the stop tipped the CHP that we were a bit suspicious,” Plath motioned behind them. In the clearing a few hundred feet back, through the dust the Smart was kicking up, he spotted a brown-and-white CHP cruiser. “I have no intention on explaining why we’ve got guns, and you can’t put them in the back compartment without us stopping the car.”
Klick furrowed his brow, fingers heavy on his jaw, mind at work. He tapped the GPS display on the center console and scrolled ahead in the path. There was a fork in the road ahead. The left path circled them through some fields and farms and returned them to the highway. The right path pushed them further inland and terminated at a lake. “Fork in the road ahead, go right.”
Plath checked his rearview mirror, “We’re not acquiring a new car. That person probably has a family.”
“Relax,we’re fine. We just need a reason to be on this road. We’re going to the lake. He’s a couple hundred feet behind us. It’s far enough for me to stash the case in the back compartment when we stop. Then we just go about our business.” Klick unbuckled his belt and pulled his laptop bag out, searched through it for a bit, and finally pulled out a pad of paper, a pencil and his Macbook Pro. “We’re writers, dude. From LA, and we read up on some blog about this secluded lake. Perfect spot for working on a novel. So that’s why we’re here.”
“With two Glock 19s and enough luggage for a week.”
“We’ve got luggage for a week because we’re headed up to visit our corporate office in San Francisco, but took a side-trip.” Klick replaced his stuff into his back and dropped it in back. Plath took the right road when the fork appeared and gunned it a bit across the gravel. It took half-an-hour, but they finally stopped the Smart on the shores of the small lake. It was a nice view, secluded and on State park land. There was one other car there, a beaten up Ford pick-up truck, but no driver to be seen. It looked like the truck had been forgotten there decades before, but there were fresh tire tracks leading from the truck to the loose gravel road.
Klick exited the car and popped the glass and liftgate. He dropped the gun case into the back compartment and locked it, then closed the gate and handed Plath his backpack. The pair walked away from the Smart towards the water’s edge just as the CHP patrol car crunched up the gravel behind them. The officer threw on his lights and stepped out of the vehicle. Tall, broad-shouldered with a weathered face under a wide-brimmed hat, hand resting on his side-arm, he announced his presence and walked a few feet behind the pair.
“Afternoon, gentlemen. Can I ask what you’re doing out here?” the officer’s voice carried over them as they turned, hands away from their pockets and on the straps of their bags.
“Afternoon, officer. We’re just here for this lake. Are we trespassing? I was under the impression this was state property?” Klick answered, his finger pushing up his glasses. Plath settled into the sandy-gravel next to Klick.
The officer stepped forward, “It’s state land. You’re fine, we just don’t get many people coming off the highway for this little lake. How’d you hear about it?”
“A blog, officer,” Plath chimed in, “said it’s the best lake for getting any writing done. We’re writers.” He motioned between himself and Klick. Klick smiled and dropped his eyes, watching as the officer followed them to the truck.
“That your truck?”
“No, officer. We drove here in that Smart car. City folk, after all.” Klick replied, “Officer, if we’re not being detained, can we proceed to the water’s edge?”
The officer looked over the two of them again before a wry smile appeared on his face, “You’re free to go boys. Keep out of trouble.” He turned and walked over to the truck, “Did you see the owner of this truck, boys?” The guys shook their heads. The officer walked over and placed a hand on the hood, “Cold.” He walked over to the back and peeked into the bed, “Nothing here. Alright, boy, have a fine afternoon.” He tipped his hat and walked back to his car.
Klick and Plath dropped flat the ground. A shot echoed in the distance over the fields and across the water. They turned to find the officer sprawled prone next his cruiser, an ornate splatter of bright red blood washed across the shattered window of the driver side door and windshield. They quickly scurried across the gravel to shield themselves behind the truck. The guns were too far.
“The fuck was that?” Klick gathered his knees and peeked over the truck and around the lake.
“Someone doesn’t want him here, or us. We should go before we’re pinned with that,” Plath held out the key to the Smart and held down the liftgate button. The glass popped open, “Think you can sprint over there and grab the guns?”
Klick gave him the most quizzical look, “Sure, you want me to bring you back a hamburger and some chips too?” Plath shoved Klick over. Klick dropped to all fours and crawled across the painful gravel as fast as his limbs could carry him. He slid to a stop behind the lift gate just as another shot rang out, striking the CHP cruiser, “FUCK.” His fingers reached up and awkwardly popped down the tailgate, released the back compartment lock and grabbed the case. He slipped his backpack off and loaded his gun and Plath’s.
“We need a scope!” Plath whisper-yelled back.
Klick sat behind the Smart with the same thinking face he had earlier. He grabbed his backpack again and rummaged through the contents, extracting his digital SLR and his laptop. He connected the two together and aimed the lens around the car, using his laptop to zoom the scene. Off in the fields he caught movement and a rifle barrel. Someone was unhappy with them being there and was moving closer. He disassembled his array and packed it up, tossing it back into the Smart.
“Found them!” Klick whisper-yelled to Plath, “they’re in a field several hundred feet that way. Rifle with scope, we should go. I’ll see about starting the car.”
“The Humvee is fucking armored, we should have taken that!” Plath dropped on all fours and crawled as fast as he could across the gravel. Another shot pierced his backpack sending a spray of Dr. Pepper into the wind and down over his legs. He settled in next to Klick and readied his gun.
“You wanted the Smart. We have the Smart. Deal with it. Stupid plastic panels isn’t going to shield us from shit,” Klick reached up and popped open the driver door. He crawled over the leather seats and inserted the key and powered on the car. Another shot rang out, this time hitting the truck’s back window, collapsing the glass into a waterfall of sharp shards into the truck bed.
“Definitely not the owner. If this is state property, who the fuck is trying to kill us?” Plath set up and decided he’d take a shot. He lined up on a distant fragment of movement and fired his gun. It was returned with another two shots, one hitting the cruiser’s back window and another the truck’s side. “He’s not a good shot.”
“Caught that officer pretty well. You gotta climb in first through here, I’ll hop in after you and we are gunning this little red pill box,” Klick slipped back and switched spots with Plath. His heartbeat filled his ears. He drew and held his breath, lined up a shot on the perceptible motion in the distance and fired off another shot. It was met with another shot from their aggressor, but didn’t hit anything near them. In the distance, a twangy “son of a bitch!” and “you fuckin’ whore” rattled off.
“Looks like you got ‘em,” Plath pulled his body into the Smart and settled as low as he could into the passenger seat. Klick followed suit, dropping his body into the driver’s seat, setting the car into reverse and mashing down the accelerator. The Smart spun its wheels but suddenly gripped, darting back from the gravel and dust cloud and stopping just inches from the CHP cruiser, spinning around as Klick pulled up on the emergency brake. He switched it into gear and floored the tiny car, spewing another wake of gravel and dust over the officer’s body and down the road. Shot rang and whizzed around them, one catching a back plastic panel and another grazing a small line on the roof glass.
Klick punched Plath’s arm, “No. More. Side. Trips, fucker.”
Plath laughed, his heart racing, and tossed his sticky backpack into the back, “Ha, that was amazing. Let’s find this fucker.”
Klick glared back at him, “Plath, no. Bad Xander. No more Red Bull for you.” He eased up on the throttle after they had moved a good distance away from the site. They hung a right at the fork and followed the trail up to the highway. A few hundred feet from the highway entrance, they pulled off to inspect the damage. A single hole in the right rear panel, where the bullet had sailed through missing all vital engine components but snapped a whole through the rear license plate and blasted through the back compartment. Klick’s duffel took a bit of the damage from the process. The graze on the roof’s window could be buffed out.
Plath pulled a bit of duct tape from his bag and patched the outer hole, removed the plate and patched beneath it, “We’ll get it fixed later.”
“Shh,” Klick whispered back, “You hear that?”
Over the sounds of the distance highway, there was a loud growling deep roar coming behind them and a small dust cloud wafted from the distant path. They scrambled back into the Smart and gunned it for the highway. “Did they fucking find us?” Plath yelled, fumbling for his gun again.
My heart is a bitch
I try to keep on a leash.
She snaps and growls,
violent tendencies for fearsome dangers,
but sometimes terrifying creatures
are downwind and she can't identify
them correctly. When she wants
something she lunges;
I don't have a retractable leash
to reel her back in. I have to
pull, and tug, and wrap
rough rope around my fingers
until it burns, raw and red.
I think she has some mastiff blood,
because when she wants something
she won't unclench her jaws.
It costs so much to bring her
back in line. I get bitten often.
She doesn't always understand
why I won't just let her run free,
and it hurts me to keep her on a leash,
but that leash is my lifeline.
