Fight So Dirty, Chapter Three
Chapter Summary:
Neil is introduced to the rest of the monsters and his long lost love, Exy
Warning(s): Implied violence
Neil wasn’t sure when he fell asleep, only that he’d done so stupidly with his contacts in and was dealing with the consequences. He huffed and fished out eye drops from his bag and used them. It lessened the pain somewhat, but still, Neil knew he’d have to remove the contacts as soon as possible.
He got up and stretched, sliding out of bed and running a hand through his hair. He looked at the alarm clock and saw that he’d only slept for two ish hours. Neil relaxed at that, thankful that he hadn’t slept the entire night through without changing and with his contacts in. Neil walked out of the bedroom and headed to the general area only to see three new strangers had arrived and he immediately tensed up.
Andrew had spotted him first, only sparing him a brief glance before turning his eyes back to the television. Then, what seemed to be a picture copy of Andrew looked at him and frowned, looking over at the others for an answer, and suddenly the other two were staring at him. Neil was fairly sure he looked stupid just standing there, but wasn’t sure what else to do really, and let them look their fill.
It wasn’t long until someone spoke up, that someone being Nicky Hemmick. Neil hoped he hid the “oh shit” feeling well. One vampire hunter was bad enough, now two? He’d fucked up majorly, unfortunately Neil knew that dashing out the door would be nothing less of suspicious, especially after the incident with his pulse earlier.
A wide grin spread across Nicky’s face. “Andrew! You never said the new guy was such a looker!” And Neil had to resist the urge to frown, immediately deciding that Nicky was somebody to be cautious around. Nicky didn’t seem to pick up on Neil’s discomfort and made room for Neil in the same bean bag as him. “Come on, sit down, we don’t bite!” Neil glanced at Andrew who seemed to be ignoring the entire exchange. Maybe not bite, but definitely stab.
He accepted the offer and walked over to an empty bean bag, and saw Nicky’s smile twitch at that.
Neil carefully surveyed the room and racked his brian to remember what he had known about each bounty hunter. Andrew and Nicky’s profiles were easy to recall however the other two were more difficult. Having 4 pairs of eyes watching him didn’t make it any easier.
Aaron Minyard. 20 years old, and the (somewhat) identical twin of Andrew. Unlike Andrew, Aaron didn’t wear twin bands with knives, nor did he appear to lift as much as Andrew. Although Aaron seemed less dangerous than Andrew (and although that’s probably true), he’s lethal in his own way.
It was no secret that Aaron was in a premed program and was excelling in his medical career. His skills were demonstrated on the hunts with Andrew where Aaron would use the power of chemicals and toxins in bullets that would release once the poor vampire was hit, effectively injecting the quick release poison. If the bullet didn’t kill the vampire, the poison would.
Andrew was the brawn and Aaron was the brains it seemed. However, Neil couldn’t help but second guess that assumption when meeting the honey filled hazel that seemed to see through him.
Kevin Day. 21 years old and six feet of toned muscle. His appearance was deceptive in that the short blonde dressed like a funeral attendee was much more deadly statically, however no matter what numbers say, a threat is a threat regardless. Especially to me, mused Neil.
The vampire hunts weren’t new, but the increase in number of victims certainly skyrocketed after his transfer from Edgar Allen to Palmetto State. The reason would be unknown to the public, perhaps just a lack of competition would be the widespread idea. Neil knew better. He remembered keenly the bloodthirsty smile on Riko’s face the first time he saw him nearly a decade ago. Even more so, Neil remembered the way he treated his “younger brother” Kevin. There was no doubt in Neil’s mind that Riko kept Kevin firmly placed in second place.
Whether it be attributed to Kevin’s lack of confidence or efficiency’s sake, the taller man’s weapon of choice was a simple hand held pistol.
Unlike Nicky, none of the other hunters in this room would be inclined to give Neil a chance to run. Not even Kevin. Especially not Kevin if he realized who Neil was and what his presence here in Fox Tower meant.
“Do you play?” Neil was startled out of his thoughts by Kevin’s unexpected question. He furrowed his brows and frowned.
Neil stared at Kevin dumbly, resulting in a scowl from the latter. “Play what?”
He froze. Kevin knew. He had to know, why else would he ask? Neil shifted in the bean bag, sitting up just a little straighter. He could lie. He could lie and no doubt that would lead to more questions that he wouldn’t have the answers to. Or, Neil could tell the truth..which would result in questions he did have answers for. Answers that he couldn’t give.
“I can,” Neil slowly said, “but not like you” he quickly added.
Kevin snorted. “Obviously.”
Neil wanted to wipe the amused look off the arrogant bastard’s face. Kevin beat him to the challenge. “Show me.”
It wasn’t a suggestion, and Neil found himself in a corner. Refusal wouldn’t be accepted. “I don’t have gear,” he argued feebly and was met with an unimpressed look from both blondes and Kevin and laughter from Nicky.
“That’s a weird concern, don’t worry Neil! We have a bunch of extra gear, different racquets too!” Nicky offered eagerly, making Neil wish he never woke up from his nap.
He forced a smile onto his face, feeling the muscles in his cheeks groan from the effort of forming such unfamiliar features. “Oh. Perfect.” Neil knew his voice was flat, but he was tired. Sure maybe his plan was doomed from the start, but he didn’t expect it all to go downhill so fast. The moment Kevin figured him out this would be over.
Still..Neil strongly remembered the weight of an exy racquet in his hands. He knew the rush of adrenaline when the ball got caught in his net, or rebounded off the plexiglass walls. Furthermore, Neil could feel the euphoria when the goal turned red with every shot made.
In the end, Neil was just a boy. 10 years old again, the world still bright, playing in the little league with Kevin Day and Riko Moriyama, unknowing that the racquet in his hands would become a gun, aimed to kill.
Neil was just a boy, without his mother. In the end, Neil followed Kevin and the rest to the Foxhole Court.
