Jade
09-13-2005, 02:11 PM
.... In Love And War
Thora was annoyed, but this wasn’t out of the norm. She walked through life annoyed it seemed. This time it was different though. She wasn’t annoyed at someone, she was annoyed at her shoes. Of all things, her shoes. The white heels clicked loudly against the tile in the Kings Row building, otherwise known as the base of the Bone Squad. She was there to pick up Andrew, and that was it. Her outfit as clean white velvet, soft to the touch, and hugged her immaculately sculpted body. The skirt was short and tight, showing off her tanned, long, toned legs. Of all places she wanted to be, dressed like this, this was not one of them. But Andrew had just gotten off an assignment, and she had to bring him clothes and pick him up. They were going to dinner with Dione and her new fiancé at 8. She’d met Dione’s fiancé before, and it wasn’t a very good meeting either. Thora grumbled thinking about it, and stomped harder. Flinging open the double doors to the common area, there sat Lost Seraphim's and Joe. Both looked up from their card game and at her.
Whistling quietly Seraphim stood up. “pphheeeww…. Dang Thora…. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes” He said, taking a drag of his cigarette. “What you doin’ in a dump like this place, lookin like that?”
Grumbling, “Looking for Azure, seen him?”
Shaking his head, Seraphim looked her up and down once more. “No, I haven’t, but what do you see in him anyway”
She started to roll her eyes when Azure walked through the door, when he rounded the corner he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her. “Dang Cy….. Why don’t you ever dress like that for me at home?”
Arching an eyebrow high at him annoyed, “Knock it off, we need to get going” she said as she tossed him the gym bag she was carrying, “Put these on, we need to get going, we’re going to be late”
Opening the bag, he looked inside, “Ugh, Cy, I hate these pants, you know that”.
Glaring at him and pointing, “Go put them on, I don’t want to hear it, if you would have come home, you could have picked out your own clothes, and don’t forget to brush your hair” she ordered him. Holding up his palms and laughing, “Yes Ma’am” obviously patronizing her. “Wanna come with me into the changing room? We can make sure that outfit doesn’t have anything wrong with it before we go out” he winked and walked up to her, slipping an arm around her waist, pulling her hard against him. Growling and pushing him off, “Go CHANGE! We’re going to be late!”
Laughing again at her, he walked back out the door he came in, carrying the bag. Seraphim walked up to her, “So, you two serious and all” he said, taking another drag and grinning at her.
“Something like that” she said, tapping her foot, making a clicking noise against the dirty tile, obviously annoyed.
Smirking, he looked her up and down as Azure walked back through the double doors. Arching an eyebrow at Seraphim as checked out Thora, he straightened out his tie some.
“Got an eye problem there Lost?” her said as he cleared his throat.
“Nope…”
“Well, you will if you don’t stop lookin at my girl like that” he told him as he slipped an arm around Thora’s waist, obviously marking his territory.
“Oughta not leave her alone here lookin like that then man” Seraphim said cockily and smiled at Thora, “You ever realize he’s to good for you babe, come look me up” he told her and sauntered back off to his game with Joe.
Rolling her eyes at both of them, she pushed Azure’s hand off her waist and walked back out the double doors, breathing in the crisp night air. She took a few steps and realized that Andrew was walking a different direction than her. “Where you goin?” she asked, and he looked at her confused, “My bike’s over here” she shook her head, “Oh no, we’re taking my car, I’m not going to show up on a motorcycle. We’ll pick it up later”
He blinked a few times at her, “What’s wrong with my bike?”
“Nothing’s wrong with it, but this isn’t a leisurely ride home, this dinner is important to me, so straighten up” she snapped at him, getting into the lowered car, the seats nearly touching the ground.
He grumbled at her, “At least let me drive” he complained as he stood outside the car, arms folded, “and what are we going to do about my bike?”
She looked at him, “Get in, we’ll pick it up later, and fine, you wanna drive, here” she got out of the car and tossed him the keys.
“I’m not leavin my bike here Cy, who knows what’ll happen to it” he said, picking out the key to the RX-7 on her keychain.
The glare she shot him was enough to shut him up, and they both got into the car. He pushed in the clutch and revved the engine hard. He popped it, and they sped off, the tires squealing, painting two black strips in the Bone Squad parking lot. As they went down the road, she started to lecture him, touching up her making up and making that her shirt hadn’t gotten anything on it.
“Now in this dinner, you’ll need to behave. No lude, inappropriate, or crude comments. No insults, towards me, him, or her. Make sure to chew with your mouth clos….”
He cut her off, “Cy, if you are that stressed out about this, why are we going?” he asked her.
“Because, she got engaged, and we started hero training at the same time. It’s is custom to congratulate when events like this happen”
“Ok, so if you are so worried about what they think, why’d you bring me?”
She rolled her eyes at him, “Because she’s engaged, if I show up by myself, and they ask about you, she’ll think less of me”
He looked at her and blinked, “So you’re using me for show? I don’t think so Cy.”
Growling, “I want you there Andrew, now just shut up and drive”
He stopped the car totally pulling off onto the gravel shoulder, “No Cy, I want you to tell me that you want me there because you want to have dinner with me and want me to meet you ‘friends’. Not because you want to go in there and show me off. Not that I mind being shown off as long as it’s for the right reasons. And this isn’t the right reason.”
Exasperated, she stared at him, “What the hell Andrew, since when did you care about these kind of things?”
He glared at her, “The second I told you that I loved you”
She glared back, just as intense, “Fine, Andrew, I want you to come with me, because it’s important to me that I have someone there that I trust. Is that what you wanted to hear?”
Looking at her, “And that’s all you want to say to me?” he said, raising an eyebrow.
Grumbling, “And that I love you too” she told him
Nodding he gave her a small, sweet kiss, “Thank you Cy, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear” he said, as he put the car back in gear, and pushed the twin turbo beast down the road, hard, hearing the sound of the blow off valve whistle to them.
She grumbled at turned back to facing the front, folding her arms. “It’s not like I hadn’t planned on making it up to you later anyway” she grumbled, and he shot her an annoyed glance.
They were silent until they got to the restaurant where they were meeting, where they pulled up the valet, who opened the door for Thora, and she stepped out. Coming around the side of the car, Azure took her arm and leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I’ll behave, I promise” and kissed her on the cheek. It made her blush intensely. Public affection was not something either of them did on a regular basis, and so when it happened, it made the other squirm. He knew that, and did it on purpose.
The restaurant was beautiful, with crystal chandeliers giving off a warm yellow glow, reflecting off the mirrored ceiling. The floor was a shined, white marble, with dark steaks of grey seemingly floating through the white. The tables glittered like gold, with candle sticks and crystal pitchers of water on every table. “Nice place you picked out Cy” Azure told her, putting a hand over hers, that was wrapped around his arm. Nodding, she looked around, trying to spot Dione.
“There she is” Thora told him, and sighed. Making their way toward the table where Virgil and Dione sat, the two lovers deep in conversation, staring into each others eyes. As soon as they noticed Thora and Azure, they stood, and did formal introductions.
“Andrew, this is Dione, and her fiancé, Doctor Blight, Dee, Blight, this is Andrew”
“Please, call me Virgil” he said, as he extended his hand toward Azure, who grasped it firmly and gave a polite shake.
Dione smiled, “And please, call me Dee” she told him as they all sat down, the waiter coming and taking drink orders.
“So, Cy tells me you two are engaged, congratulations” Andrew said, smiling politely at the couple.
Dee smiled big, “That’s right, Virgil proposed about 2 weeks ago” she said, proudly lifting her hand, so that they could see her ring. Not that either of them really cared. Thora didn’t care about jewelry, and Andrew could care less about someone’s engagement ring. Never the less, Thora took Dee’s hand and examined the ring.
“Very nice choice” Thora said, smiling at Virgil.
A man in a white suit came up to them, and tapped Virgil on the shoulder, “Sir, it seems there has been a problem with your car, would you mind following me for a second” Furrowing his eyebrows deep he nodded. “Yeah, sure” he said, standing up, and kissing Dee quickly, “I’ll be right back babe”. She nodded at him, also looking very confused.
“I think I’ll go with him, if that’s alright with everyone” Andrew stood up quickly and walked around the table to join Virgil and the employee.
“Thought I’d give the girls a second to talk or something” he said, as he fell into step with Virgil as they followed the man in white.
Virgil nodded and smiled weakly, “I hope this is nothing big, we brought Dee’s car, and I don’t’ want to have to fix it again, we just got it out of the shop from the last time she hit something. She said it was another car that hit her and ran, but it looked for like one of those poles at the gas station if you ask me.” He said, almost chuckling.
Andrew laughed, “Yeah, guess I got lucky with those kinda things, Thora a pretty good driver, a bit of a hot head, but a good driver”
Virgil chuckled, “Yeah, I know about her being a hot head, the one run in I had with her wasn’t overly friendly”
“And she told *me* to behave” Andrew said, laughing and shaking his head,
“Yeah, I got the same lecture” Virgil said laughing along.
“Don’t forget to chew with your mouth closed…” Andrew said, mocking Thora in a nasally voice. It made Virgil laugh as they approached the white BMW M3 with license plates that read “Dee”, and a small sticker on the plate representing a DoP HQ parking pass. Andrew whistled quietly, “Have to give her credit, she may not be much of a driver, but she picked out a nice car”
Virgil laughed loudly, “Thanks, I picked it out for her” and turned his attention to the valet attendant, “So what seems to be the problem?” he asked.
“Well, sir…. The key won’t unlock the door, we went to move it again, and it wouldn’t allow us access.”
Virgil arched an eyebrow high, “The only time that happens is if you try to open the trunk with the valet key….”
The attendant looked shocked and gasped, “Sir, are you implying…”
“I’m implying that one of your employees tried to get into the trunk of my car, you need to double check your staff, sir, luckily there is nothing in there today, that is worth stealing, but your other patrons might not feel the same way” Virgil told the attendant, pulling a remote of sorts out of his pocket, hitting in a code, and the white BMW chirped once, and the locked clicked open. He stared the attendant in the eyes and warned him, “If I have to come out and do this again, I’m calling the police on whatever parking attendant you have touching my car, understand me?”
Nodding furiously to him, the man in white apologized profusely, “I’m so sorry sir, this wont happen again, I hope that the actions of one of our employees wont be held against the entire establishment”
Virgil nodded then looked at Andrew, “alright, I think we’re set here” turning to go back inside.
Back inside, Thora and Dione talked quietly, Dione’s face was full of smiles and laughter, contrasting the dark looks and scowls Thora threw in her direction. Dione just smiled at her knowing that the more she ignored her glares, the more it infuriated her. Dee didn’t know why it made her laugh so much to see Thora so angry, but it did, so she continued it.
“So you and Andrew look…. Cozy” Dee asked, chuckling some when the look on Thora’s face turned from boredom to irritation.
“Yeah, we’re something” Thora said annoyed, not wanting to indulge the details of their relationship.
“It serious?” Dee asked, intentionally prying, smiling to herself, and watching Virgil and Andrew walk up behind Thora.
“I’m a goddess, what good is a mortal man?” Thora said cocky, sitting back in her chair and folding her arms.
With that statement, Andrew looked at her, blinked a few times, kneaded his eyebrows deep and stared at her, obviously hurt. Dee’s eyes went wide then covered her mouth in surprise, causing a fight was never her intention. Suddenly realizing that they were behind her, Thora turned around to see Andrew’s, now angry, face.
“This ‘mortal man’ is going home Cy, since I’m no good to you” he said, and whipped around, loosening his tie and pulled it off from around his neck, balling it up in his hands and shoving it in his pocket.
Growling and glaring at Dee, Thora raced after him catching up with him after he got outside. “Andrew, wait!” he called, and put a hand on his shoulder.
Whipping around and yelling at her, “Get out of my face Cybele, I’m not interested in hearing anything else you have to say”
“You don’t understand!” he yelled back, throwing her arms up in frustration. “You think this is easy for me? Admitting that I love you? It’s not something that I do!”
“Well, let me make this easier for you then! I take it all back! There! Happy?! You’re off the hook!” He said stomping down the sidewalk.
“That’s not what I want!” she said, grabbing the back of his jacket, wrinkling the expensive material.
The darkness started to ooze from him, the anger boiling up and he growled quietly, “Get off me Cy, I’m warning you”
“Or what Andrew?” she glared back, the fire beginning to burn in her eyes.
“I would have done anything for you Cy, I want you to know that” he glared, and yanked back around pulling his jacket out of her hand.
Clenching her jaw and gritting her teeth, she grabbed him around his bicep and yanked him back around to face her, putting her face only inches from hers, “Would you just listen to me for a second?” she hissed, squinting.
Yanking his arm out of her grip and giving her a small shove, “Don’t touch me, I heard enough back there. I don’t care how hard this is for you”
Shoving him back, she glared, “FINE! I hope you have a nice long walk back to your bike! Since that damn thing has always been more important anyway!” She screamed at the top of her lungs.
“At least my bike doesn’t tell me if loves me then pretend it never happened!” he screamed back, finally becoming aware of the small crowd they had attracted, and whipped around and stormed down the sidewalk.
“FINE!” she screamed back, igniting her entire body in flames and stormed down the sidewalk the opposite direction.
“FINE!!!” He screamed at her back, also whipping around the opposite direction, storming down the sidewalk.
Stomping down the sidewalk, and back into the restaurant Thora sat back down at the table across from Dee, and took a big drink of wine. Dee’s and Virgil’s eyes were wide with surprise when Thora raised her hand and snapped at a waiter, ordering a gin and tonic, heavy on the gin.
The remaining of the evening was, to say the least, uncomfortable, as Thora drank heavily. At the end of the dinner, Virgil looked at Dee and then at Thora standing at the bar, slamming down another drink, “You better go with her to make sure she’s alright”.
Dee sighed and nodded, and gave Virgil a small kiss, “I’ll drive her and her car back to her place. You follow me and bring me home?”
Nodding, he returned the kiss and frowned, “I’m sorry this didn’t go how you wanted it too babe, maybe another time”
Shrugging and looking slightly disappointed, “It’s alright, I knew better than to expect to much from her” Dee said with a small sigh and watched Thora come back from the bar.
Looking at Thora, Dee asked, “Ready to go? I’m going to drive your car back to your place, V’s gonna follow us, alright?”
Thora slurred, “Whatever, just drop me off at the bar”
Dee shook her head, “No, I want you to go home”
Sighing and rolling her eyes, “Alright, Mrs. Girlscout” Thora said patronizing her.
Shaking her head again and sighing Dee looked at Thora and took the valet ticket out of her hand. Paying the bill, and leaving a substantial tip, Virgil quickly followed them, and gave Dee a quick kiss as she got into Thora’s low riding car. “Sure you’re gonna be alright?” he asked.
Nodding Dee smiled slightly at him, “Yeah, I’ll be fine”
He smiled back at her, and closed her door for her, and watched her drive off, waiting for Dee’s white M3.
In the car, Thora rambled about Andrew, how much she was infuriated with him, how much he annoyed her, and Dee smiled slightly and sighed. She knew it was Thora’s way of loving him, but never admitting it. Driving up to Andrew’s building, Dee parked the red monster of a car, and got out.
“Alright, here’s your keys, I’m going to walk you up to your apartment”
Thora shook her head, “No, I’m fine, thanks for the ride” she slurred and walked defiantly up to the glass door of the building.
Dee sighed and looked at her. It was only an elevator ride and 10 steps, a distance not worth the fight to Dee, so she nodded and took out her com unit, calling Virgil, “Alright babe, you know where I am?” she asked and then nodded and chuckled some how he rambled about a new gadget he had that tracked her com unit. Stopping and picking her up, Virgil looked toward Thora who was opening the glass doors to the building, and looked at Dee as she got into the car. “She gonna be alright?” He asked. Dee nodded, “yeah, she’ll be fine. She’ll feel like hell in the morning, but she’ll be ok” He shook his head, “I’m glad we don’t fight like that” he told her leaning over to give her a kiss. “Me too babe… me too.” She said as they drove off.
Standing at the elevator she tapped the button for the 4th time and grumbled. Getting pissed off, she changed her mind and stomped back out of the building. Grumbling, she remembered that there was a seedy little bar about two blocks down, that she was sure was still open. Still in her white outfit, still immaculate, and her white heels still shining, the white laces still wrapped up her legs. If she wasn’t stumbling, no one would have ever known anything was wrong.
She slapped open the wooden door to a greeting of stares of the cities residents that weren’t so… legal. She didn’t care right now, and walked up to the bar, and plopped herself on a high backed, swiveling, barstool and ordered a shot.
“I want something that is going to eat at the lining of my stomach” she told the bartender pulling out stack of $100.00 bills. “Just give me the whole bottle” she slurred and the bartender nodded and handed her a bottle of Everclear taking 3 of the bills. Thora knew it was to much, but she didn’t care.
“Thanks” she slurred to the barkeep and put the bottle to her lips and took a huge swig. Coughing and wiping her mouth, the liquor burning her throat and stomach. Coughing, and taking another long drink she looked at the barkeep, which was staring at her. “Bad night?” he asked.
Nodding and gurgling, she hiccupped and looked up. The room started to spin and she groaned. “I don’t feel so good” she said, taking another long drink.
The barkeeper smirked at her, it was the last thing she remembered before she passed out, her face hitting the bar,.
Next thing she knew, she was in the back alley, 4 or 5 thugs, she wasn’t really sure how many, since she was seeing double, surrounded her, her white outfit now brown and grey with the gravel and mud from the miserable little alley. Groaning, she looked up and blinked, “Whats going on” she gurgled, her hair tangled in itself, the long braid had fallen down and the end coming unbraided.
“sshh… just keep quiet sweetheart, uncle Jimmy here is just gonna have a quick go around with ya” a man said, his brown teeth grinning at her.
She groaned again, trying to stand up. “Just stay down there” he told her, as he started to unzip his pants.
Realizing what was going on, she tried to stumble up, but a man behind her laughed and grabbed her shoulders pushing them down. Struggling some, she clawed at the man’s fingers. Making a small blast of energy, she zapped him, sending him flying a few feet backwards. The three other men jumped her, one of them kicking her in the ribs, another slugging her in the face.
“Lay still bitch” one hissed at her, ripping her shirt some as he grabbed at her, groping her breasts.
Suddenly, behind the man, there was a small growl and a glow of white then the man that ripped her shirt went flying. It happened so fast she didn’t know what had happened. There were flashes of light and dark shadows casting everywhere. The world spun, and watched human limbs fly, and bodies flying into crates and trash cans.
It only lasted for a minute or so, then all was silent, except for the sound of one pair of feet crunching on the gravel. Rolling over, she looked up slowly, recognizing the body that was in front of her. Crouching down, Andrew looked at her and shook his head, “Lets go Cy” he said, sighing, and picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.
Groaning, the world still spinning, she gurgled some then cried softly, “Andrew…. My warrior, I knew you’d come”
Rolling his eyes, “Right Cy” he said, tossing her some, repositioning her, and hearing her start to heave. Dropping her onto the grass, and watching her upchuck, he shook his head and rolled his eyes in disgusts. “Damnit Cy” he grumbled and pulled her long braid back, holding it back so that nothing got onto it. Letting her lay there for a second, he grumbled as she looked up at him.
“I love you Andrew, and I’m really sorry I said anything that hurt you” she slurred as she stood up, stumbling, and pulling at the mask he had put on trying to kiss him, obviously he had went out on patrol after their little skirmish.
“Stop it Cy” he said, picking her back up and tossing her back over his shoulder.
The rest of the way home, they were silent. As he walked into the building, and stood there for the elevator, a couple standing there waiting looked at him funny. His glare was enough to send them up the stairs. The elevator dinged and they walked on, joining another couple who also stared at the woman slung over his shoulder. She was passed out at this point, her body hanging limply over his shoulder. He juggled her, trying to make sure she didn’t fall as he dug for his keys, unlocking the door and kicked it open violently. Walking into the bathroom, with a grunt, he lifted her off his shoulder and set her onto the floor, her back against the wall, and turned on the shower, and set the water to ice cold.
Stripping her clothes off gently, he looked at her bruised and battered body and sighed, changing the water to a warm mist and shook his head, sighing again. Her hair had fallen down, and her white outfit was beyond ruined. Affectionately, he swept the hair out from in front of her face behind her ear, his hand resting on her cheek. Lifting her up again, he set her gently in the shower, the water sitting her face, making her wake up, groaning and rolling her eyes in the back of her head.
Reaching down she touched the already forming bruises gently that were along her chest and stomach, groaning loudly. “nrrgg” she gurgled and he looked at her, sighing. Taking a cloth and washing her body gently, wincing as she gasped in pain as he passed over her bruises. Taking her braid down and scrubbing her hair, being careful to pass over the knots that were on her head already. Her head bobbing and she groaned again, letting her chin drop to her chest, and she passed out again.
A single tear ran down his cheek as he took her out of the bath and shut off the water. “Damnit woman” he grunted as he lifted her up and laid her on the bed gently. “Since when was I not enough lover for you?” he asked her lifeless body, walking back into the bathroom, pulling out the ace bandages that she had used not to long on his own busted body. Walking back into the bedroom he looked at her as she woke back up, groaning in pain and looking at him, still extremely drunk.
“Andrew….?” She asked, making sure it was him as he leaned down over her. Sitting her up, he wrapped one of the bandages around her chest. He pulled away as she tried to cup his face in her hands, “I love you Andrew… I never tell you, but I love you” she slurred.
“Stop it Cy” he snapped, pulling away sharply, pulling the bandages tight.
“I didn’t mean what I said to Dione” she slurred.
“You’re drunk” he told her.
“Doesn’t change the fact that I love you” she hiccupped.
“You sure as hell don’t show it” he growled at her.
She started to cry gently, turning over and wincing. He grabbed an old shirt of his and gently slipped it over her head while she cried. After he had her dressed he stood up and looked at her. Shaking his head and sighing, he walked back into the bathroom, shutting the door and stripping his clothes off. Turning the water on so hot that it turned his skin red, nearly burning him. Leaning back and taking his hair out of the low lying ponytail, he tossed the rubber-band out of the shower and let the water hit him in the face.
“God Damnit CY!” he raised his voice, mad. Clenching his jaw and his fist tight, he turned and punched the wall, cracking a piece of tile in the shower, causing his knuckles to bleed, then heal, the blood running down the wall to the drain.
After he washed up, he wrapped a towel around his waist and walked to their bedroom and tossed on a pair of boxers. Looking at her one more time, checking her pulse, and making her she didn’t throw up again he turned her over to make sure that if she did throw up, it would be off the bed. Sighing, he walked out to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water.
He walked out of the kitchen, sat down on the couch to think and was immediately interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Standing there was Dione, still dressed in her cute pink dress for dinner, Virgil standing behind her, at least 6 inches taller than her, his dark suit contrasting her pastel pink.
“We just were a little worried about Thora and wanted to make sure that she was ok” Dione smiled at Andrew.
Without saying a word, he sighed and opened the door. Dione looked at him, then at Virgil, who nodded at her, understanding, and asked, “Where is she?”.
His eyes heavy with sadness, he pointed, “Back there, first door on the right” he told her, and she nodded.
Virgil looked at Andrew and sighed. “Rough night eh?” he asked, trying to start conversation.
Walking back into the kitchen and offering Virgil a bottle of water, which he accepted he asked him, “How do you and Dione do it? You two seem so perfect, so in tune with each other.”
Virgil smiled some, “Dee’s my angel, but don’t think for a second we’re perfect, we have our problems”
Andrew nodded and sighed, walking back into the living room, and sitting on the couch. Virgil followed him slowly, sitting on the opposite side, “Dee’s a handful a lot of the time”
Andrew snorted, “I don’t think you have any concept of ‘handful’ man. No offense”
Virgil chuckled, “Compared to Thora… well, you’re right, Dee’s a bit mild, but I love her just the way she is. She’s changed me, 100% for the better. She loves me for the man that I am, and wants me for the man she knows I can become”.
Andrew sighed and took a big drink of his water, “So how do you convince a goddess that you’re enough lover for her?”
Virgil set a hand on Andrew’s knee, “If you only heard how she talked about you after you left, you’d know that she already knows that” he said as he stood up, seeing Dee walk out of the bedroom.
“She’s fine” Dee told Virgil, “lets get out of his hair.”
Andrew shrugged, “You’re not in my hair, as a matter of fact, the company sounds… comforting actually, if you’d like to stay”
Virgil looked at Dee, who nodded at him this time in understanding, and smiled at Andrew big. “We’d love that Andrew”
Virgil took off his jacket and hung it on the back of the chair sitting at the kitchen table, watching Dee lovingly as she sat next to him. Andrew took a chair across the table from them, sighing almost jealous as he watched their fingers interlock. Turning his attention to Dione, Andrew asked her, “How long have you known Thora?”
Dee chuckle, A year or so now, we met when we were both starting out in the hero business. She was gung hoe, and I’ll admit, a lot more powerful than I was at first. She was always just to proud to call other heroes for help, so her training seemed to go slower than mine. To be honest, I think her potential is a lot higher than mine”
Andrew snorted again, “Too proud to ask for help, that’s her” looking down, running her hands over his waterbottle.
Chuckling, Dee nodded. “Yeah, too proud to admit that she loves someone too Andrew”
Lifting his head up and looking at her, his black hair hanging in his face some. “Well, you know, it’s hard bein’ on the end of that kinda love, ya know?” he said to her, shaking his head.
Virgil piped up, “You’re more of a man that I am, if Dee didn’t force me, I know I wouldn’t show her the love that I need to”
Dee smiled at him and kissed his cheek, “You do an amazing job all on your own” she told him.
Grinning he turned his attention back to Andrew, “Just remember, each person shows their love differently”
Sighing and nodding, he pushed his chair back and stood up. “I think I’m going to head to bed” he told them, and they nodded, standing as well.
“It was nice to meet you tonight Andrew, I’m sorry the night had to end like this” Dee said, taking his hand with both of hers, and he shrugged.
“Not your fault” he said to her, surprised when she gave him a hug, rubbing his back gently.
Dee pulled back, putting her hands on his biceps and looking into his eyes, “Just remember, just because she may not show it sometimes doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you” she kissed him on the cheek and walked out the door.
Shaking his hand, Virgil smiled gently, “Feel free to call us if you need anything”.
“Thanks man” he said.
“No problem, take it easy” Virgil said and walked out the door, following Dee.
Andrew shut the door behind them, leaning his head against it and sighed. Standing up straight, locking the door and walking back into the bedroom, he pulled checked on Thora one more time and pulled back the covers on his side of the bed, and crawled in.
Lying on his back, with his hands behind his head, he stared at the ceiling thinking. He’d been on duty when he got the call from Thora’s com link, an emergency signal. He had picked up the phone, yelling at her, but instead, started to listen. Hearing her voice order a bottle of liquor, he could hear her taking a drink, and then he could hear her hit the bar with a thud. He was about to hang up when he heard a man’s voice.
“Isn’t that a nice lookin’ broad” a husky voice said, and he could hear the sound of someone picking her up.
Another man’s voice chuckling and then he could hear the bartender, “Give me her cash there, and take it out back and I didn’t see a thing”
He could hear some snickering and the sound of her hitting the ground. He reacted then, teleporting to Talos island, using his com to locate her, and teleported back into the alley.
He was infuriated when he stepped into that shadow behind the bar. At her, at the fight they had, at the fact that he had to come out and save her ass. He jumped off the roof of the neighboring behind the man that was about to attack her sending him flying.
He sighed as the memory was interrupted by her rolling over, snuggling up against him, resting her head on top of his shoulder and he tensed. He wanted to push her away, but didn’t have the heart to, so instead, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, closed his eyes, and thought to himself, “We’re going to have to sit down and have a LONG talk about this tomorrow” as he drifted off to sleep.
Thora was annoyed, but this wasn’t out of the norm. She walked through life annoyed it seemed. This time it was different though. She wasn’t annoyed at someone, she was annoyed at her shoes. Of all things, her shoes. The white heels clicked loudly against the tile in the Kings Row building, otherwise known as the base of the Bone Squad. She was there to pick up Andrew, and that was it. Her outfit as clean white velvet, soft to the touch, and hugged her immaculately sculpted body. The skirt was short and tight, showing off her tanned, long, toned legs. Of all places she wanted to be, dressed like this, this was not one of them. But Andrew had just gotten off an assignment, and she had to bring him clothes and pick him up. They were going to dinner with Dione and her new fiancé at 8. She’d met Dione’s fiancé before, and it wasn’t a very good meeting either. Thora grumbled thinking about it, and stomped harder. Flinging open the double doors to the common area, there sat Lost Seraphim's and Joe. Both looked up from their card game and at her.
Whistling quietly Seraphim stood up. “pphheeeww…. Dang Thora…. Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes” He said, taking a drag of his cigarette. “What you doin’ in a dump like this place, lookin like that?”
Grumbling, “Looking for Azure, seen him?”
Shaking his head, Seraphim looked her up and down once more. “No, I haven’t, but what do you see in him anyway”
She started to roll her eyes when Azure walked through the door, when he rounded the corner he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her. “Dang Cy….. Why don’t you ever dress like that for me at home?”
Arching an eyebrow high at him annoyed, “Knock it off, we need to get going” she said as she tossed him the gym bag she was carrying, “Put these on, we need to get going, we’re going to be late”
Opening the bag, he looked inside, “Ugh, Cy, I hate these pants, you know that”.
Glaring at him and pointing, “Go put them on, I don’t want to hear it, if you would have come home, you could have picked out your own clothes, and don’t forget to brush your hair” she ordered him. Holding up his palms and laughing, “Yes Ma’am” obviously patronizing her. “Wanna come with me into the changing room? We can make sure that outfit doesn’t have anything wrong with it before we go out” he winked and walked up to her, slipping an arm around her waist, pulling her hard against him. Growling and pushing him off, “Go CHANGE! We’re going to be late!”
Laughing again at her, he walked back out the door he came in, carrying the bag. Seraphim walked up to her, “So, you two serious and all” he said, taking another drag and grinning at her.
“Something like that” she said, tapping her foot, making a clicking noise against the dirty tile, obviously annoyed.
Smirking, he looked her up and down as Azure walked back through the double doors. Arching an eyebrow at Seraphim as checked out Thora, he straightened out his tie some.
“Got an eye problem there Lost?” her said as he cleared his throat.
“Nope…”
“Well, you will if you don’t stop lookin at my girl like that” he told him as he slipped an arm around Thora’s waist, obviously marking his territory.
“Oughta not leave her alone here lookin like that then man” Seraphim said cockily and smiled at Thora, “You ever realize he’s to good for you babe, come look me up” he told her and sauntered back off to his game with Joe.
Rolling her eyes at both of them, she pushed Azure’s hand off her waist and walked back out the double doors, breathing in the crisp night air. She took a few steps and realized that Andrew was walking a different direction than her. “Where you goin?” she asked, and he looked at her confused, “My bike’s over here” she shook her head, “Oh no, we’re taking my car, I’m not going to show up on a motorcycle. We’ll pick it up later”
He blinked a few times at her, “What’s wrong with my bike?”
“Nothing’s wrong with it, but this isn’t a leisurely ride home, this dinner is important to me, so straighten up” she snapped at him, getting into the lowered car, the seats nearly touching the ground.
He grumbled at her, “At least let me drive” he complained as he stood outside the car, arms folded, “and what are we going to do about my bike?”
She looked at him, “Get in, we’ll pick it up later, and fine, you wanna drive, here” she got out of the car and tossed him the keys.
“I’m not leavin my bike here Cy, who knows what’ll happen to it” he said, picking out the key to the RX-7 on her keychain.
The glare she shot him was enough to shut him up, and they both got into the car. He pushed in the clutch and revved the engine hard. He popped it, and they sped off, the tires squealing, painting two black strips in the Bone Squad parking lot. As they went down the road, she started to lecture him, touching up her making up and making that her shirt hadn’t gotten anything on it.
“Now in this dinner, you’ll need to behave. No lude, inappropriate, or crude comments. No insults, towards me, him, or her. Make sure to chew with your mouth clos….”
He cut her off, “Cy, if you are that stressed out about this, why are we going?” he asked her.
“Because, she got engaged, and we started hero training at the same time. It’s is custom to congratulate when events like this happen”
“Ok, so if you are so worried about what they think, why’d you bring me?”
She rolled her eyes at him, “Because she’s engaged, if I show up by myself, and they ask about you, she’ll think less of me”
He looked at her and blinked, “So you’re using me for show? I don’t think so Cy.”
Growling, “I want you there Andrew, now just shut up and drive”
He stopped the car totally pulling off onto the gravel shoulder, “No Cy, I want you to tell me that you want me there because you want to have dinner with me and want me to meet you ‘friends’. Not because you want to go in there and show me off. Not that I mind being shown off as long as it’s for the right reasons. And this isn’t the right reason.”
Exasperated, she stared at him, “What the hell Andrew, since when did you care about these kind of things?”
He glared at her, “The second I told you that I loved you”
She glared back, just as intense, “Fine, Andrew, I want you to come with me, because it’s important to me that I have someone there that I trust. Is that what you wanted to hear?”
Looking at her, “And that’s all you want to say to me?” he said, raising an eyebrow.
Grumbling, “And that I love you too” she told him
Nodding he gave her a small, sweet kiss, “Thank you Cy, that’s exactly what I wanted to hear” he said, as he put the car back in gear, and pushed the twin turbo beast down the road, hard, hearing the sound of the blow off valve whistle to them.
She grumbled at turned back to facing the front, folding her arms. “It’s not like I hadn’t planned on making it up to you later anyway” she grumbled, and he shot her an annoyed glance.
They were silent until they got to the restaurant where they were meeting, where they pulled up the valet, who opened the door for Thora, and she stepped out. Coming around the side of the car, Azure took her arm and leaned over and whispered in her ear, “I’ll behave, I promise” and kissed her on the cheek. It made her blush intensely. Public affection was not something either of them did on a regular basis, and so when it happened, it made the other squirm. He knew that, and did it on purpose.
The restaurant was beautiful, with crystal chandeliers giving off a warm yellow glow, reflecting off the mirrored ceiling. The floor was a shined, white marble, with dark steaks of grey seemingly floating through the white. The tables glittered like gold, with candle sticks and crystal pitchers of water on every table. “Nice place you picked out Cy” Azure told her, putting a hand over hers, that was wrapped around his arm. Nodding, she looked around, trying to spot Dione.
“There she is” Thora told him, and sighed. Making their way toward the table where Virgil and Dione sat, the two lovers deep in conversation, staring into each others eyes. As soon as they noticed Thora and Azure, they stood, and did formal introductions.
“Andrew, this is Dione, and her fiancé, Doctor Blight, Dee, Blight, this is Andrew”
“Please, call me Virgil” he said, as he extended his hand toward Azure, who grasped it firmly and gave a polite shake.
Dione smiled, “And please, call me Dee” she told him as they all sat down, the waiter coming and taking drink orders.
“So, Cy tells me you two are engaged, congratulations” Andrew said, smiling politely at the couple.
Dee smiled big, “That’s right, Virgil proposed about 2 weeks ago” she said, proudly lifting her hand, so that they could see her ring. Not that either of them really cared. Thora didn’t care about jewelry, and Andrew could care less about someone’s engagement ring. Never the less, Thora took Dee’s hand and examined the ring.
“Very nice choice” Thora said, smiling at Virgil.
A man in a white suit came up to them, and tapped Virgil on the shoulder, “Sir, it seems there has been a problem with your car, would you mind following me for a second” Furrowing his eyebrows deep he nodded. “Yeah, sure” he said, standing up, and kissing Dee quickly, “I’ll be right back babe”. She nodded at him, also looking very confused.
“I think I’ll go with him, if that’s alright with everyone” Andrew stood up quickly and walked around the table to join Virgil and the employee.
“Thought I’d give the girls a second to talk or something” he said, as he fell into step with Virgil as they followed the man in white.
Virgil nodded and smiled weakly, “I hope this is nothing big, we brought Dee’s car, and I don’t’ want to have to fix it again, we just got it out of the shop from the last time she hit something. She said it was another car that hit her and ran, but it looked for like one of those poles at the gas station if you ask me.” He said, almost chuckling.
Andrew laughed, “Yeah, guess I got lucky with those kinda things, Thora a pretty good driver, a bit of a hot head, but a good driver”
Virgil chuckled, “Yeah, I know about her being a hot head, the one run in I had with her wasn’t overly friendly”
“And she told *me* to behave” Andrew said, laughing and shaking his head,
“Yeah, I got the same lecture” Virgil said laughing along.
“Don’t forget to chew with your mouth closed…” Andrew said, mocking Thora in a nasally voice. It made Virgil laugh as they approached the white BMW M3 with license plates that read “Dee”, and a small sticker on the plate representing a DoP HQ parking pass. Andrew whistled quietly, “Have to give her credit, she may not be much of a driver, but she picked out a nice car”
Virgil laughed loudly, “Thanks, I picked it out for her” and turned his attention to the valet attendant, “So what seems to be the problem?” he asked.
“Well, sir…. The key won’t unlock the door, we went to move it again, and it wouldn’t allow us access.”
Virgil arched an eyebrow high, “The only time that happens is if you try to open the trunk with the valet key….”
The attendant looked shocked and gasped, “Sir, are you implying…”
“I’m implying that one of your employees tried to get into the trunk of my car, you need to double check your staff, sir, luckily there is nothing in there today, that is worth stealing, but your other patrons might not feel the same way” Virgil told the attendant, pulling a remote of sorts out of his pocket, hitting in a code, and the white BMW chirped once, and the locked clicked open. He stared the attendant in the eyes and warned him, “If I have to come out and do this again, I’m calling the police on whatever parking attendant you have touching my car, understand me?”
Nodding furiously to him, the man in white apologized profusely, “I’m so sorry sir, this wont happen again, I hope that the actions of one of our employees wont be held against the entire establishment”
Virgil nodded then looked at Andrew, “alright, I think we’re set here” turning to go back inside.
Back inside, Thora and Dione talked quietly, Dione’s face was full of smiles and laughter, contrasting the dark looks and scowls Thora threw in her direction. Dione just smiled at her knowing that the more she ignored her glares, the more it infuriated her. Dee didn’t know why it made her laugh so much to see Thora so angry, but it did, so she continued it.
“So you and Andrew look…. Cozy” Dee asked, chuckling some when the look on Thora’s face turned from boredom to irritation.
“Yeah, we’re something” Thora said annoyed, not wanting to indulge the details of their relationship.
“It serious?” Dee asked, intentionally prying, smiling to herself, and watching Virgil and Andrew walk up behind Thora.
“I’m a goddess, what good is a mortal man?” Thora said cocky, sitting back in her chair and folding her arms.
With that statement, Andrew looked at her, blinked a few times, kneaded his eyebrows deep and stared at her, obviously hurt. Dee’s eyes went wide then covered her mouth in surprise, causing a fight was never her intention. Suddenly realizing that they were behind her, Thora turned around to see Andrew’s, now angry, face.
“This ‘mortal man’ is going home Cy, since I’m no good to you” he said, and whipped around, loosening his tie and pulled it off from around his neck, balling it up in his hands and shoving it in his pocket.
Growling and glaring at Dee, Thora raced after him catching up with him after he got outside. “Andrew, wait!” he called, and put a hand on his shoulder.
Whipping around and yelling at her, “Get out of my face Cybele, I’m not interested in hearing anything else you have to say”
“You don’t understand!” he yelled back, throwing her arms up in frustration. “You think this is easy for me? Admitting that I love you? It’s not something that I do!”
“Well, let me make this easier for you then! I take it all back! There! Happy?! You’re off the hook!” He said stomping down the sidewalk.
“That’s not what I want!” she said, grabbing the back of his jacket, wrinkling the expensive material.
The darkness started to ooze from him, the anger boiling up and he growled quietly, “Get off me Cy, I’m warning you”
“Or what Andrew?” she glared back, the fire beginning to burn in her eyes.
“I would have done anything for you Cy, I want you to know that” he glared, and yanked back around pulling his jacket out of her hand.
Clenching her jaw and gritting her teeth, she grabbed him around his bicep and yanked him back around to face her, putting her face only inches from hers, “Would you just listen to me for a second?” she hissed, squinting.
Yanking his arm out of her grip and giving her a small shove, “Don’t touch me, I heard enough back there. I don’t care how hard this is for you”
Shoving him back, she glared, “FINE! I hope you have a nice long walk back to your bike! Since that damn thing has always been more important anyway!” She screamed at the top of her lungs.
“At least my bike doesn’t tell me if loves me then pretend it never happened!” he screamed back, finally becoming aware of the small crowd they had attracted, and whipped around and stormed down the sidewalk.
“FINE!” she screamed back, igniting her entire body in flames and stormed down the sidewalk the opposite direction.
“FINE!!!” He screamed at her back, also whipping around the opposite direction, storming down the sidewalk.
Stomping down the sidewalk, and back into the restaurant Thora sat back down at the table across from Dee, and took a big drink of wine. Dee’s and Virgil’s eyes were wide with surprise when Thora raised her hand and snapped at a waiter, ordering a gin and tonic, heavy on the gin.
The remaining of the evening was, to say the least, uncomfortable, as Thora drank heavily. At the end of the dinner, Virgil looked at Dee and then at Thora standing at the bar, slamming down another drink, “You better go with her to make sure she’s alright”.
Dee sighed and nodded, and gave Virgil a small kiss, “I’ll drive her and her car back to her place. You follow me and bring me home?”
Nodding, he returned the kiss and frowned, “I’m sorry this didn’t go how you wanted it too babe, maybe another time”
Shrugging and looking slightly disappointed, “It’s alright, I knew better than to expect to much from her” Dee said with a small sigh and watched Thora come back from the bar.
Looking at Thora, Dee asked, “Ready to go? I’m going to drive your car back to your place, V’s gonna follow us, alright?”
Thora slurred, “Whatever, just drop me off at the bar”
Dee shook her head, “No, I want you to go home”
Sighing and rolling her eyes, “Alright, Mrs. Girlscout” Thora said patronizing her.
Shaking her head again and sighing Dee looked at Thora and took the valet ticket out of her hand. Paying the bill, and leaving a substantial tip, Virgil quickly followed them, and gave Dee a quick kiss as she got into Thora’s low riding car. “Sure you’re gonna be alright?” he asked.
Nodding Dee smiled slightly at him, “Yeah, I’ll be fine”
He smiled back at her, and closed her door for her, and watched her drive off, waiting for Dee’s white M3.
In the car, Thora rambled about Andrew, how much she was infuriated with him, how much he annoyed her, and Dee smiled slightly and sighed. She knew it was Thora’s way of loving him, but never admitting it. Driving up to Andrew’s building, Dee parked the red monster of a car, and got out.
“Alright, here’s your keys, I’m going to walk you up to your apartment”
Thora shook her head, “No, I’m fine, thanks for the ride” she slurred and walked defiantly up to the glass door of the building.
Dee sighed and looked at her. It was only an elevator ride and 10 steps, a distance not worth the fight to Dee, so she nodded and took out her com unit, calling Virgil, “Alright babe, you know where I am?” she asked and then nodded and chuckled some how he rambled about a new gadget he had that tracked her com unit. Stopping and picking her up, Virgil looked toward Thora who was opening the glass doors to the building, and looked at Dee as she got into the car. “She gonna be alright?” He asked. Dee nodded, “yeah, she’ll be fine. She’ll feel like hell in the morning, but she’ll be ok” He shook his head, “I’m glad we don’t fight like that” he told her leaning over to give her a kiss. “Me too babe… me too.” She said as they drove off.
Standing at the elevator she tapped the button for the 4th time and grumbled. Getting pissed off, she changed her mind and stomped back out of the building. Grumbling, she remembered that there was a seedy little bar about two blocks down, that she was sure was still open. Still in her white outfit, still immaculate, and her white heels still shining, the white laces still wrapped up her legs. If she wasn’t stumbling, no one would have ever known anything was wrong.
She slapped open the wooden door to a greeting of stares of the cities residents that weren’t so… legal. She didn’t care right now, and walked up to the bar, and plopped herself on a high backed, swiveling, barstool and ordered a shot.
“I want something that is going to eat at the lining of my stomach” she told the bartender pulling out stack of $100.00 bills. “Just give me the whole bottle” she slurred and the bartender nodded and handed her a bottle of Everclear taking 3 of the bills. Thora knew it was to much, but she didn’t care.
“Thanks” she slurred to the barkeep and put the bottle to her lips and took a huge swig. Coughing and wiping her mouth, the liquor burning her throat and stomach. Coughing, and taking another long drink she looked at the barkeep, which was staring at her. “Bad night?” he asked.
Nodding and gurgling, she hiccupped and looked up. The room started to spin and she groaned. “I don’t feel so good” she said, taking another long drink.
The barkeeper smirked at her, it was the last thing she remembered before she passed out, her face hitting the bar,.
Next thing she knew, she was in the back alley, 4 or 5 thugs, she wasn’t really sure how many, since she was seeing double, surrounded her, her white outfit now brown and grey with the gravel and mud from the miserable little alley. Groaning, she looked up and blinked, “Whats going on” she gurgled, her hair tangled in itself, the long braid had fallen down and the end coming unbraided.
“sshh… just keep quiet sweetheart, uncle Jimmy here is just gonna have a quick go around with ya” a man said, his brown teeth grinning at her.
She groaned again, trying to stand up. “Just stay down there” he told her, as he started to unzip his pants.
Realizing what was going on, she tried to stumble up, but a man behind her laughed and grabbed her shoulders pushing them down. Struggling some, she clawed at the man’s fingers. Making a small blast of energy, she zapped him, sending him flying a few feet backwards. The three other men jumped her, one of them kicking her in the ribs, another slugging her in the face.
“Lay still bitch” one hissed at her, ripping her shirt some as he grabbed at her, groping her breasts.
Suddenly, behind the man, there was a small growl and a glow of white then the man that ripped her shirt went flying. It happened so fast she didn’t know what had happened. There were flashes of light and dark shadows casting everywhere. The world spun, and watched human limbs fly, and bodies flying into crates and trash cans.
It only lasted for a minute or so, then all was silent, except for the sound of one pair of feet crunching on the gravel. Rolling over, she looked up slowly, recognizing the body that was in front of her. Crouching down, Andrew looked at her and shook his head, “Lets go Cy” he said, sighing, and picked her up and tossed her over his shoulder.
Groaning, the world still spinning, she gurgled some then cried softly, “Andrew…. My warrior, I knew you’d come”
Rolling his eyes, “Right Cy” he said, tossing her some, repositioning her, and hearing her start to heave. Dropping her onto the grass, and watching her upchuck, he shook his head and rolled his eyes in disgusts. “Damnit Cy” he grumbled and pulled her long braid back, holding it back so that nothing got onto it. Letting her lay there for a second, he grumbled as she looked up at him.
“I love you Andrew, and I’m really sorry I said anything that hurt you” she slurred as she stood up, stumbling, and pulling at the mask he had put on trying to kiss him, obviously he had went out on patrol after their little skirmish.
“Stop it Cy” he said, picking her back up and tossing her back over his shoulder.
The rest of the way home, they were silent. As he walked into the building, and stood there for the elevator, a couple standing there waiting looked at him funny. His glare was enough to send them up the stairs. The elevator dinged and they walked on, joining another couple who also stared at the woman slung over his shoulder. She was passed out at this point, her body hanging limply over his shoulder. He juggled her, trying to make sure she didn’t fall as he dug for his keys, unlocking the door and kicked it open violently. Walking into the bathroom, with a grunt, he lifted her off his shoulder and set her onto the floor, her back against the wall, and turned on the shower, and set the water to ice cold.
Stripping her clothes off gently, he looked at her bruised and battered body and sighed, changing the water to a warm mist and shook his head, sighing again. Her hair had fallen down, and her white outfit was beyond ruined. Affectionately, he swept the hair out from in front of her face behind her ear, his hand resting on her cheek. Lifting her up again, he set her gently in the shower, the water sitting her face, making her wake up, groaning and rolling her eyes in the back of her head.
Reaching down she touched the already forming bruises gently that were along her chest and stomach, groaning loudly. “nrrgg” she gurgled and he looked at her, sighing. Taking a cloth and washing her body gently, wincing as she gasped in pain as he passed over her bruises. Taking her braid down and scrubbing her hair, being careful to pass over the knots that were on her head already. Her head bobbing and she groaned again, letting her chin drop to her chest, and she passed out again.
A single tear ran down his cheek as he took her out of the bath and shut off the water. “Damnit woman” he grunted as he lifted her up and laid her on the bed gently. “Since when was I not enough lover for you?” he asked her lifeless body, walking back into the bathroom, pulling out the ace bandages that she had used not to long on his own busted body. Walking back into the bedroom he looked at her as she woke back up, groaning in pain and looking at him, still extremely drunk.
“Andrew….?” She asked, making sure it was him as he leaned down over her. Sitting her up, he wrapped one of the bandages around her chest. He pulled away as she tried to cup his face in her hands, “I love you Andrew… I never tell you, but I love you” she slurred.
“Stop it Cy” he snapped, pulling away sharply, pulling the bandages tight.
“I didn’t mean what I said to Dione” she slurred.
“You’re drunk” he told her.
“Doesn’t change the fact that I love you” she hiccupped.
“You sure as hell don’t show it” he growled at her.
She started to cry gently, turning over and wincing. He grabbed an old shirt of his and gently slipped it over her head while she cried. After he had her dressed he stood up and looked at her. Shaking his head and sighing, he walked back into the bathroom, shutting the door and stripping his clothes off. Turning the water on so hot that it turned his skin red, nearly burning him. Leaning back and taking his hair out of the low lying ponytail, he tossed the rubber-band out of the shower and let the water hit him in the face.
“God Damnit CY!” he raised his voice, mad. Clenching his jaw and his fist tight, he turned and punched the wall, cracking a piece of tile in the shower, causing his knuckles to bleed, then heal, the blood running down the wall to the drain.
After he washed up, he wrapped a towel around his waist and walked to their bedroom and tossed on a pair of boxers. Looking at her one more time, checking her pulse, and making her she didn’t throw up again he turned her over to make sure that if she did throw up, it would be off the bed. Sighing, he walked out to the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of water.
He walked out of the kitchen, sat down on the couch to think and was immediately interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Standing there was Dione, still dressed in her cute pink dress for dinner, Virgil standing behind her, at least 6 inches taller than her, his dark suit contrasting her pastel pink.
“We just were a little worried about Thora and wanted to make sure that she was ok” Dione smiled at Andrew.
Without saying a word, he sighed and opened the door. Dione looked at him, then at Virgil, who nodded at her, understanding, and asked, “Where is she?”.
His eyes heavy with sadness, he pointed, “Back there, first door on the right” he told her, and she nodded.
Virgil looked at Andrew and sighed. “Rough night eh?” he asked, trying to start conversation.
Walking back into the kitchen and offering Virgil a bottle of water, which he accepted he asked him, “How do you and Dione do it? You two seem so perfect, so in tune with each other.”
Virgil smiled some, “Dee’s my angel, but don’t think for a second we’re perfect, we have our problems”
Andrew nodded and sighed, walking back into the living room, and sitting on the couch. Virgil followed him slowly, sitting on the opposite side, “Dee’s a handful a lot of the time”
Andrew snorted, “I don’t think you have any concept of ‘handful’ man. No offense”
Virgil chuckled, “Compared to Thora… well, you’re right, Dee’s a bit mild, but I love her just the way she is. She’s changed me, 100% for the better. She loves me for the man that I am, and wants me for the man she knows I can become”.
Andrew sighed and took a big drink of his water, “So how do you convince a goddess that you’re enough lover for her?”
Virgil set a hand on Andrew’s knee, “If you only heard how she talked about you after you left, you’d know that she already knows that” he said as he stood up, seeing Dee walk out of the bedroom.
“She’s fine” Dee told Virgil, “lets get out of his hair.”
Andrew shrugged, “You’re not in my hair, as a matter of fact, the company sounds… comforting actually, if you’d like to stay”
Virgil looked at Dee, who nodded at him this time in understanding, and smiled at Andrew big. “We’d love that Andrew”
Virgil took off his jacket and hung it on the back of the chair sitting at the kitchen table, watching Dee lovingly as she sat next to him. Andrew took a chair across the table from them, sighing almost jealous as he watched their fingers interlock. Turning his attention to Dione, Andrew asked her, “How long have you known Thora?”
Dee chuckle, A year or so now, we met when we were both starting out in the hero business. She was gung hoe, and I’ll admit, a lot more powerful than I was at first. She was always just to proud to call other heroes for help, so her training seemed to go slower than mine. To be honest, I think her potential is a lot higher than mine”
Andrew snorted again, “Too proud to ask for help, that’s her” looking down, running her hands over his waterbottle.
Chuckling, Dee nodded. “Yeah, too proud to admit that she loves someone too Andrew”
Lifting his head up and looking at her, his black hair hanging in his face some. “Well, you know, it’s hard bein’ on the end of that kinda love, ya know?” he said to her, shaking his head.
Virgil piped up, “You’re more of a man that I am, if Dee didn’t force me, I know I wouldn’t show her the love that I need to”
Dee smiled at him and kissed his cheek, “You do an amazing job all on your own” she told him.
Grinning he turned his attention back to Andrew, “Just remember, each person shows their love differently”
Sighing and nodding, he pushed his chair back and stood up. “I think I’m going to head to bed” he told them, and they nodded, standing as well.
“It was nice to meet you tonight Andrew, I’m sorry the night had to end like this” Dee said, taking his hand with both of hers, and he shrugged.
“Not your fault” he said to her, surprised when she gave him a hug, rubbing his back gently.
Dee pulled back, putting her hands on his biceps and looking into his eyes, “Just remember, just because she may not show it sometimes doesn’t mean she doesn’t love you” she kissed him on the cheek and walked out the door.
Shaking his hand, Virgil smiled gently, “Feel free to call us if you need anything”.
“Thanks man” he said.
“No problem, take it easy” Virgil said and walked out the door, following Dee.
Andrew shut the door behind them, leaning his head against it and sighed. Standing up straight, locking the door and walking back into the bedroom, he pulled checked on Thora one more time and pulled back the covers on his side of the bed, and crawled in.
Lying on his back, with his hands behind his head, he stared at the ceiling thinking. He’d been on duty when he got the call from Thora’s com link, an emergency signal. He had picked up the phone, yelling at her, but instead, started to listen. Hearing her voice order a bottle of liquor, he could hear her taking a drink, and then he could hear her hit the bar with a thud. He was about to hang up when he heard a man’s voice.
“Isn’t that a nice lookin’ broad” a husky voice said, and he could hear the sound of someone picking her up.
Another man’s voice chuckling and then he could hear the bartender, “Give me her cash there, and take it out back and I didn’t see a thing”
He could hear some snickering and the sound of her hitting the ground. He reacted then, teleporting to Talos island, using his com to locate her, and teleported back into the alley.
He was infuriated when he stepped into that shadow behind the bar. At her, at the fight they had, at the fact that he had to come out and save her ass. He jumped off the roof of the neighboring behind the man that was about to attack her sending him flying.
He sighed as the memory was interrupted by her rolling over, snuggling up against him, resting her head on top of his shoulder and he tensed. He wanted to push her away, but didn’t have the heart to, so instead, wrapped an arm around her shoulders, closed his eyes, and thought to himself, “We’re going to have to sit down and have a LONG talk about this tomorrow” as he drifted off to sleep.