Together We Break

Chapter Two: I Broke My Working Alone Rule

I walked into Agency X. I surveyed the place and looked for exit routes, if they're required. "We just moved from an abandoned amusement park, so we haven't unpacked all of the boxes yet" Sandi said.

I nodded. "You mind keeping the Nightshade thing close to your chest for the minute? I just don't wanna reveal all my cards yet. If anyone asks, I'm a friend that they've never seen or heard about".

She nodded. "The other people here are Alex and Inez. Sometimes Taskmaster and Deadpool drop around too".

I leaned my head back and sniffed the air. I knew Sandi was looking at me crazy, but meh. My narration, my weirdness. I smelled about five different scents. One was Sandi, another was Deadpool, a female one I guessed was the Inez person and two I recognised from yesterday. I snapped my head back to Sandi, "Does Taskmaster or Alex wear a hoodie or incredibly conspicuous orange glasses?"

"Er, Taskmaster wears the hoodie and Alex wears the glasses. Why?" she asked. I told about the past day. Before she could answer however, I heard someone near the door. Alex and Inez I think. I put a finger to my lips and speedwalked my way to the bathroom. Instead of opening the door I used my shadow magic to dissipate into shadow and move through the door. I think that how it goes. I don't remember. Cerberus followed me and I changed into some jeans and a black office shirt. I flushed the toilet and used water to clean me and Cerberus. After that I plaited my hair and prepared to go outside. I heard Alex and Inez greet Sandi and her explaining the noise in the bathroom. I came outside and saw the Asian man from yesterday and a woman with blonde hair with a few plaits. Huh, we like our hair the same way. I just did a normal single plait because it was easier and faster. The woman was wearing a brown leather revealing outfit, a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. Was this girl Southern? I thought I heard a Southern accent.

(*I would be very surprised if she wasn't*)

I looked around. I didn't know what to do, so I waved and said 'Hi'. They looked at me like I had grown a tail and I saw Sandi facepalm. I gave her a healthy death stare. Cerberus trailed along and started sniffing people. Inez the Cowgirl bent down and gave him a good hard pat. He loves them. He rolled over and she laughed and gave him a back scratch. Damn. In Cery's book, this girl can do no wrong. Alex gave a little wave, looked very uncomfortable and started looking through boxes. Sandi shrugged. I heard another person at the door. Hoodie walked in and un-hooded himself. Guess this was Taskmaster. He was wearing a metal skull mask and a dark blue outfit. I could tell he wore a bulletproof vest underneath his clothes. Cautious cub. I think he recognised me because he stopped in his tracks when he saw me. He kept his eye on me while he talked to Sandi. I think they dated. And I think Sandi was the one who finished the relationship. Maybe he was too damn attached to that stupid looking mask of his. Whatever the outcome I know two things for sure. One; Sandi was a strong woman and I liked her. Definitely Black Wolves material. I should offer her an invitation when this was finished. Maybe Inez too. Two; There were still feelings in this relationship. Well, on Taskmaster's side.

I decided to watch some TV, so I sat on the couch and Cerberus joined me. He sat next to me, looking very proper. I started to flick through channels and Cery laid his head on my lap. I heard Sandi giving Tasky the lie I asked her to tell.

(Wonder if we can call him that?)

(*Don't think so. He might he a tantie*)

(A temper tantie?)

(*Of course. Is there any other kind of tantie?*)

I settled on a documentary while everyone else worked through the boxes. They pretty much ignored me and I did the same until they asked me to carry stuff or sort files out. At the end of the day, I went home with Sandi. She set up another room for me with a spare bed. I liked Sandi's taste in furniture and paint. My room was crimson with a dark oak framed single bed with a light green and white striped quilt cover that was decorated with leaves as well. I borrowed some clothes from Sandi because I was too stuffed and could not be bothered making telepathic/telekinetic clothes. They were a wee bit tight when it came to the shirt but we were about the same size. I cuddled under the covers and Cerberus joined me. I had a sleep that was without nightmares, for which I was thankful for. I have some badass nightmares.

I woke up about 9am and meandered out of bed, but first I had to push Cery off me. In the nice, white, clean kitchen I found Taskmaster poking around. I don't think Sandi was up yet and that Tasky hadn't noticed me. I waltzed up behind him and tapped him on the shoulder. He spun around and glared at me. Somehow I knew. "Hello there! Aren't you my stalker buddy from two days ago?" I asked coolly.

He clenched and unclenched his fists.

(Anger issues?)

"Maybe Nightshade" Tasky practically spat out my mercenary name. It was my turn to glare. I didn't need to take this crap. But, you know me, I never walk away from a fight. I was about to come back with the most snarkiest, sarcastic response I had ever thought of, which featured him, My Little Ponies and some Captain America 'jammies that Alex talked to me about, but then Sandi walked in a light pink and purple dressing gown.

"Hello" she said groggily. She walked over to a counter and started making coffee. My anger dissipated and I asked for a cup of short black. It's the only way I like my coffee. Taskmaster stood there, glared some more and left without a word to Sandi or me. She looked at me, "Ari, did you piss Taskmaster off or something? 'Cause he's been pissed since yesterday, do you think he recognised you?" I nodded. She sighed, "So he knows who you really are huh? And I doubt there's little stopping him from telling the cops where you are now". She took a swig of her coffee.

"He won't. If the cops come they'll arrest you for aiding and abetting a fugitive and he doesn't want that" I grinned. "Even if he does, I'll hide you, beat him shitless and leave him for the cops". Sandi's eyebrows rose and she had another sip of her coffee and so did I. For a bit we were just standing there, drinking our coffee. Then we had showers and went to Agency X. Alex was already there and Inez came soon after we got there. I told Sandi to discreetly tell Alex about my status as a fugitive and about being Nightshade. Late afternoon, an old woman came in wanting to hire Agency X to fix a problem of hers. She was rich of course. Her request was a wee bit left field though. She wanted to hire Agency X to kill Taskmaster. Apparently Tasky killed her grandson and she wanted revenge. Eye for an eye stuff. I could sympathise with her. If someone even pulled a hair from Xander, Izzy or Cassie and I'll deal with them myself. The lady signed a contract and left. Deadpool made a cameo appearance. He's gonna be so pissed with that. Oh, he is already. Great. He was just bugging people and took over the TV with Golden Girls. He left an hour later talking about going to France for a job. Damn. I like France.

We then held a group meeting, Alex, Sandi and I revealed my Nightshade status to Inez, I officially joined the club and we decided that as my hazing ritual to take the hit on Taskmaster. Best. Day. Ever. Later that night I found and followed Taskmaster from the rooftops. I was wearing my old, reliable costume. Ever played or seen Assassin's Creed? Imagine that just black instead of white and slimmer. With a lot more hidden weapons. A lot more. He did a few hits, went to a few pubs and then went to an apartment building. I saw him enter a small room on the third floor. I could just hop unto the building and go through the window.

(*This is way too easy*)

(It's a trap!)

I had to agree with voices. This was too easy. I spent an extra half an hour checking all sides of the apartment building and the buildings surrounding it. I doubt he was this bad, to let anyone follow him this well. I tried to look through the window but he closed the curtains. Hot damn. I decided to go through with it. I dropped down and entered the building I went to the third floor. I knocked on the door and entered. Taskmaster was undressing and had already taken off his mask and shirt. "Hey there!" I started as I saw his face and chest. I just stood there as he glared at me. Well, I stood there with my mouth hanging open while he gave me the death glare of deathliness. He had golden eyes, dark brown hair, a well formed face and an exceptionally well formed chest. So sue me, I like my boys big, tall and strong. Cliché or not.

"Get out now" he said through clenched teeth. He was pissed. But I didn't care. He was hot. When he moved towards me I recognised him. He was Tony Masters, the youngest son of a wealthy matriarch. Very wealthy. Why the hell was he a merc? Tasky clenched his fists. If he wanted to finish that fight from early today, then game on. I clenched my fists too. We just stood there staring at each other.

I broke the silence. "Look, I'm gonna propose an idea. One you might like".

Tasky stopped. "I'm listening". Good man.

I grinned. "A lady came in today at Agency X, looking for someone to kill you. Now, this lady's rich and I suggest that we fake your death and split the money".

He was considering. "Have you told Alex and Sandi about this?"

My grin got wider. Almost Cheshire wide. "Nah, I came up with it on the spot".

Tasky slowly nodded and grinned as well. "Maybe we could get along well".

I nodded as well. "Maybe we could. Maybe we could".