A/N: Another episode tag, of sorts, this time to The Five. Was meaning to write an update to one of my Mentalist multiparters but needed to get this down first instead. It was bothering me. Heh.
Thank you to: Divinia Serit and melissaadams22 for reviewing previous parts.
x tromana
Title: Compare and Contrast
Author: tromana
Rating: T
Characters: Ashley
Disclaimer: Not mine.
Notes: Post 1x07 The Five
Compare and Contrast
She's not like him.
Her Dad.
No, really, she's not.
She doesn't hunt and kill and maim for fun.
Doesn't lash out before thinking.
And definitely not instead of either.
It's not about the thrill of the chase or the rush of adrenaline. Nor is it the fact that unless you strike first, these could be your last moments living, breathing.
Existing.
Alive.
Her heart is fluttering inside, pounding like a big bass drum.
Draws her gun, unlatching the safety in one swift movement.
Takes aim.
Fires.
Misses.
Ducks back into safety.
Curses at herself.
This job isn't easy. She didn't have to follow in her mother's footsteps. Could've gone to college. Met some boy. Become a sports star. She knows she's athletic enough to have achieved that dream.
She chose not to.
Because her Mom is a good person.
Does this for the right reasons.
Has taught her well.
Continues to do so.
The creatures, the abnormals they pick up, they're not just picking them up for the safety of humans. It's for the abnormals too. These beings, increasing in prevalence all the time, need their protection as much as people need protecting from them.
And that's why she does this. With her Mom. With Will and Henry and everyone else who helps to keep the Sanctuary running smoothly.
She knows she does good.
And her Mom is a pretty damn good role model too.
Given her everything she needs and more.
Thinking about it, her life is rather exciting, it could be worse.
In fact, she's pretty much blessed.
She straightens.
Reloads the gun.
Focuses on her target for a second time.
Pulls the trigger.
Gotcha.
Takes a deep breath, willing her heart rate to finally slow down. Because she doesn't capture these creatures for cheap thrills. It's for the greater good. And that's why she's different to him.
She knows that the excitement is just a bonus.
end