Mina and the Boys
(Song Credit: "Ain't no Sunshine" by Bill Withers)
Brilliant orange fire blazed across the horizon, the heat enough to sear lungs and skin at a distance. The smell of burning wood, chemicals and meat hung thickly in the air. Screaming and struggling a figure tries to reach the flames, held back by faceless arms. Twitching, the sleeping figure whined as the scene replayed endlessly in her psyche.
The four men gathered around the girl curled on the couch, listening with interest to the pained noised she made as she dreamt. David moved to crouch in front of her, mind reaching out to glimpse the bleak vision that held her. Her whimpers died out as she gasped, falling out of the dark trance and launching herself off the couch and directly on to David, wrapping around him in desperate search for comfort. He frowned at the contact, but, still connected to her mind, saw she was ensnared in wakeful-dreaming, projecting a visage clearly not his own, with kindly face and welcoming arms. Choking back a sob, she curled in to him, warm breath against the crook of his neck as she nuzzled closer, seeking remembered solace, a hand raising in habit to caress his cheek reassuringly. Suddenly she stilled, finally coming completely awake. She uncurled slowly, hand and head dropping to pull away, trapped between the couch and his body. "I'm sorry." She said, voice rough from sleep and emotion.
"I'm not." David returned, standing smoothly and offering a hand to help her up.
Around him his brothers eyed the entire exchange with varying degrees of not-veiled amusement and interest. For himself, the brief contact, laden with well-seasoned tenderness and intimacy had touched a chord. It was not so far from the bond he shared with his brothers, wrought by decades of shared lives and minds. It was, however, a very far cry from the bitter aloofness that Star maintained, stark contrast as the dark-haired girl rejected the call of blood and family. Even Laddie was more connected to them, distressing as his very existence in their world was. His turning was an infraction David would not forgive Max for, though he was careful not to show his disgust to either Max or the child. The little boy suffered enough, through no fault of his own. That Max would seek to use him to create a more obedient, responsible pack was beyond reprehensible, and utterly senseless, though that was exactly the behavior David had come to expect from his sire, and it had only been getting worse over time.
"Time to head out." David said, more for Mina's benefit, as the others were ready to go.
Releasing his cool hand as she stood, she paused. "If I could just have a moment?" she said as she moved towards the back of the cave, grabbing a lit bottle candle and calling back over her shoulder as she went. "I have to powder my nose."
Paul shared an amused look with Marko, before shrugging and moving towards a very disorderly pile of things heaped around his 'rock-box', grabbing a baggy of loose weed and some papers to stuff in a pocket for later.
She was back in a few minutes, grabbing her bag and looking to David for direction. He gestured in mock gallantry towards the entrance as the group up and out. Up on the bluff, Paul motioned her to get on behind him again as the group mounted up and headed out, Star behind David as usual and Laddie with Dwayne. Paul turned his head as they rode the trail back to town, saying cheekily, "You ever lookin', you can grab hold of me anytime, chica." He heard her snort, then yelped as she pinched his side where her hand crossed his middle.
"That's about as close as you're gonna get." she retorted.
"Ohh, harder baby, that's what I like." He purred back, chuckling when he felt her giggle behind him. Marko whooped teasingly at them both as he sped near. They were all in good spirits as they neared the boardwalk, cruising in to park in their usual spot.
Star looked around the crowd, and barely gave David a glance. His nod of acceptance all she needed as she sped off towards a waiting Michael. They disappeared into the throng of people. Dwayne glanced down at Laddie. "Guess you're with us."
Mina spoke up "could we get some dinner?" Laddie looked up at Dwayne hopefully.
"Dwayne, take the two of them to one of the stands." David said. Mina turned a questioning look to him. "There are more than a few joints around here that provide us with food to keep us from 'causing trouble'." He smirked. "it's easier when we don't have a lot of cash on hand."
Mina paused, frowning. "There's a diner just a little back towards the main drag, how about we go there, my treat?" she said. David looked at her, then shrugged.
Laddie whooped with glee. "Can I get a milkshake?" he asked Dwayne.
Mina spoke up, "Of course you can. Maybe a real burger too?" He smiled shyly at her, but took her hand when she offered it. The gentle look on her face was marred momentarily by a flash of sadness that was just as quickly hidden as he pulled her through the boardwalk entrance towards the town's main strip and the diner. Outside the restaurant she crouched down to adjust something with her shoe, before straightening to offer something concealed in her hand to David. Eyebrow arched in question he held out his own, only to have her place several twenties there. Tilting his head at her, she shrugged, moving to enter the door Dwayne was holding open for her and Laddie.
Tucked into a booth, Laddie scooted over by the window next to Dwayne with Marko on the outside, Mina across from Laddie, with Paul squished up next to her as David sat by the aisle smoking. The waitress that came up eyed the group warily, as David grinned up at her like a shark at feeding time.
"What'll it be?" she said in a bland customer service voice, trying surreptitiously to stand back from Marko and David.
Mina pipped up, "I'll have coffee, with lots of creamer, and could you leave the pot?" Glancing down at the little boy she asked "what flavor milkshake did you want?"
"Chocolate!" he said eagerly.
"And a cheeseburger too, right?" she prompted. He nodded. "I'll have the breakfast special." She continued. Turning to her left, she looked pointedly at Paul.
"What? Oh, yeah, burger for me too, extra rare!" he said. The rest of the group ordered similarly and the waitress backed away, turning hurriedly toward the kitchen.
Watching the retreating form, Mina caught David's eye. "So, obviously, you eat, but why?"
He smiled, taking a slow drag on his smoke. "All our senses are enhanced, taste included." He said quietly. "Wouldn't do much if we never ate again but it's pleasant and kills time." She nodded, reaching for the cup and pot as the waitress returned with them and a large glass and milkshake cup. Laddie was practically climbing over Dwayne to reach it. Dwayne smiled indulgently, passing both over after carefully pouring the drink into the glass for the boy.
Paul watched as she doctored up her first cup of coffee. "Like a little coffee with your cream?" he joked.
She made a face back at him. "I don't recall asking for comments on my food preferences." She harrumphed.
Marko chuckled as Paul put his arm over the seat back, reaching around her to try and tickle her while she sipped at her drink. She elbowed him for his troubles, though it was pretty clear his grunt was more theatrics than actual discomfort.
David watched with a smirk. "Where did you get the cash?" he asked, catching her as she set her cup down.
She made a bland face, staring at her drink. "Life insurance." She said softly. "I have enough to be comfortable for the little time I'm here. You're welcome to whatever's left when we're done." She pointedly focused on the cup as she picked it up and drank it down, the set about pouring and fixing up another one. David glanced over at Dwayne as she did so, the dark man giving him a thoughtful look. Generosity was not something they tended to experience much, particularly on the receiving end. Despite the casualness of her offering, it was oddly touching, as was the way she dealt with Laddie.
The food arrived, carried over by a bus boy the waitress had clearly shanghaied to deal with group. As they tucked in Paul commented on the size of Mina's plate. "You really gonna eat all that?" he teased. She cast him a cool look, clearly on the verge of a comment before settling for rolling her eyes and ignoring him. The table got quiet for a while, but Paul was still in too playful a mood to behave for long. Very casually he aimed his fork at some of the potatoes on her plate, only to yelp and draw his hand back when she just as casually stuck her fork in the back of his hand. Snorts and chuckles broke out has he rubbed at his injury. "You wounded me!" he howled dramatically.
"Shouldn't think so" she said, rather drily, "I don't have so much as a toothpick on me."
Paul looked at his brothers for support, but even Laddie was giggling behind the remnants of his burger. He didn't bother looking at David, he could feel the restrained shaking next to him.
"She's got you well in hand, I may keep her just for that." Amusement followed the comment through their mental link.
Paul just whined back petulantly. "SHE DOES NOT!"
Marko nearly choked on the soda he was drinking, he snorted so hard. Dwayne just kicked Paul under the table, eyes bright with merriment. Mina sat watching the silent exchange, drawn when Marko started coughing. Eyebrow high with amused suspicion, she turned back to her plate.
Paul slumped back, nursing clearly damaged pride when motion caught his eye as Mina casually reached over and picked a French fry off his plate. Quick as a snake he caught her hand before she could get the fry to her mouth, and with a wicked gleam in his eye gently drew her hand closer. He closed his mouth around the wayward fry, lips gently kissing her fingers before his teeth met, nipping off the length of potato and leaving her with only the tiny corner she'd pinched on to. Her face pinked, and her heart rate picked up as she watched him, and he waggled his eyebrows back at her, smiling as he chewed in triumph, letting her hand go. He picked up another fry, dragging it through the ketchup on his plate before lifting it to his mouth. Just as he did so, she caught his hand, gently guiding it toward herself. With Marko making oh-so-helpful comments through their bond, Paul's eyes locked on hers as she mimicked his earlier actions, only to slowly draw the now-ketchup-less fry out of her mouth suggestively, then just as slowly working her mouth back over it, nipping it off as he had done, her warm lips caressing his fingers before releasing and drawing back, eyes flashing amusement as she chewed her prize.
Paul sat stone still for a long moment, so quiet that Marko prodded him mentally "Dude, did she break ya?" laughter floating in his comment.
He smiled then and wrapped an arm around Mina, pulling her close and purring in her ear, "Girl, you drive me crazy…wanna get away for a while?"
She turned to him smiling, patting his hand lightly where it draped over her arm. "Pretty sure you were crazy long before I showed up. And I'm not really into necrophilia. Thanks, but no."
David chuckled, getting up and tossing a couple of the twenties down on the table. Everyone followed his lead, getting up and heading out of diner. Paul danced around Mina, still trying to wheedle attention out of her and paying little note to his surroundings. Walking backwards, now in front of her, he continued his efforts to wear down her resolve. "C'mon chica, give me chance! You'll see how not dead I am!" he said, waving his arms and gyrating his pelvis suggestively.
Ahead of him David smoothly dodged a mother carrying a child half Laddie's size. The lady was distracted, cajoling the child to spit out a wad of gum that was a sizable lump distending his chubby cheek. Paul heard Marko call "to your right!" as he lurched, directly into the pair's path. The child spit the giant gum wad directly into Paul's hair as he backed into them. Paul froze, the sensation of a large mass weighting down the back of his head. The entire group stopped cold, David turning as he sensed his brother's distress. The lady started apologizing, reaching up to touch the offending mass when Paul spun around, eyes blazing, but thankfully still blue. Her comments died on her tongue as she pulled her child closer and hurried off.
Paul reached around to touch his hair, a clear look of horror on his face. "Dude, don't do it!" Marko said, but it was too late. Paul's hands touched the gum and everything started sticking together – his fingers, hair and the massive pink wad of wet, sugary goo.
David stood in front of him now, looking him in the eye. "Let it go now, we'll go home and fix it." He sent in calm tones, but with an underlying hint of command to ensure his suggestion was followed. Paul's face crumpled but he tried to pull his hands free. Marko had to come and help, peeling the pink goo that now stretched across the back of his brother's head away from the man's fingers so at least his hands were clear. The four men moved towards their bikes, Dwayne glancing back to ensure Laddie and Mina were following.
Mina was calling out softly to Paul, but neither he nor the rest were acknowledging her, till Dwayne turned again and shook his head at her. He heard her huff as he continued walking, but his concern was for his brother. Getting to the bikes, Mina finally had enough of their ignoring her.
"PAUL" she said, in a tone of command that drew attention. All the men turned towards her then, David with stormy look that did not bode well for her. As he was about to speak, she interjected again. "Paul, let me help you." She said, her voice quieter now that she had his attention, but no less stern.
"I don't want you cutting my hair." He said flatly, his face closed off.
"I didn't say anything about cutting." she said softly, "I said let me help you, I know how to fix it."
"Did you see this coming?" David said, eyes flashing.
She gave him a slightly exasperated look. "Despite how tragic this event surely is, I'm sorry to say the universe did not warn me that Paul's hair would get messy."
He gave her a hard look. "how do you know how to fix it then?"
Clearly restraining herself from rolling her eyes, she blinked and huffed at him. "Experience. For Pete's sake, I had two little girls, I may have had to deal more than once with someone waking in tears because they forgot to spit out their gum before falling asleep. Now, do you want my help or not?"
A glint of hope in his eyes, Paul spoke up. "You can get it out?"
"Yes, Sunshine, I can. I wouldn't make any other plans for tonight though, I'm not sure how long it will take."
He smiled softly and still a bit shaky, looking suddenly far younger. "OK."
She turned towards David. "I'm going to need a few things, I don't know if you have them on hand?"
Marko was at her side before she finished. "Lay it on me, chica."
"The big item is quart of olive oil. Other than that, just a regular pocket comb that you don't mind having to toss and some rags or paper towels or something I can wipe the gum off on."
Paul interjected "we have oil back at our place."
She gave him a patient look. "I'm sure you do, Sunshine, but I'm not combing your hair with what, motor oil?" Paul nodded. "Oh, no. For one it'd be terrible on your hair, and for two, I'm not even sure it would work right. You don't want to end up with a buzz cut, right?" He shook his head, contrite, eyes widening at the thought.
As Marko turned to go, she touched his arm, handing him a twenty. "Go to an actual store, the olive oil will be either with flour and sugar or in the aisle with Italian stuff, like spaghetti and tomato sauce." He nodded his thanks and took off.
The rest climbed on their bikes, Mina getting on behind David this time. When Paul looked at her, she smiled sadly, "It's best if we don't get tangled together, at least under current circumstances." She winked at him and he smiled back weakly, still shaken by the weight and tightness pulling at his head.
The ride back was very subdued, and they filed into the cave quietly. Mina huffed a little. "Alright" she said. "Enough with the funeral dirge." The three men frowned at her. She walked over and put her hand on Paul's arm reassuringly. "I know, this is a terrible thing to have happen, but once Marko gets back I'll get you cleaned up and right as rain." He smiled again, tentatively and reached up towards the back of his head. She slapped his hand away. "None of that now, you know you'll only make it worse. Now, why don't you take off your jacket, no sense letting it get messy too." He looked at her, a pale hint of mischief glinting in his eyes again.
"You sure this isn't just your way of getting me naked?" he said, slowly peeling off the black coat suggestively, to reveal his nearly bare torso clothed only in an open mesh shirt. "Not that I mind."
She snorted at him. "Hair repair first, flirting after." She said, using a tone that was playfully stern.
"Yes ma'am." He smiled as she smacked him lightly with the back of her hand.
"Keep calling me ma'am and I'm gonna beat you with my cane."
"You don't have a cane." David called, smirking from his chair, clearly more relaxed now.
"I'll get one. Just. So. I. can. beat. you." She said, turning back toward Paul.
He smiled a little broader. "Promise?" She shook her head, palming her face in mock defeat.
Marko was back, with a small bag in tow. Mina smiled and thanked him as she took it, pulling out the oil tin and the comb. "Do you have some rags?" she asked.
David waved towards a low set of well-aged shelves cluttered with clothing. "Use whatever you like."
She pawed through the piles, most of which actually looked decent, finally grabbing a few white shirts that seemed a little ragged. Standing up she moved to the ancient davenport, setting the oil on the floor, laying the rags on her lap and comb by her side. Looking up at Paul she motioned him over. "Have a seat Sunshine."
He grinned. "You want me between your legs?" Around him his brothers snorted their amusement.
She glared at him, her look softened by a twitching smile. "Don't make me regret saying yes." She drawled with just a hint of warning, "or I might make you regret it too." He chuckled as he came over, dropping down and sitting cross-legged with his back to her. She gently gathered his hair, laying the now tacky pink-goo-covered locks across her lap over the rags. His brothers watched her proceedings with interest, Marko hovering off to one side of the couch while Dwayne kept Laddie busy, occasionally glancing over to see what was happening. Opening the oil, she poured out a pool into her cupped palm before setting the can down to rub her other hand in the oil and working it into Paul's hair. She could feel tension in his back as he rested against her. Repeating her steps, she worked till his hair was limp and shiny with oil from crown to tip, lifting it gently to ensure the underneath was fully coated as well. Now she started separating strands, starting from the hair at the front that hadn't really gotten stuck, slowly drawing down the strands and moving them away from gum-mass. As her ministrations continued, Paul settled in more comfortably, tension slowly leaking away.
"Mina?" Marko spoke, somewhere close behind her.
"Hmm?" she replied, still focused on her work.
"Why do you keep calling Paul Sunshine?" he continued.
She smiled as her fingers moved through the golden locks, slowly winning them free of their gooey trap. "because he's clearly the light in your family, bringing laughter and warmth into your lives. And you're all a bit darker when he's not happy."
She started singing then, in a low, honeyed voice.
"Ain't no sunshine when he's gone, it's not warm when he's away
Ain't no sunshine when he's gone, and he's always gone too long
Anytime he goes away…"
As she continued singing, David watched her, occasionally catching the eyes of Marko and Dwayne. She couldn't know how Paul's near-panic had ricocheted through their bond, the thought of sudden, forced alteration feeling like danger and injury to people used to living as nearly unchanging as rocks in the passing stream of time. And she couldn't know how her care and gentleness, clearly calming their brother, also rippled through the link, the pleasure and trust he felt as she combed through his hair flowing to them as well, soothing frayed nerves and creating a warmth that settled in between them. Again, he found himself comparing how Mina fit into their lives with how Star did, or really didn't. It rankled that the younger girl fought so hard against them, refusing the gift Max had them share with her and refusing to even try to join in to the group. That stark rejection was a constant drag on their mental link, an irritation souring the harmony they'd built in their time together. One way or another, it was going to have to stop. Taking a long drag that burnt up the last of his cigarette, he got up, letting the others know through the bond he was off to collect their wandering halfling from her date night.
Paul draped nearly boneless on Mina's lap as she continued working the gum out, singing softly all the while and nearly done, as the large pile of oily pink goo stuck to the rags around her indicated. She was using the comb, well oiled and gliding through the nearly pink-free golden strands when Marko came around the couch to observe his blissed-out brother, eyes closed and goofy smile plastered across his face. He wasn't even pretending to breathe, as deeply relaxed as he was. Mina noticed the movement, looking up as she slowly combed a part in to Paul's hair, running fingers up his scalp to gather hair in handfuls on both sides, momentarily creating the image of pigtails, as her eye caught Marko's with a mischievous gleam. He snickered, as Paul blinked and slowly came out of his torpor, looking questioningly at his brother.
"Almost done there, bud?" Marko asked.
Dwayne snorted. "Stick a fork in him, he's way past done."
Marko snickered again. "Pretty sure Mina already did that."
"Hey, man, you should definitely try this. Mina is amazing." Paul said, ignoring his brothers in favor of tilting his head back to smile at her upside down. "and you sing like an angel."
She smiled back at him. "Thank you, Sunshine. And you're done, all that awful gum is gone."
"Aww, I don't want you to stop." He whined.
"Poor sweetie" she cooed. "Some of us still have functioning plumbing. I need to move or you'll have something worse than gum to wash off. Now up you get." She nudged him with her knees. He dragged his hands slowly up her legs, turning to kiss her thigh where it was bare below the shorts she wore. Close as he was, he easily caught the scent of desire that flashed from her at his touch.
"Or you could stay a while." He waggled his eyebrows at her over his shoulder.
"Oh, I really can't, you evil animal. Now move your oily self before I make a mess of us both!" she shoved him forward as he cackled, crawling out behind him as she moved with purpose towards the back of the cave, pausing momentarily as she went and grabbed a candle.
"You know you want me!" he cried after her, laughing as she scuttled off.
Enhanced ears easily heard her muffled cry of aggravation "I really don't!" as she dashed into the side room.