FYI: In this Borderlands universe the New-U stations do not exist. I wrote them off as a game gimmick.

Note: Borderlands and its characters are the sole property of Gearbox games and 2/k

The Unexpected Bump in the Road

Two weeks have passed since Axton and Maya decided to become a couple but when Lilith said there was still more work to be done. She wasn't kidding. Since, the moment at the bar the two vault hunters have been extremely busy and haven't been able to find much ample time to spend with each other. Maya has finally been able to ask Lilith about her Siren lineage and has been training almost non-stop, at Lilith's demand. With Lilith having more field experience, her siren powers have more stamina. Even though, their specific powers are different that doesn't stop Lilith from pushing Maya to the limit every day.

On the flip side, Axton has been lending a helpful hand to Moxxi. Sephi, in spite of her blonde hair, turns out be quite the brain and idea fabricator and convinces Moxxi to clean up her bar so she can draw a bigger crowd and eventually expand. Being someone who likes better business prospects, Moxxi allows Sephi to indulge her ideas and draw them up but, of course, all decisions are finalized with the owner. But, before any changes can be made inside the bar, the roof had been in need of repair, from the Hyperion mortar fire when Sanctuary went air borne. Salvador has also been lending a hand, as well as Scooter when he can spare the time from the garage.

After a long morning, baking in the Pandora sun hammering out sheet metal to finish up Moxxi's roof, Salvador and Axton decide to take a break and Scooter returns to his garage. They climb off the roof and enter the bar to hop up on a stool.

Moxxi greets her helpers with a cordial smile and their usual water and cold wet towels. "Here ya' go boys."

"Tanks Moxxi." Salvador takes the cool cloth and drapes it over his neck after wiping the sweat from his face.

"No, thank you for repairing my roof." She looks over both of their muscled chests and arms. "And the daily view."

"You actually don't mind looking at this gorilla, Moxxi?" Axton snickers and points a thumb to Salvador and pulls his white T-shirt on.

"Hey!" Salvador yells offended. "I'm surprised any woman would want to look a' you, muchacho flaco, bastante."

"I'm sorry, I don't speak, giliolla." Axton has trouble with the little Spanish he tries to pick up from Salvador and Mordecai. "What did you just call me?" Axton asks in his tough guy voice.

Salvador faces Axton and laughs and puffs out his chest. "Dat wa'ntin' a word, GI-LI-PO-LLAS." Salvador makes sure to stress each syllable. " 'tupid, puta." Salvador waves a hand at him in annoyance.

"I may not know Spanish very well but I have an idea what 'puta' mea-." Axton is cut off.

"Ok! Come on boys! Calm yourselves!" Moxxi scolds the bickering children. "Even though, I would love to see you 'RASLE' it out, hmmm graarrr. I would rather not have to send my handymen to Dr. Zed before the roof is done. Besides, I just happen to not be prejudice about body types." She winks at them.

"Oh!" Moxxi remembers something. "Sephi has the kitchen up and running but she said; the new menu won't be ready for another week or so."

Axton chuckles calming down from his argument, "Geez Moxxi, two weeks on the job and she's improved your bar ten-fold. I have noticed an increase of traffic."

"Yeah, she's a real doll." Moxxi compliments her employee. "She's been working almost non-stop. It would make me feel bad but it makes her happy and I love to watch her work."

"Wonder wha's motivatin' her?" The Gunserker asks in his scruffy grunt.

Moxxi shrugs. "Maybe has to do with her love of cooking she mentioned. Which reminds me; she wanted some guinea pigs to try out something she has been working on. So, if my handymen would like to be her's, I could have her make you guys something that isn't pizza, if you're hungry."

"I is always 'ungery, Moxxi." Salvador responds with a hearty laugh.

Moxxi looks to Axton. "Yeah. Why not? It will be interesting to eat something from here that isn't Pizza." He responds nonchalantly.

"Sephi?" Moxxi calls the girl over.

The blonde walks over to the bar's edge. She is wearing a dark, forest green blouse that is loose and unbuttoned just enough so a black lace bra can be seen. The shirt compliments her green eyes and is tucked into a pair of slim fitting, black pants and the bottoms are covered up in a pair of knee high black leather boots. The whole outfit was picked out by Moxxi to not only attract more customers but to make the shy girl more confident and show off her tiny but curvy silhouette.

"Yes Moxxi?" The girl responds with a smile.

"These two boys are willing to try out your food." Sephi's excited smile grows with every passing word. "So, I'll take care of business out here if you want to go do your thing."

"I would love to!" The girl bursts and faces her two test subjects. "I guess it would be considered lunch time? So, I can make you two sandwiches? I know it doesn't sound like much but . . . ooh, just wait and see!"

"Uhh ok . . . Sounds good, mi bella." Salvador winks at Sephi. Axton nods in agreement.

After the girl leaves Axton elbows Salvador. "Aren't you the sweet talker?" Even though, the Commando has no idea what "mi bella" means.

"No 'arm in tryin right?" Salvador grins. "Sum girls might like a 'gorilla'."

"I guess, Sal, Whatever makes you sleep better." Axton smiles and places a firm pat on his right shoulder.

"So when do you think the roof will be finished, Sugar?" Moxxi asks Axton.

Axton swallows some water before responding. "Well, you had a lot of sheet metal busted up there. I am surprised the damage wasn't more extensive; like, a big fucking hole. Anyway, I estimate if all goes well," Axton ponders a bit, "By the middle of the week."

"Oh? So soon?" I'll miss my daily show." She smiles at both of them as Sephi emerges from the back with two plates.

Sephi is grinning from ear to ear with excitement. "Now, I want you to try this before I tell you what it is." She places the sandwiches in front of her customers.

"Frankly, that kind of makes me nervous, Sephi." Axton states with a slight chuckle. "But, what the hell? It couldn't be any worse than Moxxi's pizza." He smiles and winks at Moxxi. In turn, Moxxi opens her mouth wanting to retort but absorbs the comment realizing it's a friendly joke and crosses her arms.

Both men raise their sandwiches bumping them together as Sephi looks intently at her tasters with her breath held. Bites are finally taken and Sephi waits for the tense moment to pass. Finally, both of the men's eyeballs almost bug out of their head with delight.

Salvador tries to speak but his mouth is too full to form a coherent sentence.

Axton actually swallows his food before speaking. "Ok, this is really effing good, Sephi." He points at his sandwich while giving his critique. "I mean I can't believe there is tomato on this and the meat! It is sooo good. What the hell is it?"

"It is a lightly salted and smoked Bullymong meat." She smiles and looks at the dumbfounded Vault Hunters. "I am having some of the supplies come from Eden-6, where I still have culinary contacts; Mordecai bagged the Bullymong and I did the rest. I was even able to bake the rolls last evening." The Blonde's aurora is oozing with self-confidence.

"Bullymong or not, dis is good." Salvador finally empties his mouth to form an actual compliment. "Da last time I had sumtin' dis good was from mi Abuela." Salvador sighs with nostalgia and then he makes himself feel better with another bite.

Axton looks to Sephi. "Anytime you need a guinea pig in the future. . ." He smiles and points at himself and then gives the chef a thumbs-up.

"I'll keep both of you in mind." Satisfied with the outcome; Sephi returns to her work, allowing her customers to enjoy their Smoked Bullymong Sandwiches.

"You have a little gold mine in that girl, Moxxi." Axton informs her before taking another slow bite.

"Noted." Moxxi responds with a smile before stepping away.

"What's noted?" A tired voice speaks from behind Axton followed by arms wrapping around his waist and a pair of blue lips kissing the back of his neck. She gives him a gentle squeeze before stepping to the left of her boyfriend.

Maya proceeds to place both hands on either side of his head, making him shift his body so she can stand between his legs. Axton sets his food on the plate and places both hands on Maya's hips pulling her in after she ceases his mouth with hers. Once in the kiss, she wraps her arms around Axton's neck and they press into each other as if they plan to meld together. After a long inhale through her nose to absorb Axton's calming, manly scent, Maya breaks the contact only to utter in a whisper. "So much better." She collects a few more quick kisses before taking a seat.

"Hey Maya?" Salvador calls to the Siren. "Where's my kiss, huh?" He asks jokingly.

"You don't get one, Salvador." Maya glares at the Gunzerker.

Axton looks over to Salvador. "And sorry Sal but I never share and I am not going to start." He turns his attention back toward Maya.

"So, what was noted?" Maya reiterates her question.

"Oh… uh…" Axton completely forgot the answer from Maya's awe inspiring kiss; until, he looks over at his plate. He picks up the Bullymong sandwich. "Here, try this!" Axton shoves the half eaten sandwich in her face.

"Hmph, I'm not very hungry." Maya sighs and pushes the sandwich out of her face and leans her head on the bar sideways so she can see Axton. "I just want to sleep but I am too sore."

Axton mentally absorbs Maya's state and looks at her with concern before smiling and shoving the sandwich back in her face. "This will make you feel better, I can guarantee it. And, if it doesn't, I'll do anything you ask me, hon." She looks up at the man with skeptical eyes. He smiles at her, sincerely trying to make her feel better.

"Could you get Lilith off my busties?" Maya sits up to lean on the bar with her elbows and crosses her legs.

"I could try." Axton replies while keeping the sandwich in its place. "I can't promise anything."

With a heavy sigh the Siren takes a bite. Just as Axton predicted, Maya's eyes light up and she admits defeat in the small wager. Axton shares the rest of his sandwich with Maya, after explaining to her what it is.

"You look like hell, honey." Axton states in a concerned tone.

"I feel like hell." The Siren exhales sharply. "I'm regretting Lilith as an information source and trainer. She is so overzealous. She is almost as bad as Brother Sophis. The only redeeming quality is; she isn't extorting money out of people.

"She's only trying to make ya stronger." Axton places a hand on her back and moves it in a circular motion to sooth Maya.

"I'm definitely feeling stronger, when I'm not sore." Maya is still irritated. "Why does she have to push so hard?" She buries her face in hands and proceeds to run them back through her short hair.

"She probably doesn't want to lose anybody, else." Axton's smiles sullenly.

Maya mimic Axton's expression. "When did you become so insightful?" She leans over to kiss Axton.

"Everyone has their moments, except Sal." They hear an irritated grunt come from the insulted man. Axton grins and accepts Maya's request for another kiss.

Maya breaks the kiss and she looks to Moxxi who returns to the bar. "Don't stop because I showed up." Moxxi looks Maya over. "You look like you could use a beer." Moxxi tells the Siren.

"No, just water, please. I'm feeling too dehydrated for alcohol." Maya smiles briefly and weekly.

"Whatever makes you feel better, sugar." Moxxi slides a glass of water to Maya.

"So how did you get away from your drill sergeant?" Axton asks Maya.

"My savior was Mordecai. He received a distress call at HQ and echoed Lil." Maya faces Axton and drinks her water down in one tilt. After catching her breath she continues. "I have a feeling we're going to be sent on a mission. Surprisingly, I am looking forward to it. I really need to shoot something. I know Lilith is my 'Siren Sister' but I am so close to just slugging her in the face." She pounds the side of her fist onto the bar.

"Whoa! Easy hon." Axton places his hand over Maya's clenched fist. Her fist relaxes and she opens her hand to hold Axton's loving touch.

"I'm good, I'm good." Maya exhales and looks at Axton with a warm smile.

"I could use a little action myself. For the past two weeks the only thing I've done is repair this roof and hammer out sheet metal. Good physical exercise but I don't want my combat skills getting rusty."

"I could use some target practice." Salvador chimes into the conversation, again.

As if on cue, Lilith echoes the Vault Hunters and orders them to headquarters. After Axton informs Moxxi of the delay Salvador, Maya and Axton walk over to Crimson Raider headquarters and climb the stairs to the holographic map. Mordecai and Lilith are next to each other standing by the table discussing something and Zero is coolly leaning against the wall to the left of the archway his teammates enter.

"What's going on?" Axton greets the veteran vault hunters.

Mordecai looks up from the map. "We gotta distress call from a guy named Shade in the desert town of Oasis."

"Yeah, apparently pirates have decided to pay him a visit." Lilith continues. "He's hiding out in his stand and is safe for now but it's only a matter of time before they break it down and do who only knows what to the poor guy."

"Probably eat him." Mordecai answers in his mellow tone. "The pirates in that area have been known for cannibalism."

"Isn't that everywhere on this planet?" Axton asks rhetorically. "Anyway, so that's all we have to do? Go to Oasis have some target practice and save Shade?"

"Yeah, pretty much." Mordecai answers.

"Hmm, doesn't sound like much of a challenge." Axton sounds disappointed.

Maya glares at Axton because he is sounding like his old self, "Old habits die hard, I guess." She thinks to herself. Then she looks around the room and pipes up, "Where's Gaige? Isn't she joining us?"

"No, she has work to do with Scooter." Lilith answers. "They're making sure Sanctuary isn't going to fall out of the sky."

"Yeah, that would be a bad day." Mordecai walks over to the couch and flops himself down and opens a bottle of Rakkale and proceeds to drink.

"Well, I gotta get my equipment and suit up." Axton informs his team.

Maya looks around. "So, do I."

"I be waitin' at Pierce Station den. I is always ready." Salvador walks out of the room.

Axton looks at Zero who nods and follows the Gunzerker.

Axton and Maya go their separate ways to gear up at their respected residences. Once at pierce station Axton notices Maya waiting outside leant against one of the pillars.

"You ready for some target practice?" Axton asks.

"Oh hell yeah!" Maya responds enthusiastically. "But, before we go I want to apologize for the past two weeks. I wasn't avoiding you by any means."

Axton puts his hand up before she can start her next rambling sentence. "No need to apologize, darlin'. Yeah, the last two weeks sucked ass but the whole Siren thing is important to you and you never know when you will need to be even more badass." He thinks for a moment and a wicked grin forms across his face. "You know, when we get back, you can-uhh always make it up to me." He winks at her.

Maya's face turns red. "I think I am ready to try it." She smiles shyly.

Axton leans down to her lips. "I won't disappoint you." He conveys as a promise before kissing her.

"I love you." Maya thinks to herself as the kiss is broken. For some reason she can't bring herself to utter those words a loud.

"Let's go rescue Shade." Axton heads to the travel station with Maya right behind him.

" 'Bout time you two showed up." Salvador is growing impatient and it is obvious he is itching for a firefight.

"It was only like fifteen minutes tops." Axton verbally pushes back.

"You know I can't tell time, felt a lot longer." The Gunzerker grumbles and turns his attention to the fast travel station. "Get dis ting goin', I wanna shoot sumtin."

"Calm yourself my friend/ the battle will soon start there/ we are off." Zero chimes in as Axton activates the fast travel station.

Once at their destination, Salvador rushes ahead a bit before stopping out of confusion.

"HEY! Where're da damn pirates?" Salvador asks.

Axton calmly walks past him and points to a sign before saying. "They're in Oasis. We gotta follow the ol' shitty, gray road." Axton responds like a wise ass.

"This is an odd spot for a fast travel station." Maya muses as she looks around." Hey, wait." She calls after Axton who is already near the bend with Salvador. "Why don't we use one these?" Maya spots the Catch-A-Ride station.

"Not necessary. I can already see a corner of the town." He responds just loud enough so she can hear him.

Zero walks over to Maya after checking out the Catch-A-Ride station. "It's not working." He says dryly and continues walking. Both of them catch up to Axton and Salvador who at this point are crouched behind a rock. Axton is looking through his sniper scope scouting out the infestation.

"Will ya shoot sumting already, I is gettin antsy." Salvador grunts.

"Just cool it Sal." Axton juts his arm out in front the impatient man. "Even though, this should be a cake walk after what we've been through, it's still not wise to go in half-cocked and guns blazing. Shields only absorb so many bullets." He turns his attention back to his sniper scope. "Dammit, I can see the center of town somewhat but that fucking palm tree is in the way. He looks around for a better vantage point. He spots it.

"Ok this is what we're going to do. Zero? Sal? You see the top corner of that building?" Both look up at where Axton is pointing and they nod. "Maya and I are advancing to the rock below the neon sign. If it is all clear, I'll give you the signal to advance to the building. Then, stay behind it until I give the signal, which will be me sniping a pirate in the head. Then you can shoot all you want Sal, I just want to try and create an air of confusion."

"But what if dat don't work and ya jus' piss 'em off?" Salvador asks impatiently.

"Oh, I have something for that." Maya smiles sinisterly. "It'll be a surprise." Maya arms herself with an SMG called the Stopping Plasma Caster.

"Ok then," Axton nods at Maya who nods back. Axton quickly and swiftly runs in a crouch position followed by Maya and they successfully reach their destination. Axton keeps Maya behind him whilst he looks around at Zero and Salvador's destination. After, He looks at the tops of the roofs for perches he waves his teammates to move.

Once in place, Axton looks through his scope again before having Maya kneel by his side and whispers to her. "I count ten but that doesn't mean there aren't more. You have a sniper on you?"

"Yeah." The SMG disappears into her back pack and she pulls out the Fashionable Volcano.

"Nice!" He notices a similarity between her weaponry. "You like your fire weapons, don't you?"

She snorts softly with a laugh. Then whispers "Kill it with fire." She looks at Axton through the corner of her eyes before looking through her scope.

"You are scary sometimes." He turns his attention to his site. "But, it's hot." He thinks to himself. "See the pirate leaning against the van like he has not a care in the world?"

Maya takes a brief moment. "Mmhmm."

"That's your target. "After a moment moving his sniper, "Ok, I got my target, on the count of three, take his head off. One . . . two . . . three."

In perfect unison the shots fire taking off both heads. Unfortunately, Salvador was right and all it did was piss off the band of pirates. Just like kicking a bee hive; more pirates show up to the party and the enemy quickly multiples.

"Fuck, I hate it when Sal's right." Axton quickly packs his sniper and pulls out a Torgue Machine Gun.

At that moment Maya and Axton hear the Gunzerker yell, "Finally!" And they see him rush in with his guns blazing.

"How is he not dead?" Axton muses.

Maya ignores the question. "As promised, it's time for my surprise." Axton watches as his girlfriend's arm starts to glow. She raises her hand towards her targeted victim. The Commando shifts his sights to Oasis and he recognizes the deadly sphere as it plucks up an enemy. Then out of nowhere it sucks five more victims in before electrocuting them.

His eyes widen. "Holy shit! That was awesome! Six enemies in one move."

"Yeah, pretty cool but it tired out my arm more than I realized it would. I'm gonna need a moment." She sits behind the rock rubbing her tattooed arm.

"You ok?"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just help Zero and Salvador. I'll be right behind you." He looks at her with a questionable stare. "Being your girlfriend doesn't make me fragile. I'll be right behind you." She yells at him and nudges his arm.

Axton advances towards the town and joins the firefight. As promised, Maya jumps out from behind her cover and follows Axton into battle.

"Welcome to my lovely town of Oasis, strangers." A flaky voice greets them on the echo. "Now, IF YOU COULD PLEASE, SAVE ME FROM THE FILTHY SAND PIRATES TRYING TO STEAL MY WATER!"

The Vault Hunters are too enthralled with battle to even bat an eyelash at Shade. After a few minutes the team is victorious at the center of town and it appears to be clear of pirates.

Axton is standing in the middle of town next to his turret. He collapses his tool and faces the other Vault Hunters. "That wasn't so hard."

The silence is broken by Shade on the echo. "Now, all you have to do is find No-beard and kill him and the town will be safe."

Just as Shade utters the name No-beard, Axton looks to his left shoulder to find a dirty, grubby hand with a firm hold. Before, He can react, he feels a sharp pain. Then, something solid strikes the middle of his back through his pack lurching him forward a bit. He looks down and about five inches of a very pointy cutlass blade is protruding from his stomach.

Author's Note: Sorry PurpleNinjaCat278. No sexy time in this chapter only a huge cliffhanger. Unlike Maya, I am a tease. . . With my writing. ;-)

I'd hate to beg but please review. The insight from another party, whether positive or negative, is essential for improving my writing style in my novel. I must know what I am doing right and what I can improve upon. I am a big girl and I can take criticism. I do, however, apologize for some of the errors. I try to perfect my work by rereading it three times before posting it but proofing your own work is difficult. I infinitely thank those who have reviewed this story.