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Another chapter. I really am spoiling you. And it's slightly longer than the last few. I hope you like it.
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...
A Soldier's Last Stand.
Tell me, can I call you friend?
Dean.
There's something comforting about an enemy that can alight a deep suffocating rage. Who can drill resentment into a mind with each venomous word that escapes their lips. There's something amusingly pathetic about a man who takes his rage out on an unarmed woman. It's a true, cold-hearted man who can laugh at the face of a terrified girl. I watched as Zack taunted Tessa, clasping a thick, muscled hand onto her arm. I heard the dinner door swing open and tracked Nick's angry steps toward the pair and Tessa ripped herself free from Zack. Zack straightened, a grin of malice on his face and called out to someone. Two other men melted out of the afternoon light. Panic shot across Tessa's face as she cowered against Nick's side. I didn't like the way the tall, muscled man ran his gaze over Tessa's body. The gaze the shorter man shot at Nick spoke of pain and bloodshed. Then Zack raised his gaze, let it travel casually up the wall of the building until he found the window I was stationed at. There was a challenge in the smile that slipped onto his face.
And I understood.
Fight me or they get hurt.
"Fuck."
I shoved away from the window, pausing to riffle through my bag and pull a knife toward me. I slipped it into my coat pocket. I dashed down the stairs, the voices of the conflict reaching me as I entered the dinner. I snapped the sign to closed, thanking someone I didn't know that no customers had entered the dinner. The short man had taken a menacing step toward Nick when I placed myself in the heart of the group. A smug, knowing smile filtered onto Zack's face.
"Hello again Dean."
"Dude, don't you ever learn? I kicked your arse last time. Why are you here?"
"I brought friends." He informed me, motioning to the men like I hadn't seen them. "Wondered how you'd cope with them."
"Serious?" A snort of laughter left me. Zack raised an annoyed eyebrow. "You couldn't beat me so you ran to someone else? Can't fight your own battles?"
"Dean. Be careful." Nick warned me
"I can handle your buddies just fine." I disregarded Nick's caution. "And I'll wipe the floor with you. So who's first?"
Little and Large stepped toward me, their movements timed with each other. I slipped into a defensive stance, keeping my body protecting Tessa and Nick. When Large darted behind me, I span around, following his movements. The punch he shot at me was weak and messy, it bounced of my shoulder. I responded with a fist of my own, it slammed into his jaw. But the shift of my body had shown me Little as he positioned himself behind me.
One to distract. One to attack.
I growled, using the momentum of my body to turn and bring my fist into his stomach. Gasping he sank to his knees before me, I smirked.
"Larry!" Large cried, anger leaking into his tone.
The heavy, chaotic footsteps behind me alerted me to the furious man behind me. I ducked his fist but wasn't prepared to dodge the foot that slammed into my knee. White agony shot down the limb as I tumbled to the ground, unable to escape the next fist the rained down onto my chest. I snarled, lashing out with both legs, catching his ankles. He crashed down beside me, letting out a wounded howl of rage.
"Carl! Get up!" Larry ordered.
By now, Larry had staggered to his feet, his chest heaving in a rapid attempt to catch breath. He booted foot came to close to my temple as I scrambled to my feet. My retaliation was a swift jab to his face. I smiled in satisfaction when I felt bone give way beneath my fist. Carl's next fist did connect with my face, my healing lip tore open again. I spat blood onto the pavement, Tessa cringed in sympathy. Nick's eyes flashed me a warning that I ignored. My fist collided with Carl's temple, he crumpled silently to the ground. A startled cry left Larry's throat and he turned burning eyes to me. I smirked, letting a cocky swagger settle over me.
"That all you got?"
With my words, Larry let his sense escape him, let me take his mind. He swung at me, the burn of anger clouding his mind. I ducked and swung an aching leg at his feet. He didn't dodge and crashed to the ground, screaming in wordless rage. He swiped his hands at me, aiming for my throbbing knee. The stumbled steps I had take to avoid him, sent a spasm of pain down my leg, a wince washed across my face. He dived for me again, I lashed out, connecting my foot with his head. He slumped to the ground, I glared at his motionless form. Wiping blood away from my mouth, I turned to Zack, enjoying the fury blazing in his eyes.
"Next?"
Something metallic flickered in his hand, he moved to quick for me to track.
"DEAN!" Tessa screamed a warning
Instinct made me throw my hand up in front of my face. There was a sudden burning pain in my arm, I felt my skin rip apart, blood gushed down my arm. Tessa let out a horrified gasp, Nick's outburst was wordless hate. I shoved Zack away from me, reaching a burning hand into my coat pocket, extracting my knife from the material. It was then I understood that Zack had attempted to sink his own blade into my skin. Intended to violate my body with a steel blade. He had aimed for my face with almost deadly precision. I slashed my knife at Zack, he stumbled backward, surprise on his face. A mindless rage had captured my mind, the thirst for blood, the vengeance for my injuries was addictive. I barely registered Zack's cry of pain, barely realised he was on his back pressed against the ground.
"NO! DEAN! STOP IT!" Nick's frightened voice hit me like a knife. Clarity returned to me, I stifled a gasp. A thin river of blood was trailing from a cut on Zack's face. I was straddling his waist with my blade held to his throat. His eyes were goading me, daring me to shed more blood. "Back off Dean. You're better than this."
It wasn't Nick's voice that sent me reeling, sent me jerking to my feet in uncoordinated movements. It was the horror at my brutality, the sting of my fractured soul that let the hunter bleed into a mortal fight. The knowledge that I couldn't escape what I was running from, I couldn't escape my past. It was ingrained, pummelled into me through years of sweat and guns.
I resented my Dad even more.
It was a confused glance I sent to Nick as he gently disarmed me. He nodded to Tessa, she slipped her arm around my shoulders, pressing her hand to my still bleeding forearm. Zack caught my gaze and the promise of pain in his eyes sent a shudder around me.
"This isn't over. Watch your back, Dean." His poisoned threat made me growl.
"Leave him alone." Nick ordered.
Zack staggered clumsily to his feet. "Keep one eye on him, Nick. Someone might hurt him."
"Touch him and I'll finish what he started."
Nick's arm rested gently on my back and I let him push me toward the dinner. Zack's cold gaze followed me until the door swung shut behind us.
"Sit." Nick ordered.
Stubbornness flared in me but dimmed under his scorching gaze. Wordlessly I sank into a spare chair, it occurred to me that I'd sat here once before. Nick had tended to my split lip then.
"Tessa, fetch me a towel and a bowl of water. See if we have any bandages as well. And some ice." Nick instructed.
Tessa hurried away, her heels clicking on the tiled floors.
Nick lifted my bleeding arm close to his face. I studied the wound, it was smooth, precise but not damaging. I doubted it would scar.
"Don't think it'll need stitches. How's your leg, Dean?"
"It's fine." The words slipped so easily from my mouth.
"Don't lie to me. I saw you limp. So I'll ask again. How's your leg."
"Really it's fine."
Nick's face was too close to mine, I recoiled away from him, afraid he see darkness in my eyes. "Tell me the truth." He hissed. His voice sent shivers of shock around me. I didn't expect to feel fear in his presence.
I swallowed, uneasily. "It hurts." I whispered. "My knee."
He rolled my jean leg over my knee, ignoring my protests. Tessa appeared again, placing a bowl down beside me. She took my bleeding arm carefully in hers, her fingers so tender again torn flesh. She pressed a damp cloth to my arm, studying my reaction as I tensed beneath the sting. She smiled warmly as she continued to wash the blood away. Nick's prodding fingers had turned soft as he fingered my knee. He ran the pads of his fingers over the swelling muscle, clicking his tongue. He reached for the ice, securing it in a spare towel and held it to my knee. I flinched under the combination of pain and coldness but didn't pull back. Nick rested a hand on my uninjured knee, squeezing reassuringly. All hints of anger had left his eyes, there was only a compassion I didn't understand.
Is this kindness?...it's different...Dad's hands were always rough at times he brought more pain than the wounds...There was always hurry in his actions, always another hunt...there's nothing waiting for me after this...
...What do I do?...
Nick unrolled a bandage, propping my foot on his leg, he wrapped my injured knee. He'd done it before, there was knowledge in his movements. His hands were still so gentle, he tried not to jostle my leg. Tessa was humming softly under her breath as she reached for the spare bandage. Her movements wasn't quiet as sure as Nick's but she didn't hurt me. Nick lowered my jean leg again, letting it cover his work. I pulled my leg away from him and when Tessa released my arm, I tested the binding.
"It's strong. You've done this before." I commented.
"I grew up in a rough neighbourhood. It was important I knew first aid. I could patch my brother up." He shrugged.
"You have a brother? Older or younger?"
"Kevin. Three years older."
"You still see him?"
"No. Haven't for years. He left when I was seventeen and I was too stubborn to call him."
A ghost of pain rattled around my chest. Sam was sixteen when I walked away from him."You fought?"
"Mmm. Never did see eye to eye. He was the Golden Boy. I was just for show."
That's better than being a weapon.
"Did it hurt you? When he left?"
"Yeah. I regret everyday that I let him walk out that door. I miss him."
I saw the pain in his eyes, saw years of tears and regret. Somewhere inside, I wondered if I had left Sam to that fate. I didn't think it was possible for my brother to miss me. He'd barely acknowledged me before.
Tell me, Sammy. Will my absence change you? Is it possible I can return to Dad's melted heart? Will I see love in your eyes the next time I look into them? Or will there be a sea of endless hate?
"Oh." I mumbled.
"What about you? Got any siblings?"
"Little brother."
He saw my face, the fear and confusion buried deep inside me. "You argued, didn't you? Argued and you ran."
"It's complicated." I shrugged and turned away.
"Didn't you? I see regret in your eyes."
"Would you think poorly of me if I said yes?"
"No. You left for a reason. I understand that."
"I have no regrets over my decisions. I needed space."
Silence threatened us, I shuffled uncomfortably, throwing cautious glances over at the windows. The busy street meet my eyes, people hurrying past, unaware of the drama they missed minutes ago.
"Where on earth did you learn to fight like that, kiddo?" Nick spoke in awe.
A smirk found my lips. " Rough neighbourhood. I was the one defending my little brother. You learn a few tricks."
"A few tricks! You knocked out two guys and nearly maimed the other. You're deadly."
"I only ever fight for a reason. Besides, I need to earn my keep."
"Every time you get hurt, I'm taking money from your wages."
"W-What? Why?"
"Simple. I can't have you bleeding all over my clean floor. You only respond to threats, so that's mine. I'll take $50 from you for each cut."
"...Starting from...?"
"Tomorrow."
I grinned.
"I mean it, Dean."
"Yes, Sir!" I mocked saluted.
Tessa laughed as Nick snapped a towel playfully in my direction.
I laughed as a small boy danced around my feet, later that day. Free from Zack and blood, Nick had opened the dinner. The steady stream of people had been enough to distract my mind from my dark thoughts. As promised, Nick had put me to work at once, shoving me out front, balancing orders with flirting. I watched the child dart under the legs of a fat man, he let out a jolly laugh in response. There was childish innocent in the smile the boy shot at the man.
"Adam! Come here." A redheaded women called.
"Yes, mummy." The boy turned on his heel and headed back for his mother.
I wandered over to their table, flipping to a clean sheet of paper. Adam grinned up at me, I flashed him a smile back. The women turned an attractive face to me, she sent me a flirtatious smile. When my lips curved back, her cheeks dusted red.
"What can I get you?"
"Pizza and Soda!" Adam declared.
"All right, Little man. And you ma'am?"
I smirked as her blush deepened in colour. "T-The same."
I scribbled their order down, laughing as Adam sent the pepper pot hurtling down the table. I turned on my heel, heading for the open window separating the customers and the kitchen. I handed Nick the paper.
"Another order, man. How's it going with the food?"
"Fine." Nick grunted as he tossed the order to a weedy man behind him. "Here, Ben, start on this."
"Yes, sir!" Ben disappeared into the heart of the kitchen.
"How's your first day, Kiddo?"
"Don't call me that. It's good."
"Mmm. And how many numbers did you get?" A frown with a smile dancing on the edges was present on his face.
"A couple but strictly for emergencies."
"Of course." He didn't believe me but I had amused him anyway. "Go on. Stop flirting with the customers."
"Spoil my fun!" I accused.
"Nick!" A older man with greying hair sauntered up to Nick. I watched Nick roll his eyes in mock annoyance. Randy...this man's name was Randy. "Let the boy have his fun while he can. Go for it, Dean."
"Thanks, Randy." I shot Nick a smug grin.
"Don't encourage him, Randy. He's bad enough already." He whipped a spoon at my hand. Laughing I pulled away. "Go on, scram!"
Waving a playful goodbye to Randy, I headed back toward the tables and word that had been foreign for years in my mind.
I'm...Happy...
Nick paused outside the apartment door, later that night. I stepped aside and invited him in, confusion swirling inside me. Nick folded his arms across his chest as he leant against the wall beside the bookcase.
"Look, Dean, it's none of my business but I don't want you to make the same mistakes I did." He paused, assessing my reactions to his words that held no meaning. Silently, I sat down on the seat opposite him. " I messed up with my brother. He's twenty-seven and I haven't sent him a birthday card for the last nine years. I miss him every day of my stupid life. I don't know where he is. I could have nieces or nephews for all I know. As my brother walked out that front door, I told him I hated him. I spat a vicious lie and those may well be the last words I ever say to him. And the guilt eats away at me."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Because, despite my harsh words and my lack of affection, I loved him. I loved Kevin so much. I worshipped him, he taught me so much but by the time he left we'd drifted apart."
"What does this have to do with me?"
"You could die tomorrow, Dean. And your brother would never know. I look into your eyes and I see a frightened, proud runaway. And you need time, I understand that but you can't abandon your family after one fight."
"How about after a lifetime of fights? Can I abandon them then?"
Nick took no notice of my defensive words. "Call him, Dean."
With that he left, his words ringing in my head and polluting the air. I buried my head in my hands and really thought about my family.
Sammy...should I return to you...?...What's to say it'll be any different? Can I honestly say I know you've missed me, like I've missed you?
...I can't...I'm not sure I'll ever be ready to face you...
"Mum. I know you're probaly sick of hearing me but I really need you. What should I do? Follow my heart or turn back? Give me a sign mum, please."
When memories surfaced in my mind, I knew my choice was made.
I choose to stay. I can't lose something I don't have.
I can't lose you, Sammy because I lost you years ago.
...
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