I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for the wait but I had finals to finish up. Also the winner for the Plot in regards to my Sequel is PLAN#1 since it has the most votes.
They'd been walking for what felt like forever. Morning turned into noon when Dr. Reyes said that the nearest town was 20 miles away she must've been under exaggerating because quite a few members of the group can agree that their feet are absolutely killing them from all the walking. Rahne was almost tempted to shift into her wolf form and just run like the wind until she found the next town herself because she loved running, hell she couldn't get enough of it. Roberto had the unpleasant luxury of listening to Illyana's whining and complaints.
Dani and Sam where up ahead of the others and trying to keep it that way. Unfortunately out of all the others Clint was having the toughest time for one reason and that reason being a certain alien organism torturing his inner thoughts with his dark whiny voice.
Are we there yet? I am hungry! Venom vented mentally.
The annoyed look on Clint's face says it all that he's about this close to losing it if Venom keeps this up any fucking longer.
Clint closed his eyes taking a deep breath in trying to relieve some of the stress that his passenger is currently putting onto his shoulders.
"For the last….fucking time we…are…NOWHERE!!" Clint whispered to Venom before yelling out loud for all the others to hear. A mixture of annoyance and frustration in his tone that is enough to make Rahne jump backs little putting a hand over her heart.
Clint notices and looks to her, "Sorry Rahne it's just he," pointing at his head, "makes the phrase 'Peace and Quiet' look like some bullshit slogan on a bumper sticker." He explains.
Venom takes control of Clint's arm and causes his host to slap himself right across his own face. This causes Rahne to giggle a little. Illyana who was also listening intently at the dark haired boy's sudden outburst had looked Clint's way to notice the sudden action it was beyond amusing for Illyana as she let out a nice long laugh to match slapping herself on the thigh.
"Well it seems you two are getting along just fine to me he seems to like you a lot Clint." Illyana says in her think Russian accent happily.
Clint gives her a mocking laugh back in return, "Ha ha ha, yeah very funny Mother Russia, well at least I actually can talk to him which is more than I can say for that little purple washcloth you carry around with you all the time." He fires back pointing at Lockheed in her back pants pocket.
Illyana gives Clint the finger before turning back around. Clint just smiles at her reaction feeling a lot better all of a sudden he wasn't a complete asshole but he did enjoy getting a rise out of the sassy blonde whenever he could.
Clint ducks his head down and off to the side, "What the hell was that for?" Clint demandingly whispers to Venom who if he could would look as grumpy as the dwarf himself.
That was just a warning, if I don't find food soon I will eat out your liver! Venom warns.
Clint raises a fist that only he can see, before punching the air lowering it back down again letting out a frustrated grunt moaning tilting his head back.
"Aww! Where the hell are we, there's nothing but road that we've been walking down for 500 years and we're gonna keep walking down this road for 500 more before we even come remotely close to any damn civilization!" Clint groans.
Rahne hasn't really brought up anything to Clint about the alien she saw when they were fighting the demon bear back at the church facility. But one thing she does know for sure based on the kind of strength it's got she's she praying to the lord that it remains on their side because it looks like it and Clint aren't exactly getting along at the moment.
Sam adjusts his baseball cap, "What the hell's got your britches in a bunch?" Sam humorless asks.
Clint scratches the back of his head. "Well apparently Symbiotes have a very ravenous appetite and constantly need food and if we don't find some soon I'm pretty sure he's either gonna eat me inside out or hijack my body and eat all of you, except Rahne possibly since he seems to like her as much as I do." Clint says casually as if it were a normal thing to say.
Everyone stops in their tracks and all eyes turn toward him wide and alert.
"Seriously that thing wants to eat us why don't you just tell it to sit or something?" Roberto asks.
Clint rolls his eyes at this, "Roberto, first off it's a 'he' not an 'it', second he's not a dog he thinks and feels just like any of us." Clint explains.
Just like that the group continues their walk although Rahne couldn't help but notice the part where she was told that Clint likes her given that they've already shared their first kiss together and touched each other and saved each other's lives all in the last two days she and Clint had yet to discuss the nature of their relationship if that's what you'd call it but as far as she knew Rahne wouldn't mind having a relationship with Clint even if it meant including an alien into the equation.
Speaking of which was the reason she walked right up to Clint tapping his shoulder. Clint turned to her with a warm smile.
"Hey!" Rahne squeaked out.
Clint nods back, "Hey."
Rahne brushes back a loose strand of her short red hair, clearing her throat trying to find the right words which is kind of hard considering she's never been this kind of situation before, ever!
"Well…I was just wondering….where you stand on all of this on…..on us?" Rahne hesitantly asks so embarrassed that she can barely keep eye contact with him.
Clint's eyes widen in surprise. Wow! Did not see that one coming. Clint scratches the back of his head letting out a nervous chuckle. Honestly he kind of expected this sooner or later it was unavoidable the connection that he currently has going on with Rahne not that he didn't like it, quite the opposite actually considering his losing streak when it comes to beautiful women even more so with ones that have a deep emotional connection and understanding of him and when his mom died he had to reinforce his heart to keep it from shattering all over again but didn't really do a good job at that. But there is something about Rahne Sinclair that fills in the empty void in his chest a she a piece of his heart that had been missing for far too long Clint wanted her in his life more than anything.
"Well actually I hadn't really thought about….us since the attack actually." Clint admitted.
Rahne finally was able to meet his gaze at those words. "What do you mean?" She asks slightly.
"Well when I saw what that bear was going to do to you I'd felt more scared shitless then I ever have been in my entire life with the exception of my mom that is, but that's why I was screaming my head off of my fucking shoulders for my friend to save you because I care about you a lot Rahne despite the fact that all of us are probably going to be looking over our shoulders for the rest of our lives I know that as long as I'm with you that everything going to be alright." Clint says softly.
Rahne can feel her heart flutter at those words, along with something else something…hot like her body's on fire.
Clint notices this as she begins sweating slightly, "You okay?" He asks concerned.
Rahne just nods, "Yeah It's just a wee bit hot out today is all." She says but ultimately lies.
Clint clears his throat, "Anyways but what my point is I want what we have between us, I-I mean I want you, I I-I mean I want to…be with you Rahne and I'm willing to wait as long as you want-" he didn't get a chance to finish as Rahne mashed her lips onto his silencing him.
Oh and boy could he feel the passion, God! Her lips felt so hot. Clint returned the gesture they both stayed there for a moment or so before breaking apart for air.
It took a minute for Clint to be able to open his eyes he honestly didn't think Rahne was the kind of girl to take charge but it was a great turn on in his opinion. When he finally did he saw the big smile on Rahne's face.
"Oookay…so that happened, and you're not pissed at me for being forward?" Clint asks obliviously as to Rahne's reaction to his little confession.
This earns him a laugh from her, "No you weren't forward at all Clint if I'm being honest with myself I feel the same way about you too, and I want to explore what we feel for each other too." Rahne says sweetly her happy smile never faltering once.
Clint returns the smile taking her hands into her's. "Remind me when we get a moment alone to let me take you out on a proper date." Humor clear in his voice but yet serious at the same time.
Their moment is interrupted by the sound of gagging from up ahead and the source is none other than Illyana making one of those sick gagging looks sticking her tongue out pointing inside her mouth.
They both turn their heads her way, Rahne looks annoyed, Clint just chuckles, "And the award for best moment ruiner goes to, Illyana Rasputin!" Pretending to congratulate her like someone at the oscars.
"Hey guys look!" Dani calls out from up ahead. The group catches up as they see what she's pointing at.
A dark green sign saying 'LAYTONVILLE' 3 MILES AHEAD.
There are a few sighs of relief amongst a few of the others in the group.
"Finally, if I had to spend one more second to the dog and the alien making out I would blow chunks." Illyana said with a wave of a hand straightening out her leather jacket taking the lead.
"I all I care about is if they have a grocery store or diner in this town?" Clint says. Taking Rahne's hand in his walking together.
Sam hear's his stomach growl, "I second that maybe we should get something to eat first before we do anything else." Sam agrees.
"Yeah, only one small problem there Kentucky, you need money to buy food, and money is somthing that none of us currently have remember!" Roberto interjects.
Clint scoffs, "Says the son of the Brazilian billionaires and the thing about bullionares is that they do a lot of traveling so don't tell me that your folks set up a back account in the good old USA." He says slightly complaining.
"Or we could just use this." Illyana offers not looking back behind or stopping for that matter. Taking a small wallet out of her jacket pocket.
"Is that Reyes'?" Dani asks.
"Uh huh." Illyana replies.
"Where'd you get that?" Roberto asks.
"I found it in her desk before we left don't think she'll have much use for it anymore." Illyana comments.
"How much cash does she have?" Clint wonders.
"Over 300 with a hundred and a few fifties and two twenties. And a credit card." She responds.
"Okay well I say we use the cash first for food and supplies then use the credit card for the nearest hotel we can find!" Clint suggests.
"And who the hell made you leader?" Illyana asks challengingly.
"No one but I'm thinking that the bastards that Reyes reports to are going to come looking themselves when they realize she isn't checking in like she's suppose to anymore and since that her credit card they're going to ping our location the minute you make a charge so the longer we wait to use it the more time we have." Clint explains.
"Whatever! Fine you want to stuff your faces be my guest then." Illyana carelessly says tossing the wallet towards Clint who catches it with ease.
20 minutes later they arrive at the town of Laytonville and see that it isn't a very big town but it's not too small either as the group observes the buildings as they scout for a store or diner when out of the corner of Rahne's sharp eye she spots one.
"There!" She points out.
A little further to the side is a small outdoor restaurant called 'THE NEW KITCHEN' it's not fancy per say but it sure as hell is better than nothing.
They see that there aren't too many people around which in a way makes them stand out a bit but as long as they play it cool they should be fine.
They stroll up to the counter and order up a few burgers with a side of fries. And some sodas. Clint pulls out a twenty and gives it to the waitress once their orders arrive.
Not a single one of them wastes any time for their food to cool down and just dig right in. There are a few moans emanating from Roberto, Sam, and Clint.
"What's gotten into you guys?" Dani asks taking a bite out of her fry.
The boys all give the small Native American the 'seriously' look as if she didn't understand the very significance of the delicacy they were savoring the taste of in their mouths.
"I haven't had food this good in almost a year now, I'm surprised you ladies aren't enjoying this as much as us?" Roberto responds with a mouthful of his cheeseburger that he's currently holding in his hands.
Illyana rolls her eyes in disgust, "Because unlike you obnoxious pigs we prefer to stay in shape." She fires back, pointing to herself, Dani, and Rahne.
Clint looks at her darkly freezing mid bite, "Are you accusing guys of being naturally fat and careless, because I'm telling you right now if we didn't find this place I'd have my friend, eat you first, and for the record…this," pointing in tiny circles at himself, "Is all prime condition, got that…Comrade!" He argues resuming to eat his burger.
Illyana gave Clint a small icy glare before resuming to eat her own meal.
Clint's eyes turn pitch black and Venom takes over. Eyeing the burger with lusty desire, one second and several bites later Venom pulled off the classic food disappearing act on Clint's burger. Soon after his eyes return back to their normal color the black fading out of the edges.
Yummy! Venom mentally noted graciously.
However Clint didn't share the same opinion as his awareness came back to notice Venom scarfed down his entire burger.
"Are you kidding me, I know you said you needed some chow, but really did you have to nab the whole burger?" Clint asks completely in disbelief.
I needed it more than you, because you know the alternative and that is me being generous. Venom explains.
"Yeah, but you're not considerate enough to leave anything for me." Clint complains.
I left you the fries didn't I? Venom points out.
Clint scoffs, "Yeah well maybe I wanted a little something more than fries, because in case you've forgotten I'm the one that's been walking for fucking ever and I need a little something too and we only have limited cash at the moment and I sure as hell ain't gonna waste any on another burger, but you said it yourself if I go down you go down, and I doubt that any of the present company would be a suitable host for you!"
Venom groans, Fine! I'm sorry, there you happy?
Clint gives a side nod picking up a few of his fries off the plate in front of him, "Good enough for now." He says accepting the apology because he knew he wasn't going to get any more from Venom at the moment. Taking the fries putting them into his mouth eating them up in one gulp.
Once everyone finished their food and drinks, Roberto reached out to the closest waitress who seemed to be a year or two older then majority of the group, "Hey sweetie," grabbing the waitress's attention stoping to face the tanned dark haired guy who seemed to be giving her a flirtatious look, "You wouldn't happen to know if there are any hotels nearby, me and my friends here are just passing through and need a place to crash for the night?" Roberto asks the slightly older girl who appears to be unaffected by his charms.
"Yeah there's a few in town, but the nearest one is a mile up the main road and to the left." The waitress replies pointing at the main road.
Sam adjusts his maroon cap nodding at the waitress, "Thanks a lot we really appreciate it ma'am." He casually thanks her.
The waitress looks at Sam giving him a playful smile, "Sure thing cutie, hopefully you're not passing through too soon." She says giving Sam a wink before walking away.
Sam's face is as red as a tomato, while Roberto's expression is one of complete shock, and we all know why that is. And so do the others in the group Dani has to suppress a laugh covering her mouth with her hand, Rahne let's a few giggles, Clint doesn't bother trying to hide his humor throwing his head back clapping his hand a few times sarcastically congratulating Roberto and neither does Venom who also witnessed the small display and is currently internally laughing, but Illyana's the one who is enjoying this the most letting out a maniacal laugh.
"I believe that's what you would call an epic fail, right?" Illyana humorously asks the paralyzed form of Roberto who doesn't respond or acknowledge her.
"Maybe it's the accent, some babes always do have a thing for that southern hick spunk?" Clint interjects gasping for air calming down enough to be able to speak again but is still chuckling nonetheless.
"Or maybe it's just because Berto is putting up a facade, beneath that strong suave spoiled rich boy exterior is an insecure virgin who just can't get any, because he has no game?" Illyana adds on putting her fist under her chin leaning against the table top with a dirty smirk.
This finally snaps Roberto out of his trance arching an eyebrow looking offended at Illyana. "Oh I have insecurities! Says the Russian that's got an attitude colder than Siberia giving off this alpha bitch act, but when comes down to a real fight all it takes is a little smiley face to make her break out into tears!" Roberto fires back but immediately regrets what came out of his mouth.
Illyana's expression is one of anger seeing as Roberto hit a personal nerve with the blonde. Illyana huffs standing up grabbing Lockheed stuffing him in her back pocket walking off. Roberto gives a regretful look turning to try and stop her.
"Illy…I-I didn't mean-" He tries to apologize but she completely ignores him stomping off.
The others give disapproving looks but understand that Roberto wasn't trying to hurt Illyana. Roberto puts his face in his hands letting out a small groan.
"Hey don't beat yourself up dude, she just needs to cool off for a bit." Clint tells the Brazilian boy.
"Well I say we get going and find us a nice place to hit the hay!" Sam puts out there standing up.
The others give a few murmurs and nods of agreement. Leaving the diner and walk back out onto the main road for about a mile or so where they see a small one story hotel downhill sign reading the 'BUDGET INN'. And luckily it wasn't too packed there were a few cars parked in the lot.
They went to the front desk inside and rang the bell. A minute later a woman in her mid thirties came along.
"Can I help you?" She asks.
"Yeah, we were just passing through but decided to stop for the night since our car broke down about an hour and a half back and the mechanic's shop is closed and we were wondering if you have any rooms available?"
Clint asks. Trying to sell the story covering all the possible angles this woman could bring up.
The woman just eyes the group for a moment to notice most of them look dirty and exhausted and a few of them don't even look old enough to vote yet. But she dissuades it and checks the log.
After a moment she turns back to the teens, "We got a two bedroom king sized with an adjoining one bedroom but the rest are occupied." The woman offers.
Almost immediately Clint snaps his fingers, "We'll take it!" He eagerly says to the woman.
"Uh which one?" She reiterates the question.
"Both of them if we can, you said their adjoining rooms right?" Clint asks making sure they have access to each other.
"Yes they are connected." The woman confirms.
"Good then we'll take them both please?" Clint confirms fishing out the credit card from Dr. Reyes' wallet, handing it to the woman who runs it through before handing it back. She hands him to card keys.
"You'll be in rooms 111 and 112 at the end." The woman explains. Clint thanks her as he and the others walk down the hall to see the rooms Clint hands Sam the other key while he takes the one in his hands sliding it it the slot and opening the door.
Inside the walls are green with brown on the back wall behind the beds there are two king sized ones with neatly made pillows pure white and off by the opened curtain window is a small round table with two chairs and a large black TV on a dresser. And a small lamp in the middle of the room. Off to the back was a small refrigerator and microwave on top with a small bathroom with the average sink, toilet, and shower to complete the ensemble.
Obviously this must be the two king sized bedroom. He's definitely sleeping in this room. Not!!! believe it or not Clint actually preferred a little piece and quiet every now and then wouldn't be such a bad thing especially when you already have an alien screaming in your own head 24/7. Eventually Clint would just ask to take the one bedroom and if they others refused namely Illyana. But Clint knew that the others would be more reasonable possibly?
Rahne and Roberto followed in behind Clint their eyes roaming the room. Clint tossed the key card down onto the bed sitting onto the edge of the covered mattress letting out a breath slowly.
Roberto was looking at the corners of the room and ceiling. "Well at least the room is bigger and there are no security cameras and microphones watching us all the time." He jokes, looking to the others but Rahne and Clint just stare at him blankly not sharing the humor in the joke. Causing Roberto to quit his chuckling.
The door off to the side of the room next to the dresser and TV connecting to the other room swings open. And out comes Sam leaning in the doorway his good hand hanging onto the doorknob while the casted one is hanging on the doorway itself.
"Hey guys it's not bad over here smaller but still pretty spacious in my eyes." Sam says.
Clint stood up from the bed and walked into the other room just as soon as Sam got out of the way allowing the others in. Rahne and Roberto just stuck their heads in while Clint walked in and saw the room was a lot more spacious it had a desk in the corner, with a small rolling chair and lamp light. There was the same small refrigerator and microwave on top and a bathroom and a small lounge chair on the left next to the bed that wasn't king sized but queen sized for sure at least. And a small dresser with a lamp and clock on the right side of the bed.
Clint nodded to himself, oh yeah he's definitely taking this room.
Everybody jumped at the sudden flash of bright blue light appearing in the middle of the room to show Illyana looking at the others unsurprised at their reactions.
"What?" Illyana asks not getting why their so scared she did it all the time at the hospital so why is it any surprise for them now.
Clint it the first one to speak from behind her, "What? I'll tell you 'what' is that there are still a lot of people in the world and possibly in this town that don't exactly show their good side to a bunch of mutants and a alien with a host. So the last thing I'd expect you to do is use your powers out in the open for everyone else to see!" Clint warns almost like a whisper in case someone was walking by outside.
There were a few side nods and shrugs from the others who had to admit he has a point. Clearly Illyana didn't understand the meaning of being discreet.
"I do as I please alien boy, and if you have a problem with that you can go and your alien can go fuck yourselves, or you can kiss my ass, I prefer the former for you though." Illyana scoffs with her sassy attitude in its prime currently.
Roberto couldn't help but let out a small laugh. Aside from the little argument that happened earlier, the way he hurt Illyana by getting personal about something that he should know damn well is none of his business and is something that he knows nothing about. It pained him more than he let on to the other, and now that Illyana is back he's mentally trying to work up the courage and nerve to give her a apology.
Clint wanted to say something but no words came out of his mouth that opened and closed a few times. Grunting out of defeat, "Fine! Do what you want but for the sake of the rest of us please keep your power usage to a minimum so can you at least maintain somewhat of a low profile?" Clint asks adamantly, because he knew that Illyana was one stubborn and prideful bitch and he'll take what he can get from her at the moment.
Illyana sighs rolling her eyes to the ceiling, "Whatever, I won't use my powers…for now at least." She says walking off into the other bedroom.
Clint throws his arms up to his sides once she's out of the room and out of hearing distance looking to the heavens. "Why me?" He asks the big guy, letting his arms fall back to his sides returning to his normal body posture.
A few hours pass by as night time comes around and darkness falls outside with a few cars, trucks and a semi pass by on the highway outside. The hotel sign is now lit up and so are several of the rooms with a few out for those early sleepers.
At the end of the building in rooms 111 and 112 behind the closed curtains. Are the others who have the lamps on in both rooms and keep the door adjoining them wide opened for them to be able to walk in and out easily between the rooms. In the two bedroom is Dani sitting on the bed closest to the door with Sam sitting in a chair by the small table, Roberto is sitting on the edge of the other bed with his elbows on his knees and his arms dangling in between his legs while Illyana is standing to the right of him leaning her back against the wall without her leather jacket which she took off leaving her arms and skin exposed due to the heat of the room. Her arms are crossed against her chest. They all are watching the TV on the dresser that happens to have very limited channels unfortunately. After 20 minutes earlier of flipping through channels they all finally decide to just stick to the news channel that they have been watching ever since.
In the one bedroom is Clint sitting at the small desk with the small lamp light on looking at the town brochure and map that usually come with most hotels and listing off the current information about the town and what's in it and all that other tourist shit and stuff.
The good news for Clint is that they are currently still the US and better than that they are in California which means that they're not that far away from San Francisco….which worried Clint because every time he thought of that city only one thought comes to his mind his Uncle Eddie. Ever since Clint was dragged off to the hospital by the Life Foundation that it was still unknown what happened to his uncle and if he was even still alive. Luckily there was a bus station in town and did long distance travel. From Laytonville to San Francisco was approximately a 3 hour drive and no way in Hell were they walking that far, on foot it would take a week at least and we all saw how cranky everyone was today by going only just a few hours to the nearest town.
Clint was planning to share his plan with the rest of the group later but for now he just wanted to rest for a bit. Clint stood up from the desk stretching out his arms over his head letting out a much needed yawn walking over the bed flopping down on it with his back against the headboard turning on the TV setting the remote by his side.
Meanwhile Rahne was taking a nice hot shower a few feet away in the bathroom with the door shut. She had told Clint and the others that she was filthy and needed a good rinse off. The warm running water running down her naked body and her wet short red hair. She had dealt with so much in the past day she needed something to take her mind off of everything at the moment.
Reaching for the nozzle turning it off she stepped out of the shower grabbing a fresh white towel wrapping it around her body drying herself off looking at her reflection in the semi-foggy mirror in front of her and was satisfied with what she saw her pale skin now all spotless and clean smiling to herself.
A few minutes later Rahne emerged from the bathroom fully clothed in the same cloths she wore since this morning given she didn't have any others. Her hair still damp, she saw Clint sitting up on the bed watching the television. He looked her way for a second and noticed how nice she looked regardless that she was wearing the same attire before she went off to take a shower but she looked cleaner in a way her face was definitely brighter from his point of view.
Rahne smiled at him shyly, Clint smiled back at her, walking around the bed to sit right next to him but still kept a small gap between themselves.
At this point Clint wasn't really paying attention to the TV anymore, his gaze focused on the young woman right next to him who is slightly blushing. Rahne's hands resting her lap, her upper body tensed up trying to keep herself from leaning onto Clint. Who noticed the tension on the small redhead.
Clint was sorely tempted to put his right arm around Rahne and pull her against him as a way of saying that he didn't mind, but even though they'd their bodies had already touched against each other in a much more intimate position and manner, still the heat of the moment as well as the realization that they were alone together made them both forget.
Luckily for Clint, Venom wasn't affected as much.
What are you waiting for get in there and smash that ass you know you want it and so does she. Venom's voice rang out in Clint's head.
This finally brought him back down to earth again with a look of disgust crossing his face.
Clint almost responded outloud but immediately remembered Rahne was right next to him and the last thing he wanted was to have to explain what Venom just wanted him to do.
Are you just that forward? Does the word 'consent' mean anything to you or do you just what you want and to hell with the consequences to you're host? And besides that's way too fast for Rahne, I haven't even taken her out on a proper date yet all I wanted to do was just put my arm around her and let her rest against me! Clint mentally responded hoping that it worked if Venom could do it why couldn't he.
Sure, sure! Remember Clint I am inside your head, I hear your thoughts, I feel your feelings and no I am not that forward but considering the shit you two have already done together I'm surprised you are still not confident enough to just make a move as simple as this. Venom explained.
Clint was about to respond but Venom actually had a good point he and Rahne have already made out and there was that little confession this morning so what the Hell is he worried about, must be a natural response from so much rejection from other girls.
Looking back to Rahne who is who is looking at the TV, Clint slowly and carefully slides his right arm around her shoulders. Causing Rahne to look at his hand that was currently resting on her right shoulder and turns back to look at Clint who meets her gaze with a warm smile.
"Hope you don't mind but I just felt like doing this cause it seemed like you could use a little comfort, if that's alright with you?" Clint asks confidently yet still slightly worried at the same time.
Rahne cheeks as completely flushed, but she smiles sweetly back, "I don't mind at all I rather enjoying myself in your arms." She responds which makes Clint blush this time.
Knowing that he's got the green light he gets bolder and pulls Rahne's upper body against his savoring her warmth or her body pressed against his. She leans her head against his shoulder and gives a relaxed sigh telling him how much she's enjoying this.
That's more like it! Venom comments but Clint doesn't say anything, wanting to enjoy this moment for as long as it lasts.
Which as usual isn't for long as Sam enters the room pausing for a moment noticing the position he finds the two of them in and gives a teasing smile before telling them that somethings on in the other room.
Rahne and Clint detach themselves from each other getting off of the bed going into the other room hearing the volume on the TV cranked up as an exclusive news report that is big enough to make national news.
Apparently the X-Men thwarted another anti-mutant terrorist plot or something. The current news anchor a lady lists off a few names like (Storm, Quicksilver, Cyclops, Nightcrawler, etc).
This earns a chuckle from Roberto once the report passes.
Sam who was standing next to him looks down seeing the amused look on his face. "What?" He asks.
Roberto looks up and shakes his head at him, "Nothing it's just…kinda makes you wonder where some these guys get their names from?" He says honestly.
Sam chuckles at that, "Why? You think you can come up with a better one, or better yet are you thinking of giving you yourself a codename?" Sam asks him.
Roberto gives him an incredulous look, "Why would I? I'm not an X-Men, and honestly even though I burnt a slender man knockoff and fought a giant demon bear doesn't mean I need one." He responds.
Sam just shrugs tipping his baseball cap up to scratch his head, bringing it back down again. "Well just because ya ain't an X-Man doesn't mean ya can't have a little nickname." He argues.
Roberto can't help but agree that Sam does have a point. "Okay then if you insist what've you got for me Kentucky?" Roberto asks.
The others in the room have been listening intently to the conversation as Illyana moves to mute the tv so they can hear.
"How about Solar Flare?" Sam puts out there.
Roberto makes a hum but ultimately shakes his head, "Tempting but not feeling it." He states.
"What about Sunburn?" Clint interjects, trying to stifle a laugh, Rahne slightly snickers at his remark even she had to admit that was funny.
Roberto give Clint an annoyed look, "Very funny." He responds.
"Sunspot!" Illyana suggests.
Roberto turns around to face her, "after all you do turn into a mini sun, or in this case a sunspot." Illyana explains.
Roberto arches an eyebrow at her looking at the ground, liking the sound of it, "I like it, Sunspot it is!" Roberto says proudly.
He looks back to Illyana again, "What about you what are you going to call yourself?"
Illyana seriously thinks that over for a moment.
"Magik!" Illyana answers.
"Magic?" Roberto questions.
"Yes with a 'k' instead of a 'c'." She explains.
"Seriously, what about Demon Slayer or Limbo Knight?" Roberto offers as alternatives.
Illyana gives him a look that tells him all he needs to know and shuts his mouth.
"What about you Kentucky? Got any options?" Roberto asks turning back to Sam.
Sam scratches the back of his neck for a moment thinking. "I got nothing really!" He admits in defeat.
"Cannonball!" Rahne says.
Sam turns her way, "You know because that's what you do you blast off 0 to 100 like a cannonball." Rahne explains.
"Cannonball, yeah sure ya can call me that if ya want." Sam says taking up the name, the turns to Dani who is on the bed next to him.
"What about Dani? Got anything for her?" Sam asks Rahne who turns to the dark haired Native American who look back at her intently interested.
Rahne shrugs in defeat.
"Mirage!" Clint says.
Dani looks his way, "I think that their a little more than just mirages I bring fears to life and make people face them." She argues.
"Yeah true but in the end that's all they are just a mirage!" Clint explains.
Dani takes a moment but nods getting the meaning besides it sounds mysterious just like her powers.
"And for you I'm thinking-" Clint says pointing to Rahne whose standing next to him, scratching his chin looking up.
"Wolfsbane!" He says snapping his fingers.
Rahne gives him a confused look, "Isn't wolfsbane the thing that allegedly kills werewolves?" She points out.
Clint shrugs, "Yes I see the irony but it's catchy and unique just like you." He says.
Rahne smiles picking up on the part where Clint called her unique. She did like the name better than being called 'Doggy' that's for sure.
"What about you?" Rahne asks nudging him.
"I'm not a mutant remember I'm just enhanced and bonded to a alien symbiotic organism." Clint reminds her.
"You don't need to be a mutant to give yourself a name." Rahne defends.
Clint chuckles at her enthusiasm.
"Venom!" Clint decides.
The others looks confused at his choice.
Roberto laughs, "What kind of name is Venom? And why it's not like it makes you poisonous or anything?"
Clint looks at him and smirks smartly, "It's his name the symbiote inside of me, what you didn't think that he didn't have one?"
Roberto stops laughing seeing that Clint is dead serious.
Clint takes a few steps forward towards Roberto.
"And to answer your other question no he doesn't make me poisonous literally but when I think about it figuratively is that separate we're nothing but together we're like poison to our enemies, toxic and dangerous to anyone that comes after us or anyone that we care about…..we…are-" Clint cuts off as his entire body becomes engulfed in a black mass that grows into a bulking muscular figure that is over 7ft and almost hits the ceiling as a pair of fangs swallow up Clint's head bringing out a creature with an elongated tongue and pure white eyes.
"VENOM!" His alter ego's namesake finishes looking down at Roberto who was paler than a ghost.
"And don't you forget it! Got it!" Venom warns pushing a finger to Roberto's chest who nods quickly fear plastered all over his features rushing throughout his body.
"Good." Venom says standing back up straight nearly hitting the ceiling. Turning to see jaws dropped to the ground and all eyes on him.
"I suppose I am a bit much for all of you." Venom says retreating back into Clint who appears shaking his shoulders.
A black tendril forms out of his back in the shape of a face, Venom's face the tendril itself is fluid. Honestly the others don't feel any less intimidated except Illyana of course, but they do feel in awe of the way Venom is connected to Clint it just goes to show symbiotic they are.
"There, that better?" Venom asks the others turning his bodiless head left and right looking at the shocked expressions of the others in the room who are overwhelmed.
Clint rolled his eyes to himself, "Oh yeah they're better, their just still staring to try and see if they can fool you!" He says sarcastically as can be.
Venom just eyes Clint if he could give him a intimidating look he'd be doing it right now.
Roberto looks in both shock and awe, "that is dope as fuck" he says at the tendril.
Venom looks at Roberto, "Thank you, I don't even try." He comments as if he were blushing.
Clint just scoffs at that, such a show off.
"Yeah yeah that's enough for now alright so I'll do the talking, if you will let me?" Clint suggests.
"Fine but one last thing?" Venom reluctantly says before turning his head to Rahne extending his tendril out a bit until their faces are a few feet away. "For the record you are very sexy he's just too shy to admit how much you really turn him on or should I say…us!" Venom flirtatiously comments.
Rahne is rendered speechless trying to hide her face from all the other eyes on her in the room.
While Clint on the other hand has his eyes wide in utter shock and even a bit of mortification, his jaw has gone slack, and his face is redder than a tomato, grasping at the tendril itself pulling Venom back.
"Are you serious!!" Clint madly whispers turning away from everyone else still holding Venom's head close.
"What I was just telling her the truth about how we feel since you weren't going to do it anytime soon." Venom barely whispers back.
Clint shakes his head using his free hand to slap himself in the face. "Well obviously you are a little rusty in social skills and mannerism because on our world you don't just go up to people and tell them that you have the hots for them, some might like it others might not but the point is that you moved too fast for her and made me feel like a perv!" He explains.
"Fine!" Venom whipped his head out of Clint's grasp and back at Rahne. "I'm sorry for being honest but you are very pretty Rahne!" Venom says small hints of sarcasm laced into his voice. Before he retreats back into Clint the black dissipating beneath his clothing and skin.
Clint slumps his shoulders leaning against the wall and sighs out of frustration. God he's never going to shape him up.
Clint finally opens his eyes to see everyone else in the room with the exception of Rahne looking rather amused especially Illyana, at the scene that was just caused.
"Well at least you guys know what I'm tuning into all the time now whether I like it or not." Clint humorless says earning a hard slap across the face from his own left hand.
That does it for Illyana who falls over on her side laughing snidely she was really enjoying this.
When Illyana finally got a hold of herself her white teeth showing smiling like a maniac in Clint's mind at least since the bimbo is partly wack.
"It seems he shows some nice ways that likes you Clint!" Illyana says smirking wildly.
Clint's glare looks as if he's burning a hole right through Illyana, oh does he wish he could.
Refusing to give her the satisfaction Clint just smirks chuckling humorlessly. "Well you would know all about that says the bitch with the little purple dragon that only she can hear that turns into a little sock puppet! So I'd say that I like him more than you, Mother Russia!" He fires back.
Illyana's smirk is gone and she gives Clint her own icy glare. "I thought I told you not to call me that!" She warns.
Clint is the one smirking now somehow he never gets tired of getting under her skin. "Yeah you did but like you I don't really care since we're all in the same shitty situation, there's really nothing you can do." Clint carelessly says back.
"Speaking of which I think it's time that we get down to business, so we all know that Reyes is dead and once her superior sees that she's stopped taking their calls they're going to send a goon squad out to check it out and see the last little group of occupants to take up space there and pretty quickly they'll put two and two together and come looking for us and most likely either try to recapture us or kill us since we know too much. So that means the longer we stay here the less time we have to get away. So here's my plan we're in California and I may still have a living relative that according to my calculations is almost 3 hours away from here by bus. So here's my plan we spend the night here gather up some food supplies and drinks for the road and that at the crack of dawn we hall ass get six bus tickets and then catch a ride down to San Francisco were we might be able to lay low until they either give up or until we can find out what our next move is, so what do you guys think?" Clint explained rather throughly in his mind anyways.
There were an exchange of some glances and a few nods. "I think it's a fucking stupid idea if you ask me, they'd look into our past lives and try to find places and people that we knew or have that we might go to for help and they'd be there waiting for us!" Illyana argued scoffing in disbelief.
Clint groaned, "Yeah but that would mean having to expose themselves out in the open just for a handful of mutants and one enhanced human with an alien, so do you really think this Essex Corp would risk their dark and illegal operations just for us?" He asks.
Illyana is about to respond when she takes a moment to actually think about it and she won't admit it out loud due to her pride, but she will say that Clint has a point.
"Well it sounds risky but it ain't like we got much other choice, I'm willing to go for it." Sam says adjusting his cap.
Roberto looks like he's in deep thought at the moment letting out a sigh. "Well it's a plan at least, I'm in."
Clint nods at him then turns to Dani sitting on the bed.
Dani thinks for a moment shrugging, "Any plan is better than no plan at all." She simply says.
Clint just took that as a sign of agreement. Lastly he turns to Rahne whose just a few feet away from him.
Rahne smiles to Clint, "I'll follow you anywhere, you know that Clint!" She says proudly.
Those words bring a smile to Clint's face and make his insides warm.
They just stare at each other for a moment and the sound of gagging breaks them out of it. They both turn to look at Illyana who has a disgusted expression on her face. Rahne and Clint's expressions turn more serious now and slightly annoyed at the blonde's antics.
Illyana ceases her gagging, "Seriously if you two don't stop getting all mushy then I'm going to spend the night in Limbo!" She warns utterly annoyed.
Clint just shrugs at that, "Go ahead, that's actually the next thing I wanted to say is that I'm going to be taking that single bedroom next door with Rahne while the rest of you can figure out who sleeps with who and where, okay!" He announces turning to go back into the single bedroom.
Roberto is the one who huffs this time getting off the bed, "And who put you in charge again?" He asks defiantly.
Clint stopped in his tracks and turned to face the Brazilian boy. "Trust me Berto, you don't want to be in the same room as me because being bonded to an alien can make sleeping very difficult for all the others around me, well almost everyone." He says looking to Rahne in the end since Venom doesn't want to cause trouble for her.
Roberto takes a moment to think about that and he really isn't in the mood to try him right now, so his only response to that is to just let out a sigh of defeat and turns back.
Before Clint can move any further he spots Rahne and clears his throat and walks over to her. "Listen um I'm sorry about Venom and also if I was a bit presumptuous about" pointing between himself and her, "you and me sharing a room together or sleeping together." That last bit makes Rahne turn away slightly flustered. Clint eyes widen in shock, "I-I….I'm sorry I didn't mean it like I meant-" He stutters
Clint is stumbling over his words until Rahne holds up a hand. "Relax Clint, I know what you mean!" She says.
Clint sighs with relief, "So do you want to share the bed with me?" He hesitantly asks her.
Eh-Hem! You mean…us! Venom mentally noted coughing.
Clint hears this and rolls his eyes, "Sorry…Venom means us do you want to share a bed with….us?" Clint chokes out.
Rahne giggles a bit at that, "Aye, I would!"
Clint's face is completely shocked. For some reason he can't seem to believe how well she accepts that there someone else that has a slight thing for her.
Rahne walks past Clint into the single bedroom and Clint looks back to the others who are passive or at least are trying to look passive.
"Okay so is anyone willing to walk up the road and get some food and drinks?" Clint asks trying to change the subject.
Sam stood up and raised his hand, "I don't mind I'd actually like an excuse to get out of here for a bit." He says, walking up to Clint and hands Sam the spare cash.
Sam and Dani both went off to a small market down the road about a quarter mile and came back about 20 minutes later. They got a few bags of chips and a few water bottles.
The others had worked out who was sleeping where and with who Sam agreed to share a bed with Dani and believe it or not Illyana agreed to share a bed with Roberto she did however mention something about slicing off his limbs or personally castrate him if he touched her even if it was just a accident in his sleep.
Meanwhile in the other room is Clint and Rahne sleeping side by side Rahne on the left and Clint on the right both of them turned over on their sides Rahne was tucked away beneath the covers and Clint facing away from her on his side shirtless but his pants were still on for the sake of decency. What can he say he gets hot at night.
Unfortunately for Clint sleep managed to evade him for two reasons one being Venom and the other being the beautiful mutant girl sleeping right next to him.
They'd kissed, they flirted, hell they made out with body against body. But sleeping in the same bed with a girl just seemed to make his heart race and beat like the world's fastest drum.
"You know you heart is beating very fast?" Rahne says quietly, with her eyes still closed.
This causes Clint to roll over to face her, "Am I really that loud?" He asks half heartedly.
"No but your heart is." Rahne answers turning to face him their eyes finding each other in the darkness of the room.
Rahne could see just fine due to her wolf night vision she could see Clint smiling at her sweetly.
Clint could make out the outlines of Rahne's face as she was taking in his own face.
"Sorry I know that it's a little loud but like you said to me I've never done this kind of thing before." Clint explains adjusting his pillow.
That really made sense to Rahne, "Well when you think about it, it's like we've been saying to each other that this happened so fast and yet we've never really been able to figure out how we can be together in the middle of all this?"
Clint shrugs his eyebrows at that, "Who says we have to, all I really know is that what I feel for you is enough to keep me going until the end Rahne." Clint softly says brushing a lock of her short red hair out of her face.
Rahne's eyes turn black with those yellow iris's without even realizing it. She smiles sweetly Clint finds it quite the turn on when she brings out those eyes even Venom was beginning to get a little feral on the inside but Clint mentally told him to tone it down.
Rahne leans forward towards Clint and whispers in his ear, "Kiss me!" The sound of those words send chills up his spine.
Well what are we waiting for get in there! Venom encourages eagerly to Clint who is a bit slack jawed at the request.
Clint's own eyes turn pitch black with bits of white around the corners but he doesn't notice. Rahne does however and giggles.
Needing no further instructions Clint goes in and gently presses his lips to hers he can feel the warmth of her mouth and the smacking sound of their lips filling up the room.
Clint brings his left hand to caress Rahne's cheek and feels herself melt into his touch. Which triggers a sensational heat within Rahne who almost out of pure instinct brings her hands to Clint's head roughly grabbing him and kissing the life out of him like there's no tomorrow.
Clint is both shocked and very aroused at the Scottish redhead's sudden action. A moment later Rahne slides her hands down to Clint's shoulders pinning him down onto the bed and moving her body to be right on top straddling him.
Clint never took Rahne to be the dominant type of girl, but fuck it, it only makes her seem that much hotter. And boy was she hot…literally from what Clint is feeling. He started feeling fur on his skin and her nails turn to claws. Even her teeth turned into canines biting his lower lip.
Clint sat up and slightly pushed her off but was hard to do at first she was very addicted and felt this fire burning inside her that lusted for Clint.
When he finally got a hold of Rahne when their eyes finally locked he saw the animalistic look of wild desire that one has when they want to get nasty needless to say.
Rahne almost growled and tried to jump on Clint who was taken by complete surprise as she latched onto his neck kissing it up and down.
Clint finally uses his enhanced strength courtesy of his bond with Venom, grabbing her by her shoulders he tore her off of his neck.
"Rahne stop!" Clint practically yelled but not loud enough for the others to be able to hear though thankfully.
Rahne's panting slowed down her heavy breaths turning into calm and slow ones. Her eyes returned to there emerald green color as the red fur and claws slowly retract as she reverts to her natural human form.
Clint can see through the small light through the curtains that Rahne's features start to show signs of complete terror not at him but herself as if what just happened a moment ago was someone or something else entirely.
Clint shook her shoulders lightly to get her to look at him, it makes him feel a pinch in his chest to see the beautiful girl in his arms so scared right now.
From Rahne's point of view it felt like one moment she was asking Clint to kiss her which lead to them making out and then….something. It's hard to recall but she felt this sensation the heat of the moment felt like a literal fire that override her mind and all she could think about was Clint and picturing him butt naked and wanting nothing more than to make love to him.
That last part made her blush a bit she was a woman of faith and for her to have such sinful thoughts almost made her feel tainted by the Devil.
Rahne's steady breathing turned into shuddering as she broke out into tears softly crying.
Clint noticed and did the only thing he knew he could do which was to offer her comfort by pulling the smaller fragile girl into his bare chest wrapping his arms around her small frame shushing her while soothingly stroking her hair on the back of her head with his hand.
They stayed that way for a few minutes until Rahne felt better and her crying turned into small sniffles.
Rahne leaned back to look at Clint, "Thank you!" She whispers gratefully.
Clint nods wiping a stray tear from her face with his thumb. "Hey, it's okay I'll always be here for you Rahne, do you want to talk about it?" He asks.
She shakes her head lightly, "There's really nothing to talk about, I just got a wee bit rough is all I've never really felt like that before though, I'm so sorry Clint." Rahne says her voice laced with guilt.
Clint leans down closer so that their faces are a few inches apart, "Hey look at me it's alright, I understand I mean you finally get intimate for the first time in your life and the heat of the moment brings out a side of you that you never knew existed, trust me I felt that the first time we were in this position remember?" He reassures her and she nods.
Clint then feels her forehead with his right hand she was slightly warmer than usual, "Are you sure you're feeling alright because your kind of burning a little?" He asks slightly concerned now.
Rahne knew what he was talking about but decided against acknowledging it further, that tingly feeling she felt before when they made out back at the hospital when they kissed for the first time was back only this time it felt stronger amplified almost and she didn't know why.
"I'm just a little hot from the moment is all, just can you hold me until I fall asleep, please?" Rahne almost pleaded as if he was her lifeline right now that she didn't want to lose.
Clint just nods lying back down on the bed and bringing Rahne into his arms as she tucks herself under his right arm bringing her hand onto Clint's bare stomach, and rests her head on the right side of his chest.
He brings the covers over the both of them as silence takes over the room as they both drift off to sleep in each others arms.
We'll protect you Rahne. Venom whispers mentally before darkness takes Clint who agrees with him.
The morning light comes through the curtains as everyone is up and about. They already checked out of the hotel and it was around 10 in the morning. They were on their way to the town transit, or bus depot. And purchased six tickets to the noon train to San Francisco.
The time went by slowly and all anyone could do was just sit and wait until the time came and they started boarding the bus for San Fran. Needless to say that Rahne and Clint sat together, Dani and Sam each found their own seats but stayed close to the others, which left Illyana and Roberto to share the only seats remaining that were opened right next to each other. And Illyana bitched about it as usual, Roberto didn't really care since the two of them still were kind of distanced since yesterday.
The first hour into the ride was boring to say the least Clint, Rahne, and yes Venom were currently watching a movie on the tv screen into the seats in front of them. Dani and Sam were talking with each other just to pass the time, but Illyana and Roberto still chose to remain silent as neither could look at the other. Illyana was blankly staring out the window, while to her left in the next seat was Roberto who was fidgeting with his hands nervously. He was daring to glance at Illyana a few times as he knew that how things went down between them yesterday that she wasn't the most forgiving person, but he knew he owed her an apology.
Roberto opened his mouth to speak and without even looking Illyana raised her left hand up right in his face, "I don't want to hear it!" The blonde carelessly says, bringing her hand back to her side.
Roberto was surprised by how she knew, but he wasn't going to back down that easily. "Illyana please, look I know you don't care but about yesterday-" he couldn't finish.
Illyana finally turns towards him her face irritated completely. "What about yesterday, you merely got me with an insult and a good one that is that!" She states trying to sell the belief that she doesn't care.
Roberto sighs regretfully, "Look Illy, I didn't mean what I said okay, I know you've got these walls up that you won't let anyone in and give off this cold heartless bitch act because your scared that if you let anyone into your life they'll make you feel vulnerable…well everyone's vulnerable that's reality and that doesn't mean you're weak when you care about others or feel terrified when you know there's the possibility of losing them, that's what it means to be human, and you are human Illyana don't pretend you're not!" Roberto lays out both a mix of frustration and stress from everything that Illyana has put up from himself and everyone else.
Illyana rolls her eyes and snorts folding her arms across her chest looking straight now at the seat in front of her.
Roberto's expression softens as he leans forward in his seat attempting to try and make eye contact with her. But Illyana refuses to acknowledge him.
"Illy I know you don't care about yesterday but I do and I care about you and I hurt you, and it hurts me that I didn't have the stones to apologize to you sooner because you don't deserve to be hurt Illyana, so whether you forgive me or not just know this that I'm truly, deeply sorry that I hurt you Illyana, and that if you ever want to talk to someone when you feel vulnerable I'll be here for you!" Roberto says as truthfully and comfortingly as possible.
Roberto turns away but doesn't notice Illyana's facade crack for a moment giving a slight smile before returning to her passive expression once again. The two of them remain quiet for the remainder of the trip.
Two hours later the group finally arrives in San Francisco it's a little bit into the evening now and everyone piled off of the bus and the group followed along until they were outside where they got a full view of the skyscrapers and other luminous buildings towering up and above, even the Golden Gate Bridge.
Clint leads the others down the streets of the city until they reach downtown. Several memories are going through Clint's mind when he first arrived months ago.
Until he comes up to an apartment complex one that Clint recognizes all too well. They enter the building and walk up a few flights of stairs until they come to a certain floor and down the end of the hallway by the window.
On the door it's covered in white and at the very top before the frame says '1404'.
Clint takes a deep breath in and knocks a few times. A minute later the door opens up and a man who looks to be in his mid to late 30s that has a semi thick beard mustache with a few tattoos on his forearms, and is wearing a black shirt sleeve t-shirt and jeans.
The man eyes the group of kids in front of him until his eyes landed on a particular boy that he knew for years.
"C-Clint, is that you?" The man asks looking as if he's staring at a ghost.
Clint retired the gesture to the man. "U-uncle Eddie?" He stutters.
Without further notice Eddie pulled Clint into a tight hug which Clint returned.
The others indifferently watch the little family reunion going on. Dani and Rahne smile at the scene. Dani because of how if she got the chance to reunite with her father again like in the spirit world she would have been grateful for the chance. And Rahne well considering her newfound relationship status as Clint's girlfriend she feels happy for him that he gets to see his family again.
Eddie and Clint break apart and immediately questions start pouring out of Eddie. "Where have you been for the last week, I thought you were dead after the incident at the Life Foundation I couldn't find you and I barely got out myself?" Eddie asked trying to absorb the situation.
Clint just shrugs, "Right back at you I mean I thought that you were killed or something?" He says.
"Well you know me it takes more than that to put a dent in your old uncle!" Eddie says lightly hitting Clint's shoulder, then turns his gaze towards the other kids.
Sticking his thumb towards them, "Uh who are your friends?" Eddie asks.
Clint turns and scratches the back of his head, "Yeah that's a very long story actually what happened in the last week is a very long story, that I think would be better off being explained inside!" Clint says pointing inside the apartment behind his uncle who more than happily obliges to get out of the way letting the others inside before closing the door behind him.
Don't forget about me, because this is going to be a very long day! Venom mentally notes.
There are only 2-3 chapters left so please leave your comments and tell me what you think.