AN: One of the smaller chapters... sorry, my fault . It's kind of just setting the mood, i guess. And people, stop boycotting the reviews T_T
Left 4 Dead is Property of Valve.
Happiness Is Not a Smoking Gun -14- Ninjas vs. Pirates
"So we're goin' back to the island?" Coach questioned. "'Cuz of these hooligans?"
Sophie nodded and rubbed the bridge of her nose. "It's only for a day and it would be risky to go against them."
Grumbles were shared throughout the group, but there wasn't much they could do.
"They do look quite-" Cas paused to take a glance at the new men, "-muscular."
"We c'n take 'em!" Ellis cut in defensively.
The girls exchanged a look and turned back to the group. "Our best bet is to humour them."
Reluctantly, the rest of the team agreed. The idea of becoming hostages didn't pass by as pleasant, but a deal was a deal. After all, Sophie was in charge.
Once their debate was over, Jake walked over to the group and draped an arm over Sophie's shoulder. "Chad's going to stay on your boat until we get to the island. After that, we'll go on a nice little tour."
The tension that took over Nick's body was evident to everyone. Just because they were going along with the deal, didn't mean that they could go around getting cosy with other people's wives. Jake smirked knowingly. This new bit of information was going to make things a lot more fun for the trio.
"Let's just get this over with, shall we?" Nick muttered.
Jake dipped his head and turned towards his team. "Chad, they're all yours."
"Man, who does 'e think 'e is?" Ellis complained.
Before allowing Sophie to enter the navigation cabin, Chad had taken Cas as insurance to make sure the boat wasn't directed away from the island. At first, they had just sat against the cabin, but then they found that conversation passed the time relatively well. Oddly enough, Cas found that it wasn't hard to talk to him.
"Just ignore him, boy, she already proved her loyalty," Coach reassured. "A'int nothing he's got over you."
Ellis sighed as Chad adjusted his tight shirt. "'Cept for 'is muscle."
Coach sniggered, "she a'int shallow, boy."
His comment wasn't news for the hick. He trusted Cas (that's what their marriage was for), but he didn't trust this Chad fellow. That he was certain of.
Back on the island, everyone got off the boats and headed for the building. The only pleasant surprise the new comers had going for them was a dog that followed them off their boat. It had immediately darted to the group of five for a greeting, it's tail wagging all the way.
"Oh, great, a dog," Sophie muttered. Nick raised an eyebrow, forcing her to explain. "It's either going to love me or hate me. There's never a middle ground."
After Cas' excited greeting, the dog moved to Nick, then Sophie. A growl built up in it's throat.
"Told you."
Once in the building, it had been decided that Jake would stay with Sophie, Chad with Cas, and Elliot with the men. The first two acted as hostages in case anyone tried something. Then of course, Elliot was there to prevent anything from happening in the first place. That's how it looked at least.
Trying to keep everyone together, Sophie suggested they all stay in the house for now, which thankfully, they agreed to. Once they were comfortably sitting in the living room, an awkward silence fell over the two groups. Sophie cleared her throat and stood up. Jake shot up after her.
"Oh, whoa, hold on now," she said with her hands up. "How about I go fix everybody a drink and you three can explore the house? Sound good?"
Chad scoffed. "Sounds like an escape plan."
Elliott nodded and Jake smiled at Sophie. "How about I go help you fix those drinks and Cas over here can give Chad a tour of the house. Elliot can get to know the boys." He stood in front of her mockingly. "Sound good?"
Sophie ignored Coach's chuckle and turned to the kitchen. Jake followed.
"Heh, ninjas verse pirates," Cas snickered to herself.
Being right beside her, Chad grinned. "Aye matey. How's about a tour?"
The girl's eyes moved over to Ellis and the others for assurance. She was always quick to trust others so she often turned to friends for their opinion. This time, she found that they didn't.
"Uhm, why don't we all go together?" She asked.
She wasn't sure why they didn't trust him (he was a nice guy), but she'd go along with them anyways. For now at least.
"I don't care much for buildings," Elliot shrugged.
"And it looks like Charlie wants to go for a walk."
As soon as the dog was brought into the decision, her choice was made. With a grin, she nodded to the boy and stood up.
"You don't seem like a drinker," Jake commented from his seat on the counter.
The girl shrugged and continued mixing drinks. "A few here and there never hurt anyone."
In truth, the girl was rather experienced with alcohol and could easily hold her liquor. With a chuckle, Jake took one of the drinks and lifted it up to his lips.
"Excuse me? Didn't you say you were going to help?" She questioned.
He smirked. "How can I be of service?"
Watching her suppress a reaction, he slid off the counter and moved behind her.
"Never mind, it's nearly done."
Seeing as he wasn't one to back off, he slid in closer to her and reached around to help out. That's what he'd make it seem like at least.
"So, am I doing it right?" He asked quietly.
His breath swept across her neck, sending a shiver down her back. The hell you are, she though.
It hadn't taken much time for Cas to show Chad around the building. Hardly anytime at all. With that being the case, they decided to go outside for some air.
"So, you don't drink?"
Cas tensed before looking over at the man. It wasn't a lie to say she didn't (she rarely had the desire for alcohol anyways), but her present reasoning didn't have to be disclosed.
"Nah, not really a fan," she told him. "What about you?"
He shrugged. "Same."
The time was spent in relaxed conversation as the two watched Charlie run about the area. Soon enough, the sun had started to set and a cool breeze washed onto the shore.
"As nice as that felt, maybe we should head inside," Cas pointed out.
She had still been wearing the makeshift wedding dress that Sophie had found and even after dealing with the hot sun, the breeze wasn't as pleasant as expected.
Without a word, Chad removed his jacket and draped it over the girl's shoulders.
"How's the island?" Jake asked.
The two had entered the house to find their friends still in the living room, drinks in hand. They had been on their third by the time Cas and Chad decided to return.
"The views pretty nice," Chad answered with a grin.
"Maybe we'll stay here after all." Jake matched his look and leaned back on the couch. "And the company's been delightful."
An audible sigh came from the blonde beside him. "In that case, we'll be leaving tomorrow."
"Aww, already?"
Ignoring the pair's exchange, Ellis had finally caught Cas' eye, gesturing her over with a grin. Before she could sit down, he snaked his arms around her and pulled her onto his lap.
"Might wanna reel your girl in too, Nick," Coach snickered.
Not finding the man's comment as amusing, he glared at Jake.
Soon enough they'd be able to leave- soon enough he wouldn't have to deal with the resentment in his gut.
FN:I hope everyone has heard about the next DLC for L4D... comic and game add on. The first survivors finally get melee! Search for The Sacrifice on youtube.