I don't know why, but this chapter was giving me a lot of trouble. I had to rewrite it like three times, ugh. I just hope I got the characterization right. Please, let me know if I happened to botch any characters! However, considering we don't get to know a lot about the backstories of the characters, I should warn you all now that I plan on integrating some of my theories about Nick's history... I can't be the only one who can't help but think about what he's been through with all his in-game comments, can I?
Also- Happy 4th of July to any of my American readers! (Or basically anybody who celebrates it).
"So you got a name, sweetheart?" Nick asked. Immediately, said woman's sapphire stare switched from the other girl wearing the pink 'Depeche Mode' shirt to frown at the man before her.
"Yes. And it's not sweetheart, it's Evangeline. But just call me Eva." The brunette explained. At the end of her words two people had found their way into the small motel room, stopping to stand next to the dark haired woman. She noticed one of them was more around her age, looking to be the youngest of the group wearing a pair of overalls and a baseball cap. Oddly enough, the other man to join the little group looked to be the oldest, and largest, an authoritative air surrounding him.
"Well, shoot! I told you guys we would find more survivors!" Eva heard the youngest say, a gleeful look on his face as he practically ran up to her form. Without warning he grabbed her left hand, shaking it as he introduced himself.
"It's a pleasure to meet ya ma'am! This here is Nick, and behind me is Rochelle and Coach. Ma name is Ellis, but some people call me El. I prefer Ellis though 'cause El kinda sounds like a girl's name, but, if you wanna, you can call me El…" he trailed off, causing Eva's previous irritation to fade as she couldn't help the smile that grew on her face. The young man's rather friendly behavior quickly put her at ease.
"Thank you, and I think just Ellis will do. It's a pleasure to meet you guys as well." Eva responded, glancing at everyone in the room, her eyes landing on Nick last. She couldn't help but to give him a confused smile though, her eyes landing on his face to only find an amused look had crossed his features.
"Hey, overalls, we don't have to worry about you wanting to marry her too, do we?" Nick teased, instantly causing a sense of shock to wash over Eva. What the hell would give him that idea? Apparently she seemed to be missing out on some joke, for she couldn't help but to notice how the man named "Coach" could only shake his head at the words, straining to hide his smile, while on the other hand Rochelle gave a warning look towards Nick. It seemed she was about to defend Ellis if it weren't for said man suddenly deciding to do it himself.
"I don' think you should be talkin' Nick! I've been noticin' the way you've been lookin' at her since the moment I walked in'ere!" The light-blue eyed man pointed out. In normal circumstances, Eva might have blushed at the accusations, but her confusion at the banter overruled any sense of embarrassment she could have felt. All she could do was raise an eyebrow at the two, watching as Nick snorted.
"You're still holding her hand, genius." Nick calmly stated, glancing at the conjoined appendages. Ellis instantly looked down, almost as if to verify Nick's words, before a look of surprise crossed his face as he practically leapt back. Eva had slightly acknowledged Ellis had continuously held her hand, but she never thought it was a big deal. Still, she couldn't help herself as she bit her lip, trying to contain her laughter. Between Nick's words and the hick's reaction she couldn't hide the mirth that was evident in her eyes. She couldn't help but think that the two acted like they were brothers.
"Ma apologies miss Eva! I hope I didn't put you out none…" Ellis trailed off, almost representing a kicked puppy as he rubbed the back of his head. Eva merely gave him a dismissive wave, signaling it was no big deal as she couldn't help the small chuckle that escaped her form. Before she could say anything else, the sound of Coach's voice ended any conversation.
"Alright, alright, now that we seem to be comfortable with one another, I suggest we get a move on. This ain't no time for chit chat." The large man said, his gaze shifting from looking at everyone to fall onto Eva.
"I'd suggest you come with us, young'un, unless you got a group you need to meet up with. It ain't no good bein' out there alone." Coach ended, glancing up and down her form. She knew he was probably making a reference to her current state, for even she knew she looked like crap. It made Eva seriously consider his offer. The only thing that stopped her from instantly agreeing was seeing everybody else's reaction to the proposition, and from the looks of it, nobody seemed to be in disagreement.
In all honesty, if she could, she would wish to be able to find the two brothers she had been with in the beginning, but she knew it was merely wishful thinking. If she chose not to go along with this group because she honestly thought she could find her previous companions, it would probably be the stupidest decision she could ever make.
"No, you're right, as long as it won't cause any trouble I could tag along, but where are you guys headed? And for the record, I don't have a group, well, not anymore. I got separated from the people I was previously with a few days ago…" Eva trailed off. Much to her surprise, instead of Coach being the one to reply to her, Nick beat him to it, the sound of his voice causing her to turn towards him.
"We're headin' up to Whispering Oaks Amusement Park. Along with you, the searchlights we spotted are the only signs of life we've seen within a hundred miles. Your best bet is to come with us, doll face." The conman explained, his silver iris's unable to help themselves as they glanced once more at the bandaged areas on the girl. Now, Nick was not ignorant to the fact that he was seen as selfish, especially considering before this entire mess he was only concerned in looking out for himself, but seeing the bandages brought back some heavy memories, memories that he wish he could forget. He had a violent past, but never was he violent towards a woman. Instead, he had grown up being taught that they needed to be protected. For some odd reason, such thoughts couldn't help but to resurface, and Nick did his best to ignore them.
At the sound of the pet name, Eva couldn't help the unamused expression that crossed her face. Like seriously? "Doll face"? Who even says that anymore? She might have said something about it too, but as she stared at the man in the white suit, his expression was one she completely unexpected. Instead of the shit eating grin that she had anticipated, he had an uncannily serious expression. Her features quickly shifted into a frown.
"Uh, alrighty then, I guess. But for the record, Fancysuit, I'm quite capable of taking care of myself…" Eva trailed off, a hint of mischief in her tone as she decided to also play Nick's little pet name game. She had no idea why he had a sudden change in demeanor, but it didn't mean she was about to let the nicknames slide. It seemed to have the desired effect as he immediately reacted, reverting back to his previous mood as a sudden smirk found its way to his lips.
"You sure about that, buttercup?" Nick smugly retorted. It immediately caused a dangerous smirk of her own to place itself upon Eva's lips. A stormy look in her eye could be seen that didn't require words to express just how much she wanted to rip the man before her into shreds. Unfortunately, Eva never got the chance to even respond with a witty remark as Coach once again had to remind everyone that it was time to go.
"Alright then, it's settled! Let's get a move on, people." The unofficial leader proclaimed. Everybody then got ready to go, Eva giving one more impish look towards Nick before moving back into the bathroom to grab her things. She didn't think the man understood what he just started. The battle of the sexes was nothing new to her.
Nick glanced at her retreating form before the sound of the kid's voice caught his attention.
"You like 'er" The conman suddenly heard, turning to give the hick a death glare. He felt like punching the smile right off his face.
"Ellis, don't make me shoot you." Nick stated, a threatening look in his eye. At the same time, Eva walked back out to meet everyone, the flannel cardigan Nick saw earlier on the bathroom floor now on her form as she slung a backpack over her shoulders. Her pistol could still be clearly seen within her right hand. Ellis didn't acknowledge her however, putting his hands in front of him.
"Alright Nick, but I'm just tellin' it like it is!" Ellis answered, immediately turning to follow Coach, who was walking out of the run down motel room, shaking his head. Eva once again couldn't help but to frown in confusion.
"Uh, did I miss something…?" She couldn't help but say, watching as Nick practically chased Ellis out the door, threatening him all the way. The brunette turned to Rochelle, who had an amused smile on her face as she watched the two men run out together. She quickly walked up to the brown-eyed woman's side as they both made their way out of the room.
"So, are they always like this?" Eva asked, unable to stop herself. The question caused Rochelle to laugh.
"Oh yeah. But don't worry, Coach usually stops them before anything can happen." The woman responded, causing Eva to glance forward as she raised her eyebrow in concern.
"Ellis, I swear to god!"
"Aw, c'mon man, it was just a joke-"
"Will you two quit it?! I don't need yo whinin' asses to attract any infected from the next town over!" Coach finally yelled, silencing everybody. Despite the sound of the intimidating voice, Eva couldn't help the slight smile that threatened to cross her lips, looking back towards Rochelle to see a knowing smile on her face. The I-told-you-so look was evident in her brown eyes.
Despite the people who found her not being the exact definition of ordinary, Eva could feel a sense of relief wash over her.
It was nice to hear normal voices again.
So I've noticed my story has actually gotten some views! You have no idea how excited I was to see that! Thank you to whoever has decided to give my story a chance! (Hopefully I won't end up disappointing you)
I more than welcome any sort of comments or constructive criticism, so if you wish to say anything, by all means, please do so! I don't bite. And if my story sucks, you can tell me that too. So far, I've had no idea as to how well this story has been received since I've yet to get any word.
Gah, sorry for being so chatty. I just wanted to say one more thing- with it being 4th of July weekend, the next chapter should be up sometime next week. I don't plan on making you guys wait too long!