[Deleted]

 

- TANK -

"I'll see you on the other side, drink in hand, smile on my lips."

Grunting, Aaron shook awake. Letting out a small groan and pushing himself to his knees. His hair was everywhere, his stomach growling with irritation at the hangover throbbing through his body. Looking at the window, it was still dark- probably four or five in the morning. Standing, he blinked away the exhaustion and looked around. He was in a strange house- okay, not the first time this has happened. There were no bodies around, so clearly he wasn't attacked. Perhaps- like a frieght train, it clicked, and the memories of the night swam back. He burped, pushing himself up to his feet and shaking his head quickly to clear them of cob webs. He'd stumble over to Jules' room, looking in at the sleeping form. Right, they both made it back. Good. Good good. He'd head toward the bathroom, moving inside and closing the door to turn on the sink and get some water in his hands, which he proceeded to splash on his face. He felt the shock of it zing down his back, and sighed.

Right.

He'd clean his face and strip, hopping in the shower for a quick cleaning. Aaron had the impossibly handy ability to make himself at home wherever he was, and this was no different. He'd get himself clean, before drying off and wrapping a towel around his waist. Heading into the living room, he pulled his last set of clean clothes from his pack and took the towel off before dressing quickly. Taking out his sneakers (both boots now entirely inoperable) he'd pull them on and stand. To leave? He looked at the bedroom door, then let out a little smirk. Reaching over, he took her keys and opened her front door, leaving and locking it behind him.

About an hour later, he was opening that door again, this time a plastic bag clutched in his right fist. Eggs. Milk. Butter. Bacon. Bread. Just a few groceries. He'd take his shoes off and head into the kitchen, setting them down and taking off his coat to hang it back up on the chair. Wearing deep blue jeans and a USMC Tank, Aaron cracked his neck and began to dig around a little. It was six thirty or so, and he figured the small girl would be up in about thirty minutes. Removing pans and a spatula, he'd set them on the counter and bring a large bowl out of the bottom cupboard too. He'd leave a quick cup of water and Aleve next to Jules' bed before returning to the stove and rubbing his hands together. There were a few things Aaron was really, really good at. Drinking, check. Fighting, check. Cooking?

Check.

As the small child awoke and started out into the living room, the smell of cooked bacon, french toast and eggs would be radiating throughout the house. He'd be putting the food on plates, one for her, one for him. He'd grin and wave.

"Breakfast is served, your highness."

He gave a grandiose bow, his hand twirling a little as he did so. He then grinned and laughed, bringing over a small cup of orange juice for the little lady while they awaited the arrival of sleeping beauty.

JUNIER of GS + Adox

[Deleted]

Emily Barlow liked to keep her darling mother on her toes. Sure, she spent more hours of the day napping or sleeping than she did terrorising the small, one-bedroom flat that the two of them occupied, but she never quite stuck to the same schedule. She could usually be counted upon to rise from her night-time slumber between six and eight o’clock in the morning, but sometimes five o’clock was just so enticing.

Thankfully for Aaron and Jules, Emily had had a pretty late night. 7:03 AM would do just fine.

Her cotbed was a strange half-way house between a toddler bed and a complete cot – Jules having given up on trying to contain her adventurous daughter completely. It had turned out to be safer to give Emily a fairly simple escape route rather than forcing her to climb dangerous baby heights to win her freedom, and so after five minutes of happy, quiet contemplation of the ceiling Emily clambered her way out and strode purposefully towards the delicious smell that was filling the flat.

She chattered meaninglessly, her babble strangely intonated as though she was actually trying to communicate with the tall figure making themselves at home in her kitchen. Emily raised both arms and opened and closed her hands in quick succession, making insistent noises as she watched the food being served.

“Juice!” she said excitedly, recognising it instantly.

Her little voice was just loud enough to finally stir Jules from her heavy, drool-laden sleep. The blue-haired woman groaned softly to herself, turning with great effort to peer blearily at the light escaping in through her blinds. The headache hit her like a truck and she noticed, by the grace of the gods of booze and parties, that a cup of water and Aleve were waiting patiently at her bedside to rescue her from this moment.

She took ten seconds to feel sorry for herself and then chucked the Aleve down her, got up and proceeded to pull on her comfiest pair of leggings and the most over-sized jumper she had in her collection. Jules could hear Emily babbling away to herself, and it was only as she pushed open the door to go and tend to her child that she realised what the unusual scent in the air was.

“Oh!”

Even through her terrible headache and in the mildly unbearable brightness of the living room, Jules found herself smiling widely.

“Good morning you two. This is… wow.” She surveyed the meal Aaron had cooked up. She assumed it was him, although Emily was looking rather pleased with herself (but that was probably because she had just successfully smeared her greasy hands all over her face and hair). Jules felt a little shy – even though it was her own home. She felt strangely like she was interrupting.

Then her excitement broke through and she opened up once more. “Oh man, you made French toast!” If she hadn’t been afraid that the movement would cause her head to split in two, Jules might have done a little skip on the spot. She settled for a gentle, appreciative round of applause for the man she’d known less than 24 hours who was now making breakfast in her kitchen.

@aaron | 538 words

LAIKA OF GS!

[Deleted]

 

- TANK -

"I'll see you on the other side, drink in hand, smile on my lips."

He noticed her shyness, Aaron moving back into the kitchen to take the pan and add more food to it. "Morning, sleepyhead." He moved the bacon around in the pan, reaching up above the stove to turn on the fan for the slight smoke that rose off the burning pork. His plate, already on the counter, had turkey bacon on it as he didn't eat pig. Still he'd remove the meat and add it to another finished plate which he would pick up and offer her. It had three strips of bacon, two slabs of french toast and a pile of eggs. He'd give her eyes a deep, hard stare with a slight smile on his face.

"I did! Hope you don't mind- I grabbed some stuff at the store, and I figured it would be nice to wake up to some good hangover food."

He spoke a little softly, not wanting the daughter to know that they'd been out getting slobber-faced at the local pub. He'd turn off the stove, picking up his own plate to move to the table and take a seat opposite the child, the seat next to her open for her mom. He set his plate down and moved back to the kitchen, grabbing his clean rag and wetting it before bringing it over to gently wipe off the girls face and hair. He wasn't used to playing nanny, but back in the day, before he'd manifested his powers he remembered what a full blown hangover was like. Now he barely felt it- one positive effect of his incredible endurance. He'd help Jules as much as he could today- because that was what a gentleman did.

"I know we met less than a day ago, but I find I quite like you, and I figure giving you a stress free morning and delicious meal is the easiest way to go about showing it."

He'd set the rag on the back of Em's chair, smirking at Jules. He was direct, clear in what he liked and didn't like. She was funny, fun, energetic, daring and sexy. He couldn't ask for more, and if he had his way he'd date her ass into liking him too. He'd return to his seat, giving her a little glance as he picked up a strip of bacon and bit into it.

"How'd you sleep?"

JUNIER of GS + Adox

[Deleted]

“Sleepyhead? C’mon dude, it’s still early,” Jules protested, stifling a perfectly-timed yawn. She made her way over to Emily while Aaron busied himself in the kitchen, strapping her firmly into the booster seat she was perched on despite Emily’s half-hearted protests.

“Not my fault you’re little, honey,” she said with a grin, pinching at her daughter’s rather sticky cheek. She wiped her hand down the back of her leggings absent-mindedly, used to such things, and turned to watch Aaron work his magic in the kitchen. The smell of bacon was amazing – the perfect distraction from her headache. She grabbed herself a glass of water, peeking round Aaron as she did so to further inspect her breakfast, and a huge grin spread across her face as he offered her the completed plate.

“This is awesome, thank you so much. You may just be saving my life right now,” she added with a laugh, taking her seat at the table. She was just diving into the mountain of eggs on her plate when Aaron suddenly stood up, quickly wetting a rag before returning to clean the grease that Emily had coated herself with.

Emily frowned and scowled and pouted but didn’t actively attempt to thwart Aaron’s gentle efforts to clean her up. Jules was impressed.

“Oh, I’m glad somebody on this planet has still been left with a good opinion of me after a late night,” she said with a chuckle. “Was it the dancing? I remember dancing.”

She had a mostly clear memory of the night – a little choppy at the end, but not a full, several-hour blackout. Jules remembered the insane amount of alcohol Aaron had consumed and eyed him with a jealous kind of suspicion that he didn’t seem to be suffering for it. The mouthful of bacon she was currently chewing was working wonders on her own state. She noticed somewhat curiously that Aaron had a different type of bacon to them.

“What’s that?” she asked, gesturing towards it. “And yeah, pretty good – I was out like a light. No crazy dreams, nothing. Could maybe do with a couple more hours,” she added with a laugh. “Mommy can join you for naptime!” she informed Emily, who beamed enthusiastically. She wasn’t exactly a stranger to having some company during her naps.

“How about you? Did you take the couch?”

Jules cast a glance over the sofa, which seemed remarkably untouched.

@aaron | 401 words

LAIKA OF GS!

[Deleted]

 

- TANK -

"I'll see you on the other side, drink in hand, smile on my lips."

Aaron would give a slightly embarrased chuckle before taking a deep breath.

"No, I uh...passed out on the floor after leaving your room. Was out before i even hit the ground."

He didn't like admitting that it had affected him so much. She'd thought he was untouchable, after all, and he'd done a lot of work to cultivate that image. He supposed, after seeing so much of her last night, that he could shed a little light on what his weaknesses were. He finished his plate quickly, pretty much inhaling his french toast and eggs, taking his time with his bacon at the end. He'd watch her with her daughter, some mirth showing behind his eyes as he'd stand, taking his plate to the sink as he spoke.

"I should get going. Always work to be done."

He'd set the plate in the sink, leaving it as he'd head to grab his coat and pull it on. Hands moving into his pockets, he'd offer the smallest of smiles.

"Last night really was one of the highlights of my return to the States, you know. thanks for it." He withdrew his wallet, pulling out a card and setting it on the kitchen counter. "My number, if you decide my company is worth a little more of your time." He'd give her a little wink, about to start of for the door, when the doorbell rang. He frowned- it was so early, who was coming here before 8am? He walked over to the door casually, peering through the hole and seeing a man standing there with a delivery hat on. For Aaron, things then moved in slow motion. The man was sweaty, his eyes blinking far too quickly as he licked his lips and voiced hesitantly-

"D-Delivery!"

A shaking hand held up a notice for delivery, and Aaron's eyes widened as he turned to Jules and shouted- "GET DOWN-!" before an explosion blasted the doorway inward, flames and concussive force shredding Aaron's jacket off and half the right side of his shirt, lifting the big man off his feet and hurling him across the room to crash into the wall, his body embedding there before falling out. His eyes closed, Aaron was out of commisson for the moment as three men would rush in, wearing black camo-like gear and carrying various AR-style weapons. They'd turn to Jules and her daughter and open fire, attempting to to kill the mother of the child the other two would rush at in an attempt to take her. Two more would rush in after them with shotguns, moving over to find the body of the former Marine and put him out of his relative misery.

OOC: I have permission to attempt to kill all parties, save for the child.

JUNIER of GS + Adox

[Deleted]

“You passed out!? Dude.”

Jules shook her head and tutted, as though she had any right to judge. She was almost completely sure that he’d carried her home, after all. She knew he wouldn’t mind her teasing though – if anything, he seemed to enjoy their banter considerably. Definitely not something she’d expected from a guy who hadn’t even seemed to think twice before killing their adversaries. Sure, it had been in self-defence… That was how she’d phrased it for the police at any rate.

She smiled gratefully at him as he placed his card on the kitchen counter, the rather old-fashioned gesture tickling her.

“We make a good te-”

Her parting comment was cut off by the doorbell. She frowned, getting to her feet, but Aaron reached the door first. She turned back to Emily with a shrug, as if Emily were about to remind her of some long-forgotten scheduled maintenance or something. Unsurprisingly, Emily just returned her quizzical look with an equally puzzled expression – simply reflecting her mother, nothing more.

When Aaron opened the door, Jules turned back. It was just long enough for her to spot the guy in the delivery hat and for Aaron to spin round with a warning shout. The pounding in her head seemed to fade away as fearful adrenaline filled her veins and Jules dived to protect her daughter, one hand reaching to support Em’s head and the other tipping the chair back so that she was lower to the ground. It happened so suddenly that Emily was already starting to cry in shock, but the noise was swiftly drowned out by the explosion that ripped through Jules’ flat.

Tucked away behind the counter, they were thankfully shielded from most of the blast but the force still had Jules crashing backwards into the sofa. She smacked her head on the back of it, the pain of her hangover definitely replaced now by a sudden wave of nausea, but she still managed to scramble onto her knees and back towards her daughter.

Aaron had been thrown flying back, hit far more directly than her, and she could just see him motionless on the floor. The nausea rose up in her once more, frosty tears forming around her eyes. Was he dead? He couldn’t be dead. Why wasn’t he moving?

She’d sliced her hand on some sharp debris as she’d moved, the blood running freely from her palm, but Jules grit her teeth and continued crawling towards Emily.

Suddenly there were men in the room. Three of them, covered in the heavy kind of gear and carrying the kind of guns that Jules wouldn’t even start to pretend to know much about, but be fearful of nonetheless. Down on the floor, she’d managed to lock eyes on them a split second before they’d spotted her, and so her frost breath activated in the heartbeat before the guns went off.

The ice wall she’d produced wasn’t particularly wide, but it was deep. The bullets buried into the compact structure and Jules was on her feet, pulling up further structures to keep them at bay. But it was so tiring and so difficult with the pain in her head and the steady flow of blood from her palm. She shrieked angrily as two came over the counter and around the side, pulling Emily from her seat. An icicle dagger formed in her remaining good hand which she hurled towards them. It sliced across one guy’s face but the other successfully retreated behind the ice structures with Emily wriggling furiously in his arms. A quick breath of frost encased the remaining guy’s gun in ice, rendering him temporarily rather useless.

More came in, moving towards Aaron, and suddenly Jules was trapped behind her structures. She was feeling a little unsteady on her feet now but she needed to do something! They had her daughter, they were coming for Aaron!

She melted the structure closest to him. She’d need him to help her get her daughter back from these guys, there was no way she could do it alone. She blew frost once more, her ice blocking the attackers’ path for the moment and giving her a little time to pull and shake at Aaron’s shoulder.

“C’mon you bastard, they have Em!”

@aaron | 713 words

LAIKA OF GS!

[Deleted]

 

- TANK -

"I'll see you on the other side, drink in hand, smile on my lips."

Aaron groaned, blood leaking from his mouth as he pushed himself to his hands and knees shakily. The sounds of the world around him were dull, like parents and teachers talking from Charlie Brown. He shook his head as his eyes rolled, pain quaking through his body causing him to shudder. Through her wall, A fist would smash, followed by a kick, blasting it backward. This man looked like Bane- a body building on steroids. He bent down and grabbed Aaron's belt and the back of his neck, lifting him bodily and turning to hurl him through Jules' wall next to the front door, his body smashing through and out into the hall.

The man was smart. Get him away from her so they couldn't team up. But he was also dumb. Causing Aaron additional pain only served to do the one thing they probably didn't want in that moment.

It woke him up.

With adrenaline slamming into his body as his back hit the wall in the hallway outside her apartment, Aaron slid down to his feet and grabbed the face of the first man on his left, squeezing brutally as the man let out a short and violent scream of agony before the crunch of his skull indicated the reborn Aaron's intent. He'd turn and hurl the body down the hall, the figure hitting the back of the one carrying Em. Leaping forward, Aaron's body was almost a blur, his strength and speed enhanced exponentially thanks to the adrenaline coursing through him. He'd grab the sobbing child and shout.

"GET OUT JULES!", in an attempt to both let the mother know he had her, and that he was leaving with her. Normally, he'd go back to save the mother, but he also knew that if, in doing so, her daughter died....well, he'd never be forgiven. He'd turn his body and absorb a shotgun blast to his back right shoulder, the concentrated fire causing the skin to peel. He'd use the turn to whip up his right leg in a spinning back kick, the fellows cheek and jaw shattering like glass as Aaron would shoulder-check the door to the nearest apartment off it's hinges, earning a scream from the people in the back bedroom. He tore through the apartment and would leap through the window, a scene reminiscent of one from the previous day. He turned, grunting as his back smashed into the cement, the wind rushing from his lungs on impact. He spoke softly.

Shh....shh sweetheart, it's alright. Shhh..."

Jules, meanwhile, would deal with the big man turning back to her. Scowling with bared teeth.

"If the girl doesn't come with us, we'll take you. I'm sure he cares more for your figure than that of a child."

He'd bend over, intent to grab Jules by the neck and choke her out, so he could take her body and throw it over his shoulder. One failed kidnapping deserves another, no?

JUNIER of GS + Adox

[Deleted]

The ice wall cracked and shattered under the brute force of the huge man making for Aaron. Her defences had bought Aaron just enough time to come to, at least, but he was helpless to resist the man as he hauled him up and launched him out into the hallway. Jules’ head spun as she staggered backwards from him, horrified by display of strength. She wouldn’t last one second against him in hand-to-hand combat, not if he could do that to Aaron.

The attackers were mostly out in the hall now – having taken Emily with them – but the brute remained. Distantly, through a growing ringing in her ears, Jules heard a shout from Aaron telling her to get out. Frantic, panicked sobs pierced the din for a second. Jules couldn’t tell if Aaron had her daughter or not, but she was still there and now that Aaron seemed to be back in action, Jules trusted him to do what he did best.

Jules’ current problem was the man before her, mouth twisted into a toothy scowl. At least his words confirmed Aaron’s success.

“Fuck you.” Jules spat.

It was all she could gather the energy to say, but it summarised her thoughts pretty nicely.

The man stalked towards her, confident in his edge over her. As his arm thrust out, fingers extended menacingly to search for purchase on her throat, Jules tried to dodge backwards. Her vision was blurred at the edges now; that headfirst blast into the sofa definitely hadn’t been great for her health. His hand closed around her neck regardless, and sneer emerging from the scowl.

His fingers didn’t find flesh, however, but the compact layer of ice that had sprouted suddenly from Jules’ skin. The ice armour covered her neck and shoulders, spreading up to her jaw. She met him with a defiant look, smirking challengingly back at him. His fingers pressed insistently against the ice but it held firm.

With a wordless roar, he lifted her off her feet regardless. She kicked out uselessly, the sudden movement sending a shock of pain throughout her entire body, and focused all her energy on maintaining the armour at her neck. His other hand came to grab her and throw her over his shoulder.

Everything was a dizzying blur. Jules made a snap decision – loosening her control over the ice at her throat so she could pour what final energy she had into her last attempts for freedom. Instantly his hand snapped through and gripped firmly, squeezing the air from her. At the same time, as he moved her close to his shoulder, Jules reached out both hands for his own neck.

The torn and injured hand burned painfully, useless for anything but keeping her grip on him. From the other, an icicle dagger burst from the palm, sliding straight into his windpipe with sudden force. The guy’s eyes widened and his grip tightened further on her neck for a moment… before his fingers went limp.

Jules dropped to the floor, crying out in pain and struggling for breath. She pulled herself to her feet against the wall, leaving bloody marks with her right hand as she half-ran, half-stumbled away from her attacker. She pushed the bedroom door shut as she pulled herself into the room, crossing it blindly, carried by pure adrenaline.

The window had been cracked open, thankfully, so it was only with a single, painful burst of effort that she had pushed it open and tumbled out onto the fire escape. Tears flowing freely from her eyes now, Jules scrambled, tripped and slid her way down the metal steps, stopping only about halfway down the building when her legs finally gave way and she dropped to her knees. A rush of vomit escaped her, cascading down through the railings, and Jules rested her head against the cool iron for a moment – not able to even begin processing the situation she had just escaped.

Her head was spinning as she tried to peer through the gap in the railing. Where was Aaron? Where was Em?

Who were those intruders – and where were they??

@aaron | 687 words

LAIKA OF GS!

[Deleted]

 

- TANK -

"I'll see you on the other side, drink in hand, smile on my lips."

As she vomited, she'd hear shouting in the room behind her as the door was busted off it's hinges. "Big man's down! Bring in the secondary force. We have the woman on the causeway-!"

They'd start running at the window and if she didn't move, they'd grab her ankle. Jules, however, would hear a shout from below. "JUMP JULES!" Aaron stood there, hands out, Em standing next to him crying. If she jumped, Aaron would catch her easily, lowering his arms and bending his knees on impact like a shock absorber, so that her fall wouldn't break her back. He'd bend and pick up the child, and despite the weight she'd find he broke into a full sprint, busting out of that alley at thirty miles per hour, tearing down the road with a bead of sweat on his brow. His pack was left in the apartment- they'd find that, with his outfit. His identity would likely be revealed, which complicated things. As he rounded a corner six blocks up, people began to notice so he'd proceed to dug inside a small clothes shop and set the pair down.

"Look after Em."

He walked over to the counter of the man who was giving him an odd look, pulled a wad of cash out of his front pocket and set it on the counter. About two thousand dollars.

"Take this money and quit your job. Right now."

The man blinked several times, picked up the cash....and rushed out the back, the door slamming behind him. He'd turn back to the others and gesture. "Time to find yourselves some new clothes." He didn't want to risk a vehicle with more of those men breaking into downtown just to silence them. They needed new outfits, and then they'd make there way for the safest place Aaron knew of.

His father's house.

He didn't want to take them to the program headquarters. There was no telling who was in on whatever was happening here. That man that picked him up had strength like his. No, greater. He probably lacked Aaron's physical endurance, which would make killing him much easier than it was to kill Aaron. He'd take Jules and the girl with him, since they were who those people were after. He was tempted, even, to reach out to Sonnet. Maybe that one could shed some light on this, pull strings in her contacts circles.

"Toss your phone, if you have it."

He proceeded to drop his own and stomp on it. All the numbers in there, he'd memorized.

All nine of them.

JUNIER of GS + Adox

[Deleted]

Her question about the whereabouts of the intruders was answered almost instantly by the sound of them crashing through her bedroom door and shouting something that she couldn’t quite make out from several floors below. Then she peered up and saw them at her window, ready to continue their pursuit. She felt fresh tears rise to the surface as she clenched her fists in frustration. She was so tired, and so hurt, she couldn’t fight any more…

From below, the rather unexpected sound of Aaron’s voice carried up to her. Jump? Was she capable of it? She wasn’t too terribly far off the ground now – still far enough that she didn’t want to jump, but not as far up as from her apartment. She tore her gaze away from the men at her window to look down at him. He was braced, ready to catch her, but what really gave her the strength to pull herself to her feet was catching sight of dear, sweet little Em’s face. Emily was sobbing by Aaron’s side and it made Jules’ heart ache so much that it must have kickstarted whatever energy she had left.

Knowing she had no time to think, Jules grabbed the rail with both hands and heaved herself onto her feet, hissing with pain as her wounded palm burned angrily. With a deep, shaky breath, Jules launched herself over the railing.

She fell for what felt like an eternity, the head injury still screwing with her vision a little, and landed safely in Aaron’s arms. The landing wasn’t as heavy as she’d been fearing – he must have cushioned her fall somehow. Jules allowed herself to close her eyes now, finally feeling safe, and did her best to stay conscious as Aaron carried the two of them away from the building. The wind whipped at her hair, but she didn’t dare open her eyes to see how fast they were truly going.

He set them down in a small clothes shop that Jules didn’t recognise and proceeded to hand the cashier a significant wad of cash. She swayed on her feet with Emily wrapped tightly around her leg as he proceeded to send the man on his way.

“New clothes?” she echoed, her speech a little slurred. She began to go through the racks, finding something that seemed to vaguely fit Emily (and something she’d never have chosen herself, which was probably perfect for a disguise) and pulling a small beanie over the child’s head. She found a beanie for herself, tucking her hair in. She grabbed the first things she could find that fit her – a plain, knee-length jersey dress and some stained but sturdy suede boots. There was even a dark denim jacket that fit, which should keep her warm for now.

She pulled her phone out of her discarded tracksuit bottoms and held it out to him.

“Where are we going? The hospital?”

A wave of nausea was rising once more. She knew she wasn’t in a good way right now, but she had to make sure that Emily was safe first. Aaron seemed to know what to do. You didn’t have to tell Jules twice to just focus on staying conscious and follow his lead.

@aaron | 539 words

LAIKA OF GS!

[Deleted]

 

- TANK -

"I'll see you on the other side, drink in hand, smile on my lips."

Aaron shook his head.

"No. To one of my fathers houses, outside the city. It's the only place not attached to my name or my family name so it's the most likely to be overlooked. I seriously doubt these guys would have an issue storming into a hospital as they just attacked an apartment complex in broad daylight."

He'd bend, scooping up emily into his arms. He had stepped away while she grabbed clothes, walking over to the mens area nearby and grabbing a bright pink T-shirt and some green jeans. Something he'd never normally wear, but that was indeed the point. He'd also have grabbed a baseball cap after dressing, wanting to make sure his hair and face didn't stand out. After picking Em up, he'd look back at Jules. They seemed safe, for the moment. No screeching tires or angry shouts. If they were out searching for them, they were being very discreet about it. He should probably take some time to explain.

"They were after the smallest of living things in that apartment, if you know what i mean." He'd glance at Em, before looking back to her. "There are a few possibilities. My first thought was that the program was compromised. The fact that we haven't heard anything on the news about this suggest that's off, as it's unlikely we would be the first to have this happen. Then I thought that perhaps your identity was compromised. That's definitive. Yours is, as is mine. But the fact that they attacked in broad daylight and didn't come prepared with ways to handle you and me suggest they don't have a full grasp on our abilities, just that we have them. What they were after could have been intended for leverage, or for other problematic resources."

He'd give Em a little smile to keep her feeling secure before continuing.

"I don't want to risk the program because I don't know how they'd know we were who we are. And I can't risk public resources as they have some reach. So you're going to leave here, and head to eighty fifth avenue, half a mile up the road. you're going to take bus thirteen to it's eighth stop and hop off. Grennitch street. There is a small cafe across the street from where it drops you off. I'm going to take Emily with me in a taxi, to the same location. We'll regroup there- they'll be looking for you with the child, or the three of us together. I don't think they'd assume we'd split in this fashion, being her mother and all."

He'd look to her, searching her eyes. This was a big ask. She'd only known him a short time, but he felt this was the best option. He'd take a deep breath.

"If you're....not comfortable with it, we can try going together. I just worry it'll be a greater risk."

JUNIER of GS + Adox

[Deleted]

With a shaky nod, Jules gave her best effort at a smile of agreement.

“One of?” she teased weakly. So was this why Aaron could spend so much on booze, why Aaron could just throw a wad of cash at a stranger working in a small clothes shop; daddy’s money? She got the impression that Aaron wouldn’t just rely on the wealth of his family however, the guy was too proud for that. Still, having a father with multiple houses was extremely useful right now, and Jules wasn’t going to tease him too much for it.

“And okay. I did hit my head super hard, just so you know. So if I die suddenly… that’s why.”

Her vision was less blurry now they were out of the more intensely stressful situation of direct attack, but the general wooziness and pain she felt throughout her body was still a little concerning. The joke was definitely meant as just that – a joke – but Jules was acutely aware that she should keep herself awake just in case. Em needed her right now, and it was hard to care for your daughter if you succumbed to head injuries.

She took a deep breath. She had one last piece of banter to throw his way. Was this how Jules was going to die? Death by banter?

“Hey man, nice shirt.”

For some annoying reason, the bright pink T-shirt didn’t actually look bad on him. The lurid luminosity of it repelled the eye so much that Jules was forced to admire the bulk of his arms instead. The horror! Still, it was rude that the guy looked good even in the most monstrous of outfits.

She listened as intently as she could to his theorising. Her heart sank as he mentioned their identities – of course they were compromised now. Even the thought of trying to sort things out with the Hero Program was enough to give her headache a boost, so she decided quite quickly not to dwell on such things. One step at a time.

Em was behaving admirably. She returned Aaron’s little smile with her own, excessively cheesy grin and reached to grab his hand.

There was a burning, earnest look in Aaron’s eyes as he assessed her reaction to his plan. His instinct that she might not be comfortable with separating from her daughter, so soon after someone had just tried to take her away from her, was bang on. However, his reasoning was sound, and Jules knew he was right.

She shoved her right hand deep into the pocket of her denim jacket to conceal the raw gash on her palm. She held the other out for bus money; there hadn’t quite been the time to pick up her purse on the way out, after all.

“Eighty-fifth. Bus thirteen. Grennitch street – eighth stop.” She began the process of spinning the mantra through her head, trying to drill it in as best she could. “Keep her safe.”

A firm nod. She just gave Emily a soft smile, not quite sure she was capable of saying ‘see you soon’ to her without bursting into tears. Eighty-fifth. Thirteen. Eighth stop. Eighty-fifth. Thirteen. Eighth stop.

@aaron | 529 words

LAIKA OF GS!

[Deleted]

 

- TANK -

"I'll see you on the other side, drink in hand, smile on my lips."

Aaron would lift his eyebrows and look down at himself. Really? Pink was a good color for him? Well shit. Noted. When she said that her head hurt, his brow furrowed in worry. He'd take her arm, shaking his head. He didn't care for the joke- he found he quite liked this one. "I'm sorry, I didn't know you were hurt. I'm so used to...being alone, injuries are rarely a problem for me." The peeling skin on his back stung, like a rug burn, but it wasn't anywhere near what could be wrong with her. He'd clear his throat.

"You be careful, too. I don't want to have to turn this city to rubble, but if you don't show, I will."

He would let her go first, counting in his head while speaking to Em.

"Mommy is going to meet us there, okay? She just has to go alone so that we're safe. She'll be back though, promise."

After counting out about three minutes, he'd open the door and step out onto the street. She should be about halfway to the bus stop now, so he'd step out on and stick up a hand, in which was clutched a twenty. A cab pulled over, Aaron giving "Grennitch street Cafe, please" before hopping in the back with the child in his arms. The taxi pulled out, Aaron continuing to think while he looked the man over. Middle aged, white, red hair, completely at ease. Clearly not one of those who had chased them down. He thought back to the apartment. The doorbell rang, and he'd checked to see who it was. Could he have done something different? Made this go more smoothly? Where had he failed? He scratched the back of his neck, unused to such hats as, after about fifteen minutes, they pulled in next to the cafe without any ado.

He'd hop out and head inside, taking his seat by the window with a water he took from the stand next to them. Taking several large chugs, he'd offer some to Em, who would drink a little with some splashing down her chin. He wiped it off and looked back out the window, waiting for the bus to arrive.

'C'mon, Jules...'

JUNIER of GS + Adox

[Deleted]

I don’t want to have to turn this city to rubble, but if you don’t show, I will.

There was a feeling in Jules’ chest at this that she couldn’t quite place, and didn’t quite have the focus to really figure out in that moment anyway, but it was a warmth. Reassurance. Enough to give her that final boost to walk out of the shop and make her way to eighty-fifth avenue.

Her breathing was heavy and she felt strongly like there were eyes on her, even though New Yorkers continued to be New Yorkers – ignoring everybody in their path, no matter how much they stood out. She resisted the urge to look back. If there was somebody looking for her, she wouldn’t match the description currently. Acting paranoid was only going to raise suspicion.

Eighty-fifth. Thirteen. Eighth stop.

Jules fidgeted with the bus money in her pocket, finally reaching the bus stop. There was a seat which she resisted collapsing onto in case she couldn’t haul herself back up again, choosing instead to lean against the side of the bus shelter as casually as she could manage. A bus pulled up – wrong number, wrong number – and the driver met her with a friendly smile through the doors. Normally she wouldn’t have thought twice about it, but today she had to fight the urge to run. She was probably just being nice and making sure Jules was waiting for a different bus.

Still, Jules made a mental note of the driver’s appearance as the bus drove away, just in case.

Thirteen. Eighth stop.

Jules checked the schedule. The bus was running late now. Em and Aaron would probably have had very little difficulty finding a taxi, so they’d probably be waiting for at the café. Maybe they were already there – if they made it at all. Jules fought a sudden rise in nausea as she contemplated the thought. Time to stop thinking about that. Just think of the plan.

Finally the thirteen appeared, a much less friendly driver on this bus. His gruff, monosyllabic nature was oddly comforting after the unnerving friendliness of the other driver. Jules took her seat as close to the front as she could, hanging onto a nearby rail with an increasingly firm grip to keep herself alert as she diligently counted the stops they passed.

Eighth stop.

The route was an unfamiliar one, but she recognised at least of the few places they passed. After what seemed an eternity they reached the seventh stop, and Jules instantly got to her feet in preparation for the eighth. No way in hell was she missing this stop.

She noted with instant relief that there was indeed a café directly opposite the bus stop. Aaron and Emily weren’t stood outside, waiting, which was fine even as her heart raced in panic. Once she’d made her way across the road a familiar face became clear in the front window. It took a lot of self-restraint to keep from rushing in and sweeping up her daughter. She needed to act like this was just a casual, family meeting.

“Hi, sorry I’m late,” she said with a smile as she entered the café. Hopefully people would chalk her breathlessness up to running late. “Hello sweetheart,” she said to Emily, who wasn’t quite sure what to make of the situation. Her face seemed torn between the excitement of adventure and the terror of the unknown.

She took a seat and immediately pulled Em onto her lap, trying her best to make it look as normal as possible.

“Thank you,” she said to Aaron, kissing the top of her daughter’s head. “How long are we staying here?” she added in a low voice. “Have you got a plan for getting to your dad’s?”

She hoped it was soon. Man, this was definitely the worst hangover she’d ever had. Even 24 hours spent worshipping the porcelain throne had nothing on attempted kidnapping.

@aaron | 658 words

LAIKA OF GS!

[Deleted]

 

- TANK -

"I'll see you on the other side, drink in hand, smile on my lips."

As she got off the bus, Aaron's eyes caught on her, Jules clearly trying her best to seem as non-threatening as possible. As she came in, he'd turn and offer the smallest of waves, a bagel clasped in the hand of the small child next to him. Unable to finish the delicious breakfast Aaron had made, Em was still hungry so he'd made sure she had something. The strangeness of children, however, had her licking the cream cheese off despite Aaron's attempts to get her to take a few bites. At seeing her mom she called out "Mommy!", setting down the food as Jules picked her up. Aaron leaned back and closed his eyes, very pleased that she had made it. He licked his lips.

"Many years ago, before I left for the war, I worked throughout my senior year to buy my grandad's 1986 Jaguar. Wonderful little car. I park it out back before picking up that old junker. With you here, we can go."

He'd stand, dropping a five dollar bill on the table and taking the apple juice he'd gotten for Emily and handing it to the small child as he'd head for the door. Opening it for them, he'd follow and gesture right, to the parking lot on the side of the cafe. There was parked his car, a shiny ruby red. He'd make his way over, pulling the keys from his pants pocket and unlocking the door. There was no child seat, so Jules would have to hold Em as he fired up the old V12 engine and backed out the spot, pulling out onto the road without much ado. He'd talk as he drove.

"My father is a doctor at New York City Health. He's going to be more than a little surprised to see me as we haven't really kept in touch since I joined the service. He's very....conservative, in how he sees things. So try not to be too offended by his views." It was more than a little nerve racking to have someone he thought was cute meet his dad after a fucking day, but circumstances required what it did. He would glance at her. "I'll also have him take a look at your head, see what's wrong, if anything. It's probably a concussion, if I had to guess."

He'd seen plenty of that over there. He drove for about forty minutes, well outside manhattan and the city of New York.



The home was nestled among some trees and a little plot of green land. Modest, he felt, for a doctor but still more than most people were probably used to. He'd pull into the driveway, noticing his dad's SUV parked there as well. He'd hop out, moving around the car to open the door for Jules and Em before looking down at himself as he started up the walkway. Right. Pink shirt and puke green pants. He wished he could say his dad would be as impressed as she was.

"If he hadn't disowned me already, wearing the clothes I am and showing up with a strange woman and child would do it."

JUNIER of GS + Adox