N a s h

The next morning came far too fast for me. My back ached so bad as I got up. I thought I was going to have to get more painkillers.

Bree's still curled up in my bed, she was peaceful. I envy that... I haven't gotten dressed, but I haven't been up for very long either. I'm enjoying the peace and quiet before today.

I laid on the couch with Xian's dog Bella, the warm sun washing over us. It feels good to be somewhere so comfortable...

But it worries me when they are going to find where I am. When will they come after my head again? I don't like how peaceful it's been. I want to enjoy it, but I can't. It always tends to feel like a ticking time bomb.

I brushed back the cocker spaniels ears, starting to shut my eyes.

I stretched across the couch, groaning under my breath as I adjusted the tank top."Good morning." My eyes shot back open as Xian walked past me, rubbing his eyes.

And my peace and quiet is now over. I intertwined my hands, placing them on my stomach.

"Oh you're still mad, aren't you?" He asked, approaching me on the couch. I gave him a nonchalant shrug.

My anger has died down a bit. But, I still feel annoyance at his presence. I'm in such a horrible position, yet he almost put us in another horrible position. And better yet, over his own stupid desires...

"Can't we make up?" He sat down at the end of the couch. I retracted my feet back, sighing as I glanced toward the ceiling.

I eyed a familiar bullet hole. Gosh, that was over 3 years ago now..

"I'm sorry. I never meant to make it worse for you. I know you're stressed." Xian apologized, lowering his head.

I'm surprised he has the guts to apologize . I thought he just expected me to let it go soon and us make up. It wouldn't be a new thing from him.

I leaned up, meeting his remorseful green eyes. I don't know what he wants me to say.

I licked my lips before glancing back to the ceiling."Do you remember when we did that?"

Xian's expression grew puzzled as he glanced up as well."The bullet?" He asked. I nodded, crossing my arms.

"We could've gotten seriously hurt, I mean we both knew better.." I paused, laughing."But we still shot it..."

He smiled, shaking his head."We never learn."

"No... I do." I remarked as Xian scoffed."Sure you do." He said, getting up, glancing over his shoulder at me.

"I didn't get with a married woman." I shrugged, resting my arms behind my head. Xian's eyes widened before he placed his finger over his lips.

"Shush. It was... Another bullet." He smirked, pushing his ginger hair back."Will you learn?" I asked, his smirk turning into a weak smile.

"I mean, I won't see her again." Xian laughed, scratching his arm. I shook my head, running my hand across my busted lip.

"You are a womanizer I suppose..." I rolled over, resting on my side to face him now.

"Ehh... I wouldn't call myself it." He started toward the kitchen before pausing.

"Are we better now?" He asked, making me lean up. I pursed my lips."I guess so."

"Good morning..." Bree walked in, flopping down on the loveseat. Her purple hair was beginning to fade some and she looked tired. Heavy bags tugged under her eyes, it just wasn't like her.

I wonder why. She seemed peaceful when I woke up.

"Oh, morning pretty lady." Xian smirked, such a flirtatious tone as he eyed her before into the kitchen. I bit my cheek, pressing my thumb nail into my finger.

"What are you guys doing?" She inquired, pulling her knees to her chest."Nothing." I replied , meeting her brown eyes.

She made a soft hum, before a sudden grin appeared on her face."Oh! Are you going to teach me how to shoot the gun today?" She clasped her hands together, shifting all her focus to me.

Shoot, I said that didn't I? This was a tad bit impulsive I must admit...

I stared at her for a moment. Her plump pink lips fell from the grin as she waited. Her energy seemed to refill right in that moment, it was nicer than her tired state.

"If Nash doesn't want to, I can." Xian chimed, making me snap my gaze to the kitchen where he was.

What's with this helpful nature to her..? I clenched my fist as I gulped.

"No, I will.." I cleared my throat, lifting Bella off of me as I stood up."Go get ready." I motioned Bree off, biting my lip.

I guess I have to find a target...

-

"How deep into the woods do we have to go?" Bree asked, stepping over the tree limbs scattered across the path.

"We need to be away from the house." I replied, keeping the revolver close to my side. Bree had the ammo, nails, a hammer, and a makeshift target in a bag.

I did the best I could. I mean, it wasn't on my schedule to give the girl I put in danger a gun lesson, but you know.

Nothing about this is necessarily something I would've chose to happen...

I put my hand up, halting.-"Bree-!" I exclaimed as she ran into my aching back, knocking me a bit forward."Sorry." She apologized, placing her hands onto it.

I grew tense, turning to face her. She retracted her hands, looking up at me with remorse. I don't like that expression of hers. My heart dropped a bit as I clenched the gun.

"Okay.." I changed the subject, stepping away from her as I looked around for a good tree. As long as it's away from the house, it should be fine.

"Here, give me the bag." I gestured her to hand me the items, turning back to her. She looked down, handing them to me. Have I made her this anxious?

It wasn't my intention at all... I took the bag, taking out the items. I grabbed the target, hammer and nails.

I pressed it against the tree, hammering it into place. I glanced back at Bree as she kicked the sticks out of her way.

I picked the revolver and ammo back up, loading it."Alright, stay steady and calm." I started, approaching her. She pinched her lips shut before she nodded, reaching for the gun. I pulled back."Hold on.." I said, turning it to the side.

"I need you to be careful with this. Revolvers don't typically have traditional safety locks. But this one does have an internal lock." I pointed to it, pushing it into lock. Bree's eyes followed my hands, nodding.

"I'll show you how to reload after I show you how to shoot it." I hope she's a natural...

"It will be loud, so please prepare yourself." I warned, stepping back from the target.

I pointed the gun at it, breathing in as I locked my focus on the middle ring. I could feel Bree staring at me intently, waiting for me to shoot. I pushed the gun out of the safety lock and brought my finger to the trigger.

I exhaled as I pulled it, the bullet piercing close to the middle.

We both flinched after, always my least favorite part..."Gah, that is loud.." Bree groaned, covering her ears. I laughed, reloading it."I told you. Okay, you try." I handed her the gun.

Bree gulped, holding it far from her. I furrowed my brows. She stood awkward, pursing her lips. I held my breath to prevent laughing, looking away. Oh, she can't be serious...

"What?" She asked clueless, making my laughter escape."You're so stiff.." I covered my mouth, watching her cheeks flush pink.

"I have never done this, Nash, you are experienced.." She mumbled, holding the gun with very shaky hands. I nodded, directing my attention to the target as we stood close.

"Just aim." I slipped my hands into my pockets."I am.." Her eyes flickered around the target as she furrowed her brows.

She placed her finger on the trigger, cringing a bit as she prepared to pull it."Did you bring any earplugs..?" She asked . I shook my head, giving her frown."Sadly, if you are using this for defense, you can't plug your ears."

She finally pulled the trigger, both of us flinching at the noise again.

I hissed through my teeth, glancing at the bullet hole piercing the top of the target."At least you hit it." I gave her a reassuring smile as she looked up at me, disappointment lingering in her eyes.

Some reason, that makes me feel a bit bad... I don't know why, but I can't whisk a wand and make her have better aim.

"Uh... Try exhaling when you pull the trigger, it'll help." I explained as I reached for the gun. I avoided her hands as I reloaded it, then I stepped back.

She took in a deep breath as I did, holding it for a moment. She pulled the trigger and exhaled. Even with her jerking after the pop, she pierced a much cleaner shot. A lot closer to mine, almost above it.

"See?" I reached toward the gun again, only for her to reload it herself.

She looked back at me for approval. I'm not too sure why, but I gave her a tiny nod."Good job. You could be a pro."

Her grin from earlier returned as her eyes lightened up a bit. She held the gun with a bit of more confidence."You think they'll be intimidated?" She glanced at me, her big brown eyes were full of joy now.

I pursed my lips before smiling, examining her petite frame."Well, you have a gun. I'm personally intimidated for sure." I put my hands up, her warm laughter starting to rise. The sun peaked through the trees, lightening up her hair.

The fading purple was much more noticeable in the sun, but it didn't look bad. I think she still looks nice.

"Think I could handle one of your little gigs?" She teased, aiming the gun now with confidence. I snickered, rolling my eyes. I couldn't imagine it. Well, I suppose I've never tried.

I can't see her manipulating, threatening, or shoving cash into a bag.

Or tugging those black gloves on.

Swiftly wiping off finger prints...

Maybe pulling that black mask up over her face... I stared down, coughing to clear my throat, and mind.

"You're surely wild, but you're not rough." I shook my head, hearing her "hmph" before pulling the trigger. I shot my head back up, staring at the clear bullet hole in the bullseye.

"Oh wow.." My eyes widened as she gawked before laughing."I- I did that! I hit bullseye!" She cheered, jumping toward me. I bit the side of my tongue, nodding my head.

"Those old video games helped out." She smirked, glancing over her shoulder at me.

"Yeah, you sure did that.." I pinched my lips shut, motioning her to give me the gun.

"My turn."

-

Bree's lesson turned into a competition. The target was pretty much shredded at this point, so we ended with a tie.

"I still think I won." Bree smirked, holding the unloaded revolver in her hand. I shook my head, laughing. She perked up a lot, I was glad to see her that way instead. She was sitting on an old log, examining the minor details on the gun.

"If telling yourself that makes you happy, then go ahead." I brushed my hair back, leaning back against the tree. I mean, she has a good aim for someone who has never shot a real gun. I don't have to worry so much now, knowing she can defend herself at least a bit...

I picked at my hangnail as she kicked another stick away. Why don't I feel the greatest about this?

"I'm hungry." She stood up, dusting off her jean shorts."Shall we celebrate my win, or mourn your defeat?" She teased, slinging the bag back over her shoulder. I scoffed, walking up to her.

She looked up at me with a smirk, placing her hand on her hip. Her lips had a small amount of gloss painted on, making them shine in the sun so subtle. They seemed soft and sweet...

That feels wrong to notice. I brought my attention back to her eyes, gulping.

"It sounds wonderful to celebrate my win, let's get Italian." I smiled, walking around her. She huffed, following me.

"Can we get something else?" She asked, catching up to my side. I furrowed my brows and glanced up at the grey clouds. They appear to be growing a bit darker now. I hope it doesn't storm.

But it is hot out, so I wouldn't be surprised. Just a light rain could be good..

"Nash?" Bree caught my attention again, slipping the gun into the bag."Huh?" I blinked a few times.

"I asked you if we could get something other than Italian. Not feeling up to it." She zipped the bag back, pushing her hair back. I nodded, slipping my hands into my pockets."Okay."

She smiled, eyeing the house as we got closer. Xian and Coal's vehicles were both missing. Gosh, I hope they didn't lock the doors. I didn't grab a key...

"Go inside and put the gun in your bag." I instructed, heading toward the front door. I gripped the knob, turning it.

Thank God, it's unlocked... I pushed it open, letting Bree in before me. She started back toward my room, leaving me by the doorway. I need to figure out where we can go.

I glanced at the coffee table. Shoot, my keys and pistol are still in my room.

"Bree, grab my pistol and keys!"

-

"So... Tell me more about New York." Bree asked, sitting on the sidewalk next to me as I smoked. "Grew up there." I have been answering her silly questions since we finished at the Chinese restaurant.

"Oh. Do you want to go back..?" She pulled her knees to her chest, glancing up at me. The golden hour sun washing over her made her appear so angelic... Gosh, I can't believe I got her caught up in this.

"If I could, I would. But my apartment is gone..." I blew out the smoke as Bree stood up."When this is over I think you should go be where you feel like you." She smiled, patting my shoulder.

I jerked away instinctively, her eyes following me. Her cheeks flushed pink as she brought her hand back to her side."Okay.." Her voice was hush now. We both looked away to the sky.

"Nash." Her voice did a 180 from the embarrassed hush to a fearful shake. I shot my eyes back to her as she pointed toward a familiar car in the parking lot a bit away.

My heart fell as I processed. And she's pointing their way..!-"Don't..!" I hissed through my teeth as I pushed her hand down, shaking my head.

"Go, put your head down and get in the car, now." I demanded, watching the color flush from her skin. She glanced back to the car and then me, terror never leaving her eyes. I threw my cigarette down and stomped it out with my foot.

I placed my hands on her shoulders, pushing her to the car."Go..." I whispered into her ear, walking behind her.

"I'm just scared..." She whimpered as I opened the door, pushing her in. I shut the door as quiet as I could, rushing back to the drivers seat.

I clenched the wheel as I started the engine, my fear converting to anger.

Oh gosh, I am an idiot. I shouldn't have gone out!

"Just keep your head down.." I growled, starting out of the parking lot. Bree nodded, sinking into the seat.

What am I going to do..?-

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