Collect of Short Stories

Fit For Two

"I don't need your misplaced concern. I need to get the job done. You need me to get the job done." Maven leaned against the creaky, wooden chair and stared up at Nico.
     He took a swig of water and promptly stood up, tired of all the waiting and the setbacks Nico has caused him. Why was he doing this? Why was he stalling every moment and chance for Maven to kill their intended target? What is he so afraid of? Every time he utters something against the original plan, it's another opportunity wasted.
     "Maybe you should wait an extra day or two. Get fully prepared both mentally and physically."
     Maven sucked on his bottom lip, intent on not saying anything potentially out of his bounds but the urge to do so was rising. He flickered his gaze back at Nico whose glaring at him so hard, only a small, black pupil in a sea of hazel showed.
     He ignored his aggressive stance and adjusted his black, leather gloves. "I can leave whenever I want to. And you can't stop me."
     "I can kill you right now."
     He nearly laughed at such a statement which was suppose to come off as a threat. Nico? Kill him? His ability is passive. It wasn't meant to do such harm but he makes up for that by his sour personality. Point still stands though, he can do nothing.
     "You can't. I'm the best chance you guys have at finding your culprit. And believe me, I always track them down eventually. Even if they hide in the darkest corners of the world, I'll meet them."
      "Now, if you don't mind telling me: why the hell are you worried about my well-being. For the impressions you gave off, it seemed like you hated me. Why the change of heart?"
     Nico let out a familiar sneer and at such a common facial expression from him, Maven couldn't help but let out a ghost of a smile. It was more comfortable than seeing him try to "help" him. Supporting others is just not in his nature.
     He leaned against the wall, rubbing his temples and scrunching his nose in such distaste, his face almost warped itself into monstrosity. Abruptly, he turned back to face the tired, grinning male. "Felix is worried about you. Thus telling all of his friends to hold you back."
     "Jill was never truly fond of you either. If I recall correctly, the nickname she gave you was 'dead loss'. And to my knowledge, now she's suddenly begging you stay behind. At least for a little while..."
     It was more information Maven could've truly wished for. But even with that, he was unsurprised. Felix treated his wounds and at first, the two had a very shaky relationship. Almost to the brink of collapsing every time they interacted with one another. But as missions and time went by...well...
     Maven has heard enough and he straightened his back. A nagging sensation pulled at his heart but he ignored it. A minor discomfort won't be a problem. The real problem is whether he'll get himself killed...
     "I'm going."
     For a second, Nico seemed to nod along and accept his final decision but upon realizing what his superior wanted, he shook his head rapidly. "A few more days at the very least. Felix would want to speak with you."
     "Fucken, Ackroyd?" He stared incredulously at Nico who shrugged his shoulders. "Yeah...yeah, no. I can't do that. I have to be on my way as soon as possible."
     In a dull, monotone voice, the other male responded with, "Do you really have to?" He was obviously tired with the act of pretending to care.
     "I'm killing him one way of another. And no offense, really, but even with Maddison on your team, she will never accomplish this task. What I'm trying to find is a snake that escaped your grasp so many times, it's truly laughable at how determined you are to catch him." He sucked in a deep breath.
     "I will kill him. He may think he knows how to out maneuver me but he does not. All the targets my eyes ever land on have always died. By my hand."
     Nico stared blankly back, seemingly unfazed by his speech. In fact, even having the audacity to yawn in the middle of it. Maven noted his nonchalant attitude and changed subject, if only to please Felix even though he wasn't here.
      "I may not stay long but if Felix allows it, would he be willing to let me borrow one of his friends?"
     At this, Nico widened his eyes. "Which?"
     He male ran through all the people in his list with their abilities beside them. Most are aggressive but that's not what he needs right now...what he needs is...
     He pointed a finger gun at Nico and smiled. "Valerie? I promise I'll return her in once piece."
     The other male didn't seem to think the same thought. Rather, he growled under his breath and fished out his phone. Neither male spoke as Nico waited impatiently against the ongoing silence, tapping his phone until a voice occurred on the other line.

"Huh? You...you want me to come with you? But..but I can't do anything!"
     Huh. What a load of bullshit. Maven smirked and shook his head to her surprise. She pulled on her ear ever so slightly, a habit he had seen her do on several occasions.
    Sure she lacks strength physically and despite how loud, chatty and childish she may seem, Maven has seen her get her act together and follow orders. Brain over brawn...
     "You can read people's minds, can't you?" He inquired. He already knew the answer, of course. He just wanted to hear it from her. If she only build her confidence up, they'll surely make a great team.
     "Of course! Eh? You just wanted to hear me say that? Then what's the point? You already know—h-hey! I have confidence! Stop speaking to me with your mind!" She frowned and sighed, taking in a deep breath. Valerie brushed a strand of black hair behind her ear and stared seriously at him.
    "Felix agreed? And you want me with you?"
    "Yes to both."
    "Okay...okay, I'll agree to go! But it's not for you, it's for him..."
     "Tell me something I don't know..."
     She ignored that statement and stared wistfully out the window where a dark storm was beginning to enter. Thunder boomed overhead. A strange glimmer fogged her eyes. "Why me? I mean...I'm practically the weakest out of all of them."
     "You can read minds. Is that not enough of a reason. You can read body language, you can see the unspoken. You can tell whether someone is lying or not. With you, the journey would go a lot smoother. Hey," he tapped impatiently on the table.
    She snapped her attention back to him to which he smiled. He has always been quite fond of her and that's not only because she was one of the first to treat him nicely.
     "We'll work on that confidence of yours, yeah?"
    And for the first time in this entire encounter, she grinned.