In the Willows

Chapter Twenty-Four: When Everything Means Nothing

"How long are you gonna waste your life Y/N!? It's been two years!"

A vase shatters on the wall next to your head.

"Cerise, I...."

"It's time to move on, the Bastard Syndicate is behind us!"

You lower your head, "It's not that simple Cerise."

She sighs, "I thought we were going to start a family, be happy finally."

You stand up and reach for her hand, "I am happy here, with you."

She pulls her hand away, "Doesn't seem like it, all you do is sit here staring at a wall or go out on patrols."

"We can try again, maybe- "

She pushes you, "Maybe this time it'll work? Funny how I knew that was what you were gonna say."

"What do you want me to do?"

She scoffs, "Get off your ass and do something productive, stop being useless. I'll be back, they have me going on the northern route," she walks over to the window and opens the blinds, "and for god sakes let some light in the house."

"I love you, Cerise."

She doesn't respond, slamming the door instead.

You walk out as well grabbing your jacket. You breathe in the frosty air of December. You decide to take a walk towards the Tipsy Bison. You pass kids throwing snowballs and Christmas lights hanging along rooftops and electrical poles. Before you can enter the Tipsy Bison, a hand grabs your arm.

You swing around grabbing the person's wrist and you stop suddenly, "Ellie, I thought you learned the first time."

She lets go, "Jeez Y/N, scared of me?"

You chuckle, "Maybe a little."

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Y/N's POV, Present

"Y/N?" says Louis.

You snap out of your memory, "Yeah?"

"You ok?"

"Focus on the task, not me."

He nods and continues with the job you gave him. You load your magazines as Josephine finishes another explosive. Violet sits beside you as Gabe watches the window.

"How's the tattoo?"

Violet rolls up her sleeve revealing the identification number tattoo, "Itches mostly."

"Don't scratch it, pat it. When we get out of here, I'll get some cream for it."

"Thanks, Y/N. For the jacket, and...."

"You don't have to thank me."

"I want to." she looks down, "I don't know what else they would've done to us, or to me, if you didn't come."

You know what they would've done. You're just glad you got there in time.

"I'm glad you and Louis are ok."

"So, you're not gonna talk to me?"

You look at Josephine, "What is there to talk about?"

"Well, to start with, calling me a bitch?"

"Spur of the moment."

"Really."

"Are you really mad about this? If I was stuck in a cage and you didn't know me, what would you have done?"