Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
CHAPTER NINETEEN the sting of rejection
⋆*✧･ﾟ:⋆*･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ:
STAY ALIVE. STAY ALIVE. STAY ALIVE. The words echoed through Nadine's mind like a mantra, pulsing at her skin, constantly demanding she keep breathing, that her blood keep pumping, that her heart keep beating. Don't do anything dangerous, Nadine. Don't let yourself slip, Nadine. Don't leap into fights like you always do, because this time, you could end up with a bullet in your brain instead of your shoulder.
The voice in her head was an irritating combination of her own and Five's, but it was working, which Nadine supposed was what was important about it. She knew she'd stormed off from the boy like a child having a temper tantrum, and eventually she would have to make her way back to him, even if he was a murderer and an ex-assassin who didn't care for lives beyond his own small world of himself and the Hargreeves. Because as infuriating as he was, he knew the most about what was coming. And she knew that, despite his hopelessness this morning, he wouldn't give up so easily. He wouldn't let his family—and by extent, the world—die again.
Right now, though, instead of finding Five, Nadine was trailing slightly reluctantly behind Allison Hargreeves, heading to Vanya's apartment to disclose the information they'd discovered during their research at the library. Even though Nadine had let herself be pulled along in this, she still felt a prickle of annoyance at Allison for being so obsessed with Leonard. Sure, Nadine was suspicious of the man, too, but if it was up to her, finding answers wouldn't consist of snooping around—it would comprise of grasping Leonard by the collar and warning him that if he ever broke Vanya's hear, she'd pound him into paste.
But here she was, doing it the soft way.
The sound of violin song led Allison and Nadine to Vanya's apartment, and Nadine paused before knocking, allowing the melody to flood through her. It was beautiful, alluring, and Nadine let herself enjoy it while it lasted. Vanya may not have had superpowers, but it was clear she did have talent.
Eventually, she forced herself to knock. The violin music cut off abruptly, and moments later the door opened, revealing Vanya, violin in hand. Her gaze softened when she noticed who was on the other side of the door. "Oh, hey."
"Hey," said Allison. "Can we come in?"
"Well—Sorry, I really need to rehearse," said Vanya, but allowed them in nonetheless, heading to the back window that contained sheet music propped up for her. Nadine stepped inside hesitantly, knowing her excuse might only be half-true. Evidently, Allison's worries about Leonard this morning hadn't made her very happy, and it was likely that she was reluctant to jump back into that conversation again.
"Your playing was beautiful," Nadine blurted, before she could catch herself.
"Oh." Vanya turned back to face Nadine, a smile tugging at her lips and a faint hint of pink colouring her cheeks. "Thanks."
