Lyfers: Amnesia

Chapter 13 - Bullet In A Gun

 – Ven, you're a fucking dumbass.

– ... I sometimes forget how much of an affectionate brother you are.

– Shut up and dodge, already!

No, they didn't expect of falling into a crossfire this late, and no, they weren't in the right state of mind to fight. But as bullets were flying above their heads, their previous quarrels about Dusk's bad habits were as futile as the menace was real, tonight. The blue-haired man abruptly pushed the other into an alley, ducking at the same time.

– Hey, runnin' away's not a plan, grumbled Venom, who rushed to the other end of the street.

– Oh, so you smartass have a plan, huh?

– Yeah, my previous plan was to put a fuckin' sleeping pill in your drink to get some peaceful sleep!

– Fuck off, Ven!

They took another sharp turn between some of Dufferdale's badly lightened streets, their hearts racing into their chests. Of course, the blonde could've ended their aggressors in a snap, but they had no legit part into this conflict, and if they were to kill anyone from either Royal Red or Destiny, their entire gang would get in trouble. Their run into the free zone lasted some more intense minutes until they reached the edge of Amnesia's district. They slowed down, persuaded they would be safe there, and both leaned against the brick walls of an old building, panting. For a moment, they didn't say a word, the city's noises, police sirens and their own breathing being the only sounds to break the silence that created between them. They eyed each other, a smirk on their lips; no matter the stress, this kind of events reminded them of all of their previous experiences together, and the memories it brought amused them. They shared a laugh, at first small, then wholehearted, before fading again. Deep inside themselves, they knew someone was missing, and that the pain, may it had eased with time, would never completely disappear.

– Dawn would have loved that rush, softly said Dusk, with a saddened smile.

– M'yeah, she would have had a whole lotta fun, answered Venom.

He rested the back of his head against the wall, sighing. Dawn's angelic face, her short, peach-colored hair, her blue eyes, her smile... He reminded it all. But strangely, her features were slowly meddling with another one's, and it troubled him; Dove's face appeared into his mind. He remembered the expression of pure rage he saw into her eyes the night he met her, the bruises on her body and the blood running on her face, all of the pain that inhabited her. But also, the happiness that replaced all of that when she finally understood that somewhere, people loved her. He pressed on his forehead with a finger to calm his thoughts, and his uneasy look got noticed by Dusk, who put a hand on his shoulder.

– You hurt, bro? He questioned him.

– Nah. It's just... That new girl I've told you about... She -...

He didn't have the time to finish; a bullet pierced the air, and teared away a scream.

– Dusk!

__________

– Let me stay with you tonight.

Claw's sudden phrase along his hand squeezing hers made her cheeks turn to a bright red and her eyes widen as she observed him, surprised. He was worried, and she could sense it, but yet, she didn't know why. After an instant of hesitation, she nodded, and pushed the ancient door of her building. He followed her inside, and both started to climb the stairs. They stopped at the second floor, and headed towards her apartment. She searched for her keys into her vest's pockets, unlocked the door, and entered, inviting him inside by a wave. She closed behind them, before giving him an embarrassed look.

– I'm sorry, it's super messy, so uh, lift your fee-...

It was indeed: after a few steps inside, his foot hit a package on the ground, and he tumbled forward, leaning on the wall to keep his balance. She rushed to him in a gasp, worried, holding his shoulders to put him back on his feet. At her gesture, it was his turn to blush, and he looked away.

– Hey, you're okay?

– Y-yeah. You should tidy up.

She let out a chuckle, which did not help him retrieve his composure. She let go off him to seize the plastic from the floor.

– I'm sorry, Claw.

No, his name pronounced by her soft voice didn't help either, quite the contrary. He passed a hand onto his face to calm himself, slightly acquiescing.

– It's fine, don't worry 'bout me.

– Take a seat, I'll throw that away.

– Thanks.

He went to take place on the sofa, being more cautious about not tripping, this time. Dove left to the kitchen, pushing the package in the bin, before coming back into the small living room, throwing her jacket onto a chair. She then glanced at him with a smile.

– Do you want something to drink?

– M'sure. What do you have?

– Might have soda, and water too.

– Soda's fine.

After a nod, she walked back to the previous room, grabbing two glasses from a cupboard, and a bottle from the fridge. She sat by his side, put the glasses down and poured the beverage into it, then handed one of them to him.

– Here you go.

– Thanks.

He palmed it, leaning against the back of the couch and taking a sip out of it, eyeing her from time to time, as she raised her legs on the sofa and rearranged her hair. He couldn't help but think about how pretty she was, and had a hard time tearing his eyes away from her. I fucked up, he thought, shouldn't have come there... But the smile she showed him made his doubts vanish; he wanted to be there. On the other side, Dove, at first hesitant, was now reassured; her anxiety eased.

– Tomorrow will be easy, right? She asked him, almost in a whisper.

Her words reminded him of what brought him here in the first place, and delicately, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

– It will.