Phoenix's Lies

Accident

(For when the accident happens)

River

A few days after explaining what happened Nix was allowed to leave and we made sure we did as Ash suggested. Stayed under the radar of the whole fucking town since we have no idea who could be working with Ivar and don't want to get him here earlier than he's already going to be. Trying to be prepared. If that's even possible.

None of us let each other out of their sight. After what I was able to relay from my conversation with Ivar all of us were terrified that he'd pop up around the corner like a ghost. Leaving us all paranoid. Me and Nix most of all since we're the ones he's after, we just don't know why.

"Maybe it's linked to the file your sister had that she gave to Mads before she died?" Pey asks one night at work whilst I'm polishing glasses behind the bar. I snorted and rolled my eyes. "Seriously, you're the one who said Ivar called you 'Black Swan', maybe that's it?"

"Pey I love you but no. That's reaching for a connection we have that might not even work. And I don't know how many chances we have at making this right before..." I stop and sigh when I realise who walked in. "I don't need a babysitter and you are way too young to be here so scram."

"Love you too," Nix laughs as he sits down. "And no. Not spending the night alone again. It's too creepy." He shivers and I offer a sympathetic expression as he does so, shrugging. "It's too dark and empty. Scary."

"Never pegged you to love someone afraid of the dark Riv." Mal laughs and I shoot her the finger, knowing she understands why both Nix and I are a little afraid of one being alone and two being somewhere in the dark, even more so when alone. "Sorry bad joke I just haven't seen either of you smile in forever."

"When the world stops trying to kill me I'll consider it," I shoot back to her as I see Nix try to hide his laughter but fail miserably. "And it's not funny you. Or I'll move." I give him a look then, knowing he gets what I mean. He pouts impressively and I laugh. "But seriously Mal, Pey that's just a theory we reached with. The letters started before I was born so why would it be me? He just used the same name to track me after I bailed on the Spades and murders his whole family. That can't be the connection. It's a coincidence at best but not a connection. Not like you seem to want it to be. It's just not possible. "

"It could be," Mal calls from the storage room on the side, her tone a little strained. "We just need to wait until Mads can get the files decrypted and then we'll know for sure if it is or not. And trust me Riv if it isn't I'll be the first to apologise to you. Ok?" She gives me a look when she comes back and I nod. Turning away to serve someone who came in. Keeping my eye also on the person next to them.

The rest of the night is quiet but I can't shake the feeling we're being watched. It wriggles under my skin and has me scanning the bar every five minutes to see if someone is there. Has me, Mal and Pey looking at one another too. Trying to keep an eye on one another in case we needed to do something. Protect someone. It seeps into my bones, causing my hands to shake when I try to work. Something that means even the simplest of tasks takes forever.

When I'm not busy I sometimes catch Nix watching me. Trying to figure me out behind the dark blue-silver eyes that don't leave mine, even when I'm working. When I eventually make a mistake his hand is there to hold mine. Keeping me feeling safe and grounded even with the niggling fear wriggling under my skin. I shoot him a small, thankful smile and see when he returns it.

"Dad said El and Lib enjoyed the carnival today." He says eventually when my break comes and we can sit out the back together. I shouldn't let him but with how I've been feeling the girls were willing to turn a blind eye and I needed it. "They've eaten and are just about finished with the play as well. I-I can go when they get back if you want."