Comrade, oh my comrade

XXXIII: 𝓐𝓾𝓰𝓾𝓼𝓽

I watched as she slept like a homicidal baby. Her chest rises and falls slowly. Her dark hair rested all over her face. The small part in her lips as she let out soft breaths. She was cuddled up in a blanket on the bed. Her tank top and shorts cling to her curves tightly as I took her in. In times like this, she looks peaceful. No cold, emotionless stare. No cocky or seductive gaze. No homicidal glaze or deadly expression. She looked at peace. Calm. And almost happy. I wondered if she dreamed. What would she dream about? Her brother? Or dad ?....Me? Would I even make it into her dreams, really? She's jokes about killing me in them but I knew they were just to get under my skin. I wondered if I was ever in her mind so much as where she dreamt of me. Alive. Or maybe she dreamt about that perfect family she wanted but couldn't have a while ago.

Whatever it was she had in her head, it wouldn't last long. I point the rounded tip at her and, with a shaky breath, pulled the trigger.

A loud blaring scream left the gun, and she leaped out of bed, covering her ears and yelling as she dropped onto the floor. I took a step back as she fell to my feet and smiled. She glared up at me. There she is. The woman who I knew. I leaned down a genuine smile on my face.

"Happy birthday Hannibal Lector" I chirped. She swung at me, but I stepped back, making a face. "Play nice, muscle spasms happen with old age" I couldn't finish the whole sentence, it came out in a rushed laugh as I hauled ass. She got up rushing after me.

I purposely ran down the stairs and behind the balloons and cake sitting on the counter. She decided to say fuck the stairs and jump down, crouching on the landing. I raised a brow at her as those pretty demon eyes glared at me. It took her a minute after trying to rush me; me smacking a balloon in her face and laughing at her, for her to realize the scenery.

Her face dropped to confusion as she did a twirl around, like a confused animal. I couldn't help the grin that formed at the sight. Her eyes met mine and a small lift to her lips came. Crossing her arms, she tilted her head at me. "Happy birthday. Natasha Mae Vendetta," she said in a flat tone. Did she not like it?

"You don't like chocolate cake?" I joked. But I was getting a little nervous. Then again, what did I expect? She picked up the knife next to the cake, and I tensed. She smirked at that and started popping balloons. One by one. Part of me felt annoyed at the action. "You try to do something nice for someone and they bust your bubble" I rolled my eyes. But held the grin that wanted to form from my joke. She sat the knife down and turned to me.

"I don't do birthdays" she rolled her eyes. Turning to go back upstairs. I frowned a little at the nothing I received back for this. I baked that cake. Blew up these balloons. Set up some flowers. I didn't have high expectations. None really, but maybe a..

"Thank you, pirate," she mumbled as she climbed the stairs. I looked up to see her small grin before she disappeared into the hallway.

.

I opened the door quietly, trying not to wake her upstairs as they came in. D, Chase, Joey, Luis, and Alec all came in quietly, holding gifts and drinks. We ordered burgers and pizza, which should arrive soon. As they came in to greet me, Alec handed me a small black velvet bag. He gave me a look that I knew he'd ask me about later. I asked him to grab something for me. A gift for her. I ordered it before when I didn't have the clarity that I did. D helped me. I don't know why, but I wanted to give her something to hold on to. Maybe it'll help me in the long run with her.

We began to set up downstairs. I realized a party wasn't something she probably wanted. But just our people, food, and a couple of movies. Hopefully, she won't get upset and stab us all.

After the food came and we placed it down, we all crept upstairs. Lingering outside the bedroom door, we all shared a devious look. Especially D who was excited just to see her again I'm sure. We pushed the door open slowly. She laid up under the covers. As we quietly stalked around the bed, ready to pounce, a yelp came from behind us. Realizing D vanished, we stood up and alert, confused.