KALEIDOSCOPE ━ WADE WILSON

CHAPTER TWO

PLAYLIST;

i.  sabor a mi - eydie gorme & los panchos

ii. gimme shelter - the rolling stones

iii. human - the killers

iv. my kink is karma - chapell roan

v. million years ago - adele

vi. like a tattoo - sade  

-

Heading towards a Mexican restaurant wasn't exactly the way Ainoa thought she'd end the night. Usually, after finishing a job, she'd go straight home and shower off the blood from her skin. But the merc with a mouth decided to change her plans. 

The neon sign of the restaurant flickered as Ainoa followed behind Deadpool. The place looked like it had seen better days—probably sometime in the 1970's.

"This is your idea of fine dining?" Ainoa asked, eyeing the establishment skeptically. She wouldn't be surprised if this was a trap.

Deadpool gasped dramatically, turning to look at her with wide eyes through his mask. "I'll have you know, señorita, that Taco Tom's chimichangas are legendary. Some say they're to die for." He paused. "Though that might be because of the health code violations."

Aina rolled her eyes, but followed him inside. The interior was no more impressive than the exterior, but the smell of spices and grilled meat was admittedly enticing.

They slid into a worn booth near  window with an open neon sign, and a tired looking waitress appeared almost instantly. "Deadpool," she nodded, unsurprised by his masked appearance and the blood splattered over his suit. "The usual?"

"Ah, you know it, Doris! And for the lovely lady too."

As Doris shuffled away, Ainoa's eyes wandered the place. It was clear that this was a safe place for dangerous people. This was not a typical type of establishment where your local happy family could go. 

She turned her attention back to the masked man in front of her. "So, Dead. You're clearly not new to this. How long have you been in the business?"

Deadpool tilted his head, considering. "Oh, you know, long enough to develop a taste for spandez and witty one liners. You?"

"Long enough to know better than wearing spandex." Ainoa retorted. 

Deadpool chuckled, then his tone turned more serious. "Let's just say I had a... career change a few years back. Life has a way of throwing curveballs, you know?"

Ainoa nodded, "You can say that again." She sighed, leaning back on the booth. "So, what were your curveballs?"

The masked man sighed, fidgeting with a napkin. "A bitch named cancer. Terminal diagnosis, experimental treatment, ended up with this beautiful mug and a healing factor that would make Wolverine jealous." He gestured to his mask.

"Sounds awful." Ainoa spoke.

Deadpool shrugged, "It is what it is. The real kicker came after. My girl, Vanessa... she stuck by me through the cancer, the transformation. But after all the chaos died down, she realized she couldn't handle this life. The constant danger, the unpredictability. Can't say I blame her."

Ainoa's expression softened slightly. In a way, she could relate to his story; having to leave everything you love behind over the dangerous paths of your life. It wasn't an easy choice, but it was one to be made. "I'm sorry..."

"Yeah, well, c'est la vie and all that jazz," he said, his tone forcefully light. "What about you, mysterious Katana? What's your origin story?"

Ainoa tensed slightly. "Nothing as dramatic as yours. Just... found out I had a talent for this kind of work."

He leaned forward, intrigued. "Oh, come on, there's gotta be more to it than that. A beautiful, deadly woman like you? I smell a tragic backstory."

Ainoa's eyes hardened. "We all have our secrets, Dead. Some are better left buried."

Just then, Doris returned with their food – massive chimichangas that looked like they could feed a small army.

As Doris left, Dead tried a different approach. "So, any family in the business with you? That sister of yours seemed pretty capable."

Ainoa hesitated, then decided to give him a small piece of the truth. "Whisper... she's all I have left. We look out for each other."

Dead nodded, sensing the weight behind her words. "Family's important. Even the chosen kind."

They ate in silence for a moment before Ainoa spoke again. "Let's just say our father's... past caught up with us. We had to leave our old lives behind. This job, it's not just about the money. It's survival."

His eyes widened slightly behind his mask. "Sounds like there's quite a story there."

Ainoa shook her head. "Not one I'm ready to tell. Let's just say there are some very dangerous people who'd love to get their hands on us. Especially me."

Dead nodded, understanding the need for secrecy. "Well, if you ever need backup against these mysterious baddies, you know who to call. I make a great human shield."

Ainoa couldn't help but chuckle. "I'll keep that in mind, Dead."