Game Over

Just a Thought

"Are you sure you want to go back, honey? You still don't look too hot."
"I'm fine, Marci. I'll be okay."
Marcia settled back into the car seat, her knuckles turning white from gripping the wheel so tightly. The woman had been a wreck ever since Vail had the accident. The police found nothing, no evidence. Vail had no memory of the night. None of the other bodies were found. Nothing has been going right. Marcia sighed before turning into the parking lot.
"Everyone is a little on edge. Just watch out, okay?"
She shifted uneasily.
"I... uh-okay."
Vail nodded solemnly, watching the road. The car gave one last dying roar and slowly cooled down. The two got out of the car without sharing another word and headed for the building. On the sign, another threat was scrawled in spray paint. Marcia shook her head, disappointed. Jeremy will have to clean it up again. At least it's not a bird this time. A large gust of wind shocked the girls she walked in, muscles tending upon impact.
"Shit!"
The air had been forced from her lungs, ribs radiating with pain. Her vision had spotted with multicolored speckles much like a bad drug trip. She opened her eyes to reveal a joyous Jeremy wrapped around her stomach. After realizing who it was, she grinned and returned the embrace, the initial pain slowly fading away.
"We were so worried."
Jeremy finally let go, looking down at her. It wasn't
much of a height difference, but he still made her feel so small. All of her colleagues did.
"But, I'm- uh... we're happy they you're back. It was horrible without you, it was so boring."
The two exchanged a thankful and loving grin before returning to work.
"Mike and William are in the back of you wanna say hi."
Vail nodded, running down the hall. Her feet making  no sound on the carpeted floor.
"Jeremy, could you please clean the sign?"
He nodded, going to the kitchen to grab the cleaning supplies.

The walls were dimly lit, echoing arguments getting louder by each step.
"...why the fuck-"
"...Shut up mike, you don't know..."
A line of light had illuminated the end of the hallway. Vail watched the shadows in the room.
"You know what? Fuck this."
William.
The room grew quiet. She stepped into the utility room, hiding right behind the door until he left. After a minute grace period, she ran into the room.
"Mike!"
He spun around in surprise, holding his arms up in defense.
"W...wha- Vail!"
He grinned for the first time at work in years.
"How are you feeling?"
She opened her arms, asking for a hug. He returned it, grabbing her shoulders after the short embrace.
"I'm still on painkillers and Jeremy was no help but I'm doing much better."
His smile grew larger.
"That's awesome. It's just good to have a little color back in this place."
She nodded, giving a glance to the door.
"I hate to ask but, what happened?"
Mike sighed, releasing and returning to his dim and perpetually angry self.
"Nothing out of the ordinary. Afton was just picking fights. Does he know you're here?"
She shook her head.
"Not yet. Wanted to scare him."
The corners of his lips twitched, and a subtle glance to the door interrupted their conversation.
"Well, I'm here 'til six. We can talk after closing time."
Vail smiled, saying a quick goodbye and running out the door.

William stared at the clock.
Tic. Tic. Tic.
The kids would be there soon and what would be better than just counting down the seconds.
(She gets back today will how'ya feel)
"I don't care."
(Sure ya' do will I know youre excited too excited)
"Shut up."
The conversation lasted a bit longer before William shut himself up.
Tic. Tic. Tic.
He looked around aimlessly, chin cradled gently in his palms, standing or in this case, leaning against the desk. Always has he hated being alone with his thoughts but, for now, that's all he had until she returned. William grimaced, hating to think of Vail in a brighter tone. It sickened him.

She slowly drew closer, tiptoeing behind. But, right before she could attack, he said something

(You miss her dont you)
"So what if I do?"
(That's bad will)
"It's not bad to miss a person. It's natural."
(But her you actually miss her)
"No? Is that what you want me to say?"
She was puzzled, not being able to hear the accusing voice trapped in William's head. She drew near, relatively saddened by the conversation.
Tic. Tic.
Three. Two.
Tic.
One.
Vail jumped, aiming herself for his back. She latched on, wrapping her legs around his waist.
His elbows slid from the table, chin colliding with the hardwood countertop. He swore, grabbing her back collar and swinging her over his shoulder in a wrestling fashion.
"For fucks sake-"
A large vain on his neck was throbbing but when he saw who it was, the blood rushed from his face.
Vail writhed in pain, unable to move from her sprawled position.
"Jesus, why did you do that?"
She hissed through clenched teeth.
"Thought you were Mike."
He shrugged, placing his elbows right beside the sides of her face and again, cradled his head on his palms, looking down at her face.
"So you're back?"
She had opened her eyes, jumping slightly when seeing how close he was.
"Yeah, I guess. Unless I died and went to hell that is."
He chuckled.
"True."
They watched each other for a moment, awkward tension filling the air. William had come so close to killing her, Vail just mimicked the vibe.
"You know it would be so easy choke you right now?"
She laughed.
"Oh, that's kinky."
He rolled his eyes, forcing back a laugh.
"Oh, hon. You wouldn't be able to last a second with me."
"Is that a challenge?"
He raised his eyebrows, images flashing in his mind.
"Why, do you want it to be?"
Surprise rang in his voice.
"You gotta at least buy me dinner first."
She joked, sitting up finally and turning around to look at him.
(Oh yes will just build that sexual tension good fuckin job boy)
A car had pulled into the parking lot, and then another.
"Never mind. We all know you'd never have a chance with me."
She said, winking. He placed his arms on her legs, propping himself up.
"Who says I wouldn't?"
"We-"
A voice had risen from behind them, a woman clearing her throat.
"Excuse me, we have a party for Kaitlin. O-oh. It's you again."
He sighed, looking up into Vail's eyes. His eyebrow twitched, signaling for something. She understood immediately.
"Right this way ma'am. To the party room!"
William nodded, thanking her.
(So when ya' gonna do it)
"Soon. I actually want her to heal first."
He pushed himself from the counter and walked back to the kitchen, ready help Marci.