17th of February

Chapter Four:

One – even Vivian – could clearly see Nick's confusion in his eyes as nothing else mattered. Not the banging on the steal door making the whole room echo. Not the gunshots outside and bodies grunting for safety. Nothing else but Vivian. It was almost obvious that Nick now didn't want to be around her, scared for his life. He can feel his heart pounding hard against his chest – hearing his pulse creep closer and closer. He quickly slapped his hand on his chest and fell to the ground. He had trouble breathing.

Slowly yet quickly, Vivian fell to his side on her knees, holding his head up and pulling his body closer to her. Scared, she took his gun and shot the door then threw it far from her grasp.

"Nick, breathe. Are you okay? What's happened..?" Vivian was more scared than a baby deer watching his mother getting shot by a hunter. She watched as Nick searched for the air around him, trying to grab every opportunity. No luck. The air in the vault started to get thin and Vivian also tried her hardest to keep her breath together.

Moments passed and the world outside the steal door was quite. Had they all been dead? No. Jake and Bella were trained. They knew what they were doing. Nick now on the floor, eyes closed, using all the strength he had left to stay alive. Vivian too, started to feel dizzy. She closed her eyes for a moment to take in a deep breath. Within minutes, she fell to the ground – arms around Nick – almost lifeless, once again.

(>'.')> ❤ <('.'<)

The steal doors opened and there stood Jake. There, he looked over upon the two still bodies on the floor. He dropped his gun in weakness – scared. Blood dripped down his face, arm and leg. Bruises all over his face and body. Every inch of him was in pain. Especially his heart. His eyes filled with sorrow as he witnessed how the bodies moulded into one; her arms protectively around his waist. He wished he would have never had to witness the experience of watching her love someone else. He, and everyone around them, wouldn't have liked it. In the background you could hear tiny, light feet running towards the vault mixed with panting. Bella. She too had blood and bruises everywhere but no where as near as much as Jake. She too stopped at the door in shock. Instead of dropping her gun dramatically, she placed it on the floor alongside Jakes and ran up to Vivian and Nick.

Vivian's body was still warm. She's alive. Bella shook Vivian awake, hoping to God nothing bad had happened as they were gone. Vivian grunted as she moved herself out of Nick's bubble of comfort. Bella held Vivian's face, moving all the hair out of he way so she could check on Vivian properly. Bella was very concerned and protective of her best friend.

"I'm fine, Bella. Stop. Please" Vivian could barely get out but she truly was okay. "Ni-Nick.." She finally noted. Bella nodded her head and checked Nick. His skin was cold. But he's breathing. Overlooking them all, Jake stood there with his green eyes filled with sadness, anger, guilt and regret.

"Jake..His skin is cold" Bella noted slowly, careful not to scare Vivian. Vivian started to feel her heart clinched in her ribs. Her breathing got sharp and she cuddled her arms close to her – being scared. She had known Nick for 3 years and to lose him now wasn't something she wished to happen. Jake had quickly moved towards Nick and checked his pulse. Slow.

"Move." Jake demanded. His voice deep, strong and intimidating. Bella quickly shot up while Vivian stayed in her place in fear for Nicks life. Jake picked Nick up slowly. Vivian saw the deep cut in Jakes arm which would restrict any movement especially heavy lifting. As Jake held Nick bridal style Vivian would hear and feel Jake's pain as the cut in his arm torn apart wider and bleed like the oceans. Jake clinched his teeth together in pain but didn't make a sound. You didn't have to know Jake personally to know he would never show himself in pain for the sake of safety to the people he loved. He was that kind of person. That was how he loved.