Second Chance [Four/Tobias]

Forty Four

ᴀᴠʏᴀɴɴᴀ

I can't stop thinking about it. Murderers. I have to go face to face with murderers. Blues. What kind of stupid name is that?

I have to take it out. I have to. Where is it though? Drawer? No, that's dumb. I won't put it there. Cupboards. No. In my bookshelf. That's the most logical option.

"Avyanna?"

I snap back to reality. "Huh?" We're watching TV.

He runs a hand through my hair. "You okay?"

"I guess." I stand up. "I'll be back, okay?"

He catches my wrist. "What's going on?"

"Have any idea about the Blues?"

He raises an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"Meeting with them tomorrow," I tell him.

"You're meeting who now?" He stands up too.

"The Blues."

"What?!"

"Yeah, long story," I tell him the whole story.

"I'm coming with you," He says.

I laugh. This man. "Where?"

"I'm serious, Avyanna. I'll come with you." His eyes are steady but serious.

"You're mad," I shake my head. "You're not coming anywhere. It's my problem and I'll deal with it."

"The Blues are not your problem,"

"Tobias. You are not coming. End of discussion."

"End of nothing. I'm coming,"

I shake my head. "No."

"Give me one reason."

"Tobias, you are the Vice President of Recruits! You can't just engage in a...in a—" I search for words. "—A street fight!"

He takes a step towards me. "Street fight, huh? That's what the Blues are? Street fighters? Thieves? They will kill you without a second of thought if they think you are in their way--"

I hold my hand up and he stops. "Look, I just want to find things out,"

"Then I'll accompany. You're not going alone," He shakes his head.

"Tob, understand. You are famous. I won't be surprised if there are paparazzi photos of you in the grocery stores. What will the newspapers write?"

"You think I care? You think I care what they write when lives are in danger?" He looks at me in disbelief.

"Don't make me regret telling you," I glare at him. He won't listen.

"Do you regret it?" He asks, a look of hurt on his face. Damn it.

I let out a frustrated sigh. "I'll be back, alright?"

I go into the bedroom and search for it.

I move the books around and sure enough, it's there, hidden. I pick it up.

Ah, nostalgia. I remember my first time I held it. And my last time too. I never thought I'd need it again.

My trusty gun.

I blow the dust off the metal. It should work. I check the bullets and they're full. I put it back where I found it.

I walk back to the living room where Tob was sitting. "I'll be sleeping,"

He looks at me. "Avy..."

I look away but don't say anything.

He looks away too. "Good night."
——

ᴀᴠʏᴀɴɴᴀ

The next morning, I get ready. I take a deep breath. I don't know when Tobias slept after me. He woke up before me.

I put the gun in my bag. I usually just put things in my pockets but bag is a necessity now.

I walk into the kitchen. Tobias has his back turned towards me, doing something near the stove. He pulls a shirt over his shoulders.

"Tobias...?"

He jumps. "Crap, don't scare me,"

"Sorry,"

"Nah, it's alright," He shakes his head.

"Not about this. About last night," I sigh.

"Yeah, I know," He smiles at me.

"I'm leaving," I say.

"And?"

"No."

He laughs. "Okay, then."

I can't believe he gave up but I'm glad.

He looks around and puts something in my hand.

A gun.

I laugh. The councidence.

"Keep it," He says.

I take my gun out. "First,"

He stares at me. "Did we just have an illegal item in our house all this while?"

"Who said it was illegal?" I smirk.

"Wow..." He half smiles.

I keep it back in.

"Well," I sigh. "I have to go."

I lean in and kiss his cheek. He pecks my lips. Then he sighs and looks up. As if he's trying to decide something.

"Can I kiss you?" He asks, running a hand through his hair.

I press my lips against his. "Yes."

I slip my hands under his shirt and his hands rest on my waist.

He pulls back before it gets too heated. My ears are probably red.

I step back. He smiles at me widely. "Bye."

"Bye," I wave and step out of the house, the gun safe in my bag.