Happy to be of Service//RedCrackle

Chapter Five- Repercussions (Edited)

Carmen

I woke up to Player yelling from my phone.

What fun.

Lurching out of bed to grab the device, I scrubbed sleep from my eyes and sat on the floor. "I'm awake, Player."

He just huffed in annoyance.

"What time is it?" I yawned.

"Almost eleven."

"Heh. Wow, I slept in, huh?"

Player huffed again.

I frowned slightly. "Did I do something wrong?"

"You stayed out until two in the morning and didn't tell anyone where you were!"

My eyes narrowed. "So, what? I'm supposed to tell you everything about my personal life now? I didn't realize I needed your permission to go on a date." I stopped, almost immediate wishing I hadn't said that.

Almost.

Player sputtered for a second. "Red... seriously? Why are you so pissed off right now?" He sounded hurt, like Gray had.

I groaned audibly and face-palmed. I really need to stop saying crap and pushing people away. "Player, I'm not angry at you. I just..." I sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to say that. And I know that I should've checked in, but I'm fine, OK?"

"You're not hurt?"

"I know not to hide injuries from you guys anymore."

"And you weren't forced to stay-"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Well, I mean, I just don't completely trust Graham-"

"Player!" I yelped in shock, interrupting him yet again. "Even after he helped us and it was made very clear that he has no memory of VILE?"

Player grumbled something under his breath. "Well, I guess saying that I don't trust him would be a little incorrect..."

"Then what's up?" I asked, pressing a button on the phone that let me see him.

He frowned at me, looking reluctant to speak.

I raised an eyebrow at him.

He shrugged. "The truth is, Graham's a cool dude in my book. I'm just... worried that you'll get distracted from beating VILE."

I snorted, feeling defensive. "Player, just because I love someone doesn't mean I'll let my feelings or personal needs get in the way of my mission." My voice dripped with sarcasm, surprising even me.

"Red, that's not what I meant."

"Not what you meant. Right." I stood from the floor, going to the window and throwing the blinds open. "Player, we've been after VILE for years now. I've been in more near-death situations than I care to count, and I finally have this chance with Gray because of VILE's quietness. Maybe putting my own happiness before defeating them is selfish of me, but if I don't risk a relationship NOW, I'll never get to again. I'll never get to- to be..." I stopped as my throat tightened, and I fought against the burn in my eyes.

Player sighed. "Carmen, I understand. But I also know how important it is to you that we beat VILE. I just... want to help you achieve that, you know?"

I swallowed and nodded glumly, angry at myself for snapping at him. "Sorry," I whispered.

He smiled comfortingly. "Hey. Things always work out eventually, right?"

I forced a laugh, not quite believing him. "You're probably right," I lied, biting my tongue against the smart remark in my mouth. "Uhh... thanks, Player."

Ivy POV

I was standing in front of Carmen's door when it opened from the inside, and the super thief herself started to step out before realizing I was there.

"Oh, Ivy! Hi." She gave a smile that didn't reach her eyes, rubbing her face tiredly.

I moved backward to let her come out, and she closed the door behind her.

"Are... you OK, Carm?" I asked, furrowing my brow. "You seem a bit... uptight."

Carmen shook her head, sighing. "I'm fine. Anyway," she said, changing the subject. "Here to chew me out?" She held up a tiny slip of paper coyly, waving it in between her fingers.

"What? How did you..." I checked my pockets, not really surprised to find them empty. "Well. You are good."

"Heh." She handed the note back and walked past me, squeezing my hand in greeting. "Where's Zack?"

"Breakfast, downstairs. Waiting for us."

Carmen stopped and turned. "Zack is waiting to eat?"

I snorted, amused. "Right? I can't quite believe it either. But he said he would."

The red head stared at me for a second before laughing lightly and continuing to walk.

"Sooo..." I started eventually. "How's Graham doing?"

"Fine. He's good." Carmen stayed silent for a bit. Until, "Just chew me out, Ivy. The suspense is killing me."

I sighed. "I just wish you had let me -or someone- know you'd be out late, is all. I'm allowed to worry about you. Keep that in mind, okay?" I waited a second. "There. I'm done."

Carmen sighed, sounding almost relieved. "I will. And thank you, Ivy. For... caring. You're a good friend."

I smiled and bumped her shoulder playfully, winking. "Well, I do try."