In the Willows

Chapter Seventeen: Figuring Things Out

"What does Javi want from us?" you ask finishing your last slice.

He puts the newspaper down, "We owe him for shacking up here, we're gonna- "

"Move back to Jackson soon. That's what you're gonna say right?"

He sighs, "I think it's better to settle down here for a while."

"We don't know these people. First time I ran into Javier they thought I was still with Bastard Syndicate. They were gonna shoot me."

"Well, were you doing something that would warrant that?"

You think back on the day, "Yeah, some kid had a gun against my head, so I turn the tables on him."

He raises his hands gesturing, 'what did you expect then?'

"Well, Mr. know it all, what would you have done?"

"Something smarter, like not be seen."

"You, not being seen? You're funny."

He shrugs his shoulders.

"So, when are we going back to Jackson?"

"Later, let's take some time here to rest and heal." he says.

"I can still fight."

"What about Omar?"

"He can ride in the van. Ruby can look after him."

"What would your significant other think of you running around?"

You open to make a retort, but nothing comes out.

"She wouldn't be pleased, correct?"

You nod.

You rub your eyes in frustration, "Fine, you win."

"She wins, she always does. Remember that."

Three quick knocks surprise the two of you.

Kyan approaches the door and opens the door with the security guard still on.

"Hello Violet."

"Y/N still in there?"

"He is. What's up?"

She lifts up the folded clothes in her hands, "His clothes. Unless you want them in the trash."

"Trash works."

You push him out of the way and open the safety guard.

You take the clothes, "So you went through my clothes?"

"Clem did actually. Blame her if something is missing."

"Thank you Violet." you say closing the door.

You stop, "Bathroom around here?"

"Yeah, over there." he said pointing to the closed door.

You drop your clothes on the couch and go inside. Locking the door, you open the lid and throw up inside, staying hunched over the toilet for a few moments. Taking a couple deep breaths, you flush the toilet and see blood flowing down the drain. You go to the sink and rinse your mouth out. Looking up at the mirror, Cern is standing behind you. You turn around quickly to nothing behind you.

Kyan knocks on the door and tries to open it, "Y/N? Everything ok?"

"Y-yeah, I'm ok."

You shake your head hoping it was just in your head, but you have a bad feeling in the pit of your stomach. You exit the bathroom to see Kyan staring at you.