N a s h

A day had passed, Bree and I just rested. Well, to be frank I think I rested while Bree just watched TV most of yesterday.

She couldn't walk much anyway. But I can't take her to a hospital. I don't know what they would do honestly though.-

'Riiiiiinnnng'

I held the pillow over my head as phone rang, groaning into the bed. It's too early...

"Nash... Just get your phone.." Bree whimpered, her bed creaking as she tossed over.

"I don't want to.." I sighed, holding the pillow down more.

"It could be important, doesn't just Xian have the number currently..?" Bree asked, making me cave and get up. I guess she is right..

I grabbed the phone and flipped it open, hitting answer without checking."Hello?"

"Nash, good morning!" Xian chimed, a bit too chipper for 9 AM."What is it..?" I asked, shifting to a sitting position.

"So friendly anymore." Xian laughed without any humor before clearing his throat."Mr. Clyde wants to see you. I told him the situation a while back and well now you're here so he wants us both there cause I can tell him a bit more than you.."

"Of course you can, you caused this." I sighed, placing my hand on my knee as I glanced to Bree.

She was sitting up in the bed as well, staring at me. Her vibrant purple hair was all messy as the sun lit up her face, highlighting the hundred of freckles on her cheeks.

She carried the same curious expression on her face, but now her cheeks were beginning to fade into red.

"Can you be ready in a few minutes? Coal and I will be there, we can get you some sweet tea?" Xian asked, trying to cheer up our conversation.

I broke the stare with Bree and sighed."Sure, see you soon."-

"Wait! Do not forget the other meeting tomorrow." He reminded. I made a soft sound of agreement, my mind still focused on Bree looking at me.

I flipped the phone shut as she parted her lips, surely to ask more questions.

"What is it..?" She asked, swinging her legs out of the sheets. I glanced down at her toe and cringed. That looks so gruesome..

"I have to meet with.. My boss?" I questioned myself, I'm not even sure what to classify Mr. Clyde as.

"Oh.." Bree looked down at her foot as well, her toes red and swollen."What do I do..?" She asked under her breath and I bit my cheek.

"I haven't got that far.. I need to get ready, just stay put." I grabbed my clothes and cologne, rushing to the bathroom. She attempted to stop me, I suppose with another question before I left, but I didn't have any more answers for her.

I understand she's curious, I know this is a shocking situation for her. But I'm not going to be able to snap my fingers and whisk her into understanding...

I pulled off my shirt, groaning as my back ached. You think a day of laying around would help my back, but nope.

I did slam it into that railing and the wall. I'm sure I'm bruised all the way down to my hips. Gosh... At least I know she isn't going to go call the police.

I do feel guilty though, but it wasn't my fault she chased me so fast. I placed my hand across my mouth, meeting my own gaze in the mirror.

I look a little more rested at least. I don't look as terrible..

On a happier note, maybe Mr. Clyde will help me figure out what to do with her?

I glanced in the mirror at my bruised up torso, pursing my lips. I hope this heals. This is probably why it hurts all over.

I started to slip on my black t-shirt, along with my chain necklace, and black jeans.

I haven't gotten dressed in a while, but it feels good. I feel a bit better. I sprayed a bit of my cologne onto me, tapping it into my neck. I'm gonna stand out a lot more than usual. Some because I've been missing, some because of the new look.

I haven't been there in months due to this situation. I've been halfway across the map at this point I believe and now I'm back in a circle.

It's honestly a tad bit humiliating. But I can't do anything about it. Maybe I shouldn't care. It's not that big of a deal.

"Nash..?" Bree whimpered from the other side of the door, breaking my trance. I glanced toward it and furrowed my brows.

"Yes? Are you able to walk?" I asked, reaching for the knob."Well, awkwardly I can."

I opened the door harsher than I anticipated, watching as she struggled to hang onto the door frame while standing quite odd. Her good foot was flat on the ground, but she refused to lay much of the other down, only her heel.

Her eyes met mine before they began to inspect me. I bit the inside of my lip, clearing my throat as she looked back up.

"You look nice, are you sure you're just seeing your boss?" She rose her brow with a smile. I could feel a mischievous tone underneath the innocent look.

"Yes." I kept my tone blunt, watching her smile widen as she leaned against the door frame.

"Okay, well what do I do?" She asked again, to which I glanced to the side. I'm not sure what to do with her.

I could take her, but the place is crawling with crooks. I guess people like me... Every one there to do a different job. Mr. Clyde has a ton of connections and a ton of people coming in and out with money, guns, and drugs.

"I'm not sure..." I shrugged, adjusting my shirt. She pursed her lips as concern washed over her face.

She crossed her arms before she winced, lifting her injured foot off the floor.

"Sure you can't take me to the hospital?" She asked, faking a small laugh at the end. Her hair falling across her hair. I gave her a soft frown.

"There isn't much they are going to do for you." I stated, brushing my hair back. She nodded, maintaining her balance well.

A tiny pinch of guilt creeped onto me as I saw sadness glimmer in her eye.".. It will heal though, every day will be easier." I reassured, her eyes fluttering up to mine.

She grinned, the tiny gap in her front teeth was a bit more noticeable as she cocked her head to the side. Her fingers curled into her palm as she leaned on it against the door."Thank you, that was sweet."

'Knock knock'

Bree and I both froze, glancing toward the door as my heart dropped."Who would it be..?" She whispered, holding her hand to her chest.

I shook my head."I don't know, let me look.." I slid past her, avoiding her skin like barbed wire. She leaned up against the door frame to let me out, holding her breath.

Please... Just be room service. I approached the door, peaking through the peephole.

Xian's fluffy ginger hair came into view as well as Coal's black. They stood each with different postures, waiting for me to answer. Coal looked a tad bit more anxious than usual, but Xian seemed to be on cloud 9.

Xian was in a white button up tucked into his pale-blue jeans. Coal remained wearing a quarter sleeve tan shirt and pale jeans as well.

I let out a sigh of relief, unlocking the door. As soon as I opened it both of their attentions were fully on me."Nash, you cleaned up." Xian gave me a grin, making me roll my eyes.

"I was surprised to see you looking so rough when you were at Mich's, you don't usually get that way.." Coal crossed his arms, looking at me with concern.

"Did you forget they are chasing me?" I remarked, letting go of the door."No.." Coal went quiet as Xian rolled his eyes.

"How did you even find my room..?" I whispered, crossing my arms. Coal parted his lips, but was interrupted.

"Why are you so bitter?" Xian's voice broke of the happy tone he had masked, pushing past me into the room. His eyes didn't leave mine until he approached Bree's bed.

"Oh, pretty lady?" Xian started, glancing around for her. Coal mouthed a small 'sorry' as he entered as well. I gave Coal a small nod, closing the door behind him.

"Oh hi Xian." She replied in a hush tone.

I eyed Xian as he approached Bree with a strange caution. His eyes panned down to her foot as she struggled to turn around.

He reached for her arm, helping her to stand. I furrowed my brows and kept watch. Bree gave him a sweet smile, retreating her arm back to her side.

"What happened to her foot?" Xian turned to me, which caused Coal's eyes to widen as he turned to me too. That broke my stare.

"Oh, I fell down the stairs- Well half way, I slammed my foot into the railing and Nash caught me before I got hurt any worse." Bree smiled softly at me.

Xian let out a soft sigh of relief, shaking his head. "Are you okay?" He directed his attention back to her."Oh yeah, I mean I can walk awkwardly today." She laughed, her eyes still fluttering back to me.

"Really, it could've been a lot worse." She gave me one more soft smile.

I looked down at the floor, not returning her glances. We need to leave, I don't want to leave Mr. Clyde waiting...

"She is coming with us, correct?" Coal asked, crossing his arms. I returned my gaze back to Bree.

"Where are we going exactly?" Bree asked and Coal laughed."Mr. Clyde's gang house." Xian smirked, both of them laughing, making me butt in.

"No- it is not a gang house. For one and two you don't have to go." I looked toward Bree again, avoiding her eyes. I'm tired of them scaring her, whether intentional or not...

"I mean, I wouldn't mind. I don't wanna be here alone.." She smiled as she walked toward me.

I gulped and lowered my head in defeat.

"Okay. Get your shoes... We need to hurry up and leave."

-

We all sat in Xian's truck, Bree and I in the back while Coal and Xian of course up front.

I kept my attention to the passing buildings, but Bree's was on the truck itself."This truck reminds me of my dad's." She commented, glancing toward me.

I returned her gaze as she shifted to face me better."Well, he's in the Navy still so he isn't home, but when he is he would take me with him for lunch in his old truck." She explained, smiling at me.

A military man.

"Hm, I see.." I lowered my eyes to her wrist, noticing her bracelets again. The blue and silver navy charms now make a lot more sense.

"He's coming back in August..." Her voice slowly grew quieter as she bit her cheek. She lowered her head before laughing."Gosh..."

Xian looked at us through the rear view mirror as we stopped at the red light. Please say something to change the awkwardness...- Gosh, how rare it is for me to beg him to speak?

I parted my lips slowly, glancing back at him."Hey Bree, would you like to know something?" He asked, glancing over his shoulder to her.

She held her wrist, fiddling with the charms."Sure."

"We've known Nash since he was 16." He smirked, Coal nodding."Jeez, we have known each other for a long time haven't we?" I laid my head into my hand as I rested against the door.

"Yup. It's a bit sad you're wanted, we've celebrated your birthday every year just to annoy you for so long." Coal laughed, Xian nodding. Bree began to smile, her eyes fluttering to me.

"When is your birthday?" She placed her hands together in her lap, resting her head against the seat as she looked at me.

"June 17th. It's long gone now." I laughed, Xian shaking his head momentarily."I still would like to celebrate it for you." He looked back to the road as the light changed green.

"Oh well." I shrugged as Bree pulled her knee to her chest."Well, you're only 4 months older than me then. Mines November 12th." She grinned, tucking her hair behind her hair.

I nodded, returning to staring out the window. In the reflection, I could see Bree's smile begin to fall.

Was it my fault..?

-

We arrived to the familiar beaten up house, hidden deep in the wooden area. A few men were sitting on the porch, all passing a cigar between them.

Xian and Coal got out before us, I'm just still processing I'm back here. This is so strange...

I slowly got out of the truck, Bree following close behind. She paused, looking at me."Please help.." She whispered, gesturing to her foot.

Shoot, I keep forgetting that... I looked away, putting my hand out. Her soft fingers slid onto it for a moment too long before she gripped it, carefully jumping down from the truck.

I retreated my hand to my pocket, Xian starting to smile."Oh, would you look at this? It's been a long time since we've all been here." His eyes landed on me as he pursed his lips.

"Do you have your pistol?" He asked, Bree's eyes widening as she walked a bit in front of me.

She whipped to me and I shook my head."It's in my car..." I replied under my breath, Bree keeping the uneasy look on her face.

"It's just for safety.." I whispered, it was a half lie, but I don't want to make her panic. She forced a nod, walking closer to me.

She was close enough where I could hear her breathing grow heavier as we got to the house.

The men on the porch eyed us, more focused on Bree. I bit my cheek as she stepped even closer to me.

We just need to get in here and get this done. Xian opened the door, allowing Bree, Coal, and me inside.

The smell of smoke, weed, and several other substances was faint across the house. I glanced to Bree, her eyes flickering around.

"They're here..." I heard the familiar deep female voice hiss. I glared at Zayda at the top of the steps, leaning across the railing.

Coal smiled, giving her a wave, but she was focused on me. This isn't going to be a good visit if she's the host...

I sighed as she walked down them, her white heels clicking."I thought we'd be digging you up." She laughed, her words filled with venom as she brushed her mid-length black hair back.

She was dressed different than usual, a soft white dress that flowed at the bottom as she walked. I suppose either a modeling gig or some other job.

Her blue eyes landed on Bree, the devious smile she had faded."Who's this?" She asked, pointing her finger close to Bree's face.

"Please don't tell me you did something that bad Nash, she looks so innocent.." Zayda groaned, I could feel the accusations she was ready to throw at me just boiling.

"No, he didn't, I'm here willingly..." Bree defended me, smirking the tiniest bit. I narrowed my eyes at her, before smirking back.

Zayda rose her brow before sighing."Okay.." Defeated, she shook her head and left me alone, slipping out of the door.

"Just come up y'all." Mr. Clyde yelled from atop the steps, startling Bree just a bit. I started up the steps before the rest of them.

I haven't seen Mr. Clyde in so long. It probably wouldn't have bothered me so much, but I am used to seeing him almost every other day, for jobs or just being at one of his houses. Never this one though...

"Nash, how are you?" Mr. Clyde approached me, his greying blonde hair was styled perfect as always. Not a piece was out of place.

He went to hug me, hesitating before stopping."Sorry... I'm happy to see you, I have been so worried about you." He smiled, patting my arm.

Bree was far behind. I'm not sure why she waited..? I glanced her way, Mr. Clyde's lips parting before he furrowed his brows.

"Who's this?" He gestured toward her, he wasn't accusatory like the rest at all."A long story.." I sighed, Bree's cheeks turning red.

Mr. Clyde laughed, putting his hand out to her."Mathew Clyde, and you?"

Bree's hand took his as it shook, gulping."Bree Hall. Nice to meet you.." Mr. Clyde shook her hand, letting go as his hazel eyes glanced back to me.

"Are you ready?" He asked, starting to a beaten up door. I took a deep breath, nodding.

"Wait where is Xian?"

-

An hour had passed, I could've sworn or maybe it was two. Bree sat next to me in an old chair, fiddling her thumbs. Xian was in the other, his feet kicked up on the desk Mr. Clyde sat at, writing down all the information he could provide.

I hadn't had a chance to bring up Bree, or explain her yet.

We had been over scenario and scenario, but they were all so stressful. Eventually, we just decided on trying to get in contact with them and have Mr. Clyde negotiate a deal. I honestly feel so wrong giving him my dirty laundry...

"Okay, so Bree.." Mr. Clyde placed his fingers against his lips, tapping twice before he rose his head.

"Tell me, what's the situation here?" He inquired, setting down the pen. Bree looked at me, beginning to play with her hair more.

"Well... I talked to Nash when he was in my hometown hiding from them, but they found me with him and attempted to kill us both.." She paused, looking up at me. Her eyes seemed to beg me for some reassurance she was telling the story right.

I furrowed my brows, slowly nodding as I looked away.

I explained the basics, how Bree spoke to me, everything up until now. It wasn't too difficult, especially since he never judges me.

Xian laughed, covering his mouth to muffle the noise."You're more calm speaking about it this time around.." He commented, making my eyes dart to him.

I squinted at him vaguely, to which he got the memo and looked away with a nonchalant expression.

"Okay... If that's the best you will tell it... I give you a warm welcome I suppose. Must be a shocking feeling to come into a world like this full force, huh?" He sympathized, Bree nodding after.

"Yes, oh gosh absolutely, I don't know what I'm doing. I follow Nash. I do have to admit he didn't let me die when he could've and that meant a lot.." She laughed, her cheeks turning a faint pink.

I crossed my arms, Mr. Clyde nodding."I wouldn't expect any less from him."

I sunk down into my seat a little as all three of them looked to me."Yeah anyway... What do you think I should do about her though..?" I asked, Bree's smile falling as Xian's eyes widened.

"Uhm... Nash, I think you should just continue to keep her with you until it's resolved." Mr. Clyde explained, scratching the back of his neck.

Bree gave me a bit of a sad look. I glanced her way, meeting her eyes.

Maybe I shouldn't have been so blunt..

-

Xian and Coal took us back to the hotel. Bree was quiet most the ride, but she started to perk up after I offered to get her some food.

I know a few places around here that are pretty lowkey and hidden treasures. I wasn't going to put us in danger, that's for sure.

"Do you have a preference?" I asked, watching as she lifted her head from her knee.

"Thai... I want Thai." She replied, looking at me from the side of her eye. I nodded, smirking.

"I know a perfect place then, don't worry." I switched lanes, starting down a hidden backroad.

I could see Bree's eyes narrowing as she glanced around."I haven't had some good Thai in years, so don't disappoint me.." She whispered, closing her eyes.

She seems so tired, but I can't say I blame her. It's been a long day, and I'm tired too. I'll be happy to get back to the hotel bed.

"It's good, I'm sure you'll like it." I tapped my fingers against the steering wheel, glancing out of the corner of my eye. The setting sun washed over her figure, lightening up her brown eyes to a soft honey.

She brought her hand to her eyes, wincing."Can we get coffee after from a gas station or something..?" She weakly asked, hiding her face.

"Why don't you just go to sleep when we get back?" I suggested, and she nodded."Oh, I can't wait.." She grinned, snuggling her cheek into her knee.

My neutral expression finally broke into a soft smile.

"Me either."

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