#was trying to go to sleep last night and this was just playing in my head nonstop

[admirationandromantics]

Going overboard, 1: Memento Mori

Okay, so first the prologue, and now the first chapter. As I've said before, not all chapters include a Josh-interactions because of accuracy to the game, so you'll just have to live with it. If you haven't read the Prologue, go to my profile, then the masterlist, Josh Washington. You'll find it there. Get ready for tomorrow!

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Chapter 1: Memento Mori

After what happened up on the mountain last year, Josh didn’t stay in touch. At first we all tried to talk to him, help him, but we gave up one after another. He talked with Sam a lot. I think she did the most she could until he cut contact. I didn’t want to put too much on him, and we all were in grief as well, so it probably was the best solution. 

Sam and I had regular coffees. It helped us both. We shared stories about them, and she told me about everything which happened that night. The prank wasn’t about me, nor Josh. Not even Beth, but she still had to suffer the consequences. Poor Beth, and poor Hannah. We all knew she had a thing for Mike, but setting her up like that was not okay. I now despised them all, Jessica, Emily, Mike, Matt, Ashley. Matt was such a sweet guy, I couldn’t imagine him standing there with a camera, recording everything. For me though, Ashley hurt the most. I loved her, I truly did, but I cut contact quickly after I got to know about the evening. She sent me a bunch of texts, begging me to talk to her. She was sorry, she was drunk, caught up in the moment, and everyone was doing it so she felt like she had to. She never knew that the aftermath would be as bloody as it did. I still didn’t text her back. 

A month before the anniversary of their disappearance, Sam got a video message from Josh. He invited her up to the cabin again, stating that this would be a way to honour their memory, and relive the experience, but with a good ending. There would be booze, partying and just making new memories. Based on the video, it seemed like he asked everyone in the old group. Everyone except me. I felt hurt. Betrayed in a way. I was one of the few he talked to, cried to. Our relationship didn’t evolve after the event, but I was still there for him, trying to comfort him. Sam told me that I should come with her, but I declined. If he didn’t want me there, it was okay. She couldn’t understand why, but she kept being insistent, urging me to give it a chance. I didn’t have to be there the whole time, and if I wanted to, I could leave the very next day since the bus went through the area once every day. 

It would be good to talk to Josh, maybe even if he didn’t want to. I was selfish, I knew that, but I had to see him. I wanted to see how he was doing, how he was feeling. This also made me think of Chris. He would probably be there, and I hadn’t kept in touch with him either. I felt bad, but at the same time, we weren’t that close. I knew that he still hung out with Ashley sometimes, and maybe that made me a bit afraid. Maybe she would try to contact me through him? Maybe I wasn’t just selfish. Ashley also needed to talk. Talk to me, clear the air. I would let her. I finally agreed to come with Sam up to the cabin. 

***

The bus is empty, except for Sam and I of course. She didn’t pack much, and I didn’t either. I figured that I wouldn’t stay long. I just needed to talk to people, get some weights off my shoulders. The radio is playing, and no surprise, it’s about Beth and Hannah. I hold my composure, trying not to cry. The trip is long, and I end up sleeping on her shoulder for a good amount of it. Sam is watching something on her phone, but I don’t peek. I simply look out the window. There is an eerie feeling to these mountains. I felt the same last year, but this time it feels stronger. The black trees are covered in snow, untouched by animals. 

Finally we reach our stop. The sign says “Blackwood Pines” and hadn’t it been for last year's events, I would still love the name. Being here for the first time felt magical, straight out of Narnia, joining a winter wonderland of mystery. Now, I feel nervous. The air isn’t as fresh, the ground not as hard and the snow was too white. Instead of smelling winter, I smell something musk, like a dead animal or rotten meat. I look over at Sam, and I think she notices too. 

We start walking in silence, through the gate and up the trail. As we walk, she stops. 

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?” I whisper, getting anxious. Maybe it’s a wild animal, a wolf or a bear. 

“Hello!?” Sam shouts, and my eyes widen. Why would she do that, what if the animal looks at us as a threat now. I look around, expecting something to pop out, but it’s silent. 

“Sorry, I probably just thought I heard something,” she says, continuing walking. She notices my tenseness. 

“Are you okay?”

“No, absolutely not” I state, looking around again. 

“Hey I get it, this is weird, but we’re doing this for Josh right,” she starts, taking my hand, stopping me. 

“I hate to say it, but you need to relax. Nothing bad is going to happen, and people are just being friendly”

“I know, I know. I just can’t shake off this feeling that there’s something here”

“It’s because of last year. We’re all still thinking about it, so we know how you’re feeling”

I look up at her. She’s right, I’m not alone in this, and we’ve both been there for each other the whole year. 

“Yeah, thanks for the talk. It’s just… well, weird”

“It is, but I think this is good for you. This trip could be a way for you to let go, get some closure. They both would’ve wanted that for you” she says, before pulling me into a hug. I breathe, and some of the tension lifts. Thank God I still have Sam. When we pull away she looks at me, smiling. I smile back, before looking behind her. My mouth opens, eyes widen and my breath hitches. I grab her hand, holding hard. 

“S-Sam, c-c-careful. Stand s-s-till,” I whisper. She holds her breath while searching my face for answers. 

“Boo!” I shout, punching her with both my hands. She screeches, jumps and I feel her pulse in her hand. 

“Got you” I laugh, while she’s still trying to compose herself. 

“Fucking asshole” she says. I can’t stop laughing. 

“You know, you’re going to ‘wolf wolf’ me.”

“I can live with that” I continue laughing, before starting to walk again, her following after. 

“I’m joking, that was out of line, sorry” I say after a while. 

“At least you got to see my ‘frozen’ face”

“Yeah that’s why I laughed” 

We reach the gate, and a piece of paper is pinned on the lock. 

“The gate’s busted, climb over -Chris” 

“I guess we have to climb,” I state, looking at the gate. There are big spikes on the top of the gate, so I look over at the side. It’s a stone wall. 

“Right up my alley” Sam says enthusiastically. Of course it is. 

“I’ll give you a lift first if you take my bag” she says, already taking off her bag. 

“Fine, just don’t throw me over with those strong climber-arms of yours” I reply, taking her bag and making my way to the wall. She puts out her hands and I grab somewhere safe on the wall. She helps me get up, and I jump down the other side, looking up, waiting for her. 

“Gosh, the stones are cold” she complains, finally getting to the top. 

“Should’ve worn gloves” I smile, showing off my red-covered hands in a theatrical manner. She laughs before hopping down. I give her backpack back, and we continue up. 

When we finally arrive at the cable car station, the place seems empty. I see a couple of cars in the parking lot, but don’t want to check who they belong to. One of them must be Josh’s. I walk up to the bench, noticing a backpack and a ringing phone. My curiosity is immense, but I don’t touch it. Sam notices who’s bag it is. 

“Hey Chris!” she yells, looking around for him. 

“Hey guys” he answers, and we both turn around. He seems older, more harsh than the year before, but I don’t comment on it. 

“How are you ladies?”

“Well, as you can expect” Sam answers, still smiling. I smile as well, keeping the mood light. I don’t notice how much I’ve missed him before seeing him now. Something in me breaks a little. 

“Oh, so, I found something kind of amazing”

“What?”

“I’m not gonna tell you got to see for yourself” he smiles, grabbing his backpack and leading us around the house. We get to the other side where we’re met with a shooting range. Barrels and bottles stacked for hitting, as well as bags hanging from the trees. 

“Ta-da! Pretty rad right?” Chris exclaims, loving this a bit too much. Sam forces a smile, guns are not a source of happiness for a pacifist. 

“A gun range on the bottom of a ski lodge” I comment. “How… nordic?”

Chris picks up a gun before looking at me. 

“Well, have you met Josh’s dad?”

“Yeah”

“Then we shouldn’t be surprised” he says before turning and aiming the gun. I hold my breath, not comfortable with this funny clumsy guy holding a death-weapon. He shoots the bags and one of the cans. I’m kind of impressed. 

“Nice shootin Tex” Sam teases, not impressed. I guess it would take something better than shooting to impress her. She fakes an annoyed look before turning my way. 

“Wanna try?”

“You know what, sure. It’s been a while” I say before taking the gun from him, taking off my backpack and laying it beside me. 

“You’ve done this before?”

“Josh has taken me shooting several times, not hunting though, luckily” I smile, remembering how close we felt the first time he showed me how to use it. 

“I bet that’s not the only thing you two have done” he comments, a smirk on his lips. 

“Haha, funny guy” I tease back. Sam holds her laughter. I shoot a couple of bags, stopping when a squirrel jumps on one of the barrels. 

“I guess that’s our sign to start going to the lodge,” I say, leaving the gun and grabbing my bag. 

“Jeez, I wish Josh would take me shooting,” Chris says, and I smile. 

The cable car is coming, and Sam makes her way over there. I use the opportunity to grab ahold of him. 

“Hey Chris, about this year-” I start, but he holds a finger up, signalling for me to stop. 

“I get it, if I were in your shoes I would’ve done the same”

“Really?”

“Yeah, it’s weird being back, but I’ve been wanting to clear up everything. We should keep in contact, even though you don’t want to talk to Ashley, I understand”

“When did you become such an understanding gentleman,” I tease, punching his arm and start walking. He lifts his arms in the air. 

“Haven’t I always been?” And I laugh at him. 

We all get in the cable car, and it starts moving up. Chris starts talking about how he and Josh met, and I pay close attention. I’ve only heard this story from Josh, and I love getting the different story-perspectives. 

***

We arrive at the top, I stand and try to open the door. It will not open. 

“Uh, guys, I can’t get the door open.” Chris tries, but can’t manage either. His response is to smack the window. 

“Ahh, what the hell!” I hear someone say. Jessica. I compose myself. 

“Jess! Over here, open the door!” Chris shouts. I see her through the window, and I bite my lips from having to look put together. Don’t look like a bitch, don’t look like a bitch, don’t look like you have anything against this piece of scum. I keep chanting in my head. 

She opens the door, and we all thank her. As we walk out, Chris starts whining. 

“Oh my god. I thought we were goners. Another ten minutes in there and I would’ve chewed off my own leg.”

“Aw, sick Chris,” Sam comments. 

“Look, I’ve got a lot of meat on my bones. This is all muscle down there.”

Sam rolls her eyes. “Yeah riiiiiight”

“Keep telling yourself that Chris,” I add, clapping him on the shoulder as I walk past him. He lowers his voice to a whisper. 

“Well, we all know who’s bone you want to jump…”

I turn around, mouth agape and eyes threatening. He immediately puts his hands up in defence, walking backwards two paces. 

“Just jokes, just jokes” says, voice cracking. 

“Dickhead”

“Notice how I’m not going to make another joke about that,” he answers. I quickly make a snowball and throw it at him, hitting his chest. Sam places herself between us, arms tense as if waiting for someone to attack. 

Chris uses this opportunity to snatch whatever Jess is holding. 

“Well, well, well… What do we have here?”

“Chris” Sam starts. He opens it, a surprised look on his face. 

“My goodness! Seems like someone has a crush on our good friend and dear class president Michael Munroe.” Shit. That’s not good. 

“Chris,” I threaten. 

“And what kind of sizzling erotica might our Jessica be capable of imagining, I wonder…”

Before he’s able to see more, Jess quickly snatches the item back. 

“If you must know-” she starts.

“Mike and I are together now.” We all look at each other. 

“Drama,” Chris answers. 

“No, pretty cut clean actually. Em’s out, I’m in,” she explains. I look over at Sam. She doesn’t know what to say. Luckily, Chris breaks the awkwardness. 

“Well, we should keep going” 

“You go, I’ll be waiting here for a bit”

“Waiting for Mike?”

“Just go”

We oblige, walking further and leaving her behind. The trail is quite big and visible. It’s comfortable to walk on. As we turn a corner, I see the cabin. The cabin where Josh is, where Ashley is probably waiting. The cabin which was the last place two of our best friends were seen alive one year ago.

[sevs-corner]

Tf 141: Mafia AU!

Chapter 4: Its Happy Hour for them, Not for you

A/N: Link to masterlist is here ! And under is the prev chapter epilogue~

Preface:

Finally at a place where you can bunker down, you'd think that sleep would come easy-- but nope, that also seems to evade your grasps.

A life away from trouble seems to do the same, when you find yourself regretting again the choices you've made under the pretense that the old man was a poor ol' guy looking out for his kids, and you happened to be the most convenient person to help them out.

In actuality, you wonder if its vice-versa, when you see them helping you more than you are with them. Especially in the moment of being held at gunpoint, barrel right between your very eyes that went cross looking at it.

'The past two days were a blur. '

You realized this, staring up at the popcorn ceiling, arms spread out and your legs dangling over the edge.

Your life, as you know it, didn't quite make sense-- even after taking a long shower to calm yourself down. Though it was to mostly rid of grime that stuck to your skin and crevices for two days now.

That's besides the point, the more important one being that it kind of seemed like you just signed yourself to some cursed contract. Again.

You weren't surprised by actions anymore, just appalled at how easily you made did them without even a single thought crossing your mind of the future consequences it would bring you.

Balance out the pro's and con's? Nope, didn't do that.

Think before you speak? Nope, didn't quite do much of the former and more of the later.

Decide that getting a job and some food in your stomach was more important than getting involved with people that does crime?

Yes, you at least weighed the most important factor and agree to yourself that it was the priority-- well, at the moment in the least, because hearing that dreaded country twang past your co-worker's apartment door was making you think twice of putting food over your livelihood as a person.

"C'mon sugar! Nonno and Nonna are waiting~!"

If you didn't know this man as a mafioso, you would definitely think he was some rich bastard that tries to act normal by "doing" regular things, even when his palate doesn't get placated by the food that he ate.

Sadly, you do know him and ever regrettably so.

If only he wasn't a mafioso, you would have already threatened him awhile a go and have a go at where-the-sun-don't-shine spot. Alas, you do, and in addition to that, the son of your bosses and part of the contributor to your payroll-- so you'll play nice.

For now.

The raps on the door seems endless, and at this point, it was futile to try and sleep past the mumblings of a dead person (in your head, which you stabbed and kicked multiples as he writhes in the ground.)

"Waiting for who-- for me?" You shout a reply back from all the way the bedroom, quickly putting on a more suitable outfit and combing out the nest that seemed to form on your hair.

"Yes!"

You could hear his eyeroll from him so you quickly shouted a quick, "Ok! Be there in a minute!" before returning to the rest of your morning routine.

"That took more than a minute, shortcake."

The teasing grin Graves gave you as he leaned by your doorway made you sneer, unable to hold back the initial reflexive reaction to both his jab at you and the nickname.

"Well," you huffed, "you kind of just stopped by my place out of nowhere."

Shoving him with your hip, it puts him off balance and reflexively catch himself by the wall. It makes him react with a 'wHoA!" that made you giggle while closing the door to your co-worker's apartment. Turning the knob again to check if its properly locked, you hummed happily when it did because of the state the place was in. It was nothing short of being dilapidated, you only hoped last night- in your tired and sleepy stupor- that no one would go to this corner of the city and check out an abandoned building (as mentioned by Gaz) and ransack your place. This thought, of course, kept you slightly up as well- besides the ever looming issue that you are now tied to the mafia.

Although...looking at the easily frazzled state Graves was in, you wonder if it is that much of a concern you lost sleep over it.

"That's some strong hips you got there, sweets." He pointed out, now fixed up again from his mini-disaster of being caught in surprise. (He swears to himself that he has to watch himself and be on guard with you more often.)

You gave him a grin behind your shoulder, "thank my hula-hoop skills that got me the number one spot in kindergarten."

This gets a bark of laughter from him again, and he just has to curse himself for acting such a fool with you. Yet, at the back of his mind, he doesn't mind it.

"Right," his left-over laughter lingers, "thank God its still transferred after all those years!"

"Hey!" You whipped your head around to glare at him and poke at his chest, "I'm very youthful mind you." You pressed and continued, " especially when compared to you."

You watch him let out an offensive gasp, hand on his chest and the other over his own mouth.

You only managed to maintain the stare down for a couple moments before breaking down in fits of giggles and questions of like, "kindergarten really?" and you replying with, "its was the best thing I could come up with!"

"You better awake now?" He asks, breath finally stable and eyes wiped of all the tears that came out, and you nod in response-- still recuperating yourself.

"It's just so silly," you sigh with a smile, "but yeah, feelin' more up at 'em-- ready to take on the day!"

You threw an enthused fist in the air then turning to give Graves a confident grin of your own, which he returned in kind.

"Good to hear that then," he approaches the car in front of your apartment and opens the passenger car door, "shall we?"

You give him a look that made him rolls his eyes, quickly ushering you in.

"Nonna told me to pick you up," he explains once inside the car as well, "said that they were worried you'd get lost and mugged along the way."

You crossed your arms, denying the claim, "I wouldn't."

"As much as I don't want to say this," Graves begins as he turns out to the street, "but they are right."

You toss him an offended glance, "you think I can't handle myself? I'm an adult-- I've taken care of myself this far."

You hear Graves sigh, waiting for him to reply but only the sound of his fingers tapping on the wheel occupied the air.

"Its..." he bites his lip, ".. its not that I- or we to an extent- think you can't handle yourself."

You nod, letting him continue.

"This city," he clicks his tongue, "its just different from where you came from.”

“I know,” you quickly chipped in, “its nothing new for me.”

You could see how his eyebrows raised on his forehead, but as quickly as it came, it was gone; and instead, substituted with a furrow.

“I’m sure you know all about petty crime,” you hear him grumble and was about to retaliate until his next words stilled you, “but you’ll be seeing scums who wouldn’t even blink at shooting someone who just looked at them wrong.”

The light hearted tone he had posed onto you earlier was gone.

Now, it was cold, devoid of any emotions.

His eyes, previously reflecting the early shine of the light now looked dim, muted. Flat.

‘Ah..’ you think to yourself, ‘so this is who they are.’

You kept your mouth shut after that. Realizing, once again and reality slapping across your face.

These were not silly sons in a make believe found family, under one happy scene at a fun family-run bakery.

These were men--

Men with experience of being involved with the deepest darkest depths of seeing humans at their worst.

Men who are willing to shoot someone without batting an eye.

Men who aren’t opposed to killing those who go against them.

Men who can be brutal but choose not to.

And that to you, seemed scarier than someone who openly did so; because, when you think about it, ‘why were they being nice to you right now?’

"Hey sweets?"

You barely register Graves' voice but unconsciously hums in response.

“Hey,” he pokes again, “look here for a second.”

You didn’t realize but the car already stopped, parked just a block away from the bakery and you see the grip Graves’ had on the wheel. It was trying to hold back— they all were… but, why?

“Up here sweets.”

You finally make eye-contact with him and you see the color back in his eyes, the iris slightly dilated, and the crease on his forehead now furrowed in concern, rather than… irritation? Frustration? A mix of misunderstanding of both you’d presume.

“Did I scare ya’?” He asks softly, smile crooked with the tilt barely convincing you that it was one of being genuine honest with you, but you put that aside— it wasn’t your business to know why he did so.

You shook your head, “just…” you pause, trying to frame your words in a way that showed him that you weren’t afraid— just stunned of the situation you’re in, moreover how much its changed the past week.

“Shock,” you finally answer, “you saying that just made everything clicked.”

“Clicked?” He asks, “what did?”

“My life,” you slump on the reclined chair, eyes now diverting to the sleeves of your jacket and your hands that were fiddling with it. “How everything just came crashing and changing so much in such a short time.”

He nods and you hear him open and close his mouth for a minute before sighing, combing a hand through his now slightly messed hair.

“I get that feeling,” you hear the empathy seeping through his words, “so, my bad for pushing that onto ya’.”

You shook your head, “‘s not your fault.”

“But I triggered it, yeah?”

You see his hand reaching out to you and for a moment, you think again if you should.

Should you be closer to these mafiosos?

Should you be closer to their family?

Should you work their parents at the bakery?

Your actions opposed your thoughts, deciding for you as it tentatively reached halfway before you see Graves connect them himself, intertwining it in such a gentle way that made your thoughts halt for a moment. His thumb slightly stroking the side of your hand actually made you felt at ease, breathing less intense.

“See,” he chuckles, “you’re affected— now don’t tell me you aren’t.”

You roll your eyes but squeeze his hand in appreciation for his offer of comfort.

“Not saying I wasn’t,” you defended, “just that it isn’t entirely your fault— you damn opened the gates, that’s what you did.”

He laughs again more lightly, and somehow you wanted to see this Graves more than the other a moment ago.

“I did.” He admits, crooked grin more believable now.

“But its fine,” you reassure him by squeezing his hand, “might’ve needed it.”

You mutter lowly, still unsure of the reason why yourself but you don’t blame Graves. Like you admitted, he just opened pandora’s box in your head, it was already there and you were just keeping it. Denying the reality you were in, just because facing it was too much.

“Gotta ask something tumbstone,” you had to ask him why they were taking care of you so well. For fucks sake, you guys just met— its just not connecting!

“What is it?” He hums patiently, squeezing your hand back.

“Why…”

“…’why’ what..?”

“…why.. ugh- you’re gonna think its weird.” You try letting go of his hand but he doesn’t let you, pulling you in closer right to his nose.

His gaze, more hardened than before but you can tell that he’s encouraging you.

“C’mon sugar,” he urges, “I promise I won’t.”

You squint your eyes, your voice- thinking it was coming off confident- was more withheld and vulnerable that Graves knew he had to tread carefully.

“Pinky promise?”

He chuckled and links his free hand’s picky with yours, “well, you got me wrapped around ya’ pinky so a promise it is then.”

Your mouth tilts slightly upward at that.

“I…just wanna know…why- why you guys are so quick look out for someone like me?”

You see his eyes widen but mouth still shut, so you continue— trying to explain yourself.

“Its just,” you fumble trying to tie coherent words together, “I-i’m just figuring why I’m being treated so well?”

He stares at you for a moment before smiling, continuing to rub his thumb on your hand.

“What? You think we can’t be nice to people?”

You shook your head at his insinuation.

“No its not that! Ugh- feelings are so hard to explain—.”

“Then don’t,” he shrugs, “I can wait.”

He finally lets you go and you stare at him, contemplating, trying to ingest the meaning behind his words.

Maybe it was too early for this.

So, you nodded, going for another deep breath.

“Ok,” you sigh, “yeah- i’ll sort out my head first.”

You feel him pat your head, “that’s good.”

You feel your face heat so you looked away, grabbing the door handle to leave the car.

“I’m going then!”

He waves, “see you sometime then.”

You turn back to that, “you’re not coming with?”

He couldn’t help the coo that came out and pinched your cheeks.

“I’ve gotta job to do sweets,” he then subtly pushed you out of his car, “so don’t miss me too much, yeah?”

You huff, seeing yoursef caught slacking by him of all people, so you slammed his door.

“Never in a million years!!!”

You walk away with a middle finger in the air, and you can just hear his cackles echoing down the street.

You see the bakery in a couple of steps, and the lights signaling that it was open is still closed.

The plants, oh dear you should personally add that to the list yourself really, were still wilted as much as you saw it the first time.

The windows, all caked up with uncleaned water droplets, were foggy and unclear— another thing to do on the list.

The trash, the pile never ceased really— another to thing to do on the list.

You decided that you should take your mind off the issue you brought up with Graves for later— now, you gotta earn the money their pooling into you. (Another thing you wanted to ask them about as well.)

“Cara!”

You turn around and smile at the old couple, arms hooked by their elbows and covered head to toe in warm clothing.

And you realize its freezing from the way you were just in some shorts, a shirt, an old flannel over it, and some old sneakers.

No wonder they looked so concerned and rushed over you to wrap a scarf and beanie around you.

“Aren’t you cold, dearie?” Nonno asks, fixing the scarf around your neck. “I can hear your teeth chattering from all the way down the street.”

You chuckle, “just now- I swear I wasn’t a moment ago.”

Nonna clicks her tongue, getting the bakery door open to push you two inside.

“You’re gonna get sick wearin’ that!” She scolds as she sits you down in front of their fireplace that Nonno was trying to start, “don’t you have warmer clothes?”

You shook your head, offering to help Nonno but was forced to sit again by the pointed glare Nonna had you as she stared you down.

“I-uh…” you swear you were already sweltering from the heat of her gaze, “…never thought I needed it, never grew up at a place that became this cold.”

She nods, sighing with a rub to her temples.

"I'll check if the boys have their old warmers around their rooms."

You stand to protest but with a hand raised from Nonna, you clamped up and just thanked her.

Nonno sees this and chuckles, strolling up to you to pat you on the head.

"Don't worry," he reassures, "she's just worried."

This makes you question him, "why though?"

"why, what?"

You place your head in your heads, fingers tangled up in your already messed up hair.

"Why are you all worrying about me so much?"

Even if you couldn't see it at the moment, Nonno smiled sadly at the fact of seeing react to their worries. He wonders what happened to you that made you question the kindness and care people show you. Were you so unused to being exposed to it that you suspect that there's always an underlying intent behind the niceties people show you?

Or were you questioning it because of them being involved with the mafia?

"You think we can't worry like normal people?" He jokes and he sees you perk up in recognition.

"No-!" You were quick to deny and feel frustrated being misunderstood but, you knew you weren't explaining things properly on your end either. "Its... not like that."

"Well, why don't you think about it like this for now." he stands in front of you, making you look up at him finally, and he tuts, rubbing those unshed tears at the corner of your eyes.

"We're just your bosses worrying about our only employee," he pats your cheek, "and we don't want to them to skip work because they got sick."

You bit your lip and take your time processing his words-- yeah you could look at it that way, but wasn't it unnatural to care that much? Or were you just looking into it too much?

'No, remember what Graves said.'

Just... give it time, no need to get to an answer right now. If he can wait for your answer, then you'll wait to figure out one for yourself too. You'll metaphorically hang it at the hanger called the back of your mind and focus on the now.

The now being the list that started from your head to toe.

"Hey Nonna," you hear a hum from the cash register as you stand in front of the pin board, "why is the list as long as me now?"

"Well, new day new list of things to do!"

"Fuck."

'I should've just maybe thought about it a little more.'

The day goes by quickly, faster than you thought as you accomplish one task to the next, barely taking breaks unless it was an offer of food or drinks from Nonno and Nonna.

From tackling onto that trash pile bit by bit to send it off with the guy who's quite disappointed to see you again, cooking dishes with Nonno and serving the tables during lunch rush, cleaning up all the dining areas and the kitchen, washing the glass at the front, clearing out all the dead plants, bake some pastries with Nonna, to serving once again during come merienda time.

"Hey, lovie."

You sigh, seeing the usual four at their regular table but surprisingly in more casual outfits. You don't know why but you smile at how comfy they look compared to their constrained suits you saw them in twice.

"Hi," you greeted tiredly, "how's it going?"

"You look worse for wear."

"Is that you're tagline for me Ghost?"

This gets a round of chuckles from them whereas Ghost huffs, but from the slightly crinkle at the corner of his eyes, you could tell he was smirking from under his mask.

"You really do this time, nest-head." Suds points out and you huff, turning to Grickky.

"I don't look that bad, right?"

He frowns then sends a sympathetic glance, "well..."

"Have you recuperated yet?" Price asks and you nod.

"Just lots of things to work on 'round here."

They all nod sympathetically.

"Thanks for helping them out-- we know how much it can get a lot with them." Price explains, offering a hand and you stare at it.

Mind buffering at how... similarly they acted and you just, did what your instincts told you to do and hold his in yours.

Price stares at you in shock and you did now as well.

It then clicks in your head that he was just talking with his hands.

So you try to retract it but he keeps a firmer grip in yours-- not letting go.

"I-i'm so sorry Price- it's been a long day and I thought you guys do this for comfort and I just assumed---"

"Shh," he hushed you and rubs his other hand on top of both of yours, "breath."

You take a shaky breath in and out.

"Guess that answer's your question boss." Suds chuckles, hands behind his head in a lax position.

"I'm okay."

You say such but none of them are convinced.

"Right," Ghost quips, "and I'm the Queen of England."

You glare at him, "you think you're so funny huh? Mr. I'm-the-clown-of-my-own-circus."

The tables explodes into laughter once more but this time Ghost isn't as amused as you, grin now plastered on yours instead.

"Why don't we bring 'em with us boss?" Gaz asks, once his laughter died out and wiped the invisible tears from his eyes.

"Bring where?" You ask, a bit curious. You turn to look at your tugged hand to Price who subtly pulled your attention to him.

"Just a social club down the street," he explains, "similar to a club but less of the party aspect and more of the drinking, snacking, and chatting part."

"Ya' 'tis not too stimulating and more like chillin' like its a game night," Suds adds on and you nod in understanding as you let out an interesting, "ooh~."

"Maybe it'll help you wind down," Gaz offers up his one cent as well and you nod.

"I think it would." All of them perk up, "but my shift's not over."

"Its over now!"

"Oof-!" You suddenly got hit in the back by a bag which made you stumble and Price catch you so that you wouldn't fall flat on your face. Again.

"Go have fun!" Nonna bids farewell while you look at her all offended, seeing just how easy it is for her to just use you and throw you away with a flick of her hand.

"You're just going to make the list longer!" You complain and try to go back to her and confront her, but the unexpected lift by the armpits from Suds made you all the more hissy.

"Hey!" you try slapping but he laughs and dodges. "you're not even letting me choose if I want to go or not!"

Gaz slides into your peripheral, booping your nose and instantly stopping your struggles like your mind just halted from the metaphorical button that switched it off. (The three are highly amused by discovering this about you but try their best to keep their giggles to a minimum.)

"You already did by saying, "I think so!'" He copies your voice and you just had about half a mind to whack him if Soap didn't haul you over his shoulder, exiting the shop with his other mates while they all said their thanks to Nonno and Nonna.

"I can't believe I'm getting kidnapped by mafiosos," you grumble, "what a time to be alive."

Ghost, who was walking behind with Price, ruffles your hair.

"first time?"

You swore you swacked him so hard that it echoes in the alleway you guys were passing by and the comedic echo of it made the others just crack up and die.

"You're my drinking buddy?" You ask Suds who sat across from the loveseat you were sitting on at the side of the room, where it was a bit secluded from the main hall where there was some games going on at the moment.

Soap shrugs, taking a swig of his drink before replying. "Just happened to see your lonely ass brooding."

You frown, taking a swig of your own beer before gagging at the taste.

He sees your reaction and offers his hand, and this time you don't take it so readily- and Soap connects the dots.

"Your bottle," he chuckles, "if ya' don't like it then let take it out of ya' hands."

"Oh," you embarrassingly handed it to him, "thanks. I kinda like more fruity or spritz-y type-a drinks."

"A zeltzer?" he asks cackles loudly and you snap at him.

"No! Yikes- hate those."

You continue watch him bellow and you notice how his face was more relatively red than usual, and you think that he's less put-up about his walls once the alcohol was in his system.

"Why don't I try and get you something then?" He offers, finally calming down and you cross your arms in suspicion.

"... What's in it for me?"

He shakes his head, an obvious smirk on his face. "A free drink on me of course."

"Hmm," you hum and fake-think about the proposition, "sounds tempting, good sir."

He catches on. "No need to pay a pretty price for a pretty person like ya'."

You both giggle and you just relent, letting him get you one as a surprise.

As he left though, you decided that sitting here made your bowels act up from the two bottles you already had in you. You bought your first one and regretted it so you downed it immediately, not wanting to waste it, so Price- thinking you really liked it and needed another- offered to get you one himself.

You couldn't deny the man when he already slotted another in your hand, and so you did the same thing- downing it like a champ but this time, Gaz catches you right as you finished it, watching the whole spectacle.

Hence, that's how Soap found you in the corner, inebriated with a pleasant buzz but almost puking at the taste of your third one for the night.

And all of that is begging to go out another way.

So, you try your best- with crossed gait- to get the bathroom as fast as possible.

Until you bump into some guy who was blocking the restroom, you thought he was gonna stand aside once he saw you but no-- he just stood there like a wall.

"what the fuck dude," you mutter, holding onto your forehead where you made contact with his hard chest. "can you not block the toilets?"

The man, hidden behind a mask quite similar to Ghost, stared down at me.

"Occupied." This behemoth simply says and this makes you irk.

"Look," you poke at his chest, "I need to go."

He stares down at you before looking at his companion, a mask covering the lower half of his face as well with sunglasses covering his eyes, said partner shook his head.

"No."

"No?" You scoffed, "you think you can control my bowels?!"

The man besides him sighs, "its occupied alright, there's another down the other hallway."

You whip your head at him so fast that he flinched.

"I fucking said," you stalked up to the guy and shouted-- "I NEED TO TAKE A SHIT!"

"what the hell is going on out here?!"

The bathroom door slams open and the two immediately step aside to bow to this man, gruff with whites in his hair. The man was busy fixing his clothes, whereas the girl in his arms was so giddy that she didn't care that her bra was literally slipping off both her shoulders.

You gagged.

"Nothing sir, someone just wanted to use the bathroom--" The tall guys explains but gets cut off the man screeching out orders.

"Then take fucking deal with it quickly!"

"yes sir."

Both of them then turn to you, who almost gagged at the second time seeing the girl turn around with the man, barely able to catch up with him with her panties hanging and... dripping.

"Leave." They both commanded and you rolled your eyes, about to leave until Soap appeared down the hall- asking for you.

"Where are you pretty-? What the fuck?!"

You see him running and by the time you turn around again as you hear the click of something familiar--

a gun was in between your eyes, straight at your forehead.

So close that your eyes went cross-eyes, made you dizzy and gagged for a third time.

Even worse so, that went Soap tries pushing you out of the way, it pushed you forward and land on the behemonth- taking him off balance and throwing you in another dizzying spell.

This time, confirming that the beer did come out of your system one way or another.

Right.

On.

His.

Suit.

"Konig!"

Note to self, never buy beer again.

A/N: Well, this one was in the drafts for a while but-- we finally get to put some special peepo in this chapter hehe~ Next is the epilogue with it featuring two POVs this time, as always- will be cookin' up the next one soon ~

Taglist! <3

@astreaaaaaa6 @accidental-obsessionist @sunshineistoofuckingbright

[snezus-christ-risen]

Ended up having an amazing day, because it’s impossible to be sad around my family. 🥹

[liquidstar]

Oh fuck tomorrow I'm going to be a little birthday boy I keep almost forgetting

[broke-on-books]

Need to watch my favorite movie again sometime soon

[iknowwhereyousleepatnight]

should i sleep for a hundred million years or purposefully stop sleeping just to see what happens

[daily-whistlepaw]

daily whistlepaw until ah becomes PoV day 1167

I think I finally understand how people feel when around a crush, can't say I enjoy it

[lesbianlenas]

hot blonde woman on bb who i thought maybe this time the hot blonde woman will not flop on me & will be a good player i was soooooo hopeful of course she immediately aligns w the ppl who i do not like & is having group delusions w them abt how they’re the best players in the house when they have no power at all omg i am doomed w these blonde women legit just texted my friend that i will never trust a hot blonde woman on bb again i am DONE…..look at the world’s saddest progression of texts between thursday night & last night 😩

[blujayonthewing]

so in juniper's campaign we've just found ourselves in a high-stakes situation that I as a player do frankly find stressful and am anxious about, but hey hi also the DM was like 'okay here are the exact mechanics of how this is going to work because I don't want to surprise you with serious repercussions, also here are all the options you will have to try to do something about the situation-- [affected player] what do you think? honest feedback, I don't want it to feel unfair, I want to be clear that I am not just trying to kill your character, and if it ends up being badly balanced we can revisit it down the road' and oh my god I could COLLAPSE and WEEP with gratitude

[pardonmydelays]

IN THE HEIGHTS countdown: 1 DAY!

song for today:

abuela, i’m sorry but i ain’t goin’ back because i’m telling your story and i can say goodbye to you smilin’, i found my island i been on it this whole time i’m home!

[phagodyke]

happy flat fuck friday I feel likr I've been run over by a steamroller <3

[nobodybetterlookatme]

The love/hate relationship with my coworkers is so real lmao like why are they like this

[sleepyagent]

I want someone to love me quietly and loudly at the same time because Im an idiot

[silverselfshippingchaos]

r.une is so awesome! he's the kindest guy ever and I always drop by the thieves guild whenever I'm not doing anything just to hear his pretty voice

[lightblueminecraftorchid]

Me, yesterday, 5:30 PM: wow I’m honestly doing so great at my adult tasks; I’ve gotten some homework done, I went grocery shopping, my laundry is almost dry. I spent so many spoons and I barely feel tired! Maybe I’m finally fully recovering from burnout!

Me, yesterday, 6:00 PM: oh.

[silveredsound]

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