...Story By - A Friend!...

...Written By - TheRacoon...

...Edited By - A Friend!...

“See U soon…”

That was the last message I've seen today from Victor… that lovable dumbass, I should've sent a longer reply. But with this schedule trying to insert itself without warning I could only send him a heart…

I'll make it up to him in the morning. What was the mission again? Steal a single USB from some copy paste warehouse?

Some low profile millionaire threw so much money, the big man shut up and sent us both to do it.

Or that's what I know of. I'll probably forget this in a day.

Eh. Typically we don't do recon but, hell, the guys paying us to do it. Might as well put this body to work.

Pfft. I don't even think I remember the company's name.

Shows how boring they are, can't even figure out a single letter from them.

The surrounding area was enveloped in a veil of darkness. The lights had been destroyed when we arrived. So that cuts out so much work…

So I just worked through the rooms. Luckily no one was in my way… god knows what I'd have to do.

However, bad news for me but the metallic floors of this building were apparently drenched in gallium and repaired with rocks. They make these big stepping sounds when I run. Well I mean this is just a random warehouse in the middle of nowhere…

“God damn these floors are shit. Do you have eyes on the objective?”

I put a finger to my ear. Relaying a message to my teammate in this through an ear piece. For about a minute I didn't get a signal, but after a bit I got something back.

“Give me a minute. They're using AWP’s. I have no idea how to use this.”

Not sure why Aya's having trouble with those. While sure–she’s not the brightest tool in the shed. I'd call her a candle more than anything…

Although these hallways and turns are driving me nuts.

This seemed to span for over ten minutes until I finally reached a room with someone inside it. Not sure if that was a good thing.

“...?! Who's there?!”

The man shouted while seeming to raise a gun. Seems like he heard me opening the door.

Ugh. As usual he can't see me eye to eye.

Talk about being ridiculed by simply being short. The man can't even see me clearly in the dark.

…Welp!

I'll take anything at this point.

“Look! Shoot behind!”

I didn't need to point my finger in order to convey the message. I hear the man scramble around before taking aim and shooting six shots. The light from the muzzle created enough light for him to process that no one was there.

“Shots missed! Moving out-”

The armed guard tried to say. But… With a swift motion I jumped on the man while his back was turned. I don't have night vision so it was kind of him to reveal his location.

Nevertheless, an enemy is an enemy… I jumped onto his back and locked my arm around his throat. Securing myself behind him by locking my leg around his pelvis.

I heard the man choke out and even shoot some rounds. Although those ended up on the ceiling and floor respectively.

His struggle was futile. It only took him what? A minute to drop unconscious right before me.

I only needed to let go and make sure he was actually out cold before I made it to the next room.

“Way to go… I thought you said no fatalities…”

Aya snickered while trying to ridicule me. Oh how considerate of her!

I tried to hold in a short chuckle but I couldn't help myself.

Making it to the next room. Which thank the heavens was lit up.

“Excuse me. Weren't you trying to work an AWP? Talking all innocent. How the hell do you mess up a gun so easy-”

“Shut…”

…Well she didn't say anything after that. The room I went in was suspended on a metal bridge so I leaned in on the railings to see what was below.

Lo and behold, it was being gatekept by like. At least a dozen guards. All armed with either the most impractical tools ever and guns.

“Aw… tsk, tsk. At least form a full sentence if you're willing to shut me up.”

“All that brain yet no…”

You see. Talking to her like that was easier when she's far away from me.

But when I closed my eyes to really be immersed in my own voice I hadn't noticed her sneaking up and leaning on the railings as well

I expected her to be pointing the AWP on my forehead but she was being too cool for anyone today.

But needless to say, Aya shot me a death glare when I opened my eyes and only handed me two grenades.

“Knock yourself out… this bridge's gonna tip.”

Catching both explosives, I looked down. And at the bridge's infrastructure. It seemed fine so I had no idea what she was implying by that.

“And–please. Humor me as to how…”

“Brace yourself… number one.”

There she goes again!

It's always my status with this girl!

I rolled my eyes but felt the “ground” shake. However, before that I think I heard five rounds being shot out before the tipsy feeling–and she shot the bolts hanging on this bridge.

Alas!

It went down. The nuts and bolts supporting this bridge screamed in pain as the rectangular bridge went down. First it got wedged in a part of the wall but it was also. Destroyed by the force of its weight.

Not to mention this bridge was suspended about… 35 feet up in the air!

“ARE YOU CRAZY- oh yeah you are.”

Aya only presumably shat out a grappling hook. Using that to suspend her demise just a bit further. Hanging in the air to leave ME hanging.

Why does she have a grappling hook?!

I didn't even get anything aside from this ear piece!

What's with this bias?!

I wanted to flip her the bird however!

I'M FALLING DOWN IN CASE YOU CAN’T-

…

…

…

We're not hired guns…

Well–not in that way…

We follow orders, just as long as you have the money to make it worthwhile.

I have no idea why they made bodyguards take up recon…

Seems lousy to do so.

That question lingered around my head for a while. But after a bit another thought filled my head once I looked down; oh shit–floor-

…!?

I woke up. I could tell from the smell and color of the ceiling I was in Victor's apartment. My eyes felt so heavy and my head hurt like a bitch…

If I do much as tilt, my entire body feels like it gets personally shocked with an ample amount of electricity.

Trying to at least slightly sit up from the… couch? I think? Whatever–it was sluggish and felt like I was overdoing it.

But I finally managed to sit up. To see Aya sitting on a chair, just kind of staring at me. With her legs crossed and looking like I was the one who pushed her off that bridge.

“Nice. Seems like you're doing nicely…”

She huffed, she tried to sound enthusiastic but it feels like her true intention was to see my great fall off.

This is why you're barely scratching the top ten.

“You idiot! Why'd you shoot down a bridge?!”

I shouted at her. Moving a few inches forward, it felt like I almost sprained my elbow. Immediately retracting back to the soft couch and wincing as I gripped on my arm.

“Doesn't matter. I got the USB… the client’s satisfied, job well done I suppose.”

Aya moved with calculated precision. She didn't even dig in her pockets. She only went in and tossed me a good stack of cash on the couch.

“Your… boyfriend's–running errands. I'll be in the kitchen.”

And just like that Aya just went up and left me to sit on the couch. There wasn't a goodbye, or some other quip–she just left me.

Well… I shouldn't really flip her the bird. I'm too tired to do anything.

Hell! I don't even have bandages or a pillow to get comfortable with.

Some hospitality she's showing!

So. What am I gonna do?!

With all her divine caretaking abilities, I'm wide awake and rejuvenated!

I practically jumped out of the couch to walk to the kitchen… when I reach there I will show her PAIN.

Oh… yeah… this–is why you don't do stupid stuff like… oh… SHOOT A BRIDGE! While you're still in it, I may add-

…

…

Victor's room is wide open… I see the door, it's almost closed but not enough to automatically lock.

That's strange. He never forgets to lock his room. Especially since he knows what I'll do…

Lucky me~ I'll… forget about Aya for a minute… I'll step back to capitalize on this opportunity. It isn't everyday I get an opportunity like this.

I hummed a simple tune, creeping up in his door and placing finger after finger before I quietly opened it.

My heart slightly raced when I saw the state of his room.

He's so secretive that of course I couldn't resist.

And that's when I saw… something…

I was shocked. Not because of the item. But because I knew exactly what it was about.

…

It was Aya.

Aya was on top of Victor's bed. She was shuffling around…

She didn't even take off her shoes.

Aya was engrossed in this shit. Presumably looking for a piece of clothing of his like a weird person.

“Aya.”

Gathering her attention almost instantly as she nearly tripped while sitting down.

I saw her eyes widen as she tugged on his bedsheets. Causing it to slightly undo.

“...”

There was nothing to laugh about.

Why is she inside my boyfriend's room? Why is she looking for his clothes?

“Hallucination…?”

Slamming the door closed I locked it from the inside. I could see her body perk up when the sound echoed through the room as I matched towards her with each step sounding like a violent stomp.

“Talk.”

I at least had the respect to take off my shoes before I climbed on the bed standing up, placing both of my hands on her shoulders…

Looking down at Aya with bloodlust pouring out of my eyes.

Aya gulped instinctively. She wasn't terrified by my display. She seems more concerned than afraid of me.

“Victor… uh… lost… a bet?"

“What?”

My grip on her shoulders grew when I didn't allow her to explain herself.

I'm already connecting the dots, so of course her side was instantly wrong.

“He’s dating me. Idiot.”

…WHAT?!

“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN?!”

I leaned down to grab her by the collar. I saw the change in her face when she finally confessed. She was SMILING. My reaction to this.

“You heard me. Bede.”

She snickered when she said my name. Her shoulders slumped like nothing was serious about this. Her breathing was normal. And she seems PROUD…

“Wha- …”

…

Actually…

Isn't that–kind of appealing?

…I refused to believe that MY man was dating someone that wasn't me.

He wouldn't betray three years of love just for this half baked, emotionless, home wrecking, witch, so…

I slowly released my grip on her and sat down fully–my legs crossed and a hand placed on my mouth like I was deep in thought.

Aya looked confused at first. But she stayed still because I hadn't thought of a quip or line to pulverize her.

I know she's lying through her teeth. He wouldn't give up on someone like me…

But. It's clear that she's trying to steal Victor away. Of course–I can't let her.

So… I stopped thinking and released the hand on my mouth. My tone is somewhat normal instead of pure anger.

“Why don't we share him?”

In real-time–I saw Aya go from wary and unsure to just kind of staring at me with confusion on her like a light switch flickering on and off.

“...What?”

...Story By - A Friend!...

...Written By - TheRacoon...

...Edited By - A Friend!...

…

Victor would never cheat on me.

And Aya isn't the type to lie…

However–I do think my idea is very, very appealing…

“Why don't we share him?”

I saw that Aya was confused with all of this. Who would've thought someone like me would be willing to share.

That's the beauty of things…

“What?”

Aya managed to blurt out over all of that confusion in her. Albeit her tone was, of course–suspicious AND wary so that was a plus.

She rarely cracks so it's a nice treat when she does.

But I placed my arms on my lap. Legs crossed, just kind of staring at her all with a smile on my face.

“Now… of course you can't, in a million years, be as good as me but, I am good at negotiations.”

I raised an eyebrow, while on the outside it's all; sunshines and rainbows. In actuality I wasn't testing her resolve, or seeing if she wouldn't buy it.

It's no biggie.

“...What's your catch?”

Ah–there it is! Lighten up a little. Not everything has hidden motives behind it. Well my has–but you get the picture!

“The heart of Victor is not one to simply admire from afar…”

“You scratch my back. I'll scratch yours.”

It's a simple arrangement all things considered. But the hard part is seeing if Victor is okay with this.

Oh well!

“This'll be our little secret. If you can win his heart, then I'll consider…”

I saw those pretty gears turning in her head. It took her a few seconds to be put in deep thought. I could tell because she put her hand over her mouth and looked away from me.

“By observation you aren't too fond of someone stealing Victor's affection… I may be your colleague but usually the person who tried that would be somewhere in a lake…”

Oh please, that was one time.

I'm more angelic then what meets the eye… and that was merely waterboarding!

Nothing too severe.

But I sighed and put a hand on her shoulder. I could feel her tense up at this although it wasn't so much out of fear as it was instinct. If I recall, her skin is sensitive. Even through fabric.

“Don't mind the specifics, look! I'm giving you this chance. Might as well take it!”

While I was trying to convince her. My ear perked up when I heard the front door open. Now I checked and that thing was locked so that would mean…

“Speaking of which… if you'll excuse me.”

I patted her shoulder twice and practically jumped out of Victor's bed. Scrambling to open the door to reach him in time.

She tried to stop me, however I wouldn't have my moment ruined by meaningless questions.

“Hey! Wait!”

It wasn't that long of a sprint but once I locked onto him I saw that his back was turned, to lock the door I presume.

But that couldn't stop me…

I extended my arms to the side and hugged him. It was only five hours since I hugged him so I was pretty much starved for human contact.

What can I say?

However–I did catch him off guard. Victor let out a slight gasp. But the fact I had to slightly struggle to wrap myself around his torso made it apparent who it was.

“Ah. Slow down. Just got home…”

Hm, he was definitely tired from work…

Can't blame him…

He only laughed it off, his voice alone making me relieved.

…

…

Fuck, he smells good.

…

I'm just going to forget the arrangement and–live in the moment~ Aya? Who's Aya?

Victor allowed me to continue hugging while he locked the door and stretched, his tone takes on something more playful.

“Well good to know you're okay… now, stay still.”

He didn't wait for my response, which I wasn't going to, when he gently removed my arms to stare right in front of me. Going in and carrying me quite easily.

At first I was slightly shocked that he had the energy to do this, although after, say–a second I quickly settled in his arms as he carried me like a bride…

“Bede. We should- …”

Aya walked out of Victor's door to presumably ruin my parade and talk more. But after seeing Victor carrying me so easily she quickly shut up.

Victor was… confused for a while before his face lit up.

Hehe…

“Ah! Aya. Didn't know you were around.”

He slightly jumped. Almost dropping me but I prematurely wrapped an arm around his neck so I wasn't that peeved about it.

What I was peeved about was Aya trying to divert his attention from ME.

Whatever. I just leaned to the side to rest on his shoulder, good compensation.

“I- uh… yeah…”

She backed away, just a step. I could see a small, very minor flush in her cheeks. Damn, this one's already in the gutter…

Well–she did technically try to steal a hoodie so, like more like a moth to a flame~

“That's fine, you wanna talk about something right? I can see it on your face.”

Hehe…

Aya looked a bit flabbergasted that Victor could identify her intentions, although that wasn't the whole story, isn't he cool for that?

Whatever–he started to move away from the front door and shortly after sitting on his couch in the living room.

Of course with me still being carried.

I saw Aya actually reconsider before taking a deep breath and sitting down as well. Albeit the distance maintained was…

Acceptable.

“Well… …Uh…”

She mumbled. Who knew the cool and mysterious Aya could turn into putty after seeing a man.

That's so… uncharacteristic.

“Good evening, Victor… I am here to discuss yesterday's bet.”

So much of her breath was lost because of her stuttering that I could feel the breeze from here.

And actually Aya tried to move closer to Victor. Even trying to reach for his hand but I had the foresight and gently kicked it.

Victor noticed it and patted my side. Looking uneasy because of me…

“Sorry, sorry. Keep your distance. He doesn't really like my friends, that's all.”

He's treating me like I swatted her hand away like a cat. Which I kinda did–though that's not really necessary, right?

For now–I continue to nuzzle on his neck because I haven't been able to do this today and frankly, that's wrong…

“So, the other day we made a bet and I won. Yes?”

Aya, in all her wisdom initiated.

I didn't know where they met up but I belive it's in the store Victor world at.

Victor raised an eyebrow–curious about this. Judging by that face he seemed to have lost…

“Yeah. What about it?”

Well that uneasy feeling was stomped down as quickly as it appeared. Moving me around his lap to make me more accomodated.

“As for my favor. I wish to interact with you daily… …alongside Bede.”

Huh, didn't expect that… big shocker.

Victor was skeptical, although I could tell he sees the witch as a friend so I'll be fine~

“Well. You shouldn't have to use a favor for that but, uh… yeah! Sure, why not.”

By all means, I'll allow her to at least try. And… I know how to a certain someone tick~

So I abruptly hop off Victor's lap. Which pained me plenty but this is for the mission. If you can even call it that.

If I recall, near the kitchen. Around all the peroxide and dishwasher fluid someone… has been breaking a promise.

Well obviously I didn't plant a camera, or scanner in the kitchen. I just sorta saw him open the cabinet and grab, the good stuff before scrambling and leaving.

It's cute when he tries to hide things from me… it's endearing…

Now–I won't scold him for this, although it has been getting out of hand.

Making it to the kitchen and opening a specific bottom cabinet. I rummaged through the items sprinkled in there. God knows my arm smelled like bubbles after that however…

I manage to find–and grab myself a bottle of beer.

About 800ml of the stuff…

He's been like this for a while, and honestly when he gets all pink in the face that's usually when I get the most excited.

Not in that way. But damn is it good…

So I grabbed the pretty little bottle. It actually was sorta bigger than my hands so I had to carry if by the top instead of the base of it.

It was kinda scary…

“Well, okay then! Tomorrow, right?”

I heard Victor having a well, and probably meaningful conversation with Aya. His tone had gotten softer when talking to her.

And… once I reached the living room, I saw Aya and Victor…

Being too close with each other.

Not in the touchy, touchy sorta way but just. Making small skin-to-skin contact and barely touching hands.

Normally this would seem… normal? I guess but with her intentions I feel like.

Someone's making the first move.

Good for her.

“I'm back…! Here ya go!”

Setting the bottle of beer in front, I saw the way Victor's… striking and attention seeking emerald eyes lit up like a child getting what they want.

“Huh. Where'd you get the drink?”

Of course he would ask. I'm not the type to blow money on drinks, although I would gladly do so if it would make him happy.

“Work stuff. They gave me a free bottle to go!”

I giggled a tiny bit. Hopping back on the couch. But not on Victor's lap this time, just at the opposite side where Aya sat. Now I'm back to looking at Victor.

“So… what's with the tomorrow stuff? Heard it when I was heading back.”

“Ah, it's a group hang out. We're just gonna hang around the city. You two are on paid leave, right?”

Victor responded. It seemed like he was gonna grab the bottle and drink straight from it but… his finger twitched when staring at the bottle.

…My face slightly softened at the sight of this. Watching as he retracted his hand and continued to hold a conversation with Aya.

“It’s getting a little late. Aya… why don't you head back? I'm pretty sure Victor here is tired.”

I secretly gave her a nod while pulling back the smug smile for a determined one. She understood what I meant and dusted her lap and stood up.

“Ah–yes… very well. If I may be excused.”

She cleared her throat while speaking in her usual–calm and no nonsense tone. But I was able to find hints of unease in it. Like she was scared about what's gonna happen tomorrow.

I pat Victor on the back as he slumped on the couch and waved her goodbye. However I was the only one who watched her walk out of the door.

…

“I'm gonna change… don't peek~”

It's a little tease but it's natural for me. I stood up as well. Stretching my arms for a little bit before heading to my part of his apartment.

Quickly changing into my casual outfit, a black tank top with the only pair or gray pants I could find.

Sure it may be from Victor's but… I ain't complaining.

…

I was about to check up on Victor again, although a ring from my phone said otherwise. Surprisingly Aya managed to either power walk to her house in record time or is texting while walking.

I saw that she was about to send a text my way… however said text was promptly deleted as decided to send me another text message.

“Talk. Pls.”

Was all that she could send. I huffed before sending a text her way at lightning speed.

Talk about… I don't know, text induced narcolepsy I could still message her faster.

“Hell ye. Any ideas?”

Hopping onto my bed to be fully immersed in this–presumably interesting conversation I was gonna have!

…