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Well this took forever and I am extremely sorry about that, full explanation at the end. Enjoy the next chapter in the life of Brick and Rachael.

Let Slip the Hounds of War: Part VII

_ _

You're playing into her hand

_ SHUT UP!_

_ You see you're too fucking compromised. I remember when we would kill, then drink, and never give it a second thought. Now here you are actually crying. Why do you think she is here! She's here to shake us up, and give him the chance to kill us._

"Brick? Do you want to talk about it? I've never seen you like this." Rachael asked, running her hand along my head.

"I know, I'm fucking weak...I'm letting my FUCKING emotions control me." I spat angrily,

"You could never be weak Brick, never think that. You're too strong to beat yourself up like this, just tell me what happened." Rachael pleaded pulling my head in closer, I took a breath before answering.

"That cunt is a fucking spy! That's how Keith always knows what we're doing!"

"What, who?" Rachael asked surprisingly calm.

"Brittney, she isn't just an idiot, she's a mole Keith planted to keep an eye on us" I spat blood on the ground after biting the inside of my mouth so I didn't scream it. Racheal continued to rub my head trying to calm me down

"We'll figure it out, just tell me what happened."

"I walked into the kitchen to help her get some water, she walked right over to the knives and started playing with one. Before I could take it from her, she pointed it at me saying 'You really are fun to watch Big-B. I've seen you eviscerate a beast without hesitating, and then here you are watching a hockey game like a normal person, sorry animal!' I asked what she meant, 'Isn't it obvious' she chided 'Keith has me watching you too like hawks, I keep him updated.' So I grabbed her by the neck and threw her against the wall, and threw the knife away. 'You wouldn't want to hurt me Big-B, if anything happens to me Keith said he would kill Rachael, you may be able to stop a knife or a gun up close, but even you can't stop a .50 caliber bullet from a mile out. ' I asked her why she would tell me 'Isn't it obvious? For fun! Now that you know what I am you're going to want to kill me. All you'd have to do is squeeze a bit and I'd suffocate, but then you're precious Rachael would die! Ohhh the dilemma I can see it in those red eyes, you want to kill me, but you know that would kill Rachael.' She said Keith would be willing to start his experiment over if it meant I was broken, then she went too far threatening you. ' Oh by the way Jerry doesn't know about me, so you tell him, I'll killer her. You know one night I may just pay her a visit and cut up that pretty little face if you tell him, or maybe just for fun. What would you do? You retaliate, she dies!' That was when I snapped, telling her to stay away from you...then you two walked in." I sat up out of Rachael's grasp sitting next her and pulling her close.

"What's Big-B's take on all this?"

Slit the bitch's fucking throat

"Kill her..."

"There's more isn't there?" I didn't answer "I understand if you don't want to tell me. I slip out of her grasp and stand up pulling her with me.

"It's...hard for him, I mean me, I mean FUCK!" I curse throwing my fist into a wall, Rachael taps my shoulder, her wordless way of saying she's there and its ok. "It's been hard for Big-B to come to terms with what I am now, the restrictions I have." Before Rachael can object I put a bloodied finger to her lips "when I was in the ring as just a boxer I could kill without worry, I didn't worry about anything else, I knew who my target was, and what it took to beat them. Now I'm trying to blend in as a proper beast but the side of me that has kept me alive, that is me, that side, Big-B can't adjust." I take a few steps away from Rachael my hand flailing a bit to show my lostness "I used to not give a flying fuck." I practically whisper gesturing to my bloodied hand "This! This wouldn't have fucking phased me, but it does, not because it hurts but because I put a hole in your wall! I feel guilty because I punched a fucking hole in the wall in anger..."my voice trailed off softening "and because I know I lashed out in front of you Rachael. That's why I...feel, because it was in front of you." My head is hanging low, I just want to stand there alone and wait for this sense of feeling to go away, this shame, this guilt, all off this because I know I cannot protect the one person I give a damn about.

The next thing I knew a set of lips met mine in a soft and tender touch. And then the lips leave mine, but a hand caresses my muzzle "You really are the most thick headed, self-loathing, selfless, caring hunk of fur I've ever met." Rachael whispers reaching up to the top of my head where my ears lie "You just found out that Keith has a spy next door and your first thought is you failed me? I'm safe! I'm alive, and I'm in love! But you still think you've failed." She almost growls mashing her forehead to mine. "When are you going to get it through that beautiful thick skull of yours that I love you, and don't care what Big-B says , or what Keith throws at us, as long as I am with you I don't give a shit. Punch a hole in the Goddamn wall, see if I care, hell eat me out and throw a knife at my mother, I couldn't care less! But don't ever get down on yourself, because then I'm going to need to remind you just how much you've done right, and just how much you mean to me." She says bringing me in for another kiss.

You're lucky you're bitch is as fucked up as you, anyone else would've killed you for punching a hole in their wall

You know what big-B, you're right I am lucky..

Our kiss is brought to an end far sooner than either of us wanted as I can hear my phone going off signaling a call. I check it and nearly throw it against the fucking wall, but instead answer it

"The fuck do you want Keith?" I answered Rachael looks over at me with wide eyes

"Simple!" the voice at the other end answers "I want to offer you a Christmas present, a very early one, but a present none the less."

"I don't want shit from you Keith unless it's your heart!"

"Now, now, Brick I know you're still an uncivil mutt but it is polite to listen when someone is offering you a deal."

"fuck you."

"Oh then I guess you don't want Brittney to leave you two be then?"

"...What do I have to do?"

"Oh you'll find out in due time, I have let loose the next hound of war beware the three wise men heh heh Merry Christmas, oh and tell my little experiment that I just had the tube cleaned out for her." And then a click and Keith was gone.

"YOU SON OF A CUNT SUCKING GRRRR...WHORE FUCKING...FUCK!" I yell chucking my phone through the nearest window and into the streets below.

That's it pup get mad! Get angry! Get out right Goddamn furious! I can use that to help you.

I don't care what happens but I swear I'm letting you lose on Keith the next time we see him!

There's the Brick I know

Then I feel the tapping on my shoulder, and a pair of arms holding me tightly. "Please my Adonis come back to me." I hear a strained voice whisper. "They're just words, please...for me?" My rage leaves like me like a waterfall, no sooner did she stop speaking all my anger left. It's difficult this feeling...she's doing all she can to liberate me from my past self, and I'm torn between letting her win, and letting "him" win.

Look B, there's only one way we come out of this alive and that's if you listen to me! Come on Brick! YOU'VE KNOWN HER FOR A COUPLE OF MONTHS AND YOU'RE TAKING HER ADVICE OVER MINE!

Let it go Big-B...

NO, FUCK THAT! I'VE BEEN WITH YOU FROM THE STARTAND NOW YOU'RE JUST GOING TO SHUT ME THE FUCK OUT

YOU HAVEN'T BEEN THERE FROM THE START!...no one has...look Big-B I know you've saved my hide more time than I care to count but we can't do things like we're boxers still. We're out of the ring now, we have new rules, new objectives...new friends. Things are different and it's for the better

...no Brick nothing is different, I just hope you'll realize it before it's too late this time.

The voice goes quiet, Big-B and I don't duke it out like that much, but when we do he's normally right, but what does he mean nothing is different?

The arms around me squeeze tighter "Please let me in Brick, what do you need? Please..." I'm still for a moment then I look down at her with a fake smile I passes off for genuine.

"Nothing is wrong babe, I'm fine now thanks." I say beaming again "But you can help me with one thing." I say my voice trailing off, Rachael tightens her grip

"Anything..." I slip a hand under her rear and sweep her legs out from under her walking towards the stairs while her grips tightens around my neck out of instinct

"We're going to get a good night's sleep and I will be your pillow, argue with me and I won't make breakfast." We go up the stairs Rachael curling into the natural dips, and bumps my body gives then I feel her shiver. "Don't worry we'll get up to your room and your Adonis will keep you warm."

I can see a light blush run across Rachael's face "Sorry it's just a bit drafty..." I get the subtle hint looking to the window with a large hole in it. My ears go flat and I continue up the stairs

"...Sorry Rachael I'll get it-" she cuts me off with her lips

"Don't worry about it, just focus on getting us to the bed I could use some sleep too you know." I chuckle opening the door to her room.

+/-

I wish sleep came as easy as killing, the room is dark, quiet, and Rachael is laying on my chest out cold yet sleep still eluded me. What does Keith mean by "beware the three wise men?" Speaking of, it's almost Christmas...fuck, what am I supposed to do for that? I never celebrated Christmas other than giving myself an extra bottle of Jack from Big-B, there's another thing what the hell did Big-B mean.

Big-B...look...I don't even know anymore man

...

Look just humor me and give a grunt or something I just need to talk to someone

...then wake up the succubus, since she means more to you

ARE YOU FUCKING SERIOUS RIGHT NOW!

Rehh

That's what this is about?! YOU'RE FUCKING JEALOUS?

...

What do you want?

Hm...?

I still owe you a favor, what do you want?

You think that will win me over?

Yes?

No...

Well what will

Simple, fucking listen to me! When I tell you to do something actually fucking do it instead of waiting for shit to hit the fan.

I do listen to you

No you fucking don't, you listen, then you wait until something goes wrong before you actually do something then you expect me to bail you out

Bull shit

Really? Poofle?

That poodle was insane how was I supposed to know you'd be right?

That cat Blake?

Who the fuck puts a Katana on a Glock?!

Aigis?

Who the fuck turns a toaster into a weapon

Maple?

...ok you have me on that one

See even after I've saved your ass you still think you know it all, mother fucker, I am here to help you! Make you stronger, faster, deadlier, all I want is for you to listen to me! Think of me like a coach if you want to ignore me off the battlefield fucking fine. But do us both a favor and open you damned ears up when I help you.

...you're right Big-B, I'm sorry I'll listen more.

Good glad you decided to fucking listen for a change, now to show how much it means to me I'll even listen to you because I'm just such a nice guy.

Always the noble one heh... Then what did you mean by nothing's changed?

Isn't it obvious?

No...

How the fuck did we last this long, ok look what are we doing right now?

Sleeping??

No, I mean what is going on right now around you?

There's a Rachael sleeping on my chest?

And why is that?

Because I needed to calm down?

Ok, how about why are we with Rachael?

Because I love her...?

And if you were to leave her?

I would never!

PRETEND ASSHOLE!

Well I couldn't still...

And why is that?

Because Keith has a bounty on our heads should I back out, and assassins are trying to kill us?

HOUSTON WE HAVE LIFT OFF!

What?

We may not be in a ring but we're still fighting for our life, in every shadow someone is lurking trying to kill us, and we're not accepted anywhere. I don't know about you that it sounds to me like nothing has changed.

But it has-

No it fucking hasn't! The reason I'm saying this is because the sooner you figure this out the sooner we can go back to being the unbeatable beasts we are!

This is all because we almost lost to that doctor isn't it?

Mostly yea, we would never let someone like him get a hit in on us in the ring and now we nearly die by that? Yea I'm fucking pissed, yea I'm annoyed, and yea I don't want that to happen again! We are better than how we've been fighting, if you start to listen to me more then we can protect the girl better and go back to being the feared name we are.

Alright, I hear you, and you have a point.

Damned right I do. But anyway what else is on your mind?

well...fuck it you're going to be you anyway. I was thinking about Christmas and all and well...what do you think I should get her?

Why do you need to get her anything, you never cared about Christmas before anyway unless we wanted to get drunk?

Well we are living with her now, and could get her fired if anyone found out I'm a fake doctor

And we're keeping her alive, you made her meals, and given her plenty of orgasms ain't that gift enough?

Knowing her she'll get one on Christmas anyway

Great so I get to look forward to that...

But I feel like I should get her something...symbolic

Symbolic of what? And since when did either of us care about that shit

Since I fell in love

BLEH!

Trying to throw up?

I really wish I could...

Well she's always saying how much I mean to her and all, and she's always there for me

AHEM!!!

As are you, I just want to get her something that says, "I'll always be there" something like-WAIT I'VE GOT IT!

No need to shout I'm in your head too you know.

I figured it out!

What?

You'll see in due time

Yay more secrets, now how about you sleep?

Can't...

Why?

Keith...

Look from what he said unless three men with gold and other shit come crashing through your window with philosophy textbooks we're fine.

Good point, still can't sleep...

Why?

There's a red head on my chest

...I hate you, with all of my hate!

Love you too Big-B

+/-

Dawn came soon enough for me, but Rachael still slept, it was probably somewhere around 5 or 6 am this would be the perfect time to run and get her the gift, but I need to sneak away while letting her sleep. After a little finesse and a lot of flexibility I was able to slip out from under Rachael replacing myself with a pillow and a heated blanket, I'm so smart

Congrats you were able to fool a redheaded Nymphomaniac you must be proud

_ Hey she isn't a-_

_ Just try to say she isn't..._

_ Well, half of her isn't..._

I get myself dressed, and armed leaving a note for Rachael in case she wakes up before I can get back, and slip out the door.

+/-

After taking a couple of steps outside of the building the ground begins to crunch under me, out of pure instinct I jump back taking loading a knife into my hand checking my surroundings. It's still dark, the street eerily illuminated by the streetlights above. I cannot see anyone in the dim light, and my hearing does not tip me off to anyone in my area. I look on the ground to see broken glass...and a phone. My phone to be exact.

Glad no one saw that

I did

You don't have eyes, so you can't see shit

I can see a dumbass standing alone on a street with a knife talking to himself.

...

Don't try it bitch I am your warrior side

It's weird seeing the city so still even if it is only 5, other than a few early birds the streets are empty, and the lights are off in each store I pass the dark air is crisp winter is definitely around the corner and I can't wait for the cold temperatures. I can see my breath as I round JFK and head towards Market a few joggers pass by me only giving me a dirty look as they stroll on by. Soon enough I am outside of my new favorite teashop glad to see the lights are on, and the old man is behind the counter.

_ Ohhh please tell me we're buying more weapons?_

_ We can...not why I'm here though_

I walk in closing the door quickly behind me so the acrid air doesn't get out. The smell of hundreds of tea leafs hits my nostrils hard like last time it's nearly impossible to differentiate any of the scents and each jar still has the dust from last time.

"Good morning son, you must be quite the tea addict if you are here this early what can I do for you?"

Something still seems off about this guy...

"Morning Daisuke, I'm the beast who was here with Rachael, I actually had a question concerning your uh...special stock." The old man looks at me with an expressionless face, and motions me over.

"To tea or not to tea?"

The fuck is he talking about?

_ No idea-wait! There was a code right!_

_ Hope you know it_

"Uhhh..." Shit I wish I knew poetry, I rack my brain trying to remember exactly what Rachael said "Is it...smarter to sell ammo...or a gun...OR! Or, uh...buy Kevlar!" I guess trying to read the old man's expressionless face.

I don't think that was anything close to the code

_ Shut it Big-B_

"Ah, yes my special stock, I see, if you would please come close and tell me what you need" He motions "I don't have the hearing you beasts do."

Holly shit I got it right!

_ Get ready_

_ He's an old man what could he do?_

_ THE FUCK DID WE JUST GO OVER AN HOUR AGO?!_

_ Alright, alright,_

I walk to the counter, right hand reaching for the pt-22 I have hidden in my holster out of sight of the old man.

"Please lean in closer son it is difficult for an old man to hear." I lean in closer to him

MOTHER FUCKER DIVE!

_ What!_

I heed Big-B's warnings taking a step to the right as the counter explodes revealing a shotgun hanging by a couple of brackets, I quickly pull out my gun pointing it at the old man's head.

"THE FUCK WAS THAT DAISUKE!?"

"How do you know me, and my shop?" the raspy voiced human calmly asks

"MOTHER FUCKER I WAS HERE WITH RACHAEL A FEW WEEKS AGO!"

"No you weren't." He states plainly

"Looks Dais where the fuck else would I get a Pt-22 and a knife dispenser for throwing knives?" I ask showing him my arm

"You could've gotten that anywhere." He says with no inflection, "All my customers know the proper code. If you really were with Ms. Davidson earlier she would've told you the code if she did really send you."

"She didn't send me Daisuke!" I shout, bringing the barrel closer to his head "and who else would stock a fucking throwing knife...arm dispenser...thing!"

"If she did not send you, why are you here?" He asks with intrigue

"I came here to ask a favor, and buy some more gear."

"ohhhhhhh, in that case my sincerest apologizes to you and Ms. Davidson, to be honest all beasts look the same to me and I thought you were one of Keith's beast's." He says chuckling to himself softly "Please follow me into the back." He turns to the cellar door beginning the decent down the steps, my gun still pointed at his head "Also mr...uh oh, how embarrassing I don't believe I remember your name?"

"Brick"

"Right, Mr. Brick I would appreciate it if you lowered your weapon. You can trust me."

You just tried to kill us you crazy bastard!

"You just shot at us a minute ago!"

"Us? Oh yes right, you and Ms. Davidson have the affliction I apologize, but that's in the past, please forgive an old man, I was simply confused."

"Not that simple..."

"Oh my, very well I will give you a free weapon and a discount, plus some 'Brandtea'"

"I don't need brandy but I'll take the weapon." I say slowly putting my weapon back in its holster following the old man down the steps

"Oh please I insist, for you see it is not normal tea!"

"You just said it was brandy you crazy old man, which is it?"

This codgers mind must be long gone, why is he in charge of weapons?

_ Who the fuck knows but he has an axe to grind with Keith, so whatever_

"Oh no, no it's BranD-TEA, it is a drink of my own make. It has the looks, taste, consistency, and smell of tea but the kick of brandy."

"...sure I'll try some." We descend further down the steps until we arrive at the familiar weapons cache. Daisuke is holding something

Gun!

I quickly draw my blade knocking the gun out of Daisuke's hand "WHAT THE FUCK OLD MAN I'm having a real hard time trusting you?!"

Daisuke is shaking his head "Oh dear I probably should have said something, Ms. Davidson did say you were short tempered. I was offering the weapon to you as an apology for all that escapade up stairs. Is that not satisfactory?" He asked with a hint of sadness the first real sign of emotion I've heard out of the old man.

"No it's fine, sorry Daisuke, you just have me a little on edge." The old man bows and walks over to a wall covered in different handguns, revolver, 2-stage, single action the works, he picks a M-1911 off the wall and brings it to me open, and unloaded. I take it from the man inspecting the weapon. It's a 1911 so it's .45 caliber, clean, laser grips, and suppressor ready, Daisuke also brings over a suppressor.

"I thought being able to shoot quietly would help you protect Ms. Davidson." He says rather proudly "this is one of my favorites; please take this as a peace offering, and an apology." He says bowing I look at the weapon a little longer; it truly is a magnificent work of art.

"Apology accepted Daisuke, thanks. Can you send the ammo to Rachael's apartment?"

"Certainly who should I bill it to?"

"Bill?"

Is he really going to charge you?

"Why yes I am running a business here son. The gun may be free, but the ammo will cost you."

"Fine I'll pay for it, also I had a request and I'm not sure if you can do it here."

"What do you need son?"

I tell Daisuke what it is I'm looking for, the old man smiles at me "I think it's a wonderful idea, I can have it done in a few minutes if you can wait, also try some of my Brandtea while you're here." I walk over to the alcove that had the sign "Brandtea" above it, the little room is filled end to end with different barrels each with a different flavors, and ages. I grab the barrel that says peach and roll it over to Daisuke who pours out two glasses for us. I look questioningly at the liquid, it looks like tea, and I can't tell the difference by smelling it, but after two glasses I can tell there is a kick to this tea.

"Daisuke this is amazing! What other flavors can you do?"

"If it exists as tea I can turn it into booze, how many barrels do you want?"

"Get me 2 peach, an Earl Grey, and a barrel of Celestial Tension"

"Alright then" he marks down a couple notes on his paper and hands me a box "And here you are, I must say this is definitely an unorthodox gift but I'm sure she'll love it." I take the box and begin up the steps, "She is a remarkable woman, and it brings me joy to see her smile again."

"What do you mean smile again?"

"Oh you must not have known her for very long, and yet you are willing to die for her, ah to be young and in love." Daisuke begins to stare off into space reminiscing I assume "You see Mr. Brick before you came along Ms. Davidson would come here for tea, and the occasional weapon or two and despite her best act, I could always see sadness, and ache in her eyes. The day she came to this shop with you I could see glee for the first time in years. Please should I be able to assist you two at any time simply ask" I thanked Daisuke profusely leaving the money on the counter with a large hole in it then walking out the door. This is going to be an interesting day.

+/-

By the time I get back to the apartment the sun was beginning to crest over the horizon, the room was a bit cold with the window still broken, and a brutal north wind blowing through the city. I decide to take my jacket off anyway throwing it and Rachael's box on the couch, nearly throwing my dog tags off with it. Then I felt the need to talk to an old friend. I put my dog tags on the same hook I did last time taking a seat opposite them on the ground.

"Hey dad, sorry I forgot to talk to you sooner..."

This dumbass has been getting us in a few scrums there pops

"We're hanging in there though...Been a couple of fights, first one Keith-Rachael's dad- challenged us to a game of our lives, if we kill 10 of his assassins he leaves us alone, and I get a clean slate."

Only Brick is doing everything he can to get us killed before that

"No I haven't!...we fought a chameleon, when we met Keith, a polar bear when we went to a bar with Rachael and her coworkers-speaking of I have a real job now."

If a felony counts as a job

"Shut it Big-B!"

His "job" is impersonating a doctor!

"Come on Big-B why'd you have to say it like that?...Yea dad I'm sorry, I know you wanted me to do more with my life and all...well I am sorta a doctor"

No he isn't he just eats out his girl, and wears a lab coat while killing Brits

"It's not like that at all...ok well the pleasing, and the lab coat things are right, but he was trying to kill us. He was one of Keith's assassins."

He got us drugged

"Yea, I let my guard down when entering a room, sorry dad."

Not all his fault, I should've caught it pops

"Thanks Big-B"

I got your dumbass

Behind me I head the steps creek, given the pattern of the sound it was Rachael. "Anyway I have to go dad, I'll try to talk to you a little more frequently."

See yea pops.

As I reach out to grab my tags, Rachael's hand stops mine, wrapping me in a hug from behind.

"Hello Mr...Brick? Sorry Brick never told me his last name, I'm Rachael, your son's girlfriend. I just wanted to introduce myself and say thank-you. Thank-you for doing everything you did to bring him to me...." I can sense Rachael is on the verge of tears, I push my head into her chest to relax her "I...love him, with all my heart. He's absolutely perfect, and I couldn't imagine my world without him." She turns my head to her's for a deep kiss that makes time stand still. When we break I look into those beautiful emerald orbs and see the joy Daisuke was talking about.

"See yea dad." I say once again taking the dog tags from the wall and putting them back around my neck. Rachael pulls me up to the couch and puts her head on my lap looking up. We stare into each other's eyes simply losing one another in the calm of an early winter's morning.

"You're in trouble mister." She starts, looking at me with slightly angry eyes

"Why?"

"Well a certain someone thought they could fool me with a heated blanket and a pillow and think I wouldn't notice you left." She says jabbing her finger into my chest a couple times

"Sorry I didn't want to wake you." I start, but before I could say more she pulls me in tighter

"I missed you this morning." She whispers, I lightly stroke her head refusing to break my gaze

"I missed you too, but I had an important errand to run." She looks at me with a little concern

"What kind of errand."

"The Christmas kind." I say with a smile leaning down to kiss her, she quickly jumps up looking at eye level with me

"Really where were you?"

"Christmas errands." I say calmly flashing her a smile, she looks at me sternly before groaning loudly and flopping into my chest

"Why did you do that?" she whines leaving me very confused

"Because I love you...?" I state simply, trying to suppress my confusion

"Yea but now I need to think of a gift for you."

"No you don't" I quickly counter

"Yes I do." She quickly says into my chest

"No you don't"

"Yes I do"

"I don't need a box wrapped up with a bow to show you love me." I say to her kissing her forehead "Having you here is all I need...bleh that sounded corny as fuck" I groan, earning a giggle from Rachael who returns to my lap again

"Hallmark line aside you are going to have a gift to unwrap Christmas morning." She says sternly with a look in her eyes. It's the kind of look that tells me I'm not winning this argument.

"Alright..." She beams at me before yawning

"So what yea get me?" she asks half tired

"I'm not telling you."

"Well you smell like tea so you went to Daisuke's, what were you doing there?"

Shit I probably should've thought of that

_ Good luck on this one buddy_

"I was just passing by and wanted to say hi to him." Rachael gives me a 'nice try' look, which I try to cover with my hands, which earns me a thwat to the side "...and I bought some ammo." She gives me the same look pulling the 1911 out of the bag "that was a gift from Daisuke."

Now she was confused "why did he give you a gift?"

I shrugged "Probably because he tried to shoot me with a 10 gage." I say in a matter of fact voice. Rachael digs her nails into my side in what I think is a response of fear

"What happened? Are you ok?"

"Yea I'm fine, I just fucked up the passphrase and he's a racist." Rachael pulls her nails out of my side lying her head back down

"What am I going to do with you?" She asks absently stroking my tail

"hmm, I don't know...feed me?" I chuckle to myself, until I see what it is she's after. With a quick flick of her hand, she gives the base of my tail a hard tug,

Minx whet right for my spot

_ Fuuuuucccckkkk_

"I think I know just what to feed my Adonis this morning." She whispers into my ear, swinging her legs around to startle my lap while mashing our lips together in battle for control of the other's mouth. She was able to get her tongue in my maw before I knew what was happening but it didn't last for long as I began to fight back the intruding limb. Our tongues wrapped around each other's trying to gain access to the other's mouth, Rachael had to break the battle for air and I seized the chance slipping my tongue past her lips into familiar territory. I kept her mouth occupied just enough to bring us apart while I brought her shirt over her head, once it was off I went to work on her neck, alternating between kisses and taking nips at her skin just hard enough to leave a mark. Her soft moans tell me I'm heading in the right direction as I move down her neck line giving her hard nipples a pinch through the fabric while my other hand began to undo the button to her pants then skillfully slipping past the elastic band and into her sweltering honey pot. She is not ready for the world of pleasure she's about to enter.

+/-

The days slipped along in a blend of relaxing days, and memorable evenings. From the floor I could see the clock on the nightstand which read December 22 3:37 AM, my succubus was asleep on the bed with a blissful smile on her face and no clothing from the waist down. She had clocked out sometime around 12 leaving me to my thoughts, one of which is "how the fuck do I wrap this thing!?"

Well if you weren't a complete fuck up you'd know

_ Like you could do any better_

_ Just let me out and I will_

_ NOPE, you already had your chance!_ I yelled internally looking over at the pile of shredded and previously beautiful paper

Not my fault you bought weak paper

I sigh chuckling softly to myself, Big-B never was good with finesse, I must admit that although wrapping this thing has been pissing me off I found it...enjoyable. I never thought I could feel this happy, and nervous preparing a gift for someone.

Why the hell are you nervous?

_ Well...what if she doesn't like it?_

_ Then get that bitch a cannon! Bitches love Cannons._

I was going to tell Big-B how stupid that sounded, until I thought about it. I had promised to teach Rachael how to use a gun at the café, so what if I gave her my old one? The Pt-22 would be perfect for her to keep as a last resort weapon. It was .22 caliber so it would be easy to handle, it was small so she could keep it in her purse and I would feel better.

Do we really need to go over this again? It's a horrible idea

Why? Why is it so bad for her to have a way to defend herself? You said it before she can't fight.

Because think about it, do you really want her running around with a gun, and your ball sack in her purse.

_ Really why is it bad for her?_

Ok let's say Red takes over and she snaps then what? You got a crazy Nymph with a gun running around.

_ You are making zero sense right now. What's the real reason?_

_ ...I may trust that she won't betray us but I don't trust her with a gun..._

_ How does that make any sense?_

_ Because she's a pampered civilian._

_ What are we army now, she's a "civilian?"_

She wasn't raised in the world we were, she doesn't know weapons, and death. And you want to give someone with that mind set a firearm? Give a civilian a gun and 9 times out of 10 they'll do something they never would've thought possible.

And that's why I'll train her, so she won't be part of another made up statistic.

With Big-B silenced for the moment, I went back to trying to figure out how to wrap a gift. Though embarrassing to admit I did have to look up a YouTube video. But now I have a...decently wrapped gift for Rachael to open, now what about the gun. I took it out of the nightstand doing my best not to wake the sleeping Redhead. The weapon was still spotless, old habits and all but I sat there on the edge of the bed looking at the same gun Rachael had gotten for me from Daisuke's. Was Big-B really right? Would it be a mistake to give her a weapon? Before I could ponder any further I could feel small movements traveling through the mattress telling me Rachael was up. She rolls over to my side slowly revealing amber colored eyes, that slowly gave way to emerald orbs. "Have you woken up?" I softly ask, even through her slow, tired, expressions confusion showed the most "Your eyes were Red's when you woke up." I clarify, she groans before giving my arm a weak punch

"You made her come out." She slurred picking herself up before crashing onto my shoulder, stealing a quick kiss from my lips "Why?" she asks simply looking at the weapon on my lap.

I flash her a small smile "Because I promised to teach you how to protect yourself if you still want to." I tell her laying my head on top of hers

"Are you sure it's ok?" she asks still half asleep

"I don't mind, just promise me you will only use what I teach you to defend yourself not as an excuse to help me." She gives me an affirmative nod "Good then wake yourself and meet me downstairs." I tell her heading for the door.

"I love you." She calls out before I leave the doorframe.

"I love you too." I quietly answer back leaving the room and down the stairs to the kitchen where I begin making breakfast. Not long after Rachael comes down in comfortable looking clothes, a low cut top showing off a decent amount of cleavage and nylon pants. She comes into the kitchen and slumps down on the island still half asleep.

"How can you eat this early?"

"What do you mean? Food is food, doesn't matter what time it is, the quicker you get food in your system the sooner your metabolism wakes up and the rest of your body follows suit. Come on babe you're a doctor you should know this stuff." I say to her flashing a toothy grin. "How many eggs you want?"

Rachael lets out a very audible groan before answering "No food, just get me coffee."

I chuckle a little before looking over my shoulder at her "Sorry my little succubus but that's the one thing I can't make right, so I've been told. I can't stand the crap, horrible drink for a boxer."

"But you're not a boxer anymore." She says wrapping her arms around me from behind "you're my Adonis you don't need to worry so much."

"Yes I do." I tersely say "I may not fight in a ring but I do fight for a prize now, I'm going to do everything I can to win." She gave a happy sigh by my head before making her coffee while I returned to my unborn breakfast.

Most of the morning was spent getting Rachael properly acquainted with her new sidearm. Being that she was a doctor it did not take her long to learn how to dissemble, clean and operate the weapon, she saw it as just a tiny metal human.

"Alright you know everything you can about it without ammo, how about we go to a range and you can get a feel for how it shoots?" she gives a questioning but affirmative look, before we left I made sure to take my new 1911. I figured if she was shooting I might as well see how this one handles.

The drive out to the range took some time, it isn't easy to find a firing range within city limits. After about an hour we came to a range I've probably spent more time in than my old apartment. The range was empty being so close to Christmas and snowing no one had the time, desire, or money for a day at the range. No one except a taboo couple fighting for their lives every day.

Rachael was a natural shot, with the Pt-22, no matter the range I put her she hit the target with a virgin tight grouping.

I'm afraid of your bitch now B

Once Rachael ran dry I called over to her "Hey babe! You're scaring Big-B with your grouping, think you could sand bag it a bit for him?" Rachael doubled over in laughter before reloading and shooting a "NO" into the next target.

Rachael wasn't the only one with a new toy however, after teaching her the basics of shooting and watching her excel with the handgun I gave my new weapon try. Never have I had a more smooth action with anything I have ever shot, I may only hold 8 rounds now, but they are bigger, and hot damn that smooth action!

Not long after being spent dry myself we sat on a bench under an awning watching the snow fall over our spent cartages. "Thanks Big-B." Rachael commented out of the blue, she could tell from my confused look to explain "I know Big-B probably had the biggest issue with this, he still doesn't trust me I'm sure. So I just wanted to thank him for giving me a chance to prove I could be trusted."

I didn't have a choice in this bitch I still want to know how you are that good

"What did he say?" She asks with her turned to the side like a dog

"He wants to know how you are that good at shooting..." I say with a sigh, I don't like being the interpreter all the time.

"Can I speak to him...you know, face to face?" Rachael's question caught me off guard and worried

"Why?" I say trying not to show my concern

"Maybe he'll trust me more if we speak one-on-one the only other times we've spoken are when I yelled at him for kissing me, and your incoherent babbling when I found you in the alley way."

It's not a bad idea kid

_ ...Just promise me you won't hurt her? I'll give you the chance, but please keep it civil_

_ Remember what I said about trusting me?_

_ ...alright_

"How's it going?" Rachael asks as I slowly give control to Big-B, I'm just hoping for best, "he" stretches "his" neck and arms before answering and opening "his" eyes revealing the surly pure red portals of rage.

"Well I'm at a gun range, it's snowing, there's a bitch with an unexplainably good shot next to me, and I get a body for the first time in a while. All things considered, not bad"

"I'm sorry did I do something wrong?" she asks calmly

"Not recently." "He" tersely answers

"Well I only ask because you said 'bitch.'"

"Oh yea, I don't have a filter unlike that pussy Brick, I don't mean nothing by it, just how I refer to a woman." Big-B responds simply, I am already fearing someone will snap.

"Well, I guess I'll get right to it then..." Rachael takes a breath seeming to choose her next words carefully

"Well, you gonna talk? Come on I know you can use that mouth for something other than sucking."

Big-B!

_ What?_

Rachael takes a sharp breath before speaking "Alright then, why don't you trust me?" there is a silence that seems to last minutes as Big-B stares at Rachael. Then he starts to laugh

"Why don't I trust you? That's what you want to know?" She nods "Let's fucking see, you're a human with a gift meant only for beasts."

"You mean the blood-lus-"

"Bitch let me talk! But yea that's what I mean. You're the daughter of the guy who made a sport out of watching beasts like us kill each other, you were his experiment so who knows what the fuck he did to your head. You said you cut ties with him, but no one would let a fucking walking bag of money like you just leave no strings. And on top of that, you flaunt your tits like a 10 cent hooker, and shoot like fucking Chris Kyle. So take your fucking pick, why I don't I trust you, I can give you more reasons if you want."

Rachael is quiet for a few minutes, she doesn't look at "him" she instead looks at the gun in her hand.

"So you just going to sit there?" "He" starts "Oh I know! I must need to flash some cash for you to open your mouth! Well it may not be my wallet but I'm sure Brick won't mind watching you work some more, how much it gonna take?" As Big-B moves "his" head to get my wallet it, "he" is suddenly smacked with something hard, I can see blood on the floor through "his" eyes. "He" slowly looks up to see Rachael there cleaning the blood off of the pistol she just used to smack Big-B with loading in a new magazine from seemingly nowhere. "You're gonna be sorry bitch! *Smack* Grahh FUCKING CUNT! *Click." Big-B sat there with the pistol pointed to "his" head. "He" just laughed "what I tell you B, she'd turn out like the res- *Smack*."

"It's your turn to listen now you sack of shit. You're going to shut up, and listen or I'm going to beat you into submission." Rachael's voice was calm, and even, eyes never leaving Big-B's.

"I submit to no one WHORE! *Smack*"

"Watch your language when talking to a lady. Let's go down the fucking list shall we? This "gift" was given to me by a fucking needle being handled by a madman. And yea I'm his fucking daughter, I saw what he did and wanted to stop it. But I couldn't, what the fuck could I do, so I became a doctor I figured I could at least fix the people he fucked up. Next he didn't let me walk the fuck out! I staggered out of there with a deadman's switch in hand hooked up to a bomb tied around me and his computers. And those strings you talked about don't fucking exist. Keith may be a horrific human being but he's a sack of shit of his word. He likes to think of himself as above everyone else, so he always keeps his word. I made a deal to live and walk out alive or die and kill him and his research he saw there was no way out and let me go." Her voice was sounding harsher, and louder as she went on. *smack* she hit Big-B with the pistol again "And I don't "flaunt" it too. Yea I want to fuck Brick a-hellofa-fucking lot. Why? Because I love that thick headed Adonis, and I always want to make him feel like the most important thing in my life. If that mean catering to his constant pleasure so fucking be it." She lowered the gun before unloading the magazine showing Big-B it had been empty all along. "And you're right about one thing I did lie about my shooting skill, because that was Red. Just because I'm not covered in fur doesn't mean my bloodlust and you are completely different. I don't like to let her out, or use a gun I can't bring myself to kill someone when my job is to help people." *Smack* "And that was for calling me a hooker." Big-B sat there bleeding, not saying a word or not breaking eye contact with Rachael. Then Rachael began to laugh hysterically "I get it!" she exclaimed "I fucking get it now! You don't trust me because I stand my ground against you! You're an insecure school girl afraid if the popular kids don't fear you you'll be the dirt beneath them! What a fucking bitch! Now how about you shove a tampon in your vag and give me a fucking chance." She continued laughing, and Big-B took action.

Drawing a blade from the dispenser he quickly leap up holding the blade to her throat applying just enough pressure to cause a line of blood to trickle onto the knife the whole time holding Rachael's eyes

Big-B don't do it

_ ..._

_ Big-B DON'T FUCKING DO IT_

_ ..._

_ PLEASE DAMNIT I'M BEGGING YOU! DON'T FUCKING DO IT_

_ ...ha_

_ What?_

_ Ha...haha...hahaha_

"He" just sat there laughing, Rachael eyes never left "him" before Big-B took a step back leaning against a pole laughing like a maniac. "He" continued like that for minutes until "he" finally sheathed the knife back in the dispenser

"You know what bitch? You're alright, anyone who can go toe to toe with me and not back down deserves at least a chance." He then brought Rachael in for a bro handshake and bro hug before giving me back control

She's all yours man, and you were right she isn't that bad

I feel my hands, arms, and the splitting pain from my bleeding head as I regained control. Once I opening my eyes Rachael launched herself at me peppering my face with affection in between a flurry of apologies. "I'm sorry I had to do that to you Brick, I just had to let get him to listen and take me seriously, and oh man those are deep! I went too far damn it I said I wouldn't go too far and I did and now you probably hate me and I-"I shut her up with my lips

"I understand, I'm fine, I'm glad you two worked it out. But can we go home now, I have a splitting headache and could really use a decent night's sleep." Rachael just shook her head before throwing my arms around herself and walking us to the car.

+/-

December 24th, it was Christmas Eve, Rachael was lying peacefully on my side, the room was still, the only sound in the room coming from the tv playing one of Rachael's favorite Christmas movies. I brought my hand up to trace the fresh stitch job Rachael did for me after we got back from the firing range. The day had been calm, peaceful, and just enjoyable. We spent the day putting up Rachael's tree and watching movies, after yesterday's excitement we both felt a nice day in sounded fantastic and mentally I felt good. For once my mind wasn't preoccupied on Keith, or how we're going to make it through this I just lay there enjoying the heat of Rachael's body against my own. Maybe it was because Big-B had finally chosen to give Rachael a chance but whatever the reason it was just nice to enjoy the little things. Thinking back on it all, I had been lucky to have been found by Rachael both those nights in the alleys.

"What are you thinking about?" Rachael asked looking into my eyes.

"Just how lucky I was that you found and patched me up twice."

"Well I'm lucky that you saved my ass from those British guys who tried to kidnap me." She then leans up to plant a kiss on my lips

"That was the first time you called me an Adonis wasn't it?"

"Well the first time I said it when you were around." She offhandedly says, I give her a confused look "Adonis was the code name I used when talking about you to Natasha in public so no one would get suspicious."

Oh great she's been stalking us before we met her

_ Not stalking at all_

_ Stalking_

"And what, the next night was the first time you kissed me on the balcony."

"Mhhm and I finally got you in my bed." Rachael hums snuggling closer to me.

"First of many." I chuckle

I wish I didn't have to see it all

"Yea sure has been an interesting couple of months. "

"Here's hoping for many more." I toast taking a drink of my beer. But just then we hear a knocking at the door. Losing a game of RPS I get up to answer it, and instantly my blood boils the door opening to reveal one of the people I hate most in the world, Kelso. I don't give him a chance to speak, just rip in inside then throw him against the wall holding him by his neck.

"Wait, wait!" He gasps "I didn't come to start anything, I came here, to give an olive branch!" He blurts out, slowly turning purple, I look back at Rachael who tells me to drop him. Which I do, but I don't let him down gently. I take a step back towards Rachael giving the scum a second to catch his breath. After a few minutes of gasping and wheezing he rights himself looking at Rachael.

We should kill him

_ No that would just complicate things_

_ I don't see how that's a bad thing._

"Thank-you for restraining the mutt." Kelso gasps Rachael mouths 'go ahead' to me, I swiftly close the gap and give him a punch to the gut, effectively knocking the wind out of the old asshole. While he tries to compose himself again Rachael leans down to his level

We could still kill him, just one more punch

_ No_

_ Or 12..._

"Remember you're in our house now. And in my presence no one insults Brick, especially not in my presence. So let's try that again Kelso."

The old man righted himself again seeming to choose his next words wisely "I came here to drop off a Christmas present/peace offering since we are not on the best terms. And I know I don't deserve a chance but I'm going to give these to you anyway." With that he reached into his jacket and handed Rachael an envelope. She cautiously ripped it open taking the contents out slowly. While she read through the letter I kept my eyes on Kelso, I don't care if he said if he is here for peace I don't trust the fucker.

"Kelso!" Rachael exclaimed I quickly reached for the nearest sharp object before Rachael stopped me. "How did you get these?"

"I'm friends with the owners I told them I knew some people that I fucked over and wanted to try and mend it. they gave me those tomorrow night, they're all yours. You can go, or not, up to you. I just wanted to extend the olive branch. Merry Christmas you two." He then turned and walked out the door. I looked at Rachael hoping she would explain soon.

"He got us reservations at the 'Owl's Nest!'" I looked at her confused this time "Have you never heard of the place?" I shook my head "It is the most expensive, fanciest, and best restaurant in the city, world leader's need to make reservations months in advance! How have you never heard of it?"

"Well probably because I lived most of my life as someone's boxer, then could just afford a decent apartment, and food. I couldn't go out anywhere." She gave me a sad 'oh shit that's right' look. "And so what? Not to be a downer but they won't let a beast let alone me, in there."

"That's just the thing, they do! Its owned and run by brother who are all owl beasts, all beasts are welcome so long as they follow they restaurant's dress, and conducts rules. We can go to this!" She practically screams

"But they're from Kelso, I don't trust that fucker as far as I can throw him. And I can throw him pretty fucking far." She gave me a sad look

"You're right...I don't know why I thought something could work out perfectly like that for us." That looks of pure dejection, that look of sadness it physically hurt to see her like that.

"You know what...Fuck it. So what if they're from Kelso, when will we get another chance like this right. And after all it's fucking Christmas, why not give him a chance. Let's go, when are they?" Rachael's expression does a 180 and she jumps onto and hugs me, kissing my face as much as she could.

"Tomorrow night 7:30! Oh and I have the perfect dress, you still have the suit Jerry gave you right?" I nod "This is going to be so great I never had a Christmas dinner like this before! I'm so excited!" Rachael was practically bouncing. I grab hold of her and bring her back to the couch to try and calm her down, slowly running my paws through her red hair.

"What did you normally do for Christmas Brick?" She asked out of nowhere while I was trying to calm her down.

"Nothing, really." I respond tersely

Yea cause responding that quickly won't make her suspicious that you're Christmas's were depressing as fuck

_ Shut it_

"Was it that bad?" She asked, voice laced with concern.

_ Not really I enjoyed it_

"I would normally be the headline fight Christmas day at the ring, then get so drunk that I would forget my life blows...that's how I spent each Christmas." I try to say as evenly as possible

"You didn't spend it with anyone?" She could not seem comprehend that anyone would spend Christmas killing and drinking.

"Who would I spend it with? Big-B? Yea he's great on the holidays. All my friends were dead usually, and I more than likely would've just killed one of them. Sometimes I'd talk to my tags and just feel like dad would be so disappointed at what I've become. And Big-B would just make me feel worse. This is the first Christmas I'm looking forward to..." She planted a slow, and heartfelt kiss on my lips, as if she was trying to alleviate all the pain I felt every December 25. "Well I guess not every Christmas was bad." I added after we parted "One Christmas, Rat, Ace, and I went to the bar, with the intention of getting drunk to forget the pain, and once again we were the only ones at the bar, fully intent to just drink until we were either cut off, or broke. But we wound up having an egg fight." I chuckled remembering fondly

"What's an egg fight?" Rachael asked confused

"Exactly as stupid as you think it is, we went to the supermarket bought a shit ton of egg and used them like snowballs. One of the eggs hit rat in between the eyes and some shell got in his eye. He was running around the bar for five minutes trying to get the shell out, the whole time Ace and I were chucking more eggs at him, while the bartender and owner just sat there lobbing eggs at us."

Rachael was silent for a while just staring into my eyes "You know, for the hell you went through throughout your life. Even though you lived in the dark a lot, you do have some funny stories that seem to add a little more light to your life and make you even stronger than you were before."

I sighed internally, she was right the few good memories I had did seem to add a bit of light to everything. But they were just that, a few good memories. When Ace, and Rat were still alive they were my closest friends, and made me feel like there was a way to make it through that hell of a life I was living. But Rachael didn't need to hear all that, I had burdened her enough with my past, so I plastered on the best looking smile I could and pulled her in tighter

"You're right; I never thought of them like that, they were just funny memories that seemed far away. Thanks babe" I pulled her in ever tighter giving her a hug to comfort her and try to make it seem like I was genuine. But in reality I was trying to comfort myself, this woman, this one single person had given me so much, and I always felt like shit when I had to be such a downer. But we had been together enough that she was starting to call out my bull. She hugged me back as tightly as she could. I know she knew I was bullshitting her about being alright, with the dinner, and my past but she never made me feel like shit. She had silent ways of letting me know she knew, and that she was there if I needed to talk. Or if I wanted to brush it aside she knew not to push.

We sat there for a while just comforting each other. Eventually we lessened out grips on each other and Rachael started talking her favorite parts of Christmas

"To be honest" she said, snapping me out of my thoughts "I think what I love most about Christmas is the atmosphere. It is cold outside, it feels desolate, but when you come back home to someone you love curl up with a blanket and them you feel all toasty and it feels like...life." She admitted almost wide-eyed "I always liked the colder months, usually Natasha and I would spend Christmas together with my mother. But this year she's gone to visit her mother back in Russia."

"Well what about your mom? Shouldn't you at least call her?" Rachael shakes her head

"Keith is home for Christmas this year so she's with him. He usually is off somewhere to do some deal, or make new weapons, experiments whatever." She then looks at the clock on the wall. "Shit it's late we should catch some sleep, otherwise Santa won't come." I shake my head not bothering to argue with her about the existence of the fat man in the red suit who breaks into a person's house. We head up the stairs slide into bed, I take my place as her pillow and we both drift off into a perfect sleep.

+/-

I awoke the following morning to find the bed felt cold. Looking around he didn't see Rachael anywhere, nothing was around to give a tip of where she'd gone or if she was in trouble, she was probably just taking a piss. But how she was able to sneak by me was astounding. I 'd need to figure out how she did that, however a bright red ribbon had caught my eye on the night stand next to me. The ribbon covered a small black felt box with a note attached "Merry Christmas, My Adonis. <3 Your Succubus."

At least she knows she's one

_ Hush you_

Inside the box was a beautiful analog watch, with a black face, and white hands. I didn't recognize the brand but it looked expensive as hell. Great now I began to wonder if my gift was enough.

Nope

_ Not helping_

_ Why would I help you?_

_ I hate you_

_ No, you don't_

I went into the drawer where I keep my ammo, and weapons reaching to the back where a small, admittedly shitty wrapped box lay labeled for Rachael. As I turn around I see a red ribbon on the floor with another note how I didn't see that before is concerning, either she's getting good, I'm softening up.

"Put the blindfold on, and follow the red ribbon for your gift."

What blindfold?

_ Look up_

Sure enough there's a second ribbon lying on top of the door.

Shut up

_ I didn't say anything_

_ Fuck you_

_ My someone's hostile, and on Christmas morning too, what would Jesus say_

_ We're a horrible sinning animal that is beyond salvation._

_ Yea, probably_

Religious position figured out and blindfold on I started down the hall. In reality I did not need the ribbon I had long since memorized the layout of the apartment, and using my senses I could probably find whatever it was Rachael had for me. But she obviously took the time to set it up so I won't rob her of it.

But you'll rob me of getting drunk tonight

_ I didn't say we weren't getting drunk tonight._

_ We are?_

_ Nope_

_ Why do I bother keeping you alive_

_ Because you'd be lonely without me Big-B_

_ Meh, I also would've killed everyone hunting us by now_.

I then felt the ribbon get more taught whatever it was attached to was close to me. I took a moment to listen to all the sounds in the apartment. There was the slightest whisper of wind from the new window that was installed to replace the one I broke, the sink in the kitchen was dripping once every 2.3 seconds, the heat was on and circulating through the apartment via the vents behind and to my right. But there was something unusual, breathing. Breathing in of itself would not be strange except whoever was the one breathing was excited, but trying to keep their breathing quiet. Whoever was breathing was to my one o'clock low less than two feet from me. I took a knee and tried to find any scent that would give away who or what was breathing so oddly. The scents were familiar, I could still smell lingering tea leaves on the box in my hand, the familiar smells of the apartment at this point it was a mix of myself and...

You're a fucking idiot

"Merry Christmas my Adonis." I hear Rachael purr, she leaned up pulling the blindfold off giving me a (mostly) unobstructed view of my gift. Rachael had managed to wrap herself in nothing but a long red ribbon, that expertly covered her chest and vagina. She caught my lips bringing me into a heated kiss. She was forceful and caught me off guard when she shoved her tongue into my mouth twirling it around my own like toy. When she pulled away she began to unwrap herself slowly. She let the ribbon around her chest fall loosely before letting the rest of it fall away. She then grabbed my hands and tied them together so tight I don't think I could break free, even the ribbon seemed stronger than it should be. She then pulled the blindfold back down obstructing my view of her perfect form, pushing me down to the couch.

She began working on taking my pants off which took no time at all. I had not worn any underwear much to my thanks. I felt her take my sheath in her hand pumping ever so slowly, and ever so delicately. I felt lips touch my sheath bringing my member poking out of its hiding place while she continued her motions, kissing the sheath and tip. When I felt her hand leave I felt abandoned until I felt the couch around me shift and an unmistakable scent of Rachael filled my snout.

"Do a good job and I'll give you a special present." She cooed, I didn't need to be told twice, her honey pot was so close to my face I could feel the heat radiating from it as I gave her the first long, slow lick up her slit. Earning a shiver and moan from the succubus above me. The hand that I felt before was changed out for a warm blanket of flesh enveloping my shaft. She was using her breasts to try and get me to cum before her. And damn it, it might work. With my eyes gone, all my other sense were heightened meaning the pillows of heaven that enveloped my dick felt even better than before. I redoubled my efforts shoving my tongue as deep into her dripping pussy as it would go, hitting every spot I knew she loved. Her moans from before were getting higher in pitch, her breathing was quickly turning more ragged as I hit every spot I could, even teasing her clit with the tip of my tongue. I could never get enough of her taste and her juices continued to flow freely, she was close, but so was I. While her movements were no longer smooth she was pumping with dick with her tits for all she could.

"Fuck, I-I'm about to cum!" she yelled, I just moaned into her love tunnel using the vibrations to send her over the edge, right as I did. I lapped up as much of her quim as I could was trying to keep myself grounded, completely enthralled by her tit job skills.

We lay there each panting for a few minutes, until I felt a familiar tug at the base of my tail. That little minx knows just what buttons to press. In a matter of seconds I could feel I was hard again, and she was not done. I felt her readjust herself over my shaft. She gave a loud moan and she lowered herself down onto me. Her pussy was on fire, and still slick making my dick slide in easily. She began slowly, pushing herself up, just to slide back down at first, but then she picked up the pace soon bonding as quickly as she could.

I told her to lean down, when she did I grabber one of her nipples, playing with the hardened bud eliciting a more high pitched moan from my gift. She was getting close I could feel it, but she wasn't there yet. I used her new positioning to pound into her as quickly as I could. She was losing it at this point, whaling my name over and over again until her pussy clamped down on me hard, I felt her spray her quim all over my waist as she just kept chanting my name. I kept pumping as hard as I could with her pussy working like a vice grip. But just as she was coming down, I came shooting rope after rope of hot seed into her. She whaled again, loud enough I'm sure the neighbors heard until she bit into my shoulder making me cum even harder filing her with more seed until my balls were completely drained. She then collapsed onto me kissing my jaw lazily, removing the blindfold.

"Merry Christmas." She weakly said as I began to pull out her, her whine when she felt me leave was adorable.

"Merry Christmas to you too." I said kissing her back.

+/-

We laid there on the couch basking in the afterglow of each other just enjoying the other's presence when it dawned on me.

"Aw shit!" I swore

"What wrong?" She asked concerned but trying not to leave her comfortable state of mind.

"After getting wrapped up in well...you, I almost forgot to give you your gift." I admitted still trying to get the last of the ribbon off my wrists. Now I needed to find where I dropped it, looking just past the naked redhead on my chest I could see the terribly wrapped box rested just under the tree. And just out of reach of either of us. "Well, either I can get up and get it for you, or you can."

"What do you mean I have to get it."

"Well if I get it, I need to get up, move you, and bring it to you."

"So?"

"So, if you get it, you can curl right back in your space and not have to readjust everything."

You're a lazy sack of shit

_ Sometimes._

Begrudgingly Rachael got up, found the gift, and sat right back on my lap. She looked at the box, then to me, then laughed a little.

"What's so funny?"

"Well..." She started "I've seen you disembowel a beast with more precision than some surgeons we have at the hospital, but wrapping a gift is beyond you." She laughed a bit more. I wasn't sure how to feel on that one, take it as a joke, a jeer, or something else I don't know. "but it is defiantly you, and I love how it looks, I actually don't want to open it." That got my attention

"And why not? I put my neck on the line to get you that." I half joked, but she didn't know it was a semi joke. She whipped her head around looking right into my eyes.

"What happened" She practically commanded

"Daisuke is a racist, don't worry about it, just open it."

"But the wrapping job is so...you. It perfectly describes you. Beaten, torn, and bruised on the outside."

Was it really that bad?

_ Yes._

"But it holds something pure, amazing, and full of love." She finished.

"Were you watching hallmark movies while I was cleaning my gear? Because that was pretty corny." That earned me a thwat on the head.

"Fine, I'll defile your package."

Too late

_ Shut it you._

I don't think had I ever been more nervous in all my life. I've fought for my life since I was a child, been stabbed, shot, beaten, tortured, betrayed, but none of those compared to the fear, and nervousness I felt in that moment as she began peeling the tape back. All I hear in my ears is a thumping sound that sounded like a locomotive, I could feel a cold sweat crease my brow, and my paws got all clammy. How long does it take to open a freaking box!

To what me seemed like minutes but in reality was a second or two, she took the paper off, and opened the box Daisuke had put the gift in. At first she just looked at it, wondering what it was for, then she picked one up and looked at the inscription, then looked at the inscription on the other one. Her voice was plain, even, no inflection, not hint of emotion, almost like she was in shock.

"I don't get it."

Ain't that a kick to the groin.

_ That hurts...a lot._

I take out my dog tags and show them to her, how one has my information on it, the other has my fathers, and as of last night there was a third tag, one with new information on it. I showed her each tag and then explained

"When my dad gave me my tags he told me that there would come a day when he wouldn't be around anymore, but just because I couldn't see him, or talk with him didn't mean he was gone. He made the tags so I had my information on there, and his. Mine for obvious reasons, and his information was so that I would always have him near my heart. Any time I'd need to talk to him, he was there with his arms around my neck to protect and care for me. I wanted to do the same for you, so I had one made up with your information, so you were always with me, even if you were gone for a moment so I knew what I was fighting for. Those tags in that box are yours. One with my information, one with yours, that way I'm always there for you, even if I'm not right next to you..." There was a silence in the air for a minute or two, she just looked at me with a blank expression. "I'm sorry I know it's not a great present I should've thought a bit more it's just that I-" my words were stopped dead by her lips crashing into mine transmitting a feeling of love, passion, hunger, and warmth. When we parted I could see she had a few tears on her cheeks.

"This is the best present I could ever have gotten. I'm so dense, I didn't think of them like that I just thought maybe you were telling me something morbid, but now I see. You sweet, selfless, hopeless romantic Adonis." She took the tags out of the box and put them around her neck. I guessed the chain length right as the tags just slid in between her cleavage resting at just about heart level. "So what did you mean you put your neck out to get these and what do they have to do with Daisuke."

I had to laugh a little "Well the morning after we found out Brittney was a mole I had the thought to get you those for Christmas and figured Daisuke would have the machine for it. Well I walked in, he thought all beasts looked alike, I fucked up the passphrase royally and he shot a 10 gauge at me. I pointed a gun at him, we talked it out, he gave the 1911 for free, and then did the tags. I had one made up for me so I could have your tag around my neck too." She wrapped me in a protective hug.

"Do I have to go everywhere with you?"

"Probably, I get into trouble when left alone."

Yea we do

_ But not always the good kind_

_ Is there a bad kind?_

_ YES!_

She took a look at her tag on my neck and a thought crossed her head. "How'd you know my blood type and everything?"

Busted

"I may have had Natasha find your employee record and send me all the info I didn't have"

"...I'm not sure whether to kill her or kiss her for keeping this from me."

"Well how about we move from kill to punch maybe, she's nice no need to kill the shy girl."

"Did you call, or text her?"

"Called so you wouldn't find out by accident."

"How bad did she stutter when she answered."

"It was bad, at first she thought it was another booty call for a three way and couldn't string more than three words together. Then when I made her promise not to tell you what I was going to ask her she thought I was trying to cheat and strung together and impressive amount of obscenities in both English and Russian without stuttering. Agreed, and went through your records, get me the info and I gave that to Daisuke." Rachael laughed slinking down until she was flat against me.

"You really are too good for me."

"Other way around." I chuckled "So we don't have to get ready for dinner for another six hours, what should we do?" The earth quake that announced itself from my stomach made that call for us. So we left each other's embrace and left for the kitchen making an assortment of eggs, bacon, and other random foods.

At some point Rachael decided she wanted to make cookies, which I will admit I know nothing about which surprised her. "What do you mean you never had Christmas cookies?"

"I've spent Christmas alone since I was 10 and well...I already told you what I usually do on Christmas." I tried to quietly say that last part to myself, remembering half-way through she doesn't need to be weighed down with that. But of course she has good hearing, and gave me a sad sigh before I could feel something cool, and wet, but solid hit my nose. Giving the mysterious subcutaneous a lick I discovered...she threw cookie dough at me with a haughty expression on her face, not looking at me, but instead at the rest of the dough in the bowl.

"No depressing topics, it's our first Christmas together and I will not let you dread on past Christmases when I wasn't around." She finished her statement with a slight smirk and wink.

But she was not going to win this fight she just started. I quickly stole the spoon from her hand she had been using to mix the dough with and flung what dough was on there at her hitting her face, and getting some dough on the sweater she put on a little after breakfast.

Well, I think I won that.

_ No you didn't_

_ What makes you say that?_

_ Duck,_

_ What?_

I did as Big-B said and managed to dodge a rather large glob of dough letting it hit the fridge behind me with a splat. That started the great Christmas Kitchen War. We each ducked behind opposing ends of the island grabbing handfuls of baking supplies

"No fair you used Big-B!" she complained

"You have Red." I shot back.

Aww come on can I do this one?

_ Do you promise to keep it just a kitchen fight and not hurt her at all?_

_ Sure, hell it's Christmas I'll give you a gift for a change._

_ ...Alright man I trusting you_

_ All I can ask_

I let go of my control handing Big-B the reigns, which turns out to be the right thing to do. As Big-B leaned out to toss a handful of sugar we got hit with a dollop of whipped cream, our enemy we could see had a smirk and amber eyes.

See she did it to

_ Just don't hurt her_

_ Don't worry I know, now it'll be fun_

The flower hit its target partially coating half of Red's face. Big-B ducked back, grabbing some dough out of the bowl still on the island, taking a quick taste before lobbing it back sending a resounding plat sound of the dough hitting Red's hair.

"You are so dead fur ball!" Red called out

"Bring it hoe." Big-B fired back.

The flinging of baking supplies continued with Big-B getting more hits than Red, but Big-B also began to use a cutting board as a shield after tomatoes started flying. This kitchen was slowly turning into a bombed out husk of its former self, with dough, flower, sugar, vanilla extract, and fruits staining the walls, counters, appliances, and the two bloodlust afflicted owners covered in food. The two traded blows for a while with Big-B getting closer to being the winner, until all fire ceased, Big-B stuck "his" head around the corner and saw no one, no hide, nor hair of red, so where had she gone?

"GOTTCHA!" she shouted launching at Big-B from behind, but Big-B would not be "gotten" so easily. As if it cost "him" no energy Big-B quickly slipped to the left, grabbing Red midflight and flipping her around so she was now pinned on the ground, Big-B on top of her with undoubtedly a smirk of success painted across "his" face.

"Didn't see that one coming did you?" He chuckled to himself, until Red leaned up catching "his" lips with "her" own, releasing them shortly after.

"Didn't see that one coming did you?" she snidely shot back, I could feel Big-B fill with rage, anger, annoyance.

Big-B...

_ ..._

_ Don't do what I think you're going to do_

_ ..._

Big-B sat there motionless since Red kissed him, I began to fear what could happen next. Big-B has never been....good with physical contact that didn't involve intent of bodily harm. But what he did next was lean down and catch Red's lips with "his." The moment the two sets of lips connected I could feel Rachael's shock, just like I'm sure she could feel mine, Red seemed surprised at first then quickly gave in and kissed back shutting her eyes letting the kiss grow more heated, and grow deeper, but even after the two separated her eyes stayed closed.

"No, but I bet no one saw that one coming." Big-G quietly...almost shyly shot back giving me control again.

I sat there looking in Red's eyes as their amber hue gave way to emerald green Rachael still pinning by me, both of looking at each other still covered in all sorts of ingredients and food with a mix of shock, questioning and

WHAT THE FUCK JUST HAPPENED?!

_ ..._

_ SERIOUSLY WHAT THE FUCK!?_

_ Let it be...._

All went silent meaning he wasn't going to talk, Red's eyes had just finished giving way to Rachael's completely.

"So...that happened." She offered

"Yea...what do you do when you're voices in your head make out?"

"I don't know, see what happens."

"Sure, how about we clean up though, the kitchen is absolutely filthy right now." I let Rachael up taking a look at the chaos that was once a beautiful kitchen.

"To be honest that's a lot of work, I'll just have someone come clean it tomorrow." She sighed lying back down on the floor.

"You really still have people that will clean for you?"

"Pshht of course, I may have separated myself from the family, but it doesn't mean my mom doesn't spoil me when she can. What did your mom do t...Never mind!" she quickly shouted at the end trying to brush past it. I gave a small sigh "Please don't worry about it, I'm sorry I ju-"

"Don't worry about it." I cut her off "and yea, my mom would try to spoil me anyway she could. With dad being the boxer, she used as slave labor really. But whenever she could she would swipe something from the master's house like a book and read to me, or sometimes she would swipe enough cash to buy me a treat or something. Couldn't have anything permanent because that could be found and taken. But a cookie, or piece of cake was gone in a flash. She had her own way of spoiling me when she could. I do miss her though, she was an amazing beast, but all I have of my parents are my dad's tags. To be honest I was closer with dad, but that was because we would train together, I would just see mom at night." I felt her lean over on my side

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't be" I said whipping her tear away "I told you, you saved me in more ways than you could ever count, and I haven't told you my entire past, so you're bound to hit on things that might be touchy but I'll answer most of them no problem." I took a look at my watch for this first time that day "Shit, shouldn't we start to get ready for dinner tonight?" I asked, Rachael quickly jumped up shouting some obscenity then heading for the bathroom

"Sorry but can you use the downstairs bathroom? I don't you to see me until I'm ready?" She shouted back. I had a feeling it was more of an order than a request.

+/-

After showering I realized that all my clothes were in our room, which Rachael had blocked off, but on the stairs I saw my suit, and knife dispenser I guess she figured that part out earlier than I had.

Of course she did

_ Hey, you're back. So you going to tell me what the hell was that earlier?_

_ I thought it'd be funny to mess with the slut_

_ That looked a little bit more than just 'messing with'_

_ Fuck you!_

_ Ohh I don't normally get to rip on you, this is fun, no wonder you do it so much_

_ I'm going to murder you_

_ No you won't_

_ I will fucking stab you!_

_ No you won't_

_ Why not_

_ Because I'm you_

_ ..._

_ Gottcha_

_ FUCK YOU_

After that...enlightening conversation with Big-B I managed to get myself presentable, suit pressed, and on, still felt constricting as hell. Blades were all loaded and ready, gun was loaded and hidden. Rachael had also gone out and bought be some kind of holiday tie at some point which she left with the suit and an aggressive, non-aggressive note saying to wear it. It is probably easier to comply then argue, even if it is a stupid looking tie.

+/-

According to my new watch with about 15 minutes until we had to leave Rachael came down the steps in a stunning red dress that hugged her form perfectly and matched her hair well. Her emerald eyes shone brightly among the sea of red, and small black handbag. I was floored

"Do I look good?" She asked coyly

"...yea..." was all I could muster, which must have been what she was looking for since she gave me a kiss on the lips before hooking her arm with mine and leading us to the door.

"Well come on then, the driver is waiting!" she almost squealed

"Driver?"

+/-

Apparently those dinner reservations came with a limo drive as well. The back was stocked with "complementary" yea right drinks which Rachael partook in, I politely declined had enough empty drinking in my life as it is. We rolled down the streets a glow with cheer, decorations, and carolers. The limo came to a stop in the middle of Center City at the base of the tallest building in the city right next to the BC/BS building. The door was opened by our driver, who was a human that politely welcomed used to "The Owls Nest," and instructed us to show the reservation tickets to the man at the door and the rest would take care of itself.

The Dog at the door took us to a very important looking elevator that had a view outside, he ushered us in and pressed 78 floor button tipping us his hat as the elevator rose through the night sky giving us a breathtaking view of the city. Rachael had been glued to my side since we arrived looking between me and the view.

"What's up?" I asked curiosity finally getting the better of me

"Oh, I'm just trying to figure out which is the better view." She easily said leaning up to give me another kiss as we continued our accent. That kiss lasted until we lost the view and heard the doors open behind us where an owl beast "hoo'd" at us before giving a respectful bow.

"Welcome to "The Owl's Nest," I am TorbjørnOsku, the eldest of the three Osku brothers; please follow me to your seats Mr. Brick, and Ms. Davidson."

That shocked Brick a little, how did this guy know our names?

"I'm sure you're curious how I know your names, well Mr. Kelso told us who the reservations were for, do not worry we don't invade other's privacy, we simply serve the best meal you will ever eat." Torbjørnexplained while leading us to a table overlooking the east side of the city. Sitting us down, insisting he pull Rachael's chair out for her, and my seat as well. "Can I start you two with a drink? Torkel our second eldest makes the best drink you will ever have. Tonight his special is -given the season and all- a Boozehopper which is basically a grasshopper with chocolate. He even adds Thin Mints! The garnish is a rim of crushed chocolate-mint cookies, with another cookie floating on top of the drink." Rachael took the drink, I took a normal beer instead, something about this place seemed...off. I can't explain it, maybe I'm just not used to a place this fancy.

We defiantly don't belong here

_ No shit, but Rachael was really looking forward to this_

_ So just act fake until we can leave, got it_

_ Basically the plan I suppose_

Rachael's eye were alive with wonder and amazement she just drank in the scenery, view, and atmosphere. "Didn't you ever go to places like this for dinner before Keith went all mad scientist? I mean you were the biggest banking group out there?"

"Yea we went to places like this all over the world, but we never actually came here, at least I didn't. Keith always thought this wasn't a place for a family meal, but instead a place for business." She answered bringing her eyes back to meet mine

"So he would use this place to flex his corporate muscles?"

"Probably, he never talked about his dealings here, just that the food was amazing." Almost as if waiting for her to finish her sentence Torkel ( I think, those two look so much alike especially with the uniform on I can't tell them apart) came to drop off Rachael's drink apologizing profusely that my drink would take longer to arrive.

"So when do we get menus?" I questioned the owl

"Hoot, hoot, you must be new to our restaurant, we don't have menus. Instead Elias -our youngest brother- will bring prepare you each a dish that he feels would appeal to your pallet the best. Please, simply trust in him, and his exquisite cuisine, and culinary intuition." And with that the owl bowed and returned to his bar.

"He can tell what I like with intuition? The guy must be good." I thought aloud

"He's really good I hear." Racheal offered

"I'm sorry but I believe you mean the best." A voice called out with a slight Nordic tinge to it. I had to fight myself from grabbing the nearest blade and reading it, Rachael must have noticed because she put her hand over mine. Walking over to our table was (who I assume to be) the third of the owl brothers Elias. "Please forgive my intrusion but I always make it a point to talk to those I will cook for so I can figure out just what to make." He pulled a chair to an empty part of the table and locked eyes with Rachael, resting his head on his hand just staring at him.

I don't care if I should be civil I want to stab him

_ Ohhhh jealous are we?_

_ Why should I be jealous?_

Well unlike us, he is a successful beast viewed as an upright member of society, and as of this moment, reaching for your girl's hand

WHAT!?

What Big-B said was true, and without a second thought I reached out and grabbed hold his feathered wrist. Tightly enough that he knew to back off, but not tight enough to actually hurt anything.

"Hoot, I'm sorry, did I do something wrong?" He asked, seemingly sincere

"Sorry, I can be a little protective of my girlfriend she does mean the world to me." I replied in as calm a as I could muster. Elias nodded his head as I released his hand. Rachael gave me a strange look...I'll have to figure out that one in a moment

"I completely understand, you're lucky to have such a devoted partner ma'am." He then bowed to Rachael "And I do believe I have just the meal for the two of you. It should not take long at all. Please enjoy the drinks in the meantime." And then he left making his way back to the kitchen.

It was then that I noticed there were very few patrons here this evening, to be honest it was probably because it was Christmas evening most were with families at home. I then turned back to Rachael who still had the look on her face.

"I'm sorry did I over step that?" I asked ears slightly lowering my head, she kept that look on her face, then reached across and gave me a very passionate kiss.

"Right now I'm not sure if I should kiss you, or kick you."

"Why..?"

"Well you did say I am the most important thing in your life."

"Which you are."

"Hush, and you were very quick to grab him before he could grab me, but why?"

"...I might be...jealous." The last word was a whisper.

"What was that?" she snidely asked, she knew damned well what I said, but I wasn't going to give her the satisfaction

"You heard..." I scoffed

She's got you by the balls

_ FUCK YOU_

_ Heh heh, feels good to have the advantage again_

"You're too cute." She practically squealed pinching my right cheek,

She's lucky she hot

_ Like you would ever do anything to hurt her, that's my job_

_ NO, no it isn't_

_ Relax Romeo, I'm just fucking with you._

We continued talking for a little while longer, Rachael told some more old work and school stories, I just sat and listened to her, taking not that we were practically the only two left in the restaurant. And soon after she finished regaling me with her story of the time she saw a classmate throw himself out of a window to get out of an exam our food came, along with my drink which was supposed to be a Guinness but seemed a little too light.

Elias and Torbjørn came over to our table each with a plate in hand, placing a very delicious looking steak in front of me and mix of pasta and chicken in front of Rachael, one of her favorites, well done.

The steak was garnished in a brownish-red colored spice that admittedly was irritating my throat and nose, and the steak was covered in the stuff, but if this "god of chef" thought I'd like it, I'll give it a try.

Don't eat it

_ Why not?_

_ Take a good look at it, something isn't right._

A closer inspection showed the steak was not just covered in the spice, but was filled with it.

What does it look like...

_ No!_

_ Seems like it_

I stopped Rachael from taking her first bite knocking the fork out of her hand, to which she gave me a pissed off look. I gave her a look of "trust me please" I hope she understood it. The two owls looked at me both, surprised and offended

"Sorry, I have a condition. Would either of you two happen to have a lighter on hand? I seemed to have misplaced mine."

"Sir we do not allow smoking within "The Owls Nest."" Elias warned

"Don't worry it's not for smoking, it's so I can burn this piece of cloth hanging off my suit, I have really bad OCD." Torbjørnseemed to lighten up at that and reached into his vest

"In that case, not a problem sir. A wise man is never without a source of flame."

There it was, it was a small slip up, but it was a slip up....

The flame sprung to life, I put my wrist over the steak, and as the flame got close to the meat it turned a brilliant purple hue.

Purple flame, irritated nose and throat, slight disorientation

FUCK!

_ Potassium Sulfide!_

_ I knew we should've killed Kelso when we had the chance._

"It seems even a dull beast can have a moment of intelligence, DUCK BROTHERS!" Torkel shouted from behind the bar, the two beasts dove out of the way, I dove across the table tackling Rachael to the ground behind a table one of the brothers knocked over.

We just barely avoided the pellets as the glass shattered behind where we were sitting.

"FOOL, only kill the wolf, the woman must be taken alive." One of them shouted.

"It matters not, what are three wise owls compared to a single dull wolf." A second shouted

FUCK

_ We're idiots_

_ HOW'D WE NOT SEE THAT_

_ Three wise men, three owls, wise beasts. Fuck we're dumb_

_ YEA I FIGURED THAT OUT_

_ Why not let me loose,_

_ Not yet, we need to outsmart them_

_ Yea you're going to beat three owls._

I was brought out of my internal argument by the sound of a PT-22 being shot next to me, there was Rachael leaning over shooting half a mag at the bar. She then turned to me

"What? This looks like self-defense, and a last resort, you going to help or sit there and look dumb?"

She defiantly has a way with words

_ That's why I love her_

_ That's why I can stomach her_

I heeded her words and took our my new 1911. My heavier round was doing more to the bar but still wasn't getting through, they must have reinforced it at some point. So I turned my attention to the one I think is Torbjørn currently to my left hiding behind a table fiddling with something though I can't see what.

"Elias flank them!" The one behind the bar shouted, Rachael quickly put two at the table he was hiding behind before reloading, causing me to throw a few rounds at the bar to keep the other one pinned.

"I cannot do it right now, distract them!" He shouted back

I turned to Rachael going through every possible move we could make, this was tough it was three on two, thank God it was two, in hindsight I'm glad I gave her that gun.

"Rachael do you think you could distract those two? I can take out Torbjørn or whatever his name is on the left." Rachael nodded popping out and firing a couple rounds at the duo while I leap to the next table only to get pinned by shotgun fire from the bar. There was a small peephole in the bar that could be opened and closed it seemed.

"Watch yourself Torbjørn, the wolf comes for you." Torkel shouted out.

Fuck he figured that out quick.

_ Now what, we needed the element of surprise to make that work_

_ Try something else_

_ LIKE WHAT?_

_ What about killing the lights_

_ No that will blind Rachael, they're owls they'll be able to see fine._

_ How about be unexpected?_

_ Why?_

They're wise, they probably read all types of war tactics, try being stupid, they may not expect that

That may just work, without thinking I drew a knife throwing it at an expensive bottle of liquor on the bar, and did the same thing to three more bottles

"What are you doing?" Rachael hissed

"I don't know" I responded, unfortunately honestly. Every time I'd try to move at a lull in the fire I'd get pinning back in by a shot from nowhere.

_ You're not being unexpected!_

_ I'm fucking trying_

_ That's the issue! You can't try, you just need to fucking do something!_

_ Fine then take over! Just keep her-_

_ Yea, yea I know the drill by now, save the slut, she has your balls_

I relinquished control over to Big-B and began watching the world through someone else's eyes. "He" grabbed a hold of the steak and lighter that were on the floor not far from "him" and leap back to Rachael's side.

"What's the plan Brick, I'm running low on rounds." Rachael frantically asked

"Sorry love, Brick's not here at the moment, Big-B is."

"Oh shit." She swore unbelievably

"Look I'm going to shoot out the glass, and the lights, act like I'm about to throw you out the window and then stay low, if you get hurt the pussy in here" Big-B pointed to "his" head "will have a fucking fit, you won't be able to see, so just lay low after I 'throw you out.'" "he" said with air quotes.

"He" didn't bother waiting for her to affirm "his" plan as I leap up shot at the fuse bock on the south wall drenching the room in darkness. "He" then shot out the glass that was left behind us, I could imagine a cold breeze hitting Rachael's skin, I'm not sure if Big-B could feel it too, but "he" gave "his" suit jacket to her, ripping the shirt off so "he" was just there in a pair of black pants and black shoes nothing more.

"Alright bitch, you're too much fucking trouble, if you survive I'll find you, if not. Well thanks for the sex." Big-B said with a wink, but I don't think she could see it, but began squirming

"NO WAIT, DON'T I LOVE YO- AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" she screamed as loud as she could, until she hit the table making a smacking sound and went silent.

"Did he just throw the woman out?" One asked

"I cannot tell, he would not do that, Keith said so!" A second shouted

"This may be the bloodlust taking over, Keith did say when the wolf loses control anything could happen." The third shouted back.

"But he said the wolf would protect her no matter what." One yelled

"We'll kill the wolf then figure out if the woman is alive later."

Big-B used this as his opening, jumping over the table, throwing the owl's lighter onto the vodka covered bar from my earlier knives lighting it a brilliant blaze of different colors. Big-B then approached the first brother Torbjørn, still behind the same table, "he" took the poisoned steak and shoved into the bird's mouth immediately punching him in the chest where the heart was.

Smart move, Potassium Sulfide fucks with your heartbeat in large enough doses and you punching him just sent him into Ventricular Fibrillation

He'll be dead in the next five minutes, no stopping that

Good move but why the shirt?

So I blend in with the darkness better moron

The dark restaurant was now only illuminated by the flaming bar, the only sounds came from the gurgling owl dying of a fucked up heart. But now Big-B had no idea where the other two were. If they were as wise as they claim, and we think, they would've moved as soon as the lights went out. Big-B then noticed the watch for the first time.

How much do you like this watch?

_ A lot Rachael bought that just for me_

_ Well its either the watch, or her._

_ ...Fuck, obviously the watch, but I'm not happy about this_

_ When are you ever happy?_

_ When I'm with Rachael_

_ Whipped_

"He" took off the watch setting it up so it would catch the light at certain angles then darted around the perimeter of the restaurant looking for a feather or anything owl like. Big-B had managed to work "his" way to the back side of the bar when "he" noticed an owl like silhouette behind the bar seeming to peek above the bar for a view. Big-B drew a blade and threw it at the silhouette as quietly as possible. But the silhouette didn't move after being hit, instead a blast of light came from the bottom of the bar.

Big-B wasn't quick enough this time, catching a couple of pellets in the left foot and shin dropping to the ground with a loud crash.

FUCK! HE GOT ME

_ How are we doing?_

_ Fine pain wise, but I won't be as nimble with only one and a half legs._

_ He made an owl scarecrow that fast?_

_ He probably had one behind the bar for this type of situation_

_ Fuck, now what?_

Big-B then heard the sounds of charging feet, and a cocking shotgun. "He" knew the area each were coming from and had only moments to react. Rolling behind a nearby table to block the shot from the bar "he" drew the 1911 and fired four shots into the dark from where the sound of footsteps were coming from.

The pellets hit the table keeping Big-B safe for now, and a blood curdling scream could be heard from the darkness along with a loud crashing sound.

"Brother are you ok?" the bar asked

"FUCK NO! THE WOLF HIT ME!" Elias shouted, that was the first time we heard any of them raise their voice Big-B must've have got him good.

I only got him once

_ How do you know?_

_ I heard the other three hit the wall behind him_

_ He's not used to the pain then. Wait what are you doing!?_

Big-B picked "himself" up and took off towards the flaming bar, the back side was not ablaze which helped Big-B as he vaulted (as much as he could) over the bar drawing a knife and stabbing at the dark where he thought an owl would be.

But he was wrong.

Big-B was blindsided by a bottle breaking on the side of "his" face was cut open by the broken glass, and then immediately sterilized by the alcohol which stung, causing "him" to recoil grabbing "his" face.

When Big-B managed to compose "himself" all we heard was

"Hoot, lighten up." And the striking of a zippo

Big-B couldn't dodge it in time and caught a face full of lighter that lit the alcohol on fire burning "his" face. Big-B hit the ground smacking at "his" face to snuff out the flames. Just as "he" managed to do it "he" was met with butt end of a shotgun, most likely damaging "his" jaw.

"I thought you would be harder to kill." The owl hooted cocking the shotgun one last time, then wincing when a round speck of light hit the owl's face.

"This is really starting to piss me the fuck off!" Big-B roared blindly stabbing with "his" hand claws out and this time catching the flesh of the distracted owl. The owl let out a howl of pain as Big-B quickly followed the first attack with a knife from the dispenser driving in into the bird's left shoulder dragging him to the ground, Big-B quickly mounting him. Big-B could see the pain, and fear in the bird's face.

"Thought you'd be harder to kill!" With that Big-B leant down with an open maw getting all of the owl's throat in his maw before closing and ripping out everything in the bird's throat splashing blood everywhere. Big-B spat the gore out of his mouth and watched with a disturbing amount of glee as the bird's wide eyes glazed over and his blood pool grew larger and larger with every passing second.

How'd you know the watch would hit the light in his eyes?

_ I didn't_

_ THEN WHY'D YOU DO-_

_ Figured it might help at some point I don't know, gut feeling._

Big-B picked up the shotgun, and reloaded the 1911 with our last mag. Big-B went back over to the first owl, still convulsing on the ground gasping for air. "He" put the shotgun up to the pained eyes of the owl, a wicked grin plastered on "his" face.

"Smile for the birdie." Big-B cooed blasting the owl's head clean off leaving a twitching body and gore soaked table, nothing remained of what used to be the head.

Two down, one to go.

_ Be careful Big-B this one is probably their fighter_

_ Why?_

_ He is the chef surrounded by knives._

_ Point taken._

Big-B cocked the shotgun quickly before going back to where the third owl should be lying. However at this point Big-B's eyes had fully adjusted and there was no bleeding owl just a blood trail leading to the kitchen.

The mongoose should never follow the cobra to its hole.

_ Good thing we're not mongooses or cobras_

Big-B kicked the swinging doors open noticing the blood trail lead to the back of the kitchen by the stove and island

Hit the deck!

Big-B heeded my warning and hit the floor just in time for two massive kitchen knives to hit the cupboard behind him falling and scratching Big-B's side.

Thanks for that, but we'll work on it.

_ We avoided the major threat didn't we._

_ Not by a long shot_

"So, still you are alive. I am impressed; tell me are my brothers dead?" Elias' voice called out form seemingly everywhere.

"Gutted like hogs." Big-B shouted back

"That's a shame, I will miss them greatly, but now I have no issue kill you." Elias' voice hit a dark and sinister sound part way through his sentence.

"Oh were you holding back? Maybe I'll actually break a sweat when killing you then." Big-B shot back, then noticing it far before I did "he" dove to the side just in time to avoid two more knives, then brought the shotgun up pointed right at the owl's chest, dead to rights.

*Click*

_ NO_

_ FUCK!_

Elias dove back out of view once again "Perhaps you should count your shells before firing next time." He chided.

Big-B looked at the breach, dry as a bone

FUCK!

_ Don't worry about it, remember he's still bleeding, just look for the blood trail._

"He" gazed down and saw many different blood trails leading to different cupboards, shelfs, and corners.

He hid his tracks, FUCK, he's good

_ But we're better_

_ I'm better_

_ Sure, whatever then prove it_

Big-B chuckled to himself slightly, checking the 1911 to be sure it was properly loaded. "He" surveyed the kitchen, it was still dark, but "he" could see. Big-B began slowly walking through the different ails in the kitchen (partially because of "his" wounded leg) gun ready and a knife in hand ready to strike.

Big-B's foot hit a pot on the floor causing a loud clanging sound, just then two more knives came from nowhere one grazing Big-B's left arm. "He" quickly fired off two rounds from where knives came from, moving to the area, but the owl was long since gone.

Big-B again began slowly moving through the ails looking for any sign of the beast. "He" knocked another pan over resulting in two more knives being thrown, this time both knives hit their mark, one hitting Big-B in the side of the chest glancing off of "him," the other sticking into "his" left thigh. Effectively immobilizing that leg for now.

Fuck I can't keep this up, I can't move much

_ Remember what we did with that bat when we were 15?_

_ Yea... Wh- OHHH, SHIT, I'm an idiot._

Big-B picked up the shotgun "he" had dropped earlier, picking it up with "his" left hand, 1911 in "his" right.

"He" chucked the shotgun across the kitchen, steadying "his" gun.

What almost seemed like a game of whack a mole, Big-B stay there stock still for what seemed like minutes waiting for that shotgun to hit the ground, but when it did the wait was worth it.

With "his" excellent vision Big-B saw the owl pop up to "his" left chucking his last two knives ever. Big-B quickly got on target and squeezed off three rounds. One to the upper chest, and two the skull.

The owl's skull seemed to eject out the side of his head painting the wall behind him a deep crimson, brains spewed everywhere much like the flower that was already covering this kitchen. Big-B smiled to himself satisfied with the kill.

Good work Big-B

_ My pleasure, now I need a favor_

_ Sure name it?_

_ Deal with this would you?_

_ What do you me-_

"HOLLY FUCK!" I shouted as Big-B gave me control again, with the adrenalin wearing off and blood coagulating I dropped under the incredible pain I felt all over. My face burned and stung at the open air, my foot was screaming, and my arms and side were agonizing. But I knew what I had to do.

I pulled myself up limping out of the kitchen. I could see well even with the lack of light so I knew Rachael was peering over the table we left her at looking towards the kitchen doors. I gave her a nod, not like she could see it, but still she took a couple hesitant steps towards me. I continued my limping meeting her at the bar, she turned on her phone's light looking me over and gasping when she saw all the gashes and open areas. To tell the truth I didn't even know how many holes I was bleeding from, she wrapped in a hug trying not to hit anything sore I could tell but she still held me crying I could tell.

"I'm so sorry." She kept sobbing, over and over again

"No." was all I could say, when she looked up at me I caught her lips, still sore from the bottle and fire now that I think about it.

"No?" She asked after we separated

"No, no more sad shit, you said it yourself you don't want me dreading on the past when we weren't together."

"But I still got you hurt!" She shouted

"You didn't do shit!" I shouted back, then exhaled a breath I wasn't aware I was holding onto softening my voice dramatically "No, you didn't do this to me." I quickly held a finger to her lips as she was about to protest "No, you didn't do this to me at all. And if you say 'well I wanted to come here' I'm walking out that damned door and not going back to the apartment. I wanted to come here too. Why because you wanted to, how would you know that Keith would have these guys attack us? Don't fucking worry about it." I wrapped her in as tight a hug as I could voice still so soft it was practically a whisper "I told you before I don't care how much pain this causes me I'll keep fighting for us because I love you. You crazy, kind, beautiful succubus, now can we please go home? I really need to get patched up."

"Then let's go to the hospital." She suggested

"No, Kelso was the one who gave us the reservations, I don't want to go back there just yet. Besides I've seen enough medical wards in my time and you have more than enough material and tools to patch me up. I just really need to close up the wounds and fall asleep with you. That's all I want for Christmas. Oh shit can you grab my watch over there?" I asked, Rachael must've seen the light hit off the face of the watch because she knew right where to go for it. When she came back I noticed her dog tags were out in the open. She must've followed my eyes because she picked them up and kissed them.

"It helped knowing you were right here all the whole time." She admitted kissing me again, but this time getting burned flesh. Which I winced at

"Sorry, sorry, I forgot about that. Let's get you home." She grabbed hold of my pants from the back using it as leverage and we began towards the elevator. Until a ringing phone at the front desk caught our attention, the caller ID read "Keith."

I nodded to Rachael and she went over grabbing the phone

"Hello...fuck you!...see for yourself" She put the phone to side hitting a button then I heard his nausea inducing voice

"So who am I talking too? The mutt, or the three birds?" He calmly asked

"The mutt." I answered

"You never cease to impress pooch you know that?" Keith chuckled "Is anyone left alive?"

"Besides Rachael and I, no, your boys were gutted."

"First off they are...excuse me were not my 'boys.' Second that's a shame I really like their food. Did you at least get to try it?" He inquired

"No, it was poisoned so I lit it on fire and shoved it down Torbjørn's throat. "

"Ah a poisoned steak, a rather smart idea really-"

"What the fuck do you want prick?" I finally broke shouting

"Well, ok. Lesson in manners, when having a discussion with a business partner it is polite to engage in friendly banter, and not raise your voice. Well, I will keep my end of the bargain, there's a gift waiting for you two at your apartment, don't worry it is nothing sinister after all you have now taken out 5 of my assassins. I will not let slip the next hound of war until Bick is fully recovered as it is the sporting thing to do. Also the same limo driver who brought you here has instructions to bring you two and all the liquor left to your apartment. You not have to worry about any fallout from this shootout as per our agreement. Well good night you two, merry Christmas."

"What about Brittney?" I questioned

"You'll see when you return." Keith answered, and the line went dead.

We looked at each other Rachael and I before just shaking our heads and jumping on the elevator admiring the view of the snow covered city a glow with Christmas.

"Still not sure which view is better?" I asked, Rachael laughed

"Nope, you're the better view by far." She said wrapping her arms around me again

"Now I know you're bullshitting me, I look like hell incarnate right now."

"Some girls like chaos you know." She said with a wink, and I could swear I saw a flash of amber in her right eye before she brought me in for another light kiss.

The elevator hit the ground floor shortly after and there stood the human and beast from before, each gave us a bow then walked into the elevator as we walked off, instructing us to go to the limo and help ourselves to the drinks in the back for they were now ours.

+/-

Close to an hour later we were standing outside our apartment the beast and human behind us each arms full of crates of things from the restaurant, bottles of booze, plates, glasses, cash. But something was off door which was open a crack.

I really don't want to deal with this shit right now

_ I'm always ready to kill another fuck boy_

"You did lock the door right?" I asked Rachael

"Yea, I grabbed you and then locked the door."

"Excuse me ma'am" the dog beast interrupted "Mr. Davidson had your gift delivered while you were gone and said the door could be left open." Rachael and I each gave him a distrusting look "Mr. Davidson ensured us that it was a gift you would both enjoy thoroughly and would be waiting for you in the kitchen." The look we gave the other two only intensified "Might we enter to deliver your crates? We will then leave your presence." He said voice even, and seemingly truthful.

To be honest Rachael and I were at about our wits end if Keith was really going to try something so be, I just want to kill whatever it is he sent and sleep. The two pushed passed us dropping the crates right by the couch. Bowed to the both of us and left. But as they were walking out the door the dog beast turned to me with hate in eyes

"Be sure to kill that fucker Keith. World will be a better place when he's dead." The dog then bowed and shut the door behind him. Leaving Rachael and I both confused and amused.

"At least we're not the only ones who hate Keith."

"No, we're not, not by a long shot." Rachael chuckled helping me to the kitchen where she kept one of her many medical kits. Once I moved in she started hiding several medical kits all over the house. For whatever happens she said. Well I'm glad she did, blood had mostly stopped flowing from me and I did not want to shelp up those stairs right now.

Rachael helped me onto the island still covered in baking materials from earlier in the day. When Rachael hit the light we were both face to face with Keith's gift.

There sat Brittney, hands bound together, feet chained to the chair she sat on, gaged, with a note stuck to her forehead. Besides the restraints she seemed untouched, breathing heavily through her nose, eyes bloodshot, she seemed to have been crying. But she again seemed physically unharmed.

I leaned over and plucked the note from her forehead:

Merry Christmas you two!

Here is my gift to you, a mole for which you can do whatever you want to. I noticed your kitchen was a mess so this is a two part gift. Part one is the pooch. Do whatever you want to her, beat her, torment her, braid her, fuck her. She's a toy for you two for the night. Part two, come morning I will send a cleaning crew to clean the kitchen of any and all baking and...non-baking related messes. If you like you can let her live, she has been giving instruction that should she survive, she is to vanish. You will never see hide, nor hair of her, nor will you ever hear of her again. Just do keep in mind she has been spying on you two since the beginning using that gullible neighbor of yours as a tool. He knows nothing of her true intention; do keep that in mind as well.

_ _

Merry Christmas,

Keith Davidson President, CEO, and Owner of Davidson Banking.

I scanned the note a couple of times before handing it to Rachael, her expression was blank. I couldn't get a thing from it, she handed me the note, put down the medical kit, and walked to the stairs. I sat there not quite sure how to proceed, Brittney sat there stock still, but relaxed, like she accepted her circumstance. We exchanged a couple of looks, as I began to take out the needle and surgical thread, then pulling my leg up to the island taking a good look at it with the light.

It wasn't a clean shot, that was both my saving grace and curse, a few pellets went straight through, but there would be at least a few pellets stuck in there. I grabbed a bowl we had used earlier for baking placing it next to my leg. Grabbing the tweezers (much to my pain) I began sifting through my shin pushing around the muscles, ligaments, and veins looking for those stubborn pellets. I counted five entry holes, and three exist holes, meaning there were at least two pellets still stuck in there.

I gritted my teeth and continued digging through my own legs searching for the tiny metal bitches that would cause me so much shit later if they stayed. After about a minute of digging I found the first pellet, carefully extracting it I placed it in the bowl from earlier. To my side I heard gagging, that when I realized Brittney was still there.

Whatever if I make her puke so be, she part of the reason I'm digging in my fucking leg

_ Agreed, you'd think this was the first time she saw gore._

Completely ignoring the gagging sounds, and what sounded to be muffled pleas I began exuviating for the second pellet. It took a bit longer than two minutes but I managed to extract the second pellet after reaching through one of the exit holes, I dropped that pellet with the other and once more began to search the wound for any remaining foreign objects ignoring the struggling sounds to my side. With the holes now clear, I disinfected the wounds, exhaling sharply as I did. Now began sewing my leg back together. Thankfully all my time spent as a boxer I learned how to patch myself up well enough. I began weaving the needle in and out of my skin and the muffled pleas grew louder, and I continued to ignore them.

+/-

I had just finished tying the ends together on the last hole when I heard heavy footsteps trail down the stairs. Closer drew Rachael clad in old beaten sweatpants, and scrub tops. She took one look at my leg and rushed over to check it. She examined both sides, checked the strength of the stiches, and flexibility of the limb. She smiled to herself before kissing my forehead.

"Not a bad stich job, I could've done better of course." She mocked with a smile

"I know you could, could you check out the rest of me?" She just smiled at me, picking up the disinfectant, needle, and thread going to work plugging up any other holes. Brittney complaining through the gag the whole time, Rachael didn't seem to notice, or just ignored her continuing to stich up my knife wounds, and picking glass out of my face before wrapping everything up.

+/- (about an hour later)

My watch read about 10:30 pm as Rachael was putting the last strip of tape on the bandages securing them. She took a step back to admire her work I assume. I stood up, with her stepping forward ready to try and catch me if I fell. I stretched a bit to test the patch job, wincing slightly at the pain, because I'm and idiot and didn't think about that. Grabbing her I pulled her in for a hug and grateful kiss.

"What should we do about...her?" I asked nudging my head over towards the still bound and gagged golden retriever. Rachael looked over at her with distain before stepping forward and removing the gag.

"Please don't kill me." She blurted out quickly then taking a large gulp of air.

"I'm not going to kill you." I answered

"What..."

"What?!"

What?

Brittney seemed wary, Rachael seemed mad and Big-B seemed sad.

"Why not!?" Rachael yelled

"What are you going to do to me then?" Asked Brittney at the same time as Rachael

I really wanted to gut the bitch

"My fucking head..." I cursed under my breath.

"She's been spying on us for Keith!" Rachael shouted

I bet her screams sound divine

"Why does his eye keep turning red?" Brittney questioned fear in her voice.

"How do you not know!? Didn't that asshole tell you anything about his Bloodlust?"

"What's a bloodlust?"

Think we could get her to give us information about Keith

"His eyes did it again! God please don't kill me!"

"You should've known you 'd die when you agreed to work for Keith."

Wonder if Red would be down with killing blondie together?

"Like I had a choice!"

"Oh, of course, you're just the victim in the case right? Woe is me? Fuck you bitch!"

"What did I ever do to you?!"

"You hurt Brick!"

"I didn't do anything to him!"

"Bullshit you didn't! You have no idea how much you hurt him! Hurt me!"

"I never touched either of you! He's the one that pinned me against a wall!"

Do you think they'll gouge out each other's eyes, or kiss first?

"EVERYONE SHUT THE FUCK UP!" I finally roared at my limit with all this bullshit. "Everyone just shut up for two minutes!"

Well someone lost their temper

"I SAID SHUT UP!"

"No one said anything?" Brittney meekly threw out

"He wasn't talking to you slut!" Rachael spat

"But we're the only ones here."

"Don't you understand shut up?"

"I do but-"

"HOLLY FUCK! NEXT PERSON THAT SAYS SOMETHING IS GOING TO REGRET IT!" The room fell silent after that both women looked at me afraid to say anything.

Something

I threw my first down onto the island, which just so happened to have a glass sitting on it, exactly where my first landed.

This can't get any fucking worse

_ ...yes it can_

SHUT UP!

I shook my hand out of pain blood from my hand flying in a few places. Rachael took a hesitant step forward lightly touching my arm, waiting a moment before wrapping me in a light embrace.

My rage starts to subside; the full effect of what just happened hit me. I looked down at the red head hugging me. She looked afraid, but stood strong in her embrace. I wrapped my non-bleeding hand around her.

"Sorry, kinda lost there eh?" I let her go pointing at Brittney. "No, I am not killing her. There's not point in it."

"But she's Keith's spy!" Rachael blurted

"So what? She's done nothing to us." I answered calmly "Why are you so adamant on killing her?" I question Rachael who is silent for a few moments, before letting out a long breath

"Because she hurt you, she made you feel weak you said. There are so many people out there trying to hurt you. I just thought you'd feel better if you knew she was dealt with."

"I promised I would leave you two alone and never see either of you again. It'll be like a bad dream!" Brittney pleaded

"Quiet." I warned her, turning my attention back at Rachael. "It's not like she's the first one to try and hurt me. Yea I'm pissed that she threatened you, yea I wanted to slit her Goddamn throat when she did threaten you, looking all high and mighty like I couldn't touch her." I could see Brittney shrink and slightly cower at that "But this won't do shit. I've killed enough people in my time, humans and beasts alike, hell I just killed three owl beasts an hour ago. All I want to do is crash right now. I don't want to kill anyone who isn't a threat to me, I just want her far away from you, so I know you're at least a little safer."

"I don't care, she still hurt you. Please let me do this for you!"

"Do what?" Rachael sighed at that.

"You're always protecting me, you always jump in head first to whatever to keep me safe, and what do I do? I sit on the sideline, hiding in a corner praying you'll live. I want to do something! Anything to protect you like you've done for me!" During her plea I noticed Rachael's eyes were flickering to their amber hue sporadically.

"Is this you or Red talking?" Rachael seemed caught off guard at that.

"...both. We both want to rip her to pieces."

I sat there weighing my options, what should I do? I don't want to kill her and I won't

Aww come on, your body count is already up to three, what's one more?

_ Not now! We don't need to kill her_

We may not need to, but it'd be fun. You seem stressed, ripping someone's organs out is always a great stress reliever.

No damn it! I'm tired of constantly killing everything, why can't we just let her go?

Because even your bitch wants her head on a silver platter

Stop calling her that! And she just wants to because she thinks it'll make her feel better

Then let her

No! I don't want her to start killing like me, we need one sane person in this relationship

Oh yea let's make the one with a test-tube created insanity with a voice that easier than a two dollar hooker be the "sane" one. Yea no that makes sense.

You seem to have grown a liking to that two dollar hooker

FUCK YOU

It's not like we can just...actually we can.

We going to kill her?

Nope, we're not going to lay a hand on her

"Brittney, who tied you up like this?"

"Keith and his goons." She said with a meek voice

"And what did he tell you about me?" Brittney refused to look up at me.

"He said you were a cold blooded mad dog, that would rip me to shred the moment you saw me like this."

"Really that seems a lot tamer than I thought."

"Well he didn't say that exactly, he used a lot of fancy, and colorful words to describe you."

"That sounds more like him. Well now that you've seen me what do you think of me? Please be honest this won't change anything just so you know."

Brittney began fidgeting refusing to lift her head, and then burst into tears "Y-you scary as hell! I don't know what to make of you! You're eyes keep turning blood red! You're acting all civil! And damn it why won't you just kill me already please! Make it quick!"

"I told you before I'm not going to kill you." Brittney looked at me finally, eyes red and puffy. "That being said, you do need to learn a lesson for threatening my Rachael. No one threatens her. But I won't lay a hand on you."

What are you doing?

_ Just wait_

"Rachael, she's all yours." I said gesturing to Brittney "But, you cannot kill her. You can however beat the ever loving shit out of her. Go ahead punch her until you can't lift your arms anymore. Really do it, this is payback for threatening me and you. She's all yours."

Rachael scanned me for any sign of deceit, but there was none. I boosted myself on top of the island getting into a comfortable spot to watch the show. Rachael took a few steps forward before delivering an absolutely vicious right hook to Brittney's jaw knocking her and the chair over. Rachael picked her up and nailed a jab right into her nose, before sending a punch to her gut.

How come she gets to have all the fun?

_ Because she needs this right now._

_ And I don't?_

_ You still aren't real_

_ I'm real enough to save your asses from Keith_

_ Fair point, but you'd be lost without me_

_ And you'd be dead without me_

_ So between the two of us we make one real being_

_ Meh more like 65-45_

_ Yea I am worth a bit more than you._

_ In your dream "Adonis"_

_ Hey! You don't get to call me that, only Rachael can_

_ I'll do whatever I want._

Oh right, for your favor should I set up a date between you and Red?

FUCK OFF!

Aww I make you mad?

You're fucking lucky I can't punch you right now

I think you did worse giving me control as the lust was wearing off.

Oh yea, how's that feeling by the way?

Hurts like a bitch...but thank, you really came through. That was not an easy fight.

It was for me

That's because it was a fight where you didn't have to think to win

Or you're just too stupid to know how to beat a "wise owl"

Deus ex Vanitas

What are you saying over there?

Nothing don't worry your little brain about it. I'll use small words next time

I really fucking hate you

No you don't.

When Big-B and I had finished our little chat, I came back to see Rachael still swinging hard at Brittney, who to her credit was taking every punch pretty well. Her face was swell pretty bad at this point, bleeding from several different cuts on her face, her breathing was ragged but not forced, and Rachael was putting her all into each punch. If Brittney fell over Rachael would pick her back up and swing again.

This trend didn't last long however. Rachael not being used to throwing punch after punch began losing steam, there were longer gaps between her swings, and the force behind each punch was lessening as well. Soon enough Rachael couldn't lift her arms anymore and slumped back onto the island worn out.

I jumped off the island grabbing the medical kit and began patching up the fucked up golden. She winced, and flinched at the beginning until she realized I was helping her, then she just would grin and bear it.

"You took those hits like a champ." I thought out loud

"Growing up as property tend to make you toughen up fast." She replied

"You were owned?" I asked

"Yea, the guy that had me was some wealthy IT nerd. I was bought as a house maid, but used for everything else. Sex doll, punching bag, maid, cook he would walk in everyday and punch me. If I cried, or showed any sign it hurt, he would do it again." She then hissed a bit as the iodide hit her skin "So I learned to take a hit. When the Beast's Rights Act passed I got picked up by a Davidson bank as a teller. Someone noticed me from the main office and hired me as his secretary. Keith noticed me and I became his corporate spy. Then I became your spy, and here I am. He's abounded me, told me to get lost and I'm tied to a chair. Ain't life a bitch."

"Well you're a bitch, technically." I chuckled enjoying my bad humor as I began closing her wounds.

"Wow, so original' She sighed, a fist then met her face.

"Don't sass him!" Rachael called, though the anger in her voice was gone.

"Sorry." She muttered.

When I finished wrapping the last cut she had, I stood back up and looked over at Rachael

"You feel better?"

"A bit yea, didn't feel as good as I thought it would."

"Yea, you get used to it. But you see what I meant, there's no need to kill her. You let off some steam, and now everything is square right?" I asked looking at the two females. Rachael nodded and Brittney gave a slight bow. I then undid her arm restraints, but the chain would be a bit more difficult. "Well, I think we're done with you. You're free to go once we get these chains off."

"You won't, cleaning crew will have the keys. Keith said if I survive until sunrise they'd let me loose." I shrugged at Rachael, who motioned me to go to her. As I did she wrapped me in a warm embrace, still covered in sweat from the workout of beating up a captive.

"Thank-you for letting me get that out of my system. You were right, there was no need to kill her. I'm sorry I was just so angry at her, and Keith, and everything. With our dinner being ruined I was just mad at everything and wanted-needed to take it out on someone. I'm glad I didn't blow up on you."

I kissed the top of her head rubbing her back lightly "I'm glad too. I love you."

"Love you too." She whispered into my chest.

"Well this is all touching and everything, but now what?" Brittney asked completely breaking the mood.

"Well we can't just leave you and go sleep." I said

"Why not just watch TV until the crew comes." Rachael suggested I agreed to that, picking up Brittney still in the chair and lifting her over to the living room setting her down next to the couch, I sprawled down on the couch just glad to finally be done for the day.

That's when I remembered Keith never did say what time he'd be sending the crew. I quickly took out my phone as shot a text to the last number he called me from.

_ Done with Brittney, can you send the crew now?_

As I hit send I felt a weight weasel itself between my arms and settle down. Rachael had put on some Christmas movie and sat down with us. She gave me a quick chaste kiss before laying her head down on my chest listening to my heart. Shortly after I got a reply from Keith.

At 11 at night on Christmas you want me to send a cleaning crew?

I rolled my eyes a bit as I typed a new message

Like you give a fuck about them, I just want to sleep and can't leave Brittney chained to a chair all night.

"Talking to Keith?" Rachael asked

"How'd you know?"

"You're heart beat increased when you looked at your phone. Your heart sounded mad."

"Annoyed is more the term."

"What he say?" She asked as my phone went off again

Ah yes keeping a corpse rotting in your kitchen must be annoying, very well I'll send them soon. They should be there in an hour or two.

I sighed again

She still alive dick, I just don't want to leave her chained like a prisoner all night.

"He's sending the cleaning crew now, it'll take a couple hours but they'll be here, and they Brittney, you can be on your merry way."

+/-

About an hour had passed before I got the next response from Keith

You managed to restrain yourself? I'm impressed, usually a rabid dog smells blood and attacks. Good job mutt.

I didn't bother responding, Rachael seemed to read my mind rubbing my ears slowly to try and reassure me it's all ok.

"Don't you think its fucked up you're watching a Christmas movie with a hostage chained to a chair?" Brittney cut in again.

"Not like we wanted you here." Rachael called back

"We're trying to get you free, just be patient."

"By the way, what time is it?" Rachael asked

"About midnight, why?" I asked, she leaned up kissing me again, it was deep and long, her tongue pushed its way into my mouth as well.

"Merry Christmas Adonis." She whispered "I always wanted to do that to you."

A wolf whistle interrupted out little moment the whistle coming from Brittney

"You two are so cute together." She prodded in more of a cutting tone than genuine, to which Rachael kicked her foot out knocking Brittney's chair over sending her falling to the ground.

"Sorry can't hear you down there." Rachael cut. Just then there was a knock at the door. Rachael got up to check who it was. When she opened the door four people in hazmat suits came walking in, two went to get Brittney and the other two went to the kitchen. "They're the cleaning guys, don't worry I know all of these guys. They'll be done soon."

+/-

Half an hour later the kitchen was spotless and Brittney was gone. After the cleaners helped her up, then handed her two duffle bags and escorted her out. When the hazmat team left one stopped and said

"Mrs. Davidson sends her warmest Christmas wishes." And then they left.

Finally alone...Finally done. It was almost one am, and I was about to keel over. Rachael must have seen this because she grabbed my hand leading us up the stairs and to the bedroom where she threw me on the bed and landed on top of me. Pulling the sheets over us and curling up to me, using my chest as her pillow, I heard her dog tags jingle as she moved brining a smile to my face.

"Well that was an interesting Christmas." Rachael laughed "Let's sleep in for a few days." She suggested before yawing "Merry Christmas Brick." She called

"Merry Christmas Rachael. I hope we celebrate more." I kissed her head and slowly drifted off to sleep.

Sleep sounded amazing right now.

Wow, over a fucking year. I am so sorry everyone. School took a turn for the worst and I had a pretty serious health scare so I kind of forgot about writing for a while. However there is a second reason this took so long. On top of school and health scare, I also had an idea for a second series and my attention when writing would either be with that, or this. I could never just bounce between. I would have a great idea, write a couple of pages then forget to write for a while, the I could up with a great idea for the other story, and then forget to write for a while again. I'm sorry and hope you can forgive me.

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Well I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter being that it took so long I know it probably isn't as solid as it usually is, hope it was still good though.

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-Cheers

Brick