#see what happens when you’re not a colossal asshole and don’t hate women

[redhairedfeistynerd]

Slush and a Side of Toys

Part 2

A/N:  Winter/Holiday Festival Challenge. I chose #38 donating toys to children.

Pairing: Chris Evans x reader

Warnings: 18+  Angst, frustrated reader, swearing, alcohol

Words:3500+

Part 1 here

Please like, comment and reblog. I appreciate it and thanks for reading.

All mistakes are my own

A reminder - my work is not to be re-posted anywhere.

Snow.  

Of all the days to make the largest and final delivery, the sky had to open and drop copious amount of fluffy, white snow throughout the morning, which dramatically turned to rain in the afternoon. The streets were bound to be a disaster and you didn’t have time for this mess.

Trying to slide another box into your SUV was like playing a game of Tetris and one that you were about to lose. With a push, the last piece fit in, but as one went in, another slid out. From the top of the pile, a large box (in painful slow motion) popped out of its comfy home and dropped to the ground, a large splash soaking your left side with cold, slushy water. All the carefully wrapped toys, were now submerged in the grey slush water at your feet.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” you cried out to the sky and pulled your toque over your eyes. Lifting the wool from your eyes, you stared at the colossal mess at your feet, and tried to swallow down the lump that was quickly forming in your throat. Blinking fast, attempting to avoid that tears that were threatening to pour out of your eyes. What a mess.

“Y/N?” A male voice came from behind you, the sound of slushy footsteps quickly approaching.

Oh no. OH NO.

Not that voice.  

Squatting down once more to try and quickly pick up some of the packages, you stop when two large feet stand in the water beside you, splashing dirty droplets of water in your face.

“Thanks, asshole,” you muttered.

“Is that any way to greet an old friend?” Chris chuckled from above you and offered his hand.

“Get the fuck away from me, Evans,” you shouted, slipping while trying to stand up. You made another attempt to stand and turned to face him, a look of disgust clearly showing across your face.  

“Damn. What exactly did I do to you again?”

“The fact that you are asking, pisses me off even more,” you shot back as you turned around and bent down, wrapping your arms around several sopping packages.

“Gifts for your boyfriend?” He asked, his tone emitting a slice of jealousy.

“These gifts are for the kids, you oaf,” you snapped back.

Chris didn’t have a response but leaned down to pick up a box floating near his feet “Here, don’t forget this one.  I’m...I’m sorry for the snarky comment,” he said biting at his lip, embarrassment running through him. “I didn’t mean to talk to you like that,” he added holding out the small, mushy box to you. “Are these going to the women’s centre? I can help you get them there if you like.”

You stared back at him, trying not to bit your lip so hard in frustration. “I don’t need your help. Please, stay away from me, Chris,” you said grabbing the wet box from his hand. “They’re going to the Neighbourhood House.”

“At least let me get the car door for you, the trunk looks a bit full,” Chris said as he opened the back door.  

Tossing the wet gifts into the back, not caring about the upholstery, you muttered a “thanks” Chris’s way before slamming the door and walking around to the driver's side, stopping to close the trunk on your way. Hopping in, you made the mistake of looking in your rearview mirror as you started up the car, Chris’s smirking face looking right at you. “Stupid good-looking asshole,” you snarled as you drove away from him, trying to ignore the small wave he gave as you drove down the street. Heading back to your office, hoping that your coworker was still there with the other pile of gifts that were ready to go out today to a few local schools.  

The office was quiet, no papers shuffling, no phones ringing. You knew you had missed your chance to switch out some of the gifts before heading over to the Neighbourhood House that evening. This day was not going the way you had planned and if you couldn’t deliver the gifts promised, this day was going to go from bad to worse, very quicky.  

You wanted to blame all of this on Chris, mainly because even looking at his handsome face infuriated you more than anything. But your reasonable side knew that the problems with the gifts had nothing to do with him and you were still holding a grudge from years before. You needed to get this out of your system, once and for all.  

You poked around the storage room in your office for any extra toys; a few boxes remained and you remembered that several gift cards remained – a few of the older kids may want to buy something instead.  

Okay, this will work. This isn’t so bad, right?

Packing up the new gifts in bags and leaving the soggy toys by your desk, you headed back to your car and off to the Neighbourhood House.  

*

“What? Where did these come from?” You gaped at the bags stuffed with tissue paper of every colour, full of gifts. Boxes upon boxes filled the front of the entryway, piled neatly underneath a large tree that almost touched the high ceiling.

“A gentleman came by, maybe 20 minutes ago with all of these, he said that they were part of the delivery you were bringing by this evening.”

“But...I...” Completely confused but relieved that you didn’t need to explain the mess that had happened earlier in the day, you smiled at the shelter employee and made your way back out to your car to bring in the remainder of the gifts.

“Thank you for your kind donation this year, including our staff this year was not expected,” Marjorie the director of the Neighbourhood House gushed.

Was this some alternate universe where gifts started popping up where ever you went. What the hell was going on? Had your team approved an extra donation at the last moment?  

It didn’t take more than a few minutes for you to figure out what was going on. There he stood, inside the main entrance of the building, hands in his pockets, bouncing on his heels, whistling a Christmas song and completely avoiding eye contact.

“What do you think you’re doing?” you asked, walking up to the smirking man.

“Trying to follow in your footsteps and help out the community more? Is that okay with you?” Chris snapped back at you.

Storming out of the building, you rushed to your car, in hopes of escaping Chris. His long strides caught up to you in no time, meeting you at the SUV but before you could put your hand on the door handle, he took hold of your arm and turned your body to face him.

“Why are you so angry at me? All I did after I saw you three years ago, was to send you flowers! Do you hate flowers or something?! I’m trying to figure out what the hell I did to you to make you act this way around me?”

“I have no idea what you’re going on about; you’re absolutely delusional,” you spat at him and went to pull at the handle too fast, ripping back one of your nails. You shouted out in pain, holding your finger tightly with the other hand, face flushing red out of anger and pain.

He reached out, placing his hand on your shoulder, trying to stop you from turning away. “Y/N-

“Don’t touch me!” You shouted, pulling away your arm in disgust, “the last time you did that, you broke my fucking heart!” And with those final words, you pulled on the door handle again, hopping into the car and screaming once more before starting the engine. Your head fell to the steering wheel, hitting your forehead into the it several times while angry words spouted out of your mouth.  

Having no idea what was going on, Chris drove away from the shelter, utterly confused by what you had screamed at him. How the hell had he broken your heart? After spending the night at your place all those years ago, a lazy morning and a wonderful breakfast, he had made his way back home with the promise to see you again two days later. Unfortunately, his schedule had a last-minute change and he had to head out several days earlier than expected. He’d spoken with Scott and begged him to pop by your office and drop off a bouquet as an apology and that he would reschedule when he returned to town the following week. What if...

Chris turned the wheel fast, tires screeching as he maneuvered a U-Turn and headed back towards his house. Once parked, he slammed his car door and pushed his way into his house, the aggression taken out on the door as he slammed it. He immediately headed up to the guest room to find his brother. He found him quickly, the younger Evans sitting back and looking engaged in a book that once sat on Chris’s nightstand. Scott jumped when Chris burst into the room, letting out a scream and throwing the book towards his older brother.

“Chris! What the hell, man,” shouted Scott and got up for the bed to stand in front of his brother.  

“I’ve got something to ask you and you better have an answer that makes sense,” Chris shouted. “What happened when I asked you to send Y/N flowers all those years ago?”

Scott nodded, his eyes looking to the ground, afraid to meet his brother's cold stare. “I... I forgot to do what you asked. I ended up with a call from my agent and was excited about the conversation I had and it slipped my mind. Plus, there were a thousand other things that came up that week. I’m sorry?” Scott apologized, looking up and meeting his brothers' eye, a little smile on his face, looking for forgiveness.

“Scott! What do you mean you forgot?” Chris stepped closer to Scott, almost nose to nose.

“Exactly what I said, I forgot to go by. I had a lot of other things going on that week if I’m remembering clearly. Was it too hard for you to call or message her?”

“I thought the flowers would be a romantic gesture. I can’t believe you never went by, now I know why she doesn’t want me near her. The thing is, when I got back, I did call her and she never picked up.”

“Do you not know how to leave a voicemail? A text? Are you really that idiotic?”

“She just...I just...” Chris couldn’t stop fumbling with his words.

“You’re something else, dear older brother. But I know you can talk and I know you have a romantic side. So, where to start?”

Chris shuffled his feet, embarrassed that he hadn’t given you the time and respect you deserved all those years ago. “I guess I should try to talk to her,” he mumbled.

Scott pushed his right shoulder, “Come on Rico Suave, you can fix this, right?”

“I’m pretty sure after her stewing on this for 3 years, that my chances are nil.”

“Bat those pretty blues and sing to her, I swear, use your Evans charm, or continue being a dumbass, your choice,” Scott shrugged.

Chris shook his head in annoyance and walked away from his brother. Could he fix this?

“So, lover boy, what’s going on in that big head of yours?”

“I’m going to go by her office and I’m going to beg her to come by the house.”

“And what

“I have an idea. What do you think about this...”

*

The chimes jingled as the door to your office opened “I’ll be right with you, I just have to send off this email,” you said. A few more words added and you hit the send button. “Okay, done. What can I help...” You tried to finish your sentence but that cat definitely had your tongue. The second your eyes met the blue eyes of the man you despised more than anything, you couldn’t finish asking your question.  

“Y/N, please, please let talk to you about what happened, or what I think happened. Please,” Chris pleaded, seconds away from falling to his knees and begging.  

You were tongue tied, the snark you could so easily dish out was stuck in the back of your throat, silenced.  

“I’m sorry that I came by work, I didn’t know how else to get a hold of you. You did a pretty good job of blocking me on every form of media and communication I have. When I saw Rosie, I couldn’t help but ask about you.”  

“Why are you here?” you whispered, trying to hold back tears that were fueled by sadness and anger.

“I want to, I need to talk to you about what happened. A few things came to light today, that I didn’t know and I would appreciate if you would take the time to listen and hear me out.”

Before you could try to respond, your phone sang out a tune, the one that you have reserved for Rosie. Pulling your phone from your back pocket, you now had an excuse to pull your eyes away from Chris.

Y/N. Please give him a chance. Hear him out, I swear it's worth it.  

“Rosie is in on this too? Why are you involving my friends Chris? I swear, you better make this worth it.”  

“Please. Y/N. After you finish up here, will you come by my place and I promise all I want to do is speak and I’d appreciate it if you’d be willing to listen.”

You needed to sit down. The anxiety building quickly, you couldn’t breathe. “Fine. I’ll come by in an hour. I’ll sit. I’ll listen. That’s all. Deal?”

Chris’s face lit up, a half-smile forming, “Deal, I’ll see you shortly.” He gave a little wave and headed back out into the night.

You sat in your car outside of Chris’s beautiful house, nervous as to what the night was going to bring. After all of these years, what did he need to tell you? Would a simple text not suffice? You took a deep breath and unbuckled your seatbelt, ready to pull off the Band-Aid quickly and get this all over with. Feet finally out of your car, you walked across the gravel drive to his front door, knocking and hearing Dodger bark at the sound. Footsteps followed soon after, the door unlocked, and there, there was the most handsome man you had ever seen (and couldn’t stand).

“I was wondering when you were going to get out of your car. I heard you drive up about twenty minutes ago and I figured you were having second thoughts about coming. I’m glad you’re here though, so thank you.” Chris moved aside and you walked into the entryway, pulling off your shoes and placing the beside the door. “Follow me, we can sit in the front room. Would you like a drink?”

“I’m pretty sure a drink is necessary.”  

“Let me go grab something, take a look around, okay?”  

Walking to the couch, you checked out the little plants and decorative items he had placed around the room. There were some great art pieces on his walls and when you got closer to the couch, the painting hung above it stopped you. “What the...” It couldn’t be, there was no way that he could have known all this time and not have said anything. This man lived to rub shit in your face – the ultimate gloater. In front of you, on the wall above his couch, was the painting you had donated all those years ago to the gallery. Dodger’s nails tapped on the wooden floor, pulling your mind (and jaw) back into place. You heard footsteps following and a tune being whistled as he walked through the doorway, a bottle of wine and two glasses in his hands.

“I thought you might like a glass of this, I...” he stopped halfway to you and realized that you were still standing in the middle of the room, your mouth half open and staring at him. His eyes flicked to the painting on the wall and then back to your face, you could see the look of panic slowly starting to take over. “I...I can explain,” he stuttered taking several steps closer to you.

“How-”

“There was something that was pushing me to find out and that night, I called the owner of the gallery and asked if I could find out which piece you had donated. She was hesitant to offer any details but as privileged as this sounds, I offered to donate a large sum to the charity and buy another painting from her gallery to get the information. I needed to see what you created and once I had it, I couldn’t stay away from you...which is why we kept running into each other the way we did. Please don’t be creeped out.”

“Are you completely forgetting about the whole fuck ‘n chuck moment? You hunt me down and flash your pearly whites at me, make me feel something for you, we get into bed, and poof, you disappear. Care to explain before I get the hell out of here? You replied angrily, your face flushing out of frustration.

“Y/N...”

“Y/N, what? Oh, it wasn’t the right time. I didn’t think it meant anything...”  

“That’s not it, that’s not it at all.”

"Then what is it, Christopher. You never shut up and when I need you to say something, you clam up. What IS IT?” You couldn’t help but shout, you were angry, sad, and had no idea where this was going.

“If you stopped jumping over what I keep trying to say, then maybe I could get everything out. So, for a few minutes, can you keep your mouth shut. Shit, and I thought I was annoying,” he explained loudly.

You nodded; eyes wide that he had raised his voice to get his story across. You were wound up so tightly, incredibly hurt by his action's years ago, that you didn’t exactly know how to contain and cope with your emotions. You took a seat on the couch and looked up at him, still standing where he first entered the room and had stopped when he noticed you looking at your own art in his house. He took a few steps closer and looked to you, “Is it okay if I sit on the couch next to you?”

“I guess...”

Chris sat a comfortable distance from you, placed the wine glasses and bottle on the table and waited until you settled and looked to him to continue on.  

“I messed everything up, I’m taking all responsibility for this giant mess.” Chris sat silent for a few moments, his fingers intertwined and his left thumb rubbing across the right. He was clearly nervous. Clearing his throat and lifting his head up, blue eyes meeting yours, he blinked once and began to speak. “It was never my intention to hurt you. I messed up and badly. When I left you that morning, my plan was to see you again, once I returned home from my work trip. Everything happened so fast that day and to be honest with you, my head was in the clouds; all of my thoughts revolved around you and the wonderful evening I had with you. I was so busy in dreamland, that I ended up almost missing my flight. I asked Scott to help me out and send a bouquet of flowers to you, with a note explaining that I had to leave earlier and that I would call you soon. The thing is, I thought he had followed through and didn’t even know until the other day that he had never sent the flowers or note to you. I’m so sorry, Y/N. I did try to call though, when I was home and you never answered and I figured the night meant nothing to you.”

You sat there, silent for a few moments trying to take in everything he had said “Well, aren’t we a bunch of idiots,” you said, looking at him, a smile on your face.

The corner of Chris’s mouth lifted, a smile in there. “Does this mean you forgive me?"

“I mean, I’m still upset but I get that miscommunication can happen and I mean, how many people go as far as calling a gallery to hunt down a painting and then buying it. You’re pretty unbelievable, Evans.”

“But do you forgive me?” Chris asked as he scooted closer to you and let his fingers crawl closer to yours.

You took a hold of his hand and brought it to your lips, and kissed his knuckles softly. “I do forgive you Chris and I hope you forgive me for how hostile I’ve been. I really appreciate what you did for the Neighbourhood House too, I’ve never seen anything like that and you saved the day, so, thank you.” You kissed his hand again and looked up at him, a smile still on his face.  

Chris sighed and watched as you pulled his hand into your lap. “Y/N, is it too soon to ask if I can kiss you?”

“That would make me incredibly happy,” you replied and moved in closer, meeting his soft lips again after all these years. “I’m still mad at you though, I hope you know that. And let’s not forget about Rosie. I can’t believe the two of you did this. I’m still mad at her too.

Chris pulled you in for another kiss, running his hands through your hair. “I know. I plan on making it up to you. I’ll help with every event; I’ll clean up your messy office. I’ll even carrying you and your toys through the slush.”

You couldn’t help but laugh and pull him down with you to lay on the couch. “I can’t wait for you to get started.”

[bapyess1r]

Sunny Daze

WARNINGS: cursing, violence

Pairings: Elena x OC, Rafe x OC

Tags:

Chapter 16

Sunny’s POV

I woke up with the sun blinding me as it peeked through the curtains. Wincing and shielding my eyes, I turned over, wanting to cuddle the man who’d done my body right the night before. My heart sank when I saw that no one was there. But next to my head on the pillow was a napkin with two words scribbled on it. “I’m sorry.” I felt my chest begin to heave as a burning sensation boiled in me. ‘No way in hell he didn’t….’ I thought, standing up and bolting out of my room to go to Nathan’s room. I knocked on his door frantically. ‘C’mon, Nate…. tell me you didn’t….’ I thought nervously. I knocked again for a while and when he didn’t answer I lost my cool. “Mother FUCKER!” I snapped, punching the door. I began to kick the door angrily until the door next to his opened. Sully poked his head out, wincing at the bright sun.

“Sunny?! What’s wrong kid? It’s still early…” he grumbled.

“They left without me!” I hissed. “Mother FUCKER!” I exclaimed, kicking the door again.

“Shouldn’t it be plural?” Sully yawned.

“No, I know it was Sam. I know it was! He asked me to go home with Elena last night and I told him no. I promised Elena I’d look out for Nathan and that ASSHOLE-” I said storming off and he followed me with haste.

“Kid, calm down a second!” He called after me as I ran up the stairs. “Just what in the hell do ya think you’re doin’?!”

“I’m goin’ after them, that’s what. And when I get a hold of Sam, I’m gonna wring his skinny little neck!” I growled, hysterically. I was shaking all over.

“Now Sunny, wait a goddamn minute!” He yelled, grabbing hold of my wrist to stop me. I turned to look at him, just seething. “Maybe it’s a good thing they left you behind. Rafe isn’t gonna take too kindly to seeing you work with those two after you blew him off in Italy-”

“Rafe can suck a tit!” I snapped in frustration before clapping my hands in front of me to center myself. “Sully, I love you. You know I do- but I made a promise. And I intend on keeping it…” I said to him before turning to leave off again. He sighed and followed me to my room.

“And just how do you plan on getting to a remote island with no boat or no plane?” He asked me, rubbing the sleep out of his old eyes.

“I’ll figure it out.” I said, stubbornly as I gathered my clothes together and checked my own little collection of guns.

“Uh-huh. And when you get there, what exactly are you gonna do?” He asked, leaning into my doorway with his rather muscular arms folded across his toned chest.

“I will figure it out, Sully.” I sighed, shrugging off my shawl and taking my clothes in the bathroom to change. I could hear Sully enter the room from the other side and close the door.

“You’re goin’ in half cocked! You should at least have some back up, Sunny. Goin’ out there alone would be suicide!” He shouted.

“And who’s gonna go with me? You?” I asked as I pulled my green tee shirt over my torso and pulled my dark jeans up my hips. He gave an offended chuckle.

“Y’know, I’m tired of you kids thinkin’ I’m too old to kick your asses. If not me, then… why not talk to Elena?” He asked, resting his elbows on his knees.

“Elena’s not goin’.” I mumbled as I opened the door, grabbing my denim collared shirt from my bed next to where Sully sat.

“And how do you know that without even asking her?” He looked at me with a cocked brow. I looked at him a moment before going to the tv stand where I stored my guns. “Sunny… it would give an old man peace of mind….” He said softly. I sighed. I hated when he played my emotions like that.

“Fine.” I said, rolling my eyes as I shoved my feet into my boots. “I will talk to her…” I shook my head as I left the room and started for Elena’s.

I rubbed my hand down my face as I stood in front of her door. I knocked lightly, tapping my foot urgently. She opened the door with a sleepy expression on her face (one rather similar to her husband’s), her blonde hair hanging in her face. “Sunny? What’s up?” She asked me, pushing her hair back.

“They left without me.” I said to her through my teeth. My hands clenched together in an attempt to calm the storm raging in me. Her eyes widened and her brows came together as she opened the door a little wider.

“They what?” She asked in surprise before tapping her fingers on the door.

“I’m gonna go after them, Elena. Sully doesn’t want me to go alone and says that I should at least ask you….” I grumbled. She bit her lip and nodded her head in thought.

“Where are they?” She asked me, straightening her posture.

“On an island northeast of King’s Bay. Sully would be able to tell us where it is.” I said, hanging my head. She put her hands on her hips before turning into her room.

“Why tell us when he can take us?” She said going through her duffel bag to pull out some clothes. My heart skipped for a moment before speeding up any faster.

“Elena…” I said in a soft tone as I watched her change quickly.

“How soon do you think Sully can get that plane up and running?” She asked, pulling her hair up into a messy bun.

“I… maybe thirty minutes… I’ll have to ask.” I said in shock, a huge smile painting on my lips.

“Good! You got another one of those?” She asked, pointing at my gun in the holster on my hip. I smirked as I nodded. For the first time, it was going to be Elena and I braving the jungles.

The next thing I knew, I was sitting on the plane, bouncing my knee up and down nervously. Repeatedly checking my guns, I pursed my lips. “So what’s the plan here?” Sully asked as he flew the plane.

“I…. don’t have one….” I mumbled; Sully was right. I didn’t have a plan. I clenched my fist and shut my eyes tight, pressing my knuckles between my brows with a huff.

“Sunny, we’ll find them.” Elena said, putting a hand on my arm as she sat across from me. I gave a small smile, scoffing a tad. I shook my head at a loss.

“What am I gonna do, Els?” I frowned. “God only knows where they are by now…”

“We can split up. You take one end of the island, I’ll take the other-”

“Elena…” I heard Sully grumble with a hint of warning.

“Sullivan, you know it’s our best bet. Sunny is more than capable of going out there by herself.” She said holding her hand out for Sully to pass her another communications device. “We can cover more ground that way. And with you in the air, you can check in on us whenever.” I watched a Sully scratched at his mustache.

“I just want you two to know that I don’t like this one bit.” He mumbled.

“Blame it on Thing One and Two.” I joked blandly and Elena let out a giggle. Sully gave a forced chuckle and handed her the communication device. When the device was in my hands, an idea came to me. “Maybe we shouldn’t split up so soon. Let’s stick together until we find a Shoreline camp, then we can steal ourselves some 4x4s and we can split from there. That way we have guaranteed escape and a nice little selection of guns… Holy shit…” my voice trailed off as we flew by an island with a massive statue of a pirate. Elena and Sully were just as enchanted as I was. It was incredible. Then I became upset. They had discovered all of this already and Sam had taken my adventure away. I wanted to find that treasure just as much as they did. I was involved. And now I was behind, following the trail they’d set. With a sigh, I sat back in my seat. “Avery?” I asked.

“More than likely.” Elena responded. “But I don’t think the boys are here anymore...” She pointed towards a colossal cave, it’s mouth wide open like a snapping turtle or a shark… it gave me the jitters. At the base of this island were several Shoreline boats. They’d been trailing us every day since Italy. Evidently, we were the more capable treasure hunters.

“Let’s hope they didn’t leave too much of a mess for you ladies.” Sully commented before banking left to circle the island. “It’s too hot to drop you two off at the front door. I’ll have to put you on the side and make myself scarce. You’ll have enough on your plate when they see the plane.” I let out a long groan.

“We have to fight already?” I asked as I slung the artillery over my shoulder and sucked my teeth. “Might as well get it over with…” I grumbled as Sully lowered the plane to the island.

It happened just as he said. He dropped us off on the side of the island and almost as soon as his plane took off, we were met with soldiers. Elena and I took cover. With a bit of stealth and very few bullets from Elena’s handgun, we took out the small group of mercenaries and started towards their base. Shoreline was practically crawling all over the island so there actually weren’t many men guarding the post. I counted three men by the massive boat that carried all of their vehicles, two near artillery, and two near the cars.

Elena and I hid in the shrubbery, analyzing the situation. It was almost too easy to clear out this crew. More than half of them weren’t even paying attention so sneaking up on them was nothing. So far, Elena and I had gone through Shoreline smoothly. But I knew that it would be when we separated that things would get a little messy. “Sunny, watch your back. And if you find them, let me know…” she told me as we both climbed into our respective 4x4s. I nodded at her as I sat my gun in the front seat.

“No- you watch your back Elena.” I began as my grip tightened on the steering wheel. Suddenly, I was having second thoughts about us splitting up. “Y’know…. Maybe this was a shitty idea- I should go with you-”

“Sunny-”

“Nathan would literally kill me if anything ever happened to you. We could be looking out for each other…” I said cutting her off as I bounced in my seat nervously.

“Sunny, we will be fine. Both of us are strong, capable women and we get shit done. Anything those assholes can do, we can do. And more efficiently too.” Elena assured me. I pursed my lips and nodded before staring off in no particular direction, thinking of all the possible things that could go wrong. “Hey…. you still with me?” She asked me, catching my gaze.

“Yep…. I guess we should go now then.” I said starting the car.

“You drive towards the north end and I’ll take the south!” She shouted above the engines. I shot her a smile to let her know that I “wasn’t worried” and began to speed off, Elena taking off in the opposite direction.

And then there was me. I was still racking my brain, trying to think of what exactly I could say to Sam besides a giant “fuck you”. He knew I wanted to help find that treasure, he knew I needed this and he just took matters into his own hands. Matters that weren’t his to take. With a frustrated sigh, I rested my head in my hand as I drove between ruins and landscapes. I took a path that led me to driving along a few cliffs when I noticed them. Along the shoreline was ship wreckage. One big boat had a large hole blown through the side and a bunch of smaller ones around it were either destroyed and floating in the waves or crashed among the sand and rocks. ‘Holy shit guys…. what were you doing?!’ I thought as my path began to take me deeper into the jungle. That’s when I heard a loud boom and rapid gunfire in the distance. I started to panic a little bit as I sat up in my seat, driving with a bit more haste. I could only hope for now that it wasn’t Elena or Nate and Sam.

I stopped the car in a valley with rocky walls lining either side. I could hear the gunfire more clearly now above me. I climbed the walls until I found myself at the top, watching a shoot out. As I took cover to see what the commotion was all about, I saw Nathan atop some rocks in the distance, taking out a good chunk of Shoreline’s fleet. I began to assist him and take out a few mercenaries of my own, calling for my best friend’s attention but the gunfire was just too much and too loud. I watched as he got further and further away from me. I then realized that I was the only one in this fight. “Oh fuck me…” I groaned as I picked up some ammo from a dead man’s vest. I fought my way through the men as best as I could but they just kept coming in waves and I was growing tired. I’d been shot in the side. Just a graze but it was enough to annoy me. As I had come to realize my best just wasn’t enough, I found myself cornered, all guns pointed at me; there was nothing I could do about it. “Goddammit!” I hissed to myself. No one could bail me out of this one. I was alone. That’s when I heard a familiar woman’s voice.

“What the hell is all that racket?!” I heard her say. One of the mercenaries with Mohawk mullet situation gestures to his men to let her pass through as he spoke.

“We got one of them. The Spurrs girl.” He said. And my heart jumped at the sight of her. Dressed in her militant fatigues and her curls bellowing in the wind was Nadine Ross. She seemed much more comfortable in this climate than she did at the auction. But I suppose we all were. She crossed her arms and scoffed with a mischievous smile playing on her curved lips.

“Oh dear…” she mewled as she approached me.

“Seems like those Drake brothers left their little pet behind. Want me to off her?” The mercenary smirked as he stroked my cheek carefully. My stomach lurched at the contact and Nadine grabbed his wrist.

“That doesn’t mean you get to put your hands on her. Have a little respect, Orca. And no. Adler is going to want her alive.” she said to him before turning back to me. She paced in front of me, swinging her hips as she pointed a finger at me. “I remember you. You were at the auction. Rafe’s date…”

“Yup…that’s me...” I grumbled, trying my best to calm myself. She chuckled lightly as she pulled out her pistol and pointed it at me.

“Oh he’s gonna have a lovely time with you. You and these Drake brothers have caused us quite a bit of trouble. I will admit it though. I definitely underestimated you lot.”

“Meh. It happens all the time if you can believe it.” I smirked at her with sarcasm, staring at her amber colored eyes. “I never once underestimated you though. Beauty and brains is a scary good combination.” I bat my lashes at her and spoke real slow, drawing out my accent in hopes to soften her up a bit. She grinned as she leaned towards me, resting a hand on my cheek.

“Flattery will get you nowhere in your position I’m afraid. But you’re sweet.” She said to me with a pleasant expression before it rolled into annoyance and a snarl. With a swift swing, she struck my cheek with her fist and I fell to my knees, holding my jaw to make sure she hadn’t broken it. That woman could pack a punch. It left me a little light headed from the force in all honesty.

“What happened to hands off?” I asked.

“I said he couldn’t hit you. Never said a thing about me. On your feet. Relieve Ms. Spurrs of all her weapons and devices.” She commanded and two mercenaries grabbed me by my elbows and pulled me to my feet, tying my wrists behind me with a zip tie and yanking me about; several hands rubbed and prodded me, taking away my guns, my knife, and my connection to Elena. I groaned at my situation. I kept thinking what Nathan would do if he were in my position. ‘Make lame jokes until he was in a better position…’ I thought. I couldn’t do much else at this point. So I decided that I would wait and face Rafe...

“Oh please tell me you have some super fancy resort base somewhere on the island.” I said as I threw my head back. “This heat is killin’ me!” I continued talking and making witty quips to show that I was nothing to worry about as they led me to a 4x4.

“Shut it!” The man called Orca snapped, forcefully shoving me towards the open car door.

“Alright, alright- easy, dude!” I exclaimed before sliding into the seat. As he got in behind me, I watched as Nadine jumped in the front seat, pressing a button on her communication device.

“Come in, Rafe!” She said into the speaker.

“Goddamn it, Nadine, what is it now? I’m busy!” I heard his voice angrily reply on the other side. I rolled my eyes as I looked around for a moment. My gaze gravitated toward a cliff in the distance. I could see Nathan and Sam and for a small moment, I felt a bit of relief. They were okay. I panicked a little as I stared at the two intently like an idiot, hoping that maybe they’d see me if they felt eyes on them. Of course it was no use. I watched both of them arguing about something briefly before running off and gave a defeated sigh. ‘Don’t let these assholes get ahead, Natey!’ I thought as they disappeared between a rough bunch of vines.

“I’ve got a present for you. Sunny Spurrs.” She said and the line went quiet for a moment.

“Bring her to camp.” He said simply and darkly. Now I was nervous. It was time for me to stand up to yet another man.

I felt physically sick the whole drive. Another fragile male ego had been hurt and I was going to pay the price for it. I damn near wanted to cry when the car stopped at a site, Shoreline mercenaries of every kind crawling atop every ruin and all doing their part to find something valuable. The only reason I was feeling remotely confident was because I knew they were going the wrong way, checking the wrong things. ‘Idiots…’ I thought as Orca hopped out and grabbed my elbow, practically dragging me out of the 4x4. I fell onto the itchy grass with a whine as I tried to deal with the brief pain. “This shit ain’t soft, y’know!” I snapped at him as he pulled me to my feet. Nadine chuckled as she started off towards an area beneath the ruins.

“Shut your mouth and move!” He snapped as he pushed me forward.

“Alright! I’m goin’!” I yelled before following Nadine very carefully.

As we got closer to the ruin, I could see the man I dreaded to run into again; he was leaning over a desk with another man looking at a map, speaking angrily. Most likely, he still hadn’t found his way into Libertalia. My heart raced as we neared him. I had to keep my cool. I couldn’t let him get to me and I couldn’t let him catch up to the boys. When he locked eyes with Nadine, he excused the man from the area and smiled that million dollar smile before kissing her cheek. And then his eyes fell upon me. He was dressed in a black tee shirt that clung to his chest for dear life and comfortable black cargos with boots. His hair was still freshly slicked back off of his forehead, those dimples still etched into his cheeks. There were little dark circles beneath his eyes now though; as if he’d been losing sleep. Or as if he hadn’t slept at all. He seemed more agitated since I saw him last. Orca shoved me towards him and I dropped to my knees, hissing as they skidded in the dirt a little. Rafe walked before me with his arms opened wide to me.

“Well look who we have here… Sunflower Matilda Spurrs. I wondered what happened to you.” He laughs in amusement. He wagged a finger at me as his chuckles died down. He knelt down and inched closer to me, a strong hand holding my face roughly. I whimpered a bit in fear as he spoke. “You’ve got a lot of explaining to do here, baby doll…” he whispered to me darkly. I grunted as I snatched my face from his grip, huffing to calm myself. He pulled away and narrowed his eyes at me with a small smile. “I looked you up afterwards, y’know. My mistake. I should’ve looked you up beforehand.”

“Careful Rafe, you’re beginning to sound like you’re obsessed with me.” I smirked as I glared at him. He nodded as he laughed to himself, rising to his feet.

“You’ve got quite the colorful history, Ms. Spurrs.” He said, pacing in front of me with his hands posed behind his back.

“Really?! Whatcha find?” I asked, my voice dripping in sarcastic surprise.

“Well it’s nothing you don’t already know- and correct me if I’m wrong. Abandoned by your father, grew up on the streets- yada yada; Former receptionist at AIM industries until… Well, I’m sure you’re aware of the events that transpired back then.” He continued on with a shit eating grin and I eyed him carefully as he unveiled my history. “Which leads me to your big career moves: Cyberextortion, Cyberwarfare- such a bad girl you are, huh? Online harassment- you were a cyber bully?” He chuckled. I smirked and gave a shrug, staring him straight into his eyes.

“Bitch owed me money and tried to skip out on payment. Made his social life a living hell.” I said. He leaned in towards me.

“Just between us, what did you do?” He asked.

“Leaked his embarrassing nudes.” I said simply. He gave an amused dark chuckle. “I also had proof that he was a local pedophile. I told him I wouldn't go to the authorities if he paid up.” I grinned devilishly. “Of course I still gave him up.”

He stood up and clapped dramatically. “And yet she’s such a hero.” He said before his wide open palm came in contact with my cheek, busting my lip a bit. I groaned and spat out a bit of blood at his Gucci climbing boots as I looked up at him. “And now, she’s a stripper. Barely making minimum wage. Barely supporting herself! The only way you could afford to keep living was by working alongside a washed up journalist, a senile old man, and a couple of two bit thieves.” His words cut into me like a knife as he looked me in the eyes. I glared at him, trying my best to keep my anger in control.

“Eat shit, Adler-”

“Y’know what hurts the most, Sunny? I actually really liked you. I saw myself with you for a moment… Here I thought I’d found this unbelievable woman. Smart, gorgeous, funny… I was even willing to accept your stupid hillbilly hick accent.” He paced back and forth before me as he pulled on his gun, a black and silver custom glock weighing in his hand loosely. “But when that fell through, I figured maybe I just wanted a good lay. And then I find out… that you’re my competitor… and working with Nathan Drake no less!”

“You hold petty grudges like a teenage girl- has anyone ever told you that?” I quipped rather quickly. He laughed before lowering his voice.

“You’re funny. But all that bon mot isn’t gonna help you if I don’t get what I want, Ms. Spurrs.” He said to me before pushing the gun into my temple. “So where is it, Sunny?”

“What is ‘it’, Rafe-” Before I could even finish my question, he struck me again. He held my face in his hands again as he spoke.

“Where’s Libertalia?” He rephrased.

“What makes you think I know?” I retorted. He gave an exacerbated sigh as he pulled back on the safety of his gun with a click. I let out a shaky whimper as my eyes closed and he put the gun to my temple again.

“Cut the bullshit, Sunny. Where is it?” He asked me again, slowly. My hands began to shake.

“I don’t know.” I answered, almost immediately. “E-Even if I did know, I wouldn’t be able to tell you how to get there. Navigation is Nathan’s gig. He’s like Indiana Jones and I’m like a… southern, black…. much more attractive version of MacGyver, ya see.” I laughed nervously.

“So what you’re saying is that you’re absolutely useless to me and there’s no reason for you to keep breathing?” He asked darkly as he stood up again, his finger gently brushing the trigger. I was sweating bullets now. My lips quivered as I stared down the barrel of his gun. I had to keep myself alive. And unfortunately that meant giving away a bit of information. I remembered where the brothers had run off and figured that was a place to start. I hoped they had made it far enough into Libertalia by now. Even so, I’d try to stall them as best as I could. ‘Which means taking the long ways…’ I thought. I sighed before speaking.

“I… can take you part of the way… There’s a jungle path near the site we just left and I could’ve sworn I had seen Avery’s sigil on the wall right next to it….” I said, wincing at the pain surrounding my lip.

“Good. That’s a start. You can lead us there but don’t try anything stupid. My team will have you dead before you even breathe your next breath. Got that, babydoll?” He growled. I flared my nostrils as I boldly stared into his eyes.

“Yeah… I got it.” I hissed, my body shaking as multiple emotions coursed through me. A disturbingly handsome smile crept across his lips as he stood.

“Fantastic.” He said as he tucked his gun away and pulled a knife from his pocket. With a single swipe, he cut me free from the zip ties and I frowned as I massaged my now bruised wrists. “I look forward to our partnership, Sunny.”