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The Link Lounge boasted a rustic, yet lively venue for all manner of social gatherings. Weddings would benefit from the scenic background of woodlands and wildflowers framing the gravel garden paths. Family functions could make use of the large conservatory lined with long, oak tables and a view out over the small wooden pier. While networking events, such as this, enjoyed a soft lit hall filled with the buzz of chatter, and the clink of glasses from the bar along the left side.
“Oh yes, our dear Eddie really outdid himself this time. A forgotten establishment now bright with potential, and desire to entertain. We already have a list of enquiries and would-be-bookings from an eager customer base.”
Subtle, was not really one of Volts preferred traits. But who could blame him. Despite Eddie looking away, and trying his best to hide the wince of embarrassment, all Volt had said was true.
When the two had bought this place, the overgrowth alone had taken three days and two skips to clear. The pond and fountain at the front of the building had become stagnant and stained, requiring time to fix the pump and scrub down all the stonework. And the list of repairs for the main building was enough to frighten off all but the most daring of investors.
Eddie, too, had had his reservations. Mostly regarding the cost of returning this venue to life, but Volt had been confident in their ability to bring in a profit. One of his innovative choices being to host various networking events to show off the splendour and capabilities of this business opportunity for sale. The right kinds of people were certainly there to see it.
It was fun to watch Volt work. Ever the entertainer, he somehow manged to captivate and charm, able to read his audience, and knowing when to engage with specific individuals to keep the conversations flowing and lively.
Unwilling to interrupt, the third of their party lightly pressed a hand to Volt’s arm, smiling quietly by way of excusing herself without fuss or parade. Volt returned the smile, briefly inclining his head without ever missing a beat in his pitch to their potential buyers and investors. Eddie’s eyes followed her. Silently protesting that he should be abandoned in this social situation. She chuckled and explained briefly, “Restroom,” before continuing onward.
The floorboards gave a satisfying clack with each step of her heels, and it felt both strange and exciting to see this place so busy and noisy. A few months ago, it had been quiet and isolated. Hosting mostly only Eddie, and herself, as he took on the bulk of repairs and renovations, and she dutifully helped.
She remembered dancing on these floorboards when they were still sanded down and awaiting staining. The radio played tunes from some bygone era while Eddie measured the windows for new frames and shutters. The music mattered less than the arms holding her. Volt, having finished at the office early and wanting to check on progress, had taken it upon himself to help. That ‘help’ being to distract her from her work and ‘test the dance floor’. After Eddie had rolled his eyes, she’d lost herself completely in Volt’s smile and gentle movements.
Walking passed the bar, reminiscent smile in place, she glanced at the people gathered. All who paid the price of a ticket were welcome, and all spent their time networking; promoting their own businesses whilst seeking out new trades and agreements. Caterers, insurance brokers, hotel and leisure managers. Entertainment and supply representatives.
She overheard a pair complementing the lighting décor and felt a warmth of pride at the remark. One of her own suggestions. Eddie had hovered below the bar while she’d wrapped the faux plant vines around a cut and stained wooden beam. Lightbulbs of different shapes and sizes hung from the beam, already connected, but she’d thought it needed a touch of colour. He’d been worried about her falling and hurting herself, even though she’d reminded him that it’d been at least two weeks since she’d been defeated by a rogue floorboard.
His fears had not been settled by this reminder.
Though he had settled into his fate of having an apprentice and helper. He’d always grumble and complain out loud, but at the end of each day would ask when she’d next return. A light flush on his cheeks, and a carefully concealed complement in his words. Always a meaningful thank you given at the end of all the playful banter and mock annoyance.
It was a ruse, and they both knew it. The cold exterior only a learned shield from a past of hurt. Few would believe in his playful side if they heard about it. But she remembered fondly the meaningless spat over some nothing mistake which descended into a paint fight. Laughing and giggling echoing around the stripped and bare room where emulsion spattered in every which way. Mostly all over their overalls and work shirts. He’d demanded an apology, despite clearly being wrong in his opinions, and they’d both settled on a bemused, make-up kiss in the spot which now homed the 3rd bar stool.
Memories of her time here took her to pleasant places, and, straight into the back of one of the other guests. She blinked, snapping out of her daydream to look upward, mortified. The man turned to look at her, face one of surprise. Flushed, she made a clear, if awkward apology, rushing to excuse herself and step around the man.
From his suit and stance, she assumed him to be from the leisure circle of guests. Someone with money. Handsome enough, though he never spoke. Just blinked as though shocked someone would run into him and nodded once in acknowledgement to her apology. As she left, he’d returned his attention to the group he was with, and she swiftly finished her trip to the restroom to hide in her embarrassment. She hoped she’d not just lost the boys a prospect buyer. The thought made her stomach sink, and she forced herself to take in a deep breath, reminding herself how ridiculous such a thought was.
Once done with what she needed, her nerves were still a little on edge. She approached the wall of mirrors, each with a helpful little shelf below it, to touch up on make-up and busy her hands, and mind, with mundane tasks in the hope of calming down. It worked to put on a brave face. Long enough, at least, to make her way back to where the boys waited for her.
Avoiding any, and all eye contact, she made her way back through the room, following the sound of Volt’s voice to find that the group had grown by a few members than when she’d left. Eddie’s eyes darted to her, social strain clear in his features. Sympathetic amusement filled her, pushing out just a little of the built-up anxiety, and she walked over to take his arm.
“Need a rescue?”
“Please! Any more of this and I’m gonna short circuit.”
Their hushed conversation ended with mercy on her part. Volt was in his element. Eddie, only really there to show face as the other half of High Voltage Realty. And to answer the odd question on the hows and whys things were done. Which he also had little to no patience for. Plus, she felt she could use some air after her own encounter.
“Would you take me outside for a while?”
Her voice carried a little louder. Intended for Volt to overhear even if he could not fully engage right then. It was a familiar practice between the two. Little hints, whispers and signals to keep the other updated without loud interruptions. Eddie, however, had a far blunter approach. Though it got the job done.
“Volt, I’m taking five. We’ll catch up in a bit.”
The taller man turned, a fixed smile holding place on his handsome face, and his eyes drifting over his partners. Only Eddie could get away with such an interruption with nothing more than a look of fond exasperation.
“Very well. It is a nice night for a walk through the premises. Along the pier is quite pleasant, though I imagine the swans have taken to rest at this hour.”
“There are swans here?”
“Oh yes. A pair have taken residence on the far bank….”
Only the first few words were intended for them, she knew. The rest a smooth segway back into describing positive features of The Link Lounge as Volt turned his head and shoulders back to his attentive audience.
Rather than head out to the pier, Eddie lead her towards the front of the building. Out passed the now clean and beautifully lit fountain towards the carpark. It wasn’t as exciting as other features of the venue, but that meant it was also devoid of people, and Eddie needed to be away from people for a while. Chosen company excluded.
“Feeling better?”
“Much,” he breathed, allowing his shoulders to loosen.
“But what about you? You looked flustered when you arrived back just now.”
“Oh.. it’s nothing. I bumped into one of the other guests and feel a bit awkward about it.”
Eddie sighed, the sound not carrying the annoyance he pretended to have.
“Seriously? You need to be more careful. I swear, I’m going to need to start putting safety padding on all the support pillars and door frames with you around.”
She scoffed. His humour managing to lift her burdens a great deal. The words might seem mean, but each was spoken with an underlying concern for her well-being. It was as if her anxious brain needed some form of equalizer, or ‘punishment’ to balance a perceived wrongdoing, and his little jabs offered that equalizer in safe, loving mockery.
“Well, it was your fault anyway,” she teased in return.
“How so?”
“I was distracted by thoughts of you.”
His eyes widened, then lowered, his cheeks growing red, but the smile creeping over his lips was undeniable. When his eyes turned back to her, they were playful and hooded. His voice spoke in the low, growly tones he knew she enjoyed.
“Is that so? Maybe, after doors close, I can give you more thoughts to distract yourself with.”
Her turn to flush.
“For now, how about a commemorative photo? To add to the scrapbook.”
Also to send to Volt. The lighting outside was low, but pretty. She reached for the phone in her bag and- .. her bag. Eyes widening, she patted around her side, stepping back and looking down at herself.
“Something wrong?”
“Ah… I left my bag in the restroom…”
“Seriously…?”
There was a little more genuine disbelief in his tone this time, though he sounded neither mad nor annoyed. He worried about her sometimes.
“I need to go back and get it. I’ll be back in a minute. Don’t go anywhere! I want that photo!”
“The one I didn’t agree to yet?”
“You will!”
She could hear his soft laugh follow her as she darted back towards the main entrance. It was unlikely her bag, or anything in it would have gone missing in a venue like this, but one could never be too careful.
Dancing between various groups and bodies, she made her way back to the familiar mirror, her bag still on the little shelf where she’d placed it. A quick check assured her nothing was missing and she breathed a sigh of relief, placing it over her shoulder, and moving to return to Eddie for that photograph.
The hallway between the restrooms and main hall was well lit, but narrow. This made it difficult to pass through when another guest from the opposite door came by, walking dead centre of the floor space. She looked up, and blanched, noting who it was. The man from earlier. All former embarrassment returned, her eyes averting while she stepped aside to let him go. Only, he made no movement to pass her.
Nervously she looked up, inquisitive of what he was doing. Letting her go first? No, he just stood there looking down at her for a moment, before she heard his voice for the first time. Youthful. Confident.
“Nice event.”
Small talk? There, in a restroom hallway?
“Um, yes! It is! Our host has put a lot of effort into the evening.”
It was true. Though not alone, Volt had taken care of the lions’ share of advertising, marketing and staffing for the whole thing. As Eddie had once said; Volt knew how to put on a good show.
“I’m sure you’ll have fun.”
“I could be having more fun.”
“Oh…?”
“How about you let me buy you a drink?”
“Oh!” A nervous laugh escaped her, and she immediately resented it. Why did she always laugh when she wanted to do anything but? “I’m flattered, but someone is already waiting for me.”
“I’m sure they could wait longer. Besides, you could say you owe me a drink, after the last one spilled.”
His drink spilled? She tried to remember the moment she’d bumped him. It was pretty hard, so it could be true. But she’d been so hurried to leave her embarrassment that she hadn’t actually taken the time to check if any damage had been done.
The frown drove a dent into her brow, and her distraction gave opening for him to speak more.
“That’s a deep frown on such a gorgeous face. Join me for a few drinks, and you can make it up to me afterwards.”
A heavy burden touched her arm, lifting along her skin to caress her shoulder, and while her skin burned beneath such touch, her insides froze over, mulling over the implications of his words and actions.
“Thank you, but that’s not me. I should really get back to –“
“I’m not really looking for a ‘no’, answer..”
His shadow closed in, thinning the distance between them and the way down the hall less available. That hand slid over to her clavicle, brushing the base of her neck, and her mind flashed with panic, sure she felt fingers moving to grasp her throat.
Lashing out, with startled force, she slammed her palm against the offending hand. She felt the thumb give at an odd angle, and heard the deep voice cry out in a short, sharp yelp of pain and anger. A sharp gasp of her own echoed quickly after, with a retaliatory pain striking across her cheek.
Falling a step back, she pushed off the wall, and, almost tripping over him, she squeezed through what gap remained between them, focusing on the door ahead. She felt a tug behind her, then something give; the strap of her bag snapping, dropping the whole thing to the ground. She left it there, bursting through the door back into public view where a blur of figures and sounds awaited her. A disorientating cluster of muffled noise and movements. The surreal experience that dozens of people were going about their evenings blissfully unaware of what just transpired. Living completely separate lives to her own despite being in this shared space and time. She struggled for breath, feeling all at once isolated and watched.
Rumbling and clattering of a door sounded behind her, and she picked up her pace, moving through the room in not quite a run, eyes never blinking. Ducking and weaving through the various clusters and groups of the crowd she tried to be small, not knowing if she were being followed. Not daring to stop or turn to find out. She just walked, hurriedly to the safest space available to her.
Volt’s movements were swift and fluid, his body turning and arm dropping to drape around her back the moment he saw her stride in to wrap her arms around his waist, ducking her head so that she was practically hiding within his open suit jacket.
“What is it? Is something wrong?”
Audience forgotten, his eyes moved from her to the room, following the general area he’d seen her approaching from. He held suspicion for all he surveyed, though nothing and no one in particular stood out just yet. Still, he could feel her grasping his shirt tightly, knuckles white and body trembling as she buried her face into his chest. He did his best to hide her from the view and whispers of curious onlookers.
“I’m sorry. I want to go home.”
Her voice was barely a whisper, struggling to make a sound over strangled breaths, but filled with desperation in its plea. Volt closed his eyes, taking in a breath, before slipping on the mask again to excuse himself from the party he’d been pitching to.
“My apologies, but there is something to which I must attend. Please! Explore at your leisure.”
Ignoring any further whispers or comments from the crowd, Volt shifted his weight, angling himself and guiding her to pull away, just enough, to be able to walk by his side. He showed no desire to remove her from her hiding spot beneath his jacket, clutched against his form. Though, once far enough away, he sought greater clarity in hushed, urgent tones. Needing to know what he was dealing with to decide what was required of him.
“Where is Eddie?”
“Still in the car park…”
“Weren’t you two together?”
Her mouth opened to speak, but her lungs hitched, refusing to co-operate. That question required more than a short sentence answer, and her mind refused to produce a means to communicate more than a few simple words.
Light brightened her face, causing her to wince away, her cheek sheering painfully as she did so. The jacket lifted ever so slightly so that electric blue eyes could find her, giving her the urge to shift and dig deeper into darker refuge. She turned her head, eyes widening to see a red stain smeared across Volt’s white shirt, and before understanding had kicked in, she had already spoken.
“You’re hurt.”
“No, live wire.” Something in Volt’s voice made her freeze, holding her breath like a stilled rabbit. His words rolled like frost and thunder. “But you are. And I should very much like to know who did this.”
He was angry. She knew. Could sense it in the air around them, and by the way lights seemed to flicker. Her imagination? It was like that first night at The Breaker Box, when she had insisted on trying to follow Eddie. Though that moment had only lasted for a second, it had scared her. And scared her now. Was it her fault again? Was she the focus of his ire?
Gentle touch told her otherwise. Though fury coursed just beneath the surface of his skin, Volts movements were so slow, and so careful she wanted to cry. One finger hooked beneath her chin, tilting her head upwards, turning her face this way then that. Slow. Gentle motions. She saw his eyes, burning with a fire contained by will power and practiced control. He seemed larger, somehow. As though he would be able to envelope her entirely within his form, preventing any outside force from ever touching her again.
Volts next words were softer. An inner pain inflecting his tone as he spoke.
“You are mine to protect, live wire. For as long as you will have me. But in order to do that, I need to know what happened. And with whom. Can you do that for me? Will you try to speak of all which transpired between the moment you left with Eddie until returning to me?”
Air caught in her throat again, but she nodded distractedly, eyes scanning the room as far as she could see. Dreading seeing that one face. Her lips fell closed from their attempt to speak, threatened by the presence of so many eyes and whispers directed her way. Volt’s gaze followed hers, and she felt his intake of breath fill and stretch his entire core.
“Not here then. Come.”
Eddie met them halfway through the car park, no doubt having been wondering where the hell she’d gotten to. His expression turning to one of alarm upon first seeing Volt, then their injured partner. He hurriedly closed the gap, steel eyes sweeping over the pair.
“Fuck… What- What the fuck happened!?”
Volt did not pause, anything he wished to communicate done so with expression alone, and Eddie fell into step beside them. Wind swept by them, whipping up leaves from the ground and causing the trees to sing in a clattering of twigs and branches. The night kept feeling darker and darker to her, as her energy drained and the three approached Volt’s car.
“Eddie, would you help our live wire in with you.”
Eddie obliged, climbing into the back seat, and encouraging her to sit next to him. Her movements were slow, robotic. Mind processing thoughts only as direction and action. Only capable of the bare minimum for now but trusting entirely that her partners would take care of her.
Good cheek falling upon Eddie’s chest, his arms surrounded her, pulling her into a secure hug. She wished to bury her head and face, but Volt still needed words from her. That she was vaguely aware of and tugged lightly at Eddie’s sleeve wanting him to further compress her. He squeezed tighter, and looked from her to Volt, who had one foot on the car’s doorway, blocking all view or possible entry from the one open space.
“Now, please little spark. Tell me what happened.”
Rapid beating picked up within her chest as she recounted her tale. Starting with difficult, strangled words, she found that the more she spoke the more she found her voice flowed. But so too did the static in her body lift, clearing like a haze from some terrible vision. Leaving a clarity she did not want to name.
“I think… I think I might have broken his finger..”
“When he touched you?”
“Yes..”
“Good!”
“Eddie…”
“What? I’m glad!”
Volt turned his phone around from something he’d been swiping through as he’d listened. On the screen dozens of figures dotted about The Link Lounge at various angles. Live footage from the security cameras Eddie had installed.
“Please find him for me.”
She had hoped they could just leave. Put this night to rest and forget. But there wouldn’t be any forgetting. Not for a long time. And Volt still had a threat attending his venue. Securing wealth and connections with the other guests.
Breathing out a shivering sigh, she acquiesced, taking the phone, and beginning to flick through the various cameras. The chore was not an enjoyable one, but something in her also wanted this. Wanted the man found. Known. Exposed.
With trembling hands, she sought out the unwanted face, her success in finding it evident in expression when she did so. Eyes widening, her shoulders tensed causing Eddie to shift around her. Air solidified in her lungs and the desire for flight took hold.
“You’re safe, little spark,” Volt tried to calm her. “Show me.”
Her eyes glanced to Volt’s, then rather at the phone, out the car windscreen. She pointed outside, her hand unsteady, and breathing sharp and shallow. He was looking around. Along the pavements, between the cars. He held something familiar in one hand. A bag with a broken strap.
It was all Volt could do not to slam the car door shut. He stood up, stepping away and closing it firmly. One hand in his trouser pocket, and back straight his confident steps carried him towards their problem attendee.
“Have we lost something?”
The man kept his head turned averted. Going so far as to turn away and begin a backward journey towards the main building, as if he didn’t hear anything, or didn’t expect the voice to be directed at him. Volt wasn’t having any of it.
“Merodach Fost. Of Fost, spa and leisure’s. You’re holding something familiar there. Have you lost someone?”
The man named Merodach slowed, eyes drifting over the small gathering of guests outside for a smoke break before turning around to face his name’s caller. His shoulders rolled back, head high watching Volt, who stood still, electric blue eyes never moving from him, except to flick briefly towards the bag held in his hand.
“A rogue Cinderella,” he decided as his answer. “Pretty little thing who approached me but left all too abruptly. I had hoped to see her again.”
“You won’t,” Volt promised. “Not after your abhorrent behaviour. You’ll never be seeing the inside of one of my venues again. You attended with your father, yes? I will be sure to make him aware of your departure from the premises.”
Merodach’s jaw tightened, half glancing over his shoulder to the whispers of curious guests. No doubt gossip would be spread before the dawn of the new day, but pride would not allow himself to be seen as the guilty party.
“Do you know her? I don’t know what she told you, but that little bitch broke my hand before running off.”
He lifted his free hand as if to prove a point. Bruising had indeed started around the base of his thumb, but even were he qualified to diagnose an injury at a glance, Volt didn’t really care. His eyes narrowed, a dangerous air about him. Overhead the sound of a deep rumble.
“What was that?”
Hidden away in the car, Eddie held their partner to himself, feeling her head dart up from his shoulder. He wanted to claim it was nothing, but the faintest patter of rain began to tap against the glass. The moon growing fainter behind gathering cloud.
“It’s fine, it’s.. We’re fine. Just the weather.”
“I know all of my guests,” Volt informed him. “Am I to believe a woman, half your size, attacked you unprovoked, threw her bag at your feet and then wandered off into the crowed unnoticed?”
“It wasn’t unprovo-“ He stopped himself before the word was complete.
“Go on. That was about to be the truest thing you’ve said to me this whole conversation. You already started, don’t be shy now. I would very much like to hear what you have to say.”
“It was a lover’s spat.”
“Is that the story we’re going with? A lover’s tiff. I think not.”
Merodach stared at Volt, who remained stationary looking back with unblinking animosity. The clouds above thickened, another low rumble carrying raindrops towards them.
“What are you accusing me of, sir?” Merodach asked, flipping the script. “I am the one who is injured, at an event you hold responsibility for.”
“A responsibility I take very seriously, I assure you,” Volt affirmed dangerously. “You assaulted her. And when she defended herself, you degraded yourself to lash out because you never learned how to handle the word ‘no’. I find the likes of you to be vulgar and exhausting. You disgust me.”
Furious to find himself still on the defensive, Merodach scoffed, and snorted. Any effort to match Volt’s controlled demeanour abandoned.
“What proof do you have!? How dare you! My father-”
“Should have done better in raising you.”
The grounds lit up momentarily, the flash and rumble unmistakeable causing the man to flinch but not relent. The fingers of his fist clenched at his side, and he glared at Volt who continued to place him.
“You struck her, no doubt collecting her blood in your ring, then tried to put your hands on her again, taking that bag instead. You, are not welcome here. Put down what does not belong to you and go. Don’t let me see you again.”
Pride ranking higher than intelligence, the man’s temper flared as it had before, a violent outburst at the idea of going without his wants.
“That little gold digger came onto me! Attacked me! I intend to be compensated and will get what I deserve!”
Lights in the fountain flickered, the flow of water interrupted at jolted intervals of power surges.
“Have you any idea who I am? You and your asshole partner haven’t even been around that long, and you think you can take on Fost Industries all for some little slu-“
That word never fully left his mouth. Merodach took a step forward as he’d spoken, intent on foolishly closing the gap between them. In that moment a thunderbolt struck one of the ornamental trees nearby, shattering it into an explosion of sticks and splinters. Despite a new ringing in his ear, and the shock of a very close call, the man was unharmed.
“If you want what you deserve, I will gladly provide it, if you chose to remain here a moment longer. No more warnings. Drop what isn’t yours, and leave!”
A freak accident! It had to be! But one that was still too close for comfort. The fight sapped out of Merodach. Whatever prize he sought moments ago losing its worth to him over the value of life and limb. Shaken, he turned, empty handed and wandered away from the venue.
“Show’s over folks. Nothing more to see here.” Volt laughed, the face and voice of a charming host once more. “Shocking weather we’re having, yes? Shall we all go back inside to dry off a bit?”
‘Not sure how Eddie and Volt are going to react to the science of Realization. Could be volatile.’
It seemed such a long time ago now. That day when she asked Skylar to recraft The Breaker Box into new, human life. But, watching the man usher people back into the venue, pausing only to look over his shoulder towards the car and wink before entering himself, the words flowed through her mind vividly.
“Are you ok?”
Eddie’s voice spoke softly close to her ear. He had held her from the moment they’d sat down together, talking quietly when panic had set in, reminding her to breath. She’d relaxed a bit since then, staring off into space and her grip onto his sides no longer painful. Her head pulled back to risk looking around, and he loosened his arms for her.
“Where is he going?”
“Probably just finishing up some business before leaving. Talking to the staff and a few key members. He’ll be back.”
“Was that.. him?” Her eyes drifted to the shattered tree, still soldering where it stood.
“I think so? Yeah.”
“How?”
“Does it matter?”
She quietened down, supposing it didn’t. So long as Volt wasn’t hurt anyway. She shook her head slowly, mind toppling back towards other thoughts with the distraction gone.
“That’s looking sore,” Eddie observed, noting that her cheek was growing redder and puffier. “You gonna let me take a look at it?”
Her eyes sought his, noting the gentle concern held there. There was a wry charm about Eddie. A language of playful banter and fond mockery in his everyday use. But at times like these, when someone was hurt – especially one of his partners – the mask slipped of. His bleeding heart on full display. For Eddie cared. About the broken. About the wounded. He liked to fix things. And he felt some deep, instinctive need, to help fix things for her now.
It was difficult not to give into those eyes. She nodded, pulling back so that he could reach over to grab a first aid kit in one of the front seat’s compartments. She was handed a bottle of water to sip from and winced when he dabbed a wipe against her cheek to clean it. The chemicals stung, meaning they were doing their job, but even so Eddie was as gentle as he could be. He took his time, cleaning the blood away from her skin before examining the cut.
“…. Is it really bad…?” she asked. It felt hot and painful. But she had no idea how large or deep the damage really was.
“It looks sore,” he repeated, rummaging through the kit for the next item of use. “And we should keep it clean until it starts to heal. But you’ll be fine.”
Silence stretched out as they waited. Eddie finished patching her up, sealing it with a kiss to the undamaged part of the same cheek. It made her smile through the post panic exhaustion catching up with her. She felt ready to drop.
“There’s Volt. We’ll get you home and rested. Got a fun day tomorrow. Don’t wanna miss that.”
Her eyes lifted to him. This was news. Something they had planned in secret?
“New property I’ve had my eye on. We’ve got a booking to go see it. Would be nice to have you along. Y’know, just to test how many floorboards need replacing.”
A growing smile, a quiet laugh. That cheeky humour was back, and she could feel love renewed all over again. The unspoken words being that he wasn’t going to let her out of his sight for a while to come.
The car clicked, flashed, then rocked as the driver door opened and Volt climbed in. He looked drained. Perhaps a little pale, but wore a soft smile when he turned back to look over the two. Gaze landing on her. The broken bag was passed over to sit safely back in her hands, and she frowned down at it. If she’d never been careless and left it behind -
“I’m sor-“
“Don’t.” Volt cut her off. “No mistake you think you make should ever have resulted in this. I am grateful that you came to me. Trusted me with this.”
He even sounded tired, which was unusual for him. Her frown deepened, torn with guilt. But she didn’t apologise again. The depreciation of self, unwanted by any of them.
Turning, Volt brought the engine to life. The near silent hum of the electric engine bringing the dashboard and headlights to life, allowing them to roll out of the venue’s grounds onto the main road. Streetlamps and road signals lit up the tarmac river with urban stars, and the radio turned over to the nightly tunes of smooth jazz just for the noise.
She sat back, buckled in on the seat next to Eddie, who allowed her to fidget with his hand, while she watched Volt’s motions. Every now and again his eyes flicked to the rearview mirror, where he winked if he caught her looking. Eventually she found new words she wanted to say to him.
“Thank you…”
“You don’t need to thank me, Live Wire. It’s my job to protect you both.”
“It’s your job to protect Eddie,” she corrected, knowing the story of his creation.
He chuckled, glancing at the two through the mirror. There was an odd look there. One she only usually caught at brief glances when he’d been watching them and thought them to be distracted or asleep. Once upon a time she might have named that look as possessive. Territorial. But those things suggested ownership over herself and Eddie, and it didn’t feel like a whole truth. It felt more like… belonging. Belonging to a role, to a whole.
“It is my choice to protect you, then.” Volt amended.
“Thank you…”