Arizona blinked his eyes open to find Babydoll was no longer with him and Alabama too was up. Moments later he realized not only had he slept but he had slept through his watch. He got up as quietly as he could, which was with no sound at all, and wrapped his arms around Alabama’s waist.
“Jeez, you scared me.” She hissed, hugging him “What are you, some sort of ninja?”
“You didn’t wake me up.” He sounded groggy, but almost a little hurt. “You didn’t sleep at all, did you?”
“I’m used to it, don’t worry.” She turned and gave him a small kiss. “You looked like you needed the sleep anyway.”
“I still could have pulled a shift. You needed sleep more than I did, or do.” He responded, still sounding groggy and hurt.
“Then I’ll make it up to you later.” She kissed him again but pulled away, leaving him wanting more.
“Oh, don’t be a tease, Sunshine.” He said then grinned. “We should get going really soon.”
“Okay, can you find Babydoll some food? I’ll pack up.”
“Yeah, I’ll also put the mattress away.”
“Dude, that thing’s heavy, how’d you carry it by yourself?”She asked looking over her shoulder almost skeptical. “I’m telling you, you got that freakish brute strength.”
“It’s really not heavy at all, but I guess if you wanna think I have strength like Superman then go ahead.” He told her then took Babydoll off her hip, holding out a hand of Cheerios. She picked them up one by one, chomping on them and grinning at Arizona.
“All right then, Superman, we need to get moving, right?” She gave him an impatient look so he pretended to roll his eyes before he handed her the rest of the Cheerios and picked up the mattress. It was just as light as it had been last night, maybe lighter since he had gotten some sleep.
“We need to ween him off those steroids, eh Baby?” He only barely heard the sentence and just smiled to himself.
“Okay, it’s all loaded lets get going.” He said slipping his Toxic jacket on.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming, I’m coming...” She winced the moment her duffel bag hit her shoulder, so he took it from her and shouldered it.
“I’m hurt, not disabled.” she said glowering.
“Consider this me paying you back for the watch.” He grinned and took the duffel outside. She opened the passenger side door and set Babydoll down. The little girl immediately climbed over to the driver seat and took Arizona’s goggles from the dashboard.
“Might have to get you a pair, huh Baby?” Arizona smiled, moving her to sit in the driver’s seat. She just stared at him, she had no idea what was being said but Arizona didn’t mind. “Yeah, don’t worry, I will search High and Low for a pair to have for your own.” He told her then picked her up and moved her as he climbed into the van and sat her back down on his lap.
Soon they got back to the Basket, Arizona pulled up to the loading dock and parked. He took his goggles from Babydoll and put them on before glancing to Alabama, she was asleep so he decided to leave her. He picked up Babydoll and went inside.
“Wasp!” He called out but ran into Mighty instead. Her cheeks flushed which made Arizona wanna pat her on the head. Instead they both froze. He heard screaming outside, he shoved Babydoll into Mighty’s arms. “Wait here!” He said drawing his gun and running back out. Inside the van Alabama was still screaming, so he threw the door open and put his gun away. He shook her shoulder, but she wouldn’t wake so he climbed in and over her, shaking her more.
“Sunshine! Alabama, wake up!” She blinked her eyes open and after a second seemed to register who it was grasping her shoulders.
“Wha-what happened?” she asked breathing hard as her pupils returned to normal.
“You were screaming in your sleep.” His eyebrows knitted together.
“I-I have these... horrible dreams.” she regulated her breathing as if trying to calm herself “I’m fine.”
“Are you sure?” He slowly climbed off of me, landing on the dusty ground and causing little pools of dirt to swirl around his feet. She climbed out of the van and hugged him.
“I’m sure.” She nodded then released him. He smiled and took a hold of her hand smiling.
“Well, lets go inside then. You need to meet the gang, especially Neon, he promised he would stay long enough to meet you.” He told her leading her inside.
“Damn, you’re already making me meet the family?” she joked with a smirk.
They walked in and as they entered into the dining area all the noise that had been circulation died down immediately.
Near one table with Solar sitting on Bird’s lap while Cyanide sneered. “Arizona and his little whore finally showed up.” She said quietly, but just loud enough to be heard.
“Oh, so I’m assuming you want a make-up job like Solar’s?” Alabama said, Cyanide rolled her eyes but said nothing more.
A tall black man in his late 20’s stood up from the bar. As he walked by Cyanide he shoved her face to the table. “Now you be nice princess.” He said. He was buff, yet somehow meaty, and was wearing bright make up and had on an orange glittery shirt with leather pants that were blue and glittery themselves. He walked right up to them and winked at Arizona. “So Ari, did you really make a baby with a baby around?” He asked a large smile on his face. Arizona’s face stayed completely impassive. The large man then looked down at Alabama and pulled her into a hug. “You aren’t as small as Arizona, but you are a bit skinnier.” He said then got real close to her ear and whispered. “Ari has a slight fetish with small girls.” He said then laughed and clapped Arizona on the shoulder. “If you get jiggy tonight, try to keep it down eh?” As he spoke many people made hooting noises and other side comments, but Arizona stayed completely silent and impassive.
“Well then Solar and I can compare notes, ‘cuz there is plenty,” She paused and looked over to Arizona, and openly checked him out. “to say on this subject, if you catch my drift.” Arizona’s jaw tightened as he felt heat rise to his face. “But seriously, we didn’t even sleep in the same bed. And who are you, exactly?”
“His name is Neon Zombie.” Arizona said through gritted teeth. The man grinned more and grabbed Arizona around the neck and pulled him close into a head lock, giving him a noogie. “Neon! Quit!” He groaned though he was not grinning and laughing himself.
“I’m Neon, Arizona’s dad.” He said without pause or even acknowledging they weren’t the same race.
“I, uh, see the resemblance.” Alabama said with a look between the two of them.
“Ehh calm down chicky, I’m not his biological father, just the Killjoy one who gets his ass out of tight places.” He said with a wink.
“Who’s the bitch over there then? And the rest of y’all?” Alabama said sneering.
“Fiesty little thing arent you?” Neon said then turned. “Well, you know most everyone in Bird’s group, the ‘bitch’ is Cyanide Queen. Over by the boarded-up window is Adolescent Suicide with his group.” Around Ado sat three more people, one being a girl. They were all white and pale with somber expressions. “Over in the corner is my group, recently attained. Seretonin Dreams, Devils Cannon, Sere’s brother; Angels Fall, Widows Whistler, and Falling Tears.” They each nodded in turn before turning back to gossip more. “You know all your people, and Wasp. And then the last group which belongs to JarJar Binks.” The last group only had two other people aside from JarJar. “There are way more, so don’t think this is it. There must be another 40 people, but you know, business has them out and such, being busy ghosting Dracs and foiling plans.” He said with a shrug.
“Now, I do believe we have a funeral to get to?” He said not at all fazed. “Then I believe marking names on bodies is next.” Arizona glanced down to Alabama just to see what her reaction might be. Neon was the master at almost everything. Disguise, tattoos, and he was the acting Body cleaner and funeral master.
Next to him Alabama gave his hand a squeeze and he looked down to her from where he had been examining Neon’s new group. He could see the tears glistening so he tugged on her hand and grabbed Neon’s arm. “Lets get to it then.” He said dismissing them all. After that Neon led the way all the way to the back and stopped at a door.
“Arizona, you know I can’t let you back here with her right?” Neon said suddenly serious. Arizona nodded.
“What?” He mouth fell open slightly. “You’re going to make me do this on my own?” She took a deep breath.
“You’re gonna be fine, Sunshine.” Arizona said and pulled her into a hug. After he let her go he and Neon hugged. “Great to see you again, Dad.” He said before walking away. “Come find me you’re done, I have to help unload.”
Arizona left them and headed out to the back. He found Bird, Adolescent and Zebra unloading the van already. Solar was watching off to the side, bickering with Bird.
“Why can’t I go?” She asked her arms crossed.
“Because, you aren’t a part of our family.” Bird said from inside the truck where he was pulling out a box.
“I might as well be.” She shot back with a glare.
“No, I told you, just, stay here please We are gonna be gone for a long time.”
Arizona walked over to help taking the box from Bird. He carried it inside then came back out to see Bird with his arms around Solar’s waist. Inside his mind Arizona growled but did nothing.
“Please, Bird.” Solar pleaded making a pouting puppy face. Usually that face made both Bird and Arizona give in, but not this time. Bird let her go and walked away leaving Solar looking pissed and hurt.
“What’s going on?” Arizona asked walking over to her.
“His group is headed out to Zone 6 tomorrow for some kinda special task, but Bird wont let me go. He says it’s to ‘dangerous’” She sneered rolling her eyes with quotations around the word dangerous.
“Maybe it’s better that you don’t go.” Arizona suggested.
“Why? So I can sit around and watch you moon over that whore?” She said, looking genuinely lonely.
“Don’t call her a whore.” Arizona shot at her.
“Yeah, well the way she hangs all over you, she might as well be one.”
“Jealous?” He asked being sarcastic. “Besides, what’s it matter, you hang all over Bird like you’re a whore yourself.”
“Shut up! It’s not like we do anything!”
“Neither do we.” A look of relief flooded over her face and at that moment Arizona knew that maybe she was jealous. He couldn’t help but feel excited about that. It meant she did care for him.
“Look, go chase after Bird.” He said, his face impassive before turning away from Solar and back to the van to unload. She stood there behind him for a few moments before she left walking rather fast. Arizona shook his head angrily.
“That girl is gonna be the death of you Arizona.” Zebra said from where he and Ado were coming back out for another mattress.
“Yeah whatever.” He said pulling out another box.
“She will, you better be careful. If you piss Solar off by totally dropping her you will end up in serious pain, but if you go for Solar after getting involved with Alabama, then that girl may very well just end your life.” Zebra told him patting his shoulder. “Just, don’t be stupid and get caught in a love triangle with those two.”
“Man, calm down, I’m not stupid ok. So please, just butt out.” He said almost growling. Zebra held up his hands in defense then they went back to work and soon were finished with the whole load. After that Arizona went back inside and into the dining area. He stopped for a moment then walked over to the group that Neon had introduced as his new family.
There were five of them. Four of them were guys, and the last one was a girl, but it was only obvious because of the half camisole she wore. They all looked at him as he sat down.
“Don’t mean to intrude, just wanted to meet the people who are gonna be with Neon for the time.” He said taking a seat. The girl sat back and leaned onto an older looking blonde haired guy. “I’m Toxic Arizona.” He said
“Pleasure.” Said the old-looking black guy. “Names Falling Tears, thats Seretonin Dreams.” The girl waved but didn’t smile. “And the blonde bloke is Widows Whistler.” Widows nodded but didn’t say anything neither.
“I’m Devils Cannon.” stated the other boy who looked to be Arizona’s age. Devils stuck out his hand and Arizona took it shaking it once before they let go.
“I’m Angels Fall.” A young boy said with a grin.
“Nice to meet you all.” Arizona said with a small nod. Then the man Falling Tears stood up.
“Mind if I speak to you alone Arizona?” He said with a somber look. Arizona nodded and followed him over to an empty pantry where they stood for a moment in silence. “I’m a little worried about Neon.”
“What about him?” Arizona asked worry springing in his chest.
“I think he is a double agent.” Falling said his voice lowering.
“Don’t be silly. Neon is pure Killjoy.” Arizona said, trying not to laugh.
“No, I mean it,”
“What proof do you have?”
“When we first met up with him, he got us a shit load of B.L.ind clothing, and it was genuine.”
“That means nothing.” Arizona growled angry.
“It means a lot, he got us into a hospital undetected. He has all sorts of maps and diagrams, that have a lot to do with B.L.ind stuff, and he has even more maps of the Zones.”
“Shut up, ok? Neon isn’t like that, he really is against those fucks.” Arizona slammed his hand into the wall causing everyone to look at him. “Shut up.”
Falling looked at him evenly before nodding and walking away. Arizona turned on his heal and left to look for Neon.
He found him washing his hands in the bathroom. Arizona closed the door and locked it.
“Are you working for those Better Living fucks and backstabbing all of us?” He said his voice so intense with anger it might as well have been poisonous. Neon looked at him evenly then shook his head.
“Look, you know I was working for the head of B.L.ind long before your mum took you and your sister away from your father. You know that, and you know I left with you, but pretended to be against Killjoys and kept working for them. So calm down.” Neon said smoothly.
“I am a double agent, but I’m helping the Killjoy cause and thwarting the Better Living one.” He said a look of total honesty in his eyes. After a moment of just staring at each other Arizona sighed and nodded.
“Sorry.”
“It’s fine, you have every right to question me, but I assure you, I would never do anything that would harm you or the other Killjoys, you are like a family.” He said with a small smile. Arizona too smiled then turned to leave.
“I need to see how Alabama is doing.” He said.
“Hey, you be careful boy.” Neon said his voice serious.
“What?” Arizona turned to face him.
“You heard me; you be careful, that girl likes you an awful lot, don’t you go thinking with the wrong head now.” He said raising an eyebrow.
“Don’t be ridiculous, I-”
“Just, don’t hurt either one of them, Alabama especially, just, think this over before you do anything ok?”
“Alright, I will.” Arizona said before leaving. He shook his head as he headed out to look for Alabama. Unsure of where to look first he went to the room where the mattresses were kept.
He found her and smiled. He pulled his goggles down so that they hung around his neck. He walked up behind her and wrapped him arms around her waist and kissed her neck.
“What’s up, Sunshine?” He asked into her neck. She jumped and turned to him.
“Seriously, I’m putting a cat bell on you.” She said before he kissed her.
“A cat bell? What for? I like sneaking around.” He grinned.
“No.” She backed away from him and nearly tripped.“We can’t do this.”
“What? Why not?” He asked searching her face.
“Because-” She ran a hand through her hair. “Because you’re still in love with Solar.”
“Wait. That’s why? And Solar obviously doesn’t love me, so, I mean, I don’t usually give up, but,” He paused and sat down. “Why not give up on her? I mean, her and Bird are still together, and look, just, hear me out ok?” He felt awkward trying to figure out what to say. He sighed and rubbed his face thinking.
“Look, I wouldn’t be putting myself out there to you like this if I didn’t like you.” He said after a while. “My mum used to say, ‘To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.’ And,” He sighed again. “I think I have two worlds right now. I just need to figure out which one is gonna last, and I have a feeling it’s gonna be you.” He said nodding, glad it sounded good out of his mouth instead of just in his mind.
“I-I just...” She looked down at him “I don’t know if I want to take that risk. It’s different here. You know that. I know that. And I see the way you look at her.” she laughed bitterly. “She’s half the reason we’re here right now. I just don’t want to lose you, should the better option come along. I don’t want to find out you’ve been using me to make her jealous. I-I lost my last parent 48 hours ago. I can’t lose any more.” She turned away her voice cracking with tears. “I’ve never done anything like... us before.”
“Risks are meant to be taken, as Killjoys our whole life is a risk. Just living is a risk.” He shrugged. “Why not take another? And I’m not using you to make her jealous. You can trust me, Alabama.” He said standing up their bodies close but not to close. He looked down at her looking as if he were genuinely serious.
“But Solar’s just so-”
“But nothing.” He smiled down at her. “I’m with you. Not because Solar’s unavailable. Not to use you. Because we, well, we just work.” He then kissed her slowly his hands reaching up to her face to wipe the tears from her face. “And don’t you forget it.”
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