Mixed Worlds

Chapter Two - Just Another Hunter

                                                                              ~ six months later ~

           It’s 2:15 in the morning, the moon is bright, and little drops of water cover the grass. Covered in blood, Ally and Lucas are sitting on the hood of the car. With his jacket wrapped around her, he says “I don’t know what we did to deserve you.” 

          “What do you mean?” she says. 

           “I mean, how is it that you came into our life right when we needed someone like you?”

          When Lucas and Ally first met, they hated each other, which Jack constantly laughed at. Jack even called them an old married couple a few times due to their excessive amount of bickering.  Slowly, they began to tolerate one another. But now she’s starting to feel comfortable around him, and the arguing has been brought down to a minimum.

           “I’m not really sure. If you guys hadn’t been in New York the night you and I met, I would probably be dead, or worse. I still can’t thank you guys enough for that. Maybe I’m still here to try and make up for that. But you drive me insane sometimes man. You and I didn’t get along at first but I grew up with other people telling me what to do and what a woman shouldn’t do and it drove me nuts. I’ve been hunting on my own for over seven years and now that I have other people to talk about this s**t with? I just... ugh. Sorry. I’m rambling...”

           Lucas sets his hand on hers, and says “Don’t be. You never really open up unless it’s about your knowledge of what we do. which surprises me that you know so much after only seven years. Your eyes glaze over when you talk about something you’re really passionate about...” 

           Ally turns her head to meet his gaze. His eyes look like those of a lost soul, and she gets lost in them for a moment. His beautiful, trapping green eyes lock with hers for what seems like forever, but in reality, only for a brief  moment before Ally blushes and turns away. Her heart is pounding, her hands are a little sweaty and she feels something that she hasn’t felt in a long time. Of all the times she’s been face to face with Vampires, Windegos, Shapeshifters, Werewolves and more, she’s never been nervous. Until a few weeks ago, she never thought she would care about someone in this line of work. She always thought she would fight alone till the end.  

          She pulls her hand away and says “Why are you looking at my eyes?”

          He quickly looks away. “It’s just something I’ve noticed. Eye contact shows dominance y’know.” He laughed. He notices the dirty look Ally shot him and gets defensive.. “Hey! I’m just kidding. Take it easy kid.”

          “Hey! I’m not a kid. I’m only a few months younger than Jack. And don’t tell me to take it easy... We did just beat a pack of werewolves and the inside of your car is kind of covered in blood... again. I think I have a right to be worked up.” She says with a smirk.

           “Yeah well... shut up. You know what I’m trying to say.” He says defensively.

            Jack walks up, short of breath, after burning the bodies of the dead pack. “Thanks for the help guys” he says sarcastically.

            “Sorry man, Ally got knocked into that wall pretty hard. Not to mention she might have broken her foot.” Lucas says as he stands up.

            “Hey! It’s NOT. Broken. I probably just sprained it. Just my head hurts.”  She stands up, trying to prove them wrong, and a sharp pain runs up her leg, causing her to grunt and fall sideways towards Lucas. He catches her, and for a moment he holds her there.  She gets back up, and pushes him a bit, trying to make him think she doesn’t need him. 

            “Thanks, but I’m fine. Let’s just get back to the bunker. I need a drink.” She tosses Lucas his jacket and limps over to the car, and jumps into the back seat, dropping herself into a pool of blood. She doesn’t flinch, as this is probably the hundredth time she’s been covered in blood. 

           “Did you want to lay a blanket down?” Jack asks.

           “It’s not like I haven’t been covered in blood before... thanks Jack, but I’m fine.”

           Lucas sighs as him and Jack climb into the car.  Lucas starts the car up, and they drive in silence all the way back to Kansas.

           A few hours later, they arrive back at the bunker. Ally is passed out in the back seat, and won’t wake up. She tried to stay awake the whole time, but she was so tired that she fell into what was probably the deepest sleep she’s been in. 

          “Get the door Jack. I’ll carry her in.” Lucas says.

           “Are you sure? Last time you tried to help her out she got a little angry... maybe just let her sleep it off.  What’s going on with you two anyways?” Jack asks.

            Lucas is taken off guard. “What are you talking about? There’s nothing going on. She’s just helping us hunt. Not that we need it anyways. But sometimes it’s easier with an extra set of hands.”

             Ally starts to wake up, but she doesn’t move. She heard what Lucas said, and it hurts her a little bit. “That’s not true. I see the way you’ve been looking at her the past couple weeks. And I would know. I’m with you every day.” Jack says with a bit of annoyance.

            “What’s your point Jack? Are you saying I have feelings for her? Cause you’re wrong. She’s just another hunter. Another girl. She could leave tomorrow and it wouldn’t make a difference.” Lucas says as he goes to open the car door.

            Ally sits up just having heard everything that was said, and pushes the door open hard, hitting Lucas in his side.

           “Ally, I-“

          “Save it. Nice to know everyone’s being honest with each other now. I’m going to take a shower.” She says as she gets up and walks away, not even looking at Lucas. 

          Jack sees the tears building up in her eyes and tries to stop her, but she pushes him away and keeps walking. She gets into the kitchen, grabs a bottle of whiskey, and goes right into the bathroom. With her music blasted, door locked and water running hot, she strips down and gets into the shower. Whiskey in hand, she sobs. She doesn’t make a sound, but her tears still pour out.  “Why am I crying? Why do I even care what he thinks? I knew from the start this was strictly about hunting. Nothing else. So why am I so upset over what he said?” She says with a sigh. 

            A couple hours later, she’s sitting in the library, reading up on witchcraft. She’s never met a witch, but she wants to be prepared in case it happens. Lucas walks into the room, with a newspaper in hand, and says 

          “We found a case if you wanted to come. It’s just a few counties over.” He says quietly.

           She shoots him a cold stare, picks up her book and her whiskey, and starts to walk towards the hallway.

             “Nah, you guys don’t need my help.” She says with her back turned to him.

             “That’s not true.” He says quietly enough that Ally turns around, and snaps.

             “What did you say?”

             “I said it’s not true. We do need you. You’re faster on your feet than we are and that comes in handy.” He says with his head down.

             “Oh really? That’s not what you said in the garage.” She says as she turns around, tossing the book down. She continues to walk away, this time a little quicker. For some reason, she can feel her throat closing up, and tears building up in her eyes. She shuts her eyes really hard, to try and make them stop. She quickly wipes her eyes, and as soon as she reaches her door, Lucas is right behind her.

            “Ally please listen to me. Just give me a minute to ex-“

            “You have one minute. Starting now.” She says sharply.

            “What? I - okay. You are a great hunter, and we are lucky to have you with us. We want you here. And Jack and I both think you’re a great person, even given your attitude sometimes. You know things we don’t know, and we know a lot about what we do. You’ve been right about things more times than I’d like to admit, and you’re a good friend to Jack. He doesn’t have any of those. I should have never -“

           “Minutes up.” She says as she closes her door.

            She turns her music on, and just before she can turn it up there’s a knock on her door.  “Go away Luke! I told you your minute is up and -“ she opens the door to find Jack standing there, with his eyes wide and his head c****d to the side.

            “Uh, yeah I’m not Luke... can we talk?” He say calmly.

             “No s**t. What do you want Jack? I’m trying to go to bed.” She says as she crosses her arms.

             “It’s six o’clock Ally. You slept for 9 hours on our way home.”

              She rolls her eyes. “Like I said, what do you want?” She’s annoyed now.

             “I heard what was said between you and Lucas and I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.” He says with a half-smile.

             “Why does it matter? I’m just a girl staying here till I can find somewhere else to go.”

             “No you’re not. You’re my best friend and I’m here to talk if you ever need it. Even if it’s just to b***h about my brother. I’m always open for that.” He says with a chuckle. Ally steps to the side to let him into her room. He walks in and sits down on the end of her bed, fingers interlocked, and genuinely looks like he cares.

             “I don’t even know where to start. One second Luke and I are getting along great and the next he’s acting like he doesn’t give a s**t whether I’m here or not. After we got rid of the pack, he told me he was happy that I was hunting with you guys. Then when we get back, I hear him saying that I’m just a girl and an extra set of hands.  Like, what the hell is that? How can one person be so double-sided about things? One minute he’s all fine and dandy and the next it’s like he doesn’t care about anyone or anything. I just don’t get it” she says with tears in her eyes. “I just don’t get it. And I don’t get why it bothers me so much.”

             “Do you want my honest opinion? Or do you want me to say what you want to hear?” He says with a side glance.

              “I always want the truth. You know this.”

              Jack sighs. “He cares about you. He won’t admit it, probably ever, but he does care. The longer you’re here the more you’ll see it.  I know you don’t feel like this is your home, but it is. You’ve been here for almost 6 months, and you haven’t unpacked anything, and I’m worried that one day I’ll wake up and you’ll be gone. I don’t want that. I think you’re upset because you were starting to feel at home, and now things are up in the air for you again.”

               Ally is full-blown crying now, snot and all. Jack wraps him arm around her, gently rubbing her back.  “It’s okay to cry. You don’t always have to be so strong. We all have our moments.”

              Twenty minutes go by, and Ally sits up and wipes her face. She takes a big drink of water that Jack got for her, and she says; “Thanks Jack. I needed that. But if you EVER tell Lucas I cried about his shitty attitude, I will kick your ass.” 

              “Deal.” He says with a laugh. They stand up, and when Jack steps into the hallway, she grabs his arm, and he turns around. 

              “Ally? What-” he’s silenced when Ally steps into his chest, giving him a hug. He hugs her back, and they stay there for a minute.

               Lucas comes around the corner and sees this happening. He dips back around the corner and tries to hear what they say.

               “Thanks Jack. I mean it. You’re a really good person and I don’t tell you that enough. You’re my best friend, and I thank you for that.”  Lucas winces.

                “Anytime Al. And don’t worry too much about it, I’m sure Luke will smarten up eventually.” They both laugh

                 “Yeah. I hope so. But I’m not gonna hold my breath.” He winces again. 

                 He’s upset. He never meant to hurt her and he doesn’t know why he feels that way. He hears Jack walk up the hallway, and takes a few steps back, to make it look like he was just walking up.

                 “Lucas” Jack says.

                  “Jack.”

                  “Hear anything you like?”

                   “I don’t know what you’re talking about Jackie?” Lucas crosses his arms.

                   “Mhm, sure.”

                    Lucas stands in the middle of the hallway, debating on whether or not to go and talk to Ally. Right as he goes to open her door, she opens it before his hand can touch the knob.  They lock eyes for a moment, and she goes to turn around, when Lucas grabs her arm and says;

                   “I’m sorry. It may not mean anything to you but I’m sorry. I never should have said what I did because none of it was true. I don’t know why I said it. I’m used to it just being me and Jack, and I guess I’m trying to keep myself distant because I don’t know when you’re gonna leave.”

                    She turns around, still holding his hand.  “Do you want me to leave? Because I can be out of here first thing in the morning and-“

                    “No. I don’t want you to go anywhere.”  Lucas pulls her in and hugs her tight. She tries to push away for a moment, but quickly she gives up, and warps her arms around his waist.  Holding each other tightly, she can feel his heart beating fast. All of a sudden she can feel her own heart beating at the same pace.  They pull back, still holding one another, and Lucas takes his hand and pushes her long brown hair out of her face and tucks it behind her ear. “I’m so sorry for what I said.”  

                     He places his hand on her cheek, and leans down, and gently places his lips on hers. Ally pulls away, shocked. “Luke, what are you doing?” Her face turns sour. “Did you think that you could just kiss me and everything would be fine? You hurt me Lucas, and something as simple as that, cannot fix what you said. I’m not like all the other girls you meet and have your one-night stands with.  You should go.” She crosses her arms, and stares at him.

                    “Of course you’re not like the other girls. You-“

                    “I said, you should go. I don’t want to be around you right now. Just leave me alone.”  She grabs her sweater and headphones, and shoves him out of her room. She heads out of her room and locks the door, Lucas just a few feet behind her. She turns around, and with a cold face, she says “What are you still doing here? I said go away.”

                  “No. I’m not going anywhere. We need to talk about this Ally. I can’t have you mad at me. Let’s go.” He takes her by the arm, and brings her down the hall to the training room. “This is where we settle it. Get your anger out.”

                   “You want me to fight you?” She looks confused. “What’s the point in this?”

                   “The point is, you have an anger issue, and you like to fight. Two birds one stone. But I’ll go easy on you.” He takes his shirt off, and ties his laces. 

                    “Don’t. Then it won’t count.” She drops her sweater, and takes off her shoes. She walks over to the stereo, and puts on her workout playlist. The song “California Love” by 2Pac comes on, and she turns and faces Lucas with a sly smile, and says, “Alright. Let’s go.”

                 She crouches slightly, and puts up her fists. He laughs, and does the same. Lucas throws the first punch, which Ally dodges. She crouches down, and as she stands up, she gives Him a punch to the chin. He stumbles back, and stares at her. “Okay, that was uncalled for.”

                “Is it though? You’re the one who came up with this idea. I never said I was going to hold back. You did. Let’s go pretty boy.” She gets in her stance, ready to go.

               “Awe, you think I’m pretty. Shucks.” He laughs, and takes a shot at Ally’s gut. She bounces back, and she jumps back with another attempt at Luke’s jaw, and he catches her left hand mid punch. “Nice try. Won’t get me twice.” He smirks. Ally stays still for a moment. She lets out a little giggle and puts her head down. Still holding her fist, he asks “What’s so funny?”

                “I’m not left-handed.” She says quietly.

                 “Huh? You’re what?”  Ally lands a right hook on Luke’s face, using full force. He falls back, and holds his jaw. 

                 “I said, I’m not left-handed”. She holds her gut and begins to laugh. “ I told you I wasn’t going easy.” She walks over and reaches her hand out.

             “Ha-ha very funny. Feel better now?” He takes her hand and she helps him up. They are inches away from each other, and both breathing hard.

              “A bit... are you okay?” His lip is bleeding, and she brings her hand up and wipes it away. As she brings her hand down, Lucas stops her, and holds her hand in his.  

               “Ally, I’m so sorry. I never should have said what I did.  And I’m sorry I kissed you. I should’ve known better. I’m so s-“

                “Lucas...” She said quietly. She stared at his lips and licked her own. Lucas looked at her with kindness in his eyes as he places one hand on the side of her face, and the other in the middle of her back. He leans down and kisses her softly. The hold their kiss for a moment, and when they part, they look at each other.

                “What made you change your mind?” He asked.

               “I don’t know. I guess a part of me wanted it. But a part of me is still mad at you. I know you’re sorry, but I still need to think.” She lets go of him, and walks over to get her sweater. “I don’t want anything serious to come of this. We have crazy lives and it wouldn’t work.”

               “I agree. Don’t get me wrong, I could kiss you all night but the less distractions we have the better... I’m gonna go shower. See you at dinner.” He walks out of the training room, and Ally runs after him.

              “Luke?” He stops. “Maybe we could, just a little bit more tonight?” She lays her hand on his shoulder, waiting for him to respond. He turns around and with a smile on his face, he says softly,

             “Absolutely.” He turns and heads to the washroom. After they are both cleaned up, fed and tired, Lucas heads to bed. “Goodnight.” He says to both Ally and Jack.  

            “Night.” They say in unison. 

            “I’m gonna head to bed too. It’s been a long day... night Jackie” she says as she gives him a hug. “See ya tomorrow”

             Ally walks down the hall, and stops in front of Luke’s door. ‘Should I really be doing this? I have so much going on and this life is not an easy one.’  She takes a deep breath, and walks away towards the bathroom. She hears a door open, and she keeps walking.

            “Ally?” She turns and faces him. “Are you still staying here tonight?” He’s leaning against his door frame with nothing but his boxers, and a small smile across his lips. After a few moments with no response from her, he asks her again. “Al? Are you coming in?” He walks up to her, takes her hand, and she turns around to face him.

             “Luke, I just... we just have so much going on in our lives and I don’t think it’s a good idea. I care about you, but I don’t think this is right. We’re more different than we are alike, and I don’t want to ruin things. Maybe it was just the heat of the moment... I don’t know. My mind is just in so many different places... I just can’t.” He feels her throat swell and clears her throat. “I’m sorry.”

            He lets go of her hand, gives her a kiss on the forehead and says “It’s okay. I get it. But let’s just have one night. Then we can go back to normal tomorrow. Deal?” He holds out his hand, waiting for her to shake it.

            “Just for tonight.” She shakes his hand back, and she follows him into her room. He pulls the blankets back, crawls in and holds his arm out for her. She puts her hair up into a bun, takes her sweater off and lays down in her sports bra and shorts and cuddles up next to him. They share a single, deep kiss, and soon they fall asleep in each other’s arms.