II. The Comfort of A Friend

Ivory had spent most of her Saturday packing for her two-week vacation. She was ecstatic as a vacation was never an adventure she had experienced. Ivory liked that she had a new, found friend, but Viper was on her mind. Ivory had times when she wanted to break down, but caring made her feel exhausted. Ivory missed her best friend, but the truth hurt her. Ivory would never forget what Viper had said behind her back.

Ivory loved having Lily as a friend as the two girls were around the same age, and Lily had a more agreeable personality. Lily was honest, social, loyal, and fun. Lily was always smiling and sparked a big smile on her face. Lily and her sister were opposites, but Ivory didn't mind Harley either. Harley was more aloof and was much snarkier than Lily, but she was intelligent and sly. Harley was the true definition of a spy. Harley took life seriously and dedicated her life to the gang.

Someone knocked on Ivory's door. She told the person to come in as she began to zip up her suitcase. She smiled as the person entered the room.

"Hey, Hawks."

"Hi, Ivory. Are you done packing?"

"Almost. I have toiletries, but I will pack those before I leave tomorrow," Ivory smiled.

"There is something I want to talk about right now," Hawks scratched the back of his head.

Ivory noted that he seemed nervous.

Ivory nodded, and the two sat on her bed.

"How have you been emotionally and psychologically after what happened to Viper?"

Ivory was silent. She was unsure of how to answer that question. Her heart felt tight, and Ivory was sure she would cry about losing her best friend, even though her friend would not bat an eyelash if it were her.

"I can't answer that question," Ivory said as she felt Hawks staring at her. "Some days, I feel fine, but others hit me the most. Suddenly, I remember what happened, and it stings," Ivory turned to Hawks, "Is that weird to say?"

Hawks shook his head. "I'm sorry you lost Viper the way you did, Ivory. What Blue did was wrong."

Ivory was shocked to hear that Hawks disagreed with it. "But why were you laughing with everyone else?"

"I felt awkward as everyone else was okay with what Blue had in mind."

"Oh, I understand. Did the gang know that Blue would burn her alive?"

"Sometimes Blue has a mandatory meeting where we all decide on a punishment, but he never had one for Viper. I think it depends on his mood."

"Has Blue ever burned anyone alive?" Ivory felt strange asking the question, but she wanted answers.

"Viper was the first," Hawks frowned, "I think he did it to scare you."

"It certainly freaked me out, but imagine how Viper felt being charred alive."

"I doubt Viper felt most of it," Hawks said. "Look, a lot took place, and I don't want to tell you until you're ready."

"Well, you can start from the beginning."

Hawks took a deep breath. "Do you remember when Blue demoted you, and suddenly, Viper was on the news?" Ivory nodded. "Blue paid some guys to abduct her. Rover and Birdie hacked into the computers so the police wouldn't be able to obtain evidence. After, the two guys brought Viper to this base."

"So Viper never escaped?" Ivory asked. Hawks shook his head. "The police never sent her to a mental institution? People brought Viper here?"

Hawks nodded. "I had no idea until Lucky said he saw Harley push Viper against the wall in the basement and force her into a room. He had seen Rover and Birdie run into the hallway and mention they hacked the police's headquarters, so the police won't have any leads. Lucky was at the wrong place at the wrong time."

"Then what?"

"Blue was there and told them they would deal with Viper some other time. Viper cried because Harley roughed her up a little, and you know Harley."

Ivory said nothing.

"Viper said something about her leg hurting, and Rover walked over to her, but Blue told him that snitches get stitches. Rover mentioned that it was unfair and immoral to leave Viper with an injured leg, but Blue told him to move away from her. Rover listened, and then Blue locked the door."

Ivory took everything in and sighed. The whole situation was sickening.

"There is more, but I will tell you when you're ready."

"Who told you to tell me this?"

"No one. I felt it was right for you to know. You haven't been yourself," Hawks rubbed Ivory's back.

Hawks embraced Ivory in a hug. Ivory dug her head into his muscular shoulder blade and enjoyed his intimacy. Ivory needed it, and she appreciated Hawks' comforting grasp.

The two stayed grasping onto each other quietly, and Ivory felt that minutes or even hours had passed, but Ivory longed for the hospitality from a friend. Hawks gently grabbed Ivory face and kissed her. Hawks' left hand wrapped through Ivory's hair, and the other touched her lower back as their lips met passionately.

Ivory's hands met Hawks' shoulders, and her nerves were everywhere. She did not expect Hawks to like her, and she had no friend to share the juicy experience.

When Hawks pulled away, the two stared at each other intensely. Silent moments passed, and Ivory intertwined her hand with Hawks'. "Hawks, could you stay? Nothing has to happen, but I have been lonely. I lost everything; it's so weird to say."

Hawks smiled. "Sure, I'll stay."

The two lay on Ivory's bed, and when it got late, the two were asleep on the bed. The room was peaceful, but the base was always alive. Plenty of inhabitants remained, so tons of noises and thumping around could be heard at all times of the day, but it made the base home. This night, the base was unusually vacant, and the two lovers slept without anything to awaken them.