Victory is Bittersweet

[EPONINE GASCOIGNE]

Eponine had done it. There wasn't even a trial. Josephs have thankfully had a reasonable idea of where to track down Goodman. It had cost her a pretty penny, but Goodman knew where to go for the information she needed. At last, she found the two suits that really had pushed Jared off the building and there was finally a good reason to let Micah go. The elders of the Council didn't like it one bit. They had sneered and glared at her motion, but she wasn't afraid of them. Those geezers could dress and act like the mafia all they wanted, but they were foolish pretenders. She had outsmarted them, and it felt fantastic. Micah Stokes was a free man, one she had every intention of seeing outside of jail. He was supposed to protect her, after all.

It wasn't just that, though. She genuinely enjoyed Micah's company. The several times they had met in the prison and just before she met with him to bring the motion to dismiss to the Council, the two had developed a witty and comfortable rapport. Both were quiet, but if they fell into silence with each other, it wasn't awkward. Overall, Micah just seemed like a decent guy, and she was glad she had taken him up on his offer to have a bodyguard. Though she didn't necessarily fear the Council, she knew their tactics. They always exacted revenge, and she had royally pissed the off this time; she hadn't call someone else's bluff, she had called the bluff of the heads of the Council. They had orchestrated the crime, and what she had done was a slap in the face. Not only would she find it hard to rise on the Council for quite some time, but they would make her pay in other ways. Perhaps her life, but more likely a good beating would pay the price. She liked her face and body the way it was; she didn't need bruises to mar it. So Micah's presence would be welcomed.

Unfortunately, she had not been authorized to be there when Micah was released. It didn't matter, really. He had her address to her office, where she would be waiting for him to make sure everything was complete so he could put this whole business behind them. Carter wasn't there late, which she was grateful for; it would have been a little awkward for him to see Micah come into the office and hang out after what had passed between them several weeks before. She went through her e-mail, the office silent at this hour; it was about nine o' clock at night, so naturally no one was there. Her door was halfway closed, in case she needed to shut it quickly against an assailant coming in through the front door. She had to take precautions. When she heard the front door open, she froze in her typing, looking to the door. She got to her feet and quietly made her way to her office door, looking into the corridor. There was Micah, taller than she remembered him, and a smile spread across her face. "I thought you were locked up somewhere!" she teased. Her humor didn't come out often, but it did around Micah often and she was in a good mood. She'd won the most important case of her career yet! And she had gotten an innocent man out of prison. That would put anyone in a good mood.

[MICAH STOKES]

It had been a victory, alright.

Eponine was the attorney with a determination no man Gargoyle or otherwise could break apparently. She'd gone in tooth and nail and hadn't backed down until she was able to get the charges dropped. Micah couldn't have been more grateful for the victory, having his freedom back which had been taken away because he'd been in the wrong place at the wrong time. It was definitely a means for celebration and Micah would have celebrated if he had anyone to celebrate with. But Micah wasn't much of a drinker, he wasn't a very sociable man and his pool of friends was very small.

Plus Micah wasn't a hundred percent sold that he was in the clear just yet.

He had a feeling that the council would lash out for being made a fool of, and Micah didn't necessarily think it was going to be him that they lashed out against. He was more concerned about the attorney who had the charges dropped more than anything else at the moment, knowing that if he were in the council's position, she would be the first person to go.

Which was exactly why he was heading to her office.

Micah didn't own a vehicle. He didn't see the need for one and if he had a long distance to go then that's when a cab became handy. Fortunately for him Eponine's office wasn't far from where he'd spent the day as stone. He had an apartment but by the time he was let loose and set out to enjoy the fresh air the sun had risen, so he'd perched himself atop a clothing store away from the ledge so no one would notice him unless they came up to the roof. And as far as he knew there was no reason for someone to come up to the roof of a clothing store.

He entered the building and took to the stairs since he knew his feet could carry him up to the right floor faster than any elevator could. When he got to the proper floor it didn't take long to find the door marked 'Merryweather & Heimkes, Esq.' and enter the law office. He found himself out in the reception area but that was as far as he knew to go. He didn't know which office belonged to his attorney or if anyone else was even there that night. He didn't want to stumble into the wrong office and frighten someone if he didn't have to.

Then he saw her.

"I thought you were locked up somewhere!" Micah couldn't conceal the smile that spread over his face and he shook his head. "No ma'am," he uttered just above a whisper. "I had this lawyer who was just crazy enough to get me off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist," he teased and took a step towards her but his eyes were scanning the area as if he needed to assess their surroundings. "Is it just you in the office tonight?" He asked and then realized that it might have sounded a little.. creepy? "Just curious, don't want to say the wrong thing if there's someone else around," he explained and it was true. He didn't know about the others who worked there and whether they were the same as them or if they happened to be humans. He wouldn't slip up if it could be avoided with a little precaution.

[EPONINE GASCOIGNE]

"No ma'am. I had this lawyer who was just crazy enough to get me off with nothing more than a slap on the wrist." Eponine smiled wider, giving a light laugh. She had been pretty crazy over this case. She hadn't worked so hard on a case in a long time, but it felt good to do so. It was hard to find moments where you really felt alive when you lived for as long as they did. Yet over the course of the couple weeks it took to get Micah out of prison, she had experienced those invigorating moments several times. It was a good case with a good ending.

"Is it just you in the office tonight? Just curious, don't want to say the wrong thing if there's someone else around." Eponine smiled more and nodded. "Yeah, it's just us here. My coworkers are all human, so they're gone by this time of night," she assured. She stood there a little outside her door, pausing a moment before motioning into her office. "Well, come on in," she said, stepping back in herself. She made her way behind her desk and sat back in front of her computer while he made himself comfortable. "I'm just reading and replying to e-mails really quick. Then maybe I can take you for a coffee? To celebrate," she suggested with a wide smile. She had gotten used to how polite he was over the past few weeks and now she had actually come to enjoy it. He always called her "ma'am," which she found very old fashioned and kind, though it most likely came from his military background. She always insisted he call her Eponine instead of Ms. Gascoigne, though. For her it was strange, since she usually preferred her clients call her Ms. Gascoigne, lest things get to personal. It was different with Micah, though; it had been different from the start. Being thrown in his situation wasn't easy, and what little comfort she could give, she wanted to offer; being comfortable with his lawyer was a start. And they had actually, in her mind, become something like friends because of it. He called her Eponine, now, at the very least.

Her office was sparse with a few tasteful decorations. A picture of a Renaissance period map and her degrees hung on the walls and she had a mahogany bookshelf that held a slew of law books and a few awards she had received over the years, even a mini globe. For the most part, though, it was plain. She didn't need it to be anything else. It was enough to assure her clients that she knew what she was doing and would do it well. Her fingers clicked the keys of the keyboard quickly, shooting a few replies on a couple cases in silence, not feeling awkward doing so. Micah certainly wouldn't mind silence with as quiet as he was, and she knew he understood she had to do her job. He had become the sole focus of the past few weeks, and she found tonight that she only had two cases left to work on, both involving robberies that were open and shut cases for her as the prosecution. There was little to be done, which was perfect for getting better acquainted with Micah on the outside. He was going to be her bodyguard over the next couple weeks, after all.

When she had replied to all of her e-mails, she locked her computer and turned back to Micah with a smile. "So how about that coffee?" she suggested kindly. There was a noise at the door like someone had come in, and her brow furrowed. Who could that be? She got to her feet, looking at the door, and ready to see who it was coming into the office. Had Carter forgotten something, or was this something more sinister?

[MICAH STOKES]

At the invitation to come in Micah stepped right into Eponine's office and looked around, his eyes scanning the frames hanging on the walls and then the items that occupied her desk, a computer and some papers. Nothing out of the ordinary for an attorney's desk which was satisfying to say the least. He picked one of the two chairs that were set in front of the desk and took a seat when she said she had a few emails to reply back to. He was a patient man and had plenty of time to wait, and he would do so in silence if that was what she wanted.

The only sound in the office was the clacking of her fingers on the keyboard which he had to admit was a relaxing noise. He could probably listen to it all night long and be perfectly fine in doing so, but just as it became soothing it seemed it was coming to an end as Eponine finished up the remainder of her emails. "So how about that coffee?"

Micah got up to his feet and nodded his compliance, "coffee sounds fantastic," he said and headed towards the door. He was grateful for his freedom and knew there was nothing he could possibly do to show his gratitude to the woman, but watching over her would be a good place to start. Sure it sounded creepy at first but as they both got used to the idea of it then it was apparent that it was in fact a really good idea. He wasn't sold on her being safe after how hard she worked to get him in the clear, knowing that the council was the vindictive sort.

That's when he heard the sound coming from the front of the office building, alerting his senses and awakening all those years of training that he had from the military. He stuck two fingers up for Eponine and looked at her calmly, "all the humans are gone?" he asked quietly and stepped out of the office to see who their unexpected guest was.

[EPONINE GASCOIGNE]

Eponine was headed toward the door when Micah stood up and motioned for her to pause. The hand gesture he gave her was straight out of the military and she was eased for a moment. He was here; if it was someone there for her, he could protect her. She hated that she was comforted by that thought—she was the kind of woman who liked to handle everything on her own. His eyes came to hers and he said, “All the humans are gone?” She nodded and then wondered if maybe one of them had forgotten something. It would freak them out to see this big, hulking stranger coming at them. She walked around her desk and went to the door, pulling on his arm to get him back in her office. “Wait as sec. If it’s one of them, I don’t want you to scare them,” she explained, her brown eyes staring into his calm blue ones. “I’ll go check. Just wait here, okay?” She gave him a reassuring smile and let her hand fall from his arm as she stepped out into the lobby area.

Moving to the front door of the office, she heard it swing open before she saw who it was walking in. She had to admit, she was a little on edge for who it was, but at last a familiar face walked in. A sigh left her. “Mr. Goodman,” she greeted calmly, not letting on how nervous she had been. “I was wondering who would be coming in here this late.” The man gave a creepy smile and Eponine cleared her throat. Weirdo. “Can I help you with something?” she asked, wanting to get him out of her hair. “Yeah, I was coming to see you, actually.” “Oh, what about?” “The Stokes case.” “I’m sure you know he was released last night.” “Yeah, I know. I also know the Council’s not too happy about that.” Eponine felt her gut tightening and she furrowed her brow suspiciously at the man. “After the information you gave, I wouldn’t think you’d be in good graces right now.” “Those idiots still don’t know it was me who gave that information up. So they’ve given me a new job.” Eponine cocked a brow. “Have they?” Goodman nodded, that creepy smirk still on his face. “You.”

The woman only remained frozen for a heartbeat before she turned to run back to her office. Goodman was quick, obviously ready for her to bolt, and he closed the distance between them in seconds. Eponine felt her heart racing, desperate to get out of his grasp. The man tackled her and she toppled to the floor, Goodman pinning her facedown beneath him. She fought to push herself up, but she wasn’t strong by gargoyle standards; she was only a politician, after all. If she were a guardian, she could get this disgusting man off her! A guardian… “Micah!” she cried, her voice calling out only a minute after the scuffle began.

[MICAH STOKES]

It wasn't that he didn't trust Eponine. It was that he didn't approve of her telling him to stay while she went to see who it was and with pursed lips he stepped out of her way and let her pass. He wasn't going to argue with her because he was positive that she would win a verbal debacle, being as she did it for a living and whatnot. So he stayed in her office and walked aimlessly around it looking around once more. This time he had more time to look at the map that she had hanging on the wall, getting a closer look and reading what it said when he heard the muffled sounds of voices.

Two voices. It sounded like Eponine and someone else. Someone with a deep voice which made him come to the assumption that they must be male. He couldn't hear the conversation, just the muffled voices. But the conversation didn't last long and was followed by the sound of something falling to the ground. Or someone.

Micah was accustomed to being swift and all it took was the sound of something hitting the ground for him to turn and make his way out the door of Eponine's office. "Micah!" He didn't have enough time to try and assess what might be happening. He knew that her crying out his name meant danger and that was enough to get him to pick up his pace. And what he walked in on made him go into combat mode instantly.

Eponine was on the floor with a man on top of her. From his stature and strength he knew that the stranger had to be of their kind. He couldn't imagine a human male getting Eponine down so quick, no matter how built he may have been. His years of training were revealed in less than thirty seconds as he managed to grab the back of the man's neck and pinch it so he could throw him off of the woman. The stranger rolled a few times on the floor before Micah was able to pin him down on his back, Micah keeping him there with one knee on his chest and a hand coiled around the man's neck. That's when he realized who it was. "Goodman," he said quietly, more to himself than for him or Eponine to hear. His brows furrowed as he felt himself beginning to fume.

"Are you hurt Eponine?" He asked a little louder so that she could hear him. He didn't turn to look, his eyes were fixated on Goodman to make sure that he didn't move.

[EPONINE GASCOIGNE]

Eponine’s eyes came up quickly, finding Micah rushing out of her office. She heaved a sigh of relief, so glad he was there to protect her. Within seconds, Goodman was off her and being tossed aside like he was nothing. Even Eponine was surprised at Micah’s strength and speed. He certainly was capable of killing a man if he needed to; that was obvious. Micah pinned him to the ground, a knee on his chest and a hand at his throat, and Eponine watched from her place on the ground with surprise. It was all so quick, Micah made it look easy. She felt incredibly weak compared to Micah, but she didn’t let it bother her much. Goodman had the benefit of surprise as well.

Micah figured out who the man beneath him was, and Eponine pushed herself back to her knees. The knee of her left nylon was split open, leaving long tears in the material both up and down her leg. Well, so much for that pair of nylons. “Are you hurt Eponine?” She sighed, pushing herself to her feet. “No, just ruffled,” she replied, brushing her dress off and running a hand through her hair. What an ass. She wasn’t a priss, but she didn’t like looking disheveled either. Once collected again, she walked over to the pair, Goodman trying to struggle against Micah, but not doing a very good job of it. There was a cold fury in her eyes as she strode towards them.

When she reached them, she clenched her jaw and kicked Goodman in the face hard. He was a Gargoyle, he could take it, but his nose did start to bleed. The look in his eyes was pure hatred, obviously despising being overcome. Eponine stepped back from him, her face a cool, elegant mask. “Tell me, Goodman, what makes you angrier? That you just got kicked in the face, or the fact that it was a woman who did it?” she asked, cocking her head to the side. Goodman seethed. “You’ll pay for that, bitch.” “I would suggest adjusting your tone. I believe Micah has the upper hand here,” she replied softly, coldly. She had never been required to use that tone with Micah and she briefly wondered if he would think differently of her. It was a passing thought and gone quickly as she took a place at his shoulder, staring down at the rapist and Council bitch.

“Who sent you specifically?” she demanded. “You think I’m stupid enough to talk to you again?” “Yes,” she replied simply. “Now, who sent you?” “I’m not talking.” Eponine considered him for a moment, frowning with concentration, her heavy eyes taking in his bloodied face. “You’re scared,” she finally said, softly. Goodman’s anger flashed again. “I’m not afraid of them.” “Bullshit.” The word was firm and unyielding, letting him know she knew the truth. With that she crouched down slowly, her knees locked together demurely, her eyes never leaving his face. “You can go back to them like an obedient dog, Goodman,” she instructed. “I don’t care what you tell them, but if I see you anywhere near me again, it’ll be the last time anyone sees you. I think you know I’ll make good on that promise.” Eponine didn’t like threatening people; it left a bad taste in her mouth, and that was evident from the uncertain look on her face. But she had her ways of killing Goodman, if she needed to, both of which had the last name Davenport. “You can let him go, Micah,” she said softly, turning her eyes to him finally. Her eyes weren't cold when she looked at him, grateful for his assistance.

[MICAH STOKES]

Micah was a man of very few words. He preferred action over words any day and it was apparent he didn't intend to do any talking as he kept Goodman pinned to the floor. He'd tossed him around like a rag doll and although Goodman didn't really know Micah, he'd seen him a few times before and the recollection was there in his eyes. He knew that this was the man that he'd been assigned to frame, holding him down no matter how much he struggled.

"No, just ruffled," Micah wasn't quite sure what she meant by that but before he could even ask she was there and kicked the man right in the face. Instantly Goodman's nose began to gush out blood that ran down the side of his face and Micah could feel some of it sliding between his fingers. Although he didn't really like it, blood didn't bother it. He didn't grow queasy or make a face of disgust, he just kept the man pinned and watched him for any sudden movements.

"You'll pay for that, bitch." Now Micah wasn't one to use unnecessary violence but he didn't tolerate Goodman's rudeness towards Eponine. "Manners," he said simply and tightened the grip around his throat to make him cough a bit before he loosened it once more. It was just enough to let him know that Micah meant business.

He remained silent as the conversation went on, Goodman struggling a bit under Micah's weight but it was nothing that he couldn't handle. Because of his size he had the upper advantage over Goodman and even if he didn't surprise the man he was confident he still would have taken him down. Micah didn't fight people he knew he couldn't beat unless it was necessary, and even still he usually found a way around whatever weakness there was.

Eponine made her threat and although he wasn't sure how she would do it, he got the feeling that she would be good on it. There was no doubt in his mind that she had her own resources to get the job done, he just wasn't sure if he would be the one who would be given the position. He didn't murder people just because he could.

When the conversation was over he look his knee off of Goodman's chest so he could breathe a little easier and took his hand off of his throat. He grabbed the man by the collar of his shirt and hoisted him up to his feet. Whether he was ready or not to stand he was going to do it and after a little stumbling to try and get his feet to work Goodman was standing on his own. Micah kept himself between Goodman and Eponine, even keeping an arm extended out almost like he were trying to divide the room with it, but really he had it out in case he had to push Eponine behind him for any reason.

Goodman seemed reluctant to go, his nose pouring blood all down the front of him. He hesitated, like he was trying to assess the situation and figure out if he could take Micah on even though the man was clearly a head taller, and realized that he wanted to go for it even with the height difference. Goodman took a swing right for Micah's gut and made contact, causing Micah to keel over momentarily. He felt the pain shoot through his stomach but his reflexes took over and Micah sent a blow right back, but his fist connected just above Goodman's left brow and sent him staggering backwards. And that seemed enough for Goodman to get the message and he staggered his way right out the door.

When he was sure he heard Goodman's footsteps fading he let out a sharp cough and touched his stomach where he'd been hit. It had knocked a bit of wind out of him and if he would have had anything in his stomach he might have even thrown it up. Goodman had a good arm on him but Micah's was apparently better. He wasn't concerned about himself. He'd be fine and it was Eponine that he was worried about.

Micah turned his attention to the woman and reached his hand out to touch her shoulder gently in case he needed to comfort her. "Are you sure you're not hurt?" If she was then he would want to know, and a quick look over her he could see the ripped hose, the split running up her left leg but from what he could see there were no cuts or blood. "A bodyguard doesn't sound so creepy anymore, does it?" He said softly but there was a hint of sarcasm in his voice as he grinned at her. It was time to brighten up the mood a little in his opinion.

[EPONINE GASCOIGNE]

Eponine watched as Micah hauled Goodman to his feet, keeping himself between his lawyer and her would-be attacker. It was impressive how strong he was and how intent he was on keeping herself. She greatly appreciated it. Eponine kept her distance from Goodman, knowing he might still try to lunge for her. His nose was gushing blood, satisfying her that perhaps she had broken it for him. He deserved it, the little prick. For a moment, Goodman stood there, just glaring at Micah and Eponine wondered if he was actually stupid enough to take a swing at the man a good head taller than him. Apparently, he was.

She couldn’t hold back the gasp that left her as Goodman’s fist connected with Micah’s stomach, and she took a step forward instinctively. Micah was hurt, and she wanted to make sure he was okay, but she stopped herself before she got in the middle of that fist fight. It didn’t take Micah long to recover, and he swung his fist up, hooking Goodman just above the eye. She watched anxiously to see if Goodman would try to make another move, but he was smart enough this time to let it lie. Her heavy brown eyes glared after him as he made his retreat. It served him right for trying to hurt her.

Goodman gone, Micah coughed sharply, calling Eponine’s attention back to her bodyguard. She stepped forward quickly, grabbing hold of his arms as she looked up at him worriedly. Was he okay, was he hurt, did she have to take him to the hospital? She wasn’t used to worrying about people, and when she did she went a little crazy. Before she could get out any of those questions, though, his hand was on her shoulder. After seeing the rough way his hands handled Goodman, his gentle touch was a bit confusing and…well, heartwarming. “Are you sure you’re not hurt?” His eyes checked, and she tried her best to keep the color from her cheeks, having a hard time speaking for a moment. She smiled though and nodded, saying in a voice just above a whisper, “I’m fine.” “A bodyguard doesn’t sound so creepy anymore, does it?” She gave a soft laugh, shaking her head. “Smart ass,” she murmured playfully. Her hand came up and gripped the arm extended toward her. “Thank you.” Her voice was soft, a smile on her lips, and she didn’t like to think of what might have happened if Micah hadn’t been there.

With a sigh, she came back to her senses and glanced back to her office. “Well, I guess we should do that coffee at my place. At least there I know it’s safe,” she said with a wider smile. She pulled away from him, stepping back to her office. “Let me grab my things.” Back in her office, she had time to briefly consider what it was about Micah that was throwing her off. She wasn’t into the whole white knight deal. Eponine was still convinced she could take care of herself, and would always think so. So what was it about Micah? Maybe it was the fact that he could brutally overpower someone and yet he was so kind and gentle with her. It certainly helped that he was quite handsome. She didn’t know, but it felt somewhat taboo. With a sigh, she shook her head, grabbed her purse and briefcase, and made her way out the door, locking the door behind her. “Follow me,” she instructed, smiling at Micah and walking out the front door and down a flight of stairs into the cool night air. “Do you have a car or did you walk over here? If not, I’ll give you a lift.” It would make things easier if Micah didn’t have to follow her to her apartment, but either way, that’s where they were going. She had a pretty sweet espresso machine that would be just as good as a cup of coffee house joe.

[MICAH STOKES]

"Smart ass," the smile crept over Micah's lips and it was obvious that Eponine would be just fine. He listened to her explain that coffee at her place would be a better decision and he nodded in agreement. At least there he would be able to relax and not be too concerned about any other customers that were near them. It did however, mean that they would be alone and he'd probably have to come up with something interesting to talk about. Not that it mattered. He was sure if she wanted to talk she would gladly start up a conversation with a topic that interested her and he'd carry on.

As she gathered his things he rubbed his stomach a bit where he'd been hit. Although he was bigger and stronger than Goodman, the man still had an arm on him and it did hurt. He coughed quietly with his hand covering his mouth before looking around. He had gotten some of the man's blood on his hand when Eponine had kicked him in the face. He had to admit now that it was all done and over it was pretty incredible how she'd kicked him. He didn't think she had it in her, looking like a woman with a bark that was worse than her bite. Then again her bark could be lethal he was sure, so she didn't need a strong bite in his honest opinion of the woman.

When she came back out of her office he followed her down the stairs and outside. "Do you have a car or did you walk over here? If not, I'll give you a lift." Micah didn't go out often enough so he never made an effort to buy a car. And when you lived in a city with public transportation what was the point? "I walked," he explained, always being one who enjoyed to walk anyways. He'd go anywhere his legs would carry him and if they couldn't take him there then it wasn't a place worth going. He was a very simple man and followed her to where she'd parked. "What do you make of Goodman? And the council?" He didn't usually ask questions but was normally the one giving simple answers and it felt weird questioning her but he wanted to know what she thought and what was on her mind.

He had a feeling it wouldn't be the last time they would see Goodman but it might be a while. His nose would have to heal after all.

[EPONINE GASCOIGNE]

“I walked.” Eponine nodded and made her way to her car. It would be simple to get back to her place then. It was a good thing she had high ceilings; Micah wasn’t likely to hit his head on something. The man was a giant, but a gentle one. She had to admit, that made the man pretty attractive. In an odd way, she was his employer now, though, and that kind of relationship with Micah wouldn’t be appropriate. Didn’t mean a girl couldn’t dream, though. She was parked right outside the building, her silver Lexus beeping when she clicked the fob. As she made her way to the driver’s side, Micah asked her a question. “What do you make of Goodman? And the Council?” A little smirk came to her lips and she glanced around them quickly. “Get in the car where nobody can hear,” she instructed, almost playfully, but she was serious. She had some scathing things to say about the Council and she didn’t need Goodman to overhear if he was still lurking. It could get her into serious trouble with her position as a Politician.

Once in the car, she started the engine and buckled her seat belt before she decided to talk. “First of all, I think the Council is a bunch of washed up old wannabe mafiosos. They’re much too disorganized to be called a mafia, though.” She was pulling out into the street and she made her way back home. It was only about 15 minutes away, but she liked driving. There was something calming about it for her nerves. She would take long drives after stressful cases all the time. “The one thing they know how to do, though, is get people to do their dirty work for them. They wouldn’t hesitate to have me harmed for this business, but they wouldn’t kill me. I made them look a fool, but killing me would be too public. This case has gotten some pretty good attention in the community. Roughing me up wouldn’t be a problem for them, though. At least, they didn’t think so. They weren’t counting on you being my bodyguard.” She smiled over at him briefly before looking back to the road.

“As for Goodman, I can’t say whether he’ll come back or not. I think he probably will, which is unfortunate, but if you can wait it out, he would give up after a second time. As for my threat to kill him, don’t worry I wasn’t serious,” she assured him with a smile. Truth was, she had been serious, but Micah didn’t need to know that about her. She didn’t do the killing herself, she never did that, but Sebastian would be more than willing to do it…for a fee. Maybe that was cruel and underhanded of her, but she liked living; if killing someone else to preserve her own life was necessary, she would do that. After kicking Goodman in the face, he might actually try to kill her if he came back. She was surprisingly calm at that thought, though. It was strange to still want Micah to see certain sides of her, though. Normally she wouldn’t care what he thought of her at this point, but with Micah…he was just so good. Part of her wanted to be better around him, not the selfish bitch that she knew she was quite capable of being.

Their discussion made a question come up in her mind, though. “Don’t you have a job to go back to?” she asked. “Not that I don’t appreciate your protection. I do, but I don’t want you to miss work just for me.” Her heavy brown eyes looked over at him in the passenger’s seat, genuinely concerned by that. The man had to eat, after all. She didn’t want to keep him from his bread and butter. “If you’re going to insist, then I’m going to feed you as payment. No arguments,” she added almost playfully, giving him another glance. She had a good feeling he would insist. He was a stand-up guy, after all.

[MICAH STOKES]

"Get in the car where nobody can hear," "You can be kind of bossy." Micah mumbled under his breath sarcastically but he didn't really mean it. If she really was bossy he could handle that just fine and if she wasn't, well that was okay too. He was such an easy going guy that it didn't phase him and he could hang around with anyone just as long as they weren't a psychotic dingbat. He climbed into the car and the first thing he had to do was adjust the seat, reaching under and grabbed the little handle and pushing it back as far as he could. Even with it pushed back all the way he still had to bend his knees though. He was just too tall and had always been cramped in vehicles.

“First of all, I think the Council is a bunch of washed up old wannabe mafiosos. They’re much too disorganized to be called a mafia, though. The one thing they know how to do, though, is get people to do their dirty work for them. They wouldn’t hesitate to have me harmed for this business, but they wouldn’t kill me. I made them look a fool, but killing me would be too public. This case has gotten some pretty good attention in the community. Roughing me up wouldn’t be a problem for them, though. At least, they didn’t think so. They weren’t counting on you being my bodyguard."

Micah thought she had a very valid point, the council did act like they were old school mafia when they weren't even close. They tried to recreate what the generation before them had done. Now the old council had been a scary thing but they'd all been either murdered or died of natural causes. Their council members didn't get cycled through too often since they lived so long. But he also thought she might have been underestimating them at the same time. She knew that the council had others do their dirty work but it was the people who they chose to do said dirty work that should concern her. They were ruthless killing machines.

“As for Goodman, I can’t say whether he’ll come back or not. I think he probably will, which is unfortunate, but if you can wait it out, he would give up after a second time. As for my threat to kill him, don’t worry I wasn’t serious,” He looked to her and watched her while she spoke, wondering if she was telling him the truth or not. People usually said whatever they could to try and get out of a bad situation, but he had a feeling that wasn't what Eponine had done. She had kept her calm during the entire thing so did Micah believe that she was serious? Absolutely. "Uh huh," he uttered and nothing more about it. He didn't want to say that he didn't believe her and he wasn't about to lie and say he did so he just let it go.

"Don't you have a job to go back to?" He looked out the front window as she drove, staying still in his seat with his hands on his knees. The only time he really moved was when they hit a bump or turned, his body would move with the impact but that was it for the most part. He was just one of those people who didn't need to fidget or touch things. He liked to be still and quiet. "Not that I don't appreciate your protection. I do, but I don't want you to miss work just for me. If you're going to insist, then I'm going to feed you as payment. No arguments," The corners of his lips creeped up into a slight smile but he didn't look over at her or lift a finger. "It was part time. I get a pension for my military services," because he lived longer than others he knew his pension would run out eventually. They couldn't just pay him until he died but they could pay him for a human life span. And if he decided to go back in then he'd get more. "I'm going to have to insist, but I won't say no to free food." She probably already knew his answer before he said anything.

"I think Goodman is going to wait and try to get you alone. He'll watch you and if he sees he can't get you alone then he'll bring backup. Men like Goodman aren't stupid. There's a reason the council keeps him around and it isn't because he has no problem hitting a woman. He's ruthless. I know his kind. Hell, I can be his kind if I need to be." His words came out so casual as if they were just having a conversation about the weather. He had a dark side that he could unleash if he ever needed to, but it wasn't too often that he did.

"I'm not leaving your side. You may kick and scream but you're going to be stuck with me until I'm positive you're in the clear, no matter how long that may be." He had a feeling she probably didn't like to be the one being told what was going to happen. He was pretty much saying that she didn't have a choice in the matter and sure, it might have sounded creepy if it were in any other scenario but it was a matter of life and death. "No matter how bossy you might like to be, I'm in charge when it comes to this. I take life and death situations very seriously." He eased up a bit as he explained why he wasn't going to leave her side, trying to sound a little less like a stern drill Sargent and more like a friend.

[EPONINE GASCOIGNE]

“It was part time. I get a pension for my military services.” That made sense to Eponine. At least protecting her wouldn’t get in the way of Micah making money. She was still going to feed him, though. She would probably have to spend most of her time holed up in her apartment with him. Good thing she always kept well stocked on food. Unlike her cousin, she preferred to cook her own food, finding it relaxing and healthier. “I’m going to have to insist, but I won’t say no to free food.” She smiled more, keeping her eyes on the road. They weren’t far from her condo now, and she listened as he talked about Goodman and the council. “He’s ruthless. I know his kind. Hell, I can be his kind if I need to be.” This statement took Eponine by surprise. Though he was in the military, he seemed so gentle. She knew he wasn’t convinced by her statement earlier that she didn’t have men killed. The way he had responded had made that evident. At least he didn’t lie about his ability to kill. It made her frown, feeling like a fool. Still, he wouldn’t kill without a reason. But then, neither did Eponine. He was right, Goodman was dangerous; wouldn’t she just be protecting herself? She would mull that over later. It was too troublesome to think about right now.

“I’m not leaving your side. You may kick and scream but you’re going to be stuck with me until I’m positive you’re in the clear, no matter how long that may be.” Eponine had mixed feelings about that statement. She didn’t like being told how things were going to go. On the other hand, she found it endearing that Micah had such a sense of loyalty to her that he would protect her even when he was in danger. And she knew she needed the protection. She didn’t take Goodman or the Council seriously. When she was younger, she had. Now, they were a significantly lesser version of what she had known in her younger years and aspired to be a part of. It was good to have Micah around who would actually fear what they could do and protect her. She couldn’t do it herself, not when she still didn’t grasp the danger she was in. She gave him an amused smile, though, keeping her reluctance to herself. “No matter how bossy you might like to be, I’m in charge when it comes to this. I take life and death situations very seriously.” Eponine laughed a little, finding him calling her bossy amusing. She was bossy, she always had been, but she still found it funny when she got called on it. “Yes, sir, Gunnery Sergeant,” she teased, glancing over at him with an impish glint in her eye. She had found out his rank during the course of her investigation and for some reason it stuck with her.

As they pulled up to her condo, she parked the car in the garage under the building and climbed out with her briefcase. She glanced at Micah getting out and had to smirk a little. “How cramped are your legs, by the way?” she asked playfully. Eponine lived on one of the top levels of the building, the floor below her cousin. It was a little too close to the brat for her taste, but they managed not to run into each other often. She had a feeling if Micah ever had the chance to meet August, he would despise him. August was such a cocky little shit, though maybe he had softened a little since meeting his redheaded sweetheart. But, then again, maybe not. Her apartment was a two bedroom and rather spacious. She only needed room for herself and an office, but she liked the openness of this apartment. The high windows let in spectacular views of the city, and the air out on the balcony was fresh and always moving, being so high in the air. It was a good place for a Gargoyle. Her furnishings were simple, stylish and classic with a modern flair, predominantly dark wood and dark green accents. The technology in her home was state of the art, preferring to live comfortably.

“You can make yourself comfortable,” she told him over her shoulder as she set her purse on the counter in her open kitchen and living room. “I’m going to change.” She crossed the hardwood floors loudly in her heels, closing the bedroom door behind her. The first thing she did was kick off those shoes and throw her ripped nylons in the trash. She kept her dresser inside her walk-in closet and stepped in there to change into a pair of jeans and a simple lavender button-down shirt. The clothes she wore around the house tended to show just how thin and willowy she really was, since they were more form-fitting. It occurred to her that Micah had never seen her dressed down before, but it didn’t bother her. They were going to be spending a lot of time together over the next few weeks and he was going to see a lot of her dressed down. She put her fuzzy white slippers on and shuffled back out into the living area, throwing Micah a smile as she moved to her espresso machine. “I hope you like espresso,” she commented, grabbing a couple mugs and setting one in place to start the machine. She loved the cappuccinos this thing made.

[MICAH STOKES]

"Yes, sir, Gunnery Sergeant," Her words made him turn his head and give her a funny look. She had done her homework but that wasn't news for him. She was a very thorough person and he was sure that she was that way in her personal life as well. He figured he was going to find out eventually.

When the car finally came to a stop Micah found it was harder to get out of the car than it was to get in it. His knees banged against the dashboard and he had to twist himself by leaning in the car more just to get his legs out. "How cramped are your legs, by the way?" He just looked at her and shook his head as if that head shake meant 'don't start' but in a joking way. His demeanor hardly ever changed and just because he almost got stuck in her car didn't mean he was going to get upset.

Micah had to follow Eponine to her condo since he'd never been there before. The building was nice and clean. And when they arrived at her apartment everything looked expensive and neat. It must have cost her a pretty penny to live there and the view from the windows was magnificent. At least from what he could see. She told him to make himself comfortable and then headed off to change. That's when he stepped towards the windows and really looked out to gaze upon the city below. But he only stood there to take in the few for a moment and then moved on.

He noticed that it was spacious. For someone who lived alone she had a lot of space, but some people enjoyed space. For Micah it didn't matter he wasn't picky about space or prices or anything like that. He was just... Micah. When Eponine came back out he turned to look at her just as she gave him a smile. She was wearing different clothing.. colorful. She looked thinner too but that was expected. Suits, men and women alike, always made the person look bulkier than they truly were.

He made his way across her living room to follow her to the kitchen. "I hope you like espresso." He was more of a black coffee with two sugars kind of man but he nodded. "That would be fine." He told her softly and realized how quiet it suddenly seemed. The silence didn't bother him but he wasn't sure if she would enjoy it as much as he did. Especially with him standing there watching her. He'd offer to help but he didn't know the first thing about an espresso machine and he'd probably just break the damn thing.

"I'll stay out of your hair as much as possible." He told her with his eyes still on her, watching her go to work on making their fancy coffees. "I don't think I could ever thank you enough for what you've done for me. I owe you my life, Eponine."

[EPONINE GASCOIGNE]

“That would be fine.” Eponine nodded and hardly noticed the silence that fell over them. Micah was a quiet guy and she wasn’t exactly the most talkative person either. She was very comfortable in silence or in light conversation or a debate. It was personal conversation that always made her tongue stick a little. She didn’t like to talk about herself, what she had experienced, or how she felt. Those were always hard conversations for her, and she supposed that was why she wasn’t close to anyone. If Micah wanted to make small talk, he could, but she didn’t mind standing in silence with him. It was a comfortable kind of silence in her opinion.

“I’ll stay out of your hair as much as possible.” She looked at him, her brown eyes a little wide with surprise. “I don’t think I could ever thank you enough for what you’ve done for me. I owe you my life Eponine.” The machine was making loud hissing sounds, but she heard his words perfectly and a slow warm smile came to her face. Not many people saw that smile, but she found she had shown it to Micah several times since first meeting him in shackles. “I have a feeling I’ll be saying that to you by the time all of this is over,” she replied softly. “But for what it’s worth, I was happy to do it. And I appreciate you being in my hair.” She smiled wider as his coffee finished and she handed it to him. She turned away, her hair falling in her face as she set up her cup where his had been just moments before.

“I think we’ll probably be laying low for the most part over the next week or so. I mean, I’ll get what I need to, but I can work from home for the most part and I don’t see a reason to put myself in danger on purpose,” she explained. “If you need anything, let me know, and we can go pick it up.” She looked over at him again, the smell of coffee now filling her kitchen. “You probably don’t want to wear the same clothes for a week, after all.” Her smile was amused before the hissing started on the machine and she looked back to it. The hissing always made her nervous. That coffee was really hot and she didn’t want it spraying all over her. But the coffee was good enough that she would risk it. She did love that machine. When it was done, she pulled her mug away and managed to spill a little on the floor. She made a small tasking noise and placed the coffee on the counter so she could get something to wipe it up with.

There was a napkin holder on a further counter. She moved toward it, but as she did, her foot found a spot where she had spilled oil the night before while cooking. It made the waxed wood extremely slippery and she felt her foot slide under her in the fluffy, hard-soled slippers. Before she could catch herself, she was falling backwards, landing with a loud thump on her back and cracking her head back on the floor. She let out something like a yelp, bringing a hand up to her head as her eyes squeezed shut. “Owww!” she whined as she felt pain rushing to the spot the floor and her head connected. When she opened her eyes, she saw Micah standing over her and she covered her face with her hand. “I’m just…going to lie here for a minute…and die of embarrassment,” she murmured, her other hand resting on her belly, now slightly exposed from the fall, but just barely. It occurred to her how funny the situation was after a moment, however, and she laughed, slowly at first and then progressively more. Her hand over her eyes pulled away as she looked up at Micah. “You can save me from Goodman, but can you save me from myself?” she laughed. Eponine rarely laughed at her own expense, but the whole scene must have been pretty amusing. Being normally graceful, this clumsiness of hers had to make her laugh or she really would die of embarrassment. She hated other people seeing her so clumsy.