Just a Flesh Wound. ~Max and Peyton~

I knew that I was close to blacking out. A body could only take so much pain. In the distance I swear that over the sound of my own flesh being pummeled, I could hear something else. Whatever it was, I couldn't pinpoint it, and right now I had enough to worry about. I could only guess what would happen when they realized I was almost unconscious. They had already stripped me of my knives, and my belt. Adding to my humiliation, my shirt was half-way up my back, exposing the soft skin to the pavement and my stomach to the harsh reality of the man in front of me in the form of his steel-toed boots. I tried to figure out why I had deserved this. What did I do but accidentally bump him with my elbow. "Son of a bitch." I manage to mutter, spitting the blood that I had coughed up in his face. I know that it was stupid, but really what more could they do to me? One was most assuredly going to show me, but that incessant sound presented itself. It was a man and his dog. Was this a joke?

The dog went after the man that had drawn his hand back to hit me in the face, the one spot they had managed to spare on my battered body. "Hey, FUCKFACE!" was all I heard before the man kicking me shot over me like a rocket. He was propelled by the man that had launched himself into him like a human cannonball. The third man ran in the other direction, showing that at least he had some common sense. It was one thing to go after a girl, it was another to go up against a full grown man and a large dog. I slowly rolled over while they were preoccupied. I coughed again and sent blood splattering across the pavement. I wiped my mouth and proceeded to get my body slowly up to my knees. With as much effort as I could manage I pushed myself to my feet. I swayed and caught myself against the wall. I had never in my life felt so much pain. "That's gonna hurt tomorrow." I muttered, then chuckled at my poor joke and groaned at the shot of pure agony shot through my abdomen.

I turned my attention to the men that had not been so fortunate as to get away. The dog had no trouble subduing it's victim. Though viewing the man as a victim was a stretch for me. Further down I saw the man that had come to my rescue. I hated the fact that I had to be rescued but it was a fact that I couldn't deny. He had no trouble either that I could see and I realized that for some reason he was shirtless and sweaty. Sweaty I could understand since it was so hot out here, but it wasn't from effort. He didn't look like he was even having to try. I felt envy at his strength and awe at the muscles that bunched and flexed as he moved. I didn't know why I was rooted to the spot, didn't know why I couldn't look away. It wasn't that I was offended by the sight, I quite enjoyed seeing the man get a piece of his own medicine. Both of them to be exact.

I caught myself staring not at the man that had attacked me, but at the man that had come to my rescue. He was absolutely stunning. For a minute I assumed it was just a reaction to being saved, but I doubted it. He was a grown man, and I was only fifteen, but the thoughts that went through my head were hardly child-like. I felt my face flush and was glad that he wouldn't be able to tell that it was my reaction to him. I wanted to reach out and touch him, just to see if those muscles were as hard as I was sure they were. I was never so glad of a wall as I was the one that was behind me. I had to get my knives back though, and thankfully the one that had taken my things was the one that had gotten taken down by the man's massive dog. "Um.." I pointed to the dog. "That one has my things." I didn't think ahead how I was going to explain the knives, I just wanted them back.

I hated feeling weak, but my legs almost wouldn't hold me up any more. I watched him with wide eyes as I finally got to see his face. His fists moved so fast, I couldn't keep up. I had finally gotten to see his face and I felt my heart beat faster, and unfortunately I had lost my breath again for another second.This time it wasn't from the pain, but the breathtaking face that had just turned toward me. My lungs and throat were burning. I figured he didn't hear me when I said the man had my things, mostly because my voice sounded weak to even my own ears. He turned to face me, eyes alighting on me for seemingly the first time. His words were harsh to the men he had beaten within an inch of their lives, but when he approached I wasn't afraid. Just as my knees were about to buckle, he picked me up. It was a relief and a thrill at the same time. He was still shirtless, smelled like sweat and blood and everything was male. He strode away and called to his demon dog. I would love to have a dog like that. Those fuckers wouldn't have messed with me then. I strained my head to see over his broad shoulder and placed one hand on said shoulder to peer over. The dog was herding the men like sheep down the alley. For a moment I frowned as I wondered how they had gotten me into the alley, then remembered that I had tried to run. 

I heard the sirens and the sound grated. My head was throbbing and it sounded like nails on a chalkboard. I cringed, unable to stop myself. With that worry, another came with the fact that still the man still had my knives. With the sirens meant people asking questions, and confiscating my weapons. "Well shit." How in the world was I going to get them back? I would let my parents take care of it. When they heard what happened, they would understand I was sure. I let myself back down when I had assured myself that they weren't going to get away, that his dog wasn't going to let them go anywhere. It brought me back to the reality of the man that was now carrying me. His muscles were just as hard as I had thought they would be. He was slick with sweat and I just unobtrusively ran my hand down his chest. I shivered a little and bit my lip. I closed my eyes as I felt his muscles tense under my hand. His heat permeated through my shirt and jeans, and I could feel my stomach clench. I had never felt more secure as I did in his arms, but neither had I felt so small. I could only imagine that he was taking me somewhere to get medical attention. When I started coughing up blood I figured that denying it would be futile and ignorant. I really did need help. I just hoped that he would carry me there the whole way. 

I let my eyes wander over his chest, the arm that disappeared underneath my legs, and what parts of his face I could see. Did he realize just how gorgeous he was? I wanted to run my tongue across the length of his strong jawline, and I couldn't believe the thought even as it finished in my head. The urge was almost irresistable, but I managed. Barely. My hands curled up into fists in anger and frustration. Never had I been so hyper-aware of another human being. But I was only fifteen, this man would have nothing to do with me. It was almost enough to set me off in a fit. Well, what the hell? I nuzzled my head under his chin, and wondered at how gently he was holding me. After all I had been through he wouldn't begrudge me that would he? He wasn't jostling me, or gripping me too tightly. It was amazing to just be held. By him I mean. I breathed in deeply, not caring that most people would be disgusted by the smell of sweat, but I reveled in it. 

I didn't bother to ask him where we were going, or how far help was, or why he wasn't even glancing back to see if the men had gotten away. He must have absolute faith in that dog of his. What did he say it's name was? Kaiser? What a strange name. I didn't know how to handle or process the strange feelings and wants that were so new to me, so my mind focused on the most inane things. For instance, the fact that I didn't even know my savior's name. I wonder if I would even care if he didn't look as good as he did. I probably would have made up some smart-ass comment and stumbled away. Yeah, his looks definitely had something to do with my attitude, or lack thereof. That and the way he handled them, and all the things he said made her all tingly inside. He was a grown-up male version of herself and she thought that was hot as hell. I waved one hand up slightly and weakly. "Name's Peyton, by the way." My hand fell as I couldn't keep it up anymore. "Um...thanks." Wow, was that awkward or what? Well, all or nothing I guess. "Who are you? Why did you name your dog Kaiser?" I knew that in a moment I was going to black out completely, so the question about the dog wasn't supposed to come out, just did. Slightly slurred, but out nonetheless. I just hoped that I could catch his name while I could hear it. He was the kind of guy a girl wanted to remember. 

The first time I heard him speak, yelling not withstanding, he had a pleasant rumbling sort of voice. He merely acknowledged that he had saved my life. I couldn't help but wonder why he didn't seem to care. I would admit to myself later how much it hurt that he took so little joy out of saving me. For the moment, I couldn't open my eyes anymore. I could still feel the vibrations of his chest as he spoke. His name was so simple, short, but infinitely sweet to my ears. Maybe I had a concussion? Maybe that was the cause of my reaction to him? I could only hope that I had a logical excuse to this physical pull I felt toward him. It was a disgrace how much I wanted him, I was much too young.

He was brave and strong, and I sound like a little schoolgirl even to myself. Thank God I didn't say any of this out loud. Even if I did, would he hear me? Even my thoughts are lowering in volume. I'm straining to hear my own thoughts. That is a strange sensation. He is still talking, trying to keep me awake I guess. How sweet. His comment about naming his dog Fluffy elicited a weak chuckle. The sirens had gotten louder, but funneled at a distance. I perceived it, but it no longer held any forbearance, nor did it make my headache worse. Nothing could at this point. I was sliding toward a black pit of pain. How badly had they hurt me? How long had they been doing that to me before Max came along? 

Max. What a lovely name. Wow, I really was losing it. I felt more than heard him say something, then with a rough jostling I was being handed over to someone else. Of course he would, but it hurt that he would. I didn't want to let him go, but my hold was weak, if non-existent. My head bounced and I managed a whisper. I made it count, too. "Son of...a ..bitch." I hope they heard me. I felt a needle in my arm and gave a shuddering breath as all the pain seeped away. Unfortunately so did the last of my conscious thought.         


...



I woke up a little while later, or a long while, I don't know. There wasn't a clock and I didn't know what time I had been attacked, or how long it had taken place, so even if there was a clock, it wouldn't have helped me. I groaned and threw an arm over my eyes. Medicine is great and all, but it wore off way too soon. The light speared my eyes, and the pain took my breath away. Yep, definitely a concussion. I had yet to try to move anything else, but I was sure it would hurt like hell when I did. So instead, while I shored up my courage, I thought back on the day I had. What the hell had happened today? First that bullshit with Kyanite, then getting jumped by three guys? This was supposed to be my day. The day my parents gave me to be myself and do what I love. The thought of my parents and the gift they had given me that I had lost hit me, and for the first time that day, I shed a tear. A few, as a matter of fact. I was alone in the room, so I was alone with my grief. I would suck it up and put on a brave face later, but for now, I was damn well going to wallow in my misery. I deserved it. After a few minutes a nurse came to check on me and I dried up my tears. 


My knives. My beautiful knives. All gone. For what? Someone being as conceited as me, I guess. Difference was, I put up a fair fight. One on one. I don't cheat. I lost to Kyanite didn't I? I also lost that fight if a fight is what it could be called. Well, at least I got carried by a handsome stranger. He wasn't exactly a stranger, I knew his name. Later, when I was more myself and could stand on my own, I would find him and thank him properly. It was going to be hard to find him when all I had was his first name. I could always ask around for a smoking hot Max who can fight like he had the devil himself on his side. Who would know who I was talking about and who would just laugh at me like the love-struck idiot I was? No one and everyone, consecutively. Well, I guess I could get someone to get my parents for me. Maybe they could get my knives back from the Peacekeepers. 

With more than a little effort, I had managed to maneuver my way up the bed. I slowly, with deep breaths and many curses, brought up my legs and twisted my torso. It wasn't going to be a quick recovery, I knew, but I am completely impatient. If one were to ask any of my many nurses, they would concur. Wholeheartedly, at a guess. They did not like me, and I didn't care. I chuckled as I remembered the first one I had managed to make cry. If she had done her job and gotten out like I had told her to, it wouldn't have happened. Some people never learn, though. She came back later that day to bring me a meal. Liquid, blended up meat and vegetables. Really? What did that woman think I was? An octogenarian with no teeth? I thought the colors made a nice compliment to the color of her clothes. It was nice for her since she was wearing my lunch when she left. She hadn't been back since. Thank all the stars in heaven for that. I had finally gotten a proper meal some time later after all the mayhem I had caused calmed down. I had finished and pushed my tray out of the way when I heard a clicking down the hall. I frowned and concentrated on it, trying to figure out what the new sound was. 

The nurse at the station was talking, his loud voice causing my frown to deepen. Had someone said my name? The clicking sound was now accompanied by not one but two sets of footsteps. One was easily identifiable as a nurse or aide. Their squeaking shoes had been keeping me from taking a nap for hours now. The other set were a more solid and not nearly as annoying. I saw a hand point into my room and then disappear. If my frown got any worse it would be stuck permanently onto my face. The clicking and footsteps approached as the squeaking went quickly away. No one wanted to stay in my room for long, or even around it for that matter. It was undoubtedly because of a certain bedpan that had come flying out when they suggested that I use it instead of helping me to the bathroom. They didn't want to put themselves into one of these hospital beds and I was more than obliging to put them there. Let them see what their shitty service was like.

I looked out the window, finally the shades were drawn and I could see the outside. I longed to be out there, breathing in the fresh air. I heard someone leaning on the door frame and knew that it wasn't another doctor coming to poke and prod at my stomach. They still came back, sporting black eyes, brave little shits, but they never leaned against my door. I also heard a familiar voice, "I believe these are yours." I turned my head slowly and realized just who was standing there. Looking sexy as hell with that arrogant look on his face, his hand unclenched, sending my belt and knives chiming and glinting in the harsh hospital light as they unfurled. My heart skipped a beat, or it seemed like it. The machine still attached to me didn't make a noticeable beep, but it did show that my heart rate had risen just a tad. I was mortified, but figured I could account it to my excitement at seeing my knives.  I was suddenly aware of just how awful I looked. I had seen myself in the mirror. At least the hospital had a comb that I was able to use to brush my hair. I struggled to come up with something to say. For once in my life, someone had made me speechless. 

I reached my hands out for my knives. "I thought you hadn't heard me. How did you manage to get them from the Peacekeepers?" I let my impatience be known by flipping my covers back, straightening my gown and swinging my legs from the bed. With no more sound than the grinding of my teeth, I pushed myself up. The gown was secured tightly in the back, I had made sure, since no one was going to see my bare ass. I pulled the I.V. bag pole with me as I made my way over to him. I realized as I got closer that the clicking sound was his dog that was still at his side. I paused as I seen it, not wanting to get any closer. I had seen what that dog had done, and I didn't want to be on his menu. I hoped that Max wouldn't let him do that, but I wasn't going to take any chances. I put my hand out again. "You don't know how much this means to me. My parents got me those as a gift." I longed to hold them again, to feel their familiar weight around my hips. 

It was then that I saw that he hadn't gotten them from the Peacekeepers, he was a Peacekeeper. Now that brought me up short. I shouldn't be as surprised as I am. Someone who fought as fiercely as he did would be a Peacekeeper. I coughed and looked away as I remembered the second sentence that had come out of my mouth when he had appeared. After our first meeting, he must surely think I am crazy, weird, and now stupid. I had never had such a horrible day. Or week, as I had found out later than I had been out for a few days. My parents had come by while I was out, but I hadn't gotten a chance to tell them what had happened. At least now I didn't have to ask them to get my knives back. They would have been so disappointed in me. "So...Peacekeeper...huh." I just kept stumbling around like my tongue was tied in knots. I was wrong, it wasn't just my condition that had me attracted to him, it was the man itself. Peacekeeper or not, I still wanted to do ridiculous things to him. I would just keep those thoughts to myself. He didn't even seem to care that I existed, but he had brought me back my knives. "Why did you bring them back to me?" I couldn't help but ask. Too many questions, talking too much. Why couldn't I stop myself?

"Oh, okay. For a moment there all I could think about was how he took down that man. Really didn't want to be next." I chuckled and winced at the pain. Good to know that he was trained. Kaiser had perked up his ears and wagged his tail, and I couldn't help but smile. He really was a beautiful dog. "And don't get snippy with me, I was focused on my knives and the dog. I didn't notice the uniform." I waved a hand up and down, unable to not notice just how good it looked on him. When he shoo'ed me back to bed I shot him a frown, but couldn't be mad. It was sweet all the same that he even noticed, or cared. Since he was right that I shouldn't be standing, I shrugged and made my way back to the bed. After I was settled, he chose a chair close enough that we could talk normally, but not where I could easily reach him. It was like he was afraid I was going to jump out of the bed and molest him. It didn't matter that I really wanted to, I wasn't going to. Instead of answering why he had brought them back, he asked if I even knew how to use them. I rolled my eyes in exasperation. I motioned for him to bring them closer and took one of the knives out of the belt. With a raised eyebrow, I flipped the knife and sent it flying across the room. It lodged hilt-deep into the wall.

"Of course I know how to use them. Really... to think I would carry around weapons that I didn't know how to use. I think that is why those guys attacked me honestly. I didn't use them, because instead of coming to my rescue, you would have been arresting me. I reached for them, then realized that without actual provocation I couldn't legally use them. I tried to run instead. By the time it would have been deemed self-defense, I was already royally screwed." I shook my head and flung my arm over my eyes. I muffled a curse when it jerked the I.V. in my arm. "Son of a...Geez."  I looked back down at it with a grimace. "This sucks." I bit my lip when I looked back up at him. "About when you saved me..." I started, but had to pause to think about what to say that didn't make me sound like even more of a fool than he probably already thought I was. "I'm sorry about what I did. Usually I can control my actions, but I got hit pretty hard on the head when they knocked me down." I rubbed me head for emphasis. There was a nice lump back there. "I was going to try to find you to thank you properly, and to apologize." It wasn't fair that I had to. Life sucked that way. Finally I meet someone that I'm attracted to, and he is way too old for me. Even knowing this wasn't enough to stop me from reacting to him. I could get some sense into my head and stop staring. He already seemed a little skittish around me. I can't rightly blame him after I felt him up and sniffed him. Oh, geez. I sniffed him. My mortification was complete.

I resolutely looked out the window, determined to stop wondering at the color of his eyes, how best to describe the shade. I was making a fool out of myself. I wondered what it would take to keep seeing him, just to be able to be around him. Probably wouldn't happen when he already thought I was weird. Hell, at this point even I thought it. "Back to the knife issue. I used to think I was the best at throwing knives." I gave a very un-lady like snort. "I actually challenged Kyanite to a contest. I lost horrendously. Then I got jumped by three assholes. I made a fool out of myself with you. Then ended up in the hospital for days. Been a pretty shitty week. The only highlight, is the fact that you brought my belt and knives back to me. You still didn't answer my question. Why did you bring them back?" I was still staring out the window. Maybe he wouldn't bolt if I didn't stare at him. I felt better just knowing that he was there though. My parents hadn't come back since the first day. Without an explanation, they probably thought it was my fault. In normal circumstances, they would be right. I have gotten myself in trouble before. The nurses hadn't given me a phone to call them. I hadn't given them a chance anyway. So it was nice to have someone who knew what had happened and would actually talk to me about it. Now that I thought about it, I didn't see any weapon visible on him. I know that he uses his body as a weapon, one he wields with expertise, but did he use an actual weapon? "What do you do? Other than beat guys to a bloody pulp with your fists, that is? I use knives, what do you use?"