Road to Recovery

Laz watched the tv as his hand slipped under Lexi's shirt and rubbed her bare back.

Well that doesn't sound good. I hope it isn't some zombie invasion. I don't think I would make a very good zombie. Laz looked over at Mikko and Gabe. You think maybe we should get Gabe in his bed?

Mikko hadn't paid much mind to the TV but she did catch some of it. Whatever it was she had full faith that the government would handle it. As long as it wasn't like the black plague or something. Hearing Laz's question she nodded. Yeah i think we should, the couch is nice, but being in bed would probably make him more comfortable.

Soon Ezekiel came back in the house with Tiphanny. He looked a mess and Tiph went straight to the tv to watch the news cast.

It's a mess out there. I take back what i said, I'm glad Gabe isn't at the hospital. what we need to do now, is get supplies. But people are going crazy! Tiph and I went in one store and people were fighting each other for bread and batteries. We managed to get some things, they are still in the car. Tiph is going to stay here, I'm heading home to make sure Mama and Belle are alright. But I think I'm going to try to convince mama to come back here with me. Don't know what's going on, but I like to know where everyone is to make sure everyone isn't dead.

A small contented smile crept over Lexi's lips as Laz' had slipped beneath her shirt and his fingers made delicious contact with her bare skin. If only they were in the privacy of a bedroom, she could have removed the bothersome article of clothing. At least there was a spare room if they chose to stay the night here, and after Ezekiel and Tiph came in, announcing how crazy things were getting, maybe staying put would be for the best.


"Wow, I guess news travels fast.." She frowned and reluctantly slid from Laz' lap, figuring now with Ezekiel here, the two men could get Gabriel to his bedroom. It was a good thing that Gabe was asleep because he would surely protest the assistance. Unfortunately it was something he would have to get used to, until he healed. -If- he healed.



"While you boys get him to bed, us girls can go get supplies for tomorrow-- if you weren't able to get what we'll need..." And then it registered. Maybe it wasn't the best idea to leave Ezekiel alone with Laz. She knew that he had orders to kill the 'traitors'. "Unless you wanted to stay with Gabe, Mikko. I think Tiph and I can gather what we'll need.." And she gave Mikko a knowing look, hoping that she understood her real motive here. Eze was less likely to try anything with two of them here. Hopefully she was just being paranoid, but better to be safe than sorry.

Mikko wasn't keen on the idea of staying with a man who wanted her dead. But she was pretty sure he wouldn't kill her in Gabe's home. She nodded. I'll stay and hold down the fort with the guys.

Eze then stepped forward and spoke up. I still have to go back out and pick up my kid. But we'll get Gabe to bed first.

Laz stood up and slipped an arm around Lexi. I think I should go with you two. In case something happens. Mikko should be ok until we all come back. And i'm sure Gabe will sleep through all of this.

Lexi was also uneasy about Ezekiel staying here with the two that he had been ordered to kill, but at least things seemed to be working out. After Gabriel was put to bed, Ezekiel would head out to get his daughter and maybe the older woman that had 'raised' him and Gabe. Lexi still didn't know that sweet lady's name.. everyone called her 'mama'.


"Yeah. I'm sure Gabe will be out for the night... he's on enough pain meds to drop an elephant." And that was a good thing because he certainly needed the relief. She couldn't imagine how painful his injuries must be. Surely it was impossible to get comfortable when your back was a slab of shredded raw meat.



"If things are getting chaotic, I think we should stick together." She told Eze. Heck, if he needed for her to help persuade Mama to join them, she would gladly assist!  She spared a smile at Laz, thankful that he would be accompanying her and Tiph on their supply run. Maybe she should give Leo a call.. let him know that humans were spreading diseases so he and his family could stay clear of the streets...

Ok lets get Gabe to bed. Laz and Mikko can hold down the fort while we're gone.

He looked at the two ex foot. If you two can handle it. Your knives will do little good against guns. He said condescendingly.

Laz glared at him but Mikko was quick to speak up.

We've delt with guns before. We can handle ourselves. Plus I have my own pistols and I'm probably a better shot then you.

Eze scoffed at Mikko then motioned for Laz to help him with Gabe.

Okay, so apparently Eze hadn't been paying much attention otherwise he would have remembered that Laz was going with them. Of course it was ultimately up to Laz and honestly it would have made her feel better to know that two were watching over Gabe in case the Foot came a'knockin'.. but it would also be nice to have a skilled ninja accompany her and Tiph on their supply run. Two bad there weren't two willing males here, but she knew Eze had stuff to do....


"Actually, maybe you guys shouldn't move him.." Lexi spoke up, gesturing to Gabe. "He had internal damage, too. Don't wanna rip anything back open. The couch lets out into a bed..."

Eze and Laz nodded in agreement. It would be best to leave Gabe where he was. If he woke and wanted to be moved then they would help.

Alright lets head out.

Laz stood up and spoke up. Maybe I should tag along, I think it's safe here and you might need more muscle in the city.

Mikko nodded at that. Yeah I have here under control. Plus jigs can be my back up.

Eze just shrugged. at this point he didn't care, long as everyone was safe, comfortable and ok. His main focus was getting his kid. so he motioned for everyone who was coming to move out and he headed out the house.

At least everyone was in agreement to not move Gabe which was a relief. She could only imagine how painful his injuries were and being shuffled around surely wouldn't help matters any. Mikko was still being used as a pillow, but if she needed to move, it shouldn't be too much of an issue.


Soon everyone was ready to head out and now Lexi was confused. Were they all going together? She assumed that Eze was breaking off to go home and get his kid and possibly Mama, the older lady that had raised him and Gabiel. Now it sounded as if they were all sticking together, which was fine with Lexi. There was safety in numbers.



"We can get Isabella and Mama first, then bring them back here before making the supply run.." She suggested, knowing Ezekiel was calling the shots, but surely he wouldn't be against it....

Yeah we'll get them first. I was going to suggest splitting up, but I don't want to do that. So we stick together, get the two women and grab some supplies. Someone can make a list of things we might need while in the car. Eze was already at the car and getting in. He wanted to make this quick, off in the distence he heard gun fire and he paused for a moment.

Was it a good idea to try and get supplies with Bella? There was so much chaos going on, what if she got hurt, or worse?

Once we get everyone, you girls stay in the car and Laz and I will go shopping.

Laz just agreed to everything Ezekiel said. He seemed to have a solid plan. And having the girls stay in the car sounded like a good idea to him. But would everyone fit in the one car?

Maybe we should bring a second car to fit everything in. Not sure if your car can fit all the people and the supplies. I'll drive Lexi's car.

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Mikko watched everyone leave and leaned back against the couch. She heard them talking outside still trying to figure out the best corse of action. Things couldn't have been that bad out there, could it? She flipped on the tv to the news just to see what was going on.

Following the group out to the car, a million thoughts were racing through Lexi's head. The whole situation was scary but for the most part she was worried about Gabe and Mikko. What if the Foot found the location and attacked? She tried to shake that thought off. Mikko was a trained assassin. Besides, with the city thrown into chaos, would the Foot's number one priority be hunting down a Dragon that Shredder had let go?


..they would have to worry more about Hun, their own leader. And had Lexi known that their boss had already given Eze the orders to kill them if Gabe couldn't recover and if she got in the way, perhaps she would have thought twice about stepping into that car. Before they could all load in, Laz spoke up, bringing up a pretty good point. They were picking up another person, possibly two if Mama was on board, plus supplies. They would need more room....


The van parked around back was an option. The wind shield had been busted from where Leo had thrown a Foot Ninja at the vehicle, but still usable. It had the capacity needed since they used it to move shipments and clean out robbery sites. But taking two vehicles was probably a better option..


Giving a nod, she moved over towards Laz. "Taking two vehicles is a smart idea.. just in case something happens, we'll have a back up plan." Hopefully things would not get that bad, but it was better to be prepared. "As long as our convoy stays together. I'll go with Laz..." For obvious reasons.."Tiph, you cool with going with Eze? Whenever we do the supply run, we can always shift to the same car with Bella and Mama while the boys go for supplies..."

Tiphanny didn't really have a choice in the matter. She nodded her head but Eze was soon pulling her to the car. She slipped inside and waited.

lets go then

Eze then got in and started the car. He waited for Laz and Lexi to get in their car and then drove off making sure that they stood together.

Looking out the window you could see people running around, carrying loads of beer and snack foods. these people were crazy. But fine let them have their junk that meant more water and good stuff would be left for them.

Glad that everyone seemed to be in agreement, Lexi slid into the passenger seat, then handed the keys over to Laz, figuring that he would want to drive. She pulled the small pistol from her purse and pulled back the clip, making sure there were enough rounds just in case things became dangerous. Hopefully she wouldn't have to kill anyone tonight, but she would defend her own even if it came with that price.


"Sometimes, I think maybe I should be the brains behind this operation.." She managed a small grin, referring to how scattered Eze seemed to be when calling the shots. The guy was slipping. She tried to be understanding, though. He had a lot on his shoulders.


Watching the destruction on the streets broke her heart. Some of the people caught in the mess were parents trying to make sure that their little ones would stay fed during this, but everyone was breaking the governor's request for everyone to remain inside until they could establish a safe zone free of whatever this virus was...


"Crazy night, huh?" An attempt at small talk to calm her nerves as she made sure the safety was off her weapon. "I don't know about you, but can't wait for some R-N-R.. who knows, maybe there's a lake at Eze's country home..." And she gave him a flirty look. "Ever been skinny dipping?"

I agree. I think the pressure is catching up to the poor guy. And why in the world would anyone with a kid join a gang? Or did the kid come after. I guess i shouldn't judge.

He followed Ezekiel closely while making sure to not hit anyone.

Oh I'm very much looking forward to getting out the city. And no I've never been skiny dipping. First time for everything though. So who is this Mama that you are all speaking of? Is she actually someone's mother. Or a lady that you all look up to?

Lexi was trying to focus on their pending trip to the country, and block out the chaos that was currently filling the streets. She knew that she must stay alert, but gripping the present too hard would only make it hurt worse, and no need suffering over something you couldn't change. At least all of her people were alive and for the most part, safe. They would be even more so whenever they got the hell out of the city.


--Maybe she could convince Ezekiel that they should leave tonight.--


Smiling over at Laz, she reached and gave his thigh a gentle squeeze. "I can't wait to skinny dip with you. I've never done it in a lake before." She flashed a flirty wink just before his questions about 'the family' came.



"Isabella came after the gang, and so did her mother, Sally. Isabella's mother was my best friend." And there was a sadness in her voice. "The Turks gunned her down, and Eze hasn't been the same since. He's had to raise her alone.. well, he does have Mama and Gabriel. Mama is the older lady that took Eze in when he was younger and did the same for Gabe after Eze saved him from the Turks. She's become like a parental figure to all of us. She's a sweet old lady who lost her own son to gang violence. I'm sure she'll welcome you with open arms, too." She smiled and moved a little closer to him.

Laz nodded and listened to Lexi talk about Ezekiel's family. Seemed the guy had a hard life. So why did you and Tiph join the gang? You both seem like you wouldn't have much to do with gangs. But then again you are a tough cookie.

He kept following Eze down the road, soon things seemed to calm down. The area they were in now wasn't as crowded or chaotic.

Lexi was relieved when they finally reached a calmer stretch of road and deep down, knew it was because people understood this was thug territory. Though deep down, she knew desperation would eventually drive them here, in search of whatever supplies they could find-- even if that meant breaking into gang member's homes.


She knew that question was bound to come up and honestly it was surprising that he hadn't asked sooner. But she understood. The timing had never been right before.. until now.


"When I started dating Gabriel, it earned me some unwanted attention from  the Turks." She explained. "As you know the Turks and Dragons have rivalry, but Gabe was pressured into the Turks when he was 12. He was tossed out and had to survive somehow.. so that's what happened. But then Eze saved him from that abuse so the Turks have even more reason to hate them." She sighed. What a big mess this life had been. "Two particularly nasty Turks took an interest in me. Spike and Dice. Gabriel and I broke up, but we stayed friends....and Hun made me an offer. Act as the gang's decoy and I'm granted gang protection.. so here I am." It was a fact that she wasn't proud of, but it kept her alive, and at least she got to be around her boys.



"Tiph is a different story. She joined to be closer to Gabriel. I wish I had a chance to talk her out of it, but she jumped off that cliff head first." She explained.



"What about you? What made you decide to join the Foot?"

Wow so it was all Gabes fault uh? He gave a smile smirk. Of course he wouldn't really blame the guy for the girls joining.

Me? I was asked to join when I was younger. and to be part of the Foot was a great honor. I didn't know what the foot was all about back then though.

Finally they pulled up to a house and Eze parked the car. Laz parked behind him.

I hope this all goes well. people in this city are insane.

"Yeah, in a nutshell-- everything's Gabe's fault." She chuckled quietly, but like Laz, she didn't really blame the guy, nor was it truly his fault. The only mistake he had ever made was joining the gangs and letting the wrong people into his life. But even though knowing Mikko had nearly cost him his life, the woman had proven herself by staying at his side.


"I think the Foot could do good for this city, as Shredder claimed they're doing. Just have to remove the loose nut from the throne and getting someone with good intentions calling the shots. It wouldn't be easy, but.. it could be done." And deep down she knew this would probably mean an annihilation of the Dragons because for the most part, The Purple Dragons were a nasty bunch. The Foot's dirty little secrets.


She gave a nod, sharing his hope that everything would go well. They all needed a break for once. She reached over, threading her fingers through his and giving a squeeze, yearning for the contact and comfort that only he could give Leaning in, she caught his lips in a deep kiss, wishing they had a little more time for something more.. but for now.. just a taste to let him know that she loves him.....


...She... loves him...


Lexi could admit that to herself, because it was the truth and the whole reason behind each beat of her heart. Her driving force. But was it too soon to speak those words to him? Would they drive him away? He hadn't said them yet, so maybe it was...


Man, how she hated having a chick's brain sometimes. Overanalyzing every little thing for reasoning behind actions... or a lack there of. Savoring the feel of his lips, she didn't want the kiss to end but the moment it did, she met his gaze. "Whenever you're in there with Eze, be careful... okay? I know he's not happy about me being with you because you're an ex Foot. I...don't think he'll try anything, but.. just please be safe..."

Once they parked Eze hopped out of the car with Tiph and went inside. He figured the others would follow.

Laz nodded to Lexi and gave her a little kiss on her lips. I'll be super careful. With that Laz got out of the car and waited for Lexi before heading up to the house.

It seemed that everyone was going inside which was a little surprising. Would Ezekiel really want and ex Foot in his home? Probably not, but the gang leader probably also realized that this wasn't the time to judge someone for decisions that had nothing to do with the current situation. More important things were at hand, like getting out of the city in one piece.


Returning the kiss, Lexi slid from the car and took Laz' hand as they followed Ezekiel and Tiph inside. "You're going to love Isabella." She told Laz, a small grin stretching across her lips. It would be interesting to see how Laz was with the little girl because being a woman with a strong maternal instinct, she certainly wanted kids someday... if the world was left standing....

Laz walked in the house and was greeted bu the sight of a little girl clinging to Eze. he smiled at the scene and gave the little on a wave, which she returned.

Eze turned to the group. I'm going to get her packed up and talk to mama. you guys can make yerselves comfortable. No adult situations got it?

Laz gave a salute Yes sir. When Eze left Laz turned to Lexi and grinned. No adult hanky panky. He mocked. His kid is adorable, must have got all her looks for the mother.

Lexi just rolled her eyes at Eze and took a seat on the couch, dragging Laz down with her. "I guess he thinks we're like rabbits?" She gave a little wink, threading her fingers through his, snuggling close while they waited.



His comment earned a quiet giggle. "Aww, you know you think Eze is purdy." She teased. "But yeah, she looks like Sally..." And talking about her best friend made her a little sad. Nuzzling a kiss against his cheek, she glanced toward the door, wondering if Tiph would be joining them....

Oh yeah, he's sexy! Laz chuckled.

Lexi wouldn't have to wait long for Tiph, soon she stepped through the door.and gave the others a wave.

It would only take a few moments later for Eze to come back with two bags in hand. Mama wants to stay here. She's being stubborn as always

Lexi was about to resituate and take up residence on Laz' lap to give Tiph room on the couch (and.. to be closer to him) but soon Eze returned, laden with bags and Isabella still clinging to his leg. Hearing that Mama wouldn't be joining them caused her to frown..


"Awww.. do you think maybe I can convince her?" She asked Eze, kneeling down and holding out her arms for Isabella. Eze couldn't possibly carry everything! "Come here, sweetie. There's someone I want you to meet!" She told the little girl, wanting to introduce Laz since it seemed that Eze wasn't going to do it. Then again, the gang leader hated the guy without giving him a fair chance...


"Maybe if she knows how bad Gabe is hurt, she'll change her mind.." She told the head thug, wondering if he had thrown in that bit of information while trying to persuade her....