Shadows In Durango

*****Vincent's POV*****

Pacing back and forth by the front door, I chew the skin on the side of my thumb to the point that it starts to bleed...

I felt fucking terrible after that, with nothing but sheer dread filling me entirely at what we had just done to her.

The doorbell finally rings, as I swiftly open it, ushering in the only person I could think to call next - our family doctor.

"Ok, where is the poor thing?" Selene asks, as I all but move towards the stairs assuming that she would know to follow me - which thankfully she does.

I couldn't bring myself to speak or admit what we had both done to her yet, knowing that I just wanted somebody to help ease her pain and fast!

A punch from Daryl, whether I wanted to admit it or not, was fucking sore at the best of times and she had took one right to the back of the head...

Not to mention that I grew up fighting, so I can only imagine the state that her ribs are in after that forceful knee from myself which had been intended for Daryl.

We were fools, fighting like that in front of her, but Daryl was the one who started it! I hope he feels good about his little tantrum this time around!

Opening the door to her room, Selene moves towards her on the bed as I glance over Sofia who continues to quietly cry as Daryl strokes her hand - the guilt ripping through me like a murderous blade at the sight of her. Here I was, supposed to be keeping her safe and I've just kneed her full force during a fight under my own roof.

But why did she think to get in the way in the first place? We didn't even have any time to react!

Groaning, I pinch my nose with my thumb and forefinger, as Daryl moves out of the way for Selene to look her over.

"You two should probably get some air, I'll take it from here." Selene turns to wave us out, as we sigh and do as she asks knowing that Sofia would probably be more comfortable that way too.

Stepping out of the room, I turn my head to glare at my fellow accomplice, blaming him mostly for the result of what had happened.

I knew that it was also my own fault, and that I too had played a hand in what had happened to Sofia, but if he would have just spoke to me like a normal fucking adult then all of this would have been resolved without us beating the shit out of each other and ultimately out of Sofia as well!

"You prick!" I mutter, as Daryl's eyes narrow down on me as we stand just outside the room door - feeling the tension rise once again.

"I don't regret hitting you! But I do regret hitting her!" Daryl deadpans as I roll my eyes at him.

Mature!

I glance him over, seeing his bruised and swollen face, only beginning to imagine how mines looked in return.

But I didn't care, I was used to it. We had both taken a fair few hits in our lifetime, especially from each other, but as for Sofia, she didn't deserve to see or be involved in that.

Sure, that sounds ironic coming from me when she had pretty much witnessed my violent side numerous times now, but she shouldn't have seen something like that happen in the home that's supposed to make her feel safe. I was pissed off, both at Daryl and at myself for letting it get that out of hand in her presence.

"What's your problem? Starting fights under my roof in front of her? Do you even know the half of what she's been through?" I begin to lecture, irritated by him as he all but folds his arms over his chest like a stubborn child.

"She told me about her past today, which is why I can't quite fathom why you would decide to put her in danger by taking her to meet up with dangerous fucking criminals across the country?! This isn't just a couple of nights away on a vacation Vincent, but you already know that!" Daryl speaks in a tone that suggests I was being dumb about the whole thing, which I don't take lightly.

"The safest she can be at all times is by my fucking side!" I retort, to which he scoffs.

"Oh but you would think that, wouldn't you? Cocky fucking asshole!" He sneers, as I suddenly shove him backwards once again.

“Don't fucking start this back up again! Talk to me like a grown ass man!" I rage, as our violent stares burn holes through each other.

We would fight each other the whole night if we could, neither of us ever wanting to give up, but knowing that Sofia now lay in her bed injured thanks to us both - I wouldn't let it continue like it did. "You've bruised her ribs up pretty bad - I checked!" Daryl states matter of factly, completely taking me aback with the statement.

This motherfucker!

"Oh so you've already forgot that you just fully popped her on the back of the head Daryl? You basically fucking punched her right into my damn knee!" I argue, knowing that his punch had sent her forward right into my assault. He doesn't like that, and moves to shove me next, before we both turn on our heels when hearing the bedroom door open - finding Selene as she pokes her head out with a cross look etched across her face.

"Will you two big babies just quit it already? We can hear you both from inside and I can't believe that you are actually still arguing! I won't ask questions, but whatever you did to her - you two should be ashamed of yourselves! Her ribs are horrendously bruised, thankfully not broke though, and she has a head concussion which caused the sickness! SO ENOUGH!" Selene warns, as we both stand there like children being given into trouble at school. Slamming the door in our faces, she leaves us both speechless and mortified.

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"I'm going to get cleaned up, and we can discuss this downstairs like men." I mumble, walking off towards my room as Daryl ignores me and moves off downstairs himself. Entering my room, I slam the door shut behind me, irritated and wanting to trash the place just to relieve some tension - but I don't.

I'll shower instead, to help me cool off.

Deciding that it was the best bet, I turn the water cold and strip, glancing over my bruises in the mirror.

Nothing too major, I've had worse.

I sigh heavily, climbing in under the icy water, contemplating whether or not I had made the right choice by taking Sofia with me in the first place.

But she did agree to come willingly...

Despite Daryl's whines, I believe that I would keep her safe at all times.

Of course I would.

At this point, she was more unsafe being here between our feud which boiled down to one thing and one thing only:

We both like the same girl.