The Cage

~Riley~

I don't know how many times I've replayed the scenario in my head. I don't understand the reason I'm still alive. I have a family sure, but there's an annoying feeling that will never leave me.

Doubt.

I can't move past it knowing that I've killed people, what Rodney made me into or even the fact Derek saw first hand, partially what I'm capable of. I disfigured his little girlfriend's face and he left me with a gun shot wound.

With my family now, things will be a lot harder. I have to protect them. I have to be ready for anything. My sweet bundle of joy can't know what her mommy did for a living. She can't get involved into things like that and I'll make sure of it.

I felt a hand snake around my waist. I looked only to find Cameron smiling at me.

"Good morning, beautiful, " he planted a kiss on my forehead. "Something's on your mind. What is it?" His eyebrow furrowed in suspicion.

I sighed, "I'm worried. I have a gut feeling something may happen today but I have no idea what it could be. I'm also worried what might happen if-, " tears began their quest to push through my eyes. He hugged tightly.

"Babe, listen to me, nothing is going to happen to our family. We may have done unthinkable things in the past but it's what made us who we are. We're Slash and Rogue for a reason. We have that reputation for a reason. We know damn well what to do if something happens. I love you no matter what and I'll do whatever it takes because no one is going to touch my family, " he vowed, letting his soft lips meet mine. "Don't start doubting yourself, okay? You're the strongest person I know. I know you'll pull through because you always do."

He wiped my tears away just as a small knock filled the room. He got up and opened the door. Our little one jumped into his arms with a big smile on her face.

"Good morning, dada and mama!" He gave her a kiss on her cheek. "Hey! That's mama's spot." She pouted at him only making him smile even wider. Can't blame him. It was really cute.

"Aww, no fair. Why does mommy get to kiss you and not daddy?" He said playfully. She giggled.

"Dada, I save this cheek just for you, " she explained in a duh tone pointing to her right cheek. He chuckled and kissed her there.

They joined me on the bed and I was tackled by them both with kisses. I laughed.

"A-alright, alright. That's enough guys, " I stated breathlessly after being attacked with tickles from Cameron.

To ruin the moment, the viberation of my phone filled the room. I picked up and answered without looking at the ID.

"What is it, Nathan?" I asked harshly.

"A hello would be nice, but how's Russia treating you?"

"It's nice. It feels safe, " I answered honestly.

"That's good, " he replied genuinely. "Anyway, there's been a little mishap in California. It may involve someone you might be close with."

"And who would that be?" I pressed.

"I think her name is Carmen. I don't know."

Damn it. Let me guess, it could be the Serpents or Derek and Alexa.

"One more thing, you may not like the sound of this but I sent Derek and Alexa to come get you. I'm sorry, " he revealed hesistantly.

"When I find you, nathan, you are going to be in pain for an year, " I gritted my teeth.

"Dada, can we go sleigh?" Our little one asked him making me smile.

Cameron gave me a look, mixed with concern and some anger, "Let me guess, that was nathan wasn't it."

I sighed, "Sadly, it was."

"Ugh, what is it now?" He asked annoyed.

"Something happened to Carmen. So, it's one of those rescue missions, " I answered.

He gave our little one a small smile, "Sure, princess. Let's go sleigh."

She jumped in joy, "Yay!"

I giggled at her excitement and she ran to her room. We followed her and I helped her get into her clothes.

***

The mountain was beautiful. It was a calming scenery to take in. Peaceful enough to make me forget the person I've become over the years though it was all to perfect my family.

"So nice to see you two again, " a voice spoke close by. I turned and it seemed my eyes were deceiving me.

Alexa and Derek.

Cameron punched Derek in his mouth. I stared at Alexa who was staring back at me, maybe even past me and at my little one.

"WHAT THE HELL, CAMERON?!" Derek yelled while Cameron smirked.

"Whoops, my hand slipped. My bad, " he apologized acting as if he meant it. Derek glared at him ready to respond with a punch of his own.

He responded but it had no effect on Cameron. Instead, Cameron laughed and glared at him coldly taking his hand for a handshake. He squeezed it until he heard every bone in Derek's hand cracking. He heard scream out which made him smile evilly.

"That was for my wife, " he said. Alexa looked at him slightly frightened.

"Let him go, Cameron, " she spat coldly trying to hide her fear but her words came out shaky.

Cameron let Derek go and approached her, "Let's get one thing straight, we're not here to help you nor trust you. If you ever lay a finger on Riley or any of our family, I'll make you infertile."

Her eyes went wide at his threat. She met my gaze hoping he was bluffing but I smirked making it worse for her.

"Anyway, let's get this over with. I want to come back with my head on my shoulders, " he walked over to me to kiss my forehead and grabbed our little one.

She cried not wanting to leaving and Cameron comforted her, "It's okay, princess. I promise to take you skiing when mommy and I come back from work, okay?"

"Otay, dada! Can we visit auntie Ryan?" She gave him the signature puppy eyes he could never resist. Surprisingly, it was convenient since we heading to my parent's house anyway.

"Of course, sweetheart, " he cooed.

"Dada? Sweetheart? Is that your..." Alexa began. "Nevermind."

"To answer your question, yes it is. We were having a lovely time here on the mountain before your interruption, " Cameron answered quickly. "Now, if you'll excuse us. We need to go pack."

About thirty minutes in, our little one fell asleep during the drive home. She looked so peaceful and sweet. This is the reason why I'm like this. I want nothing to happen to her. I don't want her to live the way I did.

I don't want history to really repeat itself.

Sadly it does, sweetheart. You can't run away from it forever, my subconscious chimed in.

I'm not running away. I'm not avoiding it either. I'm facing it head on, I argued.

Let's hope, Slash can stay sane as possible.

Don't worry, I have self control.

Suddenly, I heard a pair of fingers snap in front of me.

"Babe, you okay?" Cam asked worried.

"Sorry, I was just thinking, " I told sheepishly.

"I know exactly how to take things off your mind, "he smirked. His arms wrapped me and he lifted me up carrying me bridal style to our room.

***

We laid there for a moment in sweat, high of lust. He knew me all too well. I cuddled against him making myself comfortable and looked at him.

"I wish we could stay like this, " I blurted in a whisper.

"I know. Unfortunately, our life doesn't have much peace in it right now. We have to pack for California anyway, " I watched him changed. You wouldn't blame if you saw how perfect his body is. The muscles flexing every time he moves his veins popping out and how solid his body is.

I changed right after him noting that he might be watching so I teased him.

"Don't make me knock you loose, baby, " he started huskily. He walked over to me and whispered, "Because you'll be having my twins If you keep it up."

I laughed, "Easy, babe. I'm sore from earlier." He smirked.

We were finished with packing. Our little one was still fast asleep. Cameron carried her in his arms while I carried her bag out the house with Derek and Alexa who followed behind us.

We arrived at my parent's house after a quick ten minutes drive. Dad opened the door with a smile on his face.

"Hi, princess. How's my little princess doing?" He cooed.

"She's great, dad. It's good to seeing you again. How's everything with mom?" I asked him as his facial expression changed only slightly.

"She's alright. She keeps beating herself up about the whole...you know, " he revealed with a sigh taking out little one out of Cameron's just after Cameron kissed her forehead.

I sighed, "Well, whenever she decides to come out and talk to me, let me know. But do you mind keeping our little princess until we get back?"

"Of course, but where are you two going?" He asked concerned.

"Something happened in California so we have to check it out, " I revealed.

"And they have to come with you?" He sneered glaring at them.

"Unfortunately, yes, " I responded with another sigh.

"Be careful especially around them, " he warned.

"You don't have to tell me twice, dad. I disfigured her face last time and I'll have no problem doing it again if she crosses the line, " I reassured him.

"That's my girl. Now go save the world...again."

We left on the way to the airport. I can't believe we're going back. Back to where it all began.

~Cameron~

Once we landed, Riley and I went to a hotel getting a room together. Derek and Alexa got a separate room two rooms down from us. We were sitting down with our old gear in front of us. The masks, the bands we used to wrap our hands with. Everything.

The memories rushed in flooding my mind like the ocean. I remember the moments we shared secretly. When we dated back then. Course, people noticed how awfully close we were but never suspected it. We just acted like best friends in front of everyone and kept our relationship extremely private.

Dating a fellow fighter wasn't allowed back then, but you can't help it. Boys get curious when puberty hits them. We went through puberty together. She was my first and will always be my first. Now, she's the mother to my daughter. It's funny how everything how everything came full circle between us.

I felt a pair of soft lips on mine bringing me back to reality.

"Earth to my husband, you okay?" She waved her hand in my face.

I chuckled, "I'm fine, baby." I kissed her back. "Just reminiscing."

"On what?" She asked.

"Us. How we met and practically grew up together. How we managed to date back then though we weren't allowed to, " I revealed to her.

She laughed, "Good times, weren't they?"

"Most definitely. Come on, we have to get Carmen back, " I got up and grabbed my mask wrapping it around my mouth.

Then I changed into my black sweatsuit that was designed to look like a ninja's outfit. Afterwards, I watched Riley change and honestly it was turning me on. I'm one lucky man. She was about to put the mask over her mouth when I stopped her. She looked at me confused but I pulled mine down and kissed her.

"What was that for?" She asked.

"Because I love you, " I answered.

She smiled walking away from me and grabbing a few of her knives. I grabbed a few of mine and we met Derek and Alexa outside.

"Just like old times?" She said asking if I was ready.

"Just like old times."

The school was just a few blocks away from our hotel. Riley's old high school.

~Riley~

The circle never breaks doesn't it? That's how my life has been going this whole time and here we here. Back in hell. Back where Slash was born. Back where Riley the nerd made it to her resting place.

We were waiting until a black Escalade appeared with slightly tinted windows. I saw the side profile of the person in the back seat. It was her. I knew it. Carmen's defined facial structure was nothing you can miss me. She has the face of a model. You can't miss it.

Three men stepped out in black suits. Two of them with guns strapped to their backs, probably for intimidation. That's nothing compared to what I've been through and seen.

"Well, well, if isn't the deserter, " one of the men spat coldly at Cameron.

Let's hope this ends well without the real Slash coming out to be the monster she truly is.