The sun was just beginning to set as the duo rounded up the animals back into their paddocks. As Jimmy closed the door, Tango slumped against the fence, sweat pouring down his face. “Finally we’re done.” Tango exclaimed, exhausted from a whole day of work. “You did a good job, considering it was your first day.” Jimmy said, matter-of-factly. Tango looked at him in awe, despite doing most of the work, Jimmy didn’t look like he was tired at all, his hair still in that perfect slicked back form. “You’re just saying that to make me feel better.” Jimmy laughed. “Well maybe, No but seriously, you did well.” He smiled sincerely at Tango, his perfect teeth glinting in the sunlight. Tango felt a weird feeling in his chest, he couldn’t place it, but he knew that he'd be feeling this a lot. It was a good feeling and..he liked it.
Over the week, Tango got more and more used to this schedule, often bringing a cup of coffee with him to keep him awake. Sometimes it was easy to get through the day, especially when he was working with Jimmy. He would often find himself admiring Jimmy’s dedication to his job or sometimes, just Jimmy himself. Jimmy would catch Tango staring at him, causing Tango to turn around, blushing uncontrollably, Jimmy would laugh and continue working. It was a daily habit. That was, until one of Jimmy’s cows died.
Jimmy couldn’t figure out why it happened. Jeremy was in a perfect condition this morning. He even made sure that the hay was fully loaded. Everyone had enough to eat and there was still left over, and yet…Jeremy still died. Jimmy felt like a failure, he failed at taking care of the animals. Suddenly, he heard footsteps coming his direction, he turned to see Tango, walking towards him. Tango put his warm arms around him. Jimmy turned around and returned the hug, sniffling in his arms. “Jim, I think I know how Jeremy died.” Tango said, breaking the silence. Jimmy looked down at Tango. “How?” “There was a small hole on the side of the cow. I found a fragment of a bullet.” Tango held it up. “Someone shot Jeremy.”
Thank you to everyone who got me to 50 dam likes!
As Tango arrived at the farm, Jimmy was already fully awake, working on harvesting the wheat. Tango yawned, amazed by Jimmy’s productivity. His eyes lit up visibly when he saw Tango, a smile erupted from his face. “Hey Tango! Good morning!” Tango rubbed his eyes, “How are you so energetic?” Jimmy laughed, “I’m used to waking up early, plus, I drink a whole ton of tea along with my breakfast to keep me awake.” “I see, I’ll note that for tomorrow.” Tango jokes. “Anyway, what do I have to do sir?” “Just call me Big man Jim, or Jimmy is fine. You don’t have to go to formalities.” Jimmy said, with a tone of disgust in his voice. Tango could see a grin creeping up the side of his mouth. He smiled, as Jimmy slowly went through all the chores he had to do, going into a full lecture on how to do them. Tango was astonished that Jimmy had to do all that by himself and at a professional level as well. He couldn’t believe that Jimmy ran this whole farm basically his whole life and- “Did you hear that?” Tango shook himself out of his phase. “Uh, yeah, yep, every single word.” Jimmy grinned. “Great! Let’s get started then!”
“Sorry Mr Tek, we just can’t accept you.” Tango’s flame brightened. “Why not? I’m a hardworking guy!”
“Yes, we get that. Your architecture is certainly amazing, very detailed. But I don’t think that our colleagues will accept…” The lady’s eyes drifted to tango’s hair. “That.”
“I CAN CONTROL IT, I PROMISE YOU, I AM THE MOST-” Tango cut himself off as the lady’s eyes grew more and more frightened as the flame rose higher and higher. Tango calmed down. “I’m sorry. I’ll-I’ll go now.” He walked out of the office, hurt by the woman’s reaction. He just couldn’t find a job, it wasn’t his fault that his hair was a burning flame. Tango sighed and boarded a taxi home. Tango pulled out his phone as the car started up, he noticed an advert offering a job to take care of some farm animals. He clicked on it, and saw that the location was quite close to where he lived, so he ordered the taxi to head over there and try it out.
Jimmy was just finishing up putting the cows back in the pen when he saw a car coming down the road towards the ranch. He closed the pen and headed towards the car. It stopped right in front of the house and a man with flaming hair stepped out of the taxi. He had baggy red pants with more pockets then anyone could ever need and a classic black t-shirt to go on top of it. His eyes were also a deep red, almost frightening to look at. But Jimmy found it strangely comforting also amazed by how cool his hairdo looked. As he got closer and closer to him, he realised that the man’s hair was a flame, moving in the breeze. “Nice to meet you,” The man said. “My name is Tango, Tango Tek, and I’m here for the farm job.” Jimmy smiled. “Yep, welcome to the ranch! Jimmy Solidarity.” They shook hands and he led Tango to the house. “So, why do you want this job?” Jimmy asked, “Well, I’m in desperate need of a job and I’m hoping you can give me one.”
“Okay. You can start tomorrow, I’ll talk you through the list of things you need to get doing in the morning.”
Tango’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait, it was that easy?”
Jimmy chuckled, “Oh no, this job is definitely not easy. Be there by 6!”
Tango smiled and did a pretend salute. “Yes sir!”
ehehehehehehh I-uhhh-umm totally didn't like-yknow-miss-hermitttober- ANYWAY day one:frost
ok fine I will just skip to day whatsit
Maybe it’s a sign from the life series gods,
NEW LIFE SERIES IS COMING SOON AHHHGH GRIAN PLEASE ELABORATE I’M GOING CRAZY
Ok ok I know I said that was the end buttt I couldn't help myself
We bought a little cottage on the side of the mountain. It’s good property, with quite a bit of land and for a cheap price too. Jimmy picked up a hobby to plant flowers in every nook and cranny possible. Jimmy has made me promise to not hurt anyone ever again, at least, until the Red emeralds figure out I’ve killed their boss. I like to think that they’ve separated now that Ren’s gone. Jimmy and I are in a relationship now, and I’m thinking about proposing. I blushed at the thought of it. “Scott!” a voice called. “Help, I don’t know how to make food!” Chuckling, I ran towards the sound, to see Jimmy standing with a pan in his hand, its contents burnt. Taking the pan out of his hands I scraped the burnt things off it, “I think we’ll order takeout, it’s a bit late for me to cook now.” Jimmy’s face lightened. “Ok! But I’m ordering!” “Not If I can do it first.” I pulled out my phone, and saw a notification. My eyes widened. Meet me at the HQ tonight.-Ren.
After checking that Jimmy was sound asleep, I walked out of bed, putting a dark cloak over my head. I get into the car and start driving on a road I never thought I would again. Upon arriving, I armed myself with a pistol in each hand, equipping it with silencers beforehand. If things get out of hand and I’ll have to start shooting, I would need to do it quietly. Preparing myself mentally, I took a deep breath, then headed towards the HQ. Walking cautiously, I looked for Ren, careful of any sudden attacks. Then I saw a dark swoosh of a cloak around the corner, I turned then saw myself head to head with my former boss.
“How are you still alive?” I exclaimed, "You died, I saw you drop to the floor, your pulse-Your pulse was GONE, COMPLETELY GONE!” My voice cracked as my mind tried to comprehend what was happening. “I created a serum that can stop my pulse to a heartbeat per hour, I made you think I died, to let you leave me be. Then I used a wood block to stop your bullets from getting to me. I gotta say, That was a pretty good move you used on me. But, you can’t outsmart me.”
“Huh. Like that marvel movie.”
“What Marvel movie?”
“Nevermind.” I raised my pistol. “I’m afraid I have to finish you off.”
“Y’know, I thought you were smarter.” Ren muttered then he whistled.
“What?” I looked around in shock as a billion red dots appeared on me. I see at least 25 agents aiming their guns, the muzzles all pointing at me. Fingers on the trigger, ready to shoot.
“Alright, here’s another deal. You surrender and you don’t have to die. You try to attack and I will call all of these people to pull the trigger. No one would know, no one would even notice you’re gone once I also get rid of your nice little boyfriend as well. What do you say?” Some of the lights flickered, and then I realised that, if these agents were under Ren’s control… “Do you guys really want to do this? To be controlled by a freak? A person that’s using you for his own greed? All you have to do is walk away, and leave, break your trackers and go away. People are dying in these missions!” Soon, the red spots started to fade, some pointing right on Ren’s little forehead. Ren’s smug smile started to disappear, “Now, now, let’s be civil about this! I’ll pay you extra, come on!” When he realised that no one was listening, his smile turned into a frown. “Well, I guess I’ll have to do it myself.” He pulled out his gun, then pulled the trigger. I rolled to the floor, dodging the shot. Suddenly I heard a round of bullets get shot towards me, I raised up a bit of debris, and deflected the shots. I got up and ran into the HQ, looking for somewhere to hide. Running into the vault, I find a rifle, and pick it up. I put the pistols neatly on the floor, putting the ammo in my backpack. I heard footsteps coming towards me, I brought my eye to the magnifier, ready to shoot.
I don’t know why I awoke. But I felt a tingle on my neck as if I knew something was wrong. I turned around just to see Scott not in bed. The bedroom door was open and Scott’s favourite cloak was gone from the closet. I leaped out of bed and saw Scott’s phone on the nightstand, with a message still on the screen. It worried me. That absolute fool was heading towards someone who wanted to kill him and yet he’s charging head on. I had to help, no matter the circumstances. Somehow, somehow Ren survived that shot. We should’ve checked, we-we could’ve done SOMETHING that has prevented this. I got into a car and started driving to the coordinates that his boss left him. I armed myself with a gun and a tranquilliser before getting out. This is going to get messy.
“Where are you Scott? You can’t hide forever, I’ll find you eventually, come out and face me!” Ren’s booming voice echoed the hallways. The sound of his footsteps sounded bigger and bigger as he continued to try to find me. My heartbeat seemed to be 10x louder than it normally was. Soon enough, Ren entered the room, a gunshot was fired and I stood up, ready for a fight. Just to see Jimmy standing next to Ren’s dead body, his fingers trembling on the trigger.
I ran towards Scott as he stood there in shock, his rifle clanking on to the floor as I embraced him. Tears ran down my face as I rested my head on Scott’s shoulders. He recovered and put his arms around me, we stood there for I don’t know how long. I just couldn’t get over the fact that I actually killed someone. I just avenged Tango and yet I just can’t shake the fact that I just commited murder. “Jimmy…I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before I left. I just didn’t want you to get in trouble again, I didn’t want you to die.” Scott’s voice cracked, his own eyes filled with tears. “But I’m glad that’s over now. We’re okay.” I pulled away from the hug. “I guess we have to dispose his body now.” I sniffled, before slapping Scott in the face. “Don’t do that again! You scared me half to death.” Scott rubbed his face, a smile emerged from his face, “Well, it depends if Ren comes back from the dead again.”
“Don’t jinx it.”
“Do I have to bury him?”
“We’ll have a funeral.”
“But it’ll cost too much!” Scott argued.
“We can use the funds from the company to make one?”
“For once something smart comes out of your mouth.”
“Hey! I’m not an idiot here!” I said, as I elbowed him lightly.
Scott chuckled, “Let us get on with it then.”
Made some changes lol
Whistling, I stepped onto my front porch. I was so hungry and I was looking forward to eating whatever my husband cooked. Opening the front door, I walked in, to see my endearing lover lying face down, blood was pouring from the middle of his back, flesh was showing from the inside, and there was blood still pouring out from the wound. A saucepan was on the stove, its contents boiling, the fire still burning. Quickly I turned it off and rushed to Tango's side. Turning him around, his eyes were all glassy, his skin pale. Feeling for his pulse, I reached into my pocket to call 911. "I wouldn't do that if I were you." A familiar voice growled. Slowly, I turned and saw my best friend, Scott, holding a gun right in front of my forehead.
"Why? Why did you kill him?" Tears streamed into his eyes. Something told me to end him. Just to pull the trigger and end this all. But I just couldn't do it. "What are you doing Agent? Finish the mission!" Ren, Head of Corporate, whispered through the receiver. I lowered my arm. I took out the earpiece and crushed it under my foot. Jimmy's eyes widened in alarm. "Jimmy, I-I was paid to do it. I didn't want to hurt you. You know I loved you."
"But why us? Why Tango?"
"Your husband found out about us. The Corporate wanted him gone. You along with him. I-I'm sorry, I should've refused the mission."
"What? Who do you work for?"
"The Red emeralds. They are a secret mafia group that takes out threats to their society."
Jimmy looked down and sighed. "You know I can't forgive you for this. This..Red emeralds need to be stopped."
I winced. "I know, but I don't blame you for it. I-I can help you bury him, C’mon.”
I know I shouldn't have trusted Scott. But he seemed sincere and he is- I mean, was, my lover back then, and I hope he means well. The Red emeralds though...I thought they ended in 1920. From the newspaper I read before, the Red emeralds would catch young kids and train them to be hitmen. Then they would send them on missions to kill and-. Tears broke out of my eyes. I just couldn't believe Tango was gone, 8 years of marriage just down the drain. Scott looked at me with a concerned expression. “Are you alright?” “Am I alright? My husband just got killed and you think I’ll just walk it off? Do you know how much Tango meant to me? How much has he done for me?” I said Shrilly. I calmed down and added. “Nothing can fix what you’ve done. I don’t want to see you again. Go. I’ll bury him.” Scott looked at me one last time, he opened his mouth to say something. “Don’t.” I whispered. His eyes brimming with tears, he turned and walked away. I dropped down my knees and hugged Tango’s corpse, crying. Suddenly, I felt a cold hand on my neck, then felt a cloth wrapping my mouth. The sweet smell of sedatives filled my nose, then I passed out and everything went pitch black.
Vision blurring, I walked along the sidewalk, heading back to my house. I felt really bad. Really bad. When Ren assigned me that mission, I didn’t know Tango that well, except for the fact that he was Jimmy’s boyfriend before we parted ways. I didn’t know- I didn’t know they were married. I opened the front door to see Ren standing, with Jimmy kneeling on the floor, Ren’s arm wrapped around his neck, with the other arm holding a gun right on Jimmy’s forehead. “Hello, Scott.” He said menacingly. I reached into my pocket and took the gun out, aiming at Ren’s chest. Ren pressed the pistol harder into Jimmy’s forehead. “Now, now, You wouldn’t want to hurt your dear friend would you?” My arm faltered and he smirked. “You still love him don’t you?” He took a breath, then started again, “How about we make a deal. Either you kill him, or I kill you instead. You aim for me and I’ll shoot him down along with me.” I lowered the gun. I knew what I had to do. “I'm sorry Ren.” I whisper. Determined, I roll to the ground and punch the gun out of his hand. He stumbles, shocked. Then I shoot him square in the chest. Time seems to slow down as he falls, spilling blood over the floor as well as on Jimmy’s shirt. As the adrenaline slowly fades away, my body falters and I drop on the ground, staring at Ren’s dead body.
I really didn’t know what to feel at this point. I really don’t. I don’t even know if he is even trusted anymore. First I learn that Scott is part of some secret organisation that takes people and kills 2 people in one day. First, Tango, then this guy? “Scott, Who was that?” I said, my voice cracking.
“Look, I know you're freaking out,” Scott says, his eyes focusing on me. “He was the head of the Red emeralds.”
My eyes widened. “Him?”
“Yes, his name was Ren I-” His eyes locked onto my pockets, his face turned into shock. I look down and I realise my hand is on my cell phone, like I was ready to call. Someone. Anyone to get away from my….Friend? Enemy? I didn’t even know what he was to me anymore. Then I realise what I need to do. “I’m sorry Scott, but you need to be locked up.” I stuttered. Scott sighs and raises his hand in defeat. “Do what you need to do, Jimmy.”
….15 YEARS LATER…..
I wake up, the cold bare walls surrounding me. The policeman bangs on the railings. “Come on Mr Major. Let’s get you out of here.”
“What? I thought I was due for another 25 years?”
“Someone has paid to get you out.” My eyes lighten. Finally I can get out of this musty old place.
“Did you get the name who did it?”
“Indeed Mr Major, he goes by the name of Jimmy Solidarity.”
You can’t say I wasn’t nervous, but I think I was ready to forgive Scott. He didn’t deserve to be in Jail. He was forced to kill Tango and he killed Ren to save me. I clutched the flowers a little tighter as I caught sight of Scott. His overgrown teal hair shimmered in the sunlight. His deep blue eyes sparkled as he saw me. “Hi Jimmy! You’re looking handsome, as always.” My cheeks flushed with colour. Classic Scott, always the charmer. “You're not looking too bad either.”
“I mean…I could do with a bit of shaving”
I ruffled his hair, “I think it’s alright for 15 years.”
“You’re just being generous.” He takes me in for a hug, then let's go.“Thanks. I owe you one.”
“Actually, I think you owe me a lot. I paid..” I paused, thinking. “200 thousand dollars to get your butt out of here.”
“Uhh, you’ll have to wait I guess.” Scott smiled. “I’ll make it up to you, soon, I promise.” I smiled back at him. With my hand around his, we walked out of the building, together again.