But it's Better if You Do 5

Title: But It's Better If You Do: Chapter 5
Fandom: Panic! at the Disco, League of STEAM
Genre: Song Fic, Supernatural, Drama
Word Count: 1091
Rating: PG
Pairings: Brendon+OC
Warnings: none


It was late in the night when Blanche finally woke up. Even so, she probably would have slept longer if she hadn't been so hungry. With a tired yawn she rose from her cot and grimmaced when she noticed she was still wearing her apron.

Only a few seconds after she had taken off her apron, a brunette head poked through into the room. "Evening, ma'am!" His fake western accent was more than enough to tip her off as to who it was.

She didn't bother turning around to scold him, "Knock first, Brennan!" She could actually feel him smirk behind her.

"That's 'Brendon' to you, missy! And I'll remember to knock when there's a door!" She finally turned to face him with a long suffering stare; he immediately sobered and apologized. "I'm sorry, Blanch. That was rude of me and you must be so tired," he walked over and placed his hands on her weary shoulders and gently kissed her forehead, earning a small smile from her. "The place looks lovely," he said softly. Her smile widened at his words, "But now I need to fix you boys some dinner!"

Brendon laughed at her exclamation. "No you don't, we picked up some food from a deli. Go eat while I go back to Clarence, he's been telling about the deaths." She nodded grimly and he left her to change her clothes.

-

When she finally left her room she found the men gathered around a work table talking. She made herself a sandwich with the fixings from the deli before she took the empty seat next to Brendon. He nodded briefly at her before turning his attention back to the cabaret owner. "So how many," Crackitus was asking, "Of them were working for you?"

"Counting poor Wallace tonight? That would be four poor souls. My other workers are beginning to think the place is haunted or that anyone one of them could be next..." Crackitus nodded in understanding. "And the others? They are random, correct?"

"Save for the two of Wilson's men." Blanche looked at Brendon for an explanation. "Wilson's a local gang leader," he whispered as Crackitus continued talking.

"I'm not so sure if these are all random, Clarence," he scratched his beard in thought, "Now be honest with me, how many people do you owe money to?"

Clarence only hesitated briefly before answering, "About six people, McCollough, Rogers, and Francesi I owe the most to." Brendon recognized those names, most of Chicago knew of these dangerous men and many interacted with them in one way or another. He bristled especially at the name of Rogers, "I had the pleasure of meeting his men today." He shuddered to think of the trouble Clarence was in owing all three of them money. He was probably only still open because they were all regular customers of his. This news made Brendon begin to regret letting Blanche come with him to Chicago.

As he watched her take a ravenous bite of her sandwich, however, he couldn't help but thank God that she was there. He smiled warmly at her and she looked at him quizzically. He shool is head and smiled again while Blanche went back to her sandwich.

Crackitus was speaking again and Brendon forced himself to pay attention. "We'll take a look of what is left of the body and stop by your club tomorrow. I'm curious to find whatever is behind this, it's rare to get killing like this in large american cities. I have only heard of cases like this in Europe," he paused a moment, appearing deep in though, "Clarence, I know this might hurt business, but I need you to warn your staff that they might be targets...and that includes you, Bendon." They all nodded in understanding as blanche felt a cold dread spread through her.

-

It was nigh on three in the morning when they all went to bed and Blanche was more than ready to return to the relative comfort of her cot. With a sigh of relief, she shut her eyes to sleep.

When she woke it seemed that only seconds had gone by since she closed her eyes, but a brief glance at her clock told her otherwise. In confusion she lay still trying to figure out what had woken her. Nothing came to mind but as she was about to fall back asleep, she heard someone talking in the room next to her; Brendon's room.

She rose from her cot and put her ear up to the canvas sheet that separated the two rooms. As she listened, she realized it was less talking and more like the incoherent mutterings of a sleep-talker, very disturbed mutterings.

She left her room and stood just inside his, watching him entangle himself in the blankets. She knew he had nightmares while he was recovering from his rough resurrection, but she wasn't aware that he still had them.

His tossing suddenly became more violent and he was getting louder as well, his words gaining coherency. "No... please no! Not her!... Away! Get awa-No!..." Blanche looked on in pity before she knelt next to his cot.

"Shhh..." She whispered to him, not sure if she should soothe him or just wake him up. Her decision was made for her when he got so loud she was afraid he would wake everyone else up. "Brendon!" She hissed and he seemed to jerk at his name, "Brendon, I need you to wake up!" She shook his should and shouted his name a final time. His eyes darted open in answer. "Oh God!" He gasped, his head rolling as he frantically took in his surroundings. He immediately relaxed when he found Blanche at his side.

He gave her a timid smile and she returned it with a sad one of her own. "I didn't know you still had the nightmares," he nodded his head and sat up on the bot. "I'm sorry I woke you up." It was her turn to nod her head and she rose from her knees to leave much to his disappointment.

She paused at the doorway, however, and gave him a sweet smile. All the terror of the dream fled from his memories when he saw that smile, it was radiant enough to still all fears. "Have tea with me?" He didn't need to be asked twice.