Different as Night and Day

Chapter 1: The Fighter

Music blared, muffled by the thick walls of the club. The man was a hulking brute, muscular but also fat, and he was blind drunk. Furious, too, she thought, an exhilarated grin tugging at her lips. He lumbered towards her as fast as his rotund form would allow him to. Already in a fighting stance, she waited for his first clumsy, drunken swing. When it came, she dodged lightly to the side, grabbed his beefy wrist, and twisted hard. The drunk howled and pulled his hand back.

“There’s a shadow just behind me, shrouding every step I take. Making every promise empty, pointing every finger at me.”

I love this song, she thought, edging around the fat drunk to hear the music better. Good song for me...and for him, too. Others were approaching now, friends of this man no doubt. Some of them were almost as fat as him, and others were much thinner. I like some variety, she thought, grinning wickedly. One of them, a stocky musclehead with an army haircut, approached her.

“Why can’t we not be sober? I just want to start this over...Why can’t we drink forever? I just want to start this over...”

“You should listen to this song,” she quipped. “Sober...good advice.”

“Watch your mouth, bitch,” the fat drunk slurred.

Fire sparked in her eyes. She began weaving slowly, waving her hands before her. They stared at her, confused and a little wary. As she moved, she sang along quietly with the music.

“I am just a worthless lair...I am just an imbecile...I will only complicate you...trust in me and fall as well...”

“What are you doing, you freak!?” the smaller, stocky one demanded.

“I will find a center in you...I will chew it up and leave...” She sang as she moved closer. “I will work to elevate you...Just enough to bring you down...”

She sprang suddenly, slamming her palm into the army guy’s chin. He staggered back, cursing loudly, while the others lunged for her. A quick roundhouse caught one of them in the face, then she dodged swiftly to the side. Black belt in one discipline and rising through the ranks in another, she thought. You fucks ain’t gonna beat me. Two of them came for her at once; she punched one in the stomach, then in the same maneuver brought her foot out to the side for another powerful kick.

“Hey!” A voice shouted. “Hey, hey, break it up now!”

“Damnit, Roger!” She growled. “I was just getting started!”

“Causing trouble again, Autumn?” Roger asked.

Pulling away from the staggering drunks, Autumn pushed sweat-dampened, red-gold hair back from her face. The brief fight had dragged much of it loose from her sloppy ponytail. The plain white man’s wifebeater she was wearing was soaked with sweat. Roger and several of the other bouncers put themselves between her and the drunks, trying to calm them down.

“Lucky for you they’re too drunk to remember this tomorrow,” Roger sighed, running his fingers through his short, cropped hair. “Otherwise, they’d press charges.”

“That’s why I always pick fights with the drunks,” Autumn responded brightly. “Besides, he swung first.”

“You threw a beer can at him!” Roger exclaimed. “A full one! You don’t think a judge will see that as assault?”

“The legal system can suck my dick,” Autumn growled, scowling.

“Language, Autumn,” Roger groaned. “You could make a sailor blush.”

Autumn grinned. She’d known Roger for years, since she’d begun sneaking into clubs with a fake I.D. He always gave her a hard time about her language and always broke up her fights. Irritating, she thought, running her fingers through her hair. Maybe I want to go to jail...food and a place to sleep without having to pay the bills, sounds good to me.

“You need to be more careful,” Roger warned. “You can’t go out fighting every night. Why don’t you come with me tomorrow? I’m picking up an old buddy at the airport.”

“Boring,” Autumn said, rolling her eyes.

“Come on, I need some help with him,” Roger told her. “He was in an accident a few years back...left some scars on him...he’s been really anti-social since.”

“And I’m sure I’ll be a lovely influence on him,” Autumn said sarcastically. “Sorry, man, I’m gonna pass. See you tomorrow.”

She gave him a last companionable slap on the back, then walked away. It was late, and she was going to have to scoot to catch the last bus home. Plus, she had class tomorrow, Autumn thought, rubbing kinks from her neck and shoulders. Good thing I got my shit finished before I had to go back. Community college was a blessing and a curse. And how she managed to keep her GPA up with her late nights was beyond her.

Oh well, she thought. Life’s too short. She’d worry about it when her GPA started to drop. Until then, Autumn wasn’t going to bother herself over it. And tomorrow, as it started to get dark, she’d head to the club and rile some shit up. I do it because I want to, she thought, scowling. Stupid shrinks, trying to analyze me...the only reason I do this is because I want to.

---

Strands of bright, red-gold hair flew as she moved swiftly among the drunken, angry guys. He leaned against the wall, watching as his old buddy Roger physically put himself between one particularly angry drink and the young spitfire. She swore loudly and struggled against Roger’s hold. I never thought I’d see the day he had trouble handling a little slip of a girl, he thought.

“That fucktard called me a cunt!” The young woman snarled. “No one calls me a cunt! No one! You hear me, cocksucker?!”

“Autumn, chill out!” Roger pleaded, hauling her away from the drunks. “Come on, just let it go. It’s not worth it.”

“Fuck you, Roger!” Autumn snarled. “Why the fuck should I listen to you?”

He told me she could make a sailor blush, he thought, his eyebrows raising. He wasn’t kidding. That’s so unattractive. It was too bad, really; physically she was just gorgeous. She had a trim, slender body, long legs, small, full breasts, and that longish, cat-like build he found attractive. Red-gold hair that was no doubt her namesake was pulled into a ponytail that streamed down her back. The shape of her eyes indicated some Asian blood, but her pale skin, red hair, and green eyes screamed Irish background.

I don’t do the whole girl thing anymore, he thought. Not since the accident. He straightened, standing off the wall, as he noticed them coming towards him. Roger had said he wanted to introduce them, although he couldn’t figure out why. The two of us couldn’t be more different if we tried, he thought. And I’m so not attracted to the loud-mouthed violent type.

“Hey, Hunter, man,” Roger panted. “I uh...I wanted you to meet my uh...friend, Autumn.”

“Yo,” Autumn said, waving her hand lazily.

“Hi,” Hunter said quietly.

“Strong, silent type?” Autumn asked, lifting her eyebrows. “Why don’t you step into the light, so I can see you better?”

“Fine,” Hunter muttered.

He stepped forward into the light. Taller than her by a good margin, he was well over six feet. Hunter was willowy in build, and recently he’d been a bit underweight. His hair was dark, and long...for a reason. It covered the scars on his neck, and he also used it to cover the scar on his face. A big, ugly, monstrous-looking thing over the right half of his face, where his right eye had once been. It was my own fault, Hunter thought. So I really can’t complain.

“Nice. Love the sheepdog look,” Autumn joked.

“Autumn,” Roger said warningly.

“No. It’s fine,” Hunter said.

He was used to this. Reaching up, he swept the hair out of his face and watched her reaction. Her eyes widened, and several emotions flickered across her face at once. There was the usual shock, a bit of pity, and some confusion. Hunter waited for the stammered apologies, the guilty looks, the expressions of sympathy. But he got none of that from Autumn.

“You know, your face looks like my soul,” she said, then turned and walked away.

“Autumn!” Roger shouted angrily. “Autumn, you little bitch, get back here!”

“It’s all right, Roger,” Hunter said. “That wasn’t really an insult.”

At least, not one towards me, he thought. All that self-loathing in one little body...guess maybe we do have something in common. If she was a friend of Roger’s, chances were he’d be seeing her again. Although Hunter didn’t really think he was looking forward to it. He’d have to try to stay away from Roger’s place of work, so he could avoid her.

***** Why the fuck did I say that? Autumn wondered, yanking angrily at a strand of her hair. Where did that bullshit come from? Maybe she’d felt guilty. People liked their privacy...she knew all about that. And she’d been so nosy. She couldn’t help it though; she really wondered how he’d gotten that scar. He must hate it when people feel sorry for him, she thought. But I kinda do anyway...he’d be damn hot without that scar.

Well, he kinda was anyway. Too bad she didn’t do the whole guy thing. Guys are for fighting, not for fucking, Autumn thought. That’s what a vibrator is for...if I actually had one. She sighed heavily and stopped at the bus stop. Maybe, just maybe, there was a chance that those damn shrinks were right. Maybe she did have some problems. Okay, I’m completely fucked in the head, she thought, slumping down on the bench. But so what, right? I can do whatever I want.

Her sensei would kill her if he knew what she was using her skills for. He would be the first to tell her that she’d lost all her honor and most of her integrity. So fucking what? Autumn thought. He can’t tell me what to do. And he couldn’t possibly be more disappointed in her than she was in herself.

If only...if only all those things hadn’t happened. All those painful things...Autumn dropped her head into her hands and dug her fingers in. She wasn’t going to think about it; she refused. When she was fighting, there was nothing at all in her head, and that was how she preferred it. Some people drank, some people stuck needles in their arms...she fought.

She saw the lights of the bus and stood up. Autumn was bone-weary and emotionally drained. She wanted to go home. Home alone, she thought, sighing. I should have taken that boy home with me. Ha, yeah, right. He’d looked at her like most men looked at her once they knew what she was all about. And I hate guys like that, anyway, Autumn thought. Bet his head is stuck so far up his own ass that it comes out his mouth.

She lifted her head as voices reached her ears. Turning, she saw Roger and...and he’d said Hunter, right? walking towards her. One dark eye lifted and settled on her. For a moment, Autumn felt almost painfully intrigued. She wanted to know what had happened to him and who he was. The loneliness that she lived with every day welled up inside her, and for a moment, she wanted nothing more than to go over to Roger and Hunter and walk with them.

Hunter looked as though that was the last thing he wanted. It probably was. Wrenching her gaze away, she turned just in time to catch the bus. Autumn wasn’t going to admit to anyone, herself included, that she’d had enough of her lonely lifestyle. I don’t want to know about him, she thought firmly as she sat down. I’m just being stupid and sentimental for some reason. Maybe it’s just about that time of month.

A poor explanation, but it would have to do. Autumn leaned her head against the window and stared out into the dark night. She felt as though something was inside her, something furious, clawing and tearing to get out. Soon she would get herself into trouble no one could save her from. And what was worse than anything else was the fact that she couldn’t wait for that day. Autumn didn’t want to be saved.

Chapter 2: The Loner

Hunter carefully dropped the last pieces of broken glass into the dumpster and sighed. He was getting really annoyed with this Autumn girl. She was causing a lot of trouble for Roger, it seemed. Why does she need to fight every stumbling drunk she sees? he wondered, scowling. A shrink would have a field day with that girl. Over the years Hunter had become mild in temper, but Autumn managed to piss him off. She’s such a foul-mouthed little brat, he thought.

She’d gone back into the club after Roger had broken up her last fight and hadn’t come out since. Hunter went back in through the door behind the bar and groaned as the din of the club enveloped him once more. He was expecting more trouble, so he was a little surprised to see Autumn sitting alone at the end of the bar, her head in her hands. Maybe someone finally hit her, he thought, approaching the bar. Hunter had gotten a job helping the tender clean glasses; it wasn’t much, but it was something, for now.

One of the usual bulky, blundering drunks was approaching the bar. Much to Hunter’s relief, Autumn seemed to not be paying attention. She didn’t even move until the drunk spotted her and walked over. Oh, here we go, Hunter thought, rolling his eyes. Somehow she attracts trouble even when she isn’t trying.

“Hey, there, cutie,” the drunk slurred. “What’s a hot babe like you doing over here by yourself?”

“Avoiding people like you,” Autumn muttered.

Hunter smothered a chuckle. This he could understand her being annoyed about. The drunken man didn’t seem to be deterred by her response, and he moved closer to her. His fat fingers caught some of her hair, and Autumn finally sat up, looking furious. Watching her closely, Hunter waited, his hand hovering by his side to signal Roger and the other bouncers if need be. Although I wouldn’t blame her for hitting this guy, he thought.

“How dare you touch me!” Autumn growled.

“Come on, sweetie,” the drunk cooed. “Come on home, and I’ll give you the best time of your life.”

Autumn’s mouth curled into a syrupy sweet smile. “Why go to your place when we can have the time of our lives right here?”

“Kinky,” the drunk laughed. “I don’t think everyone here needs to see that, but if you want me that badly, baby...”

“Oh, I do...” Autumn assured him.

Grinning, the drunken man leaned forward. His beefy hands reached out for her, resting on her breasts. Autumn brought her knee up suddenly, into the man’s groin, and he staggered back. Hunter lifted his hand and signaled for Roger, gesturing toward the drunk. That bastard deserved that, he thought, scowling. Although I’m sure she brings some of that on herself with her foul mouth. He wasn’t feeling very generous towards either of them right now.

“Little bitch,” the drunk rasped.

“Pig!” Autumn shot back. “You have no right to touch me, you sick fuck! Don’t you ever come near me again!”

“Just you wait,” the drunk growled as he limped away.

“Wait for your fat ass to do what?” Autumn shouted after him. “Why don’t you go back to whacking off in your parents’ basement, huh?”

The drunk froze and peered back over his shoulder at her. Hunter groaned, stepping up to the front of the bar. Why am I the one who has to be near her now? he wondered, as the drunk waddled his way back over to Autumn. Roger was trying to make his way over, but a few other guys were hassling him. Probably Lumpy’s buddies, I’d guess, Hunter thought. What I don’t understand is why they haven’t kicked this girl out permanently.

“You really wanna start something, you little whore?” The drunk demanded, glowering at Autumn.

“Call me a whore again, and I will,” Autumn retorted.

“Enough, both of you!” Hunter interjected, slamming his hands down on top of the bar.

Autumn jumped slightly and glanced over her shoulder. The drunk looked up, his fat lips curling into a smirk. He straightened, his fat arms folding over his chest, and narrowed his piggy eyes on Hunter.

“What are you getting involved for?” The drunk demanded. “Keep your ugly, mutated face out of our business!”

Hunter saw Autumn go rigid. She stood up suddenly, almost knocking her head against the drunk’s chin. Her long, red-gold hair slashed the air wildly as she spun on her heel and began storming away. The drunk reached out, his thick fingers catching her elbow. Autumn spun back to face him, jerking away from his grip, and glowered at him furiously. Her green eyes were alive with angry fire.

“Where are you going, sweetheart?” The drunk rambled. “Aren’t you gonna try to hit me again or something?”

“You’re not worth the effort,” Autumn snarled.

Both the drunk and Hunter stared as she disappeared into the crowd. The drunk moved off, signaling to his posse, who finally stopped heckling Roger. Hunter stepped back from the bar, perplexed, and glanced over at Roger, who was making his way over. The two of them stared at each other for a moment, then turned to stare at the last spot where Autumn had been before fading into the crowd.

“What was that all about?” Hunter wondered aloud.

“I was just going to ask you that,” Roger said. “What did he say to her? Usually, she hits people who piss her off.”

“He didn’t,” Hunter explained. “He made a comment about my...ah...you know...”

He waved his hand in front of his face and sighed. Although Hunter had little trouble talking about his scars, Roger was always unsettled by it. He should be, Hunter thought. If it weren’t for me, his sister would still be alive. I can’t believe he even talks to me anymore. Roger had always been more understanding than people would give him credit for. He was a big, tough-looking man, but inside he was a teddy bear.

Roger’s eyebrows lifted. “Really? Well, that explains an awful lot. She never has liked people like that.”

“A girl who fights with everyone who crosses her path doesn’t like guys who throw around insults?” Hunter rolled his eyes. “I don’t think she has a right to talk.”

“Autumn isn’t perfect, far from it,” Roger said. “But she’s a good kid under all that. She really is.”

“You’re just too nice,” Hunter told him.

“You could be right,” Roger agreed, grinning.

Hunter sighed and went back to cleaning glasses as Roger went back to patrolling the crowd. He hoped that Autumn would either go straight home or mind her own business for the rest of the night. My head hurts, he thought. Why did I ever agree to do this job? Because he needed a place to work while he got his feet on the ground, that was why. If he had a choice, Hunter would not be working in this noisy, suffocating place.

He just couldn’t stay back at home anymore. I’m going to be twenty-four, he thought, scowling into an empty shot glass. I’ve got to start doing something with my life. Since the accident five years ago, he’d done little but sulk and wallow in guilt. The time he’d spent in martial arts had helped him a good deal, but the guilt was terribly difficult to shake. Only Roger seemed to not blame him for that night.

I have to stop dwelling on it, Hunter thought, reaching for another glass. Everyone who still cares tells me that...Roger, my shrink, my sensei. It wasn’t so easy, though. He could end up like Autumn someday, fighting every person to cross her path. There was no doubt that she had issues. Hunter glanced into the crowd and let out a sigh of relief. Fortunately, the fiery little redhead was nowhere to be seen.

---

Glass shattered as the empty bottle hit the wall. Autumn stepped back, admiring her handywork, then glanced around for another bottle. She was feeling frustrated tonight, and more than a little pissed off. It’s one thing to insult me, she thought, spotting another bottle. Hunter wasn’t even doing anything...he only told us to stop. That’s part of his job. She’d lived with plenty of people who liked to insult others. Autumn couldn’t stand that in people. Oh, sure, I start shit all the time, she thought, but not with people who don’t start with me first.

The next bottle shattered loudly, spraying shards every which way. Autumn felt distinctly satisfied. She once more began looking around for a bottle she could break, but there were no more in her immediate vicinity. I feel...depressed, she thought, sighing heavily. I hate feeling depressed. Autumn toed a few old cigarette butts out of her way, kicking them halfheartedly.

“Hey, cutie.”

Oh, man, she thought, turning slowly. Not him. It was one of the many guys who had learned the hard way not to hit on her. Chad wasn’t fat and slobbish like most of the guys who hit on her; he was a bit stocky, but mostly muscular. He and his cronies gave her trouble all the time. Looks like he’s alone this time, Autumn thought, setting her hands on her hips. Good, I can take him when he’s alone. He might have been stronger, but without his buddies behind him, he was no match for her.

“Looking good tonight, Autumn,” Chad said, grinning at her.

“I’m feeling a wee bit ill,” Autumn retorted. “Which is funny, because I was fine a minute ago.”

Well, it wasn’t exactly true, but it worked well enough. Chad’s handsome face was quickly marred by a scowl. He moved towards her, and she quickly backpedaled, moving so the wall was directly behind her. Autumn braced her foot against the wall and waited for Chad to strike at her. It wouldn’t be the first time he’d done so. To her disappointment, however, he forced himself to be calm and smiled at her.

“You know, Autumn, you’re awfully cute when you‘re not talking,” Chad said, moving closer to her. “Maybe I should give you something that will keep you quiet for a while so I can enjoy your company.”

“Eat me, Chad,” Autumn growled. “Why don’t you just leave me the fuck alone?”

“Eat you? No, I don’t think so,” Chad said. “‘Fuck’, however...now that’s something I can do.”

He reached for her suddenly. Autumn sprang off the wall, slamming her fist into Chad’s stomach. He doubled over, wheezing and clutching his stomach. Before she could make a decision on what to do next, she felt someone grab her from behind. Whirling, she found herself facing one of Chad’s cronies. Autumn ducked under his arm as he punched at her, skidding around behind him, and kicked him in the back.

“Damnit, Chad,” the other guy panted. “Why do you always have to go for this one?”

“She’s got spirit,” Chad snarled. “I love to break a good spirit.”

“Maybe I should break your mouth,” Autumn retorted. “That way you can’t keep flapping the damn thing!”

Chad got back to his feet and charged at her. He was slower than she was, and he wasn’t trained either. Autumn sidestepped him easily and spun away from his grappling hands. You would think he would have gotten the point the first five times I kicked him in the nuts, she thought. All I want is to go home. Chad charged at her again, and she kicked him in the stomach, sending him sprawling. With that, she spun on her heel and started to walk off.

Three more of Chad’s buddies stepped out in front of her. Autumn groaned inwardly and dropped into a fighting stance. Someone grabbed her from behind all of a sudden and dragged something over her mouth. Startled, she flailed against the tight hold and tried not to inhale. Chloroform, Autumn thought frantically, clawing at the hands holding the soaked rag. She couldn’t hold her breath for long, and soon she had to inhale, had to try to get some air.