Yumi rolled out of bed, hitting the ground and laid down on the floor for a long moment. The carpet was soft and she had landed on either her or Shade’s shirt. After smelling it she knew it was Shade’s. She groaned getting up slowly and Shade was on the other side of the bed asleep his arm spread out where she had just been.
Putting on his shirt and some shorts she walked out of their room and toward the living room. She fought a yawn, shambling her way forward. Glancing out the open window she saw the sun dragging its way up the sky just like she dragged herself into the room. It had been a long while since she’d ever woken up this early. She kinda hated it.
“What are you doing out here Firebug?”
She looked around for Rogue’s voice and couldn’t see him. But she looked up toward the small shelf of a room at the banister that went toward the balcony. Rogue was there, leaning against it and had his notebook in hand.
“What are you doing up there Senpai?”
“I’m writing,” he replied curtly. He was wearing a regular shirt and pajama shorts, his bandana around his head.
“Ooo. I wanna see,” she crouched down and faster than he could say no she jumped clearing the ten foot difference in height. Grabbing the bars of the hand rail she climbed up slowly and flipped over into the little den. There was really only space for a chair a small table and an ottoman up there. There was a large slanted window with curtains that they mostly used to take out to the roof proper.
She looked around and saw snugged away at the corner of the chair was a shoe box the lid off. Inside of it were stacks of notebooks. She reached for it but stopped and looked at him. “Can I look at it.”
He glanced at her with his tired eyes but gave a slow nod motioning for her to go. Walking over she lifted one and opened the cover. It was worn away at the edges and slightly torn off a few rungs. It had definitely seen better days. Looking at the first page it was covered in words in his scratchy hand writing. It wasn’t the worst she’d seen.
As she turned the pages she saw that they were all dated and the year on this one was long before she had met him. Gingerly going through them she realized that the content of the notebook wasn’t consistent. Some of it was poetry, others short stories but she did note some of it was like a diary which she hurried past. She didn’t want to intrude on that.
After going through it long enough she closed the book slowly and set it down on the stack. She didn’t get another and instead looked at him, “Are all of them like that?” She was whispering and didn’t know why she was. Rogue nodded slowly. “How long have you been writing these?”
“Since before I met Echo. A long time,” he said looking at the smaller note book in his hands. “I still do it.” She nodded again and glanced down. He watched her curiously but stuck his pen into the rings of the notebook and set it down. “Come with me.”
“What?”
He walked over to the window and unlocked it, pushing the window outward. The cold air of the early morning wafted over them but it wasn’t something they were unused to. Stepping onto the roof he didn’t wait to see if she was going to follow him or not but he was confident that she would.
He looked toward the sky as it got lighter and narrowed his eyes, a beam of light striking his eyes. Turning around to face Yumi he motioned for her to come closer. She rubbed her arms quickly and made a face toward him. “The hell are we doing out here Senpai?”
“You keep calling me Senpai,” he said and raised his hands. “But I haven’t kicked your ass in a while.”
That brought a smirk to her face and she raised her eyebrow, “You kick my ass? Who was it that won the tournament match?”
Rogue shook his head, “You always like to reference that. But if I recall you haven’t actually been able to beat me in our sparring sessions.”
She cracked her neck back and forth and raised her hands. “Okay, let’s go then.”
Rogue pulled down his bandana so that it rested around his mouth. They stood about a dozen feet apart from each other. She balanced on her feet lightly but she was impatient and she knew the type of fighter that Rogue was. Leaning forward she sprinted at him pumping her arms.
Before getting too close she ducked low and slid forward slashing with her hand at his ankle. He hopped over her arm and came down to stomp on her. Rolling to the side she avoided it and jumped to her feet. She thrust her hand forward palm first aimed at his head. He jerked his head to the side and punched her in the stomach.
Grunting and stumbling backwards she brought her hands up catching his next punch. She shoved it away and then deflected the next one down. Rogue spun around and swung his leg around but she caught that between her hands. Their eyes met and Rogue jumped, turning in the air and kicked at her head with the other leg.
Letting out a shout she let go of his leg and dropped down low. Rogue fell to the ground but then vanished appearing in place but his feet pointed toward the ground. He stumbled getting his footing quickly but was back on the attack swinging at her head.
She ducked under that and weaved backwards avoiding another punch raising her arms again. Instead of pressing he backed off keeping his hands up and taking a deep breath. Slowing down he tilted his head at her and cracked a small smile. “At least you haven’t been slacking off since the last time.”
“The fact that you think I would is insulting Senpai,” she shook her head keeping her hands up fingers slightly bent and palms out. “You calling a quits on me already?”
“Not yet. Just think its time to get more serious with you,” she blinked in confusion and then he blinked out of existence.
Her eyes shot open wide and she took a step back confused. Her arm jerked to her right, supporting it with her elbow and she managed to stave off a punch from him. He threw another and she deflected it upwards. Bringing her hand back to strike she hit air instead of him. He vanished again and this time he was behind her.
He elbowed her in the back sending her stumbling forward. Turning around she tried to face him but he was gone again. She turned around keeping her hands up and scowled sharply. “You know I hate this shit Senpai.”
He appeared again and jumped forward kicking at her chest. She caught his leg between her hands and he jerked backwards and vanished. This time though she was ready. Taking a quick breath she turned and watched him appear in a blink. His fist came forward and she caught it quickly.
He started to vanish again then shouted trying to get his hand back. She shoved her other palm into his chest knocking him backwards. Stumbling back, he looked at his hand seeing the red marks that were now on his fingers. Her palm was glowing lightly and she shook it out letting it return to normal. He glanced at her hand and then at her and let his hands fall.
“That wasn’t bad.” She let out a cocky smirk. “Don’t let it go to your head Firebug.”
“I would never.”
He rolled his eyes his at her and shook his hand again.
“Again?”
“Maybe.”
“Will you two stop fighting so goddamn early in the morning,” They both looked toward the window and they could see Darren’s frustrated face. They looked barely awake, their eyes barely open but they glared at the two of them individually. “God some of us are trying to actually do work.”
“What work?” Yumi asked. “We’re good for like. A week or two right? Take a break Wiz Kid. We could all use a vacation actually.” Rogue shrugged in mild agreement.
“Money doesn’t grow on trees and jobs aren’t like on a board. Take a flyer,” Darren climbed out onto the roof and squinted in the sunlight. “It’s a lot of talking back and forth. Negotiating. Etcetera. Can take weeks before I can get you real jobs set up.”
“I’ve never thought that hard about it. I just do what I’m told most of the time,” Yumi shrugged.
“And on that I appreciate you,” they said. “And in this instance give me some quiet. I haven’t even had my coffee yet.”
“Let’s call it for today Firebug,” Rogue said finally. “We can do this again another time if you want.”
She smirked, “Definitely.”
“Thank you.”
The three of them came back inside slowly and the smell of coffee was already filling the house despite the breeze from the outside. They came down to the living room and Darren moved to pour a cup of coffee into their mug. Yumi moved past the coffee but Rogue made his after Darren set the cup down.
“So what jobs are on the list for now?” Yumi asked.
Darren shook their head taking their glasses off and rubbing their face, “Nothing at the moment. Things are dry but I’m looking around. There’s also something else I’m looking into. Probably gonna bite me in the ass later.”
“What is it?” Rogue asked but Darren shook their head.
“Need to know. If I’m lucky it won’t come to anything and things will be fine.”
“That doesn’t sound ominous at all,” Yumi said. “You gonna make us do something illegal Wiz Kid? Well more illegal than our normal antics.”
“Potentially. You at least wouldn’t like it most likely,” Darren mixed their cream and sugar. “What’s the saying? You’re too pure for this world?”
“The fuck does that mean?” She scoffed.
“They’re right actually,” Rogue agreed and walked forward a few steps then vanished back to the small den of a room.
“Bye to you too Senpai,” she called out and glanced at Daren. “You’re going back to work?”
“Yeah. In my room.”
“Fine. I’ll go back to mine too then,” she waved at them as they left and wandered over to her room. As she went past she saw Roxie leaving out of Feint and Phase’s room with Feint behind her. “Hey there Fei.”
“Mmm. Morning Yu,” she waved and Roxie whimpered sitting at her feet. Yumi bent down to scratch her head slowly and Roxie’s tail wagged immediately. Feint smiled at that, “Finally being nice to her.”
“No. She’s just needy so I obliged,” Yumi responded finishing her juice. “Can you take my cup back to the kitchen?”
Feint made a face but nodded, “Yes Yu. Did Darren make coffee at least?”
“They did. Enjoy your hot bean juice.”
“I will. I will enjoy it greatly. See you later Yu. Come on Roxie. Breakfast,” Roxie jumped to her feet and the two of them left her. Cracking her back she stumbled her way into her bedroom and Shade was sitting on the edge of the bed her back to him.
She crept forward slowly, not even bothering to close the door. Once she was at the bed she dove forward and wrapped her arms around him making him shout and almost jump. Looking down at her he scowled and she broke into a giggle fit despite the groan he shot her way.
“Can I help you?”
“I dunno? Can you?”
He looked at her and sighed leaning his head back. He rotated around getting comfortable but turned to face her. She got closer to him wrapping her arm around him. “What are you doing up so early?”
“Had to get a morning workout with Senpai. No biggee. Everyone’s waking up. You got plans?”
“You got an idea?”
“Well we did the casino thing and saved the shelter. So why don’t we go and take the twins out. To that burrito place.”
“To Ronolos?”
“Yeah! We promised after all. And they’re not going anywhere really.”
Shade groaned softly and sat up. Rubbing his eyes he nodded slowly. “Sure. Why not. I don’t hate the idea.”
Giving a small cheer she leaned forward and kissed him then hugged. “Let’s get dressed. I’m starving.”
It took the better part of an hour for Shade to eventually get up. They both dressed slowly in simple clothes. Just jeans, long sleeves shirts. Yumi called the shelter and found out Theo was there and asked if she could borrow him for lunch. Hanako was surprised but was more than happy to have them go out.
They left their masks behind but took a pair of gloves each. It only took them about twenty minutes to swing over to the shelter, coming down just outside of it. As they pushed through the door more than a few people greeted Yumi.
“Good afternoon Yumi.”
“I didn’t think you were working today.”
“You have to come by. I’ve got a new deck of cards and I’ve learned a new trick.”
“Who’s this handsome man Yumi?”
“You have to hear about this program I saw this morning.”
Yumi laughed holding her hands up to ward off the barrage of people but she smiled brighter than she ever had otherwise. Shade was taken aback as he looked at them and shook his head, “Who would have thought you were popular.”
“What can I say? People love me.”
“Are you that loveable normally though?”
“I am,” she pouted and then shoved him slightly. “You’re mean Shadeow.”
He laughed taking her hand and pulling her toward the corner where he remembered the twins beds were. The pair of them were waiting for them as they came over, waving to them. Theo was there as well.
“There you are,” Flair grinned. “My brother and Theo were getting impatient.”
“We were getting impatient?” Ray said. “You were the one complaining that they were taking too long.”
“I would never do something like that,” she said taken aback and putting a hand to her chest. “Theo tell my brother to not spread lies about me.”
Theo opened his mouth to speak but then shook his head, “I don’t wanna get involved. I think.”
“He’s a smart one,” Flair said and then winked at Yumi and Shade. “You brought Shade right?”
“That’s me,” he replied. “You two are lively. Reminds me of a certain someone.”
“Couldn’t be me,” Yumi said then looked at the others. “You guys ready?”
“Yeah. Where is this place?” Theo asked.
“A couple train stops away,” Shade scratched his head trying to remember it. “Shouldn’t be too long.”
“Then let’s get going,” Yumi said before running toward the office. She knocked on it lightly getting Hanako’s attention. “Hey Miss Hanako. We’re about to head out. I’ll bring some back for you.”
She laughed, “Thank you Yumi but no need to do that. Just be safe. Have fun.”
Shade was in the lead while Yumi stood in the back. Flair walked ahead of them all and Theo and Ray were in the middle. As Yumi looked at them she noted they looked like they were probably the same age give or take. So being herself she just asked, “Hey Theo how old are you again?”
“What? Whys that matter,” he asked fighting the urge to glare through his embarrassment. “I’m fifteen.”
“And you two are sixteen?” Yumi said slowly raising her eyebrow. “I’m guessing here.”
“I’m sixteen. He’s fifteen.” Flair said pointedly.
“Other way around sis,” Ray said glaring at her. “I’m sixteen. She’s fifteen.”
“What are you two arguing about?” Shade asked.
“They were born on New Years at midnight. Well one was technically born at 11:59 the previous day and the other exactly at midnight,” Yumi said. “And neither can agree on which one was born first. So they do this. I don’t get why it matters so much.”
“You don’t have siblings so you don’t get the annoyance of having an older siblings,” he rolled his eyes. “They act like know it alls.”
“Exactly,” both twins said together then turned and glared at one another.”
Shade and Yumi laughed and Theo laughed soon afterwards. Neither twin was satisfied with this but they just let it go for the time being. Flair walked ahead to walk near Shade while Theo and Ray walked with Yumi.
“Why’d you want to know my age?” Theo asked. “Was it just that?”
“Pretty much,” she said. “Though watching X-Ray and Flair argue is always fun.”
“Ha! I heard that!” Flair shouted.
Ray let out an angry noise and did his best impression of sulk for the beginning of the trip. But as they got onto the train the twins both looked outside the window as the city passed by from their respective spots. They looked at it with wide eyes. It struck Yumi again that the two of them probably didn’t get to see the better parts of the city. They just saw the ugly parts, both location and people.
Theo sat by Ray and pulled out his phone and then a pair of headphones. He put one in his ear and offered the other to Ray. The twin blinked quickly at him and then took it. As the music played his eyes widened and he found himself tapping his fingers against his leg really enjoying it.
Yumi sat by Shade and rested her head on his shoulder. He smoothed his hand through her hair slowly and she shut her eyes. “I feel lucky Shadeow.”
“Lucky?”
“Yeah. I mean. Here I am. Hanging out with these kids. I have you. And leader and everyone else. I’m super happy. Two years ago I was in a cell waiting for my next meal. Waiting for what the next experiment was going to be. What the next test would be. It was a shitty way to live but it was my life.
“And now I’m able to run around at my leisure. I’ve got more freedom than I’ve ever had in my life. Than I could ever dream of.” She was quiet for a moment as she looked at him. “You know more than once when I was in the facility I thought about just ending it all.”
His eyes widened slightly as he dug his fingers into her shoulder gently. “Why didn’t you?”
“I don’t know. I really don’t,” she shrugged and stayed quiet for a long moment. ”But I’m glad I didn’t. I’m glad I’m here.”
“Me too,” he said softly kissing her head again.
The train slowed and when the mechanical voice announced their station. “That’s us.”
“Come on kids. Food awaits!” Yumi stood up quickly and put her hands on her hips. She was met with the partial surly partially skeptical gaze of many teenagers and she made a face at all of them. “What?”
“She’s like a teacher on a field trip,” Theo mumbled.
“Never had one of those,” Ray said but Flair laughed.
“Come on remember that one with the woman with the red hair and the bus.”
“Oh yeah I do remember that,” he chuckled covering his mouth. “All she needs is some kind of pet. Like a lizard.”
“I was thinking a bird.”
“What about a cat,” Theo suggest.
Both twins looked at him and then Yumi. “Yeah. A cat. Definitely a cat.”
“Haha you little brats. Come on or we’ll leave you behind.”
They hoped off the train together and took the metal stairs and onto the streets. Kicking through the overgrown field they worked their way forward on the side walk. It became very clear that they were in a different part of the city. Most of the shops were a mix of English and Spanish, some just purely in Spanish.
Theo looked around and was immediately a bit nervous. A mix of unfamiliarity with the surroundings, not knowing how to read Spanish and in general just not seeing people that looked like him. Something that threw him off his axis that he wasn’t prepared for. Ray walked past him and put a hand on his shoulder lightly and he jumped slightly.
“You okay?”
“Kinda,” he said frowning.
“Kinda?”
“Yeah,” he sighed and took a deep breath. Ray hesitated and with a slightly red face offered his hand. Theo stared at it surprised but took it slowly.
“So where’s the place?”
“Down this way,” Shade said.
“Yeah down here and then take a left at the third light.” Flair added.
She ran forward a lightness to her steps. Yumi was with her though enjoying the sunlight on their skin. They got a few looks running around like they were but it didn’t faze either girl. Shade met the gazes with nods and waves while the two boys with him did their best to ignore them.
As they walked something Theo noticed was that there were a lot more local looking shops. Almost no mainstream chains nearby. Instead the places looked like they’d been there for years. All local. Looking closely at some of the pictures in the windows of the grocery stores or the pictures on the kiosk shops it had him interested.
Shade on the other hand was looking at everything almost wistfully as they stood at the corner. He could remember ditching school to crash at the convenience store. I had some garbage friends who supported that life style.” He laughed shaking his head. “It feels like a life time ago. Don’t follow in my footsteps.”
“I’ll say. You know you were one of my brighter students once upon a time.”
A man walked toward the five of them from down the street. A curly haired man wearing a tucked in dress shirt. A watch on one arm and a bag over the other. He looked at the five of them, his eyes tired but they rested on Theo and he raised an eyebrow. “An old student and a very new one. A surprise.”
“Mr. O?”
“We’ve been over this Theodore. I prefer Mr. Santiago.”
“What are you doing out here Santiago?” Shade asked. Otis made a face at him saying his name but Shade just smirked. “Not your student anymore. No more of that. Mr. Santiago stuff for me.”
“Not like I did it much then.”
“Mr. O or Santiago,” Shade replied.
“Mr. O,” Theo repeated and laughed.
Otis sighed softly and shook his head, “I don’t even know how the two of you have met each other. I’m almost concerned about it to be perfectly honest.”
“Hi,” Yumi said and held out her hand. “I’m Yumi. This is Flair and Ray.” The twins waved and he nodded toward them.
“He’s my history teacher,” Theo explain looking over at Ray.
“Yes. Speaking of how’s your paper going Mr. Carter?”
“It’s going fine.”
“I hope so. I’m expecting good things from you.”
“Yeah yeah. I got it.”
Yumi laughed and looked at the man who for all intents and purposes looked like a teacher even without him saying so, “How do you know Shadeow?”
“Shadeow? Oh you mean DJ. Well as DJ implied, I am his former teacher when he was in high school. I taught him and his sister when they were in high school.”
“What. You went to school out here?” Theo asked amazed.
“Long time ago.”
“Not as long as you would have it seem,” Otis said glancing at him. “What brings you through here?”
“These kids used to grow up here as well. And they’ve been crazing Ronolos just like me. Haven’t had some good food from home in a long time.”
“Ronolos,” he laughed looking down. “I haven’t been that way in a long time either. You know his daughter has taken over the shop.”
“No kidding?” Shade asked. “That’s great. I remember going to school with her too.”
“Time keeps marching forward. I do enjoy seeing my students find success in life. And even though I don’ t know where your life has taken you DJ you look good.”
“I am good. Been feeling good too,” Shade smiled glancing over at Yumi. “Hey Santiago. Come eat lunch with us. I know you’re not doing anything right now. My treat.”
That actually took him off guard and he blinked slowly. But he relented and nodded slowly, “If the rest of you don’t mind I wouldn’t be opposed to some Ronolos. A burrito would be good right about now.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear,” Shade walked over to him and pat him on the back. “I knew you couldn’t be a total stick in the mud. Theo stick around. No matter how bad the school may be Santiago’s a good one.”
“Crazy how you guys know each other,” Theo said.
“It’s a small world,” Otis replied.
Shade laughed and even Otis cracked a smile. As their party now grew to six things got much livelier. Yumi asking about Shade as a student, Flair asking about what school was like and Ray just enjoying all the gentle jibs that were thrown at Theo and Shade from the teacher.
The Harlequin Library 